Summer of Frost

by L. P. Dover

  Shaking my head, I took his face in my hands. “It doesn’t matter now. We’re all here and we’re safe. I was so worried about you. What happened? Why were you unconscious the way you were?” I asked.

  Oren took a seat on the bed and placed his head in his hands. I could tell he was uncomfortable with feeling the way he did about what happened. I was just glad he was safe and in one piece. He explained, “I don’t know everything, but someone had cast a sleeping spell on me. Apparently, they didn’t want me conversing ‘in secret’ with Sarette, who was supposed to be you. They didn’t want us communicating and planning an escape.”

  “How did you get out of it?”

  Oren smiled and motioned toward Drake. “His healer, Grayce, had gotten me out of it. He also helped with your wound. They had to shove some nasty tasting herbal mess down my throat that tasted like horse dung. Although, I guess it worked.” He laughed while I made a disgusted face.

  “That sounds pretty gross, indeed. Is Sarette okay?” I asked, looking back and forth from my guardian to Drake.

  Oren answered, “Ever since we got back she’s been grieving over Alston. She’s having a hard time right now, and refuses to talk about it.”

  “I can imagine,” I announced sadly. “I’ll try to talk to her. What about Brokk? Has he talked yet?”

  Oren shook his head. “Not yet. We’re waiting on Durin to get here. They’re going to need you, too. If anyone can find out the information we need it’s you.”

  Anger flashed through me as the pain from my wound sparked again. “You’re damn right it’s going to be me. If he doesn’t cooperate he’s going to have some really nasty nightmares, and I’m going to love giving them to him. Besides, I owe him some pain.” I smiled deviously.

  Drake laughed and kissed me softly on the lips. If Oren wasn’t watching I would’ve deepened the kiss, and probably done more if my shoulder wasn’t hurting. “Remind me never to get on your bad side,” Drake confessed.

  “Oh, you’ve been there, and even though you’ve pissed me off I still never had the desire to hurt you the way I could hurt others.”

  “And for that I’m thankful,” Drake admitted sheepishly. “Do you think you’re ready to work your magic?”

  Confident, I nodded. “More than ready.”

  Brokk was seated in the throne room surrounded by multiple warriors, including King Oberon and Drake, while Durin and I congregated outside to go through our game plan. Durin, the leader of the dwarves, just arrived and wanted an update so I filled him in on what I planned to do. Durin exuded power and was definitely a force to be reckoned with. He stood about four foot tall with closely cut brown hair, and was built with pure muscle. He was a confident man who never once balked when people had to look down at him. His confidence made him appear as if he was a giant, and he was also well respected. Most of the dwarves were hairy and smelled very musky at times, but Durin was different. He was closely shaven and neatly dressed every time I saw him, and never smelled bad. His warm hazel eyes could see through anyone’s soul, or at least that’s how it felt when he would look at you. They were intense. There were several women on our council who fawned over him every time he visited, and I was sure that was why he made it a point to come talk to my father, King Madoc.

  “When I ask him questions, what do you have to do to find out if he’s telling the truth?” Durin asked.

  “If I touch him or if I’m close to him I can usually tell that way. It all depends on how strong his feelings are. If it gets really complicated I’ll have to go about this in another way. What do you know about Brokk? What is he afraid of?” I asked curiously. I needed to know what to do if I had to invade his dreams.

  Durin was lost in thought for a moment, but then he answered, “He hates the water. He almost drowned one time after he fell into one of the lakes. His armor kept dragging him down. Ever since then, before he left our lands, he stayed away from the water.”

  Smiling devilishly, I was ready for the mind games. “Let’s do this, but first, I want to introduce myself to him … the Winter Court way.”

  Durin chuckled. “Have fun, Princess. I had a feeling you’d want to make him pay for shooting you.” I answered with a wink.

  When the doors opened, Durin and I walked in together. Brokk’s eyes went wide at the sight of his leader, but then he turned smug and unreadable. He wanted us to think he wasn’t scared, but I saw the tremble in his body when we first walked in. The cool and calm look on Brokk’s face only spurred my anger even more, making my steps furious and hard against the marble floors as I approached him. Once he was within striking distance, I reared my arm back and punched him so hard in the face I could feel bones crack. The pain in my shoulder sent a wave of agony through my body, but I didn’t show any sign of weakness even though I was sweating like crazy from the igniting pain.

  Brokk’s chair fell back, tumbling him awkwardly to the floor. Trying to hide their smiles, a couple of the warriors bent down to right Brokk’s chair with him strapped helplessly to it. Blood ran down his face, and I couldn’t bite back the smile even if I wanted to.

  “Hello Brokk. It’s nice to meet you, especially now that I don’t have an arrow sticking out of my back.”

  Brokk grimaced. “That was a mistake. I didn’t know it was you. I thought you were the one strapped to the post.”

  “Oh, you better be glad that wasn’t me,” I warned darkly, sidling closer so he could see the promise in my eyes. “Because if it was me, little dwarf, I would’ve ripped you limb to limb and enjoyed every single glorious scream that came from your traitorous mouth. No one hurts my people and gets away with it.”

  With that, I slowly backed up and let Durin take over. Brokk’s feelings were everywhere, and since I already had contact with his flesh I was confident I’d be able to read him clearly from a short distance away. Drake left his father’s side and joined me by mine. Leaning over, he whispered in my ear, “Nice work, beautiful. You looked sexy as hell out there. I was about to have to fight off my warriors if you kept it up. You should’ve seen the way they were all salivating over you. Do I need to mark my territory?”

  Wrapping my arms around his neck, I pulled him down to place a tender kiss against his lips. He instantly crushed me to him and kissed me back fiercely earning several gasps from the crowd. I laughed when he released my lips, realizing why he did what he did. If anyone else tried to do that they would be sprawled out on the floor in pain, but with Drake claiming me it felt right.

  “I guess you just marked your territory,” I said, smiling. “I actually find it kind of hot that you want to mark me as yours, but you have nothing to worry about. I will always be yours.” He grinned and kissed me again before turning his attention back to Durin and Brokk.

  “Are you ready, Princess?” Durin asked. Nodding, I walked over and stood a couple of feet behind Brokk so he wouldn’t be able to see me.

  “What is she doing?” Brokk demanded, turning his head, trying to see me.

  “That is none of your concern,” Durin responded smoothly. “I need to ask you some questions and you’re going to answer them. First, where’s the dark sorcerer?”

  Brokk grumbled, “I don’t know, the Black Forest perhaps.”

  It was a bold-faced lie, and I could’ve felt the treachery in it a mile away. I shook my head so Durin would know it was a false answer.

  Durin lowered his head and clucked his tongue impatiently. “Lies will get you nowhere, Brokk. Without my protection, the dark sorcerer will surely come for your head.”

  Brokk shrugged. “I’m dead anyway. So again, I’ll tell you nothing.”

  “Sorcha?” Durin called out, gritting his teeth. “Instead of wasting valuable time why don’t we go with your plan? I’m sure it’ll be way more effective.”

  I agreed. “I think you’re right.” I left my spot to stand before Brokk. His eyes were wide and unsure, the smell of fear emanated off of him in thick waves. “Are you sure you don’t want to answer the quest
ions we ask?” I asked the dwarf.

  He snarled, “I would rather rot.”

  Anger coursed through me, and I reacted instantly, letting that rage guide me. Placing my hands on each arm rest and caging him in, I bent down until I was only a few inches from his face. My tone was low and cruel when I whispered, “What are you afraid of, Brokk? You see, I may appear as a weak female to you, but I can do things that would fuck up that little mind of yours in a heartbeat. Even if I have to do it every night of your life I will, and I’ll enjoy it, too.”

  “What are you talking about?” Brokk snapped hesitantly.

  “I’m talking about getting into your dreams, little dwarf. Plaguing your mind with fears and insecurities while you piddle along scared shitless. Take for instance, your abhorrence of water …” His smugness left and was replaced with genuine dread. A wicked smile took over my face because I knew I triumphed. “Do you want to drown every night in your dreams? Because I can surely make that happen. Or better yet, do you have a family? How would you like to see them suffer every night because of your greediness for power?”

  “Stop!” he demanded. Sweat broke out on his forehead; his eyes were wild and his breathing was frantic. “You are one heartless bitch!” he shouted in anger.

  I wasn’t happy with what I said to him, and I’d never torture someone’s family in their dreams. Being cruel like that was never something I did, even to people that deserved it, but I had to use a scare tactic with him.

  Shrugging my shoulders, I looked at Brokk impassively. “I’m the daughter of the Ice Queen. What did you expect … flowers and bunnies? This is the last time we’re going to ask before I start the real fun. Will you answer my questions or not?” I asked.

  His silence was answer enough, so I backed up and sighed. “Okay, I guess it’s time to put your lights out. Goodnight, little dwarf, I’ll see you soon.”

  The warriors stationed around Brokk slowly started moving in. Hands were raised and fists were about to fly. Before the first hit could make its way, Brokk yelled out in defeat. “Stop! I’ll talk. I promise I’ll talk, just tell them to back up!”

  The warriors stepped aside while I smiled smugly at Brokk. “I’m glad you could see reason. All right, first question. Where is the dark sorcerer?”

  Releasing a heavy breath, Brokk answered, “He’s in the mortal realm.” Truth.

  “Why?” I countered.

  “Because he wants to recruit mortals since they can wield iron.” Truth.

  Angry cries and shouts erupted throughout the room, and this time Drake spoke. “He can’t bring mortals here. Their weapons could endanger us all.”

  Brokk nodded. “That’s one of his plans.” Truth.

  “Why did you turn on your people?” I asked.

  Durin moved closer to hear the answer, looking wary in the process. Brokk noticed, but turned his eyes downward when he revealed his confession. “My wife thought I was weak. When I almost drowned she thought it was a pathetic way to die. She wanted me to redeem myself and our family name of its embarrassment. I had no clue how to do that without power. I was a nobody in the ranks, just a simple messenger.” Truth.

  Both Durin and I deflated hearing Brokk’s admission. It was raw and hurtful, and I could feel the pain coming off of him. As much as I pitied him, he still shouldn’t have turned to the dark sorcerer. That was the wrong choice. “I’m sorry about that,” I admitted, meaning every word. “No man should have to hear that from his wife, especially after you went through your ordeal, but it doesn’t make what you did right. Once you leave here you’ll be in Durin’s possession, but if you answer my next questions truthfully you’ll be redeemed by the Winter Court.”

  Defeated, Brokk sighed and hung his head. “What else do you need to know?”

  “Where is the sacred scroll?” I asked.

  Terrified, he glanced up quickly. “How do you know about that?” When I didn’t answer, he groaned and explained, “The scroll is hidden at the highest peak in the Endelyn Mountains. No one can travel there by foot so the dark sorcerer thought it best to hide it there. It’s hidden inside a wooden box, and buried under a pile of rocks. With your powers you’ll be able to sense its location.” Truth.

  Narrowing my eyes, I searched his face. There was something he wasn’t telling us. It couldn’t be that easy to get the scroll. “What else, Brokk? What’s the catch? It can’t be that easy.”

  “It’s not,” he confessed. “The box it’s in is surrounded by magic. It takes great power to open it, and so far the only ones powerful enough to do that are one of the Four … you. Your blood will open it.”

  “Well, then I guess I’ll be the one searching for the box,” I said.

  “You can’t fly. There’s no way you can get there.”

  “That’s why she’ll have me,” Drake piped in, coming to my side. “I’ll get her there safely.” He wrapped his arm around my shoulder and squeezed. “We can add it to our list of adventures.”

  “That’s sweet, but you’re missing the point,” Brokk said dryly. “When the princess gives her blood to open the box that magic she gives will go straight to the dark sorcerer. You see, the magic surrounding the box is connected to the talisman. He will get her power if you do this, which means he’ll be one step closer to being the most powerful being in this realm.”

  Silence filled the room as the information of what he just said soaked in. No one moved and not a sound came from any of them, but I could see the mixture of expressions on their faces. Some wanted the scroll while others didn’t want the dark sorcerer getting any closer to being invincible. I had no choice, we had no choice. If I didn’t give up my power we’d never know how to defeat the dark sorcerer.

  “You can’t do this, Sorcha,” Drake demanded fiercely. “We’ll figure out another way.”

  Sadly, I knew there wasn’t. “There is no other way. I have to do this, and you’re coming with me.”

  “Why are you so damn stubborn?”

  Leaning forward, I kissed him on the lips and smiled. “It’s because I was made to keep you on your toes, and vice versa.”

  He gave in and laughed. “You’re damn right, and don’t you forget it.”

  “How could I?” I quipped happily.

  Now that the truth was spilled, Durin took Brokk and they left the Summer Court to head back to Endelyn, their home. I didn’t know what punishment Durin had planned for Brokk, and it wasn’t my place to ask, so I didn’t. The dwarves had their own form of punishment.

  Now that the meeting was over, Drake escorted me to my room after asking Oren if he wouldn’t mind if he did so, alone. At my nod, Oren left and went to his chamber. When we got to my room, Drake turned to face me and took both of my hands in his.

  “Stay with me tonight,” he whispered softly. The need in his voice, plus the magnetic pull drawing me closer to him, had me flush with his body and breathing in his glorious scent. He smelled of Summer, of a time spent dancing in the sun and also the exotic scent of the ferocity below his skin.

  “Where? At your place or here in my room?” I asked. His steely gray eyes were serious and full of longing. Ever since I’d been in contact with him it’s been one problem after another. We hadn’t had any alone time just to be with each other. With everything going on, I hadn’t realized how much I craved it.

  “I want you to stay with me … in my home, away from the distractions here. I know we’ve gotten to know everything about each other in our dreams, but now I want to feel it. I want to feel you wrapped in my arms, and know it’s real.”

  “Okay,” I breathed. “But I don’t know if I can trust myself with you.”

  He smiled that sinful smile of his and bent down to kiss me. I opened for him willingly, allowing his tongue to caress mine. Groaning, I pressed into him harder, making him tighten his hold around me. I could feel him harden against my leg, and I ached to feel him again, to seal the bond that we’ve been meant to fulfill since the beginning of time.

  “Drake?�
�� I whispered hoarsely once he released my lips. He trailed his tongue across my jaw over to my ear, where he bit lightly on the tender flesh, causing me to whimper.

  “Hmm …”

  “We need to get out of here before someone sees.”

  His masculine laugh sounded dangerous in my ear, sending chill bumps crawling over my skin. In his low, deep voice he murmured in my ear, “Come on. Let’s get something to eat and head to my place. You can take a shower there as well, and if you’re lucky maybe I’ll join you.”

  When he pulled back he winked at me and grinned devilishly. Heat flushed through my body at the thought of us in the shower together, lathering and washing each other clean. My body craved him like it craved food and water. How was I going to handle a whole night alone with him?

  “We’ll see,” I teased.

  Grabbing my hand, he held it all the way to the kitchen where we grabbed a couple of plates of food the brownies had prepared. Once outside, the Summer humidity drenched my skin, but it didn’t bother me anymore. My blood was changing, and soon the Summer Court would be my home. I wanted to find Sarette and talk to her, but I needed this time with Drake.

  Once we reached his dwelling, he opened the door and ushered me inside. His place smelled amazingly like him, all Summer and pure male. I set my plate on his table and took the tour of his house, intentionally bypassing his bedroom for the time being.

  When I was done exploring, Drake was waiting for me and pulled out a chair for me to sit in at the table. “Thank you,” I said as I sat down. The food smelled amazing and I couldn’t wait to devour it. “How old were you when you decided to have your own place? I don’t remember you ever telling me in our dreams.”