Of Snow and Blood

by Kris Black

  “I’m glad that we could all get together for a meal.” Belmont picked up his fork before looking up at Alina. “I regret that I haven’t had a lot of time for you.”

  “That’s okay, Your Majesty. I understand that being a king takes most of your time.” Alina tucked into her meal. She briefly remembered refusing to dine with Christian and wondered how Belmont would have reacted if she replied to the invite with a no, thank you.

  “And how are you adjusting to life in the castle?” Her step-mother asked.

  “I’m enjoying my time here. Ella has been an enormous help and Felix has been showing me around the castle.” She shot Felix a smile which he returned.

  “It’s been a pleasure.”

  “Our Lord Felix is a charming young man. It delighted me when Belmont chose him to be a Ward of the King. I am sure he is taking good care of you.” The queen nodded at Felix before taking a drink from her goblet.

  “Yes, Your Majesty.”

  The small talk continued, and Alina began to drift away from the conversation when Belmont and Calista started talking about courtiers, whom Alina had never met. Felix tried to get her attention from across the table, but Alina focused on her dinner. It was only when they finished eating and Alina was wiping her face with her napkin did something startle her enough to speak up.

  Queen Calista sat at one end of the table, patting her face with the napkin as she held up a solid gold, familiar mirror. The etchings, the size, it was all the same.

  Was it possible? Alina’s breath hitched. Could her step-mother possess the twin to Christian’s magic mirror?

  “Your Majesty,” Alina spoke, her voice hoarse as she stared at the mirror in the woman’s hand. “What a beautiful hand-mirror.”

  “A wedding gift,” Belmont replied. “The only thing she asked for. She found it in my chambers the night we married. I hadn’t even realized I owned a hand-mirror such as that. Nowadays she can’t be without it.”

  Alina could only imagine why. Was Queen Calista aware of the magic it held? Did it hold magic? Did it function the same way as Christian’s? Her father couldn’t know that it was a faerie relic, one from the very faerie that killed her mother. If so, why would he give it to his new queen? “It’s beautiful, I don’t blame you for never wanting to part with it.”

  “I treasure it because my husband gave it to me.” The queen smiled at Belmont and then to Alina, her eyes still fixed on the mirror.

  With that, she wouldn’t have to guess at Christian’s reactions. She wouldn’t need to be in constant worry about Charles. If she had access to that mirror for only five minutes, she could rest. The queen’s hands wrapped around the handle, her knuckles white from clenching it, as Alina wondered how she could gain access to the relic. It was clear the queen would not allow her step-daughter alone with it. Not even within a few feet of it.

  By the time dinner finished, Alina was certain that she needed to get that mirror.

  Chapter Five

  The Greenhouse

  As Princess, you'll be expected to know your people." Calista preened as they paraded through the halls. "As such, your father and I believe it is prudent to give you a tour of the city."

  A few tittering courtiers trailed behind them, Ella only a few steps behind Alina, following the princess closely. Surrounding the nobles on each side were a number of guardsmen, Alina’s personal guards and a few that Alina could only assume were guards specifically for the queen.

  "But where's the king?" Alina asked, glancing around as though he would appear from thin air.

  “He has other matters to attend to. He has entrusted you to me for the afternoon. We can use the time to better acquaint ourselves.” Calista reached out and tapped her arm in what Alina assumed was meant to be a motherly gesture.

  Outside of the castle, it was a beautiful winter day. The sun shone high in the sky and an unseasonably warm wind had swept through, making the day feel more like spring than winter despite the snow. Despite that, the ladies were all equipped in their hardy boots and warm winter cloaks. Alina was provided one in a beautiful azure with alabaster fur lining. It was the most extravagant cloak she’d ever worn.

  The chatter of the women was a constant din as they strolled through the palace courtyard and through the gates into the city that surrounded the keep. It was Alina’s first time in the city proper, other than when her carriage had driven her through it on her arrival.

  Eastwater was a coastal city nestled in the protection of a harbor. The sea breeze kept the temperature moderate, even in the winter. Seagulls called out to each other overhead, tittering about like the ladies.

  As they walked further, Alina couldn’t help but take in the entirety of the city. The buildings were all built of red-brick, but some were tall and thin, and some short and stout. Smoke trailed out of the chimneys of the houses, making false clouds that reached for their brethren in the clear sky. The air was briny, mixed with a combination of smoke and the distinct smell of crisp snow that makes noses sting.

  “What do you think of the city, Your Highness?” Ella asked, stepping up beside Alina.

  “It’s amazing,” Alina confessed. She’d been in the countryside for so long, so many houses almost on top of each other seemed impossible. “Where are we headed?”

  “To the marketplace.” The queen replied as she headed the charge there. “There’s an open-air market today and the ladies said they wanted to do some shopping. It’s an easy way for you to see the city and some of its people.”

  Alina knew they were nearing the marketplace. Voices of the shopkeepers and customers rose from the area, their bargaining a loud mass of noise that grew louder and louder as they drew closer. The aromas of various food stalls floated towards them, making Alina’s mouth water.

  “The princess will stay near me, where our guards can keep us safe. The rest of you are free to wander as you will.” The queen waved her hand at the end of the order and the courtiers bowed, then began to wander off to explore the colorful stall.

  Alina was grateful that Ella chose to stay near her. She hadn’t known the lady for long, but she was a familiar face in a sea of strangers. Only one lady stayed with the queen, about the queen’s age with light hair and dressed in a deep blue gown.

  The market was a rainbow of colors. Different signs, ribbons, and awnings, each meant to draw attention against the brick backdrop. Vendors yelled and shouted about their wares, calling customers to them.

  “I think we shall go to the jewelers first.” The queen commented and Alina and the ladies could only nod and follow her step-mother’s lead.

  “Y-your Majesty.” The jeweler bowed deeply as the queen approached. “What can I help you with today?”

  Calista just hummed in greeting as she walked the length of the stall, her fingers brushing various rings, necklaces and adornments that the jeweler had on display. All in fine golds and silvers, gemstones cut in various sizes and shapes.

  “I think I would like a new set of earrings. And perhaps a necklace for my new companion here.”

  “Well, let me show you some of our finest work, Your Majesty!” The jeweler set about showing the queen some of their best work while Alina glanced around the stall with the other ladies, letting the queen do her bargaining.

  None of the trinkets or gems really caught Alina’s eye. She had never really wanted any of the jewelry that ladies always seemed to drape themselves in. However, she was halted at the beauty of one thing in the stall. An elaborate comb used to pin back hair. There were beautiful, intricate flower designs on an alabaster base.

  “How lovely.” Ella commented when she saw what Alina was staring at. Ella leaned over and picked it up, examining it. “You have excellent taste, Your Highness.”

  Both Calista and the other lady glanced over at Ella. “I really don’t need it. I was just admiring it,” Alina flushed. Ella placed the comb back down in its place.

  “Your Majesty! I couldn’t possibly accept that, it’s less than half of
the price!” The vendor exclaimed, calling attention back to him and the queen.

  “I think you may,” Calista threatened. “Unless you want your wife to know what you were doing three days ago.”

  The color drained from the vendor’s face. He stuttered, looking around for aid that clearly wasn’t coming.

  Alina looked to Ella, who refused to meet her eye and was steadfastly ignoring the situation. The other lady was doing the same, pretending to peruse the little stall. In fact, no one except Alina and the vendor seemed at all surprised by the display.

  How in the world did the queen know what the vendor did three days ago? It couldn’t be the mirror, Alina hoped. She still hadn’t been completely sure that it functioned the same as Christian’s. But even if it did, that would mean that the queen specifically watched this jeweler to find secrets. That this entire situation was premeditated.

  “This could put me out of business.” The vendor pleaded. “Please your Majesty.”

  Calista looked down at the vendor in undisguised disgust. “Should I call for your wife Marella then? I’m sure my guards could find her and bring her here in no time.”

  Alina watched as, with shaking hands, the vendor passed over the jewelry.

  “I don’t need a new necklace.” Alina interrupted, halting the jeweler. “I really don’t. Please, keep it.”

  Calista shot Alina a glare. “I would have thought you liked pretty things at a bargain, given how we found you. Or perhaps a bracelet of twisted holly and dried leaves would suit you better.”

  Alina stepped back as if she were slapped. She was used to harsh words from her sisters, but never had she imagined the queen of the realm would spew such hatred. Holly and dried leaves? Why would she prefer that?

  “I’ve lost interest.” The queen handed the precious items back to the vendor, whose shoulders slumped in relief. “How boring.”

  In a huff, she stormed away from the jeweler, her entourage and guards eager to keep pace. Alina lagged behind, Ella keeping her company.

  “Is… is that normal?” Alina finally asked, staring at the back of the irritated queen.

  Ella hesitated, then spoke softly. “I don’t have much opportunity to be in the queen’s party. But from the rumors that circulate the court, yes. It is very much in character.”

  “She just tried to rob one of her people, in open air and plain light of day. It’s unfathomable.”

  Ella shook her head gently. “Please, keep your voice down. I’ve warned you that the queen has ears everywhere. She knows things others should never know. Anything you don’t wish to get back to her is better not spoken aloud.”

  It was mind boggling. The king must be unaware of his wife’s terrorizing of his people? Couldn’t King Belmont stop her?

  The queen stopped abruptly. “I no longer wish to shop with my new companion. Lady Ella may accompany her, along with two guards.”

  “As you wish, Your Majesty.” One of the guards bowed hastily as they rearranged their ranks.

  Ella bit her lip as the queen marched on, leaving Alina, Ella and the two guards in her wake.

  “What is it?” Alina asked.

  “Leaving you with only two guards is an insult, not to mention dangerous. Even I have more than that when I venture out by myself.”

  “I don’t mind. No one in the city really knows who I am anyway.” A group of loud shouts rose up from near the end of the market and the guards moved closer.

  “Still, I think it would be better if we return to the castle. The markets can sometimes get heated when bargaining,” Ella cautioned.

  Alina looked to the guards who seemed to nod in agreement. She wanted to explore the city more, but not if it put the lives of the people with her in danger. Her recklessness running from the castle once almost killed both her and Christian. She wouldn’t make the same mistakes here.

  Alina looked longingly down towards the market and the crowd of people. Her people.

  “If you think that’s the wisest decision, then of course we will return.”

  Felix intercepted Ella and Alina on their way back to Alina’s room. “I’ve been looking for you, Princess. Are you ready for your surprise?”

  Alina looked to Ella, who nodded encouragingly and shooed her with her hands.

  “You’ll love this,” Felix teased as Alina followed him down the halls, a large wicker basket in his hands. Rhys, who had met up with the women as soon as they entered the castle gate, followed a safe distance behind, so he could see them but not overhear them. “No one spoiled the surprise for you?”

  “No one spoiled it, I promise.” Alina hadn’t seen Felix in a playful mood before. It made him more handsome if that was possible. “Besides, who would I have asked? The only person I speak to around here is Ella.”

  Felix flashed a grin, shrugged his shoulders and turned a corner. When Alina turned the corner, he stepped in front of her - blocking her view. He was taller than her by almost a foot and wider by half - a towering form of muscle. She couldn’t see anything past him. Rhys stopped and stood off to the side, crossing his arms.

  “Close your eyes.” She raised an eyebrow at him. “It’ll be worth it, trust me, Princess.”

  “Don’t call me that,” Alina scowled.

  Felix only smirked in reply, a sure sign that he would keep calling her that if she learned anything from her brothers. He put the basket down and crossed his arms, a show of will. He wasn’t moving until she did as he asked. Alina rolled her eyes, sighing and then shut them.

  “Excellent.”

  Felix took her hand in his. His hand was large, warm and soft. It enveloped hers almost completely. She noticed the difference between Felix’s soft hands and Christian’s calloused ones. Christian worked hard and trained with his men, weathered hands from swordplay and rough from work. When Christian touched her, a spark of life flared through her and electrifying energy that caught her breath. With Felix, all she felt was a warm, steady hand. The gemstone of her ring bit into the flesh of her palm, having turned on her finger during the day.

  Alina pulled her hand from Felix’s.

  “Is everything okay Princess?” He asked.

  “It’s fine,” she replied, tucking her hands into her skirts. “May I open my eyes now?”

  “Not yet.” Alina heard a door handle wiggle before the scent hit her.

  The fragrant aroma of Spring after months of winter overwhelmed Alina. Turned soil mixed with the sweet flowers. Blooms and trees mixed with dirt and herbs - something she would expect when she was gardening. The hum of bees and the trickle of moving water. It was as if she stepped into a forest in the dead of Summer. Her skin warmed, the sunlight charging her like she hadn’t seen it in years. The humidity in the air clung to her dress and flesh like beads of oil.

  Felix led her three more steps into the area before letting her open her eyes. Her brows furrowed, and she opened her eyes, blinking in the sun’s light.

  Greenery. Everywhere she looked trees, flowers and herbs filled her vision. A great domed roof made of glass rose above them, glass walls surrounded them. Stone pathways lined the entirety with vines of exotic plants creeping up the pillars and coming down from the ceiling. She was standing on a terrace overlooking a greenhouse attached to the castle.

  “Gods. It’s beautiful,” she whispered.

  “The king ordered it built when he first married the queen - your mother, I mean,” Felix explained. “She loved the outdoors and nature, and her mood would always despair in the winter months. I thought, since your mother loved it, you might love it too.”

  “Oh Felix, it’s amazing!” Alina said and launched herself into his arms, giving him a large hug.

  He held her a bit too long when she tried to pull away. After she extricated herself, they stood there for a few awkward moments before he cleared his throat.

  “Shall we descend then?” He motioned towards a spiral staircase off to the side of the terrace to allow access to the gardens below.

  A
lina nodded and followed him down the stairs. It impressed her on the terrace, now she was flabbergasted. Cobblestones lined the walkways braced with large, stone knee-walls on all sides, leaving the pathways wide enough for only two people to stand side-by-side. The skirts of Alina’s dress could brush each side. There were small slate stakes placed next to the plant life with the name of each item neatly written on it with chalk.

  Alina’s heart fluttered when she saw that off the main dome, there were three smaller ones attached each with their own pathway. One held a large willow tree whose energy projected to her even from this far, like being enveloped in a warm hug; it easily became her favorite. As she and Felix explored, he pointed out a small waterfall, a pond for turtles and another for small fish and other touches added over the years.

  “I wanted to bring you here sooner, during the tour,” Felix explained as he concluded the tour and led her back toward the main dome. “But they also open the greenhouse to the nobility of the castle and they often spend time out here. I wanted to make sure societal ladies didn’t accost you the first time you visited. It took me this long to arrange a time when it was off-limits.”

  “That was very kind, thank you.” Alina touched his forearm.

  He bowed mockingly before coming to an open, circular spot that looked like it could be a gathering area in the center of the dome and set out the basket and blanket. Rhys stepped further away from them and off to the side - to give them space, but also keep an eye out. As Felix spread the food out in front of him, Alina basked in the greenhouse smells. It was like being home. She sat down on the blanket without ceremony, never tearing her eyes from the greenery around them or the sky exposed above them over the great glass-domed ceiling. She picked away at the meal, in awe of everything around her.

  “Thank you for this, again,” Alina said as they finished up their meal. “This was something I needed. It cheered me up.”