I follow my father inside the city walls, every step heavy. He tells me of the past goblin attacks, of how they’re running out of good steel without trade with Spring, of how the farms closest to the Briar are too dangerous to harvest now and must be abandoned. I see the look of hope in the people’s gazes as I pass, as if I’ve come to fix everything.
How can I ask my own people to come to Summer’s aid when they’re barely surviving as they are?
As we approach Keep Oakheart, my heart sinks further. Is there truly no way to fight this? Are the realms doomed?
My gaze drifts across the way, to the Alder Tree. Inside lies a hidden treasure, one only I know about. A crown of Green Flame plucked from my mother’s murderer. Perth Quellos had wielded the Green Flame with evil purpose, but what if someone could control it for good? Could such magic be used to protect those I love so I wouldn’t have to lose anyone again the way I lost my mother? What if I could—
I force my thoughts away. There’s no time for experiments. Not when my mate is missing, and my realm is falling. More than ever, I wish there was someone I could turn to for advice.
“Have you heard from Keldarion or Ezryn?” I ask Father.
“Ezryn, no. I heard he was banished from Spring for killing a bunch of holy acolytes in Queen’s Reach Monastery.”
“No, that’s not true.”
“What is true is there hasn’t been sight of hide nor hair of him. Keldarion was here about three months ago. He’s since returned to Frostfang.”
“What? Kel went back to Winter?”
“Aye,” my father says, and a mischievous twinkle appears in his eye. “Word is, the High Prince of Winter ispissed.”
CHAPTER 3
Keldarion
Islam the door to my chambers in Keep Wolfhelm, the Winter Realm’s stronghold. Ice cracks the wooden floor as I try to control my ragged breathing.
“Careful,” a voice purrs, “or it will start to look like the Winter Wing in here.”
Caspian lounges on a plush chair by the fire. Sprawled sideways, his long legs hang over the arm, his dark hair falling in waves around his face. It looks as if he’s been walking through the snow and it only just dried.
A deep rumble sounds through my chest, and I turn away from him. “You’re back.”
“Don’t jump with joy now,” he replies.
I throw off my heavy, embroidered jacket. Pale pink light flickers through the window, the first sign of sunset amidst a light dusting of snow. Soon the sun will set, and I will be confined to my chambers as the beastly wolf.
I look around my room, though it hardly feels like mine. This place still carries the essence of my parents. Such grandeur, with rich woven tapestries depicting scenes of battle, hanging on dark wood walls. My canopy bed, draped in velvet curtains of midnight blue, stands at the center. The scent of burning wood fills the air, mingling with the faint aroma of pine from the nearby forest. I look to the stone hearth and firelight dances across the chamber, dispelling the chill of the Winter night.
But it’s none so bespelling as the man watching me.
I cross to him. “You’re alone.”
Caspian’s lavender eyes dart away, and if I didn’t know better, I’d swear there was a flash of sadness there. “My latest plan didn’t work.”
I see it then, the weariness on his face. I cross to the hearth and place a hand on the mantle. “The council advised against my request to march our army to Summer. As High Ruler, I don’t need their support, but I’d lose what little control I have here. My people don’t trust me.”
“Kel.” Caspian stands. “If you march your army out of Winter, Sira will invade. She’s watching Winter closely.”
“Then my people will think I’m allied with the Below—again.”
Caspian steps in front of me. “Now, what would cause people to tell such nasty rumors about you?”
I grab him by the collar and slam him against the wall. “You promised you’d help me find her.”
Anger flashes in his gaze and he breaks away from my hold. “You think I destroyed Kairyn’s airship for fun? They’d already moved her by the time I got to it. Do you know what my mother did to me when she found out? Thankfully, she thought I destroyed it out of jealousy. Otherwise, I would be dead.”
I sigh, unsure what to say. I know Caspian’s been lying to Sira about helping me find Rosalina. She’s a dangerous woman, and not even her own son is safe from her wrath. “Your people have her, Caspian. How can you not find her?”
