“You should be sure to do your reading. In the meantime, I shall give you a shortened version of what you must know. On hollowed ground, such as this castle, the rules of the courts require that unwed males and females do not share a bed. You do not have to follow these rules, of course. It is your choice. However, I would do so if you truly do want to rule thisrealm.”
My heart felt torn in two. On the one hand, I wanted nothing more than to feel the strong arms of my mates wrapped around me while I slept...and that wasn’t the only thing I wanted to do in bed with them. But on the other hand, I still had the hope that I might one day follow in my mother’s footsteps, even though it seemed impossiblenow.
I wouldn’t jeopardize it, not for onenight.
With a deep breath, I gave a nod. “Thanks for theadvice.”
* * *
Itossedand turned in the massive empty bed, my mind flashing with images of chaotic fae towering on a distant hill. The sky bled, and the ground beneath my feet had transformed from dirt into bones. A pair of red eyes met mine from across a smoke-filled valley. Sharp teeth flashed underneath the light of a full moon, and the sky cracked from the force of a monstrous bolt oflightning.
* * *
Sucking in a sharp breath,I jumped from the bed. I’d had another one of those damn dreams. And once again, it had felt so real. I could still smell the smoke and the blood from that battlefield. And those eyes. Those horrible bright red eyes. I felt as though they could still see menow.
Well, I certainly wasn’t going to be able to go back to sleepnow.
Throwing my legs over the side of the bed, I grabbed the thick cloak I’d hung on the back of the chair. I slipped my feet into some shoes and padded over to the door that led out into the rest of the castle. If I couldn’t sleep, I might as well do a little exploring and find out what kind of place this was. I’d always been intrigued by the Winter Court, and I didn’t really know much aboutit.
With a glance over my shoulder at the closed doors that led to my mates, I pushed out into the long dark hallway. Even in the middle of the night, the flickering sconces still glowed from the light of the flames, and an unexpected warmth filled the space between the stonewalls.
I began to make my way down the right side of the building, curiosity driving me back toward the throne room. I wondered if the intimidating seat still stood or if the Hunters had removed it since Viola’s death. Or were they waiting for a Royal to declare himself the ruler of the land? Had my mother ever sat on that throneherself?
So many questions and so fewanswers.
As I made my way down the hallway, I caught the sound of distant voices. I should probably turn back and return to my room, but my ears picked up the wordMarinin the air. Were they talking about my mother? If so, what were theysaying?
I probably shouldn’t eavesdrop, but my curiosity got the better ofme.
As I grew closer, I recognized Desmond’s deep voice. He was speaking to another male fae, one who didn’t soundfamiliar.
“I know what Marin would have wanted, but there is no possibility that she foresaw how all of this would turn out,” Desmond said, his voice harsh as if the conversation angeredhim.
The voice replied, “She has her mother’s blood running through her veins. Isn’t thatenough?”
My heart thumped. They weren’t talking about my mother. They were talking about me. And neither one of them sounded particularly happy aboutit.
“No,” Desmond growled. “She needs to prove herself. She may have defeated Viola, but that isn’t enough. A good fighter does not necessarily make a good ruler. Or elseIwould be King. She need to prove that she can command. She needs to prove that she can lead. And she needs to prove that she understands the people of this place. Until today, she didn’t even know the traditions that rule ourcourts.”
My face flamed. Everything Desmond said was so true that my heart hurt hearing the words. I could fight, but I couldn’t lead. And I truly didn’t know how to rule. It was a fact I needed to change.Immediately.
I stepped out from the shadows. Desmond and his fellow Hunter looked startled when I cleared my throat. Immediately, Desmond was down on his knees, bowing his head low to theground.
“Forgive me, Princess. You must understand. I did not meanto—”
“I understand.” I knelt before him, meeting his lowered gaze. “And you’re right. I need to prove myself, and I need to understand everything I can about this realm. Can you show me to thelibrary?”
Desmond looked surprised, his eyes widening. And then he smiled. “I would be delighted to show you to thelibrary.”
Together, we stood, and Desmond led me down the passageways until we reached the library. While I settled into a table and gathered all the history books I could find, Desmond lit the sconces on the walls, filling the dark room with soothing beams of light. He made certain I had everything I needed, and then paused at the door on his wayout.
“I think I may have judged you too soon.” And then he wasgone.
With a deep breath, I scanned the pile of books before me. I’d gathered about fifty of them from the dusty shelves. It might not be enough, but it was a place tostart.
***
A throat cleared, and I groaned as I lifted my head from the table. A piece of paper stuck to my cheek, fluttering onto the stone floor when I squinted my eyes at the blurry face beforeme.
