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Once he was gone, I continued walking through the ballroom, saying my hellos to everyone in passing. The icy walls shimmered like crystals in the light while the snow drifted down from the ceiling. It never accumulated on the floor, which I knew made our Summer fae friends happy.
For centuries, the Winter Court has always held a Winter Solstice Ball. There was a time, many years ago, when only the Winter fae were allowed to attend, but things are different now. The ballroom was filled with elves, dwarves and fae from all the courts. This year, the grand festivities were held in the Ice Court at my parents’ castle. One day I’d be able to host it in my own kingdom.
“Well, if it isn’t my favorite cousin,” a voice called out from behind. Smiling, I turned to see Lia headed toward me with her two protectors always by her side.
“Don’t let Carys or Shailyn hear you say that,” I chided playfully.
Lia held out her arms, and I hugged her tight, breathing in her flowery spring scent. Her long, wavy red hair hung past her shoulders, and she looked exquisite in her silky emerald gown. However, the most striking feature of my Spring Court cousin was her amethyst-colored eyes. Her mother and twin brother were the only other two in the realm with the same color.
After letting her go, I smiled at Bayleon and Bastian. They were her sworn protectors, twin brothers, and two of the sexiest men in all the Land of the Fae. They were part of the Tyvar, fae men who were cursed with the powers of seduction. If a woman looked into their eyes, they’d fall victim to their charms. They wouldn’t eat, drink, or sleep. All they’d crave was the Tyvar’s touch. Eventually, it’d kill them. Because of this the brothers had to wear a special type of masquerade mask over their eyes so no woman could look into them. However, the masks only made the men even more alluring. Luckily, Lia and all my female cousins were immune to their powers, and I was happy about that because they had the most beautiful midnight-blue eyes I’d ever seen on any fae man.
Bayleon and Bastian hung back while Lia stayed at my side, lightly tapping her glass of faerie wine to mine. “So . . . were you talking to yourself a few minutes ago, or was Merrick with you?”
I giggled. “Merrick’s here. You know he never misses a chance to come to these balls.”
Lia smiled, but it was sad. “Is it hard on him seeing Calista with Ryder?”
My uncle Ryder was King of the Fall Court. But there was a time when he was a Winter prince, vying for my aunt Calista’s heart, along with Merrick. Even though Calista cherished Merrick, her heart belonged with Ryder.
I found Merrick across the ballroom, standing next to Calista. My parents and my aunts and uncles were all around, laughing at whatever was being said. None of them could see him, but they always knew he was there. There’s always a vacant spot beside Calista at every gathering so Merrick could stand with them.
“No,” I said in all honesty. “He’s happy.”
Lia nodded and her smile brightened. “Good. I’m glad to hear that.” Her eyes caught something across the room, and she snickered. “And speaking of happy. It looks like Marin’s having a good time.” I followed her line of sight to my best friend, who was in Owen’s arms, dancing around with him in her lovely silver gown. It was a beautiful contrast to her golden, shimmery skin.
“Yes, she is.” I was ecstatic at how well they hit it off together.
But then, someone else caught my attention. I glanced over at our cousin Shailyn who looked stunning in her flowing blue gown with her long, dark hair pulled back into a braid entwined with summer flowers. She was only twenty-three years old, the youngest of my cousins. Four men were vying for her attention, and it looked like she was thoroughly enjoying it by the delighted grin on her face.
“It looks like Shailyn’s enjoying the night, too,” I added, nodding in her direction.
Lia shook her head and giggled. “Better her than me. I’m pretty sure most of the men who call on me don’t give a rat’s ass about who I am. They just want the title. But, at least, Iston cares about you. I can see it on his face whenever he looks at you.”
It was one of the things that brought me comfort. Iston was a prince, so he already had a title. If he didn’t bond with me, he’d eventually be a king in his own right. Unfortunately, Lia was right, though. Being a royal and finding true love wasn’t easy. We had the power, and so many wanted it as well.
Lia was destined to begin her own addition to the Spring Court, just as I was set to bring about the Frost in Winter. Any man we chose would be the king of our courts.
Sighing, I finished my wine and set my glass on one of the empty tables. “I guess I am lucky to have Iston.”
Lia smiled at me. “Not lucky, Ella. Any man would be a fool not to want you.”
I glanced over my shoulder at Bayleon and Bastian. “The same goes for you. Something tells me your protectors aren’t fools.”
I waited for her to comment, but all she did was look away. If shewasin love with one of her protectors, it’d never work with them being cursed. If they had sons, the curse would pass to them, and Lia wouldn’t want that. Bayleon and Bastian were over two hundred years old, but they didn’t look a day over twenty-five. Bayleon kept his whitish-blond hair long, while Bastian had his cut off; he looked more modern. However, one thing I loved about them was the way they spoke. Their voices were smooth like honey, and they had a regal air about them.
Bayleon came up beside Lia and held out his hand just as a slow melody began to play throughout the ballroom. “Would you give me the honor?” he said to her.
Lia smiled and took his hand, following him to the dance floor. A Fall Court warrior headed my way, which was a bold move considering Iston was just across the room, glaring at him. But, before he could get closer, Bastian stepped in front of me, blocking the warrior from view.
“Will you dance with me, Princess?” he asked, smirking devilishly. The warrior scowled and turned on his heel, storming away.
Grinning, I took Bastian’s hand. “Thank you for that.”
Smile fading, he pulled me onto the dance floor and wrapped an arm around my waist, drawing me close. His armor was warm against my skin, and he was so tall he had to peer down at me. I wished I could look into his eyes, but that was only something we could do when no other fae women were around.
“I figured I’d help you out, Princess. Your lover was none too pleased to see another gentleman heading your way.”
“And you don’t think he’ll be that way with you?” I asked.
