Frost’s Forfeit

The Fae Queen Of Winter Prequel

Laura Greenwood

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Epilogue

Also by Laura Greenwood

About the Author

© 2018 Laura Greenwood

All rights reserved. This book or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise – without prior written permission of the published, except as provided by United States of America copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher at “Attention: Permissions Coordinator,” at the email address; lauragreenwood@authorlauragreenwood.co.uk.

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Cover Design by Olivia Book Designs

Frost’s Forfeit is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, companies, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

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Blurb

Duty and motherhood don't go well together, at least not for the Fae Queen of Winter.

With the Fae Queen of Summer itching for war, a daughter to protect, and a kingdom to run, things are already complicated for Nieves. When she calls the annual frosts and discovers she's being watched by a mysterious man, things only get worse.

Faced with an almost impossible choice, Nieves has to make the best decision for her people, her daughter and her heart.

-

Frost's Forfeit is a Standalone Paranormal Fantasy Romance set in the Paranormal Council Universe and is prequel to Saving Eira.

1

Waiting for the Summer Fae's next move had always been something she hated. But Nieves had known since she was a little girl that they'd do anything to bring the Winter Fae down. Even if that meant ruining the balance in the world. At least she could recognise that Summer and Winter needed each other. They needed Spring and Autumn too, otherwise the human world would starve. Or drown. Or burn. Whatever the consequences, not having all of the seasons wasn't going to end well, and it’d probably take centuries for them to fix it.

Much to Nieves’ disappointment, Augusta didn't seem to care about that. Though maybe she would when she finally had a child and realised there was more to life than power. Her thoughts slipped to her daughter, safely hidden away in the human world. She'd bring her back to court when they weren't on the brink of war anymore. Luckily, she was too young to be performing any of the duties she needed to as the Fae Princess of Winter, so there was no real harm in her being away. Even if Nieves did miss her dearly. Her daughter was the only family she had. She'd never met her fated mate and refused to take an unwilling man like many of the other fae would. She knew it was tradition, but it made her feel physically sick to imagine it. And it was common knowledge. Many of the other fae women at her court had stopped the practice too. Or maybe they were just doing it a little more discreetly so she wouldn't notice and do something about it. Having known some of them since birth, she suspected that was probably the case.

She wished she knew how the fae had become this way. It didn't seem like a very productive way to live. At some point, they must have lived in complete harmony in order for the human world to be as it was. But that time was long ago. Even so, it hadn't been that long since the courts were at relative peace. She didn't remember any of this turmoil when she was a child. Or even when she was in her twenties.

But now wasn't the time to think about it. She had the frosts to call on, and then she could go and see her daughter for the first time in three months. She hated leaving it this long, even if she had no choice. Keeping Mila safe was her number one goal. Even more so than making sure the frosts came and the Winter Fae behaved themselves. Which is how it should be. Her child would always come first.

More than her daughter's father had. The bastard. He'd walked away from the two of them after convincing Nieves he loved her. Turned out, he’d been using her to force his actual wife into submission. She'd almost frozen him solid at that point. A little part of her was still surprised she hadn't, she'd been that white cold with rage.

"Are you ready, your majesty?" her handmaiden asked. Nieves nodded her head.

"As ready as I'll ever be."

"You say that every year, ma'am."

She cringed. Being called ma'am was never a good feeling. Even if she was over a hundred years old, and to the younger fae, she probably was a ma'am. Especially given her royal status. That one she couldn't get away from.

At times like this, she missed her mother. She'd at least understand what she was going through right now. The anticipation and dread of calling the frosts never seemed to fade. There was too much riding on it for her to just dismiss it as unimportant, and if it went wrong...

If that happened, it was probably Augusta trying to steal winter magic again. She didn't know how she'd actually manage to succeed though. Summer and Winter magic didn't mix very well, even if there was a folk tale about that happening to one of the future princesses. Personally, Nieves kind of hoped it would happen again. It might even bring some unity to their people. Other than the actual magic they wielded, there was very little difference between them. Despite popular human belief, not all winter fae were blonde. Though Nieves was the exception to that and not the rule. But being part of the royal line did influence some features like that.

"Your Majesty?" the handmaid prompted.

"Sorry, lost in thought," she replied, coming back to the present and noting the concerned look on the other woman's face. She smiled blandly. Despite the fact Bree had served in this role for years, Nieves didn't know her very well. She should probably change that, but she didn't trust very easily and it seemed like a bad idea to start changing. Trusting too many other fae tended to end badly; with a knife stuck in someone's back and a broken heart.

"The door is due to open any moment."

"Thank you," Nieves responded, glancing in the mirror once just to check everything was in place. Not that anyone would see her, but that was hardly the point.

She spun on her heels, her dress swishing out behind her as the train brushed against the cold hard floor. She walked from the room towards the boundary between the fae's home and the human world. What most fae didn't seem to realise yet, was that she held the power to open this portal herself, she didn't need to wait for it to arrive. One of her ancestors had decided the common people didn't need to know that though and had told them the portal had to be waited for every year. Everyone since had just run with it.

Dozens of fae lined the walkway. She smiled at them all, wishing she could just get to the room in private rather than it being a spectacle. She was trying her best to seem serene and happy, like she had no cares in the world and enjoyed nothing more than ruling them.

She couldn't let them know that she'd give it all up in a heartbeat if it meant spending every day with her daughter. Mostly because she wouldn’t and couldn't do that. She would also lay down her life for her people.

Duty and motherhood never seemed to fit well together.

Ignoring the unpleasant direction her thoughts had taken her, she summoned her powers so they rested near her skin. Frost crackled around her finger tips as her skin cooled further, and she smiled again. More genuinely this time.

Concentrating on what she needed to do, the portal began to form in front of her, it's wide arch and frosted blue centre exactly like it'd been the year before. Exactly how it looked every time she called it up in private too. Mostly just to stare at it and consider what stepping through and disappearing would be like. Though she never ended up doing that.

But this one time a year, she could step through, and she fully intended to make the most of it.

2

Why the spot to call the frosts from was so bizarre, she had no idea. But standing in the middle of a field, completely alone, never stopped feeling odd. At least she wasn't cold. She couldn't be when she was the cold. One of the advantages of being a fae.

Nieves centred her thoughts, readying herself for the overwhelming sensation of the frosts moving through her and exploding into the world.

The tell-tale tingle started in her toes, and spread through her legs, engulfing her entire body. Her hands and arms began to ice over, the ice crystals cracking as she moved her arms upwards.

Cold air began to swirl around her, with minute snowflakes floating on the breeze around her. There was a kind of rush about this bit. Something she couldn't quite get over, and actually did kind of enjoy.

She moved her hands around in the air, causing the snowflakes to dance. Yes, this definitely was the best bit. Almost mesmerised, she began to move her hands faster, the snow following and creating a little tornado of white.

It was never clear quite how long she stood there for, and this year was no different. But with every passing moment, the urge to release it intensified. But Nieves knew she couldn't just yet. Not until the temperature dropped a little more. If she did, it'd still work, but there may be complications. Or a snow storm in Kent. That seemed more likely. And slightly confusing for the humans who'd gotten used to autumn's reign.

Finally, she knew they were ready to unleash, and she simultaneously unleashed her control, and pushed it out of her. There was no way of knowing which the right way was to unleash the frosts, but it was what felt right, so she went with it.

Breathing a sigh of relief, she collapsed into a heap on the trampled grass. It was exhausting summoning them. And she'd be tired and on edge for the next three months, until Spring took over. It shouldn't be like that at all. But with the fae in such disarray, there was very little that could be done to change it. Maybe one day. Or maybe for her daughter.

So long as it got better.

"That was quite some show," a lighthearted voice said from behind her. She squeaked, and spun around, her pale grey skirts swinging out around her. Maybe not practical for spending a lot of time in a field, but considering she travelled via portal, it didn't really seem that important.

"Who are you?" she demanded, sinking as much of her royal breeding into her voice as she could. She hated being watched from afar, it made her skin crawl, and knowing he'd seen her do magic wasn't such a good thing either. Especially as he wasn't giving off any more-than-human vibes.

If he were a shifter, or a vampire, then magic could easily have been explained away. Revealing magic to a human...well it was frowned upon. Though there was no one that actually had the power to punish any paranormals that did get it wrong. Someone should probably do something about that.

"Jack. Who are you?"

"Nieves," she replied, thinking it best not to mention her royal status. It'd only cause questions about why she was alone in a field. Though given the magic, that may not be so much of a problem.

"Unusual name. You don't sound Welsh." An impish grin spread over his face as he studied her.

"I moved after I was born," she lied, glad she even knew what Welsh meant. A lot of fae wouldn't. They really didn't care about the human world, even if it was close to their realm, and especially since the kidnapping stopped.

"And you're noble, no doubt." He turned his nose up slightly, and dread filled her. What did her nobility have to do with anything?

"I don't see how that matters," she replied.

Surprise crossed Jack's face as he looked her up and down. Probably taking in the soft grey fabric of her dress, which was nowhere near thick enough for the weather this time of year. Nor was it sturdy enough to be dredged through the mud. Alright then, she could see his point. She did look noble.

"I've not met many of your kind that think that way."

"My kind?" She tried to clamp down on the panic inside her thinking he knew she was fae. There was no need to feel it really. Even if he did know, he'd have to prove it. Though she'd heard rumours that the witch hunters weren't particularly discerning about who they captured.

Maybe she'd send Lady Olga to capture one of them. She knew the woman was still kidnapping men, she may as well put herself to good use and grab one that could give her some answers. But no, she couldn't condone that. It wasn't a good example for her to set.

"Noble. Normally they just want to prove how much better than me they are." He studied her warily, probably trying to work out how she was going to react. If she was honest with herself, then she didn't really know herself. She'd not been in this situation before. And realistically, she was more than noble on top of not being human. That wasn't something she could ignore.

"I guess I'm not like the rest," she replied with a shrug. She'd long ago decided she wanted to judge people based on their actions and not what they appeared like, and she hoped the same was true in reverse. If anyone judged her as just the Queen, then she'd actually be very disappointed in them. And in herself. It'd mean she wasn't doing a good enough job at presenting herself properly.

"I'm starting to get that. But what brings you to this lovely, err, field." He looked around dramatically, before waving around him, indicating his true thoughts on their location. He wasn't impressed by it at all.

"The view." Her reply was instant, maybe too much so for him to believe, but she'd try anyway.

"Oh yes, the lovely brown view. Nothing but dead crops and withering trees for miles." He laughed, the sound light and airy. Nieves liked it far more than she should.

"Yes, lovely and brown," she agreed with a sweet smile. "Though soon it'll be white," she added quietly, thinking about the first morning frost that'd likely cover the fields at dawn. She'd have loved to see it, but her time was limited, and couldn’t spend it waiting for an overnight weather phenomenon.

"So other than staring at brown fields, is there anything you plan to do?" He was still smiling easily, and it was still tugging at something deep within Nieves. It made her want something more than he was offering. More than she should take. She was fae, her mate could only be another paranormal. And this man definitely was not. Unless he was just good at hiding it.

"I'm going to go visit my daughter," she replied absentmindedly, thinking of Mila's wide innocent eyes, and broad smile.

"Oh."

He turned away as if to leave.

"Don't go," she blurted out, despite knowing it would probably be better to just let him go. "Why don't you come with me?"

He faced her again, with wide, happy eyes. It was clearly something he liked the sound of then.

"I'd like that," he said.

"Good."

She held out her hand to him, and reluctantly, he took it. He may end up regretting this, especially if he wasn't ready to see magic. Though given his lack of questioning on her previous display, that wouldn't be an issue.

She smiled at him once, then opened a portal with her spare hand, getting ready to step through and blow his mind.

3

The colours of the portal swirled around the two of them, and she wasn't surprised at the look of awe on Jack's face. A lot of fae looked that way when they travelled through the portals for the first time too. There was something truly magical about it. The place was steeped in magic. So much so, she could feel it soaking into her skin and recharging the powers she'd lost.

The other Fae Courts didn't have this way of travelling, as far as she knew anyway. Some of them even used doors straight from one realm to the next.

"What is this place?" Jack asked, the awe seeping from his expression into his voice.

"The inter-realms," Nieves answered simply.

"Because that answers everything." He snorted his derision.

"The answer will depend on how much you're capable of suspending your disbelief." She motioned to the left, seeking out the way to her daughter.

"I'm here, aren't I?" A slightly cheeky grin spread over his face.

"True."

"You going to tell me?" He looked about, as if wanting something to lean on. Unsurprisingly, he found nothing.

"It's how we travel between the fae and human realms," she answered, smiling serenely as she played with some magic in her hands. In the inter-realms, it had a mind of its own, and would often seek out a fae to play with. It reminded her of all the beauty in the world.

"We?"

"That's what you're going to question?" She chuckled softly, enjoying his accepting nature.

"For now."

"The fae."

"And you're...fae?" She could hear the excitement in his voice and breathed out a sigh of relief. There was something about him that she couldn't put her finger on. But she definitely liked it.

"Yes." She didn't think telling him she was the Queen was a good idea. Especially given his earlier reaction about nobility.

"A fancy one?"

She laughed loudly. "Fancy?"

"Important? Influential? Special? Take your pick of words."

"I suppose I am, yes." She looked up into his earnest face, surprised by how much more serious he seemed already.

"How special? Does it have anything to do with what you were doing in that field?"

"Yes," she answered simply. This conversation was about to start getting difficult, though she supposed she could be truthful. She'd have to wipe his memory at the end of their time together anyway.

Nieves was already coming to dread that moment. Whether because she'd have to erase his mind at all, or just the thought they may end up parted. If she didn't already know he was human, then she might have suspected a mating bond. But as it was, humans and paranormals couldn't mate. It was just how things were. Otherwise there'd be all kinds of halflings running about.

The world would have ended up almost completely paranormal by the time the Ancient Egyptian empire had fallen if that was the case. They'd known about paranormals, naturally, but they'd been revered as gods rather than as what they truly were. Nieves grandmother had been Queen during that time, and she'd told stories when Nieves and her half-brothers were small children.

It'd been fascinating to learn how the paranormal world had shifted with the history the humans knew. Now, there were still rumours, they were what had sparked the witch hunts after all, but there was nothing concrete. Unless she counted the odd dragon sighting. But most human witnesses were deemed insane when they started talking about magic they'd witnessed.

Or they were burned as witches themselves. Thankfully, Nieves had heard of a group of summer fae who'd made it their mission to save wrongly accused humans, or paranormals that couldn't save themselves. It was one of the things that reassured her it was just the Summer Queen coming after her, and not her people.

"Are you going to elaborate?"

"Are you sure you're a commoner?" she returned. His language suggested not. It was far more on par with the fae of her court, not the fae of the villages.

"I'm sure of my status, yes."

"What an interesting way of phrasing things," she pointed out.

"It's only the same as you're doing, Nieves."

The sound of her name sent shivers down her spine. She liked it far more than she should, especially given his humanness. She had nothing against humans at all. But she also didn't feel it was fair to start a relationship with one when it could be over the second she met her real mate. If she was that lucky.

It was only partly to do with not getting her heart broken again. At least she'd gained Mila after the last time. But she wouldn't make the mistake of falling in love again. Not unless it was with the person who'd become her fated mate.

"Maybe so," she replied evenly.

"Is there a reason you won't tell me?" he asked.

"I don't want you to treat me differently," she replied instantly. "I'm just a woman..."

"Fae," he corrected.

"Can I not be both fae and a woman?"

It struck her how surreal it was to be having this conversation in the middle of the inter-realms. She didn't think she'd ever spent quite so much time here, but she liked how invigorating it felt. Normally, after calling the frosts, it took her a good week to fully recover her powers. But she could already feel them almost at full strength again. She'd have to remember this next year.

"I don't know, can you?"

"You ask a lot of questions."

"I've been told it's the best way to learn," Jack returned. She smiled at him, before catching herself doing it. She really couldn't let her already softening emotions continue. That way didn't lead to good things.

It would also lead to another way for the rival Queen to hurt her. Not that there should be any rivalry. The fae should be working in tandem to create a balanced world. But she guessed it would be decades, if not centuries, before something like that came to pass. Maybe two of the princesses would be true mates.

Oh, how she'd love to be able to see that. It was a shame it'd be well after her time.

"I suppose that's true..."

She turned away, not quite knowing what else she could say to that.

"So how do we get to your daughter?" he asked, seemingly sensing she was getting uncomfortable. She felt herself soften to him again. This was going to end badly for her if he continued to act like this.

"We open another portal."

"Will you show me how?"

"Yes, but I doubt you'll be able to accomplish it. Some of the less powerful fae aren't even capable." She didn't think about how her words could come across when she said them.

"So, I'm not magical enough." He sounded hurt. Damn. She hadn't meant to do that. And hated that she had.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that. I just meant that you might not be able to. You can still try, if you want?" She hoped he'd say no. Just in case it didn't actually work. He'd be disappointed, and that was the last thing she wanted.

"I'd like that."

She nodded. Part of her wanted to remind him again that it might not work. But she reckoned he knew that, and probably didn't need her negativity.

"Close your eyes," she instructed, having to go through the motions herself in order to work out what to do and when. "Pull on the twists of magic in the air."

Her eyes flickered open. She hadn't drawn the magic into herself, so was still in complete control. Unlike Jack, who had a blissed-out expression on his face. It seemed the magic was actually entering his system. Which was pretty damn amazing. She hadn't expected that. Maybe, just maybe, he was a little more than human already.

"Draw the magic together, and when you have a ball the size of your fists, flatten it out into an oval. Like a mirror."

Again, to her surprise, a small oval shape appeared in front of Jack.

"Now feed more magic into it."

This could be the part where it all went wrong. If he couldn't draw enough power into the portal, then it wouldn't open. If that was the case, then she'd have to call one herself.

"Oh, wow," Jack said, opening his eyes for the first time. "I actually did it."

"You seem surprised."

"I've never done this magic before. Weren't you surprised the first time you did?" It was a fair question, just one she didn't have the answer for.

"I don't remember. I was a baby."

He laughed loudly, swirling his growing portal underneath his hands. "That must be fun for new parents."

"It is." She smiled fondly, thinking of all the fun she'd had when Mila had been a newborn. It'd been equal parts stressful, thrilling and pride inspiring.

"So, what do I do now?" he asked, his portal about the right size to step through.

"I guess we go and see where it leads." She stepped towards it and was halfway through when she realised he wasn't following. "You coming?"

Jack nodded and stepped through the portal after her.

4

The satisfying chill of the air hitting her skin was always welcome. The frosts had come like they were supposed to, and winter had pretty much arrived. The humans always talked about the weather turning suddenly, and it'd always amused Nieves. Maybe one day, far from now, they'd realise how right they actually were, and who was behind it. Though she hoped it wasn't soon. Not with all the witch hunting about. There'd be pitchforks and mobs storming the fae palaces before they had a chance to realise what was happening. Not something that sounded fun if anyone asked her.

Of course, they weren't asking her. She doubted that the other three fae Queens even gave it any thought. Particularly Augusta. She spent far too much energy planning how to take over the winter court, and not enough on her own job. Even now, with winter just taking hold, and summer's turn still half a year away, there were things she should be doing. Even if it was just making sure everything was in place for summer. And whatever the ceremony was for them taking hold of the weather.

The only ceremonies Nieves actually knew about was her own, and the Birth of Spring. But that was only because she took part in both. Kind of. She wasn't actually allowed at the Birth, but she had to feed her magic towards the Fae Princess of Spring. It helped her bring forth new life. As far as Nieves knew, none of the other changeovers worked like that. Certainly, the Fae Queen of Autumn didn't hand anything over to her. But that was fine, each to their own, and so long as the season changes happened, there shouldn't be a problem.

Damn Augusta and her meddling.

"What is this place?" Jack asked, echoing his earlier sentiments about the inter-realms. She could understand that. Despite being very firmly on earth, the forest they were in had its own kind of magic, especially with the fallen brown leaves littering the ground, and only the evergreen trees providing any true colour. It was even more beautiful when winter was in full swing, and snow carpeted the ground. Nieves had loved it here ever since she was a little girl and her mother had first brought her. Which was why it was where she'd hidden her daughter. Mila would be safe here, surrounded by the wolves she'd hand picked to protect her.

Long ago, the wolf shifters had always protected the fae royalty, but the tradition had trailed off over the last couple of centuries. Maybe this act would revive it. Their pack mentality didn't normally fit in with other kinds of shifter anyway.

"It's where my daughter lives."

"I got that much," Jack threw back at her instantly. "But it's not like anywhere I've seen before.”

"It won't be, it's enchanted to repel unwanted visitors."

"And just who counts as unwanted?" He sounded a little uneasy, and the fleeting thought of him being something more than he claimed, crossed Nieves' mind again. He was definitely hiding something. But she didn't want to pry too much. She was enjoying his company too much and wanted to continue to do so. Even if it was for a limited time only.

"Anyone who isn't invited."

"By her, or by you?"

"You ask a lot of questions," Nieves responded, feeling slightly uneasy. She hated putting such restrictions on her daughter, but she could hardly expect a child to know who to trust, could she?

"That means you then."

"For now. When Mila is older she can decide for herself."

"Hmmm."

"You don't agree with me?" Nieves asked sharply.

"Not as such. I have no children, so I can’t really weigh in. But I'd think any daughter of yours would be smart enough to know who to trust."

"Smooth," Nieves commented.

"Or just true. You're not exactly a stupid woman, Nieves."

Oh, she liked how he said her name. He lengthened the first part of it, like was supposed to be done, but not many people did, and missed the final letter from it too.

Like he was supposed to.

A peasant, Jack was not. Someone educated enough to know how to properly pronounce her name probably wasn't schooled by a priest between the harvests. He was far more likely to have a full, and expensive education. Maybe even tutors for specific subjects. Though that would be impossible to tell.

So, nobility at least. And given the way he was using magic, probably not just human nobility either.

Which would make it easier if she chose to take him back to her realm as her consort.

Wait, what? That couldn't be right. She'd promised never to take anyone into her heart ever again unless she met her true mate. Glancing at Jack from the corner of her eye, she tried to work out if that's what he was. Her instincts were screaming at her to trust him, even if a part of her was doubting everything.

Trust and attraction, the two cornerstones of the mating bond.

She pushed the thoughts to the side. She was here to see Mila; not ogle over a man she'd only just met. She'd be wiping his memories of her anyway, so it hardly mattered how much she liked him.

"Let's get going." She turned on her heels and stalked further into the magical forest.

"Did I say something wrong?" Jack sounded hurt, but he followed along regardless, keeping pace easily. Definitely more than a peasant. How hadn't she noticed immediately?

"No."

"Reassuring."

"You didn't. It's just something for me to think on," she replied, not actually used to explaining herself, but feeling like she should. It was certainly going to be interesting if she kept Jack around.

"You didn't think about whether your child could be trusted or not?" The curiosity seeped through his voice in a highly surprising way, but she didn't mind it. Maybe having this conversation would be better for Mila overall though, and for that reason alone, she'd have it.

"Of course she's to be trusted. But she's so young, and there aren't many limits to the levels Augusta will stoop to..."

"Who's Augusta?"

Damn, why had she said the other Queen's name? How was she going to manage to get out of this one without revealing that she wasn't just royalty, but fae royalty who controlled the weather. It wasn't just something you could drop on people whenever the mood struck. That was something that needed far more careful planning and consideration.

"Someone that doesn't like me."

"And wants to hurt your daughter?"

"I don't know," Nieves admitted. "I've never even met the woman, but she seems to hate me. And from the rumours, there isn't much she won't do to get her way." Nieves peered off into the distance, and in the vague direction of where her daughter was.

"You miss her?" Jack asked softly.

"Every day. I'd have her with me if I could. She needs to be with me, to learn what she needs to about what we do. But keeping her safe is by far the more important thing."

"You sound lonely when you say that."

Nieves ground to a halt.

"I am," she whispered. "But my daughter still needs to come first."

"Sometimes it's okay to put you first though." He sounded pitying, though when he moved around to look at her head on, she could see he was far from it. He genuinely seemed concerned for her well being. Wasn't this turning into an odd day.

"Maybe. But in this case, no."

"You're not going to budge on this, are you?"

"Not when it comes to Mila."

"She must be truly special." He came across as wistful, and she couldn't quite place why. Maybe it was something to do with him not having any children. That didn't mean he didn't want them. He might even be lonely too. Together, they could be less so. Nieves shook her head to get rid of that thought. Better to ignore it for now.

"She is," she acknowledged instead.

"I'm honoured you're letting me meet her," he replied.

"You should be."

5

"Mama!" her little girl called as she ran towards her. Nieves opened her arms wide, and the dark-haired child threw herself into them. They hugged each other tightly, leaving Jack to stand and watch.

She could feel him watching. More than that, she was enjoying him watching, it felt natural. Like it was home.

"Mila, there's someone I want you to meet," she said after a while. The little girl pulled back slightly, and Nieves already felt bereft of her closeness. "This is Jack."

"Hello," Mila chirped, and held her hand out to the man. Nieves smiled. The wolves had been teaching her well. She’d hoped they would.

Nieves nodded off in the direction of the cottage, where she knew the alpha was watching from. He'd done a good job so far, and she hoped he would for many more moons.

"Pleased to meet you," Jack responded, taking her tiny hand in his, and giving an exaggerated bow. Mila giggled.

"Mama, look." She held out her hand in front of Nieves face, and soon, small ice crystals were dancing upon it. Nieves smiled at her daughter. Being able to control her magic this early on was always a good sign. Her daughter was going to be a powerful Queen one day. Which might be necessary, if Augusta got her way.

It wasn't like Nieves to fear for her life. But the situation was only becoming worse by the day.

"Your Majesty?" a voice called out, and Nieves spun on her heels, unsurprised to find one of the wolves striding towards her. He wasn't very old, maybe sixteen or seventeen, but he was already taller than she was. And broader.

"Yes?" she replied, ignoring Jack's sharp intake of breath, and keeping tighter hold of Mila as a result.

"We've had a report."

"From?" Dread settled in her gut. For him to be interrupting, it can't have been good.

"One of your advisers." The young man looked nervous. But that wasn't really his fault. He was just the messenger after all. The wolves had probably sent him to tell her as some kind of initiation. That seemed completely in character.

"Alright. Let us get inside, and then you can fill me in."

She motioned for Jack to follow but strode towards the house with a purposeful gait. She couldn't afford to waste any time, not if someone, anyone, was in danger.

The door banged closed behind them, but the air inside wasn't much warmer. She saw Jack shiver slightly and nodded towards a pile of furs.

"Thank you," he muttered, pulling one around him.

"You're welcome. Sorry, we don't feel the cold." She was speaking for both herself and Mila, and the wolves. Winter fae were used to the cold, and the shifters ran hotter than most anyway.

Jack said nothing. Which was telling in itself. He should be brimming with more questions about what she was, and how she could do the things she could. If there wasn't something deep down that was telling her to trust him, then she'd have been concerned he was out to get her.

As it was, she felt safer around him than she had around anyone. Ever. Except for Mila of course.

"Report," she demanded of the alpha, who'd now appeared alongside his youngster.

"There's been an attack on your Court," he started. His voice didn't betray any nerves. Then again, it was his job not to. He couldn't go around scaring his underlings by allowing his true feelings to show.

"Is anyone injured?"

"Worse," the alpha replied. Nieves hugged her daughter closer to her, already surprised by how calm the little girl was acting.

"Go on," she urged.

"There's been two reported deaths, both halflings trying to stop the attack. And one reported missing. But there hasn't been time to do a complete assessment, they sent a message straight to you."

Nieves' blood ran cold. Or colder even. The attack was aimed at her. And yet, she hadn't been there to help protect her people. Maybe if she had been...

"You can't blame yourself, your majesty. They timed it perfectly so you wouldn't be in the palace. You'd have been performing your duties even if you hadn't..." he trailed off, not wanting to point out she'd abandoned part of her duty by coming to see her own flesh and blood. Most likely anyway. She couldn't blame the man if that's where his thoughts were. She was having them too.

"I should have left them with more protection."

"There was nothing you could have done. The magic attacking was too powerful."

"Who do they think it was?" she asked, already knowing the answer.

"The magic came from summer, mostly, but there was something else they didn't recognise mixed in with it."

"That's Augusta. Her parents were true mates. She has limited witch magic too." It made for a terrifying combination. Though Nieves hadn't realised the Summer Queen had been able to harness her other powers. In fact, it was slightly concerning that she had. It gave her an edge over the other three, that was for certain.

"I'll pack Mila's bags."

"Thank you," Nieves replied, glad he'd seen the same problem she had. None of them could stay here now. If Augusta had people watching, then the messenger would have been followed. Meaning her greatest enemy now knew the location of her greatest weakness.

"It is no problem, your majesty."

"I want you to come with us," she blurted out. "You've done such an amazing job of keeping Mila safe and secure. Please come with us. I'll rest much easier knowing she's in safe hands."

"As you wish. Your majesty."

The wolf whistled, and the echoing howls from his pack mates indicated they'd heard and were responding as he wished. Nieves nodded once, and then turned to Jack.

"Are you alright?" she asked, taking in his slightly confused expression.

"Just about. I think I followed most of that. But one question, what has this Augusta got against you?"

Now there was a story Nieves had truly hoped never to tell. Nor was it one she wanted her daughter to hear.

6

The journey back had been frantic. Nieves knew she had to get there, to help sort out whatever mess had been made by the summer fae, but she also had to balance that with having Jack, her daughter and a pack of wolves in tow. She was glad to have them all though. This way, she could ensure that Mila was safe, and having the wolves offered that extra level of protection.

Not that she was naive enough to believe there wasn't any chance of them turning. She was sure they could. After all, she'd made the agreement with them, that didn't make it watertight. Especially as she wasn't too sure what they got from it. Other than to be able to say they were ruled by fae law and not the shifter law.

Maybe that was the point, and they'd try and cash in some kind of favour further down the line. Or maybe they really did just want somewhere else to live. Or protection from the witch hunters. They weren't the kind to discriminate based on if someone actually was a witch or not. Any sign of magic, and that was enough for them. Or no magic at all. That worked as a reason for them too.

The paranormal community really should do something about that. But there wasn't really any kind of structure in place beyond some vague alpha control for the shifters, and a few monarchies about.

"Nieves," Jack said, bringing her to a halt, Mila still in her arms.

"Yes?"

"Where are we?"

"At the palace," she responded, only then glancing about at the world around her. She never really thought about her world, and her home before. But almost everything was white, with the palace even looking like it was made from spun ice.

It wasn't. That would be completely impractical, especially if summer decided to attack. All it would take it one blast of magic and it would all fall down.

"Your palace?"

"That's the one."

"Are people going to bow to you?"

"Yes. But Jack?"

"Hmm?"

"The questions need to stop. Men aren't seen as equals here." Even saying the words left a bad taste in her mouth. "I mean, just ask me in private."

"Have you thought about changing that?" he asked, amusement colouring his tone.

"Yes. I'm trying, it's just not changing very quickly."

"Why not?"

"Centuries of prejudice and the insistence on sticking to tradition."

"Sounds fun," he deadpanned.

"Well and truly. Don't be surprised if someone implies I kidnapped you," she added, feeling grateful that Mila was asleep and not hearing any of this. If she could keep her daughter away from it all, then she would. Maybe then she wouldn't grow up with the same attitude towards men of any species.

"Is that common?"

"It's the way most men get here."

"And yet you're bringing five in voluntarily."

Nieves laughed lightly. "I suppose that is true. But none of you will be warming my bed."

"That's disappointing," Jack replied instantly, sending a little jolt of excitement through her.

"Or at least, no one will be there by force," she corrected.

"Even more disappointing. I do like a woman in control."

"Isn't that particularly frowned upon in the human world?" she asked, sure she'd heard something about that. Women were seen as property over there. Sold to the highest bidder and never given any choice in the matter.

"Exactly. Hence why I like finding one who knows what she wants."

Nieves just about refrained from responding with that could be her. She wasn't shy when it came to sex, but she also didn't want to give him any ideas. She wasn't in any hurry to take any lovers, not after Mila's father had left her.

"Your majesty." The two warrior fae at the palace gates bowed to her as she approached.

"Ladies," she countered.

"They're wearing armour," Jack whispered once they were alone in the corridor.

"Of course, they're some of the guards. Why wouldn't they be?"

"They're women."

Nieves' laugh rang out far louder than she'd intended it to.

"I see you have a lot to learn about fae life," she told him.

"Care to enlighten me?"

"Over time. But the best way to learn is to discover yourself, don't you think?"

"No," he responded. "It'd be better if you just told me."

"You just want to ruin all my fun."

"Your majesty?" a servant interrupted, running towards them with a panicked look on her face. "I'm so sorry, your majesty, I hadn't realised the princess was coming, her room isn't-"

"There's no problem, Maude. Ready the chamber adjoining mine for the princess, and the suite next door for our friends." Nieves nodded towards the wolves, before pausing. Where should she actually put Jack? She didn't really want to give him free rein of the castle. Even if she did have a gut instinct to trust him.

"Yes, your majesty." Maude bowed slightly.

"And please set up a place for the gentleman to stay in my audience chamber," she said nodding towards Jack, and hoping against hope that she wouldn't regret it. Though she would admit to it being reassuring to know there'd be another person nearby to be able to watch over Mila while she slept.

"Are you sure you're alright with that?" Jack asked after Maude had disappeared back from where she'd come. No doubt she'd follow Nieves' instructions to the letter, and almost three times as fast as anyone who'd worked in the palace before.

"Yes. Have you got a weapon?"

"Just a small dagger," he responded.

"Perfect. Sleep with it under your pillow, and be ready with a moment's notice," she commanded, already slipping back into commanding Queen mode.

"You're expecting another attack?"

"Yes, and no. I wouldn't put it past Augusta to mount another one, especially if she doesn't know I'm back yet. Though I'm sure she has a spy here at the palace already running back to tell her."

"What did you do to make her hate you so much?"

"I wish I knew," Nieves replied. "Then maybe I could reach out to her and make peace."

"You'd actually do that?" He seemed surprised, though she shouldn't be. Most people seemed to believe there could be no peace between the two courts. They were wrong. There was no real need for them to be at war.

"Of course. It's bad for both of our people if there's a fight going on. Never mind for the weather in the human world if we don't manage to keep things as they are.”

"It's really that tenuous?"

"We're in complete control over the weather. It's kind of terrifying when you think about it."

"Just a little. What would happen if the world ended up sealed off?"

"I don't know. And to be honest, I don't think I want to." It really wasn't worth thinking about for Nieves, which was one of the reasons she was so nervous about Augusta's plans. If she actually destroyed the winter fae, then what would happen to the world at large?

7

Nieves pushed the meat around her plate, not wanting to take a bite. She was too on edge for the formality of a meal before the Court. But she knew she needed to do it. Somethings were just part of what she had to do as Queen, and this was one of them.

The main problem was that Mila was out of her sight. It'd been so long since she'd seen her daughter, that it squeezed her heart to be away from her. And that was without the threat of imminent danger. With that, she might as well give up on getting any actual food in her.

"You need to eat," Jack prompted from his seat slightly behind her.

While it might not seem that way, he was in a position of honour. Not many people were allowed to eat so close to her, and especially not men. Though one day, she did hope to change that. Especially when delegations from other clans, kingdoms and houses visited. Not all of them had gotten to the stage where a woman would be sent to represent them. Except for the dragons. They were happy to send a female, but the older generation seemed to be short of them. Something to do with the females being easier to catch during the dragon slayings the humans went about doing.

Or, more likely, they'd taken their chances in escaping the dragon wars and had run off to find themselves a nice friendly human man to look after them.

It sounded tempting to Nieves to do that too. But her duty kept her in her position. That, plus she didn't have anyone to pass on the throne or her powers to. She couldn't very well thrust them on her child. Especially with no help or guidance.

"I can't," she replied softly, hoping no one would catch on to the fact she was talking with Jack at the table. Yet another antiquated idea that the fae seemed to have retained over the years.

"Nieves, if you don't eat, then you won't be strong enough to save Mila if anything happens."

She could have heard a pin drop in the silence that followed his words. Some things, she just wasn't ready to hear, and that was one of them. Mostly because it did nothing to dispel the solid lump of worry in her gut.

Even so, she lifted her fork to her mouth, and ate the morsel she'd been pushing around her plate, swallowing it down far quicker than she should have. She almost choked but grabbed the goblet of wine from in front of her and gulped the sweet liquid.

Sensing Jack's worry, she twisted in her seat as she set the goblet back down and gave him a weak smile. He returned it, and she noticed him visibly relax. There was something odd about that. Why did he care about how comfortable she was? Or how healthy? Or anything about her, for that matter. It was none of his business. He barely knew her.

She called a stop to her thoughts. They weren't going to get her anywhere.

The moment she placed the next forkful into her mouth, a loud crash sounded from deeper within the palace.

In seconds, Nieves was on her feet, and running as fast as her ridiculous dress would allow. She needed to get to Mila. She needed to know her baby was safe.

8

Mila sat at the centre of the room balling her eyes out. But as upset as the little girl was, Nieves couldn't focus on that. All she could feel was the relief that her daughter was alright. So long as there wasn't a scratch on her, everything would be fine.

She rushed forward and scooped the crying child into her arms as she collapsed to the floor, her vast skirts pooling around them both. She rocked Mila back and forth, humming a soft tune that she knew would send the little girl to sleep. Or it had when she was still a baby, at least. Nieves just hoped that this time it wasn't any different.

"What happened?" Jack barked at the two fae guards who were standing shakily by the door, neither of them meeting his eyes.

Anger grew inside Nieves. There was no reason for them to be so weird. Not if nothing had happened to make them so. But the fact they were avoiding eye contact with a man, was concerning.

"Answer him," Nieves demanded from the floor, breaking off her song, but continuing to rock Mila back and forth. The cries had turned into soft whimpers now, and she knew the little girl would drift off to sleep soon. She was just pleased she hadn't lost her touch in the time since she'd let Mila go.

"We're not sure, your majesty," the first guard answered. "We were on the other side of the door."

"And no one was in here with Mila?" Nieves demanded, her nostrils flaring and her eyes boring into the two women.

"We thought she'd want privacy," the second one answered, her voice shaking, and an uncomfortable look crossing her face. They clearly didn't want to admit to whatever was going on.

"She's a child, she doesn't get privacy where her safety is concerned," Jack replied before Nieves could. While it was sweet he was being so protective, Nieves was a little frustrated by it. She'd told him how things worked here, and yet he seemed to be completely ignoring that in favour of whatever he was doing now.

"Jack," Nieves warned.

"Sorry," he muttered. She nodded, glad he realised where he'd gone wrong, that was a start. "If you have nothing left to tell us, you can go," Nieves dismissed the two guards, who left the room in a hurry, probably thinking themselves lucky she hadn't been in a worse mood.

Realistically, that wouldn't have made a difference. She wasn't the kind of Queen who wanted to punish people for honest mistakes. It would lead to too much dissent amongst her people. Instead, she hoped her way of not just going off the rails at people would lead to their loyalty. Though, on the flip side, it could just lead to her people thinking she was soft. Probably not the way she really wanted to go with that one.

"What do you think it was?" Jack asked, looking around the room and trying to assess if there was any damage.

"If I knew that, then I wouldn't be needing to ask the others," Nieves pointed out.

She sighed, and got to her feet, careful to keep Mila balanced carefully in her arms. She closed the small gap between where she was standing and the cot, before placing her little girl inside it. She'd grown so much since she'd last lived at the palace, and her feet were brushing against the end of the wooden frame.

It was probably time to swap Mila to a bed, but that was too much for Nieves. She was missing her daughter growing up, and there was nothing she could do about it. Not while risking far more than just a few missed memories. Though, from what she'd seen, the wolves were doing a pretty decent job of raising her in Nieves' place.

"What would you like me to look for?" Jack asked softly.

"Anything that looks out of place in a nursery," she answered, thinking that it was an obvious answer, to a pretty obvious question.

"I hate to break it to you, Nieves, but pretty much everything here is out of place in a nursery."

"It is not," she replied indignantly. "This has been the royal nursery for centuries. It was where I grew up, and my mother before me. And my grandmother. Right back to when the Court began."

"And when was that?" Jack asked, seemingly genuinely curious.

"I assume it was when winter began to happen on earth," she said with a shrug. She'd never really thought about it before.

"So, what you're saying, is that this room has barely changed in thousands of years."

"Well, I suppose not, no." She picked up a small stocking from the floor and placed it on top of one of the dressers. One of the chamber maids would get it in the morning. But for now, it could stay there.

"I think it's probably time for a change then," he said.

Nieves didn't reply. She wasn't sure how she possibly could. Tradition was important to the winter fae, and she wasn't sure she was ready to break that. At the same time, she could kind of see his point. Looking around the room, she saw it with new eyes. The carvings on the wall, and the stark furniture, weren't exactly engaging for a small child.

At least she'd made sure it was well stocked with toys. Mila had everything she could possibly imagine, from wooden horses to building blocks. Nieves understood that on earth, a lot of those toys were only given to boys, but she disagreed with the practice. It only furthered the male humans’ opinion that they were better than the women. And while the opposite was true for the fae, she was at least trying to change that. Whereas, as far as Nieves could tell, not one of the human kings seemed to care.

"Nieves...." Jack sounded unsure of himself, and she frowned. What could have him so unsure?

She walked over to where he was staring at the floor.

"I think I found it."

9

Nieves picked up the dagger, and turned it over in her hand, not quite knowing what to make of it. The handle was intricate. Solid bronze, and covered in carved leaves, with dull amber jewels set into it. It was rough against her hand, but she ignored that. All it meant was that the blade itself wasn't very practical. It certainly wasn't anything like her own practical knives. Nor the ones she ordered her guards to use.

There was nothing worse than trying to deflect an attack, and not being able to hold the knife well.

"That doesn't look like it came from summer," Jack said, studying it over her shoulder.

"No," she replied, already mulling over the implications.

"It almost looks like..."

"Autumn, yes, I know."

She turned the knife over in her hand, chewing on her lip as she did.

There were several possibilities as far as Nieves could tell. The first was that she was wrong about who was after her. But that seemed unlikely given the reports she'd had about the attack. Also, she was pretty sure the Autumn Court wasn't at all confrontational. Far from it. They were more the live and let live kind.

Hence why she'd put them off her suspects list instantly. Along with the Spring Court. All they really did was party.

The second, was that someone had stolen this knife, and the person after Nieves wasn't a member of any of the courts.

And the third, much more likely, suggestion, was that someone was trying to frame the Autumn Court. For what remained to be seen. Other than the sense of fear Nieves had lived with for years, and the one attack, there was no proof at all that Augusta was actually stirring up trouble.

Maybe one day, she'd have a way of knowing what was going on. But for a ruling monarch, she was fairly clueless. And she hated it.

"But what does it mean?" Jack asked.

"Many things," she replied, before whipping her head up to look at him. "How did you know this was an Autumn Court dagger?" she asked, realising how odd it was that he'd seen it for what it was.

"It just made sense," he replied, shrugging. "It's clearly not a winter motif. Nor is it what I'd use for a summer one. So..." he trailed off.

Nieves tried to ignore the sense of unease which had spiked inside her. She studied him closer but dismissed the doubts she was having. He'd done nothing but help her since she'd run into him. She was only being suspicious because she was so on edge. And that wasn't Jack's fault. Not by a long shot.

"It does, you're right," she conceded, turning her attention back to the knife. "But why is there an autumn fae here that hasn't introduced themselves?"

"Maybe they bartered it for something else?" he asked. "Or lost it in a bet."

"Are you telling me that a human man would make a bet with a female fae?" Nieves raised an eyebrow.

"Not likely. But could it be a female fae passing it down her son’s line?"

"Potentially," she admitted. But thought in her head about how unlikely that was.

No fae would ever pass on a knife like this one. It was likely a family heirloom, and one from a high up family. Nieves didn't know the exact way the other courts worked, but she would happily guess that they were pretty much in line with the way the Winter Court had been run by her mother and grandmother before her. And if that was the case, then there was no way a half-fae child was going to get an heirloom like that.

Not unless the rest of the family line had died out. And that seemed unlikely too. Most fae had children until they had a girl for an heir.

She turned the knife over again. Jack's eyes followed her movements, but she tried to ignore the feeling she got from him. There was something about it that was putting her on edge. Almost like the sensation of being followed.

Nieves squashed the thoughts down. Jack had done nothing but watch out for and support her. Even going as far as to help as she cared for Mila. She was only feeling this way because she was on edge anyway. That had to be the reason. There wasn't any other she could truly fathom.

"Is there any way to find out the owner of the knife?" Jack asked.

She shook her head. There were a few fae who might have that ability, but none that she wanted anywhere near this. In fact, she didn't want anyone near this if she could help it. There were already enough people who knew she and her daughter had been threatened. The last thing she needed was it getting around that she was losing control as a leader and couldn't protect her own people. That would be one way to find herself quickly deposed.

"I suspected as much. May I?" He held out his hand, as if expecting her to just go for it.

Reluctantly, she handed him the knife and he closed his hand around it.

Nieves watched intently as he closed his eyes, and let magic swell up around his fingers. She'd been right then, he wasn't a human. But that did raise the question of what, and who, Jack really was.

10

Purple smoke swirled around the knife he was holding, lifting it into the air slightly. Nieves watched in rapt attention.

"You're not human," she gasped.

"I never actually said I was," he replied, making the knife twist in the air.

"Then what-" She stopped speaking, remembering it was impolite to ask what species someone was. She couldn't forget her morals just because he'd taken her by surprise with even having magic at all.

"I'm a necromancer," he replied. "But not really one who practices. There's more to our powers than just raising the dead, but most people aren't very accepting of that."

He shrugged, as if the information was of very little consequence.

"And they'll tell you who the knife belongs to?" Nieves asked.

"Not quite," he replied.

A look of concentration crossed his face, and the smoke rose from the dagger, forming a person above it.

Nieves gasped, unsure what to make of the thing in front of her.

"How?"

"Magic," he said, winking at her.

She scowled, not used to people talking to her that way.

"I'm not sure," he corrected himself. "it's just a trick that one of the others taught me. I can use my own blood to cast this one, so it doesn't hurt anyone and stays consistent with the rules of my Order."

"Order?"

"Yes, some necromancers belong to orders. They pass on teaching from one generation to the next. It's perfectly normal."

"But your Order has rules?"

"Doesn't your court?" he asked, giving her a side smile.

"Of course," she responded. Unspoken ones too, if she admitted that the kidnapping men was a rule.

"Then why is it surprising that others have them?”

"I suppose it's not. But I've never really thought about what others do and don't do," she replied, thinking hard.

Maybe that wasn't quite true. She was aware of a lot of the customs of the other fae, it'd be difficult not to be, but she wasn't all that up on what was going on in the human realm. The shifters, necromancers and other beings took on their own rule and didn't really have much to do the fae.

Unless they got kidnapped that was. But it didn't happen very often. It was harder for the fae to wipe the minds of non-humans, and so it was preferable not to bring them back here. Sometimes it happened when a fae met their true mate though. It was always something to be cherished when that happened though. It was rare to say the least.

Though it did beg the question of how she hadn't noticed that Jack was more than human. He should at least show her some signs. Even now, with his magic right in front of her, she couldn't sense anything abnormal about him. Just the slightly off aura he'd had before.

"You must have led a very sheltered life, your majesty," he half-mocked.

"That's hardly my fault," she said, being a little more defensive than she'd really like. "We don't see much of the outside world growing up here. And if you're royalty, even seeing outside of the palace before you're fully grown is unusual."

"I'd say that Mila is the lucky one then," he retorted.

Nieves glanced over at her sleeping daughter. "In some ways," she replied. "In others, I'm not so sure."

She loved her daughter to the ends of the realms and would do anything to keep her safe. And while a part of Nieves did envy her being able to see the world at such a young age, or at least, part of it, the rest of her was bitter that her daughter spent so much time away from her.

"What does the magic do?" she asked eventually.

"Not as much as you hope," Jack replied. "It gives us a rough idea about the person in question. They're a woman, but I guessed you knew that already."

"Yes." For it to be an Autumn Fae, it would have to be a woman.

"Then it tells us nothing new. But if you keep the dagger with you then it will let you know when the owner is near."

"How?" she asked, awed by the extent of necromancer magic. There wasn't any equivalent she knew of for the fae to perform, which made it even more interesting that he could.

"I'm not actually sure, I've never done this spell for real before. There's still a chance that it won't work at all. But I do believe it will heat up, or vibrate, or something like that. It's hard to tell."

"We could test it?" she suggested.

"I'd rather not," Jack replied.

He pulled back the sleeve of his shirt, to reveal a weeping gash. Nieves gasped.

"What is that?"

"The source of my power," he said dramatically.

"Your own blood?"

"Yes, though I can use another person’s blood, I prefer not to. That's one way to end up in the bad necromancer books." He laughed bitterly.

"You have a way of controlling each other?"

"I guess so. It's a bit more complicated than that. Each of the Orders has their own set of rules. None of us even pretend to know what they all are, nor do we pretend that some of the more secretive sects are a lot deadlier than our own. There's even talk that one of them uses their members as assassins for hire." He shuddered.

"That sounds..."

"Painful? Humiliating? Really not good for their victims? Yes to all of those. I'm not sure how they can live with themselves."

"Maybe they don't have a choice," Nieves said. "Did you have a choice for which order you joined?"

Jack paused for a moment, studying her, and the wavering purple figure intently. "No, not at all. I was born into it. Though I do believe if you're unhappy when you come of age, you can ask to be transferred to a different one. I don't know how that works."

"Sounds a bit like the fae," she muttered.

"A little, yes. Though you have less say in which kind of fae you are, and I think there are certainly less choices anyway."

"There's no choice," she pointed out.

"Exactly. None at all. It's pretty much the same for everyone. You're born what you're born, and that's you stuck for life."

"That's..."

"Pretty normal?"

"I was going to say horrible," she corrected.

"Why? Would you change what you are, Fae Queen of Winter?"

For a moment, Nieves truly considered what he was asking. There were many things she could want to be, but none of them gave her as much scope to do the things she wanted to do. The things she should do. And ultimately, that was probably the more important thing.

"No. I'd rather be exactly who I am."

11

Nieves tossed around in bed, trying to find the sleep that eluded her. In a somewhat surprising turn, it wasn't Jack's revelation he was a necromancer that had her on edge, instead it was the use of the knife under her pillow. If the Autumn Fae had joined Augusta, then she was doomed. One Fae Court she could take on. Two was a major stretch, especially as she knew Spring would never get involved, they were too interested in parties for that.

A knock sounded at the door and she sighed in relief. Someone at the door meant she'd be able to ignore the worries plaguing her. Anything that took her mind off a potential war was a win in her book. She swung her legs around and rose to her feet, padding across the room and to the door.

Pulling it open, she wasn't in the least bit surprised to discover Jack standing on the other side. Without meaning to, her eyes lit up and her heart skipped a beat. He really was handsome, especially in the light of the candle he was holding.

"I thought I should come check if you were alright," he whispered.

"I am," she lied, moving to the side and waving her hand to give him permission to enter.

Jack smiled as he slipped past her and immediately went to sit on the bed, his eyes straying to the indent she'd just left. "Sorry, I'm intruding," he whispered. He set the candle on the table by the bed, illuminating the small space with its warm glow.

"No need to be sorry," she replied.

She raked her gaze down his body, trying to work out how she felt about him. There was a part of her that wanted to explore more of him, especially in the dark. He might not be willing though, and she wasn't going to force anyone, even if it was fae tradition.

Calling on all the courage she had, she made her way back to her own bed, sitting herself down beside him, purposefully close enough for their legs to brush against one another as she moved.

A small gasp escaped from Jack and he turned to her, an intense look in his eyes. Willing. He was willing.

Without waiting for him to act, Nieves reached out and cupped his cheek in her hand. His eyes closed and his breathing hitched as she brought her lips to his.

The kiss was gentle at first, almost so soft that she didn't want to accept it was fully real. Gradually, the two of them increased the pressure, kissing each other with a passion Nieves had never experienced before, not even with Mila's father. Deep down, she knew what it meant, but didn't want to think about it too deeply for the moment. Not when there were more important things for the two of them to be doing.

She leaned backwards, not breaking the kiss and bringing Jack with her. He went willingly, shuffling so his body was over hers. Caging hers. Warmth flooded through her at the thought of where this was going.

His lips left hers and trailed a path across her cheek and down her neck, the trail burning cold as it swept through her.

"Jack," she whispered.

"Nieves." He looked up at her, before slipping a hand under her nightgown and slipping it down her shoulder.

As deliciously excruciating as being undressed would be, Nieves didn't have the patience for it. Instead, she waved her hand around, calling on her magic and using it to strip them both of the clothing they wore.

Jack's responding chuckle vibrated against her skin, adding to the intensity of the moment. "I guess that means you're okay with this," he added.

"Yes," she gasped as his hand trailed up the soft skin of her leg.

"I'm glad." He captured her lips with his again and kissed her deeply.

She arched up into him, anxious to feel more of her skin against his. His warmth seeped into her, despite the coldness of the Winter Fae blood running through her veins.

Jack seemed to take that as an invitation and his fingers began to dance against her skin as he moved them inwards and between her parted legs. She didn't know how to ask him to go faster, so didn't say anything, hoping her gasps and whimpers would tell him all he needed to know.

His eyes met hers as he slipped a finger inside her, hooking it around so it hit the spot where she needed him. He continued his exploration of her body, his lips settling around her nipple and sucking it into his mouth. Pleasure crested through her at the dual sensations and she knew it wouldn't be long before she exploded completely.

"Please," she begged him, unsure if he'd actually get the messaged or not. She hoped so, she didn't want to wait any longer to feel him inside her.

"Are you sure?" he asked.

Nieves nodded, her hand sliding between them so she could begin her own exploration. His body was all hard and powerful muscle, though his skin was surprisingly soft. Reaching her destination, she took him in her hand and stroked gently. Jack groaned, his fingers leaving her as he had to use his hands to prop himself up on the bed.

She didn't wait any longer. She guided him to her entrance, feeling him against her was electrifying. She wanted this. So badly. Even if she'd loved him, she'd never felt this way with Mila's father. It was something only Jack had ever brought out in her. In the morning, she'd have to deal with the consequences. But for now, it was all about the moment.

He thrust into her, their bodies taking over completely, setting a rhythm only they knew. The pleasure built inside Nieves and she knew it was all going to be over far too soon. Jack's movements soon became erratic and she knew he was close to the edge too. Pushing her body against his, she urged him on until it was too much for either of them to take.

A long moan slipped from her lips as the pleasure became too much to bear and she found her release. Jack shuddered on top of her and groaned deeply, only increasing the satisfaction Nieves was feeling. It had been as good for him as it was for her.

He dropped a kiss on her forehead before collapsing onto the bed beside her. She intended to say something to him but couldn't seem to find the words.

For the first time that evening, Nieves eyes fluttered closed and she drifted off into a deep sleep.

12

The morning light was harsh as the winter sun beat down on her kingdom. At least she hadn't woken up alone. A smile stretched over her face at the thought.

"Mama! Look!" Mila called from where she was playing in the light sprinkling of snow that always seemed to coat the palace.

Nieves' smile turned bitter. By keeping her locked away, she was depriving Mila of the childhood she deserved. The childhood of snow and magic.

"Are you okay?" Jack asked from behind her. She jumped slightly, not having realised he was there.

"No," she replied honestly.

"Because of Mila?"

"She's in danger just because of who she is. But by keeping her safe, I'm depriving her of the things she should have as a child."

"The curse of being royal," he replied.

"Yes, sometimes it feels that way."

"What if you could take away the danger?" he asked suddenly.

"If I could have done that, I would already," she replied.

"Check the dagger, Nieves." The words were so quiet, she didn't think she could have possibly heard them correctly.

She reached into her pocket and removed the weapon, feeling it warm in her hand and begin to hum.

"What..." She couldn't even finish her question. There was no one around who it could possibly belong to. There wasn't even anyone around at all, besides the three of them and a couple of guards stationed far enough back for it not to matter.

"The dagger is mine," Jack admitted.

"You threatened my child?" Every frozen part of her shone through the cold words. No part of Nieves cared. The only reason she didn't freeze him on the spot was the bond she was sure formed last night.

"Of course not. I'd never threaten a child." Jack ran a hand over his face. "Can we walk?"

"No. I'm not leaving Mila alone," she responded, glancing back towards her child.

"Fine, can we sit?" He gestured towards the low wall which would still give them a good view of Mila as she played.

"Very well."

He rushed forward and brushed away the smattering of snow for her. She pushed aside the affection that brought out in her. This wasn't the time or place for it. Far from it, not when he'd betrayed her like this.

Using all of her royal training, she fluffed out her skirts and perched on the wall, her back stiff and unbending. If he thought this conversation was going to be easy, then he had another thing coming.

"Explain," she demanded.

"You remember I told you I was part of an Order?"

She nodded but said nothing.

"It turns out they were indebted to the Fae Queen of Summer."

"Never a good position to be in," she said icily.

"Indeed not. She demanded we stole the magic from the Winter Fae. I don't know what made me do it, but I volunteered to be the one to go. Something compelled me to want to be here." The words with you hung in the air, but she refused to acknowledge them.

"Go on."

"I was handed this dagger and instructed not to let anyone know it was mine. Someone else enchanted it for me though. I didn't know what would appear above it when I cast the spell."

"Oh, because that makes it so much better," she muttered, bitterness lacing her tone.

"No. It makes it more deceitful, and for that I'm sorry."

"But only because you're my mate," she bit out.

His face fell and Nieves' stomach twisted into knots as she wondered whether she'd been wrong about whatever was brewing between them.

"I can't say," he responded. "I've known since the moment I saw you that you were meant to be mine. But I can't see anyone who's met you wanting to harm you. I doubt any of my Order could have gone through with it."

She chewed on her lower lip, not knowing what to make of that.

"So, where does that leave us now?" She didn't want to ask, but knew she had to. Her own awkwardness, even her own heart, didn't matter when it came to the safety of her daughter.

"We fight," he suggested.

Nieves shook her head. That was the one thing she'd been avoiding and she had no plans to change that. "I'm not endangering my people for Augusta's vendetta," she replied stiffly.

"I don't know what to suggest then. I doubt you'd go for running away any more than you'd go for fighting."

"No," she acknowledged.

They lapsed into slightly awkward silence. Part of Nieves just wanted to reach out to him and take the comfort he was sure to give. But the woman in her was overruled by the Queen. There would be no running. No hiding. No fighting. Her people and her daughter came before her own status.

"How were you planning on taking my magic?" she asked, dreading to know what the answer might be.

"There's a trick only a few necromancers know about that can siphon off magic. I hadn't quite figured out how I was going to do it without being ostracised from my Order."

"Why?" She still dreaded the answer. With necromancers, things were never quite as simple as anyone wanted them to be.

"Because the participant either has to be willing, or dead."

She gulped loudly. "Right."

"My Order abhors death. If one of our number commits the act..."

"They'd have thrown you out just for clearing their debt?"

"Yes. And none of the others would have taken me in."

"That seems overly harsh."

"Can you honestly say the fae would be any different?" It didn't really seem like a question, more a statement of fact. One she couldn't deny either. In all likelihood, the fae would be the same.

"So, what are our options?"

"Nothing that gives us any chance of getting around this. If I fail, she'll just find another way."

Nieves laughed bitterly. "Augusta has been looking for more ways since we were girls. I still don't know exactly why she has such a problem with me."

"The whole opposites thing?" he mused.

"I doubt it. I've met plenty of decent Summer Fae."

Nieves picked at her skirts as she watched her daughter play. She was so at peace, in such contrast to how Nieves was feeling.

"How were you meant to deliver my magic?" she asked cautiously, an idea forming in her mind.

"I wasn't told. I think it was more about her seeing you without powers."

"That's good." Nieves rose to her feet and began to pace. "If you take my power, can you use it?" she asked.

Jack's mouth fell open. "I... I think so?"

"If you're my mate, then it seems likely," she mused.

"I guess so. What are you thinking?"

"We could try doing exactly what she wants," Nieves suggested. "You take my magic and leave me powerless. Only it won't change the balance between the seasons because you'll be able to call the frosts still."

"Do you think it'll work?" Jack asked, his worry turning to excitement in his eyes.

"Only because we're bonded already. Otherwise, no, I don't think it would."

"And the trick?"

"We can enchant a crystal to look like it's holding my magic," she said.

"That may just be genius."

"I'm glad you think so." A slight smile curled at her lips.

Nieves tried not to think about how quickly she'd come around from betrayal to trusting him. But he was her mate. Trusting him was instinctual. If she didn't, then there was no place for her in any of the realms.

"Meet me in the library later. We can do it there," she instructed him.

"You want to do it today?" His eyes widened and he jumped to his feet, looking very unsure.

"I'd rather just get this over with," she replied evenly. "Best make it midnight."

She didn't wait for him to reply, and instead swept away towards where her little girl was playing. If this went wrong, her daughter would be the Fae Queen of Winter the next day. Just in case, Nieves was determined to spend as much time with Mila as possible.

13

The door creaked and Nieves looked up, instantly relieved to find Jack walking into the room.

"It's very cosy in here."

"Yes," she acknowledged, looking around at the tall dark wood bookcases which lined the room. She'd always loved it in here, even when she'd just been a young Princess in her mother's court.

Jack studied her, as if wavering on how to properly greet her. She had to admit she didn't even know what she wanted him to do.

Appearing to have decided, Jack closed the gap between them and slipped an arm around her waist, pulling her towards him and planting a firm kiss on her lips. She responded instantly, the bond overriding just about everything else she could possibly think of. It no longer mattered that he'd been sent here to harm her. Not when she knew he'd never dare.

She pulled away from the kiss and twisted out of his arms. As much as she enjoyed his kisses and the comfort of his presence, she knew she wouldn't be able to focus until they'd done what they had to.

Two comfortable chairs sat either side of a low table, illuminated by the fire burning in the grate. She needed the warmth more than the light at this point in time but wasn't about to admit that.

Nieves walked over to the table, and the covered orb that lay beneath a black cloth. With shaking hands, she whipped off the velvet and a white light shone around the room.

"I already enchanted it," she said needlessly.

"It's beautiful," Jack whispered as he approached the table with an awed look on his face.

He reached out a hand and touched the surface. Snowflakes beneath the glass swarmed around his fingers, making stunning patterns within the glass.

"I think it should fool most people. Probably not a Winter Fae, but I doubt Augusta knows any well enough to have them check."

"I suspect you're right," he admitted.

"Good." She recovered the orb so the light faded. Just looking at it was painful, especially with what she was about to do. She didn't really want to be rid of her powers. She loved the magic she could perform. She loved bringing the snow. It was part of her, and now she was going to have to say goodbye.

"We don't have to do this," Jack said.

"We do," she countered.

"No. We'll find another way."

"There is no other way, Jack. You know that."

The look on his face said it all. He knew as well as she did that this was the best option for convincing everyone he'd done his job. It would save his Order, it would save the Winter and Summer Fae going to war, and most importantly for Nieves, it would stop the threats towards her daughter.

"I'm ready," she said, sitting down in the chair.

A concerned look crossed Jack's face, but he listened to her anyway and sat on the floor at her feet.

"There's another chair..."

"This feels more respectful," he answered.

"You know we'll have to keep our mating quiet after this?" Her voice shook as she asked. That was making her more nervous than anything.

"Yes. But you have an heir already, and you can come visit me in the same house where Mila was."

She nodded. "I'll miss you when you're not with me," she admitted.

"I'll miss you too, Nieves. But if this is what it takes to keep you alive, then I'm willing to do it."

"A necessary evil."

He gave her a grim smile. "I'm sorry for what I'm about to do. If I hurt you too much, you'll have to tell me."

"Okay." Her voice was barely a whisper, but it was enough for him to hear.

"I need you to make a cut with this." He passed her an athame blade.

With shaking hands, she took it from him and pressed it against the skin of her forearm. Jack gave an encouraging nod and she sliced down into her skin. Blood welled up and it took all Nieves could to ignore the sickness rising within her. She didn't like blood at the best of times, never mind when it was her own.

Jack began to hum a tune she didn't know and snow began to dance between them, a mini-storm called into being by something that wasn't her. The magic tugged on her entire being as it was pulled away. A tear slipped down her cheek as she accepted this really was the end for it. She'd miss being able to conjure things, but it was worth it.

The magic continued to flow towards Jack as the blood dropped down her arm and splattered on the floor, mingling with her tears. She didn't fight. Nor did she try and pull it back inside her. All Nieves could focus on was Jack's words about it being voluntary. If she let her magic slip away, then she'd be able to save them. That would be worth it in the end. It had to be.

Purple smoke lingered around them, leaving a sweet smell in its wake. Jack's song still continued softly. Nieves didn't think she could speak even if he were able to hold a conversation.

She raised her free hand and pressed it against her forehead as her head began to swim. Even so, she wasn't about to stop. She needed to see this through for everyone's sake.

Everything seemed to slow at once. Jack's hums began to fade away, the blood stopped flowing and the mist disappeared.

But so had her magic.

The only thing that didn't stop were the tears.

"I'm so sorry." Jack leaped to his feet and pulled her into his arms, cradling her to him.

It still wasn't enough to stop Nieves' tears. While she was happy they'd be able to avert disaster, she knew there was no going back. She was the first ever Fae Queen of Winter not to hold the frost magic. But she wouldn't be the last. She just hoped Jack would be able to call the frosts the following year and that this wasn't all for nothing.

"We'll make this work," he promised.

"I know," she said softly and through the tears.

The warmth of his arms eventually led to some comfort. She relaxed into his hold and fell into an uneasy sleep.

Epilogue

One year later...

Nieves stepped out the portal, once again grateful not all her magic had disappeared when Jack siphoned it from her. She'd been left with the basics, just not the magic that made her a Queen. Or even a Winter Fae. No one had even noticed yet, though she was sure they would in time. And if not for her, then for her daughter. One day, the secret would come out and she didn't know what the Queen at the time would do about it. The only chance they had of bringing the magic back was for her and Jack to have a daughter.

She touched her stomach, her thoughts straying to the child growing inside her. Maybe it would be a girl, maybe it wouldn't. She had to hope. But if not this child, then maybe one further down the line.

"You're here," Jack said, rushing towards her and pulling her into his arms.

She giggled slightly. "I said I would be."

"I know, but I always worry something would come up, and today...."

"Isn't a day I'd ever leave you alone." She kissed him on the cheek before unravelling their hold on one another and slipping her hand into his. "Let's get this done."

Leading him to the middle of the field where they'd met was easy, but she could feel the nerves coming off him in waves.

"You can do this," she whispered as she let go of his hands and took a step back. "Just feel for the frosts and call them to you..."

He held his hands out in front of him and closed his eyes, losing himself to the magic. A faint twang of jealous flooded through her, but she pushed it away. What they'd done had been for the good of everyone, and other than the lack of frost magic, she was perfectly fine for it. She still had her mate, she still had her daughter, and she still had her position.

Snow and ice began to swirl around Jack, bringing a smile to her face. If he could do that, then the frosts would come as they should. All the two of them would have to do then was make sure their heir carried on the tradition and it would be okay.

The magic faded, leaving Jack standing there with a look of awe on his face. "That was..."

"I know."

She stepped up to him and pressed a kiss to his lips. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly and not letting go.

"You're sure Augusta thinks you're powerless?" he asked once they'd broken apart.

"Yes, she visited me privately." She grimaced, remembering the encounter and how uncomfortable it had been for her.

"I suppose that's good."

"Until she wonders how the frosts came," Nieves countered.

"Let her wonder," Jack responded, caressing her cheek.

"Yes. She'll never know that I have Jack Frost."

"That's not my name," he murmured.

"It is now."

Nieves kissed him again, letting her worries fade away into nothing. Augusta thought she'd won. But really, it was more like no one had lost. The seasons stayed in balance and one day, the fae would be too. All that needed to happen was one of Nieves and Jack descendants to reclaim the Winter Throne. Nieves wished she could be around to see it, but knew it would be well past her time.

If you’re wondering about the descendent who reclaimed the Winter Throne, her story starts centuries later in Saving Eira: https://books2read.com/savingeira

Or for more information about future releases, join my mailing list or Facebook group.

Also by Laura Greenwood

Books in the Obscure World

Ashryn Barker Trilogy (urban fantasy, completed series)

Grimalkin Academy: Kittens Series (paranormal academy, completed series)

Grimalkin Academy: Catacombs Trilogy (paranormal academy, completed series)

City Of Blood Trilogy (urban fantasy)

Grimalkin Academy: Stakes Trilogy (paranormal academy)

The Harpy Bounty Hunter Trilogy (urban fantasy)

The Black Fan (vampire romance)

Sabre Woods Academy (paranormal academy)

Scythe Grove Academy (urban fantasy)

Carnival Of Knives (urban fantasy)

Books in the Forgotten Gods World

The Queen of Gods Trilogy (paranormal/mythology romance)

Forgotten Gods Series (paranormal/mythology romance)

The Grimm World

Grimm Academy Series (fairy tale academy)

Fate Of The Crown Duology (Arthurian Academy)

Once Upon An Academy Series (Fairy Tale Academy)

Books in the Paranormal Council Universe

The Paranormal Council Series (shifter romance, completed series)

The Fae Queen Of Winter Trilogy (paranormal/fantasy)

Thornheart Coven Series (witch romance)

Return Of The Fae Series (paranormal post-apocalyptic, completed series)

Paranormal Criminal Investigations Series (urban fantasy mystery)

MatchMater Paranormal Dating App Series (paranormal romance, completed series)

The Necromancer Council Trilogy (urban fantasy)

Standalone Stories From the Paranormal Council Universe

Other Series

The Apprentice Of Anubis (urban fantasy in an alternate world)

Untold Tales Series (fantasy fairy tales, completed series)

The Dragon Duels Trilogy (urban fantasy dystopia)

ME Contemporary Standalones (contemporary romance)

Standalones

Seven Wardens, co-written with Skye MacKinnon (paranormal/fantasy romance, completed series)

Tales Of Clan Robbins, co-written with L.A. Boruff (urban fantasy Western)

The Firehouse Feline, co-written with Lacey Carter Andersen & L.A. Boruff (paranormal/urban fantasy romance)

Kingdom Of Fairytales Snow White, co-written with J.A. Armitage (fantasy fairy tale)

Twin Souls Universe

Twin Souls Trilogy, co-written with Arizona Tape (paranormal romance, completed series)

Dragon Soul Series, co-written with Arizona Tape (paranormal romance, completed series)

The Renegade Dragons Trilogy, co-written with Arizona Tape (paranormal romance, completed series)

The Vampire Detective Trilogy, co-written with Arizona Tape (urban fantasy mystery, completed series)

Amethyst’s Wand Shop Mysteries Series, co-written with Arizona Tape (urban fantasy)

Mountain Shifters Universe

Valentine Pride Trilogy, co-written with L.A. Boruff (paranormal shifter romance, completed series)

Magic and Metaphysics Academy Trilogy, co-written with L.A. Boruff (paranormal academy, completed series)

Mountain Shifters Standalones, co-written with L.A. Boruff (paranormal romance)

Audiobooks: www.authorlauragreenwood.co.uk/p/audio.html

About the Author

Laura is a USA Today Bestselling Author of paranormal and fantasy romance. When she's not writing, she can be found drinking ridiculous amounts of tea, trying to resist French Macaroons, and watching the Pitch Perfect trilogy for the hundredth time (at least!)

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