The footsteps drew closer, and I smiled when I heard Marin’s voice.

  “Ella?” she called out. “Are you dressed? You’re not in bed with Iston, are you?” She tapped on my bedroom door and opened it just a tad, peeking through the crack. When she saw me staring at her, she pushed the door open and laughed. “I guess you aren’t.”

  “And if I was,” I retorted with my hands on my hips, “don’t you think it’d be kind of rude to walk in on us?”

  Marin smirked. “Probably. Although, it’s a shame you don’t indulge in the sexy Winter fae men you have here. They’re so much hotter than the guys in Spring.”

  Giggling, I held out my arms and closed the distance. “There is nothing wrong with Spring,” I said, hugging her tight. “Your men are quite damn sexy with their shimmery golden skin.”

  Marin gushed. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.”

  Marin was my best friend, but she lived in the Spring Court. Her parents used to be part of the Winter Court but switched allegiances when my uncle Kalen and aunt Meliantha formed the Spring Court. We spent so much time together when we were younger, but our duties to our courts kept us apart much longer than I liked.

  “I’m glad you’re here early,” I said, breathing in her spring and flower scent. “I’ve missed you.” I hadn’t seen her in over a month.

  Marin let me go and rested a hand on the hilt of her sword. She was dressed in her warrior gear which consisted of warm green leathers, whereas mine was all black. Her hair was a deep brown, and her eyes were as blue as ice; we looked like complete opposites.

  “I would’ve been here about an hour ago,” she said, “but your brother stopped me when I arrived. He wanted to catch up.” There was a twinkle in her eyes.

  “Ah, I see. So that’s why you’re on this tangent about hot Winter men. You have a thing for my brother, don’t you?”

  Beck was the leader of the Winter guard and just as fierce of a warrior as our father.

  Marin waved me off. “Beck is very handsome, but I’m not into him like that. However, there is one of your warriors that caught my eye. Think you can introduce us at the ball tomorrow night?”

  I nodded toward the door. “I’ll be happy to. Now come on, you can point him out to me.”

  We left my house and walked across the palace grounds to the training field. My mother was already out there, surrounded by male and female warriors while sparring with my father. Out of all my years of training, I’d only bested my mother once.

  “Which one is he?” I asked, raking my gaze over the guys. Marin pointed at a warrior who happened to look our way. He was tall with dark hair, muscular arms, and eyes just as bright blue as hers. I knew him well. “That’s Owen,” I said to her.

  She jerked her head my way. “He’s not one of your past lovers, is he? You had a couple of them before Iston. I can’t remember their names.”

  Laughing, I bumped her with my shoulder. “Owen wasn’t one of them, I promise. I’ll introduce you to him tomorrow.”

  Marin smiled at me. “Thanks, Ella.”

  We both sighed and watched as all the warriors picked partners to fight with.

  “What do you say? You ready to show me what you got?” I asked.

  Marin snorted as we made our way to the field. “Your aunt Meliantha has been teaching me new tricks, Princess. You might want to watch out.”

  We joined everyone and I pulled out my sword. “I’m not worried, my dear friend. Now show me what you got.”

  Marin grinned and the fight was on.

  We trained for most of the day, and then Marin joined me at my house so we could get ready for dinner. With the Winter Solstice Ball tomorrow night, we were expecting thousands of guests from all the courts, including Iston and the remaining royals from the elvish kingdom. However, I spent tonight with my entire family, including my grandparents on my mother’s side, King Oberon and Queen Tatiana from the Summer Court. My grandmother never ventured much into the Winter Court, but I was happy to spend time with her. She’d never gotten over all of her daughters separating from Summer. Calista went to the Fall Court, Meliantha to Spring, and my mother to Winter. My uncle Drake was the only one who stayed with the Summer Court after he married my father’s sister, Sorcha. That was when they formed the Court of Oceans, an extension of the Summer kingdom. Still, my grandmother missed us all and had no qualms in guilt-tripping us every time she was around.

  “How did it go with your grandmother trying to coax you into switching to Summer?” my mother asked.

  It was as if she’d read my mind. Grabbing my glass of faerie wine, I took a good, long sip. “I told her I was Winter, through and through.”

  My mother sat down on the couch across from me and laughed. “You sound like me.”

  I stared over at her, loving how we were so much alike except for our eyes. Hers were so blue they could be seen from miles away, but I had my father’s brown eyes.

  “Where’s dad at?” I asked.

  My mother looked away as if concentrating on something in her mind. I knew she must have listened to my dad’s thoughts. My parents were bonded in more than just marriage; my father was her Guardian. When she turned twenty-one, he had fought to win the right. It was unheard of for a Winter warrior to want to guard a Summer princess, but he did it to get close to her. After he won, they were bonded by blood, hence, opening the mind link. They could hear each other’s thoughts and communicate with one another. It was a love story from the very beginning. I used to make my dad tell it to me every night before bed when I was little.

  My mom focused back on me and smiled. “He’s in the Great Room with the guys.”

  “Does it not get intrusive to hear each other’s thoughts?” I asked.

  She shook her head. “Not in the least. At first, I used to block him out all the time, but now it’s such a comfort to feel him in my mind.” Lifting her glass, she drank some of her wine. “Do you still believe that not having a Guardian for yourself was the right choice?”

  I didn’t hesitate. “I do. You raised me to be independent and strong. Guardians are sworn to protect with their lives. I don’t want anyone protecting me. I can do that on my own.”

  My mother smiled at me over the rim of her glass, her eyes misting. “You’ve grown up way too fast, Ella. There are days when I wish I could turn back time.”

  “I’m not going anywhere. I’m staying in Winter for the rest of my life.”

  “Good,” she said, grinning wide. She finished her wine and set her glass down. “How is everything with the Hereafter?”

  I shrugged. “It’s good. Although a little heartbreaking at times when I’m called away to help others cross over. Of course, I always have Merrick to cheer me up.”

  My mother chuckled. “Oh, Merrick. I had the biggest crush on him when I was young.”

  I could see that. Merrick was both good-looking and charming. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have a crush on him when I was younger, too.

  “Haven’t we all,” I confessed.

  Her eyes widened. “You two aren’t . . .?”

  “No,” I shrieked, holding up my hands, “I promise. I love Merrick, but our relationship has never been like that. He sees me as a sister.”

  Clasping a hand over her chest, she breathed a sigh of relief. “Good. Don’t get me wrong, I love him too, but he’s not here. You need someone you can have a real relationship with.” Then, she cleared her throat. “And speaking of relationships, Iston will be here tomorrow night. You two haven’t seen each other for a couple of weeks.”

  “That’s because I haven’t had the time,” I informed her. “I’m being pulled in too many different directions.”

  She nodded. “I understand.” Her eyes twinkled mischievously. “You two have been hot and heavy for a while now. Do you think there could be a future?”

  My stomach fluttered with nerves. I still didn’t know if I was ready to take that step. You’d think after thirty years, I’d know what I wanted. I had to choose someone who’d be perfect for the Frost Court but also someone who could light the fire within me. Mine and Iston’s relationship was more of a physical bond, uncomplicated regarding emotions. That was what made it simple and enjoyable. We could go two weeks without seeing each other and then have the best sex imaginable to make up for the time lost.

  Do I love him enough to be bound to him for the rest of my life? Now that was something I had to figure out. I loved being with him, but I didn’t know if I was ready to give him, or anyone for that matter, my heart.

  My mother lifted her brows, waiting on my answer.

  With a heavy sigh, I finished off my wine. “I don’t know yet,” I answered truthfully. “I’m sure we’ll talk about it at some point.” Much later down the road, I hoped.

  She smirked. “I understand. But just to give you a heads up, I think Iston’s way past ready to have you for himself. He visited last week and asked for your father’s blessing.”

  Groaning, I leaned my head against the cool leather seat. That was not what I wanted to hear. “Great,” I grumbled. “There’s nothing better than pressure.”

  “Iston loves you, Ella. We all can see it. But if you aren’t in love with him, don’t go through with it. Everyone will understand.”

  Will they? Maybe it was stupid to let my desires cloud my judgment, but Iston and I had agreed to keep things uncomplicated. That was what made our time together exciting.

  Closing my eyes, I envisioned Iston in my mind and how his sea-green eyes would heat up when he looked at me. I cared for him and longed for his touch, but something was missing. I just wish I knew what it was.

  Chapter 4

  Ella

  When I got home and lay in bed, I closed my eyes for only a split second when I felt the pull to the mortal realm. There was a fae who was about to cross over. Over 90 percent of the people I had to help were all from there. Most of us in the Land of the Fae lived to be several centuries old, unless there was a war. Sadly, many had lost their lives during the battles with the dark sorcerer.

  Sliding out of bed, I hurried into my closet and picked out the first thing I could find. It was a light blue dress that flowed down to the floor in a sea of silk. The pull grew stronger, like a chord was wrapped around my waist, tugging me.

  Quickly, I slipped on the dress and hooked my black leather belt around my waist so I could carry my dagger; I always kept it close. As soon as I was ready, I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, summoning my magic to open a portal. Almost instantly, I could feel the wall between the Land of the Fae and the mortal realm grow thinner.

  Under normal circumstances, if I wanted to go anywhere in the mortal realm, I had to picture it in my head, and then I could step through to that exact spot. However, in this case, I had to open a portal to the dying fae. The tugging on my soul was my guide.

  The second I latched onto that feeling, I stepped through the portal and into a small cabin. The only light in the room was from the two candles perched on the fireplace mantle. I looked around and saw her lying on the bed with her chocolate-colored hair fanned across the pillow; she was a Winter fae.

  A breeze blew in through the open window in the living room, bringing in the fresh scent of pine and earth. There were no sounds other than the rustling of leaves outside and the woman’s struggle to take a deep breath. I hurried over to her and knelt by her side. She opened her hazel eyes, and they widened when she saw me.

  “You’re here,” she whispered.

  I took her hand and smiled. “I am.”

  Her skin was colder than ice. “Are you a Keeper?”

  “Yes,” I answered. “I’m here to take you to the Hereafter.” Her lungs sounded even more constricted when she tried to breathe; it wouldn’t be long now. “What’s your name?” I asked.

  She coughed. “Linette. I’m from the Winter Court.”

  “Yes, I see that. So am I. What happened?”

  Her hazel eyes homed in on mine and she smiled weakly. The fae can live for several centuries in our realm, but there were too many toxins in the mortal world. Iron is the main one. As a result, life expectancy was only marginally longer than humans.

  Linette let out a shallow breath. “I fell in love with a mortal. I didn’t want to leave him, so I stayed.” Tears fell down her cheeks. “He died two months ago. My heart has never been the same.”

  I’d seen it more times than I could count. So many of us died of a broken heart. Our people were known to love fiercely. However, in Linette’s case, it was a mixture of that and iron poisoning from everyday life in the mortal world. I could sense it in her body, eating away at her. Staying was a death sentence, but she chose love. I’d never been in love with someone to choose between life and death – not even with Iston.

  “I’m sorry, Linette,” I murmured.

  Another breeze rushed through the cabin, and I felt another presence. It was him, the Shadow fae from my visions. I knew the time was coming, but I didn’t expect it to be now.

  I could feel his desires, his need to shed blood; it permeated the room, intoxicating me. But underneath all of that was sadness. It was faint, but I could feel it.

  Closing my eyes, I conjured up one of the visions in my mind. I didn’t realize it before, but it was this exact moment I had dreamed about two weeks ago.

  Instead of being in my body, I was the spectator. From the darkened corner, the Shadow fae watched me with his stormy gray eyes, but that was all I could see of him; he blended in with the night. Either he didn’t know who I was with my back turned, or he wasn’t ready. He made no move to attack. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the time or place for a fight. I had a duty as a Keeper. But if it came down to a battle, I wouldn’t lose.

  Linette’s life force within her started to slip away faster.

  “What’s your name?” she asked.

  Taking a deep breath, I let it out slowly. I placed my other hand on top of our clasped ones. If the Shadow fae didn’t know who I was, he was about to find out. “My name is Ella,” I replied. “I’m the daughter of King Brayden and Queen Ariella of the Ice Court.”

  Linette gasped and more tears fell down her face as she squeezed my hand. “I am beyond honored, Your Highness. Thank you for being here with me.”

  Her heartbeat slowed.

  “You’re welcome, Linette. And I’m honored to take you to the Hereafter. Are you ready to go?”

  She closed her eyes and nodded. “Yes.”

  The magic inside of me exploded all around us, filling the room with pure light. We couldn’t go until her heart stopped for the final beat.

  A few seconds passed, and as soon as the last thrum echoed in my ears, I let the magic take us. However, before we disappeared from the mortal realm, I glanced back at the dark corner of the cabin.

  The Shadow fae was gone.

  Chapter 5

  Kai

  “Son of a fucking bitch,” I growled, running a hand through my hair.

  I was too late; my mother was gone. I didn’t get to say goodbye, even though I hadn’t seen her in years. She hated me for what I’d become. Maybe it was a good thing she didn’t see me. I wasn’t expecting to see her, the one and only Ice Court princess, by her side. I hadn’t seen Ella since that night in her bedroom.

  I still felt the burning need inside me; it was much worse than that first night. It overpowered everything else, including the pain of the loss of my mother. Nevertheless, I welcomed the distraction and held onto it with all my strength. Love made people weak. I’ve never given in to it, and I wasn’t about to start.

  Images of Ella in her bed flashed through my mind. My hands wanted to touch her, to relish the feel of her skin all around me ....

  “Fuck,” I hissed, squeezing my eyes shut, willing the thoughts of the princess out of my head. All I could see was her, her body naked beneath mine. My father’s curse had now become mine. His obsession had awoken the beast inside of me.

  Storming through the front door, I marched past my brother and went straight to the whiskey bottle sitting on the kitchen counter. Ridge got off the couch and followed close on my heels.

  “What the hell happened to you?”

  Grabbing the whiskey bottle, I poured a heaping glass of the amber liquid and downed it in one gulp. The burn was a welcome feeling. Ridge scoffed impatiently, which only pissed me off more. He was my half brother, but I was older and stronger. That was why I was the leader of the Shadow fae now. Our eldest brother, Dorian, had the title before he found himself on the other end of a Winter Court sword. Unfortunately, he was impulsive, and it cost him his life.

  Ridge slammed his hands down on the counter, impatience written all over his face. “Are you going to answer me or not?”

  I poured another shot of whiskey and tossed it back, anger building in my gut. “I’ll tell you when I’m goddamned ready.”

  Piper strolled in through the front door and froze when she saw me. There was no mistaking us as siblings; we all resembled our father with our dark hair, but I was the only one who had his gray eyes. But Piper wasn’t like Ridge or me; she had a heart. She was kind.

  “You had us worried, brother,” she said, nervously glancing back and forth between Ridge and me. “Are you okay? You just disappeared on us.”

  Huffing, I slammed my glass down. “My mother’s dead.”

  Piper gasped and flung her arms around my neck, but I didn’t return the gesture. “Kai, I’m so sorry.”

  “It’s fine,” I snapped, moving away from her. “That’s not all, though.” I looked at them to make sure I had their attention. “Ella was with my mother. In this realm.”

  Piper’s mouth gaped and Ridge’s eyes gleamed. “Please tell me you killed her this time,” he exclaimed.

  I glared at him, not surprised by what he said. “And that’s why you’re going to end up dead. You’re just as impulsive as Dorian. I just told you she was with my mother, jackass. You’re not asking the right questions.”

  Ridge snarled at me, and I had to back away before I became the impulsive one. I was already on edge, and there have been more times than I could count when I wanted to snap his neck and be done with him. I didn’t give a shit that he was my half brother.