The elvish kingdoms were green, warm, and colorful with nature. It was the complete opposite from the stark snow-filled landscape surrounding the Winter Court.
Iston kissed me and smiled. “I can for you. All I ask is that you think about things and let me know when you’re ready.”
“What if it takes time?” I asked. “I know I’m not ready right now.” I could see the turmoil swirling in his eyes.
There was a hint of a sad smile on his face and trepidation in his voice when he spoke. “Then it takes time, Ella. I’m in no hurry.”
Music began to echo from the palace ballroom. Iston linked his hand with mine and led me up the stairs to the veranda and through the ice-covered doors to the ballroom. I didn’t want to hurt him, but at least I was honest. Hopefully, the answers will come to me soon.
With a glass of faerie wine in hand, I sipped the blue, sparkly liquid as I made my way around the ballroom holding onto Iston’s arm. Merrick was by my side only no one could see him. Everyone smiled and bowed at Iston and me as we walked past. I even heard some whispers about how they expected marriage to come soon. All it did was add more pressure to the situation.
After peering around the room, my focus landed on Aelfric, Iston’s father and king of the elvish kingdom, standing with Durin, the leader of the dwarves. Aelfric wanted me to get Iston’s attention, so I nudged him. “Iston, I think your father needs you.”
He glanced over at him and sighed. “I believe you’re right. It’s probably business as usual.”
“Tell him I’ll keep you company,” Merrick said. “I’m more entertaining anyway.”
A snicker escaped my lips. “Keep telling yourself that,” I said in a low voice.
Iston stood in front of me, his gaze narrowed curiously. “What did Merrick say?” Ever since we were younger, Iston had grown accustomed to having Merrick around. Merrick had watched us both grow up.
Grinning wide, I shook my head. “Nonsense like always. He said he’ll keep me company and that he’s more entertaining than you.”
Merrick winked and Iston snorted. “Keep it up, warrior,” Iston joked, looking right at the spot where Merrick stood. “And enjoy Ella’s time right now because once this ball is over, I don’t want you hanging around the cottage, if you know what I mean.”
Merrick hung his head. “Trust me. I don’t want to see that.”
I patted Iston’s arm. “You have nothing to worry about. Now go.”
Iston strolled through the crowd and joined his father and Durin. “It’s a good thing I’m dead and can’t feel the cold,” Merrick teased. “I’m surprised Iston isn’t worried about his balls freezing off. His people aren’t used to the frigid temps twenty-four seven.”
“He says he can handle it,” I said, looking over at him. “Guess we’ll see. I’m sure if we bonded, the Land of the Fae would change him like it does with all the other fae in the realm.”
Merrick nodded. “True. It’ll be interesting for sure.”
That is, if I went through with the marriage. Merrick’s gaze averted to something across the room and his eyes lit up. I didn’t have to turn to see who it was. The only person he ever looked at like that was my aunt Calista. He focused back on me, and I smiled at him.
“Go. I know you want to be by her side.”
Merrick winked. “I’ll see you in a little bit.”
Once he was gone, I continued walking through the ballroom, saying my hellos to everyone in passing. The icy walls shimmered like crystals in the light while the snow drifted down from the ceiling. It never accumulated on the floor, which I knew made our Summer fae friends happy.
For centuries, the Winter Court has always held a Winter Solstice Ball. There was a time, many years ago, when only the Winter fae were allowed to attend, but things are different now. The ballroom was filled with elves, dwarves and fae from all the courts. This year, the grand festivities were held in the Ice Court at my parents’ castle. One day I’d be able to host it in my own kingdom.
“Well, if it isn’t my favorite cousin,” a voice called out from behind. Smiling, I turned to see Lia headed toward me with her two protectors always by her side.
“Don’t let Carys or Shailyn hear you say that,” I chided playfully.
Lia held out her arms, and I hugged her tight, breathing in her flowery spring scent. Her long, wavy red hair hung past her shoulders, and she looked exquisite in her silky emerald gown. However, the most striking feature of my Spring Court cousin was her amethyst-colored eyes. Her mother and twin brother were the only other two in the realm with the same color.
After letting her go, I smiled at Bayleon and Bastian. They were her sworn protectors, twin brothers, and two of the sexiest men in all the Land of the Fae. They were part of the Tyvar, fae men who were cursed with the powers of seduction. If a woman looked into their eyes, they’d fall victim to their charms. They wouldn’t eat, drink, or sleep. All they’d crave was the Tyvar’s touch. Eventually, it’d kill them. Because of this the brothers had to wear a special type of masquerade mask over their eyes so no woman could look into them. However, the masks only made the men even more alluring. Luckily, Lia and all my female cousins were immune to their powers, and I was happy about that because they had the most beautiful midnight-blue eyes I’d ever seen on any fae man.
Bayleon and Bastian hung back while Lia stayed at my side, lightly tapping her glass of faerie wine to mine. “So . . . were you talking to yourself a few minutes ago, or was Merrick with you?”
I giggled. “Merrick’s here. You know he never misses a chance to come to these balls.”
Lia smiled, but it was sad. “Is it hard on him seeing Calista with Ryder?”
My uncle Ryder was King of the Fall Court. But there was a time when he was a Winter prince, vying for my aunt Calista’s heart, along with Merrick. Even though Calista cherished Merrick, her heart belonged with Ryder.
I found Merrick across the ballroom, standing next to Calista. My parents and my aunts and uncles were all around, laughing at whatever was being said. None of them could see him, but they always knew he was there. There’s always a vacant spot beside Calista at every gathering so Merrick could stand with them.
“No,” I said in all honesty. “He’s happy.”
Lia nodded and her smile brightened. “Good. I’m glad to hear that.” Her eyes caught something across the room, and she snickered. “And speaking of happy. It looks like Marin’s having a good time.” I followed her line of sight to my best friend, who was in Owen’s arms, dancing around with him in her lovely silver gown. It was a beautiful contrast to her golden, shimmery skin.
“Yes, she is.” I was ecstatic at how well they hit it off together.
But then, someone else caught my attention. I glanced over at our cousin Shailyn who looked stunning in her flowing blue gown with her long, dark hair pulled back into a braid entwined with summer flowers. She was only twenty-three years old, the youngest of my cousins. Four men were vying for her attention, and it looked like she was thoroughly enjoying it by the delighted grin on her face.
“It looks like Shailyn’s enjoying the night, too,” I added, nodding in her direction.