Kiss of Snow

17

Sun and Moon. I looked up at the sky, hoping for the strength to get me through this. My life revolved around protecting Lily, even while she was meeting men who were all equally destined to be her husband. That hurt, but I loved her enough to put myself through it. I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else but by her side.

Other than general disrepair, the grounds and wall looked untouched. I peered over the wall, and there was good visibility in all directions. Maybe the state of the walls wasn’t such an issue if we could see so much of the land beyond. Then I looked back toward the castle and spotted possibly the only tree thriving in the entire grounds, an apple tree, its branches heavy with shiny, red fruit.

I relaxed a little, my breathing suddenly calm, my thoughts easier. I walked back to the front doors of the palace, listening closely to the crunch of gravel under my feet and the switch of long undergrowth. The noise on these grounds alone would alert us to anyone sneaking about. I reached for the hilt of my sword as I turned about to check on Lily out of habit.

But she wasn’t there, and her absence hit me like a physical blow. I hurried up the steps and toward the wooden door someone had recently polished. Even the brass fittings gleamed. The housekeeper was obviously doing her best to welcome so many royal and noble guests properly, but it was a lot of work for a small staff.

Inside, everything smelled musty, like it hadn’t been aired for a long time, but that made sense, given no one lived here. Whole rooms were probably closed up for months. I peered into open doorways—each room was a time capsule from years ago, even more so than Winton where the furnishings were still traditional. The lack of care here added an element of age that was more than simply antique. Scratches and dents showed under the dust, and soft furnishings had tears and frays. Oddly, there were mirrors hanging in every room with the same silver filigree, and though they looked old, they were cleaner than anything else. I supposed nobles felt the need to look at themselves as often as possible to be sure their hair and clothes were proper, I thought with a snort.

I took the steps two at a time, my footfalls thudding and sending dust in soft puffs into the air. I paused at the top of the stairs, listening. I didn’t know where Lily’s bedroom was. As I waited, Iris’s giggle floated along the west corridor, and I followed the sound. Lily wouldn’t leave her sister alone so quickly after arriving.

I glanced into the open doorway, and Iris looked up at my movement at her door. “Oh, Keane,” she said. “Lily is in the next room along. Do you know Grimelda?” She indicated an older lady helping a maid to unpack her trunk.

“I don’t believe I have. Pleased to meet you.”

She turned to me and smiled. “And you, Captain Keane.”

I nodded in acknowledgement and continued to Lily’s room. So much of this castle was familiar. The white stone was the same as Winton, the style and positions of the portraits was eerily similar. The mirrors everywhere were a bit unnerving, but I was used to the eccentricities of royals.

I breathed a long exhale of relief as I took up my usual pose against the wall outside Lily’s door. Any of my other guards could do this, and I trusted all of them, but I was the best man for this job, every time.

I stared at the wall in front of me, trying not to think about what the next few days would bring. My insistence on guarding Lily didn’t seem so wise anymore, but I couldn’t step away.

I glanced up at a movement to my right. Grimelda was watching me, her eyes curious. “Oh, soldier. You have your sword at hip and your heart on your sleeve.”

I tensed my jaw as she walked away. Was it that obvious?

Twelve

Lily

I

straightened my crown on my head as I looked in the mirror. It was a delicate silver work of art with beautiful stylized glinting icicles tiny crystals like snowflakes that shimmered when they caught the light. My new lady’s maid had outdone herself with my hair, and it was artfully coiled with ringlets that were soft against my face.

I almost didn’t believe it was me, but my blue eyes were cold and hesitant as they peered back, so there really was no doubt. I frowned as I looked at myself—the most uncertain royal in any of the kingdoms. Perhaps Dahlia was right, and I needed a king to strengthen and support my rule, no matter how much the idea sickened me.

I glanced over my shoulder at a knock on my door, but I didn’t even have time to answer before the person was pushing the door open, and Grimelda’s face appeared, her gray hair a little more wayward than was becoming. “They’re ready for you in the ballroom, Princess Lily.”

I hid my surprise at her forwardness. My staff generally waited for permission to enter my rooms before opening the door. “Thank you, Grimelda.”

“Your guard is here to escort you.” She nodded to the side of her, and calm radiated through my chest at the thought of Keane by my side, protecting me.

“You look beautiful.” She smiled approvingly. “The men down there won’t know what hit them.”

I caught my breath again as her words drew anxiety into my heart once more. “I’ll be right down.” She withdrew from the door and I returned my attention to the mirror. It was a smaller twin of the one in the entryway with ornate silver filigree that could use a polish, but the reflection it presented was a pleasing one. I wore an ice-blue dress with tiny little crystals all over it, which clung to my frame before flaring out at the waist. I straightened my crown one last time.