Page 4 of Omen of ice
He’s kind of a pain in the ass…
An ember of concern works its way into my chest. Is Valen going to be a handful? Not that it matters. I’m adaptable.
Still… It would be nice to know what I’m walking into.
Kopic sighs and gestures for me to follow him. We walk away from the stable, onto a path lined with red and pink roses. The fragrant scent reminds me of summers in the field behind the training arena in Lunal.
“Valen is under the assumption that he needs no protection,” Kopic says. “Unfortunately, that’s not the case.”
I pull my attention from the blooms and force my mind to focus. Okay. So maybe he’s just proud. Determined to maintain independence. I can see how having a partner, a protector, forced on you might be unpleasant. “I’ll need a list of his enemies. His daily schedule and—”
“Everything you need has been gathered and is waiting.” Kopic points toward the estate. “For now, we must get you ready. You can’t go before the royal family of the Winter Lands looking likethat.”
2
Valen
My uncle’s party is going strong, and as I reach the edge of the courtyard and slip into the main hall of the estate, I pause. The sound of chortling and music drifts out from the ballroom on the other side of the hallway. Another extravagant ball thrown to celebrate some pathetic event he’s declared a victory. At one time, we celebrated real triumph. Far back before I was born, but I’ve heard the stories. Now, we reward the smallest mediocrities, because they’re all we have left.
Kopic rounds the corner at the opposite end of the hall, and I spin, hoping to duck into the alcove before he sees me.
“Valen! Wait.”
“Damn it,” I mutter. My aunt Liani’s head guard, the ever-present thorn in my ass, starts toward me. Ladies to be charmed, drinks to be consumed—sleep to be had—and Kopic’s favorite pastime is to get in my way. He’s not a bad guy…he’s just missing a personality. And a sense of humor. Possibly even a libido. I’ve never seen a Fae so oblivious to the adoration of those around him.
He crosses to me in three large strides. I’m not offended by the perpetual grimace on his face. It’s a greeting reserved solely for me. But I suppose I’ve more than earned it—a fact I take great amounts of pride in.
“I’ve been looking for you.”
“I’m sure you have.” I turn and start walking back to the east wing. There’s a flask in my pocket and at least one more bottle of wine left in my room. I just have to remember where I hid it… “I’ll save you the trouble. I was not the one who raided the wine cellar last night.”
Not a lie. Technically, I sent someone else to do it for me.
“Lady Liani wants to speak to you.” He sprints past and positions himself in front of me, arms folded and lips set in a grim line.
I stop short, study him, and sigh. “You look like you’re in pain, Kopic. Constipated, perhaps?” I jab a finger at him. “You should eat more fiber.”
He ignores my sarcasm—like usual—and maintains his stony expression. “Liani wants to confirm you’ll be in attendance tonight. She and Orbik need to speak with you.”
“Have you ever known me to miss a party?” The same group of Fae drinking, eating, and cavorting until they can no longer stand on their own provides an endless source of amusement. Plus, I’m never at a loss for company. My uniquely colored violet eyes have garnered many admirers over the years. The royal blood in my veins probably doesn’t hurt, either.
“Lord Orbik and Lady Liani would like you to join them promptly.”
I flash him my most practiced grin. “Kopic, I believe my aunt wants me there, but my uncle? I think we both know better.” Unlike my peers in the court, the Winter Lord finds my presence disturbing. I once overheard him tell Kopic that he wanted me tossed into the woods as an infant. A feast for the wolves that lurk outside our gates.
Kopic’s expression softens. “You look so much like his beloved sister. I’m sure—”
“Not to worry, old-timer. I’m not about to cry over it.” I wink. “Look at it this way. His treatment of me is the perfect excuse to drink!”
The grimace returns to his face as he nods at the door. “I assume you can find your way inside?”
I wave toward the ballroom with a flourish. Escaping him at this point is out of the question, so I might as well go with it. Kopic puts up with my antics, but he’ll drag me into the party kicking and screaming if need be. That would end badly for both of us. “I don’t think it’ll be a problem.”
“Just to be sure, I’ll wait here. You know—in case you get lost along the way.”
I bow. “Yourkindnessknows no limits. I owe you a gift. Perhaps something to unclench your ass?”
He grumbles and points to the door. I whirl and start walking, shuffling my feet to the beat of the music coming from the ballroom.
