Summer of Frost (Forever Fae #3)(5)

Each princess had taken up a special weapon they were good at maneuvering. Calista had her daggers, Meliantha had her bow, and I had my spear. I had no clue what special weapon Ariella had mastered, or if she was even practicing with weapons. My spear was made from the thistle-birch tree, which made it light and durable. Not only could I use it for throwing, but I could also use it for combat. The tip of my spear was made by the dwarves, and infused with mine and Oren’s blood, just like Meliantha had done with her arrows. That way when, or if, I was ever attacked, I’d have my own way of defending myself if something were to happen to Oren.

Ever since the incident with Calista and Meliantha, I had been ordered to train. I knew that I was next in the dark sorcerer’s plans, so therefore, I had to be ready. Kalen used to help me practice, but now that he was King of the Spring Court, I no longer saw him as much. My training partners were now my guardian, Oren, and my last and only brother of the Winter Court, Brayden.

Brayden didn’t help out nearly as much anymore now that he was the Leader of the Winter Court Army, and spending his time training them. Once Kalen left, the title was given to him.

“I know you miss your brothers, ai dulin, I can feel it, but you’ll get to see Ryder and Kalen very soon. I’m sure Meliantha will be having those babes any day now, and once she does I’m sure everyone’s going to be there. When I say everyone, you know who else I speak of, don’t you?” Oren asked.

Nodding, I bit my lip. “I knew I would see him when the time came. There’s no way he’d miss his niece and nephew being born. He talks about them all the time in the dreams we have, amongst other things. I’m sure he’s going to be appalled when he finds out our dreams are real, and that he’s let himself open up to me. It didn’t start out that way, you know.”

Oren grinned. “From what I’ve seen, you two have grown awfully close the past several months. If what you do in your dreams is real, I’d say he’s madly in love with you, and who wouldn’t be? You’re an amazing woman. I don’t think he will be as upset about the dreams as you think he’ll be.”

I laughed. “Did you miss the part where we argue and fight all the time, Oren? Drake is an obnoxious and arrogant whelp at times, and you know I can never keep my mouth shut when he gets in his moods,” I retorted, flustered.

“You both have so much in common, but I think it compliments you. He’s your flame, and you’re his ice. Although, opposite in appearance, you are both similar in spirit. Do you not see where this is headed, ai dulin?”

“What do you mean, Oren?” I asked innocently, even though I knew what he was going to say.

“I am saying that I’ve seen in your mind, and I know what’s there. You want me to think that it’s nothing between you two when you’re actually afraid to fess up to what’s really going on. You and Drake have been building a secret relationship for a while now, and the signs are everywhere.” When I didn’t respond he continued. “He’s your other half, Sorcha. When you two see each other again, I wouldn’t be shocked if the vision happens when you two touch. Don’t tell me you hadn’t thought about it.”

I groaned and hid my face in my hands. “I’m not going to lie … I have. I felt it when we met, and in our dreams the connection explodes with intense power. We’ve touched in the dream realm, but I know that doesn’t really count since it’s only in our minds. I can’t imagine what it’s going to be like when I see him again.”

Oren patted my leg again, and began to sit up. “It’ll definitely be interesting, Princess,” he admitted.

“What will be interesting?” Alston shouted from the doorway, his harsh voice echoing off the walls. I sat up quickly and groaned at the sight of my past lover’s form striding closer. Oren tensed beside me, and leveled a steely glare in Alston’s direction, clearly not liking the intrusion.

“I don’t think that’s any of your concern, Alston. I think it would be wise for you to mind your own business,” I snarled while getting to my feet. Oren followed suit and moved to stand beside me, but also to the front of me, protecting. He knew very well of my past with Alston, and how possessive over me he could be. Sarette said it was love, but even I wasn’t stupid enough to believe it.

Alston moved forward and made his way to us. His tall, elegant frame was well-muscled and chiseled to perfection. His black hair was in disarray while his armor, still covered in snow, glistened in the lighting of the training room. My brother always had them training outside. Alston’s hands were big and strong, and even from across the room, I could see the firm grip he had on the handle of his sword. His piercing blue eyes never left mine as the distance came to a close. I remembered the nights with him very well, and I remember having pleasures with him that I’d never forget.

Once things started to progress with Drake in our dreams, I had let Alston go. When he felt me slipping away from him, he tried to hold onto me more—to keep what we had alive—but I couldn’t stay. His eyes used to look at me with longing, but now all I saw when he looked at me was hunger. He thought he could make me come back to him by making me jealous, by parading other women in front of me, but all it did was push me further away. I kept waiting on him to give up on me, but he never did, and I’m starting to think he never will.

Standing before me, Alston rubbed his chin maliciously. “Hmm … none of my concern? See, that’s the thing, my lovely Princess, starting today I’m going to be part of your protection detail. Therefore, I think it pertinent that I know everything that’s going on. We wouldn’t want anything happening to you, now would we?”