Her lips turned up and she sighed. “You may call me Freya.”
His eyes widened and he nodded. “Thank you, Freya.”
She giggled and it was a heavenly sound. She should laugh more. “No one calls me Freya except my sisters. Everyone is so formal.”
Henry knew then she needed lighthearted fun in her life. Living as a royal had taken its toll on her and she’d forgotten how to enjoy life. Perhaps it was because she was the oldest of her siblings and the task of saving her land fell on her shoulders first. He did not know, but he was going to change it.
“Freya, are you busy the rest of the day?” he asked.
She furrowed her brow and seemed confused as she turned her head and thought about it. “I’m not sure.”
With a mischievous gleam in his eye, he stood and reached for her hand. “Well, you’re the princess, aren’t you? Make yourself some free time. I have an adventure for us to overcome.”
Freya allowed him to pull her up and her face flushed in excitement. “I’ll have to speak to Orion.”
“I’ll wait here.”
She turned and started to the door, but suddenly stopped and glanced over her shoulder. “Thank you, Henry.”
He waited patiently for the princess to return and perused the room. Books lined the shelves on the far wall, and he immediately wondered what the princess liked to read. If she even liked it. What did she enjoy? How did she fill her time? The questions poured through his mind until she reentered the room.
“We have the day,” she stated.
He smiled a roguishly handsome smile and held his hand to her. “Shall we?”
3
They wandered through the forest casually but stayed alert for any other monsters. Princess Freya was unsafe and became more so with each passing day. The evil fae who had killed her parents, Rulissa, was watching. Always watching. And she was determined to end Freya before her twenty-fifth birthday.
“Where are we going?” Freya asked.
Henry shrugged and pulled her in another direction. “You’ll see.” He was smug and excited to show her what he had planned. They only had to get there safely. They trudged on through the snow while he used his heat to slightly warm them, so they didn’t get chilly. Freya moved drifts with the flick of a wrist, and he smiled at how confidently she used her powers. She must have had a great teacher.
“We’re almost there,” he stated after thirty minutes of walking. They were headed to his home where he had protective wards. Henry planned to vow his allegiance to her and prayed she didn’t take offense. They came upon his home, a little cabin with power pulsating around it. It shimmered and glowed in the air as the sun caught the barrier in its beams.
“You’ll be safe here,” he told her. She stood there, her gown hugging every curve. Henry respected her wishes and wouldn’t think of her in a sexual manner, but he was still appreciative of the beauty in front of him. “This is my home. Please, come in.”
She started forward, the power washing over her like a warm hug as she entered the protective grounds. “It’s lovely.”
“It’s nothing compared to the castle.” Henry sighed. “I can’t imagine growing up there.”
She grinned. “Orion will tell you; it wasn’t as much fun as one would think. I got into all sorts of mischief. In the pantry, there is a loose board. So, I created a winter wonderland inside it so I could ice skate safely. He was so angry when he realized what I’d done.” She laughed and smiled a beautifully wide smile as she told the story.
“I’d love to see it if it’s still there,” he stated. He opened the front door and ushered her in. “It isn’t much, but I have many great memories from my time here.”
She stepped inside and glanced around. There was a large fireplace in the center of the room, controlled by Henry no doubt, and plush couches lining one side of the wall. A wide chair sat opposite with huge pillows thrown about the seat. The kitchen was small compared to the castle’s, but she could tell it was homey. The entire place was intimate and cozy. She could get used to it easily.
“I really do love it. The castle is so large and sometimes it’s hard to get anything done or find someone when you need them. I’m so protected I can’t wander about without someone being with me. That’s why I was in the woods today.” She gazed at him then and tilted her head. “I wanted five minutes alone. Just five minutes and she knew. She sent the dagoon within such a little timeframe. I’d been out there mere moments before you arrived.”
He briefly touched her arm. “I’m so sorry. I hate her, too. She killed my mother. I won’t let her kill you.”
She softened and nodded. “Thank you, Henry.”
He smiled at her and held out his hand. “Would you like to sit?”
She nodded and sat in the oversized chair. Her skirts puffed out around her and she furiously pushed them down. He couldn’t help but laugh at her antics, but realized he needed to focus. Pledging his allegiance and time to the princess was something to take seriously. He lit the candles adorning the walls and bent to his knee.
“Princess Freya of Winter and Water, I vow my allegiance to you henceforth. I vow to protect you, to respect you, and to guide you if needed. I won’t allow any harm to come to you and swear Rulissa will be dealt with. Once the other members of the frollick come, I will be kind and courteous while keeping them in line. I am your first mate, your first vow, and I will lead the others if needed.”
She sat, her large brown eyes wide with surprise, and stared at him. She waited and stared for what seemed like an eternity. Henry’s heart beat rapidly and sweat began to form on his brow.
Finally, she spoke. “Sir Henry, I appreciate your allegiance and I accept it.”
He motioned for her hand and kissed it softly. “Thank you, Freya.”
She smiled and gently pulled her hand away. “You’re welcome, Henry.”
They trudged through the forest on the way back to the castle. Freya glanced at Henry and pondered her next question. Deciding it was worth it to ask, she questioned, “Henry, why were you in the forest today?”
He shrugged and glanced at her. “I was near the frozen pond when I saw the dagoon sneaking into the forest. I figured there was a good chance someone was in there, so I followed it.”
“You knowingly followed a dagoon?” She stopped in her tracks and turned to him. “On purpose?”
He nodded and shrugged like it wasn’t a big deal. But it was a big deal.
Her face contorted as she grew lost in her thoughts. Henry wasn’t sure what she was thinking, but she was extremely focused. She continued walking again and sighed. “I can’t believe you did that. I have respect for you, Henry. Putting your life in danger for a stranger in the woods is admirable.”
“Why? It’s who I am.” He was perplexed by her reaction to him fighting the dagoon. It wasn’t a big deal. His parents had taught him to be a warrior and warriors fought for others. It was what he did. Dagoons were filthy and mean creatures who would bite the head off anyone for no reason at all. He would protect anyone from one of the demons.
They neared the castle, the large awning and lit posts coming into view. “We are almost here,” he grinned. “I shall see you in and take my leave.”
“No!” she yelled, then stepped back like she surprised herself. “I mean, Rulissa will be after you if she sees the mark. You must stay here.”
Eyes wide, his brows raised and his mouth formed an “O”. He appeared as surprised as he felt. He thought a moment and realized she was probably correct. “Okay. I will stay here. On one condition.”
She tensed and braced herself for what he would ask of her. What he would expect. She’d known he was a liar. She knew it.
He grinned and said, “I want to see the ice rink you created.”
She relaxed and smiled. “I can arrange a viewing. Come, and we’ll go now.”
She led him into the castle, across the foyer, down the hall, past the kitchen, and to the pantry. She opened it and felt aroun
d, pushing on the third piece of wood. It was small, too small for any person to fit through, and Henry wondered how’d he’d get it. Once she pushed it open, it expanded and lit into a large room full of ice. She glanced at him over her shoulder and grinned. “Can you skate?”
4
The fire crackled and shimmered for a moment, the embers flying around in a fury. “Freya,” it seemed to whisper. “Freya.”
Freya stirred in her bed and sleepily rose to a sitting position. “Huh?”
“Freya,” the voice said again, this time happier and excited.
“Lena!” Freya gasped and jumped to the floor. “Hi! How are you?” She grabbed her robe and bundled herself in front of her sister’s shimmering face.
“Hey, sis! I’m doing okay. I heard you got marked.”
Freya sighed and nodded. “Two days ago.”
“Why do you sound so unhappy about it?” Lena asked.
“You know how I feel about the mark,” she whispered. “I don’t want to be in love with four people!”
“Why not? It sounds fun.” Lena giggled. “Think of it...you won’t ever be lonely or bored.”
Freya sighed and shook her head at her sister. She expected nothing less from Lena who had always been a daydreamer and romantic. She longed to meet her mates so she could frolic with her frollick and make love all day. She’d often told stories of what she hoped her life would be like when they were teenagers.
“I’m not like you, Lena,” Freya reminded her.
Lena sighed. “Okay, okay. I’ll leave it alone. Can you at least tell me about your mate?”
“He’s tall and muscley,” Freya started. Lena squealed in delight and clapped her hands. Freya rolled her eyes and continued. “His name is Henry. I was in the forest and a dagoon attacked me. He helped me fight it off and when he touched my hand, the mark appeared.”
“How did it feel?” Lena asked quietly. “Did it hurt?”
“Not really. It was more of a very warm feeling all over my chest that settled above my heart. It didn’t hurt.”
Lena sighed a romantic sigh. “I want to be marked.”
Freya laughed. “Oh, I know you do, little sister. I know you do.”
Lena’s apparition swatted at her. “Oh, hush. You’ll get it someday. You’ll understand.”
Freya thought I doubt it, but didn’t say anything.
“Tell me more about him,” Lena demanded. “What does he look like? Is he handsome?”
Yes. “He’s handsome, yes. Dark hair, dark eyes, dark skin. He walks around without a shirt because he’s of fire.”
Lena rubbed her hands together. “Now we’re talking!”
Freya laughed and shook her head at her sister. “You are crazy, Lee.”
“I know and you love me,” she said with a pucker of her lips. “Now I hate to go, but Holly is calling for me. I think it’s time for breakfast.”
“Okay. I love you.”
“Freya?”
“Yeah?”
“Be careful. I didn’t miss the fear your voice held about the dagoon. Stay with Henry and Orion.”
Freya nodded as Lena faded into the fire.
Henry walked ahead of her and Orion behind her. The sound had alerted about a commotion at the edge of Winter, and they sought out to find what had happened. Orion watched the two of them, his focus on their interactions. He motioned for Henry to fall into step with him.
“Notice how she fights to not look at you?” he asked Henry. “She’s doing that because she’s so closed off. She’s hard and stubborn. It started when her parents were killed. They’d loved so fiercely, and I want nothing more than the same for her. I hope you’ll soften her up a bit.”
Henry contemplated what he said but didn’t say a word in response.
“Freya,” Orion called. “Come back, let Henry check it first. We are close.”
Freya sighed and rolled her eyes. “Seriously? I think I can handle this.”
“Your protection is most important,” Orion reminded her. “We have only two months until your birthday.”
Her birthday was February twenty-fifth, and if she hadn’t found her frollick by then, it would be too late. The curse on their lands would be permanent. She couldn’t imagine her people never experiencing the other seasons again. And she wouldn’t allow it to be her fault.
“Okay,” she complied. She stopped and leaned against a tree. “Go ahead. It’s only a few feet now.”
The annoyance in her voice was apparent but ignored. The princess was never one to be told what to do, even at a very young age. The years Orion spent raising her were intense and long, where she often disobeyed simply because she could.
Henry stepped toward the border of the fae and human realm. Fae rarely entered the human realm due to the dangers of being seen. They were different than humans, often more beautiful and graceful with ears that were a bit pointed. Some drew their powers without realizing it and being caught in the human world could be deadly.
He inspected the area and quickly noted what had been here. “It looks like a jirgs was here.”
Orion hissed and Freya stood straight. Jirgs were evil and deadly monsters who devastated all areas they encountered. Why this land wasn’t blown to bits and on fire was beyond Orion’s mind.
“Why?” Freya asked.
Henry shook his head. “I don’t think it meant to devastate our land. I think it meant to expose us. The wards are too strong though and it didn’t break free.”
Freya stood, mouth hanging open and fists clenched at her side. Rulissa would truly do anything to end her and her land. Why was she so deadset on ending her people? They’d done nothing to her. The woman, a long-time former friend of her mother’s, was a bitter and angry soul. She’d grown fond of one of her fathers, Jack, and allowed her jealousy to take control. Her mother never saw the war and ultimately her end coming.
“It’s Rulissa. She wants to allow the humans to know of Winter.” Freya’s voice was quiet and angry. Henry noted the fury steaming in her words and stepped back toward the wards. “She will do anything to destroy my people.” She stomped over to Henry and viewed the damage.
Heat took over her body and she felt herself being drawn to the ward. “Orion, something is happening.”
Orion rushed over and glanced her over. “Are you hurt?”
She shook her head. “My chest. It’s hot.” She forced the words out as the heat continued to burn. She glanced at Henry, whose face was etched with worry. “Is this how you always feel?”
He shook his head. “No, but I felt it before we touched hands.”
Freya’s eyes grew wide, and she stepped back. “Orion, does this mean…?”
“I think so.”
Shit. “But why the wards?” she asked.
Orion studied them with worry and concern radiating from him. “I think it means he’s in the mortal realm.”
Orion paced in the foyer of the castle. “It’s not safe!” he yelled for the tenth time.
Freya rolled her eyes. They were getting nowhere with this conversation. Henry paced and shook his head. “There is no other way. We have to keep her safe, Orion.”
“Exactly!” he bellowed. “Safe. Not roaming around the mortal realm without protection.”
“I’ll protect her.”
Orion knew he was losing this fight, but he couldn’t stop himself. He worried so for Freya and she would be too vulnerable in the mortal realm. Rulissa could easily attack her there. They wouldn’t be able to use their powers to fight.
Freya’s heart skipped a beat at Henry’s vow to protect her and she quickly pushed away those feelings. “We go, Orion.” she said solemnly. “We have no choice. I have to find my frollick.”
Orion sighed and threw his arms up in the air. “Then you will be protected. We’ll send knights to get you clothing. Mortals wear different attire. We need you to blend in as much as possible.”
She nodded. “They must hurry. Since the heat started it, it’s grown more i
ntense. My mark aches.”
The mark, a line with one single flame in the middle adorned her chest. She knew the mark would represent each of the four seasons once it was completed. “Orion, send the knights. We leave in the morning.”
Orion nodded and sent for Alan and Michael, the two strongest knights in the kingdom. Once they arrived, he instructed them to remove their knight’s attire and go to the mortal realm for clothing for the princess and her mate. He handed them some dollar bills, money for the mortals he kept on hand for emergencies and instructed them to hurry.
They would all leave in the morning.
5
Bright lights shone around the city, large trees with decorations hanging from them. The sound of talking and heavy footfalls surrounded them. Freya and Henry gaped at their surroundings as they took it all in.
“Why do the trees shine and glitter?” Freya whispered.
Henry shook his head. “I do not know.”
Henry wore what Orion called jeans and a T-shirt. He felt ridiculous but surveying the crowd, noticed he fit in. Freya also wore jeans and a long coat over a blouse. It was all odd and ridiculous, but they needed to fit in. Henry couldn’t deny Freya looked nice in her attire. He’d never noticed the type of body she had and appreciated the way her long legs appeared in the pants. He continued to glance around and noticed more decorations. It must be some sort of celebration. In front of one facility stood a large man in a red suit with a long beard. Henry was perplexed about this one and briefly considered going over to the man.
Freya grabbed his forearm and a warm shot of electricity tingled through his body. “Henry, I feel a pull. This way.” She guided him to the left and down the busy walkway. They walked for what felt like ages and stopped outside of a building with a sign that read “Mechanic.”
“What’s a mechanic?” Henry hissed.
Freya shrugged her shoulders. “You know as much as I do. He’s in here.”
Winter's Frollick Page 2