Winter Queen

by Erica Marie Hogan

  Hogan’s rich prose alone would’ve made this an enjoyable read, but add intricate world-building and a set of loyal, spirited sisters, and I was completely hooked! Her tale, equally beautiful and mysterious, gets the reader’s heart beating ever-faster as the story threads twine together in a complex web of powerful magic, questionable loyalties, and impossible choices. But even in its darkest moments, Winter Queen glimmers with undercurrents of courage and hope. In a word: captivating. –Laurie Lucking, author of Common

  Erica Marie Hogan has the unique gift of writing in living color. Winter Queen picked me up and dropped me into another place and time. Hogan’s ability to take the reader from a comfy chair to great adventure is priceless. For those of us who enjoy escape reading—Winter Queen does not disappoint! –Shelley Pierce, Author of The Wish I Wished Last Night

  Winter Queen drew me in immediately with its strong women characters, elaborate world-building, and ongoing tensions. It is everything a Fantasy novel should be and I can’t wait to read more. —Sue A. Fairchild, author of What You Think You Know

  Copyright Notice

  Winter Queen

  First edition. Copyright © 2017 by Erica Marie Hogan. The information contained in this book is the intellectual property of Erica Marie Hogan and is governed by United States and International copyright laws. All rights reserved. No part of this publication, either text or image, may be used for any purpose other than personal use. Therefore, reproduction, modification, storage in a retrieval system, or retransmission, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, or otherwise, for reasons other than personal use, except for brief quotations for reviews or articles and promotions, is strictly prohibited without prior written permission from the publisher.

  This book is a work of fiction. Characters are the product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual events or persons,

  Cover Design: Jeff Gifford

  Interior Desigtn: Cheryl Childers

  Editor: Deb Haggerty

  Published in Asoociation with Hartline Literary Agency

  PUBLISHED BY: Elk Lake Publishing, Inc., 35 Dogwood Dr., Plymouth, MA 02360

  Library Cataloging Data

  Names: Hogan, Erica Marie (Erica Marie Hogan)

  Winter Queen/ Erica Marie Hogan

  310 p. 23cm × 15cm (9in × 6 in.)

  Description: Five years ago, Roderick Kael murdered King Vihaan Sundragon, claiming the throne of Sunkai and all of Nfaros for himself. Five years ago, the Princesses Adlae, Mirae, and Brae were forced to give up everything they’ve ever known. Five years since the Creator of All allowed winter’s snow to fall. But now the wind stirs with a familiar chill. Winter is coming down from the Ice Mountains, brought by the only one who can wield the storm. The Winter Queen herself.

  Identifiers: 978-1-946638-53-3 (trade) | 978-1-946638-54-0 (POD) | 978-1-946638-55-7| (ebk.)

  Key Words: Fantasy, Speculative Fiction, Justice, Female Protagonist, Tolkien, Robert Jordan, Relationships

  LCCN: 2017955583 Fiction

  To my sister, Denise.

  I’ve strived in my writing to show the incredible bond siblings have. I hope this book reflects my love for my big sister through the lives of my characters.

  Winter Queen’s publication was so unexpected! I wrote this book when I was stuck; taking a little idea about three sisters and running with it for the sake of boosting my creativity. Who would have thought it would be a finalist in a writing contest, which would then gain the attention of a publisher? Now here I am, and there are a few people I’d like to thank.

  As always, I want to thank my family. From parents, to my sister and brother-in-law, to cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents, you have all supported me and loved me from the moment I said I wanted to be a writer. I am so very grateful for all of you! To my work family as well, who have laughed and cried with me as I’ve struggled through building this writing career as well as with personal issues. Thank you!

  To my agent, Jim Hart, who is always there for me with encouragement and advice. My publisher/editor, Deb Haggerty, who puts in so much hard work for all of her authors. Thank you so much! Jeff Gifford, who once again created the perfect cover for my novel!

  To Laurie Lucking, Shelley Pierce, and Sue A. Fairchild, thank you so much for taking the time to read my first fantasy novel! I am so happy you enjoyed it and appreciate your endorsements so very much!

  Now, to the fantasy author who inspired me more than any other. Robert Jordan, you left this world much too soon. I can’t even imagine how many more stories were piled in your brain, wanting to come out. The last couple of books of your incredible Wheel of Time series simply weren’t the same without your unique voice. I know my work can’t hold a candle to what you accomplished with yours, but I am going to do my best to try! This book has been published on October 17th, in honor of your birthday. Thank you!

  Finally, to the One who gives us all life, love, mercy, and forgiveness. My Almighty Father who has seen me through every trial and offered me His hand despite my imperfections. Lord, to you be the glory and may my work reflect my faith and love for you.

  Flames rose from the rooftops of Sunkai.

  Adlae Sundragon twisted her head around, her horse struggling as they galloped into the woods. Her sister tightened her arms around Adlae’s waist, burying her face against the back of her shoulder in fear as they heard the bells in the city begin to clang. Adlae leaned over her horse’s neck, urging him forward faster.

  Frozen wind sliced her face, pulling her hood down from her face to let her hair fly. Adlae gasped in breaths, looking over her shoulder again, waiting to see one of the usurper’s soldiers following them. Mirae caught her eye, looking up at her beneath the rim of her hood. Adlae’s throat closed, and she turned back just as their horse lost his footing.

  Mirae screamed as they fell. Adlae grunted when she hit the ground, rolling away from her horse. As quickly as they had fallen, Adlae rose back to her feet grabbing at the reins before the animal could spook and disappear into the forest.

  “We are never going to make it!” Mirae cried, tears staining her cheeks as she struggled back to her feet. “They will catch us!”

  “No.” Adlae smiled gently, pulling her little sister close.

  Her heart sank into the pit of her stomach. She could hear the horses coming, the men’s shouts reaching her even now as they searched the Gracian Woods for the two of them.

  I know what I must do.

  “Come, love.” Adlae boosted Mirae up into the saddle. “They will not catch you.”

  “Us.” Mirae grabbed for her hand in fear.

  “No, Mirae.” Adlae smiled gently, reaching up to touch her sister’s cheek. “This is the only way. You must go on. You must fight, and you must live!”

  “You can’t leave me!” Mirae sobbed, bending down to reach for her.

  “No, I can’t.” Adlae stepped back. “But you must leave me.”

  Mirae shook her head, falling against the horse’s neck. Before she could fight, Adlae slapped the horse, sending them off into the woods with her sister’s sobs echoing back to her. Adlae spun away, pulling her hood up over her hair and running deeper into the woods, praying that her sister would not turn around to find her.

  The usurper’s men were coming closer. She could feel them in the distance. Horses’ hooves making the ground tremble, the animals’ screams filling the air. Adlae stumbled, the muck soaking the hem of her skirt, weighing her feet down. Her red hair slipped from beneath her cloak, slapping her in the face as she moved. She knew what secrets the Gracian Wood held. She knew what was sheltered among the trees. She ha
d seen her.

  The air grew colder the further she went, and the fog continued to rise from the ground. Adlae couldn’t hear the soldiers anymore as she reached out her hands to guide her through the fog trying desperately to find shelter. Suddenly, her foot caught, and Adlae fell with a cry onto her face. Whimpering, she twisted around, her eyes flooding with tears of panic as she scrambled away. Her blood turned cold as the fog parted, revealing a body.

  The woman reached out a pale hand, her lips cracked and dry as she turned to look at Adlae. Her hair was white as fresh snow, her eyes bluer than the Nfaros Sea. Adlae knew her immediately, despite the red of blood staining her dress.

  The Winter Queen.

  Adlae’s chest rose and fell with heavy breaths as she lifted her hand to take the woman’s icy cold one. Adlae moved closer to hear as the woman’s lips moved with quiet words.

  “I … I can’t hear you,” Adlae whispered, moving to the woman’s side. She slipped her arm around the Winter Queen’s shoulders, cradling her against her heart.

  “From my blood … to yours,” the Winter Queen said as her crystal lashes fluttered.

  “I don’t understand.” Adlae wept, her tears falling on the woman’s face. “The Gracian Wood is supposed to protect you. Who could have done this to you?”

  “From my heart … to yours,” she answered resting a trembling hand upon Adlae’s chest.

  “I … I don’t understand,” Adlae repeated. “What are you doing?”

  “You are in me, and I am in you. You are the snow, the ice, and the wind.” The Winter Queen grabbed her hair suddenly.

  Adlae gasped as she was pulled downward, feeling the press of the Winter Queen’s lips against her ear.

  “You … are … Winter.”

  Adlae flew backward, her back arching as she landed on the cold ground, ice rushing through her veins as the sky cleared above her. The stars parted as her lips trembled, the fog lifted as her hair swayed, and the air turned cold as her breath left her.

  Adlae surrendered to the darkness.

  The City of Sunkai

  “Your Grace!”

  Roderick didn’t even turn as he watched five of his best riders disappearing into the Gracian Wood. He had seen the lone horse leave the city with two riders clinging to each other. He knew who they were … and he knew who had helped them.

  “The Princesses Adlae and Mirae have escaped the Blood Keep, your grace,” his squire gasped, bending over as he tried to catch his breath.

  “Where is Princess Brae?” Roderick murmured as the bells began to shake the city.

  “She is safe. Tyrese Malaki has taken her into custody down at the stables.”

  “Then it was her. She sacrificed her freedom for them.”

  “Your Grace … the rightful heir has escaped.” The squire’s eyes widened.

  Roderick smiled softly as the moon rose slowly over the Blood Keep, bathing him in white light as he whispered.

  “We will find her and if we do not … then let the Gracian Wood have her. They will never survive out there.”

  The Gracian Wood

  Brecken Jandry raised his fist, halting his troops on the edge of the clearing. The fog was parting from the ground, the air growing colder as he dismounted, stepping over the rim of mist toward the center of the clearing. His eyes fell upon her then, and his heart stopped. Her golden hair was long, grown nearly to her ankles, and her skin as white as winter’s snow. The ivory dress she wore was torn and bloodied. He knew before he approached that she was dead and recently so.

  “It’s the Winter Queen,” his second murmured, coming to his side. “She’s … she’s …”

  “She’s dead.” Brecken turned away. “Search the area, the princesses are close.”

  “You don’t think one of them …?” His second’s eyes rounded.

  “I do not know what to think,” Brecken replied.

  “Sir!”

  One of his soldiers raised a hand, pointing to something behind him.

  She rose from the icy ground, her hair whipping up in the growing breeze, glittering like white diamonds, her eyes the bluest he had ever seen. As she rose, her cloak fell away, and his men fell to their knees when their eyes beheld the golden winter eagle brocaded across the front of her dress.

  “Your Majesty,” Brecken murmured as he dropped ever so slowly to one knee.

  “Brecken Jandry.” Her voice echoed through the clearing, strong yet gentle.

  “Sir, what’s happening?” his second whispered beside him.

  “The Winter Queen has passed her powers on to another.”

  Brecken rose again, reaching out his hand to the woman. She placed her fingertips against his palm. Ice quickly gathered on his skin.

  “She is the new Winter Queen.”

  The sky was awhirl with colors as the sun made its slow descent. Sunkai was alive with activity as the evening markets opened, men and women shouting out their wares and prices. People bustled from their homes in the lower quarter, brown purses jangling at their belts and little children bouncing up and down at their mothers’ sides in anticipation of the new merchants in town. The air had turned cold, and with the change in season came the rotation of the marketplace. The evening market had been closed for three years. Without even a touch of winter’s chill for years, twilight was unbearable; the heat driving the night merchants into their homes long before the sunset.

  But now, a hint of winter’s breeze had awakened a city long asleep. Many said the long heat had been a punishment for the man who had killed King Vihaan. Many said it was retribution for the unjust sentence on the king’s three daughters and rightful heirs. Many had said it was justice from the Creator of All for the loss of the true royals of the land. All these words went unnoticed by the new king, for now, Sunkai crawled with his followers. From the halls of the Blood Keep to the shores of the Nfaros Sea, his subjects filled the city that Brae Sundragon had once loved.

  Whispers rose from the waves of the sea as Brae cautiously dipped her feet into the cold water. Closing her eyes, she moved along the shore, her toes sinking deep into the wet sand as the sea caressed her ankles. On this day every year since the usurper killed her father, Brae had come here. Every year, she would step into the sea as she had done that night after escaping from Tyrese Malaki.

  That night had remained with her for five years, as fresh as if it were a moment ago. Brae would never forget her desperation, her willingness to let life end. Stepping into the sea that night, she had been seeking a different future. But the ice of winter had stopped her. The Winter Queen had stopped her.

  The Keeper of Winter had risen from the water, bringing ice to the shores of the Nfaros Sea and told her this was not her time. She still had work to do for her country, for her city, and for her family. Brae had chosen to believe her; she had chosen to live believing the Winter Queen’s words her sisters were still alive, and one day she would see them again. But Brae had never needed the Winter Queen more than she had on the day the king forced her to choose her future. She now knew she had chosen right—only because Winter had breathed life and love back into her.

  That day, the day she had taken her fate into her own hands and chosen for herself, had been the last day she’d seen Winter. For five years, Brae had held the words of Winter in her heart and had known them to be true. Now the wind was rising, the cold was coming, and soon Winter would return from the Gracian Woods. Brae knew something was stirring, something new and terrifying … and wonderful.

  Strong arms circled her from behind, and Brae sighed, leaning her head back against his shoulder as he cradled her. A gentle smile teased her lips as she pulled her husband’s arms tighter around her waist.

  “You are always so quiet, Brecken Jandry.” Brae turned her face against his neck, feeling the throb of his pulse against her cheek.

  “Are you all right, sweet
heart?” Brecken whispered, resting his chin on her shoulder.

  “Yes. Is Noelle asleep?” Her brow creased as she raised her head once more searching the shore for their daughter.

  “Yes, she is home. She’s safe,” Brecken answered her true question, the one she had asked every day since their daughter was born.

  With the king’s eyes constantly upon her, Brae would not take any chances with her daughter’s life. Despite her marriage dissolving any chance she had to take the throne from the usurper, her daughter still had royal blood flowing in her veins. That made her a threat to the Kael family, one which could not be as easily dealt with because of who Brae had been forced to marry. She knew, better than anything else, that marrying Brecken saved the lives of any children she would have. He was the king’s favorite, and any child of his would be protected.

  “Do you think winter will finally return?” Brae slipped from his embrace, turning to face her husband as the water sent chills up her legs. “Five years the Winter Queen has remained hidden in the woods. Five years I have heard nothing; I have seen no hope since …”

  “I thought we agreed never to speak of that day.” Brecken’s square jaw firmed, his eyes turning cold and harsh as his hands fell away from her arms. “They are gone, Brae. I thought you had moved on.”

  Brae swallowed the lump in her throat, her fingertips brushing against the stubble on his face. Brecken had been the desire of every young woman. His dark hair was so unusual in Sunkai. A country boy’s coloring of black hair and sun-kissed skin that had enchanted the people. Now the city ran rampant with people of such coloring, the usurper’s followers filling the streets to sing the praises of the man who had murdered her father. Brae had never understood their loyalty. Did they not know her father would have gladly welcomed them into the city? Did they not know he had done everything in his power to help the farmlands prosper?