Page 33 of Winter Queen
“Have you ever met Flora?” I ask him, mentally going through what I read on her yesterday evening before going to bed.
“Only once, but I don’t really remember it. She didn’t seem very interesting at the time. There was gossip about her hooking up with Fav, but I’ve never really cared for all of that.”
“Hooking up? That’s a strange way of describing the relationships of Gods.”
“They’re not as godly as people think,” he explains. “They all have their faults and weaknesses. It’s easiest to see Gods as just another species, like Guardians and humans. They might have a bit more power, but that doesn’t make them any more intelligent.”
“I don’t think most Gods would agree with that statement.” Tamara is waiting for us in front of the large doors leading to the throne room. She’s grinning widely at Frost’s statement, as if she agrees entirely with him. I suppose she has a lot of dealings with Gods, whether they’re aware of it or not. She has spies in all of their Realms who likely tell her of the unsavoury things those Gods are up to.
“Darling, you look lovely,” she tells me, looking up and down my dress. “The brooch is a nice touch. Shall I get you the diadem as well?”
I shake my head, worried that the diadem might make the wig slide off my head. Unlikely, but I don’t quite trust that hairy thing yet.
“Flora is waiting for you inside. I’ve taken the liberty to make everyone else leave, except for a few guards, of course. Is there anything else you need from me?”
“How’s my mother?”
I didn’t have time to check on her before coming here. It makes me feel bad, but I know that she would prefer me to focus on my Royal duties rather than sit by her bedside.
“Doing well. Crispin just arrived when I left, so she’s in good hands. Don’t worry, you’ll do fine. See you at the Council meeting.”
She smiles and hurries off down the corridor, leaving Frost and me alone.
I take a deep breath.
“Let’s do this.”
Flora is waitingby the throne, her back to the door, but she turns when she hears us enter. Frost stays close to the entrance, watching me just like the rest of the guards who are scattered around the room. Seems like I need to do this on my own.
The Goddess of Spring gives me a deep courtesy, waiting in that position until I get close to her. I admire her courtesy skills; mine are still severely lacking. I almost fell over once or twice, but luckily, they don’t expect a Princess to do a lot of those anyway.
“Please stand,” I tell her and she looks up at me, showing me her face for the first time.
She’s beautiful, no, stunning. Her porcelain skin highlights her golden eyes and rosy cheeks, framed by shiny blonde curls. Her hair is held back with a mayflower wreath, the white petals almost the same colour as her flawless skin.
Her ivory dress is almost translucent, wrapping around her body like a toga, exposing a lot of her exquisite figure. She must be freezing though, this really isn’t the kind of clothing to wear in the Winter Realm.
She reminds me of a white orchid, delicate but with an inner strength. Very fitting, given her name.
“Your Highness,” she says in a soft voice, almost a whisper. “Thank you for seeing me.”
That’s when she looks straight into my eyes and I recognise something very familiar. Grief. Bottomless sadness.
I decide to forego the formalities and lead her to one of the alcoves on the right side of the room, rather than up to the throne.
Two stone benches are opposing each other, separated by a small table that the nobles like to use to play chess or some other games. Flora seems a little surprised by the breach of protocol, but she slides onto one of the benches with more elegance than I will ever possess.
I take my seat opposite her, not quite sure how to begin. I’m like a fish out of water who’s been stuffed into a dress and told to behave regal.
“I’m sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
That’s the easy bit out of the way. Deciding to forego any pleasantries and small talk, I jump straight in.
“Your messenger said that your husband was murdered? With the poison of a black dragon?”
Her eyes widen slightly, but she stays poised.
