Winter Heiress Read online

  Table of Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Epilogue

  Winter Heiress

  Daughter of Winter Book 2

  Skye MacKinnon

  Contents

  What Happened Before

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Epilogue

  Author’s Note

  Also By

  About the Author

  Sample: Polar Destiny

  © 2018 Skye MacKinnon

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law.

  Basically, please don’t pirate this book.

  [email protected]

  Cover by Arizona Tape.

  Bunnicorns are real!

  To all the teachers who tried to talk me out of following my dreams.

  Take this, bitches.

  What Happened Before

  As a demi-goddess, Wyn has always stood out from the human crowd. On her 22nd birthday, her magic finally surfaces and she almost levels her street. Luckily, four Guardians arrive just on time: The mysterious and occasionally grumpy Storm, his cheery twin brother Frost, kilt-wearing Arc and funny, gentle Crispin.

  They’ve been sent by Wyn’s mother, a Goddess, to bring her to the the Winter Realm, but Wyn has enemies, even if she doesn’t know it yet…

  After failed kidnapping and assassination attempts (and a bit of kissing), the five reach the Standing Stones at Calanais which are the Gate to the Winter Realm. Unfortunately, an army of demons awaits them there.

  Wyn doesn’t have much control over her new magic yet, so she gets one training session with each of the Guardians. They stay the night with demoness Chesca and her Guardian lover Aodh.

  The next day, the battle begins. Wyn and her Guardians win, but Aodh gets killed in the process and Wyn loses access to her magic. They have some rainbow sex before arriving in the Winter Realm, where they’re frostily welcomed by Beira.

  However, Wyn soon learns that it’s all been an act and that her mother really loves her. When Beira is almost killed by an assassin sent by the Summer King, Angus, Wyn manages to save her and unlocks her magic in the process.

  The books ends with Beira admitting that she is getting weaker and that she will need Wyn’s help to fight Angus.

  Chapter One

  “Crispin! If you don’t come here this very moment, I’m going to turn you into the ugliest icicle this Realm has ever seen!”

  I’ve learned to add ‘ugly’ to any threat – he’d never admit it, but he’s the vainest of all my Guardians.

  “What has he done now?” Tamara asks, looking up from the book she’s reading. She was one of the first to notice that I’m not at all like my mother, and she’s taking full advantage of it. Whenever she has some free time - which is not very often - she spends it in my warm sitting room, reading by the fire. It’s nice to have some female company from time to time, even though she could be my grandmother. I’ve not found the courage yet to ask her about her age. She may be small and old, but she’s fierce and a little scary. It didn’t take me long to figure out that she’s the person who pulls all the strings in the palace. All the generals with their medals are only her puppets, nothing more.

  “Are you having a little lovers’ quarrel?”

  Her eyes twinkle in delight. She loves a good gossiping.

  “Look what he did to my dress for tonight!” I throw her the garment and she catches it with one hand. Good reflexes for her age, that’s for sure.

  Mara unfolds the dress and starts to giggle.

  “I like that boy. He’s got a good sense of humour.”

  I sigh in exasperation. “He cut holes into my dress. Two holes in two very inappropriate places. I wouldn’t call that humour. It’s malicious mischief.”

  That only increased Mara’s laughter. “I hope you’re going to wear it like that to the ball?”

  “No chance.”

  “Then you’re giving him what he wants. Show him that you stand above his jokes. Wear the dress, but with a few modifications.” She gives me a wink and leads me to the wardrobe.

  May my revenge be sweet.

  I’ve lost count of the number of balls my mother is organising in my honour. They’re all aimed at different audiences: The Guardians, the common folk, the military, the diplomatic community. Now that she has recovered from her assassination attempt, she’s hellbent on showing everyone that nothing has changed. That she’s still the Queen and Mother of Gods and just as strong as ever. And it seems to work; the rumours that floated through the palace for a few days after the attack have quieted down. I’m glad for Beira - even though it’s not true. She’s getting weaker and she’s refusing to tell me why. She’s very adept at keeping up appearances, but when we’re alone in our private quarters, she sometimes lets down the walls she’s built.

  The assassination attempt has left her weakened, but it’s not just that. Her magic isn’t as strong as it used to be, and that’s never happened before. I think deep down she’s scared, and to be honest, so am I. I’ve known her as this unapproachable, divine being for all my life, and to think that she’s got weaknesses boggles my mind. It makes her more human, sure, but she’s not supposed to be human.

  “Please stand for the Daughter of Winter, the Slayer of Demons, the Heir to the Throne, her Royal Highness, the Lady Wynter.”

  Slayer of Demons, that’s a new one. I assume it’s been one of the guys who told the herald to say that. They like to do stuff like that. I think they’re a little bored and messing with the Court routine gives them a bit of satisfaction.

  I enter the Great Hall to the sound of applause and am tempted to leave immediately. I hate the attention I get at these kinds of events. It’s bad enough having to sit still at the dais, surrounded by the most important people in the Realm. Doing small talk. Bleurgh. But walking through the biggest room in the palace, trying not to trip or look awkward on my way to the other end is pure torture. And tonight, I don’t even have my Guardians to steady me. They’re in some kind of meeting and won’t be joining us until later.

  Now that they’ve safely brought me to my mother’s domain, they’ve started taking on some of their old tasks again. They’re still my assigned guards, but having four of them around me at all times would be a waste of resources. They’re some of the best fighters in the Realm, after all, and they’re in high demand to pass on their skills to the younger Guardians. I’m not quite sure how I feel about that. On one hand, I’m glad I don’t have an entourage wherever I go, on the other hand, I miss having them around all the time. Even at night, it’s rarely all of us together. Storm is the one who’s absent the most, being the highest ranking of the four. Sometimes he’s away all night and
then sleeps in the morning when I have my own things to do.

  I miss our days on the road. It was stressful, dangerous, but I loved it. Now, we’re in stasis, surrounded by Court formality and intrigue, always the subject of gossip. I’m slowly learning how to behave in this setting, but I make enough mistakes to entertain the servants.

  Another thing I can’t get used to: servants. They learned pretty quickly that I prefer to take a bath on my own, thank you very much. If I want company, I’ll take one (or several) of my Guardians with me. I don’t need handmaidens messing with my hair or handing me clothes, and I absolutely can’t stand them telling me how beautiful I am when they apply my makeup. Whenever I look into a mirror, I don’t recognise myself. My features have changed, my cheekbones are higher, my eyes brighter, my hair glossier. I’m no longer plain and ordinary and I’m hating it. I want to go back to being the old Wyn, the one who could put her hair into a messy bun and stay in pyjamas all day long while working on her thesis. Here, I have to wear pretty dresses and behave like a lady. Yuck.

  “Walk,” the herald hisses and I notice I’m standing in the large doorway, being stared at by the hundreds of guests waiting for me to make my way to the dais. Luckily, my mother hasn’t arrived yet. Despite our differences, I do seek her approval. She’s the expert in how to be Queen, so I better learn from her how to behave like a princess.

  Ignoring the stares and hushed conversations, I walk through the Hall, keeping my eyes trained on the high table. Out of the corner of my eyes, I see a few people pointing at my chest. I’m sure Mara will give me a roundup of public opinion later on. I’m either setting a new trend or making myself the laughing stock of the Court.

  Instead of having my boobs on display like Crispin intended when he cut two holes into my dress, I now have a strip of ruffled black fabric running around my upper body like a corset that’s too high, culminating in a large golden bow on my chest. The holes are used for the golden band to disappear back into the dress, giving it a three-dimensional appearance. It’s crazy. And I have to admit that I quite like the effect. It makes me look like a Christmas present that is waiting to be unwrapped. Not now; later, after the feast, by my four Guardians. Who will hopefully be here soon, so I can tease them all evening.

  This is the first time I make it to my seat without stumbling. I may turn into a proper princess yet. As soon as I sit down, the guests follow suit and start their conversations once more. A few are still looking in my direction, but most are finally distracted again. None of the other important guests have arrived yet, so I sit on my own, letting my thoughts drift. I’ve been here for two weeks now and it feels both shorter and longer at the same time. There’s so much to learn and so much to understand that I sometimes think my head will explode. Some of the Court rules are archaic and desperately need some modernisation. The lack of electronics is still strange, but at the same time, their magic makes many things possible that technology never would. Who needs Skype when you can have a telepathic conversation?

  The air here is filled with magic and my very own magic is responding to it. She gets stronger every day - and a little wilder. Sometimes she’s hard to control, it’s as if she gets high on magical energy. The Guardians told me that it would become easier to control her over time, but somehow, I’m experiencing the opposite. Most days, I’m having to fight to keep her inside. She’s like a kitten that wants to play with a ball of string even though she knows its forbidden.

  Yesterday, I accidentally froze my bathwater. Luckily, nobody else was in the room with me so I was saved from the embarrassment. But I’m a little scared at how easily my magic dispelled my hold on her and ran amok.

  “How are you tonight, darling?” my mother suddenly asks as she materialises next to me. I envy that skill, it would have saved me from walking through the hall like an idiot. Or like a princess, which was basically the same thing. I really wasn’t cut out to be royalty.

  “I’m alright,” I reply vaguely and turn my attention to the food that had magically appeared on the plate in front of me. I was still getting used to all the magic here. Back on Earth, I had to hide my abilities. Here, I’m more than just encouraged to use them; it’s expected of me. The ladies at Court don’t use their hands for most things, they use their magic. Brushing your hair? Use magic. Apply makeup? Use magic. Wipe your bum? You get the idea...

  “What are you having for dinner?” Beira asks me. Is she attempting small talk or is she actually interested? I glance at my plate. Pancakes, strawberries and a heap of cream. Comfort food. I must be feeling like I’m in need of a hug. Or four.

  “Do you need me for anything tomorrow?” I ask her instead. “I’d like to go and explore the area a little.”

  “You want to... Why not? I guess you should know the Realm you’re ruling over. But not without your Guardians.”

  That was exactly what I was hoping for. This means I get them all for myself, for an entire day. No politics, no boring stuff, just me and my four men. It will be just like being back on the road. Hopefully with a bit less danger.

  Speaking of the devils... Crispin and Frost enter together, mostly ignored by the crowd who’re busy emptying their plates. They spot me immediately – the disadvantage of sitting on the dais in full view of everyone. I give them a wave and smile, but they continue to stare at me from a distance. Crispin is pointing at me – no, at my boobs. That’s when I remember my dress and I grin mischievously. He’s noticed how I turned the joke on him. Poor Guardian. He looks like a sad little puppy who’s had his favourite toy taken away. That’s the punishment for cutting up my clothes.

  “By the way, I love your dress, darling,” my mother says at that moment and I snort loudly, totally unbefitting a Princess.

  Chapter Two

  “Are you sure you’ll be able to fly the whole way?” Storm asks me carefully. It’s clear that he’d rather have me take the portable throne again. No chance. I’ll never get into that contraption again. Especially not now that I have wings. Beautiful, shimmering, almost translucent wings. I flutter them slightly and watch as they reflect the light in all colours of the rainbow. I’m still not entirely used to the feeling, but I’ve definitely fallen in love with how they look. People on Earth would probably think that I’m a fairy. If only they knew.

  “I’ll manage,” I respond in my Princess voice, the one that doesn’t allow any arguments. It’s rare that I’m pulling rank, but today I really want to fly. And if I fall, I’m sure one of my four Guardians will catch me. If not... oh well, it’ll work out somehow.

  “Your Highness, I’ve prepared you a picnic.” Tamara comes hurrying up the stairs to the top of the tower where we’re waiting to begin our trip. So far, I’ve not managed to launch into the air from the ground. Luckily, my mother’s palace has a multitude of towers at my disposal.

  “Thank you, Mara.” I smile at her and take the basket she’s brought us. I never thought I’d have a picnic in winter, but why not. It’s always winter here in the Realm, so I better get used to it. Most people use their magic to stay warm; otherwise the ladies at court would never be able to wear their flimsy dresses. They all seem to think that nakedness is fashionable. I shudder. No, I prefer to be dressed properly.

  I pass the basket on to Crispin - I’m not sure if I could carry the extra weight with my untrained wings - and give the boys a grin. “Ready?”

  Before they can respond, I jump off the tower.

  Falling.

  Falling.

  How do I move my wings again?

  Ah. Flying!

  Just before I hit the ground, my wings fully expand and I glide in an elegant curve over the frosty fields that surround the palace on this side. With a few beats of my wings, I ascend. Above me, my men are waiting for me. Their perfect movements show me what I still have to learn. And I will, in time. They’ve had years to practice flying. I’ve only had two weeks.

  Flying is exhilarating. The wind tousles my hair as I fly higher to join them. My magic is kee
ping me in a cocoon of warm air, immediately melting the tiny snowflakes that have started falling from the clouds above us. Not the perfect weather for a picnic.

  They all look at me in disapproval, but I ignore them. “So, where are we going?” I ask cheerily. Just because this was my idea doesn’t mean I actually know where to go. All I’ve seen of the Realm so far is the Gate and the palace, and the bits in between. But after looking at some of the maps, I could spend years exploring my new home. And if my mother gets what she wants, I might do just that.

  She wants me to stay forever, basically. I’m not sure I like that idea. My parents still live on Earth - my adoptive parents, that is, but they raised me and I know them a lot better than Beira. And I never finished my studies... I had a life back there and I don’t want to give it all up. While this Princess-experience is quite a lot of fun at the moment, it’s also terribly boring in the long run. I’ll never get used to having servants and living in a massive palace that is basically a town in itself.

  But right now, my mother needs me. Once her strength returns... we will see.

  “We’ll head West,” Storm announces and starts to fly off, leaving the rest of us to follow.

  “Why is he being grumpy?” I ask Frost, who’s flying next to me.

  “He doesn’t think this is a good idea. There have been reports of Summer soldiers in the Realms, and he is worried that we might encounter some.”

  “Summer soldiers, here? Why didn’t I know that?”