Heart of the Winterland Read online

  She whipped a quilt off her unused bed and wrapped it around herself. Now at least she was covered if anyone came barging in, but it didn’t help her leave the room.

  She paced the room, ranting at herself for not checking before Cali left the room. Cali . . . she must’ve taken her clothes. Why though? They weren’t even worth saving for floor rags. She’d just have to wait. Her feet kept moving and she tried to think how long it’d been already. Stupid, stupid, stupid.

  Her mental diatribe was interrupted by a knock. Pulling the quilt tightly around her, she took a few timid steps toward the door.

  “Who’s there?”

  “It’s Brie! I’ve got something for you.”

  Angel carefully unlocked and cracked open the door. Peering through the opening, she saw Brie, wearing a sunny yellow dress with a pink apron. She was holding a pile of clothes and looking as if she was trying not to bounce where she stood.

  “Cali brought me your old clothes on her way to breakfast. She asked me if we knew anyone who could wash them. I figured why not, I’ll wash them, but they were horrid. I’m sorry. Mother says I’m too opinionated, but I say I’m honest. Anyway, I couldn’t live with myself if I let you climb back into those rags, so I went through some of mine and I just didn’t think we’re the same size.” Brie stopped to take a breath before plowing on. “I ran over to a friend of mine though, and she had some old clothes that I think will fit perfect. Plus they’re way better than . . . Anyway here they are.”

  Brie held out her armful of clothing with a huge smile. Angel secured her quilt then opened the door enough to grab the pile.

  “Thank you so much, Brie. You’ve been a great help.” Angel smiled, then added, “This is a lot of clothes, and I only need one set. I don’t wish to impose more then I already have.”

  “Honestly, silly, don’t even think about it. Shelly had tons of old clothes and she knows she’s never going to fit back into them after the baby. Well, at least I know that. I’m glad they’re going to get some use.”

  Brie headed back down the hall singing merrily, no longer trying to hide the bounce in her step. Angel shook her head as she set the pile of clothes on her bed and began to sort through them.

  She finally settled on a simple, white blouse and a full, crimson skirt that brushed the tops of her feet. At the bottom of the pile was a tiny pair of leather sandals. She dressed and then examined herself. Brie was a good judge of size; everything fit perfectly.

  Hunger pains struck as she quickly brushed her long hair and tucked it behind her ears. She exited the room, shut the door firmly behind her, and strode towards the delicious smells that wafted down the hall.

  ❄❄❄

  Turning her attention back to Cali, Airyanna cast an odd look at the “lit” lantern, before managing a smile. “You do look a good sight better, hun. Let me get a table cleaned up, and I’ll bring you breakfast.”

  With the confident air of someone who’d done this one too many times, Airyanna dunked a rag into a pail on the counter and had a table spotless in seconds. She hustled Cali to it before vanishing through the kitchen doors, returning momentarily with a steaming tray.

  The fragrant food teased Cali’s senses as it was set in front of her. There was porridge with cinnamon, slices of apple, a cold mug of milk, two succulent boiled eggs, and a nice, thick slice of homemade bread.

  Cali shoved her people anxiety to the back of her mind. “Thank you ever so much, Airyanna. It all looks and smells delightful.”

  “You’re very welcome, hun. Now tuck in and don’t you mind me. I’ll finish up quick here and then take myself off to the kitchen.”

  Cali took the advice to heart and launched into breakfast with full gusto. Once she was down to her apples, she sat back in her seat with a sigh. Slowly she nibbled on a slice, savoring the flavor.

  Airyanna, as promised, had finished and returned to the kitchen.

  This might be the best chance I get for awhile to ask Voice about my past.

  “Now then, Voice, I haven’t forgotten that you owe me an explanation of your comment yesterday. I’d say we’ve had plenty of time to get settled, and before Angel joins us, I’d like you to tell me what you know about my past.”

  “As you wish, Princess, but the tale is long in the telling and not to be taken lightly. With that in mind, I will begin.”

  Chapter 5

  Many, many ages ago, before you were born, Trabor was a wonderful jewel—a place of beauty to all that beheld it. People, far and wide, shared tales of its glory and majesty. The pines grew thick and green; some said you could hear them speak if you listened. The rivers ran deep and clear. The mountains that surrounded the land on three sides reached so high they scraped the very heavens.

  But the tales that spread the most were of the people who lived there. Stories whispered late at night to small children brought light, even on the darkest of nights. The people of Trabor were a fair race. Many a song was sung of the unearthly beauty of that country and its people.

  Trabor had snow then as well, more than most kingdoms, but during a few months the snow melted and the sun warmed the land. During those treasured times, people had picnics and dances in the fields. Flowers took their chance to blossom into brilliance.

  Winter was not a sad time though, quite the opposite, in fact. It was a time full of celebration. The royal family was generous and good-hearted. No one ever lacked food for their table, or wood for their fire. The king and queen would host sleigh rides, feasts, and the winter festival.

  The winter festival was a time for games and competition. Snowshoe, sled, and sleigh races for every age. Piping hot cocoa sent tendrils of steam into the air. Vendors walked through the crowds selling hot peanuts and potatoes. The peanuts were eaten, but many a child stuffed potatoes into their mitts to warm their hands. Sprinkled amongst the merrymakers were stages for magic shows, animal shows, comedy shows, any show you could imagine.

  If you asked the people of Trabor what their favorite part was, it would not have been any of those things. They would have said that they all eagerly awaited for the taffy pull. It was an event the royal family themselves supervised. Young and old alike gathered to make the biggest, most colorful, most flavorful taffy.

  Afterwards, the taffy was split amongst the people, and with many hugs and shouts of farewell, the festival would end. One by one, the people would disperse back to the comfort of their homes. Stands would be disassembled and trash cleaned up. By the next morning, only footprints scattered atop the snow would tell the tale of merrymaking.

  It is at one such festival that our story truly begins. It starts with a young boy and girl, each from a very different world: Amee, an orphaned peasant, and Falan, the Crown Prince of Trabor.

  As an only child, Falan was a bit too spoiled for his own good. He had blonde hair that flopped over his blue eyes and dimples that had the castle staff sneaking him treats and overlooking his transgressions. At eleven winters, he already knew that one day the entire kingdom would answer to him.

  Which brings us to the girl, Amee, who’d been abandoned as a baby and brought up by a blacksmith and his wife. Though they took care of her, they did not love her as their own. Amee knew in her heart that this was so, but tried to push it from her mind. Trying to ignore her unaffectionate parents had become more difficult that year for her foster mother was round with child. Amee saw what little love there might have been in her life fade away as the couple prepared for the baby.

  Finally she fled—a petite girl of nine years—found a wagon and rode under the hay to the festival grounds. She did not know where she would go from there, but the thought of living in the shadow of the new baby was more than her heart could stand.

  Amee first met Falan at a frozen pond along the edge of the festival. Amongst the blond-haired and blue-eyed children, Amee stuck out like an ebony rose against the snow. Jet black hair, high cheekbones, slanted chocolate brown eyes, and fine-boned, she quickly drew the eye of her peers.
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br />   Even in a country like Trabor, children are children, and it was only a matter of time before the group decided to make trouble. Circling her so that she could not escape, they stared menacingly. The jeers and taunts came first, followed by shoving and name-calling.

  Amee fell and tried to curl in on herself. Cruel faces surrounded her and she barely heard the shout from beyond the circle.

  “I say there. Leave her alone. Get back, all of you.”

  When the children parted, a pair of shiny black boots stood in front of her face. The person in the boots crouched and she instinctively tucked her head in.

  “Don’t be afraid. They won’t bother you anymore,” the bold voice declared.

  At last she looked up and saw the bright smile of a boy. Behind him stood the children, whispering to each other. The boy followed her gaze.

  “Shove off, all of you. Don’t you know who I am?” His words rattled them from their whispering and they fled.

  From that point on, Amee’s heart was no longer her own. This boy was her hero, her savior. To her, he could do no wrong.

  “Here now, let me help you.” Falan gallantly offered his hand.

  Amee took one look at his hand and broke into tears. When the sobs abated, and she lifted a tear-stained face, Falan still stood there, waiting.

  “Now that’s no way to spend the festival. Come on, you can stay with me. No one will bother you.” He tugged her to her feet and led her back to the festivities.

  They spent the rest of the day enjoying the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the holiday. It was the best day of Amee’s life.

  It was at the end, when they were saying their goodbyes, that Amee was reminded she had no place to go. Falan, though he was too young to realize that not everyone’s life was like his, was blessed with parents who were wiser in the ways of the world. They had been watching the two children, and seeing Amee’s sadness made them wonder about her home life. It was the look on her face when Falan said goodbye that showed very clearly she had nowhere to go.

  The king insisted Amee climb in the sleigh and ride home with them. Once back at the castle, he went into the stables alone. A few minutes later, he emerged with a knowing smile, followed by a man in worn clothing that smelled of fresh hay and horses. The man took the reins and waited patiently as the king helped his wife and son alight. Nodding his appreciation, the king led his family towards the castle.

  Falan waved to Amee before scampering inside.

  At some point during meeting Falan’s parents, Amee realized that they were not ordinary folk. Seeing their sleigh firmly cemented into her mind that this family must be quite well off. When the castle rose into sight, she began to think they must be nobility. Now, left alone in the sleigh, she felt out of place.

  “Now, young miss, let me help you down from there.” The kindly voice jolted her back to her senses. She had quite forgotten the man holding the reins. He picked her up and swung her to the ground. Looking into his eyes, she somehow knew everything would be okay. With one hand leading the horses and the other hand wrapped around hers, they walked into the stables.

  Amee watched eagerly as he brushed the horses, filled their troughs, and settled them down for the night. Once again he led Amee, this time out of the stables, pausing a moment to close and latch the doors. Then he forged a path through the snow towards a spot of light that shone from the top of a hill. Not knowing what else to do, Amee followed, jumping from one footprint to the next.

  After a bit, they arrived at a small house tucked amongst some trees. To Amee it looked like the coziest place in the world. It did not overwhelm her as the palace had, nor had it the cheerlessness of her old home. The flickering glow of candlelight shone through the windows. Lacy curtains adorned each frame. A wreath hung on the front door and window boxes full of snow sat on each sill. Amee imagined them in the summer, full of bright flowers.

  Opening the door, they knocked the snow off their boots, before stepping inside and carefully removing them. The man set his inside the door and Amee followed suit, glancing around at the cheerful house. Little did she know that this place would be her home for years to come.

  As it turned out, the stable master and his wife, though happy in many ways, had one dark spot in their lives. They wanted a child to brighten their days, but were unable to have children of their own. Remembering this, the king had mentioned young Amee to his stable master, Jakan, whom he knew to be a good man. Overjoyed, Jakan had leapt at the chance to bring a child into their lives.

  Jakan and his wife, Elena, sat down to a good meal that night, where they asked Amee how she would feel about them adopting her as their own. Amee had never imagined anyone wanting her, and needless to say there were many tears all around. Three wishes were granted that night, and no home was more joyous than the little cottage on the hill.

  Years went by, and Amee worked as a stablehand with her adoptive father. Though originally Elena had tried to interest Amee in more domestic duties, it was soon clear Amee had no passion for them. She helped out, of course, but the minute she had finished her morning chores, she would sneak down to the stables. After a week of that, Elena and Jakan decided to let her go along with him until she got it out of her system. It never did, and Jakan would tell everyone that his daughter was the best stablehand he’d ever had.

  Falan was also growing up during this time. He discovered the stables and developed a love for horses, or at least for racing them. He wasn’t particularly interested in their welfare and, more often than not, left their care to those who were paid for that purpose.

  So it was that Falan and Amee saw quite a bit of each other. The friendship made Amee’s parents uneasy, though who could gainsay a prince? They hid their feelings from Amee, who followed Falan like a lost puppy. That Falan saw her almost as a pet did not help the matter. He had “rescued” her; therefore she was his. Deprived so long of love, and having no other friends, Amee didn’t mind Falan’s sometimes overbearing friendship.

  More years passed, turning both children into fine-looking youths. Amee had blossomed into womanhood. Thick, full lashes accented her doe-like eyes. Dark, inky hair—braided while she worked—fluttered against her calves when loose. Her tall stature, equal to that of Falan’s, held splendor and majesty. She was beautiful, like a velvet midnight sky. Like the moon, who few appreciate or take the time to see.

  Now something happened that was both expected and yet unexpected. As is bound to happen in situations such as these, Amee started to experience feelings deeper than childhood adoration for Falan.

  Her head knew that the wish of her heart could never come true. Love, however, cannot be reasoned with. It simply is, and logic means nothing. This was how it was for Amee. In the secret part of her heart, she hoped and dreamed that what separated them would mean nothing. Love, she thought, always finds a way.

  There was, however, a problem she had not foreseen or even considered. A problem that came to light one bright summer day when she was one-and-twenty.

  The day started out well enough, and Amee went to the stables full of anticipation. Her favorite mare was expected to deliver a foal. It would mean missing out on her ride with Falan, but as it was just one day, she did not mind. Afterwards, she wondered if things might have turned out differently had she chosen to go along. Deep in her heart, though, she knew the end result would have been the same.

  Her first warning should have been the sudden weather change. Within minutes, the bright sunny sky was full of dark, looming clouds. Thunder rumbled in the distance and lightning flashed against the backdrop of darkness. Soon torrential rain poured down over the land. Animals huddled in what shelter they could find, as the water permeated their fur. In the stable, all was nice and dry, but Amee felt very cold. Falan was somewhere out there in the storm. Her father assured her that he had most likely found shelter with one of the villagers. His words brought her no comfort as her sense of foreboding continued to grow.

  What exactly happened that d
ay, Amee never quite found out. Bits and pieces of castle gossip allowed her to string together the main points of the story. It would seem that Falan’s horse had slipped. Bruised and wet, with an injured horse, he was alone and far from the castle. Here, details got a little fuzzy, but to Amee, it did not matter. The only thing that mattered was that somehow, someway, Falan met another girl. Not only did they meet, but he brought her back to the castle, and they spent the next few rainy days tucked away inside.

  A knot of fear grew in Amee’s stomach. When Falan and the young woman—Raina, the rumors said—finally left the seclusion of the castle, they could be seen wandering in the gardens. They would go on rides together, horseback sometimes, and in the carriage others. Falan always sent for the horses though, never actually going to the stable. Amee spent the next two months only catching glimpses of her best friend.

  ❄❄❄

  Amee ran the brush along Talzar’s brown flank as giggling floated through the stall window. She gritted her teeth. Then the whispering started up and she brushed harder, trying to block out the sound.

  More giggles. She flung the curry comb into the corner. Talzar nickered and nudged her shoulder. “I’m fine, boy.” She gave him an absentminded pat before grabbing a stool and placing it against the back wall. Climbing onto it, she could just barely see out the window.

  Falan and his sweetheart were standing on a wooden bridge that arched over a tranquil pond behind the stables. Considering a much larger park lay behind the castle outside of the walls; this bit of wilderness shouldn’t have drawn the couple here.

  Sweat trickled down Amee’s neck as she watched. She’d seen Raina before, though from a distance. Up close, her beauty was blinding.