Through the Eyes of a Fae
Chapter 33

Royce kneeled in front of Stella as she sat on a log to help her to lace her skates. He took his time, making sure they were secure while also rubbing Stella’s legs when no one could see. She laughed and patted his hands.

“I really do think getting on the ice will be a mistake, I am the most accident-prone person on the planet.” Stella watched as Malik and Ludis swirled around on the ice, a picture of grace. Stella was bundled up nicely, in a deep navy cloak lined with black fur. The cloak had slits where her hands could move freely. Her white shirt was fleece, and thick, coming down to tuck into her gloves. Her skates were lined with fur, and her breeches had two thick layers of fleece within. A black hat completed her look, her hair sticking out from underneath.

“You really do not like the cold, do you” Royce teased her. She picked up a small handful of snow and lobbed it at his head. He shook the snow out of his hair, and held his hands out to her, smiling.

“Remember what I taught you. I will be with you the whole time, I promise.” True to his word, Royce did not let her go, helping her to step onto the ice. He guided her slowly, pulling her along. She grew elated.

“Look! Look, I am doing it!” She was thrilled. Royce laughed with her, and they continued slowly down the river’s side.

Kora and Ben had just stepped onto the ice themselves, and Kora moved slowly. Getting the feel for the skates again, Ben offered her a hand. She smiled and took it, as they too began to work their way down the side of the river. Gaining confidence, they started to skate faster. Malik and Ludis were racing now, with Malik in the lead.

“Not fair! You have more leg than me!” Ludis called, laughing. Royce approached Ben and Kora, Stella in tow.

“Isn’t it beautiful today? I love the winter.” Kora was beaming, her cheeks red with cold. She, too, was bundled up in a cloak and breeches like Stella’s, but hers was a white cream color, with golden fur lining. She wore a hat pulled low over her ears, and a gray scarf wrapped around her neck. Her hair was braided neatly over her shoulder. Black gloves and breeches completed her warm ensemble.

“The only thing that would make this day perfect, would be if it was snowing.” Ludis had approached, and she was panting, tired from the race, but red cheeked and grinning. She matched Kora with the hat and gloves, but her cloak was a blush pink, lined with deep brown fur. Kora winked as Malik slid to a stop behind her, wrapping his arms around the woman. The men all wore coats lined with fur, gloves, and hats. Malik’s was pulled low to hide his Identity. He kissed Ludis’s cheek and looked up.

“It most likely won’t snow until tonight.” He mused, then snuggled his cold nose into Ludis’s neck, making her yelp.

“Or perhaps it will snow now.” Kora said slyly and closed her eyes. Ben felt a snowflake on his cheek, and they all smiled and looked up. Fresh snow began to fall, and the sun reflected off the millions of snowflakes. It truly was beautiful. The women sighed in wonder. Royce held out his hand, catching some snowflakes, and showing them to Stella.

“See? They are each beautiful and unique, just like you.” She blushed, and Royce motioned to each woman.

“Just like all three of you. We are lucky men,” Ben and Malik nodded, agreeing. Kora stood, making her way to the edge of the river, she had gotten a good few yards away when she heard Royce’s yelled warning. She pulled a thick sheet of ice from the ground just as Ben threw himself over her. The ice arched over them both, and 3 black arrows were stuck through the barrier. Looking towards the shore - 2 riders in all white galloped away. Malik was rushing past them, roaring for the guards on the shore to follow. Looking Ben in the eyes, she could see his anger as he struggled up, ripping his skates off the second he hit the shore. He ran for his horse and was off. Royce and Malik were right behind him. Kora was attempting to stand, with Stella and Ludis finally reaching her.

“Beatrice, you think? “Kora gasped, letting the ice barrier fall. Ludis picked up an arrow by the shaft, examining it.

“No. This is … from my tribe.” The shock was apparent on her face. Ludis could not mistake them; she knew it like she knew her name. She had fletched arrows much the same as a child. They all looked at each other, confused. Who was trying to kill Kora?