Avery Lynn

As the Solstice was slowly approached, the energy of Mountain Home changed. Tension and expectation of a child waiting for the most magical moment of the year, hung in the air. The smell of preparing sweets, delicious meals and evergreens filled not only every room in the castle but also wafted beyond its walls. The city on the other side of the gorge seemed busier than ever, yet everyone was in a merry mood with smiles constantly adorning their faces.

Several days had passed since the fever had subsided, but my body remained weak. I kept it a secret, not wanting to make anyone worry. As even Millie had become busier, helping with preparations, there was no one who could notice a difference anyway.

Kallias himself wasn't in the best shape either, still spending a lot of time in bed, resting. In my bed to be precise. He had become strong enough to stand up and move around for short periods, heavily limping — he even needed a cane to go to the bathroom. His wounds were healing too slowly for a fae and it worried me. On the other hand, I was glad that he remained close and didn't insist on returning to his rooms as soon as the doctor allowed him to gradually get out of bed. Ever since the ritual, I felt an urgent need to do something, an uneasiness and loneliness that weighed heavily on my chest, even while nightmares fueled by fever tormented me, but it all melted away as soon as we found ourselves in the same room. Thinking it was just that piece of his magic craving to return to its owner, I felt too ashamed to share it with him, yet I wondered whether he felt also something — anything at all.

I woke up to the sensation of being surrounded by pleasant warmth, all my senses soothed by scent of sweet vanilla and freshly fallen snow. With my eyes still closed, I sighed with contentment and pressed even closer to the source of it all, my mind hazy with sleep. Suddenly, it shifted slightly and making a small noise, what I thought was a blanket firmly squeezed me and pulled me to a solid surface that rose and fell in a steady rhythm. The strong beats of heart beneath my cheek completely awakened me.

All blood froze in my veins when I realized I was pressed against a male's chest, his shirt halfway unbuttoned. I could already feel the dam of nightmarish memories breaking down and I braced, expecting the worst. But as if by a snap of fingers, the panic immediately subsided; my soul recognized the person lying next to me before my mind did. My entire body relaxed and I looked up, finding Kallias still fast asleep with slightly parted lips, quietly snoring. I chuckled at the small sounds he was making. He grunted and pushing his knee between mine, changed our positions, partly lying on me. The heat climbed up my neck. I forgot even how to breathe, feverishly thinking about what to do. I didn't want to wake him up, but I couldn't stay like this either.

"You shouldn't laugh at your sleeping husband."

Small shivers ran down my spine and my eyes closed on their own at the sound of his raspy voice still heavily laced with sleep. Warmth settled in my lower belly. The need to rub against his thigh grew stronger, but I forced my body to remain still like a statue.

"And you should stop teasing your wife," I retorted out of breath, so the words completely lost their bite.

"Hmm, I might consider it. But until then," he curled around me and pressed his nose into my hair, inhaling deeply, "let's sleep a bit longer. It's still too early."

I swallowed hard, my mouth dry. My heart was about to explode, pulse roaring in my ears.

"I'm sorry.. Are you alright?" He started to pull away when he noticed how tensed I was.

"Yeah." I pulled him right back down before he could see my flushed face. Just a little more. Let me stay like this with you a bit longer, I pleaded in my mind. It certainly wasn't good for my circulatory system, but I needed this. At least once in my lifetime, I wanted to feel like his wife; I wanted to be his special chosen one.

"Let's sleep." With trembling hands I embraced him, clinging to his solid form, and closed my eyes. I wouldn't sleep — how could I? I wanted to remember every second of this. I didn't care whether this was caused by the medicine he was prescribed or not, but once he got healthy again, he would return to his rooms for sure and this would never happen again. This was my chance and I didn't want to miss it.

Kallias hesitated for a moment. "Fine. Let's sleep then," he murmured at last. Slightly shuffling around, he found a more comfortable position and nuzzling his cheek to my hair, he deeply breathed out through nose. Soon enough, he began softly snoring again.

Hot tears began to roll down my cheeks and I didn't bother to try to stop them. This felt so nice, so right. It was the best moment of my life, lasting until Kallias woke up again more than two hours later and I enjoyed every second of it.

"Could you sleep well?" he asked, brushing fingers through my hair and I nodded. We were still sprawled across the bed, our limbs entwined.

"And you?"

"Like a baby," he chuckled and started to stretch out with one arm still holding me at his side. "I think I need to move to your bedroom permanently. I didn't sleep this well even when I was a child."

My lips curled into a small smile, but I wasn't happy at all. It was just a joke, yet I wished he really meant it. "There's nothing stopping you from doing that. You are always welcome here."

He gave me a curious look, brows raising. A naughty smile slowly spread across his face. "I take you at your word. But I have to warn you. Once I do that, you won't be able to get rid of my snoring for the rest of your life. Are you ready for such a great commitment?"

This time, I couldn't discern whether it was another joke or honest words. Still, I hoped for the latter. "I think I am." I hid my burning cheeks in his shirt. He said nothing to that and began to graze his fingers up and down my arm in a soothing motion.

A half hour later, I stepped out of the bathroom where Millie helped me change and pulled my hair into a simple braid that swung on my back. When I found my bed empty with the blankets tossed aside, I panicked a bit. His cane was gone, too. I rushed to the sitting room, finding him seated at a small desk with piles of documents organized on top of it — a new addition to the room. His head snapped up at my hasty entrance, his pale eyes roaming up and down my body. Finding nothing alarming, a kind smile spread across his face instantly and satisfied, Kallias returned to the papers in his hands. Not wanting others to do his job, with breaks he spent several hours every day reading through the newest piles and writing since becoming stronger. As he sat there with bright light pooling around him, his snow-white hair messy from sleep and shirt still half unbuttoned, I couldn't take my eyes off him. Suddenly, I felt an urge to crawl onto his lap, nip at his exposed throat while slowly slipping my hand under that shirt, opening it more and more until-

A loud knock jolted me from my daydream. Blinking, I regained my senses and my gaze focused. My husband was sitting on the edge of his chair, leaning forward and gripping the armrests so firmly that his knuckles turned white. His lips were slightly parted, his blue eyes gleaming with power swirling in them as his shoulders rose and fell with ragged breaths. I didn't need to ask what had happened; our aroused scents mingled in the air between us. Blushing, I ran to the window and flung it open. Cold air caressed my burning face and I exhaled heavily. Before I could make sense of what just occurred, another knock sounded and shortly after it, the door opened.

"You clearly heard the knock, yet none of you bothered to answer?" Viviane stood in the doorway with hands on her hips. She carefully assessed the situation and frowned at me. "Y/N, are you okay? Why are you standing by the open window without a cloak? You'll catch a cold."

"I-.. It was just hot in here and I needed to cool down a bit," I made a poor excuse, closed the window and without even looking in Kallias' direction moved to sit on the sofa.

Smiling mischievously, Viviane closed the door and took a stance from where she could observe us both. "Did I interrupt something?"

"No!" we both answered at once and then, blushing, we turned away from each other. Viviane's amused smile only grew wider.

"You two have no idea how happy I am for you. I knew you would find way to each other," she beamed, balancing on her heels. "However, whatever you were about to do will have to wait until later. It's time!" She turned to Kallias, who apparently understood and chuckled as he let his head fall back.

"You can't be serious, Viv. This year, too?"

"It's tradition," she fumed. "We do this every year and now that Y/N is here, it wouldn't be fair to deprive her of such an amazing experience."

"Have mercy on us," Kallias sighed. "I can't walk. I hardly get from bed to this table and back and Y/N just got better."

Viviane pouted, thinking it over. "Fine, you are excused this time, but Y/N has to come. It's going to be fun and I'll make sure she doesn't overexert herself."

"Where do I have to go?" I dared to interrupt them, having no idea what this was about.

"To the Solstice market," Kallias clarified. "We have a tradition of going down to the town together with our friends every year on this day. I hoped Viv would forget this year, but.."

"Don't make it sound like a bothersome matter!" Viviane narrowed eyes at him. "No matter how much you pretend to hate it, everyone knows you secretly enjoy it. Very. Much."

Kallias pinched the bridge of his nose. "What about your sister? Or Gerard? Can't they go with you instead?"

"You know they can't. Liv isn't here and Gerard left with the unit just yesterday. You are even the one who signed his orders."

Half-listening to their exchange, I turned to the windows, looking down at the city on the other side of the gorge. Solstice market. I'd never been to one. The last time there was one at father's estate, I was a child and even then, I only watched the lights in the distance from the window of my room.

"I'd love to see it," I whispered under my breath.

They both paused and then Viviane squealed triumphantly. "I knew it! You are my person!"

"You see, Kal? Y/N wants to go, too," she turned to my husband with expectation.

Kallias glared at her with annoyance, but when he turned to me, a kind smile brightened his expression. "Is that what you really want?"

Still amazed that they heard me over their squabble, I nodded. "If it's okay.."

"Of course, it is." He reached for his cane and then, with a lonely expression, returned it back to its place. "Just dress warmly. Viviane tends to behave like a shopping maniac, so don't hesitate to stop her when you can't be able to keep up with her pace or when you get tired."

The mentioned one rolled her eyes and stuck out her tongue at him. "Jerk.. As if I've ever behaved like that," she murmured and went to call for Millie, her steps light.

"Are you sure you will be okay?" The Winter Prince asked me as soon as she was out of hearing range. Limping, he followed me to the bedroom.

"Please, don't worry. I feel good," I assured him. With hand on closet's handle, I paused. "Thank you, Kallias."

His brows raised in surprise. "For what?"

"For allowing me to go."

He made a small, amused sound. "You are a free person. You don't have to ask me for permission to do something or go somewhere." He heavily sat down on the edge of the bed. Groaning, he stretched out his injured leg and lightly massaged the strained muscles. "However, I'd be happy if you always confided in me," he added more quietly after a moment.

Hearing those words, warmth bloomed in my chest, melting down yet another wall between us. Hesitantly, I knelt down in front of him and replaced his hands with mine, wishing my touch could take away the pain he masked so well. His long fingers traced my jawline, tilting my head upward. Kallias caressed my cheek with his thumb.

"Why are you crying?"

"I'm just happy."

"Mmm." His warm palms cupped my cheeks. "People usually smile when they are happy," he murmured and pressed his lips to my forehead.

* * *

The cold wind stung my face as the sleigh moved down the streets of officials' quarters and over the bridge toward the lively town, but I felt no pain. Even minutes later, I could still feel my husband's touch and lips and that kept me warm and protected. Viviane next to me excitedly talked with Millie, who joined us at Kallias' insistence and I half-listened their conversation. As the sleigh passed the first buildings of the town, my attention shifted to the houses and shops lining the wide roadway.

Every street lamp was decorated with conifer twigs and a big red bow, garlands and wreaths on the doors and in the windows bent under the weight of small bells, ribbons and all kinds of tiny decorations that shone in the sun. Children chased each other between the piles of silver-white snow, having snowball fights; couples strolled around hand in hand. Sounds of laughter, merry conversations and festive songs mingled together, creating a unique atmosphere. To me, it was all so new and exciting that I almost forgot I wasn't alone. I didn't even notice I was leaning out of the sleigh until Viviane touched my forearm, pulling me back.

"Be careful or you will fall out," she warned me, laughing.

As we neared the center of the town, the sleigh slowed down until it gradually stopped. The street was much busier here, sleighs could hardly pass between the walkers who blocked almost entire road, but nobody was mad or nervous about it. Everyone smiled, greeting each other.

"Get off, girls," Viviane commanded jokingly. "From here, we have to walk, but thankfully, the square isn't far."

Millie stopped on my right, Viviane took her place on my left and looping arms with each other, we slowly wove through the crowd. My view was fully blocked by the sea of heads, so I let my friends lead the way. Soon enough, the buildings lining the street disappeared and we found ourselves in the open space of the large square with a high spruce in the middle. It was a majestic tree with dense needles that was visible even from the castle. Thousands of tiny colorful fairy lights shone among the beautiful decorations and chains and a big silver snowflake adorned the top of the tree.

There was a stage at the base of the tree where musicians played festive songs. My gaze wandered to the tall male with long golden hair and broad shoulders who played the fiddle. He was obviously enjoying himself as he stood apart from the rest of the musicians, tapping his foot and setting the tempo. At first sight, it was clear that the young male wasn't part of the band, his physique belonged to a well-trained soldier. However, his fiddle bow danced across the strings with practiced precision, playing a pleasant melody. Suddenly, he turned to the audience with a bright smile and his emerald eyes met mine. If nothing else, the color of his eyes alone — so unusual in the Winter — revealed that he came from a different court. Slightly blushing, he bowed his head. I bashfully returned the gesture and he turned back to the band.

"Oh, oh, I see a stall with mulled wine! Let's go there," Viviane squealed, already pulling me toward the stalls standing on the perimeter of the square. The simple wooden constructions were full of goods, covering everything from food to the toys and the jewelry, and the sellers had their hands full serving the customers. Not even thirty minutes later, we had hardly strolled by a third of the stalls, but we all already carried at least ten bags each. Most of the items naturally belonged to Viviane who, as Kallias warned me, had become a true shopaholic, however, I bought several things, too — mostly the Solstice presents for my dear ones.

Despite having a lot of fun with my friends, my steps gradually grew heavier and soon I was exhausted. I hated to ruin the fun for others, though, so I kept quiet, hiding my weakness. Just when I started to think I wouldn't be able to take another step anymore, an arm wrapped around my waist, supporting my weight.

"Here you are. I've been worried about you."

Hearing that familiar voice, I relaxed against my husband's shoulder. "You have excellent timing," I whispered so only he could hear me.

"Kal! What are you doing here? I thought you couldn't walk," Viviane teased him as soon as she noticed he had joined us.

"I came to pick up my wife before you completely wear her down and she starts to despise the markets," he retorted playfully.

She narrowed eyes at him. "How rude," she pouted and leaned closer to whisper in my ear, her voice full of mischief. "Have a fun, dear." With a wink, she took her bags from me and giggling, she left with Millie, whose eyes sparkled at sight of Kallias by my side.

Blushing, I turned to my husband. A soft, satisfied smile curled the corners of his mouth. "At last," he sighed, looking down at me. "You must be tired. Let's sit down for a while and eat something."

Limping with a cane in hand, he led me to a bench. When we sat down, he opened the small paper bag he carried and took out a steaming cinnamon bun. Handing it to me, he reached in again and pulled out one more. He breathed in the smell of it, making a satisfied sound.

"These are the best," he told me and took a bite. "Grace's bakery bakes the most delicious cinnamon buns in all of Prytian. You can't leave the market without trying them at least once."

I chuckled and wiped the sugar coating from his cheek. "Thank you. They smell amazing."

Without hesitation, he grabbed my hand and licked the sticky sweetness from my finger, making my cheeks burn with embarrassment. "Not even a crumb must go to waste." He was teasing me again.

After recharging our energy, Kallias offered me his hand and together we strolled around a bit, stopping here and there to browse the goods at stalls until a sweet scent of honey tickled our noses.

"Come," Kallias smiled and pulled me to the stall from which the smell was wafted. "That must be Medonebo. That old fae makes the best gingerbread."

"Who's the old fae, princeling?" The elderly-looking male with sharp eyes turned to us as we approached. Tens of differently shaped and beautifully painted gingerbreads were lined up on his temporary counter, each one a masterpiece carefully placed in a clear bag secured with a bow. I couldn't take my eyes off them.

"Your ears are as sharp as ever," Kallias smiled kindly. "I'm glad to see you here this year as well. How's business going? Any troubles?"

"Of course, I'm here. How could I miss the biggest event of the year?" Medonebo stroked his long beard contentedly. "I can't complain at all. Thanks to Your Highness, my family business has enough work all year long."

The old fae's attention shifted to me. "Well, well! Isn't this beautiful lady, you've brought with you, your wife? Please, accept my late congratulations." He dipped his chin and smiled sweetly at me until fans of wrinkles formed around his eyes.

I wasn't sure how to react, so I simply thanked him.

"How about choosing a sweet present for her, son? Hm?" He lightly poked my husband in the ribs. "Every gingerbread you see here, is made with love and great care. I guarantee its taste and softness that lasts for months." He said it loud enough for everyone nearby to hear, catching the attention of potential customers.

Kallias snorted, watching me out of the corner of the eye. "Fine," he said at last and looked over the displayed goods. "I'll take that heart then." He pointed to a really beautiful one, the size of both of my hands, with a red rose painted in its middle — one of the biggest gingerbreads there.

"Good choice, son, very good choice," the elder male rejoiced, clapping his hands.

The younger male who was selling with him, put the heart into a cute bag and with a smile, handed it to me. "Please, accept this as a wedding gift from us," he said and the elder male nodded in agreement, again stroking his beard.

"We thank you," Kallias patted old male's shoulder. "See you around next year."

Medonebo and his son bowed to us.

"And get well soon, princeling," the old gingerbread baker called after Kallias as he limped down the street holding my hand.

Passing a few more stalls, Kallias turned to one of the streets where sleigh waited for us. Just in a time, as both of us were tired, my husband limped more with every step. We got on and he wrapped us in a thick blanket, pulling me to his side. As we sipped the hot chocolate he had bought us, the sleigh started moving. I sighed contentedly.

"Tired?" he asked me.

"A bit, but I had a great time." I snuggled closer to his side. "Thank you for today."

"I'm happy you enjoyed it. Hopefully, next year will be better and we will have more fun."