Islinda could not get a moment alone with Andre. No matter how much Ginger and Ailee reverenced their Autumn prince, it seems they didn’t trust Andre around her — and for good reasons.
Out of all the princes, Andre was known for leaving broken hearts in his trail and the servants were intent on protecting their mistress from him. Aldric would be so proud of them. Islinda thought sarcastically.
No one was left behind; they all joined the tour. If anything, Kalamazoo introduced a Winter Court Fae who would take them on the tour, brushing off the insult Andre had hurled at him by suggesting he take them himself. Thus, the group—Andre, Islinda, Ginger, Ailee, Gabbi, Milo, and the reluctant Kalamazoo—commenced the journey alongside their tour guide. And did she forget to add Prince Wayne too?
Once they left the comfort of the living rooms, the temperature seemed to drop even further, the cold air biting at their skin. Although Islinda had already seen a bit of the winter’s palace grandeur, the surroundings still blew her mind away.
The walls of the palace glistened with a frosty sheen, as if diamonds had been embedded in the ice. The floors were made of polished ice, smooth and reflective, creating an illusion of walking on water. Intricately carved ice sculptures adorned the hallways, depicting scenes from Winter Court history, mythical creatures, and legendary battles. Chandeliers made entirely of icicles hung from the high ceilings, casting a soft, ethereal glow throughout the ways.
Their tour guide, whom Islinda came to know as Alwyn, led the way with confident strides. His silver hair and winter attire blended seamlessly with the surroundings, making him look like he belonged in this icy realm. Islinda realized that blonde to silver hair was a characteristic trait of the Winter Faeries. Aldric would have probably possessed such features if his blood hadn’t been tainted.
Islinda’s heart squeezed painfully. Poor Aldric. If Aldric had grown up in this realm as a kid, she could already imagine the discrimination he must have suffered for being different. prejudice was harsh enough in the human realm, not to talk of a realm as brutal as Faery. Islinda could not dare imagine it.
"Are you okay?" Andre asked, frowning.
"What?" Islinda then realized that she had been clutching at her chest. "O-of course. I’m good." she removed her hands at once, noticing that eveyone was staring at them as well.
The gods knew she hated such unnecessary attention.
Andre walked on, his posture regal and graceful like the royal he was, unlike Islinda who had to hurry to keep up with him, while also trying to keep the myriad of emotions swirling within her.
Ginger still carried her now favorite Wrry cat, Prince Wayne and together, she and Ailee followed closely, taking in the splendor of the palace. Gabbi, always the pragmatic one, seemed more focused on potential escape routes and hiding places, her sharp eyes scanning every corner.
Milo, on the other hand, was entranced by the beauty around him, his youthful enthusiasm bubbling over. Kalamazoo trailed behind, his eyes darting around, ever vigilant, his body tense, ready to intervene if necessary.
"Welcome to the heart of the Winter Court," Alwyn said, his voice echoing through the hall. "This is where we host our grandest events."
Islinda could hardly take her eyes off the majestic beauty surrounding her, but she was also acutely aware of Andre’s proximity. His earlier actions still lingered in her mind, and she couldn’t shake the feeling of unease. He was probably teasing her with the kiss, she assumed.
As they continued their tour, they passed through the Hall of Mirrors, where walls of reflective ice created an endless maze of their own images. It was disorienting and mesmerizing at the same time, the reflections distorting and multiplying their forms.
"This is incredible," Ginger whispered, her eyes wide with wonder.
Gabbi nodded, equally impressed. "I’ve never seen anything like this."
Alwyn smiled, clearly pleased with their reactions. "We take great pride in our artistry here."
As they walked, Islinda couldn’t help but notice the subtle tension between Andre and Kalamazoo. The Autumn prince seemed to delight in Kalamazoo’s discomfort, occasionally glancing back with a smug expression. Kalamazoo, on the other hand, maintained a stoic facade, but his clenched jaw and narrowed eyes betrayed his annoyance.
They then entered the Garden of Eternal Frost, an indoor garden where every plant was made of ice. Literally, ice. The air was crisp and fresh, filled with the scent of winter blooms.
The trees sparkled with frozen leaves, and flowers bloomed in frosty beauty. Despite the cold, the garden felt oddly warm, and Islinda could tell it was thanks to the Fae’s magical abilities. There were Faeries in there tending to each and every one of them.
"This is my favorite part of the palace," Alwyn admitted, his voice soft as they walked among the frozen plants. "It’s a place of peace and reflection."
"It’s beautiful," Islinda murmured, her breath forming a small cloud in the cold air.
"Indeed," He agreed. "The Winter Court has its own unique beauty, harsh and unforgiving, yet breathtakingly pure."
Islinda found herself relaxing slightly, the garden’s tranquility seeping into her. She glanced at Andre, who was looking at her with a gentle smile. She frowned but said nothing. It was as if Andre looked at her with a tiny bit of affection or she was thinking too much.
They spent more time in the Garden of Eternal frost, admiring the plants. Although the leaves looked brittle, as if it would fall off if they were to touch it, even though it was firmer than they thought.
"Thank you for showing us this," she said quietly to him.
Alwyn nodded. "It’s my pleasure, Islinda."
However, their peaceful moment was interrupted by Kalamazoo clearing his throat. "We should move on. Time waits for no one. "
More like he couldn’t wait to put her back in her room. Damn that Fae.