Twilight Whispers Softly

His warm mouth skated across my skin like fire, leaving my nerves scorched. I arched as his long fingers curled deftly inside of me. His strong muscular frame pressed me into the rough straw. I gasped when the cold metal mask covering his face brushed against my heated skin.

“That’s my good girl.” his voice, rough with desire, warmed my neck. “Now come to me Bunny.” His one visible eye watched me through the darkness, the vivid green glowing in the darkness.

Tamiel! I jerked awake with a scream, the unfamiliar name on my lips as the wave of pleasure subsided. It was the third week in a row, the same poison green eye haunting me from behind a silver mask. I sat up, sweat beading on my face.

“Iris?” A hesitant voice near the door made me jump. I yanked my covers around my chest, sighing in relief when I saw that it was only Eddie.

“Wait, why are you here?” I frowned; the sunlight was barely lighting the window. “Did something happen?”

“I heard you scream.” Eddie looked uncomfortable, “I’m sorry I probably shouldn’t have barged in like that.” He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly.

“It was just a dream.” I murmured, rubbing my arms. I could still feel the icy metal brushing against my skin and blushed. “Did you need something?”

“Oh, did you forget already?” he raised his brows at me, “The Ice Festival is today.” his gaze immediately dropped to the floor as he flushed. “If we don’t go early, we won’t be able to set up your stand.”

“We?” I blinked at him, “Eddie, I don’t expect you to help. What would the Earl say if he caught you out here helping commoners?” I wagged my finger at him.

He gritted his teeth and kicked at the door frame. “I don’t care what he thinks.” he growled. I laughed at the almost childish rebellion on his face.

“Fine, but don’t get caught.” I laughed; the annual Ice Festival was my favorite time of the year. The royals opened the town to everyone. Merchants and dealers came from across the land and even from across the ocean. But more importantly this year was the crowning of the Winter Queen. It only happened once every seventy-five years during the Ice Festival, and this year would be my first to witness it. The Winter Queen got to live in the palace for a month and work with the court to choose the next king of Eira.

“Hey, are we going or not?” Eddie cocked his head, “If you get done early enough you can get ready for the Winter Queen waltz.”

I blanched, “No! I think I’m good!” I frantically scrambled out of bed and yanked my plain dress over my gown. “Eddie, only royals attend, you may be welcome but…” I frowned as I gestured down at my stained dress. “I’m just a villager, Eddie.” he scowled, scuffing his shoe.

“About that…” he turned to retrieve something outside the door. “I wasn’t sure about your size, but my sister told me you could wear this one.” he suddenly unfurled a beautiful shimmering cobalt dress. Beatrice sent me a dress?

My jaw dropped, “It’s beautiful! But I can’t take this.” I backed away, uncertainty clouding my thoughts. “Eddie, everyone knows who I am, I…”

“You’re going as my escort.” He said flatly, his voice brooking no argument. “Iris Grace, I’m formally asking you to be my escort to the Winter Queen waltz.” My face felt frozen in shock. Sensing my hesitation, he swallowed nervously and carefully laid the elegant dress across my bed. “Of course you don’t need to answer now, let’s get your stand set up.” clearing his throat uncomfortably he scurried towards the storage shed built against my small home.

He refused to meet my gaze while we diligently set up my baked goods stall. I had been up late keeping the fire hot, so the wide array of sweets and pastries brought a smile to my face. Soon the worn cobbled streets were flooded with people. I forgot all about Eddie’s proposal as I sank myself into my stand. As the sun wore its path across the sky, my wares slowly dwindled.

“Excuse me?” my gaze shot up to a pleasant voice, deep maroon eyes peered curiously back at me. “Would you happen to carry a hibiscus tart?” he looked like a noble, clothed elegantly in a tailored black suit that contrasted his pale skin, he was towering over me. His long black hair brushed his shoulders in careful disarray.

I blinked momentarily stunned, he cleared his throat, his dark gaze studying me patiently. “Oh! Yes of course!” I quickly scanned the tarts I had on display and pointed them out. “How many for you today sir?” a small smile quirked his lips, as he gave a small nod not answering me.

“This one.” he said simply gesturing behind him. Suddenly I was surrounded by palace guards.

“Wait!” Eddie appeared outside the ring of guards, “Kieran what are you doing?” Kieran? Kieran Malchavick?? My stomach sank, The Palace Magister!

I dropped to my knees in an instant bowing my head, “I’m so sorry sir!” Did I offend him in some way? “Please, you can have all the tarts. I’m so sorry for not recognizing you!” I heard a soft laugh.

“You’re mistaken, my lady.” Kieran plucked one of the tarts from its basket, balancing it between his long-gloved fingers. “Where did you obtain hibiscus?” I coughed, my nerves buzzing. Hibiscus was rare, only growing on Razor Peak.

“I picked it from Razor Peak.” I stammered, my forehead still resting on the cold stone. I heard a rustle and suddenly his long finger tipped my head back forcing me to meet his gaze.

“Oh really? A little wisp like you?” his thoughtful gaze traveled over my face, “And are you not aware of the Grim wandering Razor Peak? Why you could have been killed.” his voice was gently probing. “However did you manage that?”

Eddie cleared his throat uncomfortably, “I don’t see how that’s any of your business Malchavick.” Kieran turned a cold stare on him.

“Edward Heath, you would do well to learn your place, child.” he turned back to me, as Eddie scowled “Come along little wisp, your beast taming skills are needed.” He snapped his fingers, and the guards immediately scooped me off the ground.

Unable to protest, I hid my face as they hurried me along the streets. Wide confused eyes met mine everywhere I looked. The palace loomed overhead, icy spires lancing into the seasonally gray sky. I shot one last look over my shoulder catching sight of Eddie’s fear filled expression before the gates slammed shut behind us.

“Kieran!” A small shape detached from the shadows when we entered the foyer, curling around his waist.

“Young Miss.” He patiently disentangled the young woman from around his waist. “Blanche, you mustn’t behave so inappropriately.” she pouted, her beautiful blue eyes pleading.

“But Kieran, I missed you!” she shot me a curious look, “Who is this commoner?” she suddenly drew close to his side eyeing me suspiciously. “You can’t have my Kieran!” she snapped glaring at me.

“Miss Blanche!” Kieran snapped; a chill swept across the room as his voice boomed over her. “For the last time.” He placed his gloved hands firmly on her shoulders, turning her to face him. “You are betrothed to the son of King Jasper. As a lady destined for the court of Belhaven you must act accordingly.”

“I won’t go!” tears suddenly began streaming down her face. “I love you Kieran, I don’t want to go! He’s so cruel!” she clung to the front of his suit.

“Lady Blanche.” A quiet voice sounded from the hallway she had come from. A tall painfully handsome knight in black steel armor slowly detached himself from the shadows. He looked troubled when he saw her clinging to Kieran. “My lady, your attention is needed elsewhere.” he offered his arm quietly.

Kieran quickly peeled her hands away from his suit and straightened it. “There you are Chevalier Noir.” Blanche began complaining loudly when Kieran steered her straight into his arms.

“But Kieran!” she began, he silenced her with a frown. She sank back against the knight with grief written all over her face.

“My lady.” the knight pushed her behind him protectively, shielding her from Kieran. “I apologize, Magister.”

“No matter.” Kieran waved his hand dismissively. The princess and the knight disappeared as quickly as they had come. “As for you.” he turned his mesmerizing gaze back to me. “I’m sure the queen would love a word with the young woman that braved the Grim.”

“But…” he didn’t give me time to speak, motioning for the guards to usher me along. I suddenly wondered exactly how much they knew about the Grim.

Every time I had encountered him on the mountain, he had never threatened me. Always watching me curiously as I gathered flowers from the summit. Was he really that dangerous? An image flashed through my mind of the hulking figure covered in shaggy fur crouching by the edge of the meadow. I’d been terrified of him at first, but over time I had begun bringing back some of my treats to leave for him by the cave I had found.

“Oh, you’re beautiful!” Kieran had whisked me onto a balcony overlooking a massive garden. The queen beamed at me, “Kieran sent a messenger ahead to announce your arrival.” she clapped her hands happily.

“Your majesty.” I dropped into an uncertain curtsey, suddenly hyper aware of my stained dress.

“Now, now.” she waved her fan at me, “No need for that, tell me your name young lady.” she sank down on a bench watching me avidly.

“Iris Grace.” I said quietly, Kieran was standing patiently to the side. “Please your majesty, I’m just a baker. I’m so sorry if I’ve offended you in any way.”

She waved dismissively at me, “Tell me Iris, were you aware of the bounty on hibiscus?” I shook my head, there was a bounty? Why? A radiant smile lit her beautifully aged face, “Darling, there is a bounty out on the hibiscus you gathered from Razor Peak. Grim is a sentinel placed there by the holy guard. The fact that they allowed you to gather the sacred hibiscus and you’re still alive…” she trailed off a thoughtful expression on her face. “You must carry a pure soul. Otherwise, they would have slaughtered you the moment you set foot on the mountain.” What! They could have warned us of the danger! A cold fear crept into the pit of my stomach, but I sat still, listening respectfully. She turned her warm gaze back to me, “We’re so fortunate our Winter Queen has turned out to be such a beautiful girl! And from our own town too!”

At this I piped up suddenly, “Winter Queen? Please your Majesty, I couldn’t.” Kieran placed a warning hand on my shoulder and my words died in my throat.

“How did you think the Winter Queen was chosen?” He said quietly, I frowned wordlessly at him waiting on him to continue. “The Winter Queen must have a pure heart and unclouded vision in order to make the correct choice for king. The fact that the sentinel allowed you to pass unharmed means you were chosen by the Holy Guard for this task.”

“But I thought the Winter Queen was chosen by the council at the waltz?” I tried desperately to back out. The castle was no place for a commoner, much less a baker like me. “What about my mother? I need to take my earnings from today back to her or we won’t be able to pay our taxes this month.” I lowered my head in shame as I finally admitted how poor I really was.

“Nonsense,” The queen piped back up, “Kieran will deliver your prize for recovering the hibiscus to your mother. I assure you Iris, she will live comfortably for a very long time.” She paused, raking an inquisitive look over me. “Also, if you would be a dear Kieran and dress her appropriately, we can’t have our Winter Queen adorned in rags.”

“As you wish your grace.” Kieran dropped into a stately bow and turned to offer me his arm. “Come along my Lady.” he offered me a mysterious smile that didn’t quite reach his deep eyes. Seeing no other options I shakily accepted his arm and allowed him to lead me into the depths of the castle.