A Kingdom of Frost and Malice (The Winter Court #1)

by Ashley McLeo

According to the stories, trolls were dim creatures. They survived by brute strength, their skin being impervious to most magic, and they stayed in loyal and protective family groups.

“I’ll take care.” Warden Roar’s emerald eyes blazed into mine. “I have something to come back to now.”

We never found their bodies, only one of a frost giant laying dead atop a crushed horse. The horse’s saddle bore the Lisika emblem.”

“Best be careful, my lady. Or I might start to think you’re not pretending.”

“You’re bleeding.” His eyes burned as I took two steps closer. “And limping. Tell me who did this to you.”

If I had not seen his cheeks turn red, I wouldn’t have believed that Prince Vale ever blushed. I stared at him until he cleared his throat again, more loudly the second time.

Oh, that’s right, because I’m the one that doesn’t belong. I’m just the common fae taking their lord.

I’d save Anna if it was the last thing I did.

“You’ve also tempted my brother,” Rhistel said. “That intrigues me. Do you know we’ve shared a whore a time or two? One was even a fisherman’s daughter. So familiar . . . ”

I opened my mouth to argue when Prince Vale did the unthinkable: he punched his brother in the face.

“She’s that enticing to you, is she? A commoner is enchanting you! Bleeding skies, Vale.”

Please, do not storm into the ball and make a fool of me. Or undo all that we have achieved.

Oh stars, but how? The vampire who’d promised to purchase me, who wanted to tame the so called wildcat fae, blocked my exit.

“What happened to you? I saw you run out of the ballroom and . . . ” The prince trailed off, perhaps for the first time hearing how crazy he sounded. It bordered on territorial.

“That does not change the fact that if you touch her again, Father, it will be the last time you have hands.”

The Blood Kingdom - vampire The Elven Kingdom - elves The Winter Kingdom - fae of various races The Autumn Kingdom - fae of various races The Spring Kingdom - fae of various races The Summer Kingdom - fae of various races The Wolvea Kingdom - wolvea shifters The Dragon Kingdom - dragon shifters

House Aaberg - Royal House King Magnus Aaberg Queen Inga Aaberg née Vagle Children Prince Rhistel Aaberg Prince Vale Aaberg Princess Saga Aaberg