Thorns of Frost (Fae of Snow & Ice, #2)

by Krista Street

Matron Olsander informed me that visual learning was a common tutelage that helped young fae as they learned their affinities—that if I could connect my magic with a picture in my mind, that my brain would siphon those visual images to physical manifestations, which really meant that I spent several hours visualizing a dammed river being opened and closed.

“Very good, Ilara.” A grin split his features. “Are you certain you haven’t had a warrior affinity manifest?” I laughed, then sobered when I realized his question wasn’t a cheeky one. “Are you serious?” “I am actually. I’ve never seen a fairy move as you just did with such little training. Only warriors move like that or fae who’ve spent full seasons honing their bodies.” My heart beat harder when I remembered what Matron Olsander had said yesterday, about sensing something still inside me that had not yet awoken. Something that was still slumbering. And while I’d never been a fighter, there was something about what Sandus had just taught me that spoke to me. As though a connection had just been forged inside me that had always been there but had only needed a guiding hand to make the path.

Forcing my chin up, I replied lightly, “Indeed I did. I would offer to light the candles on this beautiful table, but I’d worry that I’d start the napkins on fire.” I smiled sweetly at her and picked up my champagne flute.

Only minutes after Sandus had sealed me within the Exorbiant Chamber, the prince and his three other guards burst into my room, carrying the vengeance of the gods with them.