All of the important members of my mother’s Court are already seated in the council chamber, waiting for us. I straighten my back and take a seat at Beira’s side, ignoring their curious glances. Storm sits down next to me, while the other three take position behind my chair. On the way here, Storm explained that usually they’re not part of the Council, but that my mother specifically requested their presence.

This is only the second Council session I’m attending. The first was to introduce me to my mother’s advisors and to tell me that I would be given some time to adjust to life in the Realm before taking on more official duties. That was fine with me, but it looks like now the time has come to get involved in the running of the country.

Tamara is the only one not sitting around the large mahogany table, instead, she’s on a basic chair behind my mother. It’s strange how even in these important meetings, she’s still pretending to be less important than she really is. Without her, Beira would have a hard time running the place. Tamara is the spy mistress, the head of intelligence and my mother’s most trusted advisor all at the same time. But not many people know that; they just know her as the Mistress of the Household, the woman dealing with the everyday affairs of the Palace. If only they knew she’s so much more than that...

She winks at me and I instantly feel more at ease.

Next to Storm sits Ada, the Guardian who welcomed me to the Realm when we first arrived at the Gate. It’s strange seeing her on her own, usually she’s always surrounded by her three colleagues and lovers. It’s good to know that I’m not the only one with multiple partners - although of course there is a lot of gossip about it making the rounds. Tamara regularly tells me the juiciest bits of gossip floating through the Palace. It’s become a good source of entertainment for the guys and me. Compared to what people think of us, we’re actually really innocent. After all, today was the first time we all slept together. Not that we did much sleeping. We were busy doing... other things.

There are a few more familiar faces around the table. Theodore the healer, who I met at the beginning when my magic was locked away. I’m not sure I like him very much; his arrogance is overpowering. I’m glad Jonathan, the Lord Chamberlain, isn’t here, his ego is even bigger than Theodore’s.

Gwain is the Master of Arms and Ada’s superior. I think Storm reports to him as well, if he doesn’t get direct commands from my mother. He’s an imposing man whose age doesn’t detract from his strength but adds to it. A scar across his left eyebrow tells stories of battles and narrow escapes. He’s a harsh man, but I like him. He says what he thinks which is a welcome contrast to most of the other Council members.

Like Magnus, the Treasurer. He’d lick my mother’s arse if it would result in something positive for him. It’s clear that he’s interested in more power for him, but I think he’s too timid to act on it. Still, someone to keep an eye on. He’s clever though, so I can see why my mother keeps him.

I’ve not talked to Algonquin, the Royal Librarian, or Zephyr, the Master of the Wings yet. They’re both quite old, which I always find surprising for Guardians. Are they made that way? Has Algonquin always looked like a wise old wizard? Or did he age somehow, even though he’s immortal?

One day I will have to ask someone about it. Pity I only ever come up with these questions while I don’t have an opportunity to ask.

My mother clears her throat and the room instantly quiets.

“Thank you for coming at such short notice. There have been new developments that need immediate action.” All eyes are on her, captivated by both her words and her voice that makes you want to listen and do whatever she says.

“My daughter, Wynter, has achieved Immortality.”

The room erupts into noise, but a single snowflake floating down from the ceiling makes them all quiet down immediately. I admire my mother for how she’s dealing with the Council. She doesn’t even need to use words to keep them under control. A snowflake is enough to make them shut up. Wow.

But from their stares, I know that they’re all thinking the same thing. If I am now Immortal, I died before reaching that state. And as I was in perfect health before, it means someone killed me. I shudder at the thought that mere hours ago, I was a lifeless corpse.

“We have a suspect in custody. They used poison, but we have yet to establish how. Wyn, do you have any information that could help?”

“No, all I remember is waking up and not feeling well. There was someone in my room, but I didn’t see his features. He said something like ‘I am Death’, but he never touched me. I think. I passed out before I could call for help.”

“I felt her distress,” Storm says quietly, the torment of the memory evident in his voice. “She was dead by the time we got to her room. It must have been incredibly fast acting.”

Theodore stands and bows to the Queen. “When I examined her, there were faint traces of magic in the room, but none on her body. I don’t think she was… killed,” he clears his throat and looks at me uncomfortably, “by means of magic. It must have been normal poison.”

“Nothing about this is normal,” Frost hisses from behind me, but a stern look from Storm shuts him up.

“You are right, Guardian,” my mother says loudly. “This assassin should never have made it into my daughter’s bedroom. Neither should she have been alone.”

She gives Storm a pointed glance and I almost think he’s blushing. Of course my mother knows. She knows everything, and if she doesn’t, then Tamara does.

“I only left for half an hour,” Storm defends himself. “So either she was given the poison during that time and it killed her within those thirty minutes, or it was administered earlier and took some time to act. I was with the Princess all day so I don’t think that’s the correct theory. Unless… we ate together. Maybe it was in the food?”

“Gwain, ask Merrill whether there are any new people working in the kitchens,” Beira commands and the Master of Arms nods in agreement. I feel bad for Merrill, the cook. She’s a lovely person, always ready to give me a massive hug and a piece of cake. She’s one of those naturally huggy people.

“Ada, I want you to interrogate the suspect. He’s likely still unconscious, so take Theodore with you to make sure he gets into a state where we can question him.”

“Yes, your Majesty,” Ada agrees, turning to the healer. “Why is he unconscious?”

“He took poison when we captured him. Luckily, I was nearby and managed to lessen the effect. He will survive, but he will wish he did not in the next few hours. He will be in a lot of pain.”

“Good,” Ada says passionately. It surprises me, usually I know her as a very composed person. Is she really upset about that assassin trying to kill me? If she is, she’s just jumped up in my list of people I can trust in the Palace.

My mother folds her hands, seemingly calm, but I can see she isn’t. I’ve come to know her well enough to see behind the icy mask she wears in public. Inside, she’s really quite an emotional person, even though she’d never admit that.

“Storm, I want at least two of you with Wyn at any time from now on. Don’t let her out of your sight. She may be Immortal now, but we all know that there are still ways she can be killed.”

Yes, we know. The Summer King almost managed to kill Beira a few weeks ago, and if he has weapons capable of that, it’s easy to believe that he can kill me if he can get close to me. Or his assassins. I don’t think he’s the type to actually do the dirty work himself.

“Do you think it was Angus?” I ask and all eyes are on my mother. The Summer King has been very active recently, so it’s likely.

Beira doesn’t say anything for a moment, only frowns. Then she says hesitantly, “It certainly looks like it. It would be an easy answer. But there is one thing that doesn’t make sense. Gwain, show them what you found in the corridor outside Wyn’s room.”

Gwain stands and holds up a small thing for all to see. It’s blue and shiny, but I can’t quite make out what it is.

“Is that a scale?” Zephyr asks, speaking for the first time.

“Yes, it is. Take a look.” Gwain hands it to the Master of the Wings and Zephyr investigates it closely.

“I don’t believe this…”

“Would you enlighten the rest of us?” Theodore asks impatiently and for once, I agree with him.

“It’s a dragon scale. The scale of an ice dragon, if I’m not mistaken.”

The room breaks into noise. This time, my mother needs to shout “Silence!” for them all to shut up.

“I know it’s worrying. The ice dragons are our allies, at least that’s what we were thinking. Algonquin, are you still in contact with their ambassador?”

The librarian nods. “I got a letter from him two weeks ago. He didn’t mention anything of importance, but I’m going to read it again, and the ones before. Shall I invite him to Court?”

My mother smiles coolly. “No, not invite. Summon him, order him to appear before me. Even if the dragons don’t have anything to do with the assassination attempt, I need to know why one of them was in my Palace.”

“Of course, my lady.”

“And while you’re at it, work with Theodore to find out more about what poison they may have used. Even if the suspect tells us, I want to make sure you can verify his answers.”

I suddenly remember something. “When I was dead... ehm, I mean in the Library, the man there said it was the venom of a black dragon that poisoned me.”

Zephy gasps. “But they’re extinct!”

“Obviously not,” my mother says coolly. “Now we have two leads that are both pointing towards the dragons being involved somehow. Algonquin, I want everything you have on black dragon venom summarised by tomorrow.” She looks around the room. “Anything else?”

I hesitantly clear my throat.

“Yes, Wyn?”

“This may be a stupid question, but why would anybody want to kill me? I know I’m the Heiress to the throne, but it’s not like I have a lot of influence or power. You’re the one in charge, shouldn’t they target you… again?”

My mother gives me a small smile. “Meet me in my sitting room after this. We have to talk.”

She turns to the rest of the Council.

“You’re dismissed. We will meet again tonight so everybody can report their findings. Hopefully, Ada will have managed to talk to the prisoner by then.”

* * *

My mother is sitting by the fire, looking into the flames, deep in thought. I take a seat on the armchair opposite, holding my hands towards the warming fire. It’s a bit cool in here, but that’s normal for my mother’s quarters. It helps remind people that she is the Winter Queen.

“Did you know I can’t feel the warmth of the fire?” she asks suddenly.

“No. Not even if you touch it?”

“Watch.” She stretches out a hand until the flames can almost reach her, but the closer she gets, the further they back away, as if they’re afraid to be touched. My mother’s hand is now in the centre of the fireplace, with the flames flickering weakly in a wide circle around it. They look close to dying completely.

“Wow. Can you do fire magic?”

“No, it’s one of the few elements that resist me. But don’t tell anyone.” She chuckles. “I want them to think that I’m all powerful.”

I laugh. “But you are, there’s not much you can’t do.”

Her smile disappears. “Apparently, I can’t even protect my daughter in my own Palace. I’m sorry, Wyn. This should never have happened. I thought you were safe now that you are here with me. I didn’t think anybody would be as brazen as to try and poison you.”

I shrug. “It’s not your fault. I’m kind of getting used to people wanting to kill me.”

“But you shouldn’t have to. I brought you here because you were in danger on Earth. I never thought you’d be in just as much danger in my Realm.”

I decide it’s time to change the topic. I don’t want to think of me being in danger. I quite like living, even though I still need to get used to the whole Immortality thing.

“There’s something I wanted to ask you… and you don’t need to answer if you don’t want to…”

“What is it, Wyn?” my mother asks gently.

“During the trials, after I died… I had to fight you.”

“Oh.” She laughs. “Was I difficult to beat? I hope you used fire. I may not be able to touch it, but if someone gifted in fire magic throws it at me, I’m having a hard time defending myself against it.”

I quickly look at the door, but it’s got the familiar yellow glow around it, meaning that nobody can listen in. Of course Beira thought of that. She’s a millennia-old Goddess, she is more intelligent and wise than I can even imagine.

“I did use fire, but before that, you said some things… nasty things.”

She stops laughing. “What did I say? Don’t believe any of it, the Trials are meant to confuse and challenge you, both physically and mentally.”

I cringe inside, not knowing how to best approach the subject. In the end, I just blurt it out. “You said that you wanted to kill me because I reminded you of my father. That you want the memory of him to die. Is that true?”

Her face turns even paler than it usually is.

“No, Wyn, I don’t want to erase your father’s memory. Although I will admit that sometimes it’s hard to think of him. He died almost twenty-three years ago, but some days, it’s still painful.”

I’m tempted to tell her how much I appreciate her honesty, but I don’t want to interrupt her.

“Your father was a great man… Guardian. I created him for the wrong reason, and he was quick to tell me that I was wrong. I liked that about him. He wasn’t afraid of me like all the others. He said what needed to be said, whether it offended me or not. He was brave, and stupid, sometimes.”

She chuckles. “I see a lot of him in you.”

This time I can’t stay quiet. “You think I’m stupid?”

“Not stupid, brave. A bit rash, sometimes. He showed me how sometimes, it was good to show your emotions. I had been on my own for so long, never trusting anyone, never confiding into anyone. Then he came along and broke through the barriers I had built around myself. Don’t ask me how he did it, but even though he was infuriating and stubborn, I fell in love with him.”

“And he with you?”

She smiles sadly. “No, I don’t think so. That came later. Neither of us told the other what we felt until he was dying. We only had one week together, but that one week was worth all the years of waiting and heartbreak. And that one week gave me you, Wyn, and even though it sometimes hurts, I would never want to lose the memory of your father.”

I’m having trouble holding back my tears. She’s opened up to me and I feel like I should say something, thank her for it, but I can’t find the words. She told me a bit about my father before, that he was a Guardian and that she had created him. But she’d never mentioned their relationship, or that they only spent such a short time together.

We both watch the flames as they crackle and fight for dominance. Even though my mother can’t feel the warmth of the fire, I can see why she likes to have a fireplace. It’s strangely soothing.

“What else did you have to do during the Trials?” my mother finally asks.

“Stop a ghost from killing me, rescue my parents and kill a Beira impersonator.”

Oops. I mentioned my parents. Will she be insulted that I called them that?

“Oh yes, your parents. I know you’re trying to contact them… and I approve.”

She winks and I stare at her in surprise.

“How do you…?”

But of course I should have known. There’s nothing happening in this Realm without Beira knowing. Although there was nobody in the cave besides my Guardians and me. Blaze had left by then. So who told her? Or did she just know things?

“Of course I cannot approve of it in public, so you better make sure I don’t find out. I think your Guardians call it ‘plausible deniability’?”

She shouldn’t know that. But I’m not brave enough to ask her how she does. I don’t want to become paranoid about what I’m saying to my Guardians in private.

“You better wait a few days though until things have quieted down. There will be several Council sessions I need you to attend. Let’s hope that Ada will know more about the assassin tonight, that will make things easier.”

She sighs. “I had hoped to spare you from taking a more active part in the affairs of the Realm, but it looks like it wasn’t to be. Now that you’re part of the Council, they will expect you to attend more often and take an active role. And it will be good to have a fresh voice in there, some of my advisors are rather stuck in their ways.”

I can imagine who she’s thinking of. And she’s right, most of the Council members are old and have probably been in there for centuries or longer. It’s hard to tell with Guardians, they never look their actual age. I still haven’t persuaded my four Guardians to tell me how old they are. They think it’ll make me feel weird about them. Maybe I should just command them. I need practice in playing Princess anyway.

“You were asking earlier about why Angus may want to kill you,” my mother begins and I look at her expectantly. That’s been playing on my mind for a while.

“To answer that question, I need to give you some background on Angus and me. They call me the Mother of Gods, but for some reason, people don’t think of him as the Father. Maybe because he hasn’t created as many Gods as I have. He’s always thought that having more Gods would decrease the power he holds. He’s always been afraid, deeply afraid, that someone might come and usurp him. Even back at the beginning, when it was just him and me, he hated that he wasn’t the one in charge. We were made to rule together, but he didn’t accept that. He wanted to be the only one. I don’t think he’s ever not hated me.

“As we could not rule together, we made a pact. I would be in charge for half a year, then him for the other half. That’s how I became the Goddess of Winter, and he the God of Summer. We created the Realms, one for each of us. Later, we made more for the Gods we’d created to keep them at peace with each other. And even though we only ruled over life for half a year, we had our own Realm to look after for the other half. Angus should have been happy with that, but of course, he wasn’t.

“One year, he refused to pass on the throne to me. By then, it had become such tradition that nature itself was used to it. When Angus ruled, he challenged the plants and animals to grow, to fulfil their potential. When it was my turn, I gave them their well-earned rest, letting them sleep during the winter. Ice and water were thankful when I ruled as they were in permanent danger during summer. It was a balance that should have been preserved… but Angus didn’t see it that way.

“He wanted an eternal summer. Luckily, others saw how wrong it was to put the balance of life in jeopardy, so they rebelled. With the help of the other Gods, we managed to push him off the throne so I could resume my rightful rule. When spring came, I was worried that he might do the same thing again, but nonetheless I ended my reign as was custom. I decided to stand above it, to be the better Goddess.

“His rule became more and more violent. Our task was to preserve and create, but he was more interested in being feared by his subjects. He let them starve under scorching heat until everybody had sworn allegiance to him, even some of the lesser Gods. It was easy to see that he was trying to build a following so that next time he challenged me, he would not lose again.

“For a while, we maintained the fragile peace. The seasons turned as they were supposed to and Angus gave the throne to me in the autumn as he was supposed to. Then he met his future wife Bridget and things became difficult once again. She appealed to his jealous side, making him put his plans into action a lot earlier than I think he’d planned. I guess I should have been grateful for it. He wasn’t as strong as he could have been, but it was a hard battle nonetheless. I lost a lot of good Gods and Guardians that day. So did he. I know a lot of his followers were coerced into doing his bidding. They didn’t actually believe in his vision of an eternal summer. They knew it was wrong, but he had a hold over them so they fought. A few changed allegiance on the battlefield. In the end, we won, but it was not a happy victory.”

Beira summons a tray with two cups of tea on the small table between us. I gratefully take a cup, warming my hands on it. She takes a few sips before she continues.

“After that, I managed to keep him in check. He no longer overstepped the barriers, he ruled in the summer like he was supposed to. Grudgingly, and not kind, but he did as he was told. The battle had left him weak and cornered, and even though Bridget kept whispering into his ear, he resisted the temptation of fighting me once again.

“Then, maybe a century ago, I heard reports of him gathering followers again. It’s as if he doesn’t realise that he can’t win. We’re equal in power, but only while we keep the balance. His power wanes as soon as he breaks that balance. But he is far too arrogant to see that. His spies have been slipping into my Realm for a long time. We manage to find most of them, but I’m sure there are a few that slip through our nets. There have been a few small attacks… your father was wounded in one of them when Angus tried to capture one of the Gates.”

She stops and takes another sip of tea. It must be hard for her to think of that. Angus killed my father, and still she’s trying to keep the balance. I admire her for that, I don’t think I could do that if someone attacked my Guardians.

“I’m sure he will attack again at some point. For now, he sends assassins and spies, but in the background, he’s building an army once more. Past experience has taught him though that he won’t be able to win… unless he has something new up his sleeve. And Bridget has convinced him that what he needs is an heir, someone who shares Angus’ power and can fight by his side.

“My informants tell me that’s he’s been trying to create new Gods for a while now, Gods who have his power. But of course that’s impossible. We are the original Gods, nobody will ever have the same power we have. His next step was to try have a child with Bridget. It’s not been successful. Gods can’t have children with each other, no matter how often they try. We can create life from scratch, but we cannot have children like humans can.

“Then I had you. There have been Demigods before, but I don’t think either of us thought that Angus or I could have them. It was something the lower Gods did, who were closer in nature to the Guardians they coupled with. But you’re the proof that it’s possible. And now he’s afraid, terribly afraid that you will be able to help me take over his Realm. Of course that’s not my aim, it’s never been, but Angus is paranoid. It’s something he would do if he could, but he can’t believe that I don’t think in the same way that he does.

“He’s been trying to father a Demigod ever since you were born, but as far as I know, he’s not managed to do so. It doesn’t help that Bridget is extremely jealous and is probably trying to prevent him from sleeping with female Guardians.”

She pauses again and I take it as an opportunity to ask questions.

“But do you think it’s possible? Him having a child?”

“I’m not sure. Intuition tells me that it’s not possible unless there is love. Maybe he and Bridget could even have a child if only they loved each other. But Bridget is with him because of a love for power, not for Angus as a person. And why he is with her… I have no idea. She’s quite pretty, but I don’t think that’s his motivation. So for now, they don’t have an heir, and are incredibly jealous that I have you.”

“That makes sense… Do you think they will try again?”

“Oh yes.” She smiles at me with determination. “But they won’t succeed.”