Fragile Eternity
Page 6

Chapter 3
Donia was at her houseBeiras housewhen Keenan and Aislinn intruded on her. It wasnt her preferred place, but shed taken to conducting business there and keeping her cottage for personal matters, space only Evan and a few select guards could enter.
And Keenan. Always Keenan.
When Keenan came through the ridiculously carved doorhis copper hair shining like a beaconDonia wanted to go to him, just for a brief moment to pretend that what they shared, that their decades of history entitled her to such easy comfort. It didnt, especially when Aislinn was beside him. Keenans attention to his queens every thought and action bordered on obsession.
Would Ash care if I went to him?
To some degree, Donia doubted it: the Summer Queen had been the one to arrange Donias tryst with Keenan at Winter Solstice. Shed been the one insisting that Keenan did, in fact, love Donia although hed never said the words. Yet, Keenan wouldnt risk even the briefest display of emotion around Aislinn.
So they all stood awkwardly in the foyer, surrounded by a number of Hawthorn Girls who calmly watched from the church pews that lined the walls. Sasha lifted his head from the floor where he was resting. The wolf glanced at the summer regents briefly, closed his eyes, and resumed sleeping.
Evan, however, wasnt so calm. He eased closer to Donia. Shall I stay with you?
Mutely, she nodded. Evan was her closest friend these days; she suspected hed been so for years before she acknowledged that his omnipresent protectiveness was not simple duty. Shed thought his guarding her was because so many other of Keenans guards were afraid of her, but when shed become the new Winter Queen, Evan had left Keenans court to stay at her side. She reached out and squeezed his hand in silent gratitude.
The others? he murmured.
They stay inside. Well go out back. She raised her voice then and said, If youd like to join me?
Keenan was beside Donia. He didnt touch her, not even a casual brush of her hand. He opened the door as they approached, as familiar with the house as she was. It was his mother, the last Winter Queen, whod lived here before. After holding the door for her and for Aislinn, Keenan entered the garden. Snow and ice melted in his wake.Better that than having the Summer King and Queen inside where my fey are. Donia wasnt willing to risk endangering her faeries, and while Aislinn might do fairly well at containing her emotions, Keenan was volatile even on his best days.
If she watched long enough, Donia knew shed see storms crashing in his eyes. When theyd been together, those flashes of lightning seemed mesmerizing. Now, they seemed too bright, too brief, too everything.
Be welcome here today. Donia gestured to one of the wooden benches scattered throughout the winter garden. They were clever things, fitted together by craftsmens skills, no screws or bolts anywhere in them.
Keenan didnt move. He stood in her garden, as untouchable as hed been for most of their relationship, making her feel somehow lacking. Do you have any guests? he asked.
What business is that of yours? she responded.
I do not answer to him, not now.
Under the edge of the bench, an arctic fox crouched. Only its dark eyes and nose showed in the snowbank. The rest of its body blended with the stark white ground. As Aislinn and Keenan came closerwarming the air around themthe fox darted away to the thicker snows by the high walls that surrounded the garden. Despite Donias dislike for the last Winter Queen, she enjoyed the winter garden immensely: in this, at least, Beirad done a wise thing. The gardens walls and roof allowed for a small bit of winter year rounda nourishing sanctuary for her and her fey.
Donia sat on one of the benches. Are you seeking someone specific?
Still standing, Keenan gave her an exasperated look. Bananach was seen near here.
Aislinn laid her hand on his arm to stop his short-tempered words.
Although Im sure you are well cared for herethe Summer Queen smiled blindingly at Evan, who had moved behind DoniaKeenan needed to check on you. Right, Keenan?
Keenan glanced at Aislinn, seeking somethingassurance, clarity, it was hard to say with them. I dont want you talking to Bananach.
The ground at Donias feet grew heavy with snow as her temper stirred. Why exactly are you here?
Tiny storms flashed in his eyes. I was worried.
About?
You. He moved closer, invading her space, pushing her. Even now, when she was his equal, he had no regard for her boundaries. Keenan pulled his hand through his copper hair. And like a bespelled mortal, she stared at it, at him.
Worried about me or trying to dictate to me? She stayed as still as winter before the storm breaks, but she felt ice churning inside her.
War being at your dooris of concern to me. Nialls furious with me, andI just dont want any of the Dark Court near you, Keenan said.
Its not yours to decide. This ismy court, Keenan. If I choose to listen to Bananach
Doyou listen to her?
If Bananach or Niall come here, Ill deal with them, just as I would with Sorcha or any of the strong solitariesor you. Donia kept her tone cool.
She beckoned to the Hawthorn Girls, whod moved to the doorway.
The ever-silent faeries drifted outside and looked at Donia expectantly. They were the family shed never expected to find in the cold Winter Court. She smiled at them, but didnt bother to hide her irritation when she told Keenan, Matrice will show you out. Unless there are personal matters you wanted to discuss?
The lightning in his eyes flared again, illuminating his face with that strange flash of brightness. No. I suppose not.