The Snow Queen's Shadow

Talia stepped in front of Gerta.
    The guards who had accompanied the king moved to block the door. Fire streaked over their heads, spattering against the base of the wall and ruining the shadows of Laurence’s magic. Danielle didn’t understand Laurence’s angry words, but she could guess the meaning from the tone. He yanked up his scepter and turned to face their attackers.
    Queen Odelia stood in the doorway, flanked by Stormcrows. Danielle spied others crowded behind her, easily outnumbering those who stood with the king.
    The queen was unarmed, dressed in a dark red cloak with wide, black-cuffed sleeves. The backs of her hands were marked in the intricate brown patterns of Morovan tattoos. “Hello, Danielle. Talia.”
    The buzzing from the hallway meant some of Snow’s ice wasps had survived. Danielle could hear others gathering on the gutters overhead. “Where is Jakob?”
    “He’s safe enough, for now.”
    Laurence kept his scepter leveled at Odelia and her guards. “Release my wife and children.”
    Odelia waved a finger, scolding him. “Be careful, Your Majesty. Your marriage might have led to peace with Morova, but what happens to that peace if you kill me? The king of Morova was quite fond of his cousin Odelia. As I recall, he never approved of her marriage to an Allesandrian sorcerer.”
    Danielle lowered her sword. She gave a silent plea for help, praying the fire and lightning hadn’t driven all of the animals away.
    “You know I can’t give you the throne,” said Laurence. “Even if I wanted to, the law is clear. Ermillina Curtana was sentenced to death. The Nobles’ Circle would never accept your claim.”
    “The throne?” Odelia made a face. “Why would I want that old chair? It’s dusty and uncomfortable, the cushion fouled to the core by generations of royal farts.”
    “Then what?” asked Danielle.
    “I want my cousin to answer a question.” She pointed to Gerta. “What did you see in her mind when she entered the palace? Answer truthfully, and I’ll return your son. If you lie, I’ll change him into a butterfly and rip his wings off.”
    “I saw fear,” said Laurence. “Uncertainty. She fears her future.”
    “Useless prattle,” Odelia snapped. “I could learn as much from any false street witch. What is she?” For an instant, she appeared confused. “I recognize her, and yet I don’t remember . . .”
    Danielle could see the conflict on Laurence’s face. He knew Snow had no intention of letting them go free, but what choice did he have? “She . . . is you. Her body was born of magic. Her soul is yours, as are her memories.”
    “Impressive.” Odelia entered the garden, staying close to the wall as she circled. All of her attention was on Gerta now. “So Snow gave you her memories in order to lead you here, hoping to find a way to rob me of my power.”
    “Give me my son,” said Laurence.
    Odelia reached into her cloak and retrieved a large toad. “Toads are traditional for princes, aren’t they?” She planted a quick kiss on the toad, then tossed it lightly to the ground, where it grew into a small boy. His round face and awkward movements reminded Danielle of Jakob. He wore a bulky jacket that went all the way to his fur-trimmed boots.
    Laurence dropped to one knee and held out his hand. “Come to me, Henri.”
    “Be careful,” said Danielle. A red line marked the boy’s cheek. “You said you’d return him. Remove the glass splinter from his body.”
    “He’s happier this way,” said Odelia.
    Danielle shook her head. “He’s forgotten happiness.”
    “He’s seen beyond it.” Odelia trailed her fingers over one of the obelisks. “Beyond false hopes and dreams. Beyond lies and deception. Much like your own son, Danielle.” Odelia’s blue eyes were dead, despite the amusement in her voice. “I know what he is, what the darklings awakened in you back in the Duchess’ caverns. I realized the truth when I fought Hephyra. My mirrors pierced her body, but even as she died, her blood resisted my magic. Fairy blood draws its power from another realm, a world long forgotten by mortals.”
    Danielle’s stomach knotted. This was another trick . . . but there was no lie in Odelia’s eyes. “You killed Hephyra?”
    Odelia shrugged. “I would have preferred to keep that one, but her death served me just as well. She gave me the key.” She watched Danielle closely, and her smile grew. “You knew, didn’t you? I can see the truth in your face.