Winterland Destiny by Jaci Burton Read Free Book Online

inclined his head. “Yes, of course you may. Are you familiar with elvin magic?”
    “Yes, very much so. Being faerie, magic fascinates me. Elvin mysticism is quite different from faerie.
    Much of what we do is instinctive, reactive without thought. Like turning on a lantern when it is dark outside. It’s done by instinct, not by conscious thought. The elvin way requires utilizing the mind as an active participant in creating magic. I would love to learn more about your customs.”
    “Then you shall be allowed free access to the library any time you wish.”
    “Oh, thank you Garick!” She fluttered to him , intending to hug him in gratitude. Something about his stance stopped her. His body tensed, giving out signals that indicated he would not be receptive to her touch. Her face fell, the smile dissipating and crumbling to the ground along with her ego.
    This may be a new and exciting venture to her, but clearly Garick did not share her enthusiasm.
    He led her outside the front doors. It was a beautiful winter day, a frosty chill in the air but the sun was a warming overhead blanket. Nevertheless, she shivered.
    He pulled the cloak from his arms and wrapped it around her, carefully draping it over her shoulders and wings.
    “Thank you.” As he stood near her, she inhaled his manly scent. He smelled of the crisp outdoors…the scents of the forest, the glen, all wrapped into one delicious elvin male.
    She pulled the cloak around her.
    Garick led her through the gardens and out toward the bluffs. She held her breath as they approached the edge, hearing the sounds of the northern ocean crashing against the rocks far below.
    Winterland was protected on its northern side by a cliff no man or beast could scale. Therefore, no walls were necessary. The spectacular view of the sea was open and visible.
    “‘Tis truly beautiful here, Garick. Thank you for welcoming me into your home.” He opened his mouth as if to utter a reply, then closed it. When he spoke, his voice was tight, devoid of emotion. “If you like, we will luncheon in the great hall with my warriors. Unless you prefer we take the meal in your room.”
    “Of course not. If it is allowed, I would welcome the opportunity to meet your people.” He arched a brow, but once again said nothing. She followed him into the hall, a massive room littered with long oak tables and benches. The tables were formed into a u-shaped pattern, and Garick led her to the center of the middle table.
    Within minutes the sound of hundreds of boots smacking the wooden floors nearly deafened her. Loud, male voices carried in the air as the other elvin males entered the room.
    Women, too. Unlike many of the other kingdoms, the women shared the tables equally with the men.
    Many of the women cast glances in her direction, but Noele felt no animosity from any. Curiosity, more likely. She was new and she was to be their queen soon. Of course they would want to catch a glimpse of her. She smiled at the women and all smiled back, nodding their heads in her direction.
    For the first time in a day, Noele breathed a sigh of relief. She had wondered whether she would be welcome here in Winterland. While they ate, no one cast her hateful glances. Perhaps living here would not be as terrible as she had imagined.
    As they ate, the men discussed preparations for a possible invasion by the wizards. Noele shuddered, having heard stories for as long as she could remember about the evil, mystical lords of the dark realm.
    Though she had never seen them herself, many of her people had been whisked away in the night when they dared venture too far from the protected forests of D’Naath. And they had never returned.
    “Tomorrow we will double the guards at the gates and towers. We can’t risk having the wizard attack then,” Garick said to Roarke.
    Tomorrow. The day of their wedding. Noele could only imagine how Garick must feel about the ritualistic nature of their marriage ceremony. Especially