The Skin Thief

Chapter 102

Kiora

Kiora rushes through the corridors, her body humming with excitement. She can see the dark grey skies out the windows. The flecks of snow that fall from them may be tiny, but they're there. She can feel it, the magic of winter. It curls through her body, sending waves of tingling warmth pulsing through her. She looks down at her fair skin and laughs, seeing a hint of a silver glow emanate from it.

Finally, she has her Winter back.

Illyria and Alethia stand in front of the doors that lead into the gardens. Kiora stops in her tracks, the smile falling from her face. She rests her hand on her egg, which, as usual, is secured tightly to her stomach.

"Kiora," Alethia says, feigning surprise.

Kiora gulps and walks towards the door.

"What are you doing here?"

"It's snowing," Kiora says, trying not to sound too excited.

"Yes, we are aware. We are just in the process of locking the doors," Illyria replies casually.

Kiora's stomach drops. "Locking the doors?" she asks, her voice cracking.

"Of course," Alethia says, then lets out a scoffed laugh. "Snow is cold and wet. It is hardly befitting of a wife of Athan to frolic in such weather like a child."

"But..." Kiora begins, looking longingly out of the window.

"No buts," Alethia says and gestures to the guards. They walk towards the door and slide a large wooden beam across it. Kiora flinches as it falls into place with a heavy thump.

"I will not have the women of this court risking catching a chill in this nasty weather. Best you all stay inside beside the warm fires we have lit throughout the palace."

"But the cold doesn't affect me," she argues. "Please, let me go outside."

"No, Lady Kiora. It can't be one rule for you and not for everyone else," Alethia says sternly, her smile smug. Kiora gulps back her tears as the magic sizzles out inside her.

"Come, enough talk about this. The decision has been made. Winter is a miserable enough season as it is. Just be thankful that you have shelter and warmth here. There are many others in this realm who do not have such a privilege and are suffering in the cold."

Kiora sighs in defeat and turns, making her way back to her room. When she gets there, extra guards are standing outside.

"What's going on?" she asks.

"Princess Alethia's orders, Lady Kiora. Your windows and doors are to be sealed."

"Oh," Kiora replies, her chest aching as she watches carpenters add heavy wooden shutters across the windows, blocking out the natural light.

"Kiora, let the men work in peace. It is dinner time anyway," Alethia instructs.

"Yes, Princess," Kiora says and follows her to the dining hall. Inside, there is an excited, hushed chatter as the concubines talk about the snow. For many, it is the first time they've even seen it. Lady Arabella scoffs and rolls her eyes before popping a grape in her mouth.

"I don't see what the fuss is about. There is nothing exciting about a sprinkling of snow. It's so light, it will be gone in an hour."

"It's something different, I suppose," Lady Uzrena replies.

"Are you implying that our lives within these walls are so dull that something as plain and mundane as snow piques our curiosity?" Illyria asks, raising an eyebrow.