Winter's Cold (KingdomCraft Story: Book 2)

Chapter Fifteen- The Grace's Arrival

--------------- Alpine Kingdom -------------------

Lizzie stares down at the alternate Shelby in confusion. "Who are you? How do you know my name?" Alternate Shelby questions, putting her daughters behind her safely as they all stand up, in case this girl was dangerous.

Lizzie looks at the portal, and then at the Alternate Shelby before clearing her throat, "I'm Lizzie, Queen of the Alpine Kingdom. You should know this but..." she trails off, looking at the portal again, "Did you come from there?" she questions.

Alternate Shelby looks back at the portal and nods, "Yes. I come from the world of Harmony Hollow. I came here looking for my Alternate, but you don't appear to be her" she says.

Lizzie shakes her head, "I am not your alternate... I don't think. Your name is Shelby Grace, right?" she questions.

Alternate Shelby nods, "Yes. And these are my 3 daughters" she says, "Please, you have to tell me where my Alternate is", she begs.

Lizzie sucks in a breath, "The Shelby from this world lives all the way at the other side of this land, and me and her have a slightly strained relationship because our kingdoms were at war for many years. We made up, but we still aren't... friends, I guess you could say" Lizzie explains, "I can bring you and your daughters to her but I have no doubt that we'll be questioned as soon as we get to the gates of the Desert Kingdom... unless..." she trails off, before turning around to face the nearby guard.

"Oliver, please send a message to Desert Queen Shelby and request that she comes here as soon as possible" Lizzie says.

The guard nods and bows before rushing back to the castle. Lizzie turns back to the people in front of her and waves them along, "Come along, you will be freezing if you stay out here any longer" she says.

Alternate Shelby nods and leads her daughters after Lizzie.

--------------- Desert Kingdom ~ Rosell Harbour --------------

Shelby avoids eye contact with Ross and Max as they board the boat. Shelby knew nothing of where they were deciding to move to. Scott was beside her, frustrated that Ross would leave Shelby when he could be helping her to try and control her dark side, but he chooses to flee.

Shelby wipes a single tear that falls down her face and looks out onto the water. The witches and wizards of the Desert have cleared off the water, making sure that there is no ice keeping the boar from going anywhere. It'll last up until they get to their destination.

She lets out a few breaths. She turns to look behind herself to see Quig and Chloe coming up too, to watch them leave. "You okay, Shelby?" Chloe questions her older cousin.

Shelby let's in a shuddery breath but nods slowly, "Yeah..." she says.

Quig looks at Ross with a sigh, "If you ask me, his way of handling the situation is quite cowardly" he says.

Scott nods, "I couldn't agree more" he says, taking a deep breath, "I'm frustrated that he would leave Shelby in this state. She struggles enough in her daily life as it is. Being the primary ruler isn't easy, Shelby and I know that very well" he says.

Shelby nods to Scott's statement, pulling her jacket tightly around her body to keep herself warm.

Shelby looks up to see Ross and Max walking up to her. Scott gives them a look, but steps back to allow Shelby some time to talk to them.

Shelby had also learned that Ross's parents were going with them because Ross still had to care for his dad. The only nearby family that Shelby would have left is Quig, Chloe and her Aunt Haven.