Winter's Love

Prince of Ice

William couldn’t believe his eyes.

There he was, his cousin, taking over the kitchen as if it belonged to him. Victor was good at taking things from others. He built an empire from it.

Yet William still couldn’t believe his eyes, not to mention his ears.

Was Victor, the cold-hearted ass, singing along with Christmas songs while his dog, the betrayer, was sitting at his feet and swaying his tail back and forth?

William blinked his eyes yet before him Victor was still cooking up a storm. This was like a page out of a fairy-tale, one messed up fairy-tale. Victor glanced up, looking at him with that smug look on his face. Oh, how he wanted to wipe that look off his face.

He couldn’t though, unlike his cousins he had more restraint or so thought.

“I can feel your discomfort along with annoyance and confusion. Feels to me like you’re having a tough time right now, Will.”

William narrowed his eyes at him, “Glad your senses are still working. You had me worried there for a second.”

Victor chuckled, “Relax, I’m just here for the holidays. Nothing to worry about.”

William glanced at his dog. Snow didn’t seem worried which confused him. His dog was always aware of danger and always kept those close to him safe. Yet he stayed by Victor’s side as if they had been best friends since the beginning of time. Victor was an ass, more sensible than Thomas but still an ass. Yet Snow didn’t bark at him as if his fluffy life depended on it nor was he at the glass castle protecting Emma and Faith.

Either something was wrong with Snow or Victor used his powers.

There was no way his cousin was here to celebrate the holidays. William celebrated the holidays, like everyone else in town. Victor had his own way of celebrating Christmas. From what he gathered there were a lot of parties, a lot of alcohol, and a lot of women.

Not his cup of tea.

Speaking of which not even his oolong tea with honey would calm him down right now.

“Tea with honey, right?” Victor asked right on cue.

He rolled his eyes, “Stay out of my head.” He warned his cheerful cousin.

Victor's eyes gleamed as he moved around the kitchen like a pro. It was as if Victor had been here all along. He just couldn't get used to the sight of Victor being domestic.

It was unlike him and so it was suspicious.

He had his guard up, unlike the betrayer Snow.

***

Faith ran up to Emma who was sitting at the dining table, staring at her laptop in hope of some inspiration. She felt nothing though, completely empty. Her eyes flickered to the yellow flowers, smelling sweet, almost like vanilla.

She had to admit that William did have a magic touch.

His flowers were growing strong, the scents coming from them pure and lovely. She felt a calmness wash over her she never felt before. It was like going to a spa and getting pampered. Yet all she did was sitting in her dining chair hoping she could start her new book and not disappoint her readers and editor.

He deserved better.

“Aunt Em!”

“Yes, sweetie?” Emma smiled at Faith who stood beside her, swaying from side to side with excitement.

She looked happy which warmed Emma’s heart. She was glad that even for a little while Faith could forget about the messy situation Thomas left them in.

“There is someone at the door!”

Emma was confused, she didn't hear the doorbell ring. Neither did she hear someone knock. She followed her niece to the front door. She spotted an unfamiliar man through the window. Behind him, a fluffy oversized dog ran up to him and sat beside him as if he was his loyal companion.

Snow was familiar with this man, all the tension left her body knowing the fluffy dog trusted this man.

“It’s Snow.” Faith was ready to open the door, but Emma beat her to it.

She opened the door and was instantly greeted by the man's charming smile. He looked like he sparkled, a man who couldn't be true. Someone who she wrote books about. If he was that kind of man she knew he was trouble and she needed to stay away from him.

His smile widened.

“Hello there.” The man greeted.

He sounded cheerful but familiar.

“Hello.” Emma greeted back, keeping her guard up not knowing what this man wanted of her.

Snow had enough of their awkward introduction and pushed through the man, strolling inside as if it was his home. She had to keep it together and not burst out in laughter before this strange man. Faith, however, burst out in cheerful childish laughter and greeted Snow with a hug.

“They seem close.” The man commented.

Emma glanced over her shoulder, watching Faith fawn over Snow.

“They are.” She glanced back at him, “But I noticed you’re also close to Snow. Can I assume you are acquainted with William?”

He chuckled, “Very much, I’m his more handsome cousin who is staying over for the holidays. I took Snow out for a walk and he seemed very determined to say hi to you.”

A soft snicker did leave her lips, it made Victor smile even wider at her.

He held out his hand to her, “Victor.”

She shook hands with him, “Emma.”

Victor pulled his hand back and gestured to the cottage next door, “I made dinner and it’s quite a lot. Would you and the little one like to join us?”

“Faith.” She told him, “Sure, dinner sounds good.”

“I’m sure William would love that.”

She didn't understand why he'd say that. Sure she started to get along with William, he was someone she could rely upon much like his dog Snow. But loving her company, that was pushing it. She kept it to herself and politely smiled at him instead.

It made him chuckle, but the sound was off. She couldn’t quite put her finger on it. It was like he was having an inside joke. Shrugging it off she gestured behind her, wanting to invite him in so she could get ready.

“I have to get ready for dinner, would you like to come in? I could make you some coffee or tea, whichever you prefer.”

He stepped inside, “Coffee, unlike my cousin I need something stronger to keep going.”

She smiled and walked into the kitchen, Victor trailing behind her.

“Since you like something stronger, am I wrong to assume you’d like your coffee black?”

“You’re not wrong. I like my coffee black. Thank you very much, Emma.”

She didn’t like how her name rolled off his tongue either. Something was off about him yet she didn’t know what. Snow trusted him. He was related to William and William Winter was a saint. It was probably nothing. Her eyes trailed to Faith who was playing with Snow.

“Sweetie, go wash up, okay? We’re having dinner at William’s.”

The joy in Faith’s eyes was everything to her. William had won a spot in her heart and so did Snow. They would help her heal again.

She made Victor his coffee and handed the navy cup to him. He took it and took in her house. The amusing sparkle in his eyes he tried to hide with his charming smile. His eyes landed on the yellow flowers William gave her as a housewarming gift.

“Ah, I see you’re a fan of William’s work.”

She wouldn't call herself a fan, but she did admire his work with flowers and plants. He had the magic touch. She also didn't like the way Victor spoke about William. There was a slight disdain in his voice. She straightened up and grabbed the awaiting cup of coffee. A splash of milk and a little bit of sugar. Black coffee which Victor seemed to enjoy was too harsh on her stomach. She loved her coffee like this. Though she could enjoy a cup of black coffee she didn't want to match his preference.

“I’m going to get ready, are you okay by yourself?’

“You dare to leave me by myself in your house?” He asked.

She knew it was a risk, and he had all the signs of a man who she needed to keep away from. Yet knowing that Snow was around she felt safe. If Victor was up to no good,  Snow would protect them.

She had faith in him.

“If you try something funny Snow will rip you apart.” She warned.

He burst out in laughter, shaking his head at her, “It surprised me you could say it with a straight face like that.”

She narrowed her eyes on him, "Because I meant it." She flashed him a tiny smile and left the room, heading upstairs to freshen up and wear something a little fancier.

It had nothing to do with the man she was paying a visit. It was dinner with the neighbors, wearing comfy booths with jeans and a plain shirt just wouldn't do.

***

William could feel the exciting spirit of Faith approaching. She was cheerful and felt stress-free. Emma's emotions weren't all over the place like usual either. The girls were doing well, a few days away from the hectic city life and their family problems did them well. He was sure this little town could save them and protect them from harm.

From Thomas.

Since the girls were in a good mood he couldn’t get mad at his cousin for trying to cause trouble for his entrainment. He couldn’t get a read on Victor, but only because his cousin was good at hiding his emotions. Also, he hadn’t been practicing his powers the same way his cousin had.

He walked to the kitchen, focusing his attention on setting the table. He had to admit that the food smelled and looked great. Victor did try with dinner.

He just had to make sure neither Emma nor Faith would get hurt.

Faith burst into the cottage, running up to him in the kitchen and greeting him with a firm hug.

“It smells good, William.”

He smiled at her, “My cousin, Victor, did his best to make something good.”

“I can’t wait!”

He handed her two plates to set the table, “Then you can help me set the table.”

She agreed without hesitation. Emma who always kept her distance from him suddenly moved closer. As he paid attention to her he noticed she wasn’t quite comfortable with his cousin. She felt nervous around him.

That was a good thing, but he didn’t want her to feel that way when tonight was supposed to be a relaxed and comfy night in. He noticed something else about her. She was dressed up. Hiding a smile he focused on making the dining table look pretty. The flowers he picked to decorate it were lavender with baby’s breath and white roses.

The scent alone lightened up the room but also cut through the tension with the fresh scent. Faith stared wide-eyed at the flowers, taking it in with her childlike innocence. He couldn’t hold his laughter. It also made Emma laugh, she was no longer reserved around him nor was her guard up. She put her hand on his shoulder as she laughed along with him.

“Are okay, sweetie?” She asked her niece.

Faith tore her gaze away from the flowers, “William is magic.” She whispered.

Victor sat down at the head of the table, his presence causing the laughter to die down. Emma pulled away from him, clearing her throat and glancing at the floor as if she had caught doing something bad.

Victor poured himself a glass of red wine and held up his glass at them, “He sure is, sweetie.”

Faith thought it was hilarious, she sat down beside Victor without hesitation. Emma sat across from her niece, flashing Victor an awkward smile. Taking a seat across from Victor, William flashed his cousin a warning glare.

Victor thought it was hilarious and laughed even louder. Faith, the innocent, girl she was laughed along not knowing the inside joke Victor had.

“Christmas is going to be so much fun.” Victor cheered.

Emma glanced at him, she felt that something was off. He didn’t want her to worry so he flashed her a warm smile instead. Hoping it would reassure her. This was between him and his cousin. There was no way he’d let the girls get hurt.