Giggling, she spat, “I thought we had places to go, My King?”

I groaned at the question.Of course we do.

We both quickly dressed, and I pulled her into my arms as we glided down to the ground. Warriors were standing around Horus, who was already packed with our belongings for two weeks. We would have clothes in the mountains, but I had many gifts to give Melina, and I knew I wouldn’t find them in the cold tundra of the Northern Mountains.

“Are you ready, darling?” I turned to her as I finished tightening the straps of our cargo. Melina turned to me, and the light hit her face just right, making her look like the Goddess Aphrodite herself. She was wearing tight-fitting leather pants with a warm overcoat, but it didn’t cover her cleavage as she picked the smallest brassiere she could find to tease me.

“I’m ready, My King,” she said, sultry, as I pulled her to me.

With a quick kiss on her forehead, I pushed her up onto Horus’s back, who purred gently. Horus had a soft spot for her, as well as every other animal. Toki hopped outside and immediately shrunk down to the size of a small hamster and jumped into her front pocket.

“Toki is freaking adorable! Look at this little face!” she cooed as she petted his head. “And he can get big too, right?”

“Big enough to ride,” I joked as her eyes lit up. “In a few years, darling, he is still a kit.” Nodding in understanding, I made Melina hold onto my back for the two-hour flight to the Northern Palace.

If we had flown ourselves, it would have taken well over six hours, and on foot or carriage, it would have been days, but Horus and his speed were unmatched. He flew high in the sky, away from the bustling of fairies and fae fluttering about. His wings would glide long and hard as he strode with the wind.

Every so often, I would hear Melina’s awe over the scenery. From the forest area where we lived to the foothills of the elves and the more mountainous terrain of the dragon shifters, we flew on. Several areas were unclaimed territory, which some rogues used as their own. They were those without packs or families that remained outside of kingdom protection, not wanting anything to do with others.

Not all rogues were evil, but many were. The term rogue had earned itself a bad name. It only meant they were without companions for one reason or another. It could have been for an evil crime, rebellion against kingdoms, or having an ill understanding of their own kind. There could also be packs of rogues, which lead to nothing but trouble.

The weather became cold as we neared the tallest of mountains. Many Frost pixies and fairies stayed here, unable to bear the heat of the light sources for long summers. So they would visit when we had our own winter in the Golden Light Kingdom, which lasted three weeks out of the year.

Snow had recently fallen. Stags, bears, and Frost Fairy foxes were following the shadow of Horus. His bright scales proved to be a treasure they wanted to seek. If only they knew they would be dinner once they landed if they dared to follow further.

Melina gripped me tighter as the wind picked up; her cheek was cold against my own, and Toki was even chattering his tiny teeth. “I thought he was supposed to be a winter fox thing?” Melina joked as she nestled him into her jacket.

“He has spent too much time in the Golden Light Kingdom. As a result, he’s become acclimatized to our weather.”

The snow fell again as we approached. The palace sat on the side of a mountain; it wasn’t as large as back home but still beautiful in all its grandeur. As the snow fell around us, I heard Melina squeal and pull out her hand. Small flakes with an iridescent sparkle melted into her palm.

“It’s like a pastel rainbow on each flake!” She laughed as Horus landed on the large balcony overlooking the snowy tundra. As we dismounted, winter fae came close to us to unload our bags. It was now sunset, and Melina ran to the side of the balcony to get a better look. After beckoning the servants to ready our room, I followed her while Toki jumped out of her pocket and ran inside.

Even he was cold.

“Osirus, I’ve seen nothing like this!” The forest was covered in white powder, and the wildlife was abundant, perfect for hunting. The snow garden had beautiful bright flowers that only thrived in cold climates already blooming. Winter flowers could be fickle, with too much snow on their petals. Trolls that lived in the nearby caves were handsomely paid for their help in keeping them alive. Melina continued to frantically look about, trying to bring in the entire sight.

“Do you like it here?” I wrapped my hands around her waist. Her head leaned back on my shoulder while she smiled.

“It’s so beautiful. I can’t imagine anything more perfect,” she sighed.

“I think I can,” I whispered in her ear as I turned her around to face me. “If you could see the way I see you, you would know how perfect you are for me.” My thumb traced her cheek as she leaned over and gave me a sweet and gentle kiss.

Leading her inside the palace, it differed greatly from home. Its ceilings were high, but thick red drapes hung over the windows, and animal rugs decorated the floor. The entire palace radiated warmth, as each room had a roaring fire keeping us warm.

Our bags were already emptied and in place in their respective closets; thick winter furs and clothing were also waiting for us. The gigantic bed held a snow beast’s fur, the head no longer attached, knowing it would upset my mate to see such an evil face. Melina’s hands brushed the fur as her face glowed from the fire.

“I’m scared I’m living a dream, and I’m going to wake up alone again.” She choked as I walked up to her. Pushing back her messy hair from our flight, I cupped her cheek.

“Do you feel this?” The sparks flew across my hand and her cheek, and she nodded sadly. “This is not a dream, and you will not wake up without me. I will be here when we go to sleep, hold you every night, and when we wake, I’ll make love to you every morning so that silly thought of yours is gone.”

Melina smiled as a pink blush dusted her cheeks. “I’m going to hold you to that, My King.” I hummed and kissed her forehead.

“We have a busy day tomorrow. We can explore the palace and the grounds so you can become familiar with it and then maybe see some wildlife. How does that sound?”

“Wonderful,” she breathed. Feeling her heart race, I knew she was thinking of something other than a tour.

“I’ll go get ready for bed.” Her hand trailed down my chest as she left.