Page 9 of Once Upon a Frosty Winter

“I thought you didn’t believe her.”

“Stop being an ass. What were you doing with her?”

“After your father died, she reverted to her maiden name. That’s why I didn’t connect the dots. I guess I should’ve. Queen’s Orchard. Evil Queen. Hilda Queen. I feel foolish now.” I ignore whatever she’s about to say and take my papers and myself toward the front door.

Eira grabs my elbow, forcing me to acknowledge her before I walk out the door. “Don’t fall for her theatrics. She’s a master manipulator. Remember, she’s a villain.”

“Is that right?” Silly girl. “I think you forgot that I’m the villain.”

ChapterFive

Hilda

Last night, I was restless. I probably accomplished maybe three hours of sleep. My poor eyes are puffy, and my skin looks less than vibrant. Doesn’t matter anyway. I lack any motivation to even get out of bed, much less worry about my appearance.

No matter what anyonethinks,I really did try to be a good stepmother. I didn’t know what I was doing, but I did the best I could. Despite her resentment, I cared for Eira. I’m not going to lie and claim to have loved her like my own. She was a teenager by the time I came into her life. With her father there, I stood back and allowed him to parent.

Sorry I didn’t jump into motherhood. I was a child myself, in a new place with not a single familiar face in sight. For two years, we didn’t bond or attempt to become friends. We both resented me being there. Then John died. My hurt bled for Eira since I know firsthand what it’s like to lose a beloved parent. By then, it was too late. She hated me even more. I’ll accept my share of the blame there. One can’t be distant for two years and then suddenly expect to be welcomed with open arms during the worst time in a person’s life. Rumors spread and Eira needed someone to blame for her pain. I didn’t think much of it. If her hating me helped with her pain, then so be it. It hurt, but I never expected her to turn it into her life’s mission.

I did everything for her until she left for college. I still checked on her and welcomed her home on the holidays. We had holiday dinners together. Cold and awkward, maybe, but we did them. Now that hateful little girl is after my orchard. I’ve never felt so betrayed in my entire life. I could rip her heart out, I swear.

Her heart.

I saw the way she looked at Mr. Jax Frost. That’s the look of young love. Of course, it was evident he’s using her. He didn’t return any remotely heated glances her way. He did, however, look at me with lust.

I couldn’t… Or could I?

The floor is cold on my feet as I go sit in front of my mirror. The woman looking back at me is tired, but not from lack of sleep. She’s tired of everyone’s bullshit. Today, it ends. I’ve found my motivation for this morning.

Me.

* * *

Every inch of Main Street screams of the approaching holidays. Garlands and lights hang from all the buildings. Giant green wreaths with big red bows on every lamppost and door. Signs reminding shoppers to get their Christmas list completed. The smells of pine and cookies fill the air. Mistletoe Creek truly is a magical place this time of year, and I don’t plan on leaving.

I’m desperate to keep my orchard, and now what little heart I have is broken. Desperate and broken—not a good combination. This is my villain origin story. I’ve officially become their evil queen.

I stop short when I see Jax Frost exiting H.C. Anderson Law Offices.Surprise, surprise.He has the nerve to give me a crooked smile as he quickly closes the distance between us, invading my personal space. His icy-blue eyes are bright with delight, probably because he thinks he’s getting a new apple orchard for Christmas.Think again, dickhead.

“My morning just got a whole lot better,” he says.

In the sweetest voice I can muster, I ask innocently, “Why? Did you have an orphanage evicted? Turn the heat off in the senior living center? Burn down the hospital?”

“So you do believe in the magic of Christmas.”

“Mmm, I do. I was actually thinking of baking you some of myspecialcookies.” I hope he heard the rumors that I like to add a dash of poison into my baking.

“I’d thoroughly enjoy your cookie in my mouth.”

Well, that sends a little wetness between my legs. Dammit. Why does he have to be so attractive? To make matters worse, there’s no doubt in my mind that he’d know exactly how to eat my cookie.

I need to regain control of this situation. “Is Eira with you? You should’ve told me you were dating my daughter.”

Jax’s eyes flick down to my lips and then back up. “But I’m not dating her. I have no interest in dating her, either.” Jax leans in closer. A waft of his expensive cologne invades my senses and somehow causes my brain to short-circuit.

“Oh?” That’s all I can manage.

“Pretty princesses don’t do it for me. Now, a wicked queen? I’d love nothing more than to discover how wicked you can be.”

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