Shadows on Snow: A Flipped Fairy Tale (Flipped Fairy Tales) by Starla Huchton

reinforced that some since last I was here,” I said when I could speak again. “The urge to throw myself on a sword is a new touch.”
    “Do this a lot, hmm?” he said, breathy.
    I grimaced. “More than I care to. Your stepfather has one set on the castle grounds, hiding his workshop of the damned. It’s not nearly as strong as this one, but four times through it wasn’t exactly pleasant.”
    He stared at me. “Past the west end of the castle?”
    I chuckled. “Brushed against it, did you?”
    “There were rumors of hauntings and monsters, but, yes, I’ve felt it more than once. You went through that on your own?”
    I straightened and stretched. “Well, once you know what it is, it’s easier to overcome. The difficult part is holding on to your rational mind. Are you all right now? Ready to continue?”
    Standing, he brushed off his knees. “Yes, though I don’t think I could have done that by myself. Thank you again. Is it much farther?”
    I pointed up ahead to a dim light in the distance. “Just there. Be on guard, however. Follow where I walk and don’t stray from behind me. Farah is as adept with traps as she is wards. With the strengthened spell there, I don’t think she’ll have set new ones along the safe path I know, but I’d rather it be me who discovers it if she has.”
    “You aren’t sure it’s safe?”
    “I didn’t tell them specifically that I was coming, so, no.” I said.
    Carefully, I picked my way through the trees concealing the cabin, and he hurried up behind me.
    “Should I be at all concerned about the welcome I’ll receive here?”
    “Are you worried about surprising six witches with only me standing between you?” I chuckled softly.
    “It’s nice to see you’ve a sense of humor, but it’s more the surprising…” he paused. “Did you say witches?”
    Stopping again, I looked at him, hands planted on my hips. “All of us have magical abilities, Highness. What else would you call that?”
    “Fair enough, though I would rather call them friends, if it’s an option.”
    Shaking my head, I continued on. “Consorting with stableboys and witches… You are quite possibly the strangest prince that ever was.”
    “I can think of far worse alternatives,” he said behind me. “Were I of another bent, I daresay I’d not be alive this long.”
    “A fair point. Now, best be quiet. If they hear us talking, they’ll think the worst. Keep silent until I’ve told them about you.”
    When at last we were at the door of the wooden house, I inhaled deeply. The scent of dinner remained in the air, along with the hint of flowers. The ivy growing along the outside walls was still green, even so close to Yule, a testament to Adelaide’s talents with plants. I turned to Prince Leopold and set a finger to my lips, put a hand on the doorknob, and entered my home for the first time in nearly seven months.
    “Hello?” I called as stepped into the warmth of the front room. “Sisters? Are you here?”
    There was a great pounding of feet from the second floor, and soon, one after the other came crashing down the stairs, all of them in their nightclothes.
    “Raelynn?” Delphine said, incredulous as she pushed her long brown hair away from her face. “What are you doing here? You’re supposed to be—”
    I stopped her. “I know, but I need your help. I’ve brought—”
    Erata, her light blonde hair much more closely cropped than I remembered it, snorted derisively. “Another wounded animal, Rae? This is too important for you to be bringing home helpless creatures for us to save.”
    Blood rushed to my head, my fatigue distracting me from minding my temper. “Wounded animal? Do you think me stupid? Do you think I’d abandon all of this for the sake of a random creature?”
    Clarice stepped between us, her serene blue eyes barely making a dent in my irritation. “We wouldn’t think it, dearest one.” She wrapped her arms around me and hugged me tightly. “I’m very glad