A tall and regal fey woman stood a few paces apart from the opulently dressed fey lords and ladies gathered in the vast hall. A gown of ebony spidersilk encased her voluptuous body, its darkness contrasting beautifully with her pale skin. Her raven locks were artfully arranged in an elegant coiffure many human stylists would sell their grandmother to recreate, impossible by mortal means. She wore no jewelry save for a single necklace with an intricate snowflake pendant coming to rest above her cleavage. Silver in color, it shone and glittered innocently.
However, this was no dainty snowflake. Upon closer inspection, the design would be revealed as vastly different. The edges were sharp enough to cut, the lines branching out as tiny little spikes. This was the crest of Silver Frost. Lady Winter Torquil wore it proudly.
Winter loathed these gatherings which was why she had spent decades in isolation. She would've skipped out on this one as well had it not been for the summons with the royal seal. Not attending would be seen as an offense and Winter wasn't suicidal or foolish enough to offend Queen Mab. She wasn't exactly known for her mercy.
Taking a dainty sip of wine, she mulled over the surprising news that had been announced by the queen. She had been initially curious about the new Court, maybe even curious enough to join. The news that it was a 'human friendly' court however, had poured iced water, effectively dousing that tiny flame. She was no friend to humans. To her, they were nothing more than inferior beings, too far below her to warrant notice.
Finally, the official proceedings were over. These affairs could last for days on end as the fey gave little thought to time, unlike the mortals. Winter had stayed for the requisite amount of time and it would be acceptable for her to leave now. She set her glass down on one of the floating trays and headed away from the crowd.
No sooner had she taken a few steps, her ever vigilant guards materialized behind her. A pleased smile touched her lips, shattering her usually cold demeanor for a few moments. Her entire House was well trained and efficient in their jobs, as she tolerated little to no incompetence. Unlike most fey Houses though, they were loyal to their mistress. Each and every single one of them would die for her and she for them. Winter actually cared about the well-being of her servants. A concept that was foreign to the Unseelie.
"We'll be departing now." She announced without breaking stride as they fell into step beside her. "You have all heard her Majesty's words, have you not? I should hope that none in my House are foolish enough to attempt to go against the queen's wishes."
"Yes, my lady. The carriage is ready."
"I won't be leaving in the carriage. Have it delivered to Silver Frost. We'll be taking the Tywyllwch." She hated riding about in a carriage like an invalid but affairs such as this called for all the ridiculous pomp and opulence of the nobles.
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The Tywyllwch, or the shadow roads, were a method of travel open only to those belonging to the Court of Shadows or someone under the king's protection. A dark and treacherous place, the roads were deadly, always hungering for blood. Only a select few had the knowledge to navigate the eternal darkness. Thankfully, Winter was one of the lucky few.
"Stay close, in a single file. Do not look back." Her soldiers already knew the drill but it couldn't hurt to caution them. She opened a portal just big enough for a single rider to pass through and moved her steed forwards, stepping into the darkness.
The Tywyllwch was an infinite darkness, with death looming over like an icy blanket. Crystals of ice formed in her hair and lashes. Even a few seconds too long would mean death, as ice formed rapidly turning anything unlucky enough or slow into a beautiful sculpture of ice. Winter's party exited into a dark forest within a matter of seconds.
This wasn't right. She furrowed her brows as she thought it over. She was certain she hadn't made a mistake, the portal had opened in the middle of the road and dumped them into the forest outlying Mab's court. Motioning her soldiers to be on guard she searched around for a place to open another portal. Her silvery eyes caught sight of two fey standing about in a clearing, bodies scattered around them.
"Well. This is certainly turning out to be an interesting night."