Ivory Snow

A year went by, and the Innkeeper hardly did more than check on the family’s well-being when he picked up his orders. They all decided that if he were going to do something, he would have by then.

Adam and Charles made trips to the market on Wednesdays and Sundays for the majority of that year.

Gabe was becoming pretty proficient in the kitchen. He was the perfect assistant for Ivory.

Meanwhile, the new Queen had started laying each village and their residents with new taxes, saying it was to go towards the war with the rogues.

Only, no one had heard of any skirmishes with them.

In fact, they still came into the area once in a while, especially on market days. As long as they behaved, no one cared. Their money was as good as anyone else’s. And with the new taxes, every piece was needed.

The one thing everyone always had money for was parts for their wagons, and baked goods for their bellies. The brothers still fished once a week, but they didn’t stress if they had a lower catch than normal.

Anytime anyone came to visit their farm, Snow hid in the house. Usually, she would sneak up into her room and hide in a corner, just to be safe. Those visits were rare enough that they never failed to get the adrenaline and fear pumping.

Adam worked for the Baron again at the next harvest. They didn’t need the money as much, but Adam wasn’t taking any chances.

He didn’t say anything to the others, but he was creating a contingency plan in case they had to leave at a moment’s notice. He knew that if anyone came for Ivory, they would leave no witnesses. Besides, not one of his brothers would be willing to let their sister go off on her own.

Neither would he.

In the last year, everyone celebrated a birthday. Adam turned 17. Brian had turned 16 and testing every day for his wolf senses to start kicking in. Typically, the wolf would start with better hearing and a better sense of smell months before their first shift. Adam hadn’t, but then nothing about his shift had been normal. Nothing about their situation in general was.

The twins turned 14 over the summer. Quickly followed by Eric turning 11, Fitz, 10, and Gabe 7. Right before the harvest, Ivory turned 14 as well.

That was a hard day for her, as it carried a double-edged sword. Not only was it her birthday, but the day her parents were killed in front of her.

By that point, Adam had begun to think that they had thought too much into the Innkeeper’s comments, and maybe he didn’t actually know that Ivory was with them. It could have just been a coincidence.

But two days before Ivory’s birthday, Adam and Charles had been selling at the midweek market. The Innkeeper approached them with a small package. Saying it was a gift to his favorite suppliers. He had suggested their baker open it at home. He left with a wink, taking his goods with him.

When Ivory opened it, Adam stopped doubting.

Inside the wrappings, they found a copy of her grandmother’s recipe book. Sitting on top was a small note.

I was given this once upon a time, in hopes I would become the baker she was. Sadly, I do not possess the talent. I hope this brings you some comfort during this difficult time.

Happy Birthday, Snow.

“How does he know what we call her?” Adam growled, staring at his brothers.

They all looked confused. Brian and Charles had to think hard, but eventually they came to it.

“The first time we went to the market last year. Brian asked why I bought the material. I told him it was for Snow. I swear no one was around! I checked!” Charles was adamant about this.

Brian tskd. “Yes, but it was only a few minutes later that he told us he had loaded his cart. We must not have seen when he walked up. That was before he ate the pie. Which would be why he realized who she was.”

On the one hand, it was good to know how the Innkeeper had put it altogether. On the other, Adam was ticked. He lifted a finger to start yelling at them for their stupidity in talking about her in public, but Snow put a hand on his raised arm and pushed it back down.

Adam’s wolf had been just as mad as he was, yet that one simple touch deflated him completely. It wasn’t the first time she had been able to calm him so easily. Which aggravated his human side even more. The wolf didn’t seem to care.

Snow looked him sternly in the eye. “It’s been a year. Nothing has changed, except now we have more information. They meant no harm, and neither did the Innkeeper. This is a generous gift he has given me. Let’s not taint that. We’re safe. All of us. If anything, I have one more protector.”

Adam scowled at his brothers again then nodded once.

Brian sighed with relief and Charles chuckled watching the two of them. He was pretty sure that he was the only one that ever noticed that Snow and Adam’s relationship was not the same as the one she had with the rest of them. He had his suspicions, but he was smart enough to keep them to himself.

He kept his silence for a variety of reasons.

One, it was funny watching the confusion on Adam’s face and his inherent frustration with his natural reaction to her.

Two, Charles didn’t want to risk messing things up. Knowing Adam, he would send her somewhere else to keep her safe from him.

Three, he could be wrong.

And four, and the most important, he loved knowing something before Dean for a change!

Soon, another year passed and then another.

Things continued at the same pace. Life on the farm was better than it had ever been before, and it was easy to see why. Snow had brought life back to the orphaned males.

Everyone was now a few years older. With Snow and the twins at sixteen, and Adam at nineteen. Brian shifted not long after his seventeenth birthday. The pups were now thirteen, twelve and nine.

Gabe was still a bit smaller than the others had been at his age. Ivory did end up getting better at sewing and was able to tailor Fitz’s old clothes so they would fit him better. Gabe was an inch shorter and thinner than Fitz had been at his age.

Adam often offered to buy material for both of them, but she declined every time. Neither she nor Gabe wanted to stand out or be treated differently.

Among all the changes over the three years, one of the biggest was that Ivory no longer acted like the Princess she was. Adam didn’t doubt that that side of her was in there somewhere still. Unlike the others, he would never forget that she was born better than them. Born to live a better life than what they could give her.

The Innkeeper had become like a silent benefactor for Snow. For both her fifteenth and sixteenth birthdays, he sent her more gifts. And occasionally during other times as well.

At the beginning of one Winter, he sent her a dark purple coat. Another gift was a dark purple hair tie. Everything always seemed to be a dark purple.

Ivory was sure he was hinting at something.

She never forgot his words about her kingdom needing her to come back one day, when she was ready. The idea both thrilled and terrified her. Ivory knew of the unrest in the kingdom. She just wasn’t sure if she was the right person to do anything about it.

During all that time, the Queen was happily living in her stolen castle. Mostly happy anyway.

The Duke had officially removed his land from the kingdom, taking their supplies and taxes with them. That had severely hurt their economy. Her response was to raise the taxes in her remaining lands. She just achieved royalty status, she enjoyed her riches and never wanted to suffer without something again.

There was also no way she was going to let the Duke get away with abandoning them. She had her army attacking whenever she could. They were positioned near his city, stopping caravans from taking supplies inside.

If he wasn’t sharing, then neither was she.

While they had no proof, Ava still believed that Andrew had a hand in Richard and the others escaping. Her wolves had searched the road all the way back to his city but found only a hint of his scent, leading to the castle.

He just disappeared into thin air after that.

Ava barely maintained control of the council. They had stuck their necks out to put her in power and had seen nothing for their effort. She had promised to get revenge for her sister’s attacker.

Technically she did do that last one. Ava had been very upset with Dale for killing the King. She was still getting her payback by laying with any male she pleased, only this time she did not let him watch.

She had a suspicion that some of them were still ending up dead somewhere though. Not that that really bothered her. Ava had already gotten what she wanted out of them.

The council was pushing Ava to make an appearance, to let the people see her. Play to their needs, act like she actually cared about them. She found their constant nagging to be irritating and annoying.

Dale had a better way of convincing her.

“I helped put you here. Where you no longer had to hide from those who meant harm to you. Who were jealous of you. Let’s go out and show the people that the rightful Queen is now in charge. Let them bask in your beauty as they once did. Let them marvel at what Mother Nature gave you. Show them that neither the Duke nor the rogues have tainted what you are.”

He had waited until she was too focused on other things he was doing to her to whisper that in her ears. It gave her time to really think about it instead of shooting it down right away. Ava did like the idea of showing off what she had achieved and to let them bask in her beauty.

What she didn’t tell Dale was that she was hoping to find a new toy. Someone new to mold into what she wanted.

To put it simply, the Queen was bored.

Ava decided to wait until Spring when the weather turned warmer. She refused to travel when it was cold outside. She much preferred to travel when the weather was warm. Besides, it would allow her to wear a thinner dress. Something that showed off her curves and called to the males. No bulky coats or wraps.

If she was going to show off for her subordinates, then she was going to show it all off.

The months passed slowly for her, never having been one to enjoy the colder weather. Unlike the true Queen, who enjoyed cozy nights by the fire with those she loved. Dancing, and singing with her brothers. And teasing a certain male – trying to make him laugh instead of scowl. It had even become one of her favorite pastimes.

With the weather turning warmer once again, all the males were out in the fields planting the wheat and the corn. Ivory used this time to focus on the garden, which she had expanded upon during the first year.

Gabe was now big enough to help in the fields, so she was on her own this time around.

Which bothered Adam incessantly.

He had debated on keeping Gabe in the house with her. But neither of them would have it. Again, he didn’t want special treatment. Adam relented to the pressure.

Despite how much time had passed, Adam grew more and more restless. Both he and his wolf knew something was coming. They could feel it in their bones. They didn’t know what it was, they just knew it was coming.

To help soothe them both, Adam decided to go back and check on Snow.

He expected to find her cleaning or baking, like she usually was.

He did not expect what he saw.

He did not expect that this one random visit would change everything for him.

Adam entered through the front door and went from room to room, looking for Snow. His anxiety climbed with every empty room. He was on the verge of calling out her name when he finally found her at the back of the house, in the washroom.

His relief was short-lived.

It seemed as though Snow had become more comfortable than he previously knew in their home. She was wearing her usual pants, nothing new there. He knew she had gotten taller. The jokes about not having to roll her pants up anymore still popped up from time to time. It was everything else he had not fully noticed. Obviously he knew her body had been changing, just... not this much.

There was no way to not know it now.

Snow was wearing one of the button-down shirts she had been given by one of his brothers.

Only, it only had the top two buttons done.

The rest of it was tied around her chest, right under her… her...

Adam stepped back out of the room, covering his face.

There was no way he was going to be able to get this image out of his head. Unlike his brothers, he had never been able to fully see Snow as a sister. He was too aware of her as a female. Something he had to constantly be on his guard about as she got older.

Now, yeah.

That was going to be even harder. Speaking of which. He looked down and groaned inwardly.

Snow was not supposed to be having this effect on him. She was supposed to be his sister, another ward for him to take care of and protect.

Adam decided he had seen enough to know that she was fine and perfectly safe. He took the long way back to the field to rejoin his brothers. Without a word, he grabbed his tools and bag of seeds and got back to work. When anyone tried to talk to him, he barely grunted at them.

They got the point. Adam was in one of his moods.

When they returned home, Adam was wary. He did not want his brothers to see what he had. They may not be able to see her as a sister anymore either. Most of them were old enough now that he had had more than one uncomfortable talk. Each time he wished harder that his father was around to do it.

Adam sighed audibly with relief when he saw that Snow’s clothes were back to normal. He noticed the small wrinkles in her shirt, something he had seen more times than he could count.

It hadn’t been a new thing then. Just the first time he saw it.

Even though he was trying hard to not think about it, he couldn’t stop himself from wondering why she affected him so differently than the others.

Or remembering how flat her stomach was and how well defined her hips were now.

Or how much more she had up top. And bottom.

It took a good deal of effort to not stare at her during dinner. Something Snow did not miss. Anytime he saw her, she gave him a confused look. She knew he was avoiding her; she just didn’t know why.

The next day, Adam told himself he was just checking on her, that was all. He just needed to know that she was safe.

This time she was in the kitchen, scrubbing the floor on her hands and knees. His wolf took more interest from this viewpoint. He even tried to come forward a bit, just wanting a closer look.

Yeah, Adam didn’t believe that one.

Every day that week, he found her in another room. The only change was when her shirt did not have buttons. Which was almost worse.

With this shirt, she had it twisted, and the bottom tucked in through the collar, then pulled down with the end sticking out from under the shirt.

There was also the button one that she had cut the sleeves and shoulder parts to where they were barely more than a thin strap. He had no idea how those shirts were able to hold her up.

He was torturing himself. That’s what he was doing.

He was also being a creep and spying on her without her knowledge. All under the pretense that he was checking on her.

Sure, keep telling yourself that. We both know I don’t believe it.

Oh, shut up. Adam mentally snapped at his wolf. You liked finding her on her knees and you know it.

Yes. But I’m not making up excuses to avoid the truth.

There is no truth. She’s here for us to protect, nothing more. She’s a Princess, we are nothing but farmers. One day she will leave and go back to her castle.

Maybe, maybe not. Have you thought about asking her what she wants?

I’m done talking about this. We have work to do.

Adam’s wolf snorted at him but said nothing further.

On Friday, Adam told himself he was not going to be weak and go watch her again. But after lunch, his wolf was practically panting with the need to protect her.

“Guys, my wolf is going nuts. Something isn’t right. I’ll be back soon. Stay here but keep an eye out.”

His brothers barely nodded, probably used to his need to check on their sister. Thankfully, they just thought he was overprotective.

Adam had started out walking, but as he got closer his wolf picked up the sounds of a carriage coming down the road. Before he knew it, his wolf was pushing forward and making him run faster than normal. He wasn’t even out of breath when he got to the barn. He hid there for a moment, taking stock of the scene. Not far from the farmhouse, closer to the road, he could see a carriage pulled over and a male standing next to it looking down.

When he saw the male look over at the farmhouse, Adam came out of the barn waving his hand.

Very loudly, hoping Snow would hear him, he shouted. “Hey there! You folks need some help?”

A small curtain moved in the carriage and the male spoke to whoever was inside. He could see the male wasn’t happy as he walked over to Adam.

Ivory had been in the living room when she heard Adam shout. Her heart started pounding as she froze. She waited to hear if she was going to need to hide.

The male got close enough that he could speak at a normal level, apparently raising his voice was too good for him. Which worried Adam. Most people he knew wouldn’t care.

“Good afternoon, sir. Is this your farm here?” The male looked around.

Ivory’s face paled. She had only heard that voice once, but mixed with the events of the next day, she never forgot it. She still heard it in her dreams at night.

Which was enough of a sign.

She silently slipped off her shoes, something the Innkeeper had given her. She had no idea how he guessed her size. Before that she had been wearing one of the pup’s old pairs. In her bare feet, Ivory tiptoed up the stairs and into her room. She curled up in a hidden corner and waited. Her bedroom window overlooked the front area, so she was still able to hear everything. Especially since they kept the windows open during the day to cool the house down. Part of her wanted to close it, but she was afraid it would draw unwanted attention to her.

“Yes, sir.” Adam answered proudly. “It’s been in my family for many generations.” Wanting to get to the point, Adam nodded toward the carriage. “Looks like you are having some problems. Would you like some help?”

The male scoffed. “Do you know anything about wheels and axles? Our coachman hit a big rock a little way back and it has been cracking ever since. We were hoping to make it to the next town. Is it far?”

Adam nodded thoughtfully. “About an hour journey from here. I am a carpenter by trade and happen to have spares of both. I was preparing to sell them at the market on Sunday. I’d be more than happy to replace it for you.”

The male looked Adam up and down, obviously trying to reassess him. Adam followed his eyes and realized why the male had been so judgmental.

He wasn’t wearing a shirt. Oops.

“I apologize for my appearance. My brothers and I are currently planting this year’s crops. I was in the barn getting more seeds when I heard your carriage approach.”

The male hummed, as though he wasn’t sure he believed him. Adam let him think in silence, focusing on not looking toward the house. It wasn’t easy.

Finally, the male nodded once. “Fine. We need to get on the way as soon as possible.”

Adam gave him a price, something a little higher than he normally would have gotten for the parts in town. The male accepted without blinking his eyes and pulled out his sack of coins.

Yup, he needed to keep this wolf as far from the house as possible. With his not caring about money, riding in a fancy carriage, and wearing nicer clothing… he was not going anywhere near Snow’s scent.

Adam carried the coins into the barn and set them on a table. He then grabbed the wheel and other tools he would need and met the male at the carriage.

“Don’t you want to go get a shirt from the house?” The male mumbled, clearly disapproving of Adam’s appearance.

“Leave the poor male alone, Dale. He is doing us a big favor by helping us out.” A feminine voice practically purred from inside the carriage.

“Yes, my Lady.” Dale responded in a semi-pout.

Adam couldn’t help but wonder why that name sounded familiar.

“This would be easier if everyone got out of the carriage, the coachman as well. I need to lift it and that would not be comfortable for anyone inside.” Nor would it be light enough for Adam to lift on his own.

Dale opened the carriage door. A dainty and polished hand came out holding onto his outreached hand.

Adam watched as a female in a light purple dress stepped down carefully. She had long black hair and light blue eyes. She was pretty, but nowhere near as pretty as his Snow.

His Snow? Where did that come from?

Adam tilted his head in a slight bow, recognizing that she was of a much higher class than him, so he wanted to play nice. Plus, his assumptions on the male’s status were just confirmed.

“I will have this fixed for you quickly, it won’t take much.”

The female hungrily eyed his topless state, making him wish he had gone inside for a shirt after all. He could have warned Snow, or at least checked on her for real.

Dale stood right beside her, obviously not pleased with the attention she was giving Adam. He looked like he was planning out the best way to kill him.

Adam quickly squatted down and began to take the broken wheel off. The axle wasn’t broken, but they didn’t need to know that. It wouldn’t take long to change both of them. And they seemed to have money to spare.

“What a charming little house you have here. And… is that apple pie I smell?”

Adam cursed in his head. Of course, Snow had the pies cooling. With the market two days away, she would have already started baking.

“Yes, my lady.” Adam responded..

“Mm, I haven’t had a good apple pie in so many years. Makes me think of my dear mother. She did make good pies, didn’t she Dale?”

Adam nearly dropped the wheel. He suddenly remembered one of the many late-night conversations he and Snow had had. Her screams at night never failed to wake him. It took some time and convincing, but eventually she started telling him about them.

They always started at her party, meeting her aunt and her advisor for the first time. Then it became a blood bath. After telling him of her dream, Snow always fell into a peaceful sleep.

Well, sometimes she cried into his shoulder first. Which was the only time he allowed himself to hold her. The closer the proximity, the more confused his feelings made him. And the shorter he was with his brothers while working.

“Yes, my Lady. She was famous for her pies.” Dale grudgingly answered, as though this was some kind of game he did not want to play.

Neither did Adam.

“I doubt this one would be as good. That particular pie was made with a point. One of my brothers has taken to stealing food. Another brother has become quite good at baking recently. Good enough that we sell them on occasion at the market. Anyway,” Adam grunted as he tightened a bolt under the carriage. “One of the pups keeps snatching some of them before they can be sold. We have seven mouths to feed; the money is needed. We weren’t sure which pup it was, so we conspired to bake a pie with a certain type of ingredient. One that will surely make the thief regret taking that which was not his. It will also be obvious as to which brother took the pie as he will be the only one sick.”

Not bad for pulling that out our butt.

Not now.

Just saying.

The female, who Adam suspected was the evil Queen he had heard so much about, giggled. Adam closed his eyes, pretending to focus when really he was trying to keep them from rolling. She was too old to giggle like that.

“What is your name?” She asked.

“Adam, my Lady.” He answered as he pushed himself off the ground. He lifted up the broken pieces, and the unbroken axle.

“Adam, have you found your mate yet? I would love to meet her.”

Adam shook his head. “No, my Lady. I am not even 20 yet, and I have six younger brothers to care for. I do not have time to search for her.”

“Hmmm.” She tapped her chin and slowly looked him up and down, licking her lips. “Such a pity.” Her voice said otherwise.

“Yes, my Lady.” Adam pointed at the carriage. “Your wheel is fixed, and your carriage is safe to continue on your way. Travel safely.” Adam bowed partially and backed away.

Dale took over and guided the Queen back into the carriage. She followed but was still staring at Adam. Dale gave him a nod, then climbed in after her.

With a shout toward the horses, the coachman took off again.

Adam sauntered toward the barn casually just in case they were still watching. He put the pieces in a pile inside the barn and listened carefully.

When he was satisfied that it was safe, he ran straight for the house and for Snow.

He didn’t need to search for her this time. He knew right where she would be.