A Walk Through Snow
Chapter 1
Winter had come. Across the lands of the Nine Kingdoms was a thick blanket of snow and ice. The air was stifling cold, tearing harshly at the unprotected faces of its inhabitants. Villages and towns had hunkered down for the long cold days of winter. As sure as the suns rising, winter would come and go. For now all one could do was stay warm and wait for the signs of spring.
The magnificent palace of King Wendell looked sadly diminished under the veil of snow that covered it. The once plush gardens were now sorrowfully stripped of their colour and vibrancy. Still, life went on regardless. Routines changed to accommodate the seasons, although life in the palace was rarely routine. Especially for today. Today was the date of the Annual Winter Feast, and the palace was alive with the sound of laughter and music.
In the grand splendour of the banquet hall was a crowd of some of the most influential and powerful people in the Fourth Kingdom. Lord's and Lady's, Businessmen and dignitaries came from all corners of the kingdom. Row upon row of tables covered with delicacies lined the hall. Chickens, Turkeys, Ducks, Hams, Lambs, Pheasants, and any number of animals were being feasted upon. At the head of the hall was a raised platform that dominated the room. Placed on that was the head table where all the top people in the Fourth Kingdom sat. Dotted along the large rectangular table were beautiful gold covered chairs.
In the centre of the table was King Wendell himself, wearing his magnificent royal crown, and a friendly smile. To his left was his friend and once man servant, Tony. While to his right sat the ever honourable and charming Wolf. As always, sat beside him was his beloved Virginia, who was herself beginning to show the signs of pregnancy. She wore a stunning lilac dress that hugged her figure and showed the growing bulge of her belly. The four were smiling and talking amongst each other.
Wendell was listening eagerly to a rumour Tony had heard that involved a furious Naked Emperor. Apparently when unexpectedly returning to his bedroom chamber, he unexpectedly found his wife hastily shoving something into a closet. Demanding that she open the closet the emperors wife refused. The Emperor quickly shoved her aside and opened the closet. To his shock and terror he discovered a pile of elegant clothing lying in a heap. Needless to say, the Naked Emperor felt nothing less than betrayal. Immediately the rumour spread across the kingdom, but of course the Emperor claimed the rumour to be false. To the inhabitants of the Fifth Kingdom it was a scandal, to the citizens of the other kingdoms it was most amusing.
After a hearty laugh, Wendell decided it was about time to address the hall. He stood up and began tapping the outside of his glass with a spoon. Immediately he had the full attention of the entire hall. A hundred faces now looked directly at the king, awaiting his now traditional speech.
"Friends and countrymen, I welcome you into this hall on this most cold and dismal day. Yet today is a time of celebration. A celebration of winter and of the coming spring. It is testament to the pride and the strength of our kingdom through the winter months."
A cheer went up from the assembled crowd. Wendell knew how to satisfy a crowd. He had been groomed all his life to be everything expected in being a king. The crowd settled down.
"The annual winter feast has been a tradition in my family since my grandmother, Snow White, held the very first feast. It was a long and harsh winter and the people of this kingdom were running out of food. Those who came to the feast brought something to the table for those who had little to eat. No matter how big or small the food, they gave as much as they could. Since then the winter feast has become a symbol of unity. While winter is normally a time of conservation, this feast helps to boost the spirits of us in these cold months. This feast is a time to look forward to the spring when food will be plentiful again." Wendell said with surprising sincerity, "This is my first winter feast as your king, but I have shared this day with you since my birth. Each time I look forward to it more and more. It gives me the opportunity to relax and enjoy your company."
The crowd clapped in collective gratitude. The Winter Feast meant a lot to many of the people assembled. For some it was simply the audience of the king, while others saw it as the only winter function to be seen at. A small minority were only ever invited to this function as it was a celebration for notable people in the Fourth Kingdom.
"Since we last gathered here in this hall, much has changed. Our kingdom has faced destruction and ruin, nearly being torn apart by war. We have come through this challenge stronger than we have ever been. Thanks mostly to the efforts of our new friends. They who sacrificed their own safety and committed themselves to a cause they had no reason to fight for. Valour, honour, and heroism has rarely been demonstrated in such people since the reign of the Great Queens. It is for them that this years feast is dedicated to."
The crowd cheered once more, this time with an intensity that surprised Virginia and Wolf. Tony, of course, lapped the applause up graciously. The people of the Fourth Kingdom had taken them to their hearts. The story of their adventure had entered into popular folklore. People recalled the story to eager children by their fireplaces. Virginia had even learned that a children's book of their adventure was being planned. They had become celebrities, and it felt strange and overwhelming.
"So I hope that many of you shall return here next spring when I will be happily marrying Lady Virginia and Lord Wolf."
The crowd clapped. Virginia gave a wary smile. She was completely shocked. Virginia had no idea that Wolf had told Wendell they wanted to get married in spring. Aside from her promise to think about it, Virginia had not committed to marrying Wolf at any time. As she put on a happy face to the crowd, Virginia was very much thinking about killing Wolf in front of them.
Wolf had the same forced smile on his face, but looked nervously at Virginia. In her eyes he saw that she was furious and Wolf knew that she had every right to be. He felt terribly ashamed and guilty at even mentioning a date to Wendell. In retrospect he cursed ever talking to Wendell.
The remainder of Wendell's rousing speech went by in a blur for Virginia and Wolf. She kept her smile on and looked attentive, applauding when expected. Wolf did much the same but he was just waiting until the entire function was finished and he could explain himself to Virginia.
"My friends, let us raise our drinks for the coming of spring. To Lady Virginia and Lord Wolf's wedding. And to next years feast where I hope to see you all here again." Wendell finished finally to a rapturous applause.
Wendell bowed graciously in response. Virginia and Wolf applauded along with the audience, relieved that the speech was finally over. The damage was already done. Tony gave a strange look over at Wolf, almost a glare. Wolf saw it in the corner of his eye and could not bring himself to make eye contact.
"My, has the ravenous Wolf lost his appetite?" Wendell asked, indicating Wolf's fully laden and so far untouched plate.
"Oh!" Wolf mumbled in response, "Just the excitement."
"It isn't spring yet!" Wendell joked. "You know, I haven't been to a good wedding in a long time."
"It all depends on what Virginia wants," Wolf replied, suddenly realising what he should have done in the first place.
"I'm sure she's as excited as you and I are. Probably more so!" Wendell continued. "Brides always care more about weddings."
Wolf gave a half-hearted laugh in reply. Wendell was starting to annoy Wolf, but he understood that it was all his fault. He should have known that Wendell would have blurted it out at the most opportune moment. Wendell had become a good friend to Wolf over the past few months. In fact, himself, Wendell and Tony had developed a strong friendship that meant a great deal to Wolf. For Wolf, his friendship with Tony and Wendell was the closest he had ever been in. From an early age Wolf hardly had any friends whom he could truly trust. The constant fear of being persecuted by humans forced him to keep his friends at arms length.
Friendship and love. Both had eluded him for much of his life. Now he was jeopardising them in a moment of rashness and stupidity. It was while he was sitting and feeling sorry for himself that he heard Virginia's voice. It sounded as if the voice was in his mind.
"Sorry!" Wolf said as he turned to face Virginia.
She had already stood up and had begun walking away from the table. Wolf quickly jumped from his seat and started to follow her. Wolf gave a glance back to Wendell but saw that the king was in deep conversation with another guest. Virginia disappeared out one of the halls many exits and into the palace's guest wing. Wolf followed her down into a hallway and saw that she was getting farther away.
"Virginia!" He cried out.
Virginia simply ignored him and continue on her way. Wolf hurried after her, catching her arm and turning her to face him.
"Virginia, I'm sorry," Wolf apologised. "I didn't expect Wendell to tell the entire kingdom before I told you. Besides, I only asked him if he could perform the service. I only wondered if he was interested. I thought that you wanted him to?"
"I never said anything about Wendell performing the ceremony. I never even talked about our wedding," Virginia replied. "When were you going to tell me? Before the wedding, or after?"
"I wanted to tell you but I couldn't find the right time," Wolf said. "I thought you wanted us to get married?"
"I did, at least I thought I did. Now I'm not so sure." Virginia said grabbing at her ring. "This damn thing won't even come off."
Wolf looked at her as she attempted to pry off the ring. It cried out in pain as she did so.
"Stop it Virginia, you're hurting it!" Wolf said as he grabbed her arms and stopped her from continuing.
"Leave me alone!" Virginia cried as she pushed him away, "I., I just want to be alone."
"Virginia!" Wolf said as she ran off to their bedroom. He contemplated following her but she was angry and he knew better, at least this time. He would let her be alone and hopefully calm down. Meanwhile he would sit in front of a hundred guests with his shame.
Virginia ran into their room as the tears ran down her face. She collapsed onto a couch and sobbed. She lay motionless for a few minutes before she stood up and composed herself. She went to look out the window, at the white snow covered courtyard. Below, rows of carriages were lined up. Virginia looked at them and decided what she wanted to do. She took up her hand and looked at the ring.
"I'm not coming off!" The ring chimed.
"You can't force me to marry him, just as much as he can." Virginia responded.
"You agreed, and soon you'll see, the love you have for each other." The ring sang.
"I'm not so sure that I love him," Virginia said softly. "I'm not sure that I ever loved him."
The ring did not reply. It simply looked sad.
"Look at me! I'm talking to a singing ring!" Virginia exclaimed. "I'm not even sure why I'm still here. At least in New York I didn't feel so out of place. I thought Wolf would make me happy, but instead I feel lonely and confused. I'm having a baby when I'm not even sure that I can take care of myself. I wish that things would just go back to normal."
Virginia began to cry again. The ring looked up at her with deep sadness. No song it could sing would help ease Virginia's pain. It just listened to Virginia.
"I want my freedom again. I want to make my own decisions. Wolf knew that I would become pregnant. He knew that once I put you on I would not be able to take you off. And now he's trying to force me to marry him." Virginia said.
"He just wants to see you happy," The ring sang softly, "He loves you more than you could know."
"Well, it's not working. If he really wants me to be happy he wouldn't do these things," Virginia replied. "No, I don't feel the same way he does about me. He's sweet and charming but I'm not sure that I want to spend the rest of my life with him."
Virginia lifted her hand again and looked at it.
"You say that you won't come off. You're just as forceful as he is." Virginia replied. "Please, I don't want you on my finger anymore."
The ring said nothing in reply. Virginia let her hand fall by her side. She looked out at the carriages and the freedom they offered. Then she decided it was time to go. She grabbed her coat and stood looking out of the window. Then she heard the small thud. When she looked down she saw the singing ring lying on the floor. She picked it up and placed it in her palm.
"Thank you," Virginia said with a sad smile. "Someday you will find a finger that needs you."
The ring seemed to be sobbing. Virginia felt guilt, but she also felt that it was the right thing to do. She placed the ring down softly on a cushion and silently left the ring.
Virginia walked calmly out into the cold winter air. The cold air did not bother her. She caught the attention of one of the palace servants and beckoned him over. The young boy seemed surprised to see someone at this stage of the feast. He seemed frozen by the cold.
"I need a carriage," Virginia said.
"Where to, my lady?" The young attendant asked.
"Anywhere but here!" Virginia replied.
"My lady!" The attendant replied in confusion.
"I haven't decided, just get me the carriage," Virginia demanded.
The young attendant nodded, preferring not to contest Virginia's decision again. Within a minute a carriage pulled up in front of her. As Virginia stepped into the carriage she took one last look at the palace before disappearing into the carriage.
"Do you have any luggage?" The attendant asked politely.
"No, I'm travelling light." Virginia replied.
The attendant closed the door and gave a shout to the driver who cracked the reigns and set the carriage moving. The carriage sped of into the snow with no direction other than not going backwards.
Wolf returned to the banquet hall feeling emotionally drained. He was depressed and felt ashamed at himself for treating Virginia in such a manner. It took immense strength for him to rejoin the feast and not be by Virginia's side. He took his seat by Wendell once more, surrounded by the cheerful and joyous people gathered. Wolf felt a void beside him where Virginia had just vacated. It felt like a canyon had opened up and swallowed him. He was so intensely focused on Virginia's empty seat that he did not hear Wendell talking to him.
"My dear Wolf, how is it that Virginia has not returned?" Wendell asked with a slight spring in his voice, oblivious to the turmoil that engulfed his friends.
"Sorry!" Wolf exclaimed as he snapped out of his depression.
"Where has Virginia disappeared to?" Wendell repeated.
"Oh," Wolf said whilst pausing to think of an excuse. "Em, she felt ill and decided it was best to go and lie down."
"I hope it is nothing serious?" Wendell enquired with genuine concern.
"Nothing serious, just the side effects of pregnancy," Wolf lied, "She wanted me to convey her sadness at not being able to enjoy the rest of the feast."
"Her health means more than a mere feast," Wendell replied, "Send her my best wishes and good health."
Wolf nodded his compliance. He hated lying to Wendell like this but he felt it was more appropriate in the current situation not to bore him with his and Virginia's relationship problems. Mostly, he did not want Wendell causing any more problems for him. Instead, Wolf felt that it was a problem that only he could solve.
Beside Wendell, Tony had been eavesdropping on their conversation. He was confused over Wolf's answers to Wendell's questions. He did not believe that Virginia looked ill at all, instead he had a hunch that Wendell's announcement was the cause. Since he had no previous knowledge of the announcement or the wedding plans, he felt the possibility that Virginia was in the same boat as he was. Wolf looked almost dazed as he stared at his food. Tony then drew the conclusion that Wolf and Virginia had argued and his daughter had won.
"Excuse me while I take care of some personal business," Tony said with a serious face. Wendell nodded politely thinking that Tony was running of to the bathroom.
As Tony walked past Wolf, Tony noticed Wolf looking at him suspiciously. Tony knew that Wolf would not dare to try and stop him as it would expose his lie. Instead Wolf gave him a quick look before turning and talking with Wendell.
Tony walked the maze of corridors that led to Virginia and Wolf's chamber. Much like himself, they had a room the size of a large Manhattan apartment. Complete with as many comforts as one might find there. When he finally found Wolf and Virginia's room he took a moment to compose himself. When he knocked on the door, to his surprise it opened slightly. Tony slowly opened it more and peered in. The room was dark but for the soft daylight trickling from the window.
"Virginia!" Tony said softly into the room. "Virginia, are you in here?"
There was no response. Tony walked silently into the room. He found no one in the room. Thinking that she must be in the bedroom, Tony went in quietly. In their he found an unused bed. Tony immediately began to feel nervous, his concern for his daughters welfare almost overwhelming. The room felt cold and deathly silent. Tony sat down in one of the chairs and wondered where Virginia might be. It was as he sat their that he heard the soft sobbing.
"Virginia!" Tony said in a hushed voice, "Are you okay?"
The sobbing continued. Tony scanned the room but could not see the source of the sobbing. He stood still and listened intently, finally pinpointing the sound from near the window. Tony was surprised to see the singing ring lying in a dresser by the window. He gently picked it up.
"What's wrong with you? And where's Virginia?" Tony asked the ring.
The ring remained silent. It simply sobbed and looked at him with sad eyes. Then Tony noticed as a carriage rolled of into the distance. He watched and wondered why a carriage would be leaving so early into the evenings festivities. None of the guests had cause to leave. Tony quickly drew the conclusion that Virginia was the one who had left in the carriage.
Immediately, fear overwhelmed him. Tony was afraid that Virginia had left the palace for good. Tony raced out of the room, unconsciously stuffing the ring into his breast pocket. By the time he reached the courtyard, the carriage was long gone. Tony grabbed one of the attendants.
"Who was in that carriage?" Tony demanded.
"Err, Lady Virginia, Sir." The shocked attendant replied.
"Stop them!" Tony futilely commanded.
"I cannot sir, they are too far gone!" The attendant answered.
"Well, get me a carriage. I have to follow them!" Tony shouted at the poor attendant.
"But sir, the other carriages are not ready!" The attendant responded.
"Then stop dawdling about and get it ready," Tony shouted, "And hurry before I lose them."
The attendant quickly disappeared into one of the stables. Tony suddenly realised how cold it was, but he refused to lose sight of the carriage's direction.
Chapter 1
Winter had come. Across the lands of the Nine Kingdoms was a thick blanket of snow and ice. The air was stifling cold, tearing harshly at the unprotected faces of its inhabitants. Villages and towns had hunkered down for the long cold days of winter. As sure as the suns rising, winter would come and go. For now all one could do was stay warm and wait for the signs of spring.
The magnificent palace of King Wendell looked sadly diminished under the veil of snow that covered it. The once plush gardens were now sorrowfully stripped of their colour and vibrancy. Still, life went on regardless. Routines changed to accommodate the seasons, although life in the palace was rarely routine. Especially for today. Today was the date of the Annual Winter Feast, and the palace was alive with the sound of laughter and music.
In the grand splendour of the banquet hall was a crowd of some of the most influential and powerful people in the Fourth Kingdom. Lord's and Lady's, Businessmen and dignitaries came from all corners of the kingdom. Row upon row of tables covered with delicacies lined the hall. Chickens, Turkeys, Ducks, Hams, Lambs, Pheasants, and any number of animals were being feasted upon. At the head of the hall was a raised platform that dominated the room. Placed on that was the head table where all the top people in the Fourth Kingdom sat. Dotted along the large rectangular table were beautiful gold covered chairs.
In the centre of the table was King Wendell himself, wearing his magnificent royal crown, and a friendly smile. To his left was his friend and once man servant, Tony. While to his right sat the ever honourable and charming Wolf. As always, sat beside him was his beloved Virginia, who was herself beginning to show the signs of pregnancy. She wore a stunning lilac dress that hugged her figure and showed the growing bulge of her belly. The four were smiling and talking amongst each other.
Wendell was listening eagerly to a rumour Tony had heard that involved a furious Naked Emperor. Apparently when unexpectedly returning to his bedroom chamber, he unexpectedly found his wife hastily shoving something into a closet. Demanding that she open the closet the emperors wife refused. The Emperor quickly shoved her aside and opened the closet. To his shock and terror he discovered a pile of elegant clothing lying in a heap. Needless to say, the Naked Emperor felt nothing less than betrayal. Immediately the rumour spread across the kingdom, but of course the Emperor claimed the rumour to be false. To the inhabitants of the Fifth Kingdom it was a scandal, to the citizens of the other kingdoms it was most amusing.
After a hearty laugh, Wendell decided it was about time to address the hall. He stood up and began tapping the outside of his glass with a spoon. Immediately he had the full attention of the entire hall. A hundred faces now looked directly at the king, awaiting his now traditional speech.
"Friends and countrymen, I welcome you into this hall on this most cold and dismal day. Yet today is a time of celebration. A celebration of winter and of the coming spring. It is testament to the pride and the strength of our kingdom through the winter months."
A cheer went up from the assembled crowd. Wendell knew how to satisfy a crowd. He had been groomed all his life to be everything expected in being a king. The crowd settled down.
"The annual winter feast has been a tradition in my family since my grandmother, Snow White, held the very first feast. It was a long and harsh winter and the people of this kingdom were running out of food. Those who came to the feast brought something to the table for those who had little to eat. No matter how big or small the food, they gave as much as they could. Since then the winter feast has become a symbol of unity. While winter is normally a time of conservation, this feast helps to boost the spirits of us in these cold months. This feast is a time to look forward to the spring when food will be plentiful again." Wendell said with surprising sincerity, "This is my first winter feast as your king, but I have shared this day with you since my birth. Each time I look forward to it more and more. It gives me the opportunity to relax and enjoy your company."
The crowd clapped in collective gratitude. The Winter Feast meant a lot to many of the people assembled. For some it was simply the audience of the king, while others saw it as the only winter function to be seen at. A small minority were only ever invited to this function as it was a celebration for notable people in the Fourth Kingdom.
"Since we last gathered here in this hall, much has changed. Our kingdom has faced destruction and ruin, nearly being torn apart by war. We have come through this challenge stronger than we have ever been. Thanks mostly to the efforts of our new friends. They who sacrificed their own safety and committed themselves to a cause they had no reason to fight for. Valour, honour, and heroism has rarely been demonstrated in such people since the reign of the Great Queens. It is for them that this years feast is dedicated to."
The crowd cheered once more, this time with an intensity that surprised Virginia and Wolf. Tony, of course, lapped the applause up graciously. The people of the Fourth Kingdom had taken them to their hearts. The story of their adventure had entered into popular folklore. People recalled the story to eager children by their fireplaces. Virginia had even learned that a children's book of their adventure was being planned. They had become celebrities, and it felt strange and overwhelming.
"So I hope that many of you shall return here next spring when I will be happily marrying Lady Virginia and Lord Wolf."
The crowd clapped. Virginia gave a wary smile. She was completely shocked. Virginia had no idea that Wolf had told Wendell they wanted to get married in spring. Aside from her promise to think about it, Virginia had not committed to marrying Wolf at any time. As she put on a happy face to the crowd, Virginia was very much thinking about killing Wolf in front of them.
Wolf had the same forced smile on his face, but looked nervously at Virginia. In her eyes he saw that she was furious and Wolf knew that she had every right to be. He felt terribly ashamed and guilty at even mentioning a date to Wendell. In retrospect he cursed ever talking to Wendell.
The remainder of Wendell's rousing speech went by in a blur for Virginia and Wolf. She kept her smile on and looked attentive, applauding when expected. Wolf did much the same but he was just waiting until the entire function was finished and he could explain himself to Virginia.
"My friends, let us raise our drinks for the coming of spring. To Lady Virginia and Lord Wolf's wedding. And to next years feast where I hope to see you all here again." Wendell finished finally to a rapturous applause.
Wendell bowed graciously in response. Virginia and Wolf applauded along with the audience, relieved that the speech was finally over. The damage was already done. Tony gave a strange look over at Wolf, almost a glare. Wolf saw it in the corner of his eye and could not bring himself to make eye contact.
"My, has the ravenous Wolf lost his appetite?" Wendell asked, indicating Wolf's fully laden and so far untouched plate.
"Oh!" Wolf mumbled in response, "Just the excitement."
"It isn't spring yet!" Wendell joked. "You know, I haven't been to a good wedding in a long time."
"It all depends on what Virginia wants," Wolf replied, suddenly realising what he should have done in the first place.
"I'm sure she's as excited as you and I are. Probably more so!" Wendell continued. "Brides always care more about weddings."
Wolf gave a half-hearted laugh in reply. Wendell was starting to annoy Wolf, but he understood that it was all his fault. He should have known that Wendell would have blurted it out at the most opportune moment. Wendell had become a good friend to Wolf over the past few months. In fact, himself, Wendell and Tony had developed a strong friendship that meant a great deal to Wolf. For Wolf, his friendship with Tony and Wendell was the closest he had ever been in. From an early age Wolf hardly had any friends whom he could truly trust. The constant fear of being persecuted by humans forced him to keep his friends at arms length.
Friendship and love. Both had eluded him for much of his life. Now he was jeopardising them in a moment of rashness and stupidity. It was while he was sitting and feeling sorry for himself that he heard Virginia's voice. It sounded as if the voice was in his mind.
"Sorry!" Wolf said as he turned to face Virginia.
She had already stood up and had begun walking away from the table. Wolf quickly jumped from his seat and started to follow her. Wolf gave a glance back to Wendell but saw that the king was in deep conversation with another guest. Virginia disappeared out one of the halls many exits and into the palace's guest wing. Wolf followed her down into a hallway and saw that she was getting farther away.
"Virginia!" He cried out.
Virginia simply ignored him and continue on her way. Wolf hurried after her, catching her arm and turning her to face him.
"Virginia, I'm sorry," Wolf apologised. "I didn't expect Wendell to tell the entire kingdom before I told you. Besides, I only asked him if he could perform the service. I only wondered if he was interested. I thought that you wanted him to?"
"I never said anything about Wendell performing the ceremony. I never even talked about our wedding," Virginia replied. "When were you going to tell me? Before the wedding, or after?"
"I wanted to tell you but I couldn't find the right time," Wolf said. "I thought you wanted us to get married?"
"I did, at least I thought I did. Now I'm not so sure." Virginia said grabbing at her ring. "This damn thing won't even come off."
Wolf looked at her as she attempted to pry off the ring. It cried out in pain as she did so.
"Stop it Virginia, you're hurting it!" Wolf said as he grabbed her arms and stopped her from continuing.
"Leave me alone!" Virginia cried as she pushed him away, "I., I just want to be alone."
"Virginia!" Wolf said as she ran off to their bedroom. He contemplated following her but she was angry and he knew better, at least this time. He would let her be alone and hopefully calm down. Meanwhile he would sit in front of a hundred guests with his shame.
Virginia ran into their room as the tears ran down her face. She collapsed onto a couch and sobbed. She lay motionless for a few minutes before she stood up and composed herself. She went to look out the window, at the white snow covered courtyard. Below, rows of carriages were lined up. Virginia looked at them and decided what she wanted to do. She took up her hand and looked at the ring.
"I'm not coming off!" The ring chimed.
"You can't force me to marry him, just as much as he can." Virginia responded.
"You agreed, and soon you'll see, the love you have for each other." The ring sang.
"I'm not so sure that I love him," Virginia said softly. "I'm not sure that I ever loved him."
The ring did not reply. It simply looked sad.
"Look at me! I'm talking to a singing ring!" Virginia exclaimed. "I'm not even sure why I'm still here. At least in New York I didn't feel so out of place. I thought Wolf would make me happy, but instead I feel lonely and confused. I'm having a baby when I'm not even sure that I can take care of myself. I wish that things would just go back to normal."
Virginia began to cry again. The ring looked up at her with deep sadness. No song it could sing would help ease Virginia's pain. It just listened to Virginia.
"I want my freedom again. I want to make my own decisions. Wolf knew that I would become pregnant. He knew that once I put you on I would not be able to take you off. And now he's trying to force me to marry him." Virginia said.
"He just wants to see you happy," The ring sang softly, "He loves you more than you could know."
"Well, it's not working. If he really wants me to be happy he wouldn't do these things," Virginia replied. "No, I don't feel the same way he does about me. He's sweet and charming but I'm not sure that I want to spend the rest of my life with him."
Virginia lifted her hand again and looked at it.
"You say that you won't come off. You're just as forceful as he is." Virginia replied. "Please, I don't want you on my finger anymore."
The ring said nothing in reply. Virginia let her hand fall by her side. She looked out at the carriages and the freedom they offered. Then she decided it was time to go. She grabbed her coat and stood looking out of the window. Then she heard the small thud. When she looked down she saw the singing ring lying on the floor. She picked it up and placed it in her palm.
"Thank you," Virginia said with a sad smile. "Someday you will find a finger that needs you."
The ring seemed to be sobbing. Virginia felt guilt, but she also felt that it was the right thing to do. She placed the ring down softly on a cushion and silently left the ring.
Virginia walked calmly out into the cold winter air. The cold air did not bother her. She caught the attention of one of the palace servants and beckoned him over. The young boy seemed surprised to see someone at this stage of the feast. He seemed frozen by the cold.
"I need a carriage," Virginia said.
"Where to, my lady?" The young attendant asked.
"Anywhere but here!" Virginia replied.
"My lady!" The attendant replied in confusion.
"I haven't decided, just get me the carriage," Virginia demanded.
The young attendant nodded, preferring not to contest Virginia's decision again. Within a minute a carriage pulled up in front of her. As Virginia stepped into the carriage she took one last look at the palace before disappearing into the carriage.
"Do you have any luggage?" The attendant asked politely.
"No, I'm travelling light." Virginia replied.
The attendant closed the door and gave a shout to the driver who cracked the reigns and set the carriage moving. The carriage sped of into the snow with no direction other than not going backwards.
Wolf returned to the banquet hall feeling emotionally drained. He was depressed and felt ashamed at himself for treating Virginia in such a manner. It took immense strength for him to rejoin the feast and not be by Virginia's side. He took his seat by Wendell once more, surrounded by the cheerful and joyous people gathered. Wolf felt a void beside him where Virginia had just vacated. It felt like a canyon had opened up and swallowed him. He was so intensely focused on Virginia's empty seat that he did not hear Wendell talking to him.
"My dear Wolf, how is it that Virginia has not returned?" Wendell asked with a slight spring in his voice, oblivious to the turmoil that engulfed his friends.
"Sorry!" Wolf exclaimed as he snapped out of his depression.
"Where has Virginia disappeared to?" Wendell repeated.
"Oh," Wolf said whilst pausing to think of an excuse. "Em, she felt ill and decided it was best to go and lie down."
"I hope it is nothing serious?" Wendell enquired with genuine concern.
"Nothing serious, just the side effects of pregnancy," Wolf lied, "She wanted me to convey her sadness at not being able to enjoy the rest of the feast."
"Her health means more than a mere feast," Wendell replied, "Send her my best wishes and good health."
Wolf nodded his compliance. He hated lying to Wendell like this but he felt it was more appropriate in the current situation not to bore him with his and Virginia's relationship problems. Mostly, he did not want Wendell causing any more problems for him. Instead, Wolf felt that it was a problem that only he could solve.
Beside Wendell, Tony had been eavesdropping on their conversation. He was confused over Wolf's answers to Wendell's questions. He did not believe that Virginia looked ill at all, instead he had a hunch that Wendell's announcement was the cause. Since he had no previous knowledge of the announcement or the wedding plans, he felt the possibility that Virginia was in the same boat as he was. Wolf looked almost dazed as he stared at his food. Tony then drew the conclusion that Wolf and Virginia had argued and his daughter had won.
"Excuse me while I take care of some personal business," Tony said with a serious face. Wendell nodded politely thinking that Tony was running of to the bathroom.
As Tony walked past Wolf, Tony noticed Wolf looking at him suspiciously. Tony knew that Wolf would not dare to try and stop him as it would expose his lie. Instead Wolf gave him a quick look before turning and talking with Wendell.
Tony walked the maze of corridors that led to Virginia and Wolf's chamber. Much like himself, they had a room the size of a large Manhattan apartment. Complete with as many comforts as one might find there. When he finally found Wolf and Virginia's room he took a moment to compose himself. When he knocked on the door, to his surprise it opened slightly. Tony slowly opened it more and peered in. The room was dark but for the soft daylight trickling from the window.
"Virginia!" Tony said softly into the room. "Virginia, are you in here?"
There was no response. Tony walked silently into the room. He found no one in the room. Thinking that she must be in the bedroom, Tony went in quietly. In their he found an unused bed. Tony immediately began to feel nervous, his concern for his daughters welfare almost overwhelming. The room felt cold and deathly silent. Tony sat down in one of the chairs and wondered where Virginia might be. It was as he sat their that he heard the soft sobbing.
"Virginia!" Tony said in a hushed voice, "Are you okay?"
The sobbing continued. Tony scanned the room but could not see the source of the sobbing. He stood still and listened intently, finally pinpointing the sound from near the window. Tony was surprised to see the singing ring lying in a dresser by the window. He gently picked it up.
"What's wrong with you? And where's Virginia?" Tony asked the ring.
The ring remained silent. It simply sobbed and looked at him with sad eyes. Then Tony noticed as a carriage rolled of into the distance. He watched and wondered why a carriage would be leaving so early into the evenings festivities. None of the guests had cause to leave. Tony quickly drew the conclusion that Virginia was the one who had left in the carriage.
Immediately, fear overwhelmed him. Tony was afraid that Virginia had left the palace for good. Tony raced out of the room, unconsciously stuffing the ring into his breast pocket. By the time he reached the courtyard, the carriage was long gone. Tony grabbed one of the attendants.
"Who was in that carriage?" Tony demanded.
"Err, Lady Virginia, Sir." The shocked attendant replied.
"Stop them!" Tony futilely commanded.
"I cannot sir, they are too far gone!" The attendant answered.
"Well, get me a carriage. I have to follow them!" Tony shouted at the poor attendant.
"But sir, the other carriages are not ready!" The attendant responded.
"Then stop dawdling about and get it ready," Tony shouted, "And hurry before I lose them."
The attendant quickly disappeared into one of the stables. Tony suddenly realised how cold it was, but he refused to lose sight of the carriage's direction.