The blizzard raged outside, but inside Silesia castle was so warm and cozy that Fury felt sorry for the people out running errands or working in the cold.
She sighed, leaning against the windowsill as she watched the snow fall. Levin would be back from his magic lessons soon, but for Fury it wouldn't be soon enough. Ever since Mahnya left to train at Silesia Academy, the prince was the only friend she had to play with until she was a little older and started her own training as a pegasus knight. Fury couldn't wait to start that training. Silesia's pegasus knights were so honorable and strong, especially her sister, and she hoped to be every bit as good as them when she grew up.
But sometimes thinking about that made her a little sad. They were all growing up and soon they wouldn't have time to play or even talk anymore, Fury and Mahnya would be busy as knights and Levin would spend all his time learning all about being King when his mother passed on...he'd have to search for a bride, too, Fury realized, and for some reason the thought of that made her feel slightly icky.
"Fury, I'm back!" Levin called, and Fury smiled.
"You're back early," she said. "You didn't give Master Aras another headache, did you?" she mock-scolded, mirroring the tone she had often heard Queen Rahna use.
"No, he had to get home to his sick father," the prince laughed. "So we're free to play all afternoon!"
"That's great!" Fury squealed, then suddenly became serious. "Hey, Levin?"
"Yeah?"
"We'll always be friends, right? Even when we grow up and get married and have families of our own, you won't forget me, will you?"
Levin walked over and hugged her, hard, and the knot in her stomach disappeared.
"Of course, Fury!" he said. "You and Mahnya and I, we're a team and no matter what happens we'll always be a team. If they want to break us apart, they'll have to answer to their future King!"
Fury giggled, burrowing her face against the fur of his cloak.
"Thanks, Levin."