"You are Father of gods and a subtle master. But I don't love you."

She said it calmly and indifferently. A spindle in her arm is being twirled regular.

Odin was confused. He really thought that the daughter of Winter was shy and naïve girl. And his name and golden glitter of magnificent jewellery, which fascinated all native women, could entice her too. Mat Zemlya spoke Snegurochka grew up in dark and thick forest and lived detached from the world for many years. Or is it an immediate cause?

"It is ridiculous…" he muttered.

"Oh?" She smiled cheerlessly, "Please only let's manage without to blow up. I get tired with it. All men take a denial likewise."

Baby prince Igor cried in his cradle and Snegurochka bowed over her adoptive little brother. It seems like she has forgotten of the unbidden guest absolutely. But he didn't intend to give in.

'It is ridiculous." Odin repeated, "I thought I would conduct talks with adult and serious woman. But I see that you are an immature girl only. Have I said about "love"? I have arrived with the serious point. Your adoptive father Prince Rurik allowed you to choose husband independently. It was an error to my mind."

"Well, let's talk seriously," she turned over. "My words has been conventional phrase, no more than. Are you really thought your offer was attractive? But I am sure both my fathers would be angry with it. Will I be your wife? No, I'll not. Will my son be your legitimate child and heir? No, he'll not. Will this deal be advantageous for my people? No, it'll not. You are old man not only your body but your soul. There is sunset over your world. And I know that you are enemy for my real father. This child will be the device against him."

This little girl amazes me perfectly. No one is brave enough to say me it at the Asgard.

"Yes, now it is similar to real talk. But I can honestly say that your people are enemies for Konungr Winter too. It is no coincidence that in their language white color is symbol of a death and red is symbol of a life and beauty. Fire and heat is real gods of this land! You should decide between your real father and your people. And I see you prefer to live here rather then a dense forest."

"This is where I belong," Snegurochka shrugged her shoulders. "But it isn't good reason for betrayal. Especially, how is it help to my people? What are you can offer for them? All of your great and magical servants sleep."

"I am great warrior and magician by myself. It is a great deal. And I know that you and your people will be glad to take a help in any shape. You are fragile like this baby," – Odin indicated little Igor. "Your only ruler and protector lies in the cradle which can turn into a deathbed easily. Or are you hope to turn into a swan and run away from your entire problems?"

There wasn't an answer and Odin has triumphed inwardly. Especially, when he was successful to sight her quick glance to one batten of wooden floor.

It is doubtless a hiding-place. And I can guess what kind of a valuable keeps in it.

His words were true. Snegurochka was in a very tight situation.

She was related with lands which were populated of many tribes. Here were the East Slavs, the Balts, the Scandinavians, the Finns, as well as colonists, merchants and mercenaries of the West Slavs, the continental Germans and the Khazars. And they don't live to peace. Therefore this land was an easy game for next state and plundering inroads.

But 20 years ago several of native tribes arranged about a peace. But there wasn't consent about a ruler – military leader and arbitrator. And they resolved to engage a foreigner who wasn't closely related with any clan of these lands.

New prince's name was Rurik. And his family would reign of Russia until 17-th century. And, of course, all princes would want to violate and change this "treaty". But this part of Russia – Ladoga, Pskov and "Lord" Novgorod the Great - would pass into the personal possession of Rurikids in 1478 year only.

But baby Igor was one specimen of this dynasty at the present.

It may seem strange inasmuch as Rurik was married to several women. Polygyny was a norm for him and local tribes which were heathens. But the terrible pestilence has killed many locals including all of his family some years ago. Rurik and his retinue was gathering tribute in this moment but after that the illness overtook them on the journey.

They were saved by a strange girl who has lived lonely in the forest. Snegurochka said that she was an orphan. Her mother died during her childbirth and father not long ago had killed by a bear. Rurik made a proposal of marriage to her but she refused and asked to adopt her as his daughter on condition that she could choose her husband independently.

People of Ladoga and surrounding little towns were attached to new princess quickly. She was wise, polite, hard-working and a rare beauty. But she never flirts with any man and denies every marriage propose.

Rurik got married to princess Alfrind of Norway. And she gave birth to Igor 3 month ago.

But a death was hunted for family of Rurik emphatically. Alfrind had died by a puerperal fever. The prince become carelessness through sorrow and perished in the hunt.

All this may turn into a tragedy for Snegurochka as spirit of this land and her personally. Malcontents and ambitious men live anywhere. They will levy wars again and to kill new state.

And she is only a cutie pie for them.

"I can manage it," Winter's daughter said in the end.

"Really? I have some doubt in it. If you and local patriarchs belive in the coming of Konungr Roster my news will be disagreeable to you. Brother of princess Alfrind had found a watery grave. Of course, he can't be Igor's tutor. He and you are defenceless absolutely. But I can become your husband in mortals' opinion and untie the knot."

Snegurochka kept silence. Odin thought it is a sing of his success. He didn't know that her true name was "Pride".

"Or, possibly, is it my missing eye scares you? But, in fact, it is excellent quality. I know that love is a death-warrant for you. And there is no risk with me."

"Stop talking, please," she hissed. "I am bored with you. Go away and don't come back".

The god was enraged with the sudden obstinacy. It may be because he held Snow Maiden in low esteem in fact.

"Well, well, well… If you prefer to be raped by some mortal so be it. I think this will be amusing…"

The phrase was broken with a resounding slap across his face.

It was a first slap which he got by her.


After that furious god left her Snegurochka opened a hiding-place and drew out a bundle.

It was a white chemise with red embroidery and very long sleeves. A fabric of it amazed lightness, softness and beauty. But its' true value was somewhat different.