Winter's light snoring filled Cinder's left ear as she carried her down the darkened halls of the palace. After hours left to drain their tiring emotions, Winter fell asleep hugging her older sister until finally Cinder decided it was time for them to return to their room. However, it wasn't before Advisor Torin managed to find her amongst the labyrinth of halls and grapple his tongs of reality into her icy chest.
There was no remorse apparent on his stiff face. It remained statuesque as if frozen in his expression of the ever efficient advisor, mentor, and bringer of all things terrible in Cinder's eyes. After all, he was the first to relay news of her engagement, the one to constantly relay updates of the Snow Queen's movements, and now would forever be the one to tell Cinder of her parents' death.
"We need to discuss your coronation," he informed, his standing form looming over her frail-like appearance.
Looking up at him with a blank expression, Cinder kept silent to show her distaste at his actions. The only motion she made was to cover Winter's ear so she could remain soundlessly sleeping the horrible events of the day away. If Advisor Torin noticed her rebellion – or cared one way or the other – his responsible façade gave no signs of flinching.
"The ceremony will take place on your eighteenth birthday before which you will be expected to marry your fiancé."
She knew the words were coming – she wasn't under the illusion people would simply forget the law that stated she had to marry to take the throne – and yet hearing them aloud stung her insides. Three weeks. In three weeks she would be chained to a man she practically loathed and robbed of the few freedoms she did have, only to be set on a jeweled chair that might as well be a target to Queen Levana.
"Which is why I came to speak with you," Advisor Torin continued. "I just received word that the prince is traveling this way right now to stay with us until the marriage. It was also suggested for you to return to his country for your honeymoon."
She continued staring at him, staring through him as if he were an apparition she could not decide was real. Frustration flared in the pits of his irises, but he kept it tamed with a deep sigh. He seemed to want to say something more, a final thought or maybe even a comforting apology, and made it as far as opening his mouth to say so. At the last moment, he thought better of it and gave a formal pardon instead.
They arrived at their bedroom just as the memory ended within Cinder's mind. Her hand hesitated before reaching the knob, unwanted images of the Snow Queen invading her mind. Scrunching her eyes to erase the frightening image, she slowly curled her palm around the knob trying not to think of the cold weighing down on her chest and what she would have to give up to thaw it.
Winter slightly stirred only when being laid on the soft comforter, though managed to sleep through Cinder changing her day dress into her nightgown. She took her time wrapping her sister in the decorative covers, surrounding her with the stuffed animals she strung about after the previous night's sleep. To those who thought a fourteen-year-old sleeping with toys from her childhood was shameful, Cinder pitied them, for they would never see the sweetness she saw every night she put Winter to bed.
Sure the young princess was fast asleep and not soon to be disturbed, Cinder finally set to work with her secret mission. Slipping out of her more formal dress, she dug in bowels of her wardrobe for one of her thicker dresses rimmed with fur. Beneath piles of cloaks and shawls, the pale blue dress collected dust unlike so many of her other gowns. It was an outfit prepared for travel, which was why Cinder barely got the chance to wear it.
Fitting the simple gown over the long sleeved underdress, she admired the flowing skirt that allowed freedom to move and the cross-over neckline lined in fur that drew across the entire bodice. Finding leather gloves to wear under the bell sleeves, Cinder left lacing up her sturdiest boots as the last thing in the room she could do. Almost last thing – she risked giving Winter a goodbye kiss and promised to return while holding back tears.
The castle slept soundly after the long, tiring day, allowing Cinder no trouble when she scrambled together a canteen and some food. Hoping she wouldn't have to use it, she slipped a rather sharp table knife into a satchel lying around one of the storage rooms. Map tight in hand, she snuck out one of the smaller doors around the palace's side – the same door she and Winter used earlier to play in the snow.
I promise I'll be back Winter, her mind hopelessly tried telling her sister telepathically. I don't want to leave you, which is why I have to break this curse.
Grateful all the winter storms had fallen dormant for the night, Cinder began her venture to thaw her freezing heart.
I would like to take this moment to thank all of the readers, reviewers, followers, and those who have favorited this story. I hope you realize how appreciated you are.
Lady Jo Editor Extraordinaire and Ashley Sky receive my greatest thanks at your lovely reviews!
Book One is nearly complete and Book Two has many surprises. I look forward to seeing the story progress with you all!
Thank you again for reading, I truly am grateful, and please review!
