The sun was beginning to retreat to it's horizon slumber and I felt myself wishing to join it. My body ached from the long ride of side saddle for hours. Alyn kindly slowed his pace, just a little, after we were sure there were no followers. My body was thankful for the lessened strain my muscles needed to keep myself upright. I still clung to Alyn for dear life and I felt if I let go I'd still fall off.

We had reached the base of the mountains over an hour ago and I could feel the cool air kissing my skin. The snow wasn't as thick as Alyn had predicted but it was much more pronounced near the peaks. Surely Protea's men wouldn't come this far out of their way.

My body shivered and I was hoping it was at the chilly air than possibly being followed. Noticing, Alyn wraps the wool blanket around me. "Just a little longer. We're getting close," he said rubbing my back gently. It was comforting and it did cause warmth to fill my body from the location of his hand. This was the first time he touched me in such a gentle manner, it was kind of refreshing for once.

I tug the blanket closer to me, still clinging to Alyn's shirt with one hand.

I could hear the mare's hooves crunching into the snowy earth below. The sound was new and it let me know I was still alive. I had never left the main city of Wysteria and I was both excited and scared to be in a new and unfamiliar place.

I must've dozed off because Alyn gently shook me to alert me that we've arrived. He was the first one off the horse and helped me down. I said my thanks and my breath came out in a cloud of steam against the cold. I tugged the blanket more firmly and Alyn removed our small amount of supplies from the saddle bags.

"I'm going to take her to the stables. Wait for me inside," Alyn said. He lifted a small silver chain supporting a key from around his neck and placed it in my shivering hands. I stared at it, the warmth of his body still lingering. I glance up to speak but he's already walked off leading the horse away.

I watched him leave, the darkness scooping him up quickly. I remained standing there in the dark and turned towards the large estate behind me. Small flickering lights shone through the large windows. I could feel my face and hands growing numb and my feet were starting to burn from the freezing moisture seeping into my shoes as I approached the door.

The plants had all died out from the cold air and it almost looked like an abandoned mansion. I hesitate at the door, unsure if I should just walk in or wait for Alyn. The lights indicated someone was inside. What would I tell them? They obviously had no idea we were coming. It was such late notice.

I take in a deep breath. I am the princess of Wysteria now. Of course they'd let me stay. I just had to suck it up and step inside. It was a much better option than freezing out here. I slide the key inside the lock and hear a sweet click.

I reach for the doorknob and wince at the frigid metal. I force my hand to turn it quickly. I step inside and I'm greeted with a blissful warmth. The cool air from outside flows in and I quickly shut the door to keep the hot air from escaping. I step farther into the foyer and find a set of stairs leading up to the second floor. A coat rack clings to the wall beside me and I unravel the blanket and hang it up. The air smelled sweet, like someone had just baked fresh cookies. My stomach growled.

We had been riding since mid morning and hadn't stopped for a bite to eat or rest. I decide to follow my nose and search for the source. I find a finely crafted archway leading into the kitchen. I peek inside to find it empty aside from a steaming tray of cookies.

My stomach groaned as I ogled the display. One cookie wouldn't hurt. I was a guest in Alyn's estate after all.

I snatch a cookie off the tray and nearly drop it as the heat burns my hand instantly. I never did give myself time to adjust from the cold. I blow on my fingers to ease the burning when I hear a gasp behind me. I quickly turn to find a stout woman in the doorway.

"Who're you? How'd you get in here?"

"I have the key," I say and show her the necklace. Her eyes grow wide and she glances back at me.

"How do you have that?" She steps towards me and grabs the key from my hand. "This key is for family only. How's a scrawny lass like you got it?"

Scrawny? Compared to her I'm sure I looked it but I was as much a well shaped woman as anyone. "For your information," I started to say but stopped as Alyn walked into the kitchen.

"We just get here and you're already scolding Cyra, Maven. Good to see nothing's changed."

The woman, Maven, turned and her face crinkled as she took in the young man before her. Tears suddenly sprang from her eyes. She rushed over and wrapped her arms around Alyn. "Young master, you've returned! I haven't seen you in over a decade. You've grown into such a handsome young man."

Alyn kindly allowed the woman to embrace him and all I could do was watch in confusion. He hadn't been here in over ten years? Why? Was his life as a knight so important he didn't even reach out to his family?

The woman steps back and watches him from arms length as she looks him over from head to toe. "You can do with a bit of a bath, that's for sure. A hot meal as well. You're too skinny."

"Maven, I appreciate it, but there's something I need to discuss with you."

"Anything for you, young master," she said.

"Cyra and I need to stay here for a while. Until things settle down at the castle."

She turned towards me and I tensed up. Her stare made me feel so transparent. I look away quickly. This woman was terrifying and I had to spend my time living with her?

"You dirty boy," Maven yells and I turn to see her snagging one of Alyn's ears and pulling him down. His eyes shot wide and he blinks as she tugs his ear. It looked like it hurt.

"How could you be so stupid. What would your mother say if she knew you'd up and gotten a girl pregnant."

My face burned. She thought we were here because of that? This woman was crazy. "There's been a huge misunderstanding," I say and approach the wild woman. She grabs my ear and pulls me close too.

"Don't think you'll be getting off easy, young lady," Maven said pulling my ear. I scratch at her bulky arms trying to tear her hand away.

"Maven, you've got it all wrong. I'd never sleep with someone like her," Alyn groaned. Maven eased her tugging and glanced at both of us. She released us and I immediately rubbed the tip of my ear. It was throbbing.

"Then what is it you're here for?"

"If you let me speak I'd have told you." Rubbing his ear, Alyn continues, "Protea invaded the castle and surprised us. I've brought Cyra with me in order to keep her safe."

Maven looked at Alyn quietly, then her gaze turned towards me. "So that must mean you're the princess?"

I nod my head silently.

"I see," Maven said and glanced at me. I back away, afraid she'll grab me again. She does, but instead of a scolding, I'm whisked into a large hug. "Welcome to our estate, princess."

After Maven left to alert the staff of our arrival, Alyn led me to where I'd be staying. He knew the place like the back of his hand. Although, he tried hiding it, something about his expression was sad, almost pained. It wasn't what I expected.

He led me to a small door at the end of the second floor hall and opened it. The room was warm and a quaint little bed with navy quilts rested opposite to the door. I stepped inside to find a large, wooden dresser with small flower pots and vases lining the surface. A fancy bookcase resided on the other side of the room along with a rather comfy looking chair beside it beneath the window. It was a decent sized room, nothing like the one in the castle, but something about it felt homely.

I turned to find Alyn looking around the room, his eyes dim despite the bright flickering of the candles. I step towards him and his face becomes unreadable as he notices. He backs toward the door and reaches for the doorknob.

"I'm sure you're tired. I'll have Maven get a bath ready and a meal. You should get some rest after. I'll see you in the morning." He closed the door before I could say anything. From the look in his eyes, I could tell this room was special. Perhaps, in the past, it might have been his.

Morning came and the sun shone through the large windows. I hadn't shut the curtains last night. I fell asleep as soon as my head touched the pillow. I slid out of bed in my nightgown and glanced outside. Frost encrusted the edges of the windows and I couldn't help but draw a picture with my finger as my breath fogged it.

I change into something comfortable: Some pants and a large tunic I found in the dresser. They were obviously for a male but I managed to make them fit. It was much more comfortable than a dress.

I leave my room and the house is silent. I wondered if anyone was awake yet. I had to have slept longer than normal. I was exhausted and could hardly keep my eyes open in the bath.

I decided to head toward the kitchen in hopes of getting something to eat. A few servants greeted me and made me some oatmeal with bacon and fresh orange juice. I ate it up, still hungry from my lack of food yesterday.

I thank them and decide to walk around and explore the estate. I thought I'd have run into Alyn by now but he had to have been exhausted as well. If he was still sleeping, at least that meant he was able to relax a bit. He always came off as the type who overworked himself sick.

The kitchen and dining room were on one side of the estate so I decided to see the other. I pass the stairwell and find a large study occupying the other side of the estate. Curious as I was, I step inside to take a look around. Pictures line the walls and I graze over them with my eyes as I take in the details. A young couple reside in one of the paintings, surely Alyn's parents. His mother's eyes were the same color as his, a beautiful crimson. Her dark hair cascades down her shoulders as her hands meet with a man's, Alyn's father, as he embraces her from behind. Their faces looked happy and I had to assume this was painted soon after their marriage. They looked so happily in love; I was envious.

The second painting was of two young boys standing side by side in shorts and button up blazers. The one on the right was frowning, his red eyes slim as his dark brows furrowed together. The other, a young boy with hair as white as snow, smiled wide. Was this Alyn and his brother? White hair. Suddenly, I remembered the way Leo confronted Alyn in the castle basement.

"Leo is his brother?" I blurted out. I hardly saw them interact much at the castle. Seeing Alyn's face in this picture proved his attitude hadn't changed in over the last ten years. Apparently the two of them never got along.

I couldn't stop myself from releasing a small laugh at the discovery. I continue my perusal and run my fingers along the sturdy, wooden desk. Large stacks of books and papers pile high, untouched. I find a box resting in the middle and I open it. Inside is a fine piece of parchment with beautiful handwritten inked letters scribbled upon it's surface. My eyes skim the paper and my stomach drops. This was a will.

I cover my mouth as I realize the meaning behind it. Lord Crawford, Alyn's father, had written his will but the bottom was covered in a dark stain. I quickly close the box, the lid not wanting to cooperate.

The door swings open and I drop the lid and hear it clink against the floor beneath me. My eyes meet with Alyn's to find him surprised by my presence here. Quickly, his eyes flash with anger. "What are you doing in here?"

I scramble my mind for words but can't come up with a reasonable explanation. Instead, I reach down for the lid and fumble to grab it. "I-I'm sorry. I got lost," I say. "I was just leaving." I finally manage to grip the lid and replace it. Alyn's hand firmly grasps my wrist and I cringe at the pain that quickly shoots through my arm.

"What did you see?"

I looked away, unable to face him.

"Nothing. You walked in before I could read it."

"Then why did you look at me with pity just then?"

I hadn't realized I did. "I wasn't," I lie.

"You read it, didn't you?"

"You're hurting me, Alyn," I say. His grip loosens and he releases me. I rub my stinging wrist but he doesn't step away.

"I allowed you to come here for safety reasons. Not to snoop around in places you don't belong."

"You never said anything was off limits. I was just curious."

"Curious? No. You're just nosy."

"So what? Why does it matter. Your father wrote a will. Who doesn't these days?" I say and immediately regret letting my mouth run.

Alyn's eyes grew wide and the anger behind them vanished and were replaced with something else entirely. His chest rises and falls quickly and I know I've overstepped my boundaries. Something happened here. Something bad.

"What happened, Alyn?" I asked. He closed his eyes and let out a deep breath. Surely he was holding himself back.

"Leave," he commanded.

"Alyn," I whispered but he slammed his fist against the desk.

"Leave now," he barked. His eyes looked pained and I knew I had pushed him. My words were uncalled for and he had every right to be angry with me.

"I'm sorry," I murmured.

"Just... go," he said and turned away. I hated myself at that moment. I didn't know his history, as he didn't know mine. He was wounded and I shoved the knife into that wound and caused it to bleed.

I left that room without another word.