I know a lot of you liked the original story of Frostbite, but, for my own personal reason...I needed to rewrite it. The original is from a time where I was still learning how to properly outline and edit a story. Now, I've gotten a better handle on how to do all that and want to show it.

So, without further ado, here's the rewrite of Frostbite.

Enjoy!

The life of a princess is hard. First you have to be the embodiment of perfection, and show kindness to everyone, no matter their race or wealth. And you must contain your thoughts, your feelings, for you mustn't show you are interested in someone or that you are in love with your partner out in public. You must stand tall, head held high, and walk like a regal. You must sit straight, hands on lap, and listen to the man in front of you.

"I'm telling you, King Roland! I saw something black slither into the woods! I think it was Vor's magic!" The merchant said, making Sofia look over at her step-father. She was sitting in Amber's throne, though she had her own, since Amber had come down with a cold and headache. She had asked Sofia if she could fill in for her so she could rest and though Sofia wasn't the heir to Enchancia, she was happy to help her step-sisters out.

Though, most of the complaints and suggestions made by the villagers set Sofia into a state of sorrow. They were worried about simple things, small things. They were worried about their crops and spiders and everything in between. They were worried about wolves and mice. They were worried about their family and friends, and complained about the silliest things.

Now I know why Amber doesn't like doing this so much, Sofia thought with a sigh through her nose. It was quiet enough that her step-father didn't hear her, but he still gave her a look that he knew this was silly.

"I'm sorry to hear that, Mr. Cambridge," Roland said as he stood up from his throne and too two long strides to comfort and console the merchant. "I assure you, Vor's influence is long gone. After 6 years, I'm sure of it."

"But this didn't look like Vor's magic!" The merchant continued.

"I assure you, Mr. Cambridge," Sofia began, smiling at him, "if I come across something black like what you saw, I'll bring it to my father's attention and we'll take care of it."

"But you're not the heir!" Mr. Cambridge exclaimed, making Sofia stand tall, her purple gown flowing at her feet as her long brown hair swayed.

"That may be, but I am a Guardian of the Ever-Realm," She said. "I promise, I'll inform him."

Mr. Cambridge wasn't to thrilled with that answer, but he took it nonetheless and bowed. He thanked the two for their attention, and left the castle. Sofia sighed as she plopped back down on the throne, rubbing her fingertips on her temple to reduce the oncoming headache.

"That was very elegantly put, Sofia," Roland said, making Sofia grin at her step-father. "Keep it up, and you just might become a queen someday."

"Thanks, dad," Sofia returned, placing her hands on her flat stomach.

After 6 years, Sofia was a teenage princess now, at 15. She may have not been born into royalty, but she sure was proving that she had the skills to be one. She showed kindness to others, had a heart of gold, and had changed her step-sister, Amber's heart for the better. Now, a 16-year-old Princess Amber was ready to become Queen of Enchancia. Though, she wanted a prince by her side. So, her betrothal was set in stone to a former love of Sofia's.

Prince Hugo.

Sofia was saddened at that for a while, and she may think she still is, but she understood why. She wasn't heir and the two kingdoms needed a union between the spare of one and the heir of the other. And it didn't help that Amber had fallen for Hugo in the long run. Hugo felt bad for it though. He kept telling Sofia he was sorry and that it wasn't his idea, but Sofia would just smile and say it was fine.

"We knew this would happen someday," She said that day they both found out.

"Now, Sofia, could you come with me?" Roland spoke up, making Sofia sit up some as she stared at her step-father. "I'm afraid I have some bad news."

"Oh, no," Sofia sighed. "What about?"

"I find it best if we spoke in the study," Roland gestured to the door as he walked on through it. Sofia took a few short breaths as she stood up. What could be so bad that they couldn't speak of it in the throne room? Thoughts rushed to her head, anxiety swarmed her chest. Was her mother okay in the next kingdom over? She was helping out with their trade deals since she knew so much thanks to her late husband and Sofia's father. What if it was under attack and her mother was hurt...or worse? What if something terrible has happened? With a few short steps, Sofia was in the study, seeing her step-father leaning against the desk. His head was down, like he was contimplating something or trying to find the right words to say.

This couldn't be good.

"Dad, is everything okay?" Sofia asked, walking further in as Roland turned around, forcing a painful grin. "Is my mom okay!?"

"Your mother is fine," Roland said. "She's on her way home as we speak." Sofia sighed with relief at hearing that. "But I'm afraid, we couldn't keep a betrothal away from you." And that's when her grin fell into shock.

"What?" She asked. Her heart raced, her palms grew sweaty, and her mind wandered. Was this what was causing her step-father so much distress lately? She was to marry a prince she never knew? She was to become Queen of a different kingdom? That couldn't be right, and that didn't feel right. She believed in love at first sight, and she had that with Hugo. But now that he was taken away, she didn't believe that it was true love. She knew true love existed, she saw it with her mom and step-father. But she couldn't put the two together in this life.

"Who?" She finally asked, keeping her posture and mind at ease, though it was screaming in anger.

"His name is Jack, Prince and Heir of Winterveil," Roland said. "He's a nice kid. Your age, caring, helpful. He has a good heart, like yours." This caused the anger to die down in Sofia's mind as she listened. "He is also considered a Guardian in his kingdom, for he protects it with a strong will."

"Well, he doesn't sound bad," Sofia sighed, crossing her arms now over her chest.

"I know, I promised I wouldn't do this to you, Sofia, but I had no choice," Roland said, trying his best to apologize to her. "Enchancia needs allies, and with Hugo's kingdom and Winterveil having our backs through marriage, we'll be unstoppable."

Sofia grinned, listening to her step-father's reasoning. He had a point there. Enchancia had lost a lot of soldiers during Vor's attack and the extra allies would help if anyone else attacked. She couldn't deny they needed extra help. So, she nodded.

"I'll do it," She said. "Besides, he sounds pretty cool."

"No pun intended," Roland mumbled, making Sofia giggle.

"When can I meet him?"

"Tomorrow night. There will be a ball announcing Amber and Hugo's marriage," Roland said. "I've invited Prince Jack to attend and he said he'd be there. So, you'll have some time with him. And you have the final say."

"I do?"

"Yes. If you feel at all uneasy or that it's not a good fit, I'll cancel the marriage between you two and we'll find someone better, okay?" Sofia smiled, rushing up and giving her step-father a hug in response.

"Thanks," She said, feeling his arms embrace her as well. "But from what you told me, he sounds nice," She pulled away. "I'm willing to give it a shot."

"Thank you, Sofia," Roland smiled, patting her hand. "Now, you should get to bed. Tomorrow's a big night and I want you to be at your best when Prince Jack shows up."

"Okay, dad. I'll see you tomorrow," Sofia said, bowing her head slightly and heading out, with her mind wondering about Prince Jack.