Note: This is a prequel to my fanfic, "When Summer Becomes Winter"

However, it doesn't matter which one you read first (this or WSBW), you won't be confused.

Not like if you read one of the other sequels out of order...

-End Note-

Spring 2

I groaned at the sound of the birds chirping as the morning sunlight beamed through my window and shined behind my eyelids. I was not ready for today. Today was just going to be another ordinary day. I wanted, no. I needed a change! There has to be more to life than what I've been experiencing for the past nineteen years of my life.

The birds' chirps grew louder as I groaned louder in response; I guess that was a sign that I should get up and take on the day!

I lifted myself out of bed and walked over to my vanity. I sighed heavily at my reflection. I was a lovely young woman; don't get me wrong, but I could point out every flaw that I had; my biggest flaw was my height. I was the shortest of my family, standing at only five feet and two inches.

I grabbed my hairbrush and began brushing my long blue-gray hair before I grabbed a jar that was sitting on the surface of my vanity, applying some expensive facial cream to my cheeks, forehead, and chin to keep myself looking young and moisturized! Though I'm not sure why I felt the need to do that when I was only nineteen! It would be years before I would need this stuff.

A knock erupted as I jumped a bit, turning to face my bedroom door.

"Yes? It's open!" I exclaimed as the door opened, revealing my older brother.

"Good morning, Rosalind!" He chirped as I smiled.

"Morning, Max!" I greeted before turning back to look at my reflection in my vanity's mirror. Max noticed my distant expression and took a step inside my room.

"Are you alright, my sweet little sister?" He asked with concern as I sighed.

"Yes, I'm fine." I began while sighing lightly. "It's just that...well, New Year's happened yesterday, but it doesn't feel new. I feel as though things will never change in this town. That we're forced to live day by day with no excitement or hope for a better tomorrow." My brother closed my bedroom door, walking more into my room.

"I know what you mean, Rosalind." He said while taking a seat on my bed and doing a dramatic pose, which caused me to snicker.

"You know, someday that red-haired knight from your favorite story will sweep you off your feet." I just giggled more and rolled my eyes.

"Oh Max, that's just a fairytale!"

"Oh, but didn't Alicia predict that you'll marry a handsome red-headed man?" He asked with a smirk. I felt my face flushing. It would be a dream come true if something like that would happen to me in real life.

"Ye-yes...but she's probably just—."

"Just have faith, Rosalind! Everything will work out in the end. It always does." Max interrupted as he rose from my bed, walking towards my bedroom door, opening it back up again. The side portrait of his face was visible as his eyes glanced over at me.

"I'll leave you to dress." He said, closing the door behind him on his way out. I looked down and saw that I was still in my nightgown; how embarrassing.

I slipped out of my nightgown and into a simple green hi-lo dress. I strapped on my high heels and groaned loudly; my favorite heels, which once belonged to my mother, were so worn, and I really needed a new pair, but that collector was asking for way too much! If I could just get my hands on the right materials. I could patch them up; however, getting the materials posed another problem.

I walked out of my bedroom, seeing my father at the top of the stairs, a concerned look on his face as he glanced at his pocket watch.

"Father?" I asked. He turned towards me, giving me a hearty smile.

"Goooooood morning, Rosalind!" He greeted me with such delight that I smiled at him.

"Morning, Father!" My smile faded to a look of concern. "What seems to be the problem?"

"It's Cecilia. She's late! It's not like her to be—." However, before he could finish his sentence, the double doors leading to the manor's entrance burst open. Our elven maid hurried into the manor in a frenzy, followed by a man whom I had never seen before. I blushed; he was probably just passing by. However, I couldn't help but notice his handsome face and fiery red hair that was peeking from a blue bandana from a distance. He slightly reminded me of the knight from the fairytale.

"Sorry, I'm late, sir!" Cecilia exclaimed as father ordered his breakfast. I couldn't help but glance every so often at the mysterious man; he was so handsome. And...was he also glancing at me as well? No, I shouldn't get my hopes up too high. I don't want to disappoint myself.

"Miss Rosalind!" I snapped out of my thoughts and looked towards Cecilia.

"Yes?" I asked

"What would you like for breakfast, Miss?" Cecilia asked as I blushed.

"I'll have...whatever is easy for you to make, Cecilia!" I exclaimed. She smiled while nodding her head.

"I'll get started right away!" Our maid exclaimed with enthusiasm. The front doors opened as Alicia walked into the entrance.

"Do they usually all order separate things? Rich people are such a pain!" She whispered loudly. I felt my heart sink. I hated being such a bother; it was why I tried to make things easier for Cecilia, but maybe I was a pain too. Cecilia seemed to notice my face and replied to Alicia in a stern voice.

"Alicia! They'll hear you!" The two continued talking as I looked around for the mysterious man. I saw him conversing with my brother. Was he a trader for father's company? Or maybe he worked for someone who was a part of father's business? Though he wasn't dressed for the part. However, even if he didn't look wealthy, he was still very attractive from a distance. If only I could get a closer look at him. But if he is someone who works in the industry, he'll only be interested in talking to my brother and father and will want nothing to do with me.

The business is only passed down to first-born sons. Very rarely will a daughter inherit the estate. My grandmother, Bianca, was an example of a daughter who inherited the estate. It was between her and her cousin, Electra. I don't know the full story, but according to my father, Electra didn't believe she could run the estate as well, not to mention that she and my great-grand-aunt were going through financial difficulties, so she gave my grandmother the full business. Electra even made a contract stating that only my grandmother's heirs could inherit the business. Something about how Electra wanted her children and grandchildren to follow their own path and not have to worry about finances and such. However, I suppose business savvy runs in the family, considering her sons have their own unique businesses, and so does her eldest granddaughter.

"I have a door-to-door fortune-telling service. Rosalind is one of my best customers, and I go where the money is!" I overheard Alicia say as I sighed. My eyes ventured downwards along with my head. I hated being the daughter of a wealthy man. Don't get me wrong, I do love my father, but having all this money and respect was tiring.

"A lot on your mind?" An angelic, masculine voice asked me as I looked towards the source of the voice. I felt that my face had instantly turned red. The handsome man was talking to me! I noticed that he had some scratches and bruises on his skin, but despite that, he was more attractive up close!

"Hello! I am Rosalind de Sainte-Coquille!" I exclaimed. Oh. My. God! Why did I do that? I sounded like a complete idiot! He asked me a question, and I said that?! He chuckled. Oh, he had such a handsome-sounding laugh!

"I'm Jack! Nice to meet you, Rosalind. I'm staying in the farmhouse outside of town."

"O-oh, do you mean Douglas'?" I asked as he nodded his head once.

"That's the one!"

"H-how long are you staying?" I asked with hope.

"I suppose as long as I can work!" I felt my heart flutter. So he was going to live here? In Alvarna?! Things finally seemed to be turning for the better! This seemed to be a great start to the new year!

"Anyway, I'll see you around, Rosalind."

"Oh, ye-yes! I'll see you around! Oh, uhm...Jack?"

"Yes?" I didn't know what to say, but I had to make up something quick!

"My-my brother and father might cause you a bit of a headache, but be patient with them; they are good people!" Ugh! Really, brain? Really? I had to say that? I probably sounded like a snot to my family.

"Oh! It's no problem! Well, I'll see you around, Rosalind." With that, he left as I waved my hand in a daze. I hope that my comment about my family didn't scare him away.

"Yes. I'll see you around, Jack." He walked out of the mansion as visions of him painted themselves in my mind, visions of us. I couldn't believe it. Is this really happening? Am I dreaming? Please don't wake me up if I am!

"Miss Rosalind?" I continued waving.

"Miss Rosalind!" I snapped out of my trance, looking at Cecilia looking at me from the bottom of the stairs.

"Yes, Cecilia?" I asked.

"Breakfast is ready, Miss. Your father and brother are still waiting for you in the dining area." I felt my face heat up as I rushed down the stairs as quickly as my heels would allow.

"Ah, thank you, Cecilia!" I exclaimed, opening the door of the dining area. My brother chuckled.

"Well, it seems that you and the new farmer were having such a nice chat that you lost track of time!" Max exclaimed as I took a seat at the table. My cheeks felt like they were on fire as Cecilia sat a fruit and yogurt parfait in front of me.

"Yes, he seems to be an iiiiiinteresting fellow! And since he's a farmer, we'll no longer have to have our Noradian produce shipped here from the outside towns. He'll do wonders for Alvarna!" Father exclaimed.

"Yes, you're right, father! Jack is going to be an amazing resident of this town!" I exclaimed with such hope. Please don't let me be disappointed.