A fairytale of a beautiful maiden, the beloved Frost Flower Princess was supposed to be staying in the comfort of her castle masquerading as a cage to protect her from the dangers outside, imprisoned by her own brothers.
That is, until a mysterious...
* "Where the north wind meets the sea, There's a river full of memory."
** Revontulet Palace - Frozen Throne Room
"How curious..." A mature woman murmured in a benevolent tone, her head resting lightly in her palm as she gazed down at the disgraced Marquis Clovis von Andri. Recently convicted of corruption and conspiracy by the Court of Charity, he had been sentenced by the Generous Judge to ten years in a common prison.
"I granted you this audience because you were so insistent on proclaiming your innocence," Queen Ithuna Cherith Frostinelle said calmly. "And yet, all you've done is repeat the same arguments from your second trial."
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Queen Ithuna Cherith Frostinelle was a noble and benevolent ruler, deeply devoted to both her family and her people. She was the sole wife of Emperor Ishildur Noel Frostinelle, who remained in a coma—though, thankfully, signs of his impending recovery had begun to appear.
"As I said during my trial, I'm being framed by my own daughter!" Clovis declared vehemently. He took a step forward, only to be immediately halted by two Winter Knights, their imposing stares silencing any further movement. "A-And I have a witness!"
Queen Ithuna regarded him with calm curiosity. "Who is your witness?" she asked gently.
"The personal maid of my daughter," Clovis announced, clapping his hands. The great doors creaked open, and two knights escorted a young maid into the throne room. She appeared visibly shaken, her unease only deepening as her gaze flickered toward a certain prince.
"She came to me in secret, confessing that my daughter bribed her to orchestrate my downfall, Your Majesty!" Clovis pressed on, his voice growing desperate. "After I was unjustly imprisoned, the guilt consumed her—she couldn't bear to keep the truth hidden any longer! After everything I've done to raise my daughter as best as I could—"
Ithuna raised a hand, silencing him with effortless grace. "I've heard enough." Her gaze shifted to the trembling maid, whose fingers twisted nervously in her skirts. "Now... the former Marquis insists that you conspired against him under his daughter's command."
"Y-Yes, that's right! I was bribed! I—" the maid stammered, only to be abruptly cut off.
Ithuna's expression remained serene as she turned her attention to the young man standing beside her. "What do you think, my dear son?" she asked kindly, her eyes meeting those of the Third Prince, Isfrid Aquilo Frostinelle, whose mere presence exuded quiet authority.
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