Linnea: A tale of the Snow Queen

Chapter 1, A Letter from Father

I remember those days. The days before Gerda and Kai. My innocence, my kindness, my warmth. My family are nearly dead and under my control. As I look into the frozen and glazed eyes of my husband, I can't help but wonder where it all went wrong. Where did that once innocent girl go? I suppose it all started when I got a letter from my father.

When I was sixteen we all lived in a charming home. My father was a lord and went on many travels so he was often away. My mother died when she gave birth to my sister Astrid. My brother and I would often oversee the servants as the man and woman of the house while father was away. Lucas and I were twins so we shared a strong resemblance to one another. We both shared pale skin, blonde hair, and deep blue eyes. My sister Astrid had red hair, blue eyes, and pale skin. She looked like us but not exactly. While we resembled our mother, she resembled our father.

I always loved reading my father's letters. They were never addressed to my siblings, they were addressed to me. When I opened them it would usually say if it was for all of us or just me. My siblings never got their own letters. One day we received one that would change our lives forever. I remember that morning, I was sound asleep in my bed until she came in. My lady's maid, Ida. She pulled my curtains back revealing the sunlight to my eyes, "Good morning miss." Ida said. I looked at her and then rolled over in my bed, "Miss, you must awake." she said. I didn't move. Then she came over to my bed and pulled off my blankets, "Linnea!" she yelled
"Hey" I replied
"You must get out of your bed. Breakfast is being prepared."
"Ida, I'd rather sleep until my father returns home."
"You must eat, miss."
"Fine," I replied with a sigh. As I reluctantly got up from my bed Ida was grabbing my dress from the wardrobe. Then she placed an envelope on my bed, "A letter from your father." Ida said. I started to get dressed with her help. The corset was the hardest part, followed by the bloomers, the under dress, then the actual dress. Sometimes I wish fashion was easier and more comfortable. Like my mother said, looking good is hard work. Ida then helped me with my hair. She tied it back with a blue ribbon and tied it in a bow to match my dress.

Ida then went to check on breakfast while I headed to the morning room. We lived in a château. It was a home custom made for my father and mother when they got married. The king had always held my father in high regards and had this built for them as a wedding gift. It was a nice house built by French people. Even though we live in Norway the king got in touch with France because my father liked the houses from his travels. I went into the morning room and opened his letter, it was addressed to all three of us. I made my way into the dinning room and there was Lucas and Astrid waiting for me. Ida was about to serve us breakfast. I was greeted by Astrid's pleasant smile. She was only ten and never knew a mother's love. I swore to her that she grew more beautiful every day. I tried my best to help raise her like my mother did with us. She always smiled, she was my autumn leaf. Lucas then drew attention to the letter in my hand, "What's that?" he asked
"A letter from father." I replied
"You already opened it."
"It was given to me by Ida. He addresses them to me and I have to check."
"What does it say?" He asked. Astrid had always kept silent around us when I had a letter. She always knew it was important, I think she developed the habit from me. I did the same thing when we were looked after by a governess. I then reopened the letter and read it to myself. I often read them first and then repeat the important parts. After I finished reading they turned to me, "Father is returning home today. There's to be a wedding between him and a woman tomorrow afternoon." I explained
"We're getting a step-mother?" asked Lucas
"And step-siblings." I replied
"How could father do this without our opinions?"
"Lucas, it's been ten years. Maybe he was finally ready to move on. Mother would want us to be happy. Let's welcome our new mother graciously."
"Having a mamma is going to be fun." Astrid said
"Yes Astrid, it will. We'll welcome our new family with open arms." I replied. That day I was busy as a bee preparing for my father's return. Making sure everything was perfect for our new family members and my father. From the letter they sounded delightful.

In the short time before their arrival I made arrangements with the town tailor to make everyone's clothes for the wedding. My father requested it and sent me their measurements for the tailor. He didn't specify what color he wanted and the tailor let me choose, I thought purple for the boys and blue for the girls. The colors would complement each other quite well. I choose the style of dresses for both us and the bride. Father had already sent out invitations before his arrival. I also chose the bride's bouquet, a bouquet of lilies to match the white on her dress. Before long I had to make sure everyone was ready for my father's arrival.