The Scarlet Prophecies

𝕮𝖍𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖊𝖗-20

✷ᕯ✵ᕯ✷

"Levina, your behavior today was unacceptable," Vinter scolded his little sister. "I don't understand what has gotten into you."

Levina sat on the bed, rubbing her tears away. "I just want to avenge Dad..."

Vinter sighed as he settled down beside her. "Our father was a sailor, a great one at that. He battled the sea and every creature in it. But in the end," he gently patted her head, "it was a siren that took him, not Icarus."

He looked at Levina, his heart heavy with their shared grief. Memories of their father haunted them both—the salty sea breeze, the creaking ship, and the haunting melody of the siren that led him to his fate.

"Did... Mom leave us too after Dad died?" Levina sniffled. "After Dad passed, she hardly checked on us, let alone cared..."

Vinter pursed his lips. "She's always been busy..."

"It's not fair!" Levina cried out. "It's not fair that you had to raise me alone. It's not fair that Mom abandoned us because Dad died!" Tears streamed down her cheeks. "She left us when we needed her the most..."

Vinter didn't argue; deep down, he knew she was right. "Sometimes... life isn't fair. Some find happiness, others don't. It's a matter of destiny..."

Silence hung between them. Levina leaned against her brother. "I always thought I'd find happiness with Edward, but it's obvious he doesn't even like women."

Vinter chuckled softly. "Obvious? It's a well-known fact."

"And you're obviously infatuated with his older sister," she teased, nudging her brother playfully. "Well, more than obvious, it's a fact."

"Haha, you're quite the jester," Vinter smiled.

Levina got up. "I'll go to my room now," she said, closing the door behind her.

Vinter sighed, his gaze drifting to the window. "You can come out now," he said.

"I thought she'd never leave!" Eleanor crawled through the window, adjusting her dress before flinging herself onto Vinter. She wrapped her arms around him and settled on his lap. He smiled, returning her embrace and kissing her gently.

"I missed you," she murmured, leaning against his shoulder.

Vinter laughed softly. "I didn't go anywhere."

"I missed your warmth," Eleanor said, gazing into his crystal blue eyes. "Anyway, I'm here to talk to you."

He held her close. "About what?"

"There's an upcoming ball, with representatives from all the kingdoms," she said softly. "Your mother will be there."

"She will be," Vinter acknowledged, waiting for her point.

"It might be a good time to ask for my hand in marriage," she hinted, smiling slightly. "I'm sure my father would agree..."

Vinter looked at her, surprised. He hadn't given much thought to marriage, but he knew he wanted to marry Eleanor. "I'll need to speak with my mother about it."

Eleanor nodded, her hand resting on his chest. "So, do you think... we need to wait until marriage to..."

He blushed. "Your twin brother would freak out..."

"Ugh," she rolled her eyes. "Don't worry about him; he's already occupied with—" Before she could finish, a wax stick hit her on the head. She frowned. "Ernesto, leave me alone!"

Ernesto stood by the dresser, his nose wrinkled. "Mother will not be happy."

"Who cares? It's not like she sees me anyway!" Eleanor retorted. "And aren't you supposed to be with Rosabella and Diana?"