How To Charm An Ice Queen

#3. Going Green Before The Queen

Chapter 3

Going Green Before the Queen

The day had finally arrived for my departure. The winter chill was in the air but no sign of snow just yet.

I huffed as I stood beside the carriages as the footmen proceeded to pack my belongings. Jahid stood next to me, his impatience more than visible as he practically fumed at the delay.

"Be careful with that!" Anabelle cried, waving her arms about. "All my best jewelry is in there!"

She actually had a trunkload of jewels that two footmen were struggling to carry.

"Do you really need all that, Belle?" I asked incredulously. "It's not like you were personally invited anyway,"

She gaped at me as though I were a complete idiot. "I can't be seen wearing the same set of pearls twice in a foreign country, Levi," she said haughtily. "It's a crime against fashion!"

I rolled my eyes. "So is your pink feather hat,"

Her dainty gloved hands flew protectively to said abomination atop her head.

"I'll have you know it's all the rage in Eastern Feudania," she replied. "Which is the fashion capital of this kingdom,"

I groaned and lifted my head to the sky. "Why do I have to be cursed with such an annoyance of a sibling?"

She placed her hands on her hips. "Mother and father said I had to keep you in check while we are in Hielor and make sure you don't embarrass yourself in front of the queen."

"And here I thought it was just to get rid of you,"

That earned me a smack to the face with her pink monstrosity.

Pretty soon, we were off. After saying hearty goodbyes, well, I did to most of the staff and villagers, we began our two week long journey. Our royal escort surrounding the carriage Anabelle and I were seated in with her personal maid, Lorina. Jahid had taken to riding alongside our carriage with the knights.

"This is so exciting," Anabelle said randomly. "And oh so romantic,"

I raised an eyebrow. "What are you talking about, short stuff?"

Her nose wrinkled but she brushed off my nickname.

"I mean you and Annie reuniting," she clarified. "I bet you'll both fall for each other again,"

"Annie?"

What was she talking about? Who's Annie?

She blinked. Then stared at me. Lorina cleared her throat awkwardly.

"You know," Anabelle said slowly. "Your childhood girlfriend? The queen you're going to compete for?"

"What?"

What was she talking about? I had known Queen Annora? When had that happened?

She facepalmed. "You seriously forgot? I used to see you two all the time from my room playing in the snow. You used to talk about her all the time until she left..."

She trailed off after seeing my blank expression. Then proceeded to narrate all my adventures with Annora that I'd supposedly told her.

But... For the life of me, I just couldn't remember a thing.

I wondered why.

If she was such a great friend, how could I forget her?

My baby sister then sat up straight and grinned. "I got it! All we have to do is get you to remember and if she remembers you then you'd have an advantage." She clapped her hands enthusiastically. "And then you'll fall in love and get married and--"