REIGN: The rule of flames

Chapter One: part one

Winter. It was always winter here. Snow and ice covered the grounds' surface in thick sheets of white. Even when the seasons changed, the kingdom continues to stay the same. A small shiver ran through her body and she tried to get more warmth from the cloak draped over her shoulders. Letting out a huff of air, she watched as her breath took the form of white smoke. Her amber gaze moved towards the distance where the faint silhouette of the castle could be seen through the dense fog, much thicker than was normal, which spoke of a storm brewing. Whenever she gazed upon the castle it felt like someone would squeeze her heart, and sadness would briefly consume her, but she couldn't understand why." Seraphina." The all familiar voice of her uncle called to her.

Seraphina turned to look at her uncle, Balthasar, and smiled." Yes uncle?" She answered softly. Balthasar stepped closer to her and placed a warm hand on her cheek. Seraphina instinctively pressed her cheek against his touch for warmth. His brows furrowed for only a moment before he spoke again.

"You're frozen my dear, how long have you been standing here?" He asked, brushing her chestnut hair behind her ear. A wave of warmth flowed through Seraphina, her body relaxing from it. A smile touched her uncle's features as he watched the tension vanish from her body." You shouldn't do this every moment you're free."

"Since dawn, I did my chores before coming out here." Seraphina assured." Besides I love it. To look at the castle, its easier to see when the sun is at its peak." This was a daily occurrence for her. Do the chores, and then stand here to look at the castle. Balthasar smiled wearily, and nodded.

"Yes, I'm quite aware, I saw the firewood by the hearth..." His sentence fell short as he looked at her. She realized he did that often. He would fall silent and the look in his eyes showed remorse. The only explanation she could conjure was because of her parents that she had lost at a young age. She had no memories of them, but her uncle did and it pained her to see him like how he was now. Seraphina remained silent waiting for him to come back from whatever memory he was lost in. He blinked, and he was once again back in reality. He smiled sadly at her using the pad of his thumb to gently swipe across her cheek affectionately." Let's get you inside to warm up, or your aunt will have my head for letting you catch cold." He laughed lightly. A small giggle left Seraphina as she hooked her arm with his and they walked the short distance back to their small cottage. As they walked back Sera saw as children played in the snow. It was a miracle that they have yet to get bored with the same activities everyday like she had. Once again, she wondered what this place was like before the snow had covered its soil. Their home came into view, the sight welcoming. Balthasar held the door open so that she could walk inside first.

"Balthasar, you better not have returned without Sera or I swear..." Her aunt's voice halted when she took in the sight of the two walking inside. Seraphina smiled as she removed her cloak. Her aunt's hair was pulled back with a black silk string, and she wore an apron, meaning she was about to prepare a meal.

"I'm sorry aunt Evangelina, I will be sure to tell you the next time I leave." Sera replied. Evangelina smiled and moved towards her, placing her hand against her cheek, noticing that she was much warmer than she expected. Evangelina raised her gaze to her husband in questioning, and he gave her a slight nod in answer. Sera saw the motion but said nothing of it." Shall I help prepare tea?"

"Oh yes, that will be of great help, you two need to warm up. It's quite cold beyond that door." She answered. Balthasar leaned down to capture his wife's lips in a brief kiss. Seraphina watched the endearing scene with a small smile on her face. She loved seeing how affectionate the two were. She hoped one day she could experience the same thrill and love they did everyday.

"Eva my love, I must step out once more, but I'll gladly take a cup of tea when I return." He said placing a hand on her cheek, watching as her face bloomed with color. After all the years they've been married she has never failed to blush after a kiss. It was like she experienced everything for the first time and he loved it.