The Winter Princess

Frozen Willows

Winter. Snow. What do you see when you look at them? Some people just see the cold and danger, others see an opportunity to start again. But what I see? My Home. My home, that I am currently travelling further and further from. I give out soft sigh as I continued to stare out the window of our carriage.

"Blythe."

It was one of those perfect days, where the snow was gently falling and the Frozen Willows swayed gently with the breeze; the icicle branches creating a beautiful song as they brushed together. Another sigh leaves my lips.

"Blythe!"

I jumped at the sound of my name, looking over I see all three of my family members narrowing their eyes at me. I straightened my back, "Yes?"

"Love, you have been making that noise for the better part of our journey." Mother stated.

"Oh, I apologize." I replied. After that silence fell over us again. This time instead of focusing on the scenery outside, I turned my attention to my family. My family consisted of myself, my two older brothers, and my mother.

I looked to my mother first. She is a powerful woman, the most powerful in all the realm. Queen Mab, The Warrior Queen. My mother goes by many names. She was the original ruler of all Fae; She is the oldest faery I have ever met. After many centuries of ruling over all, she decided to allow the realm to be split into two Courts; Seelie and Unseelie. At the time, this made the people happy. That they go to have their own territory that they could call their own. However, the Seelie rulers King Oberon and Queen Tatiana grew power hungry. Wanting more and more to the point that they started a war with the Unseelies. When the Unseelies were victorious the realm fell into chaos. People didn't know who to follow anymore and it caused more civil wars. Mother could see that the people still suffered the aftermath long after the war ended. So, she decided to split the realm into four seasons, this way the realm would have balance, and give the people what they needed. Now there are four Royal Courts, Summer, Autumn, Spring, and of course Winter. Though she no longer rules over all, there is always that silent acknowledgment that if she decided, Mother could wipe them all out.

My mother is a beautiful woman. She is tall like most Fae, and slender. Her entire being radiates power and elegance. She has dark, black hair that flows straight down her back. Her skin is fair like ivory, common among the Winter Fae. She has these dark blue eyes that could make grown men fall to their knees in fear, or desire if she so wished. Her high cheek bones, and full lips added to her powerful beauty. Currently she wears a long flowing dress that starts out ice blue at her shoulders and darkens until is it black at her feet, her crown of ice resting confidently on her head.

Beside Mother sits my eldest brother, Ailis. Ailis was born when Mother still ruled over all of Fae all those centuries ago. He still looks as young as ever, since Fae stop aging at age twenty-five in human years. After this point they only way that Fae can look their age is if Glamour is used. I have four more years before I reach this milestone. Ailis is tall, and lean muscled. His body trained to be a lethal weapon. He has long silver white hair that goes just past his broad shoulders. He has mothers dark, intense eyes and long fingers. Ailis is the eldest of all the ruler's children. He is one of the best warriors in the Realm and there are very few battles he hasn't won. My brother is the quiet type; he likes to keep to himself and watch those around him. My eldest brother is also fiercely protective, ready to strike down anyone who aims to harm his family; I have seen this first hand over the years.

My second eldest brother Ambrose was born during the time of the Seelie and Unseelie Courts. Despite their age differences, Ambrose is almost Ailis' exact twin when is comes to appearances. Their only difference being Ambrose's short cropped black hair. Ambrose is also a lot quicker to anger than our eldest brother and is always ready for a fight. Ambrose is the more carefree of us all. We are very close since Ailis was always busy with Court matters, this did not make us love our brother any less though. In fact, we were all very close as a family.