Once Upon A Winter

Chapter Two: Ice?

The gentle snowflakes began to cover the cobblestone that led the way from the garden to the palace. The trees were now dressed in white while the morning daylight greeted us for anew day. I turned on my bed has I felt the chilly morning breeze hit my face. I smiled a bit has I opened one eye and peeked over at the balcony, it was wide opened. The winter season cheered me up. It was my favorite season, and also the season I was born. I sat up, stretching has I turned and saw my sleeping sister. Her hair was a mess, all over her face has I giggled silently. I tiptoed over to the balcony has I grabbed some snow from the rails and headed back towards her. She was gone. My eyes widened has I turned and saw her throw a pillow at me. 

"Got you!" She yelled.

"No fair!" 

"It's totally fair since you were going to strike first!" she exclaimed has she hurried towards the door.
I giggled and hurried behind her has we ran down the west wing hallway. The maidens gasped has they were putting up Christmas garlands around the door frames, watching us running down their paths. She hurried towards the upcoming stairs has she jumped on to the railing and slide down the stairs. I laughed has I watched her over the railing, looking down at her; who was waving at me. I kept looking down has my laugh suddenly disappeared and pointed ahead. It was Queen Mother Lizette. I saw my sister jump off the railing has the maidens came around me. I cannot recall why they always pushed me away every time my sister got in trouble. I was instructed back to my room has I tried to look back towards my sister, and when I did... I saw slap her. My eyes widened has I wanted to run over, but the maidens held me back.

"You aren't to disobey orders... please Princess" said one of the maidens.

I just shook my head and hurried back to my room. Shortly after, like any other morning, the maidens would come in and help me get dressed, brush my hair, fix my crown and guide me downstairs towards the dining room. Father was already sitting down, it was unusual of his part... he always waited for me and my sister to arrive to sit down with him. I looked to his left has Queen Mother Lizette; she was holding her cup, mumbling something. Before I could take another step I heard my sister,

"This is ridiculous! Father please!" she exclaimed.

I turned to her attention has she came walking over, annoyed. Her dark black hair was flowing with the breeze that was coming through the dining room windows, her bright emerald eyes were cold has she faced Father and Queen Mother Lizette. I raised an eyebrow and questioned what was going on. 

"Aisha, please... your voice." He spoke.

"Father, please tell me you didn't allow this Lady do what she wanted."

"Lady?" asked Queen Mother Lizette.

Aisha would just give her a dark look before turning over and walking over to Father. She knelt down before him; not carrying about her skirt being wrinkled, nor the golden jewelry around getting crushed. She reached for his hand, Father looking at her, I could feel saddened eyes...

"Father please tell me you aren't going to marry her..." she mumbled.

My eyes widened has I looked at Queen Mother Lizette. She held a grin has she looked at me, taking a sip from her cup. 

"Aisha, please. I'm doing what's best."

"What's best?" she asked hurtful.

"Yes..." he sighed has Queen Mother Lizette stood up, interrupting, "Why should he have to explain himself to you. You are his daughter, and you are to obey what he says." She said in a stern voice.

Aisha turned to her has I could feel her dark energy arise.

"I believe I wasn't talking to you, you aren't my mother to jump in..." She said harshly.

Father stood up immediately has he looked over at me.

"Winter, sweetie, please take a seat and eat." He smiled before turning to Aisha, "come with me." He said has he headed out.

I swallowed softly, looking over at Queen Mother Lizette has I sat beside her. The butler came over and placed my plate in front of me has Queen Mother Lizette spoke.

"Aren't you a beautiful one..." she smiled.

I just listened. I never felt any honesty in her... but I had to respect Father's wishes... 

"I can't wait to choose your husband and help expand these wonderful lands." She said stirring her cup.

I blinked. Husband? I was only 6 years old... I just took a bite of my bread has she kept talking about which possible lands she could rule over once she was crowned officially has Queen Mother Lizette of Aragon. She kept blabbing about it has I lost my appetite. I excused myself and decided to walk out towards the garden. The maidens passed me my shawl; it was blue like sapphire with white laces on the border of it. I wrapped it around my shoulders and headed out. They followed me, but stayed by the door just to observe me. Father's rules, #1 never leave the princesses without being on plain sight. He is very overprotective...with me and my sister. I looked down at the snow has I smiled to myself, so soft and squishy. I gently turned my attention to the roses has I tapped it gently, causing the snow to fall down. The delicate rose was frozen up... and yet it was still living. I sat down and watched the flowers has I tapped them gently. Their delicacy was so captivating, made me wonder how they could live in such conditions. My attention was turned towards the fountain has I got up and headed over to it. The water was running, so quiet and gentle. I turned my gaze over to the maidens who were freezing. Not sure why since it wasn't as cold. I never felt cold...but I could tell my cheeks were a bright red on my pale skin. I looked back at the fountain has I placed my hand on the edges of it and dusted off some of the snow. I sat down and admired the water, watching my crystal clear reflection. I reached towards the water and tapped it gently has the water began to freeze before my eyes. I gasped and stood up immediately has the fountain, itself turned into crystals; freezing up. I felt the breeze harshly pass by me has I sway my hand to the side, causing another breeze, freezing everything around me.