Jarida Drabbles

The Princess and The Winter King

"Tell me about him, Momma," A little girl with brilliant red curls said, hopping onto her mother's lap. She smiled that smile which reminded the woman of her father. "Tell me about the Winter King."

"Well my child, it is a story of great romance and adventure, one that has been passed down from your grandmother to me. Once upon a time, a princess turned eighteen and met a wild spirit of winter. He carried the curse of winter on his skin, but he was exciting and fun. A war erupted between her clan and the other clans when she told the other clans she would not be marrying any of the offered sons. No matter how hard the men tried to win her heart, because in her heart she was in love with the spirit of winter."

"Grandpa!" The girl cheered grinning, "then what?"

"Well," the woman sat back, stroking her daughter's hair, "despite their pleas for peace, the clans refused to yield since the clan DunBroch had gone against their treaty. So a war ensued and began to plague the land, the Winter Spirit and your grandmother fought against them. They continued to pursue the peaceful path, until one day the Winter Spirit confronted the men, who were surprised by his presence because-"

"Because only those who believe may see him!" The little girl chimed in, "right?"

"That's right," the woman smiled, "he told them the princess was independent, she had nothing to do with the treaty. She should be free to chose who she wished. And if they gave peace to the DunBroch clan, would give trade of their goods to the other clans, and instead of marriage, they could trade. Because many of the other clans had things the DunBroch clan needed, and vice-versa."

"Vice-versa?" the little girl asked, tilting her head.

"It means that even the other clans needed the things the DunBroch clan could provide."

"Oh… okay."

"Finally, the clans said that if the Princess would meet them, they would think it over. The Winter Spirit went to the Princess and told her about it. The princess said she would meet them and went to their clans separately. She talked peace and trade. One by one, the three clans were finally convinced after many long nights and days of negotiating. It was exhausting work, and war almost broke loose again during the negotiations. The Winter Spirit never left her side, he protected and guarded her. Giving her comfort when she needed it.

When the treaties were finally signed, a whole year had passed and the Princess hadn't realized just how deeply her heart belonged to the Winter Spirit until then. Eventually, she confessed her feelings to him, and he accepted them (but not without a bit of confusion and sadness). He admitted he too, loved her. The Princess became a Queen and her King was the Winter Spirit. Often he would leave unexpectedly, his heart as wild and as free as the wind. She never took his freedom from him.

Whenever they reunited she would be filled with joy and happiness. Sometimes, would she wait for his return on the steps of the DunBroch castle. Watching for his drifting figure in the sky. When the Queen finally passed, the Winter King handed the rights of the throne over to his children and left. He could not stay in such a place, but he promised to ever return to visit, if only they would continue to believe in him."

The little girl's eyes widened, "I believe," she whispered. The woman smiled and glanced up, "your belief will pay off someday," she said, petting her daughter's hair. "Your grandmother used to say, that if you waited quietly, and watched the window, he would give you a sign to let you know he was there. And then you could run across the field with him as your guide, and never be afraid again."

"I want to do that!" The girl squealed.

"Maybe later," The woman stood, holding her daughter on her hip, "it is time for bed," she put the girl down on the bed, "sleep well, my love." She kissed the small girl's forehead and left the room. The little girl looked over at the window, but her eyes were tired and soon fell asleep. However, she felt a cool breeze on her cheek, and a gentle hand frosted her hair.

"Goodnight, little one," he whispered in her ear.

"Goodnight, grandpa," she murmured.

She heard the laughter she had long dreamed about and fell into a deeper sleep with a smile on her lips, knowing the Winter King had come to see her.