Winter grew up in Angeles. She has seen Prince Erik II, Queen Eadlyn and King Consort Eikko's son her whole life. From a young age she saw him on television. Then, when she turned fourteen, she became a maid in the Palace to help support her family, who were sixes before castes were eliminated. She has crossed Prince Erik's path many times, and even spoken a few words with him. When his selection comes around, he asks her to put her name in. She is surprised, but does. When she is selected, she realizes that working at the place, is a lot different from living in it.