2 months
The thunder grumbled and rolled across the skies as rain pelted the land below. Winter had ended and now it was spring. Spring in the Frost lands meant no more snow, but there was something else that seemed to take its place. Rain. Lots and lots of rain. The Snowdrop trees were perking up and seemed to glow with the soft green sprouts of fresh buds. Soon new flowers would bloom and there would be another celebration. Not only would the celebration of the coming of spring here, but so would something else. The new Princess, Raina Dancing Wind's birthday was coming. There hadn't been a child's birthday in a few years, and more or less an 8th birthday.
The children of the upper class had already been invited to the party. Raina knew very little about the importance of the eighth birthday to the Frost Royals, but it was clear there was something. Even Kyera was getting fitted with a special dress and the storm twin's silver and leather gear was being carefully polished for the event. No one seemed to want to explain, even the maids she had asked just smiled and told her she would see the morning of the celebration. The few children she had got to meet so far also seemed to avoid telling her more than was strictly necessary. She had decided to kill time by reading books from the library. Some of them were much too advanced for her, but she still enjoyed the challenge the more complicated stories.
She had decided to spend some time in the garden near the Snow Drop Tree behind the Castle with one of the books borrowed from those very shelves. The book was comforting as she walked down the small covered hallway to the Tree's place of honor. Kyera had given her the royal key to this garden, apparently very few had access to this garden. Raina unlocked the gate and walked down the marble path, the rain making gentle tapping sounds on the walkway roof. She had just come into view of the garden when she noticed a woman already sitting on the garden bench.
"Oh, Princess Aunty Rose." She greeted with a bright smile. Rose looked up from her book, and made eye contact with Raina. The little girl blushed a bit, under her Aunt's cool, but kind blue eyes. It was clear she was looking Raina over, reading her expression. Rose noticed the book and smiled, suddenly realizing what is going on. Apparently she was not the only one who enjoyed this little slice of heaven.
"Good morning, Princess Raina." Rose greeted, using a finger to gently tucked her finger into the page of her book so as not to lose her page. "You may call me Aunty Rose, there is no reason for honorifics between family." Rose spoke kindly to the nervous girl.
"Yes, Aunty Rose. I apologize. Do you mind if I join you here to read?" Raina asked with a bit of a blush. She knew she had been told this several times since she got here. They were not keen on the old world greetings. She was still learning.
"Of course, Raina. Feel free to choose a place you feel comfortable. As long as you read quietly we should be fine to share space together." Rose agreed and settled herself back into her book. Raina settled down under the tree, and began to read as well. She was completely unaware of the eyes that kept glancing over to watch her. Rose was slightly curious of the little princess who was out here reading. There was something that seemed to confuse her. Rose watched as Raina's eyebrows bunched together a bit as if she was confused.
"Aunt… I apologize but can you help me?" She asked looking at Rose who acted as though she was reading when the younger woman looked up.
"Hmm? Oh certainly." Rose agreed looking up this time intending to be noticed.