Raina listened intently to everything Rose told her. They had never really discussed the History of The Frost Lands or its royals. She had not expected such a colorful history or that the kingdom was so young.
As Rose told the story she took Raina up the u shaped staircase, at the apex of wich was a landing and a single door. Raina had been curious and tried the door once before but it had been locked. She assumed it was none of her business and left it be, but it seemed that was where Rose was taking her.
Rose took off a key that hung around her neck and used it to unlock the door. She looked down at Raina and smiled gently "Welcome to The Queen's Own Collection, little one." With that, Rose swept the door open in a grand gesture. Inside was a beautiful room.
There were two sets of reading sofas in different styles, and a window seat all perfect for spending hours on. In Front of the window seat was a desk, prepared with paper and pen and ink. The window spanned the entire wall and bubbled out so the window seat could see in three directions rather than just one. It was like being suspended in air. This room had been designed for studies, and the books in the single bookcase caught Raina's eyes.
Unlike the rest of the library where every wall had a bookcase and most of them were nearly full, there were only three book cases in this room. One in the centered across from the window and one on either wall but none of them were full. Each had books on them though.
"There are so few books…" Raina commented absentmindedly and Rose chuckled.
"Well we are a young country. It will fill out as our royal children write their books and elders submit their own memoirs for review. Now then, I must ask you a question." Rose knelt down so she was eye level with Princess Raina. The younger girl was nervous, no one had ever done that before. She wasn't sure how to respond.
"Yes, Aunty Rose?" Raina asked to break the way that her aunt was looking into her soul.
"Do you consider Kyera your mother? Do you want to follow the traditions of her people?" Rose asked, her voice gentle and unaware of the fiery response those words would bring out in the child.
"I AM Mommy's baby girl." She replied with more force than perhaps necessary but no one would ever doubt that.
"Alright then, beautiful fire." Rose stood up and walked to the center shelf. "The center is our fallen Royals books. Krin, your great grandfather and great grandfather, as well as the few of your grandmother's generation who have fallen. Their books are here." She explained dragging the tip of her finger gently across the spines. She came to one with a soft leather cover, smaller than the others but beautifully designed. She removed it from the shelf.
"The left is the clan elders, but the right are books of the living. It is very important you never read books off that shelf without the owner's permission. Many of us have lived long enough or full enough lives to fill at least one book on that shelf. I have 3 and Crystalsa has 13." Rose explained before walking to stand in front of Raina.
"I will remember that well." Raina replied bowing her head. Rose smiled.
"However the center and left shelves are open to you always. It is traditional to start with the first of your line. That should mean your Great Grandfather but, if I may, I suggest this one." Rose handed her the small leather book. It was warm to the touch and smooth, flexible leather seemed to caress her small hands. On the front, in carefully written calligraphy was a single word in golden ink.
"Fantasy." Raina read aloud and Rose nodded.
"I think you will enjoy this book. Now then, Happy reading and enjoy the Queens Own Collection. It should get your mind off your eighth birthday." Rose smiled as she left the child. Raina had already settled into the window seat to read.