Birds tweet in the distance. It's early fall, the weather warrants a light jacket at best but my blood runs cold. The light perspiration still clinging to my face feels like icicles upon my flesh.
Elias breaks the silence first. "Your Majesty. F-Father."
I also curtsey. "Father."
They both just nod. There's an awkward silence, which is understandable considering what I just yelled out.
I gulp. "I'm late for my lessons so I shall return. Good day," I say, ready to beat a hasty retreat and go freak out in peace. But life, as usual, has other plans for me.
"Winter. Stay," The emperor says curtly. It's so strange, hearing my name from his mouth. Such a rarity.
I turn around and look at my father with complicated eyes. I also look down at Elias, who's doing his best impression of a statue. I can't blame him. The Lord Protector of the Northern Territories looks as unfriendly as his name would suggest.
