The first day of the month of Palefrost,
The town of Edgecraft
Blythe Gardenlight pursed her lips as she stood alone in the center of her room.
She had arranged the clothes and piled the garments into their designated baskets to feel a little more in control of the various things that had started taking place in her life.
Her parents' letter had unsettled her more than she had thought possible.
A shake to her being after the sudden twist Prince Augustus had brought was enough to reduce her to tears and her night had been spent with very little sleep.
Taking a deep breath, Blythe walked to an old wooden cupboard and opened it.
She would take a long bath and unwind her nerves and clear out her head.
Decisions needed to be made even if she might end up regretting them later. Time was of the essence.
The Second Day of the Month of Palefrost
Royal Palace
Cecil Whitecrest walked down the elegant corridor.
Finery draped over the walls, his palace boasted an unparalleled beauty that he was sure no other kingdom could.
There was a skip in the youngest prince's step, and a wide smile on his handsome face.
Things had shifted in his favour in less than a month and now, he no longer felt like he was anyone's inferior.
A month ago, he had angled around his brothers and tried his best to skip his Royal classes. He had gone horse-back riding to catch new views and flirted with the nobles' daughters, enjoying the attention they showered him with.
Things had changed in a single moment.
For all three princes, that single moment had forever changed the course of everything they had prepared for.
Prince Augustus had always had a very strict childhood. Being the eldest son, he had had heaps of work and lessons as a child and was widely regarded as someone with extreme promise. He was highly intelligent, charming and was quick-witted. He could easily allure you into a good friendship.
When Elliot Whitecrest, the second prince, had shown excellence in his studying of various things required of royalty, the Palace had invested special time in him getting the best teachers the kingdom could offer. Elliot was one of the most prominently skilled men in the land in terms of an array of different activities including Sword-fighting, the flute and a good grasp of the Economic Laws of the land.
Cecil's parents, the kingdom's king and queen, had always let Cecil get away with most everything and hadn't laden him with much of responsibilities.
He had been promised a lavish palace in a bustling city with a lifetime's worth of treasure stocked away for him to enjoy when his eldest brother took the throne.
Elliot, the second oldest, was promised the same but was also tasked with the role of playing his brother's Economic Advisor when he took the throne.
Cecil had always been beyond satisfied with the discussed arrangements regarding his future.
His brothers treated him well and tried but in vain, to interest him in their work.
Cecil was granted access to most pleasures offered to the rich and wealthy of the land and was burdened with no responsibility on his end.
Cecil would have cried tears if he'd been told, a year ago, that he would have to rule the land instead of Augustus.
Oh, how things had changed.
It was even more shocking how much more Cecil preferred it this way.
The Second day of the Month of Palefrost
The mansion of the Everglowers
Aldith Everglower set her comb down before observing her reflection in the mirror.
Long, luscious blond hair fell down her back, all the way to the curve of her hips. The tall, voluptuous woman studied her appearance, moving from side to side before a smile took over her full lips.
In the thin, tiny inner garments she wore, her curves looked even more pronounced, angling in a way that would make any man drop dead.
Walking daintily to the bed, she looked at the dark red of the gown she had picked out for the day.
Cecil was nothing more than a whimpering fool when she was around.
He was much easier to handle than Elliot Whitecrest and Aldith had not expected to have to woo the younger brother instead but things had changed quickly.
Calling for her maidens to help her into her dress, Aldith pushed her hair back before stepping onto a height.
For months, Aldith had imagined herself a lovely lady married into the Royal Family but nothing more than a person of high rank.
A new route had opened up.
Taking the throne as the Queen of the kingdom was beyond anything she had ever imagined.
The Second Day of the Month of Palefrost
Royal Palace
Xyla Riverlove walked into the gardens of the Royal Palace.
The scent of the flowers could slowly disarm you into a peaceful sleep.
The bustle of the servants was completely blocked out and only a calm, serene atmosphere reigned in the air.
Xyla walked to the bench she always shared with Elliot when they met and slowly took a seat.
She wondered why her friend had sent for her so early in the morning.
Looking up at the greenery around her, Xyla allowed herself to relax, her shoulders slowly drooping.
Closing her eyes, she let her mind clear for a moment.
She wasn't surprised when she had received Elliott's servant asking for her to visit the Palace immediately to talk to him.
The two had been incredibly close for years.
They had come to know each other when Elliot had begun to learn under her father when he was only nine years old and had formed a thick bond since.
She was his closest and dearest friend and he hers but ever since the main Event that had occurred, he had completely shut himself up.
Throwing himself into his work or wishing to be alone, he had not reached out for her or asked for her company.
Although surprised that he had sent for her so early in the morning, Xyla was glad prince Elliot had called for her.
She wanted to be there for him when he worked things out and understood what he needed to do.