Four years have passed since Nicole had last seen Lord Jasper. She wondered how he was doing she thought to herself. Keeping her Promise to Earl she decided to stay and keep his business afloat. Being the age of twenty-one which was pretty impressive only because she thought she would be dead sooner but her father Earl had made sure was eating and taking care of herself.
Earl watched her from the distance as she taught and instructed the students which were a few but he didn't mind it at all. Teaching was forbidden in certain parts of the mainland. Times were getting harder than before as kingdoms went to war based on territory and control of lands that they resided in. There were even rumors about humans and vampires being corrupted by a dark force, which would one day take over all lands.
Clarice and Noah had decided to take a nice trip out to Snow for which they had gotten an invitation to a ball that was going to take place in a few days. It was nice to see the couple stronger and happier than before. Nicole wondered if she would maybe get invited out to his kingdom as it was once in a lifetime to enter the land. People had died trying to enter the kingdom as it snowed constantly never stopping and with not wearing the proper clothes to withstand the cold. The fact that simply going there just to prove they could travel by foot as one knew was never possible, was pretty much a death sentence.
Trying to not think much about it she continued to teach until it was time for the students to leave for the day as it started to get dark outside. Wishing the class a nice day she had glanced over to Earl who slowly clapped but wasn't impressed by the way she taught her students.
Earl sighed as he got up from the chair using his cane as support " Ah, You are too kind to students. You need to be a little more aggressive if you want them to listen."
Nicole laughed softly" Father I don't need to be rude or mean to them, they are only kids. It's no fun seeing my students be scolded in fear. They respect me so that's all that matters. I'm going to prepare dinner but I'll have to go to the market. Would you like to come?"
"That's quite alright dear, I need to paint for my skills have been lacking for a while. If you can please bring some fish and fruit from the market. I'm going to need my strength for tomorrow."
Nicole grabbed her basket as she walked towards the door"Alright, I'll be back shortly." She opened the door exited the home and walked towards the nearby market, which was convenient. It was a little crowded than normal she thought to herself, after staying with Earl life was a little easier. She had missed her quiet life in Wallux but the longer she stayed the worse her health got.
Making her way to the market she saw a merchant who carried exactly what she needed.
Walking up to the man Nicole asked for two fish and a couple of pomegranates and oranges knowing her father Earl enjoyed that particular fruit. Paying the merchant in golden coins she headed home, for some reason she felt uneasy heading back as if someone was watching her closely.
Once she got home she opened the door to find her father Earl painting vigorously as he suddenly stopped hearing Nicole come inside. Nicole noticed closely his canvas as she set down the basket on the table.
Earl stood from the side letting her see the disaster that was shown in his work, his hand shook violently as he began weeping in tears. Nicole ran to him to console her father who cried in front of her, wondering why he was crying he put his hand inside his cloak taking out a scroll wrapped nicely with a bow to secure it.
Earl handed it to her as he said " This is an invitation to the Snow Kingdom, I hid it from you for quite some time. I can't convince you, knowing you will leave me to go to that wicked man's kingdom. I can not stop you but encourage you to go I read the letter he wants you to paint him and has even requested you at the ball."
Nicole looked at the scroll closely before opening it as she read carefully making sure what her father said was true. "Is this why you haven't been concentrating on your work" Earl nodded causing her to sigh " No need to worry Father if he wants a simple painting then I can get it done quickly so I can return home to you."
He shook his head" No child you need to experience more in this life than just the mainland and forest go out into the world I will always be here for you. Even when I'm not here I will be in your heart always. Right now please pack your things and I will find you a carriage to ride in for your journey. It will have to wait until tomorrow very early in the morning."
Nicole smiled at him as she wiped away his tears " Well before we go let me at least make Dinner for you"Earl nodded as he stood up only for Nicole to do the same as they both started to prepare Dinner.