Aileen said goodbye to her family, all except her father as he was away.
When she hugged Ezra he whispered, "Make sure you tell Daniel, about everything, and tell him not act rashly, we need to work together to go about this in a way that won't kill thousands of people."
Aileen nodded and smiled at her family once more.
As she spoke she and Ezra made eye contact.
"Give father my regards." Ezra nodded.
Then she turned and climbed into the carriage.
Now would begin the journey back to the Ice Kingdom. Aileen felt impatient, she needed to tell Daniel now.
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Aileen awoke to the sound of a yell. It seemed they had made it back to the Ice Kingdom, and now they were to travel for another hour to reach the palace.
Aileen couldn't recognize which city she was in. But she felt a strange sense of comfort to be back.
She didn't realize time had passed as she had been so lost in thought. Aileen was sure Daniel didn't know she was returning, as she was still supposed to be there a few more days.
Her luggage was carried out and into the palace where confused servants took it but headed up to her room anyways.
Aileen went to her room first and changed. She got into a deep blue dress, the sleeves looking almost like crystals, her hair was pulled up into some kind of intricate bun, and her maids redid her makeup, her crown placed on top of her head.
Aileen stepped into her heels and then after her maids left she went to find Daniel. She guessed he would be in his office or in his room. She checked the room they shared first. Then she knocked of his bedroom door, before pushing it open. He wasn't there.
She guessed he may be in his office or at his father's, perhaps in the garden or in the library.
Either way Aileen was prepared to walk around.
She first went to the kings office, and there was no one. Then she went to his office, and there was no one there, however Aileen saw two glasses of wine and a lipstick mark on one of them.
Her heart dropped, the words rang in her head again. "His lover is Diane, he'll divorce the princess soon enough and marry Diane."
Aileen then went to the library, no sight of him. Her last destination was the garden and she hoped he was there or she would believe he left the palace to be with Diane since he didn't expect her to be back.
But at the garden, again it was empty. Aileen was becoming frustrated now and felt tears rising to her eyes, but she didn't want to cry, crying wouldn't solve anything.
She went back into the palace and stopped at the corner of the hallway before she heard a woman's voice.
"Daniel, you don't even love her, you don't even know her, so while she's gone why can't we just be together."
"Diane you know why, I already told you this, stop pressing on the matter."
Aileen peaked her head around and saw Diane approach Daniel.
She took his face into her hands and got closer.
"But don't you miss this, don't act like you don't. You still love me Daniel, I know you do."
Daniel didn't speak at first and then gently grabbed her hands and lowered them to her sides.
"Diane... You and I broke up long ago."
Diane sighed and Aileen sensed she was getting angry.
Just then a maid had crept up behind Aileen.
"Miss" he whispered.
Aileen jumped at the sound. Then she quietly turned.
"Yes?"
"What are you doing, do you need the prince."
Aileen sighed, "he seems rather occupied right now."
"I can send him for you."
Aileen shook her head. "No need, however there is something you can do for me."
The young maid nodded his head.
Aileen slipped off her heels and walked further down the hallway, the boy followed her.
She put them back on and then began to walk and strike up a conversation.
The boy immediately understood and followed along.
"How was your trip your highness?"
Aileen smiled though the panic arose in her again.
"It was great, it was nice to see my family again."
Just then they rounded the corner and Daniel had turned. He seemed shocked to see Aileen, and she watched him unconsciously step away from Diane.
Aileen looked at him before curtsying. "Your highness."
"You're back?"
Aileen let a small smile spread on her face.
"I am."
Then Aileen approached Diane.
And she could see Diane didn't like the fact she had to curtsy and greet her.
"Your highness."
Aileen nodded.
"Lady Dana was it?"
"Diane." She corrected her with a smile though Aileen could see the fire burning in her eyes.
"Oh, my apologies, however I need to speak with my husband for the time being, I'm sure I'll see you later?"
Diane nodded and then took her leave.
Aileen turned and winked at the boy who gave a small smile and then walked away.
Aileen turned back and Daniel was staring directly at her.
Aileen felt a blush creeping into her face, but she willed it away remembering why she was seeking him out.
She grabbed his arm and lead him to his office. Once they both stepped inside she closed the door.
When she turned around Daniel was staring at her once again.
Aileen looked at him in confusion and cleared her throat.
"I have something to tell you." She heard her voice shake, Damnit.
Daniel looked amused. But this wasn't the time for amusement.
Aileen sat down and her hands began to shake.
Daniel sat next to her.
"Aileen?"
She felt her throat close and she opened her mouth to speak but nothing came out. She was going to try again when Daniel grabbed her hands covering hers in his. And strangely she felt some of her anxiety leave.
Aileen took a deep breath and then spoke.
"You were right..."
"About what." Daniel asked.
"About my family... About the royals."
Daniel's confusion was replacing his amusement.
Aileen heard the tremor in her voice as she spoke.
"My father... He plans to betray the treaty, he wants to wage war and take over the Ice Nation."
Aileen slowly looked at his face and all traces of amusement and confusion were gone, he understood the situation completely.
He didn't speak and that made her all the more anxious.
"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, I didn't believe you, but I do now... I heard him... And you need, you must prepare, because my father, once he sets his mind to something, it is going to happen."
As Aileen began to pace, Daniel grabbed her shoulders and stopped her.
"This is not what I want to do, but if it comes down to it, I'm going to tell my father, I will gather troops, and we will try to work this out.... But if you father is like you say, I can't guarantee what will happen."
Aileen nodded, her eyes still full of tears. She turned to leave, but Daniel stopped her.
"Aileen?"
"Yes?"
"Thank you."
She gave a brief smile and then left his office.
Aileen nearly ran back to her room. She summoned a maid, and asked for a messenger owl.
She would be letting her brother know that she told Daniel.