The Summer King's Winter Bride

The journey to the Summerlands was a quiet one as they departed before the rays of sun pierced the sky, flooding it with light. The world still slept beneath a blanket of dark sky and twinkling stars.

Princess Caroline sat up straight trying her best to stay awake as her carriage bounced gently up and down as they set out on their journey. She had not gotten much sleep as she had been tossing and turning as trepidation boiled inside of her at the journey that lay ahead of her.

They had been travelling for hours, in the frost biting cold but they remained unperturbed and continued on as the Winterlands stretched out before them for miles and miles away.

The company of soldiers and maidservants all dressed as merchants and common travelers rode together on horseback and in carriages in quiet determination.

Before they had departed Lord Gregor had drilled it into them that should they come under attack they needed to be willing to lay down their lives for the princess, much to her dismay and horror.

As the sun climbed higher during the day, they found themselves covered beneath a canopy of trees and exposed to the presence of the wild winter animals that lived there. It was all so beautiful to see and Princess Caroline cast a longing glance the further they went into the forest committing everything she saw to memory.

When night descended upon them, they began to set up camp in a small clearing, away from the pathways and roads. They built fires, put up tents and some even hunted game to cook a roast meet by the fire. 

As Princess Caroline sat warming her hands by the flames of the fire, wrapped in a heavy fur coat, she thought to herself how much she needed to succeed in making this marriage of peace work with the Summer King. She smiled wistfully as she listened to the jokes and stories exchanged by the guards over the heat of the fire. She thought to herself she must fight for these men who had families of their own and yet they were willing to brave the Summerlands with her.

Edwin one of the younger knights then spoke up, "Have I ever told you of the time I fought four men in a tavern brawl?" he, gestured dramatically with his mug.

Lord Gregor snorted "with that small arm of yours? You can barely even lift up a sword."

The others laughed and Princess Caroline smiled.

Well, she thought at least they know how to enjoy themselves, in a dire situation.

However, she was not blind to the shadows of fear that flickered in their eyes hidden by easy going smiles as they regarded her presence with nervousness as they knew the dangers that lurked about in the forests.

Before, Edwin could argue the point back, an arrow struck, missing his ear by an inch and hitting the tree trunk that was right behind him with a sharp thud.

The second arrow landed just a few inches from a horses hove sending the beast into a panic, as it kicked out its front legs and let out a high pitched sound. Shouts soon erupted through out the camp and the knights drew out their swords and cross-bows as Lord Gregor shouted instructions. 

They formed a defensive circle around the princess.

"Stay behind me, Princess!" one of the knights instructed as arrows reigned down over them.

Princess Caroline's heart pounded like a drum as she saw dozen of men, moving between the trees all running towards her camp of men and women.

Hunters, she guessed as they did not have swords on them, but knives and arrows.

Suddenly, a man on black stallion emerged from the trees, his presence demanding as he gave out a warning threat.

"If you harm my men, I will turn your bodies to ash and dust."

Princess Caroline realised with dread that this was the Summer King.

Eyes never leaving him she ordered her men.

"Stand down," in the winter language.

Lord Gregor opened his mouth to protest but she quickly ran towards the man she knew was the Summer King, leaving the protective circle formed by her men.

"My Lord, please I come in peace, your men attacked mine first." She said with calm confidence in the language of the Summerlanders.

Her men were shocked and horrified. They made the move to inch forward to push her behind them but she had already guessed their next move and in ancient tongue, rendered them incapable of moving their legs from the waist down.

"Release me now," demanded Lord Gregor furious as he saw the foreign men inch towards her from all sides.

His hair was as black as midnight, his eyes a deep amber brown but it was his mischievous smile that set her at ease.

He dismounted from his horse with fluid grace and walked towards her.

"Interesting," he said amused as he watched her bravely walk towards him as well.

"These are our hunting grounds, you are in the wrong place at the wrong time my lady."

"Apologies, Your Highness." She said quickly, I was merely passing by.

"With heavily armed travelers it would appear," he mused, as his gaze took in their concealed weapons.

As the princess drew nearer to him she stretched out her hand and said,

"please we mean no harm."

He noticed the gold ring bearing the crest of the Winter Court on her finger.

His eyes took in her countenance, she was beautiful, she had long blonde hair streaked with silver, her skin was porcelain white, her dark blue eyes, and pink lips were all framed by an oval face, looking up at him with calm resolve.

A moment passed by, where he quietly assessed her.

Princess Caroline, firmly kept the cords of terror from making herself do something she would regret as she stood staring at him with as much grace and dignity she could muster.

His eyes landed back on her ring and at first she was fearful that he would take it from her but he gently took her hand and held it up closer to confirm what he already knew.

The royal crest of the Winter Court shone clear.

Then he released her.

"This is the princess I am to wed?" He asked looking at her.

"Yes", Princess Caroline said amazed that she could hear herself declare so boldly.

He called out to his men and they surrounded her.

"Stand down and lower your weapons," he instructed his men which they readily followed.

"Your Majesty I..." Lord Gregor began to say.

The Summer King acknowledged him saying, "there will be no bloodshed today, general."

 He let out a soft laugh and with a smile on his face he turned towards his men and said.

"Today I escort my bride home," to which his men let out hoots and laughed with him as well cheering him on as he gently took her hand and escorted her back into her carriage.

The hunters lowered their bows and her men sheathed their swords. 

Princess Caroline released her men from the enchantment she placed on them and they began to follow the Summer King's men.

As Princess Caroline stared at the man who rode beside her the one she would be married to she was doing her best to contain the shock she felt at the way he had treated her.

Her hands still felt warm from where he had touched her. His touch had been warmer than she had expected.