The Summer King's Winter Bride

As they continued their journey south, Princess Caroline admired the view from her little window in the carriage, for it was as though she were experiencing the change of seasons. They had entered the Autumlands the following day by noon, everything about the landscape was brown and rustic in nature. The wind was strong and cool in the Autumlands and the trees were laid bare with no leaves. The next day the landscape dramatically changed to the lush green meadows of flowers that gave a strong floral scent. The land was beautiful as it was filled with varied shades of colour, it was warmer in this region, they were in the Springlands. 

Finally, they reached the Summerlands, by then the wind was warm scented with flowers and dried fruits, the sun shone harsh against her eyes and it heated her skin in a way that was usual and unnerving for her. The sky had changed entirely from the pale grey they had left behind in the Winterlands to an endless blue with not a single cloud in the sky.

The roads were lined with green grass which she made her wonder how so much lush vegetation and fruit was produced in the land under such a harsh sun as the rumours had it that they had little water.

Princess Caroline removed her thick fur coat before she could start sweating from the dreaded heat.

The Summer King led the little party through his lands, he had rarely spoken to her throughout her entire journey. Except to introduce himself.

"I am King Casimir of the Summerlands," he had said simply.

"Welcome to the Summerlands, you and yours are now under my protection."

His gold eyes flickered to hers for a moment as though to see her reaction to his words. She remained emotionless.

Under his protection she thought, not under his care or his rule, his command.

Princess Caroline was not sure if she should have found comfort in what he said or proceed with caution, after all he was their enemy. 

Her back stiffened as they reached the gates of Solterra the capital, her knuckles taut by gripping the edge of the window as the wheels under carriage jostled against the uneven road. The closer they drew to the palace the more she felt like a wanted prisoner being led to an uncertain fate. No she thought these feelings would help her get no where, she needed to act like the queen she would become for the welfare of her people depended on it. 

Elise, her maid whispered to her.

"I imagined them to look more barbaric."

She said casting nervous glances at the men that accompanied them through the palace gates.

Princess Caroline followed her gaze and she thought to herself what a stark contrast the hunters were to the knights of the Winter Court. Where her father's soldiers were armed with weapons of steel and postures of hard ice, the king's men wore lighter armour, their movements were more fluid. 

Most were tan from being in the sun, some had braids woven with gold threads and some carried spears and knives instead of swords, weapons that were meant for precision rather than brute strength.

"Looks can be deceiving," the princess murmured as her gaze settled on King Casimir's back.

She had heard the stories and knew the titles he carried, The Sun Warrior, The Storm of the South, and the The Fiery Lord, none of them comforting, and yet he had spared her men.

Surely the man possessed some reasoning and was not a complete brute.

At evening, they reached the Summer Palace.

Princess Caroline stared in awe at the palace it was atop a hill with towers of rubies and white marble glowing under the setting sun. Where her homeland, was covered in stone and snow, his lands were covered with lush greenery which she thought had been impossible. The streets seemed to come alive as people played music and laughter was heard ringing in the air.

"This is her, the Winter Princess."

"She is white as snow, with silver hair."

"Do they ever see the light of day?"

Princess Caroline refused to acknowledge them she merely kept her gaze on the palace in front of her, she would not let them see a weak princess.

She refused to shrink under the stares and judgements of her.

King Casimir dismounted from his stallion and handed the reins to a stable boy.

He turned towards her carriage and opened her door.

He extended his arm for her to take.

She took it and climbed down from the carriage.

"Welcome to your new home, princess. You must be tired let us escort you to your chambers first." He said before the heavy doors to the entrance opened.

"This is Marta, she will ensure your stay here is pleasant. I trust she has everything in order?" He asked with one eyebrow raised.

"Yes, Your Majesty." She quickly replied with bow of her head.

"Welcome, royal Highness Princess Caroline to the Summer Palace," she said greeting her with a warm smile.

Princess gave her a cool smile in return and replied. "Thank you."

She followed the King as he led them up the grand staircase and to the east wing of the palace, where the Sun rose every morning. 

Here her new life began she thought, feeling just a little hopeful.