The Summer King's Winter Bride

The palace was majestic and overstimulated the senses for it was too hot, the people inside too loud and decorated with banners of gold and crimson. The torchlights illuminated the grand framed paintings and carvings of the kings from the past who had ruled with fire and an iron fist. It was such stark contrast to Frostmere Palace back in the Winterlands where everything was still, covered in snowflakes, where people spoke in whispers and soft tones. It felt as though life pulsed through every precious gem engraved into the palace walls, every corridor and every breath of air.

As she took each it echoed across the polished ivory marble floors which drew attention and made her feel all to aware of how she looked like an outsider here and seemingly out of place.

As Princess Caroline passed the halls and corridors following King Casimir, servants bowed but their eyes lingered on her. The courtiers whispered behind her, some even dared to smirk at her for their curiosity was thinly veiled. She could almost guess what they were thinking the peace offering has arrived to plead for mercy. The pale princess from the Winter Court. Their enemy's daughter.

She could only feel disgust, with herself for being there and utter dislike for the glee they openly greeted her with.

Yet, at the center of it all was King Casimir who had slowed his pace to walk beside her as if it were a normal stroll, she could feel his eyes on her and his presence was impossible to ignore try as she might.

"I thought you would have fainted by now," he finally uttered his tone casual as if he were discussing the change in climate.

Princess Caroline replied him doing her best not to be sarcastic. "Disappointed?"

"Merely impressed." He said mildly amused.

She remained silent.

She lifted her chin and continued to walk her back straight but her walk graceful as she glided across the floors. She refused to be intimidated and she would meet every challenge he poised at her head-on even if she felt unwelcome here.

King Casimir sensed the sudden shift in her posture and he commented on it.

"You carry yourself like a queen already."

"Yet I am merely your bride and prisoner, an offering of peace." She replied 

He stopped walking as though her words slapped him in the face.

Princess Caroline stopped walking and met his gaze then, his face was an unreadable mask.

The King tilted his head to the side and asked her.

"You think yourself a prisoner here? How unambitious of you. I was expecting more from a Winter Court Princess."

"Perhaps you should have no expectations, Your Majesty," she answered back.

He chuckled at her then.

A low, deep chuckle like a slow burn fire over frozen wood.

How dare he, she thought to herself.

This was something that was amusing in the least.

Princess Caroline hid her irritation.

King Casimir leaned in ever so slightly closer to her that she got the scent of him a mixture of spices, wine, leather and cedar.

"Your father warned me regarding your sharp tongue." He murmured his voice laced with amusement.

"I think I will rather enjoy it."

He said picking up a strand of her hair and gently giving it a playful tug.

Princess Caroline stomach twisted in knots but she refused to show it.

"Perhaps he was sparing you disappointment," she replied coolly.

King Casimir smirked.

"Perhaps he clearly underestimated you." 

He strode forward leaving her no choice but to follow.

The corridors were lit with torchlights on either side and the air was fragrant with the smell of warm spices and sandalwood. When they turned a corner the palace chatter had quieted down and the presence of the guards became more prominent, their figures in black armour.

He stopped before a great set of doors, that were made of dark brown wood and carved with the Sun and its flares in the center where two gold knobs were in place.

King Casimir then turned to her, his eyes aglow. "Your chambers, Princess."

Princess Caroline gave him a small smile before he pushed open the doors.

He pushed open the doors.

"It's beautiful," she whispered.

The ivory walls had tiny gold flowers scattered everywhere and a large four poster bed in the corner of the room next to the great big windows framed by dark brown wood had carvings of the sun, over looked the palace gardens. The sheets were white with red silk. The thick curtains were crimson with gold edgings and the fireplace was lit, making the air too hot for her liking. The elegant gold carpet that was in the center contrasted with the crimson marble floors.

She slowly took a step inside and touched the smooth marble of a nearby table and chair.

"I'm glad you like it," King Casimir said with a smirk.

"It is very grand," she added.

"It used to be mine," the King whispered.

She turned to him and asked.

"Where will you reside?"

"In the room just down the hall from here." He answered pointing to the direction of it.

"So close?" she murmured distractedly.

"If you ever need me," he said with a cheeky smile.

A slight blush tainted her cheeks as he said this she turned to look away but he had already seen it and he chuckled.

"The air is a little to hot," the princess quickly spoke trying to find anything to change the subject.

He gave a command and the flames vanished from the fireplace.

"There is that better?" He asked.

She nodded her head.

King Casimir stepped closer to her then.

"The cold runs in your veins doesn't it?"

"Did you expect me to melt?" She asked him sharply.

 His gaze glowed as he replied,

"Not just yet, princess". A slow smile spreading over his handsome features.

Princess Caroline ignored the strange pull in her stomach and stroked the silks sheets of the bed.

Sitting atop the bed she looked at him and asked.

"Will I be locked away here till our wedding day?"

King Casimir leaned against the bed post with his hands folded against his chest.

He looked at her then with a mischievous smirk he replied.

"Perhaps only on our wedding night."

 Princess Caroline felt as though he had released a dozen butterflies through her system. Her face became so red that she had to look everywhere else except him.

Determined not to be flustered. 

"That is not what I meant, Your Majesty."

He could not keep it within himself anymore he let out a hearty laugh.

"I will let you decide princess. Tomorrow you will meet the nobles and dignitaries of state in the Solarium."

"A demand then?" She asked.

"A request," he corrected.

"I leave you to settle in then, princess." He said before leaving her new chambers.

Princess Caroline waited until the doors had fully closed before releasing a breath she had not realised she had been holding.

This was a new world to her and she had to choose if she would melt in its heat and pressure or remain strong in her resolve to see that peace was preserved between the lands.