The Summer King's Winter Bride

In the early hours of the morning, she walked through the gold corridors of the Summer Palace her mind replaying everything that had happened at dinner last night. Had she been too distant? Was the king trying to win her? Did he hope their marriage would be a happy one? Her conscience screamed yes to every single question which left her wondering how much of herself could she open before the king and if she should keep her distance to protect her heart.

The Summer palace was majestic with its labyrinth of halls and towering arches, stained glass windows which allowed sunlight to spill through casting its light in a variety of colours. She turned a corner and took the staircase descending into one of the lower courtyards. As she passed through a set of open archways leading to a secluded garden, she caught sight of a group of noblemen deep in discussion.

They did not see her as she hid herself behind the wall of green vines growing along the tall fence.

Lord Callahan stood with a younger man dressed in a green velvet. Their expression was tense.

"Does the king mean to unite the courts after years of bloodshed between them? Surely, you must see this will never work. He makes an unwise move," the young man speculated.

"Perhaps so, already there those who were once loyal to him who will turn against him, I suspect the same will happen for King Allan of the Winter Court." Lord Callahan replied.

"What does this mean for us then? She is a threat. The other houses will oppose this union. What can be the point of this marriage?"

"I'm afraid there is a much bigger agenda at work here than you and I can fathom." Lord Callahan replied carefully.

"I shall find out what it is," Lord Callahan decided.

"I will do my best to get rid of her." The young man said determined.

"I do not think that is wise, my young fellow."

"I do not need your counsel, Callahan."

"Very well, but do not come to me should your schemes come crumbling around you." Lord Callahan replied before leaving the young man standing alone.

Princess Caroline remained perfectly still as her breath quickened and her heart thumped louder. She had to tell this to the king quickly she thought as she slipped out of her hiding place after making sure the young man she had been watching had left.

It was not long before she met Lady Daphne on her way to meet the king. 

The woman stepped into her path, her long golden gown shimmering in the sunlight filtering through from the high windows.

"Have you been exploring? Adjusting well to Summer Court life?"

"Yes," Princess Caroline said curtly before stepping aside to move out of her way.

However, Lady Daphne blocked her path.

"I have expected you to melt under our heat," she said taunting her.

"Well I haven't" Princess Caroline replied.

"We do not hide behind walls of ice and distant etiquette, here power is seized and controlled if you do not take it."

"I do not need a lecture on court matters from you, Daphne. Now step aside, so I can be on my way." Princess Caroline commanded, already annoyed with the woman.

Daphne stepped aside, "don't think he will ever love you, he has had a fair share of many and none of them lasted."

Princess Caroline stopped walking and turned around. Facing Daphne who had jealousy shining in her eyes, she replied. "I do not think it is any of your concern what affairs he and I have had or will share together. If you ever bring up this notion of business, I will personally see to it that you are removed from court life. Do I make myself clear?"

She did not wait for Daphne's reply, she simply turned and resumed walking, now she had to figure out where on earth could she find the king at this time of the day.