Chapter Text
The Northern Kingdom was unforgiving. Its snow-covered landscapes, while beautiful, kept your palace freezing, even during the day. It was only the excessive amount of brick chimneys in your room that kept you from getting sick through the night. You always felt a connection to the cold, like it was a familiar friend you could depend upon. The cold was always there.
You awoke shivering, just as you did almost every day. This day, however, was different from all the rest for one special reason.
"Happy Birthday, Your Highness!" dozens of servants yelled to your right. Somehow, even the large room seemed cramped with all of the people in here.
You smiled and leaned up from your covers, pretending the noise didn't damage your ears. "Thank you, all."
You looked to your left. Your giant window gave you quite a view. The vast mountain range was full of jagged cliffs and huge sheets of snow. The thick pine forests below them were only broken up by rivers that looked like blades cutting through the ground as they reflected the light. Those rivers were frozen for most of the year.
You've never seen what could be past them. You've never been there, but you've read about the Southern Kingdom. The ground was soft and lush, perfect for crops. Their trees changed color all throughout the year, and they had so many different varieties of them. Almost all of your goods come from there.
Northern land only had a few things to offer besides pine wood- the real fortune was in the mines. Northern diamonds were the reason you had such a beautiful palace. It was built generations ago. They're a treasure, but the mines have become scarce in recent years, slowing the trade between the kingdoms.
As you've gotten older, you've become more involved in the politics of it all. Just the other day, there was a riot in the streets before your palace, with the common people demanding more food. Things like that always happened in the dead of winter, but it was becoming more frequent and started to happy at any time of year. You had enough food in your palace, but you weren't exactly swimming in it like you were as a child.
In your attempt to find out what had changed, you learned that the relationship between the Northern and Southern Kingdoms has been strained for the past decade or so. It had to do with the death of the King and Queen of the South, who were known for their benevolence. Since the prince was too young at the time- you learned he was around the same age as you- the Queen's greedy brother stepped in as regent.
With the rise of that regent, insurgency grew in the North. Your loyal soldiers did what they could in your capital city, but you had no idea what was going on in the other towns. Sometimes you spied a few rogues coming into the city under cover of night, but your eyes were used to the darkness. You've caught many people before their crimes were committed, but you couldn't stop everyone.
Thankfully, your silver palace had remained untouched, but it was only a matter of time before something more drastic occurred. If things stayed the way they were, dissent would only grow. You hoped every day for a change of heart for the regent, but it seemed to never happen.
The morning turned into the hurried mess it always did, with the servants dressing you in an opulent ice-blue gown, doing your hair up to double the height of your head, and caking your face in more makeup than you've ever worn.
Before you could start to complain, your mind was read. "That's what happens when you're officially a lady," Your eldest maid said. "You've got to look your best at all times!"
When you looked at the mirror, it did not feel like your best. You felt like a different person. An eighteenth birthday was the most significant of your life, so you had expected something to change... just not this fast and all at once. Your corset was tighter than ever before. Your hair had never felt this heavy, and your face... you tried not to look at it too hard. There was something else you felt, too, but you could not place it.
"Any news about the South?" You asked one of your servants. News did not travel fast- everything you learned was at least a few months after the fact. Finding information quickly was almost an impossible task. So when he handed you the scroll, your servant warned you that it was about half a year old already. You gladly took it from his hand anyways, thanking him for his hard work.
It was always very easy to convince people to help you. You guessed it was just because you were the royal, they had to listen to you. But even when it came to your unorthodox procedures- like wanting to learn to read and write for yourself instead of being read to and written for, your governess- who was such a stickler for tradition- accepted your idea quickly. When you declined attending a ball that had been previously explained to you as imperative, your answer was taken without argument.
You uncurled the dry parchment. "Coronation of the Southern Prince," You read aloud. You grinned. There was a sketch to go along with the article- it depicted a young man, and it looked like he was scowling. You laughed and showed your company.
"It doesn't look like he's very excited to rule!" Someone exclaimed.
Your elder maid scoffed. "Well, it's not exactly easy, and he is still young, just like our Lady."
That put it into perspective. Being as young as you are, plus not having a mother or father to guide you... that would probably put you in a sour mood as well.
"I'm just glad the Regent isn't in power any more!" One of your younger maids said. "He was awful!"
You took a closer look at the image. It looked like the Regent was still depicted in the image, seated close to the front of the gathering. You wondered how much influence he still has. Will the young prince have a mind of his own? Seeing as there was a riot recently, it doesn't seem like anything has really changed yet.
Your elder maid pushed a finger onto your forehead. "You're going to get wrinkles like me if you keep looking so frustrated. A princess does not need to worry her pretty little head of such things!"
You tried to argue, but she just shook her head and shoved you off to breakfast.
~
When you arrived in the throne room, there was someone already kneeling before the King.
"A southern courier," One of your servants whispered behind you.
Most people would find the room cold and empty, especially with how sound echoed through the space. The walls were tall and shone like silver, and the chandeliers hanging down looked like icicles. When you were a child, you were convinced they were made of real ice.
The whispers grew as you waited, making it impossible to make out what the solder might have been saying across the room.
The King nodded, then tapped his scepter twice on the ground. The courier stood and turned to face you. He had an indistinguishable look on his face, which you could have sworn almost looked like guilt.
All of the servants went before you to gather the baskets of wheat, rice, and fine fabrics and bring them out of the room.
When everyone else was gone, the King's voice boomed. "Happy birthday, my daughter!"
You ran to embrace your father- feeling the warmth of his many coats. The pure white fur on his back was new- it must have been from his most recent hunt. "Thank you, father." You spoke into his shoulder.
He held your hands before him and admired you. There was a hint of a laugh as he said "Your mother would have loved to see you like this."
You gave him a sad smile. Your mother died when you were just a toddler, so you didn't have a lot of memories of her. You remember feeling safe in her arms, and warm, and you knew that she loved you. Your father has reigned alone since her death, and you could tell it was wearing on him. He rarely smiled unless he was with you. Despite all of your attempts to aid him in some way, he would always refuse- saying he did not want you to feel burdened by the responsibility of being a leader until you absolutely had to.
Being the only child of the King meant that you were the sole heir to the throne. In the event that something would happen to your father, you would assume control of the Northern Kingdom and its colonies. You tried not to think of it too much, but it was hard to look in your father's eyes and see his light fading with each grueling day- especially with how much worse it had gotten.
Those eyes started to well up with tears.
"Father, what is wrong?" you asked.
He looked away. "You just look so much like her."
You attempted a joke. "She wore this much makeup and her hair like this?" You said, gesturing to the bee hive on top of your head.
He forced a chuckle. "No, no."
You took a seat beside your father, ready for the day of requests. Once each month, commoners would be allowed to bring their grievances directly to the King, and this being the first day of your adulthood, this would be the first time you would be allowed to sit in on the whole ordeal. It's definitely not the first time you've been present, as the large curtains in the corner provided a rather good hiding spot for a young teenager.
But after sitting for half an hour, no one had come into the throne room. Usually there was a giant line waiting, and you'd expected it to break records this time around. Your father seemed nervous.
"So... what was with the southern courier?" You asked.
The King hesitated. "They came bearing gifts."
"I saw! Those silks looked delightful. So, they just came to show goodwill? That is wonderful!" You said.
"Yes," Your father started. "Our two kingdoms have come to an agreement. They will increase the amount of goods sent to us."
Your smile grew. Maybe the newly-appointed prince had really changed things around! If more goods are sent, then you'll be able to provide for the people. Perhaps that's why no one's come in for grievances yet, because the South has come bearing gifts to all of the common folk already. But in order for trade to resume like that...
"I didn't know a new diamond mine was found!" You exclaimed. "I'd like to see it soon."
Your father did not meet your eyes. "It's not diamonds we're trading, princess."
"Then-" You started. "The pine wood must be selling well?"
The King loosed a breath. "As I said, I've made an arrangement with the Southern Kingdom. Their continued goods... for your hand in marriage to the prince."
"What!?" You jumped up from your seat in a rage, doing everything you could to keep your language proper. "You would agree to something so important without my knowledge? I thought I was to inherit our Kingdom, father, not abandon it!"
He looked down. "This is not abandonment, daughter. You're uniting the kingdoms together! You will be serving your people by leaving them. You will be serving me."
You grabbed his hand and knelt before him. "Please do not make me do this, father, you know how independent and unruly I am. I cannot survive in any court but our own. You will be condemning me by doing this, I know it."
But however much you begged, you knew the deal was done.
The King placed his hand on top of yours. "This will unite our kingdoms. You will see. Our people are already benefitting from the gifts from the South."
"It is their fault our wealth was taken away a decade ago! If they had sent miners like they promised before the King and Queen's deaths, we would not need an arrangement like this!"
He shook his head. "I know. I am put in a difficult situation. But the South will be a wonderful place to live, you know. It's beautiful and full of life! I wish I might visit it again sometime!"
You sighed. "But it is not home, father, and it is not mine. This is my Kingdom, and I cannot bear to leave."
"You will do your duty to your Kingdom, Princess." The King decreed. "I am still your King, and you must obey me. I am sorry I did not tell you sooner, but this is the way it has to be. The courier came here with a caravan that will be your escort home."
"Am I not allowed to take any of my court with me?" You pleaded, realizing you'll have to be away from your servants- who at this point were more like family.
The King shook his head. "Princess (Y/N), you must be strong. You have served this family and this court faithfully in your youth, but the time has come to unite the North and the South. There is no one else that I could see as fit to this role."
You did not respond, you only wept.
"The southern courier will be here at sundown to collect you and your things. Please be ready."
~
The next few hours were spend with you crying your makeup off while bequeathing your items to your servants. Each of them tried to refuse but you insisted.
You were told that the South would provide you with everything that you needed, and in your shock, you suddenly became angry at all of the things that you possessed.
The only things you would take with you were enough clothes for the journey, a few of your favorite hair pins, and a necklace you inherited from your mother. You always felt a sense of pride and strength when you wore it.
Despite your servants' best attempts to re-apply your makeup, nothing would stay on your face.
~
The courier took your bag and left you alone with the King. Your eyes were weary and surely red as he met them with his own.
"I want you to take this with you." He said, reaching to his hand and pulling off a ring. "The two diamonds here were taken from the first two mines found in our kingdom." He held it out to you and you took it.
The diamonds were tiny and embedded in the platinum ring. It was not the prettiest ring you'd ever seen, but you had always admired it on your father's hand.
"This is a representation of our Kingdom," he said. "and I know it's not much, but it is a matching set to my crown."
Sure enough, his crown had two diamonds. You never knew those were from the oldest mines.
He continued. "I want you to offer this ring to the prince."
You looked at him with anguish. "You cannot ask me to give away this important part of our Kingdom!" You argued.
"I am giving it to you to do with it whatever you wish. But my hope is that you will offer it to the prince as a sign of your loyalty, and of your love."
You scoffed. "How can I love someone I've never met?"
He smiled softly. "the Queen and I loved you before you were born."
"That's different."
The King rose from his throne and embraced you. "I believe in you, my daughter. Make the most of this opportunity. And remember, this is for the best."
You could not find yourself agreeing with that last sentiment. Nevertheless, you hugged him back, knowing this may be the last time.
After the door closed behind your back, you tried not to turn around, but you could not fight it. The castle has never been kind to you. It has never been warm. And yet... it was yours... or, it was supposed to be.
You met the courier at the carriage and stepped inside.
"Hello, Princess!" a very excited voice greeted you.
The woman in front of you held out her hand. Strange- you had only ever seen men engage in handshakes. She took your gloved hand in hers.
"I'm Hange Zoe, Noblewoman of the... Zoe estate, obviously."
The Zoe estate... You had read an article or two about them. They were integral in the transportation of goods between the kingdoms, and once got in trouble with the Regent early on as they were smuggling goods into the North without his permission.
"I'm (Y/N) (L/N)." You said, bowing your head. "Crown princess of the Northern Kingdom."
The woman laughed. "So formal, your grace." She imitated your somber tone. "You can just call me Hange. I don't care much for the ceremoniousness. Nevertheless, I am your lady in waiting. If you should need anything, you will ask me first! And during this long, long, journey back to the South, I will teach you everything you need to know!"
You just nodded. This felt like whiplash. From being so happy this morning to devastated to... whatever you're feeling now. Dread? But this woman in front of you doesn't seem too bad... Maybe the South will be a welcoming environment after all.
"What is the Prince like?" was your first question.
Hange nearly exploded as the carriage started to move. "Oh, the prince! I... well, I'd better just let you meet him first. He's more than meets the eye, you know, but I don't want to make his first impression for him. You two will be... you know... anyway. Let me tell you about the agriculture..." She went on.
You were content to listen to her educate you about the South, as that was something you had always been interested in. However, your thoughts kept drifting to the prince, as you twirled your father's ring around your finger. Could you really learn to love this stranger? You guessed only time would tell.
You could never have been prepared for all that would occur.