~ Phoenix ~

Winter's numb fingers felt warm against the hot teacup. She had never been fond of tea, not even in her past life, but the warm orange liquid was exceptionally sweet. She pulled the cup up to her lips and took a sip, allowing the warm liquid to sting the back of her throat. Delectable scones and tea sandwiches were laid out on the table in front of her. The snacks were made light, as Winter was still unable to stomach proper food- now more than ever. She watched as Alexion, a picture of perfect etiquette, poured himself another cup.

Ever since the incident, he had been visiting her room frequently for tea time. By orders of the Royal Physician, Winter's physical and educational activities were put on hiatus. She spent most of her time sleeping in order to recover her strength, while Aiden was forced to start his lessons and swordsmanship training without her.

"Is the tea to your liking?" Alexion asked her.

Winter smiled. "Yes, thank you."

Winter could safely say that she didn't dislike Alexion. Although she was still unable to dispel the hatred she felt for Aiden's family, she didn't mind spending time with the King's eldest son. Unlike Lysander's sunny disposition, Alexion was far more aloof and austere. It was much easier to get along with him because his personality somewhat mirrored hers.

Furthermore, Alexion treated her like an adult. He didn't try to pinch her cheeks or hug her every five seconds. Instead, he had mature conversations with her and kept a reasonable distance. Winter, who was mentally an adult, had a far easier time in his presence than she did with Lysander.

"How have you been feeling?" He asked her. "The doctor said you've been keeping up with your medicine and getting lots of rest. You seem to be recuperating well."

"I suppose," Winter agreed. "My body still feels sore, but it doesn't hurt anymore."

"We've been looking into the incident," He told her. "The water affinity can be further developed to ice, so it is possible you underwent an awakening. Although your condition was far more severe than usual."

Winter looked at him, a little dazed as she stared.

"Really?" She asked. "How so?"

"A typical awakening feels like a severe fever that leaves you bedridden for a couple of days. You were unconscious for almost a week. Furthermore, you're only nine years old. Awakenings normally happen after the age of twelve." He told her. "It's also impossible to receive a developed affinity as your first. If you were to gain the power to manipulate ice, you would've had to receive the ability to control water first."

Another reason why Winter didn't mind Alexion was because he always told her what she wanted to know. The King and Lysander often told her not to worry about trivial matters and kept information from reaching her ears. Alexion however, treated her as an equal.

Winter smiled. "I see, thank you for telling me."

Alexion's face flushed red and he instantly averted his eyes. Winter couldn't help but giggle at how much he doted on her. Alexion, who wasn't used to small or cute things, was always unsure of how to approach his little sister. He treated her how he would treat his colleagues, maintaining an appropriate emotional and physical distance from her at all times.

At first, he was jealous of the way Lysander was capable of acting so amicable and warm towards Winter. However, after some time he realized that his bond with Winter was more of a relationship rather than the one-sided love that Lysander gave her.

"How do you spend your time in here?" He asked, looking at her room that resembled a wild garden. The endless amount of flowers and ceramic vases from Prince Henrik coveted every crevice of its space, like an annoying reminder of his unhealthy obsession with Winter.

"I asked Prince Lysander to give me books instead of frilly dresses as gifts." She exclaimed with an air of satisfaction. "I've been reading to pass time. I feel restless knowing Aiden might learn more than me."

Alexion had always noticed that Winter was far too mature for a nine-year-old girl. He assumed it had to do with what she went through as a child. She treated Aiden more like a son than a brother, constantly protecting him and treating him like a baby. Her expressions and mannerisms were odd too. Despite being raised in an attic, she was clever and well spoken. It was almost as if she was a full grown adult.

"Who taught you to read?" He asked her.

Winter hesitated. "There was a lady who took care of me and Aiden when we were smaller. She taught us to speak and read, using the old books in the attic."

Winter was only half telling the truth. In the book, when Winter and Aiden were babies, a kind lady took care of them. Winter didn't have any memories of her, but Aiden would often recall the sound of the lady's melodic voice. When Aiden and her were old enough to survive on their own, she was dragged out by her hair from the attic. They never saw her again.

Winter was glad she woke up in this body after the lady's disappearance. The thought of losing the only person who showed the twins kindness as children would've taken a huge emotional toll on her. She knew that this was something that had affected Aiden deeply. Sometimes she heard him calling out for her in his sleep.

Winter's capability to read came from the memories she retained from her past life. Using the worn down books in the attic, she collected information about the world around her and taught Aiden to read.

"I see," Alexion said, not wanting to pry any further.

"It's alright, Your Highness." Winter said reassuringly after noticing his solemn expression.

They were all mindful of her past. No one ever spoke about the time they spent in the attic out of consideration for the twins. They saw the scars on their bodies, of course, but did their best to avoid reacting. Winter also noticed that every time the Royal Physician used mana to heal her, the scars faded more and more. They were hard to notice now unless you looked very carefully.

"A-Alexion," He said with a flushed face. "I know it's hard for you to address us as family, but I want you to call me Alexion. We are friends, after all."

"Sure," Winter said. "I'll call you Alexion."

The truth was that Winter no longer saw Alexion as a stranger. He visited her everyday for tea and they had long conversations. Winter didn't want to admit it, but she enjoyed his company. She saw Aiden and Ezekiel like a mother would see her children, but she saw Alexion as an equal. He was her friend.

The sound of faint knocking on the door interrupted her trail of thoughts. Snowflake, who had been sleeping on Winter and Aiden's bed, instinctively jolted up and perked his ears.

"Come in," She called out.

Esme entered. It had been almost a month since Winter's arrival at the Royal Palace. At first, the thought of being touched by the maids made her nauseas. It still did, but now she much more complacent to receive their help. They used as little contact as possible when helping her dress in order to make her feel comfortable. It was hard for her to get used to at first, but with Esme's help her morning and afternoon routines went by a lot smoother.

"Your Highness," She stuttered. "It seems that Prince Henrik has sent you another gift."

Winter sighed. "If it's a bouquet of flowers you can send it up. Snowflake will sniff them out."

Esme hesitated and scratched her neck uneasily. "It's not a bouquet of flowers..."

"Really?" Winter asked. "What is it then?"

Esme paused. "It's a phoenix."