~ Rose Petals and Rubies ~

The red dress stood out vividly against Winter's fair skin. The sleeves, which had been made to look like clustered rose petals, draped from her arms into a cape. The lace cape dragged slightly on the floor as she stepped, creating the illusion that she was draping with flowers. The dress itself was a plain fabric that was soft to the touch and clung to her skin like a melting waterfall. The dress was truly beautiful.

The maids buzzed around her, gently brushing her hair and decorating it with rubies and small red roses. Her outfit, which was chosen specifically for its simplicity, was elegant and beautiful. Winter looked like red rose amidst a pile of glistening white snow.

She watched her reflection in the vanity mirror as the maids applied blush to her colourless complexion. Winter Del Silvermond was truly beautiful with ice green coloured eyes and curtains of ethereal silver hair. She looked like a fairy, someone who stood neck-in-neck with Etrix when it came to other-worldly beauty.

She furrowed her brows, trying to remember what she had looked like in her past-life. The longer she lived as Winter, the more distant the memories of her past-life grew.

"Wow," Aiden said, walking out of the dressing room. "You look like a flower."

Winter turned her head and examined her twin brother. He was wearing a black petticoat with matching trousers. A bright red cravat had been carefully fastened around the collar of his white dress shirt. Atop it, a fresh rose had been pinned on.

"You look just like a Prince," She said with a proud smile. "Do you like your outfit?"

Aiden shrugged, playing with the ends of his sleeves. "I'm still not used to this type of stuff, but I like matching with you."

Winter giggled before rising from her seat and grabbing a small navy blue box from her dresser. She handed it to Aiden, who took it with a confused expression.

"It's my gift to you," She told him as he opened it. "Happy birthday."

Inside the box was a small silver locket. Its exterior had no designs, only a smooth surface in a circular shape. He flipped the locket open and stared at the miniature painting inside. It was a picture of the twins drinking tea in the greenhouse.

"You, you told me not to get you anything," He exclaimed with eyes welled over with tears. "This, this is..."

Winter giggled, placing a hand over his. "Just being here with you is far more than enough."

Winter thanked the maids who helped them get ready before sending all except Esme away.

A faint knock sounded from the door. Etrix entered and froze immediately after setting eyes on the Princess. The corners of his ears burned red and he fumbled with his dress jacket nervously. He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out.

"You're gonna swallow a fly," Aiden said with a sour expression as he fastened the locket around his neck. "Is your jaw broken or something?"

"Don't I look pretty?" She laughed as she took a slow spin, the cape of rose petals followed her like a flame.

"Y-Yeah," Etrix managed. "You look really pretty."

Winter watched as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a red velvet case. His green hair fell over his forehead in a picturesque way, making Winter catch her breath. He wore his mage's uniform with a formal cape fastened at one shoulder. It was navy blue with intricate golden embroidery. Winter couldn't help but smile, he looked so handsome.

She took the case from his slightly shaky hands and opened it. "What's this?"

"Well," He said as his eyes fluttered to where Ezekiel's necklace sat on her bare skin. "I noticed that knight boy gave you a necklace, so I wanted to give you something too."

It was a silver bracelet with a simple wolf pendant. The wolf's eyes were made from two rubies, shining similarly to the way Etrix's eyes did. Winter felt her cold heart grow a little warmer. She smiled, letting the way Etrix always managed to make her feel warm wash over her. Something about his existence made her feel better.

"I love it," She said with eyes spilling with tears. "Thank you so much, I'll never take it off."

"It's not that pretty," Aiden whined, watching Etrix fasten the bracelet around his sister's wrist.

His fingers lingered over her skin where they touched.

Esme giggled. "Your Highnesses, I hate to interrupt but your brothers and knights have arrived to escort you to the banquet now."

~***~

"Shit," Lysander said with adoring eyes. "Winny, you're gonna be the death of me. I'll have to kill anyone who tries to approach you at the banquet."

Aiden and Alexion nodded in agreement.

"We have to be extra careful of that creepy Prince," Alexion said with a sigh, rubbing his brows with gloved fingers. "He's obsessed with her."

Winter flinched, thinking of her encounter with Prince Henrik in the forest.

"Father should just seal the portal and send his head back," Lysander grumbled, ruffling Aiden's golden locks his his hand. "It's not like they can win against us in an all out war."

Alexion nodded, seriously considering his proposal.

"Is that weird Prince going to be here today?" Aiden asked, leaning into Lysander's hand.

Lysander gazed down at him with loving eyes. "Yes, but we'll cut his hands off if he approaches Winter."

"Good," Aiden said, pouting. "He creeps me out."

Winter's eyes fell on Ezekiel almost as if it was natural instinct. He stared at her with wide eyes and a flushed face. Ezekiel felt as if he was looking at an angel. Winter's hair which fell in beautiful waves past her waist was decorated with red jewels and rubies. Her dress flowed off her shoulders like summer petals.

He swallowed nervously, trying to think of the right words to say. Etrix, who was watching the exchange, reached out a gloved hand and covered Ezekiel's eyes.

"Hey, stop that!"

"Nope."

"I can't see."

"That's the point."

Esme cleared her throat. "Your Highness, I've prepared the thing you asked me for."

Winter's eyes lit up. "Thank you."

She carefully reached out and took two fresh roses from Esme's hands. She motioned with her right hand for Alexion and Lysander to kneel before fastening them on to their jackets.

"This, this is from you?" Alexion stuttered, turning his head to the side. "Thank you."

Lysander smiled. "This is adorable, thank you."

"Yeah," Winter said, adjusting the rose on Lysander's jacket. "I wanted you guys to wear one too."

She smiled to herself, examining the roses on her older brothers' jackets. She guessed that a part of her had grown to like them in her time as Winter. Slowly but surely, she was starting to see the King and his children in a different light. She still harboured negative feelings towards the characters in the book, but a part of her began to see that they were very different from the people who stood before her now.

"What are you staring at?" Aiden asked, tugging gently on her lace cape. "Come on, don't you want to eat cake?"

She giggled before taking his hand in hers and nodding enthusiastically. They had never celebrated their birthday before, so she wanted Aiden to experience today to its fullest. The pair set off down the corridor towards the ballroom of swirling skirts and tables of cake.

Winter smiled, scanning the warm people around her with her curious eyes. She watched as Etrix and Ezekiel pushed one another and traded insults. She watched Lysander hold up her cape so it wouldn't drag on the floor. She felt Aiden squeeze her fingers in excitement. She felt the loving gazes of Esme and Alexion.

Perhaps their birthday wasn't going to be so bad, after all.