Chapter 1 : SpiegelWelt

Thick ice coated all the ground, sending a shiver through the island. The plants were reluctant to bloom, even animals prefer to hide in their nets, hibernate, waiting for the long winter to pass.

It's SpiegelWelt, a land shrouded in clod mist for ten months each year, sparing two months brief of springs. Even though it's mostly fighting through the winter, the country has never lost it's sense of warmth amidst the hustle and bustle of it's people.

Trade and tourism became the strength of SpiegelWelt's economic trumps. The port stands majestically along dozens of wharves where large merchant ships lean on to do business with the famous commodity, gold. The wealthy, too, loves to spend their time enjoying the beauty of as white as cotton snow in this namely Eland of Eternal Ice.

SpiegelWelt was led by a king, the wise Achilles with a queen whose beauty is known in the land, Oriana. They were blessed with a daughter named Alexandra. But, the King who wanted a son to inherit the throne had trained the princess to be a brave and strong girl who suitable as the heir. When all the little girl were playing with their doll and arranging flowers, Princess Alexandra had to learn self defense and horse riding under the best palace's guards assistance.

The etiquette lesson, which had become a compulsory for general girls, changed to a war strategy class for Alexandra. This turned her to be a princess with the looks and abilities of neighbor's princes which none kids from the higher ups in this country could surpass her. That's why princess Alex is often in the spotlight with everyone pay attention to every steps and her behavior.

Today is SpiegelWelt's 500th birthday as well as the fifteenth birthday of the sole heir to the throne – Princess Alexandra, which is a very special day for people of SpiegelWelt. They celebrate it with joy. Dozens of delicious food and drink are served. The gate is wide open for public, everyone in the land can come and enjoy the feast.

Sadly to said, the joy on people's face was nothing to the princess. She chose to stayed in her room, looked a bit discourage. Alex weren't used to interact with people outside the palace, she found it awkward to be in the crowd. All this time, Alex only associate with people who bow to her. The only kids who get along with her is Kennard, the general San's son, the leader of SpiegelWelt's army. Ken was chosen by the queen herself as Alex's personal guards and by means also a friend to her. But Ken never act like one. He's just like the other guard who follow Alex everywhere and anytime.

The princess sighed for countless time in the last three hours. She sat on her bed, unwilling to get ready for the party she never wanted to take part in. Her eyes lazily swept along the dress on the rail. All the dress is beautiful and scream princess in every way. There's also two pair of crystal shoes at the rack, brought by two maids whom Alexa dismiss after promising to call them back when she's ready. Which likely not so soon, she needs time to prepare her socialize quota.

She was in her own world until a thing caught her attention. A flicker of light hovering in the air, peeking from behind the balcony curtain. Alex tilted her head in confusion before she step down from the bed and walk closer. She shut her eyes close as the distance decreased between her and the blinding light, hand stretched to touch the light.

It was warm. Alex felt a whisper of hot air engulfing her body in a comfortable way. Alex was called as Fire Princess for a reason. She could stand the chill weather without any coat at the outside. Even as she rode her horse, she did it without layers of fabric. The now as big as ball of fire was nothing for her. Like a dejavu, Alex accept the warmth.

"Princess."

A voice called as a sting of heat attacked her fingers, jolting Alex's mind, bringing her back. She opened her eyes, looking around for the source of the voice. Yet, she found no one, she was all alone in the room. Alex groaned from the pain. Her fist clenched until it turned white from the force.

For a while, Alex breathed through her nose to neutralize the pain. Absorbing the heat from her surrounding to calm the nerve. Another sting made Alex unclenched her palm to found a small flame came out from it. It's not big enough to burn anything but it's beautiful. The flame swaying on her palm, dance along the twinkle in Alex's eyes.

"Princess."

The voice came again but the said princess ignored it, too mesmerized to care. A smile creeped on her face. The euphoria provoked her to make a bigger one. This small one ain't satisfied her.

"But how?" she murmured, flapping her hand up and down.

"Just imagine it, Princess," answered the voice which Alex decided was came from somewhere inside her.

"It works!"

Just as Alex did what she was told to, the fire grew bigger. It became as bright as the bonfire down there, flared blindingly shone the entire room. She loved this power. Loved the way of the fire heard her thought.

"Follow my words, Princess," said the voice echoed in her head.

Alex fell silent. In her mind arose many unspoken questions. Curiosity tingle her heart, it guessing who was the one told her to follow the words. She stared at the wall where her shadow flickered along the light.

"Oh the ruler of heaven and earth, with this I, the fire bender, will accept my fate as who I am," dictated the voice, "say it, Princess."

Alex shuttered, "I-I.."

*****