Snow

// Kingdom of Khardia – border with Nakahud//

The carriage continued its journey to the kingdom of Khardia, Stella looked very animated and it was because Agnus was next to her and her mother in the carriage.

- So, Norma said that she was a very fast learner - Agnus looked somewhat confused at Stella's words, while she looked excited, not hearing an answer from Agnus, Stella changed her question - is there still a long way to go to reach the kingdom of Khardia? ? –

- Stella remember that you must be patient, the kingdom of Khardia is far from our kingdom after all, it will take a few more days to reach the capital - said the queen.

Stella sighed as she watched the snow fall outside her window.

- The snow is beautiful and at the same time sad to see - Stella said calling her mother's attention - wherever you look the landscape is the same it doesn't change - Stella was bored by the long trip to the kingdom of Nakahud - Norma is not here and I can't communicate with him either... - Stella said sadly while her mother laughed a little.

-Not necessarily princess, she can send the letter either with a knight or a messenger bird - said Agnus

- I can do it? - She asked her mother who nodded, Stella quickly asked for paper and ink to write the message to Norma, she had to admit that being the only one of her age on that trip suffocated her, although she felt happy to discover new places she would have wanted Norma to be with her When she finished the letter, she called one of the servants – send him to the Duchy of Tyson – that servant nodded while taking the letter, when Stella gave it to him she noticed a scar on her hand – doesn't it hurt? – The maid, listening to Stella, quickly put the letter away while she left – oh wait .. –

- Stella the snow is falling harder, you'll catch a cold, close the door - said the queen - at this rate we may today reach one of the provinces of Khardia... -

-That is, if the snow doesn't start to accumulate – Agnus replied.

- If that's what worries me, if so, it will delay us one more day - said the queen.

Every time they advanced the snow increased more and more, they had been caught in a snowstorm and the night began to appear.

- Don't stop!! advance!! – shouted one of the knights – we must seek shelter from the storm! –

The temperature dropped rapidly, the horses refused to take another step, the queen tried to keep Stella warm, Agnus for her part had left the carriage, to guard the perimeter.

- Are you cold Stella? – Asked the queen as she sheltered her in her arms, Stella denied clinging to her.

-Mother you know one thing, I don't like snow anymore - she said between a small laugh towards her mother.

- I tell you something, I don't like snow either - answered the queen while they both laughed - when the storm passes, we will fulfill our duty in the kingdom of Khardia and then we will return home -

- When we return, mother will grant me a wish - Stella said animatedly.

-I don't remember accepting, why should she do it? – The queen replied while Stella kept insisting – mmm… if she accepted, what would my princess wish?

- Walk… no… I mean travel. Yes!! A trip!! –

- Other? Stella, do you like traveling so much? – Stella nodded decisively – mm… when we return to the palace, we must start with our royal duties and time… - Layla watched as Stella looked sad listening to her – but, her majesty will surely take care of it in our absence – patting her head de Stella smiled - I'll see what I can do… - Stella agreed to her mother's words excitedly -

-But… on the next trip I also want dad to come with us – listening to Stella the queen under her gaze slightly from her – I want the three of us to be together, mom…-

The queen understood why Stella insisted so much on that wish, children can sometimes be more perceptive than one thinks, in silence the queen nodded while Stella smiled, happy to have fulfilled her task.

- Now it is better that you rest... while the storm stops... - Stella nodded as she snuggled in her mother's arms, the queen caressed the little girl's head while she fell asleep, her gaze did not leave her window, the slight sound With a blow he caught his attention – Agnus... - The albino nodded to the queen's words outside the carriage – come in… - Agnus entered the carriage without making any noise.

- The storm will not stop soon - he said while looking at the snow - and this carriage is not the best place to take shelter, we are in an open field, queen - his gaze fell on Stella who rested on the queen's lap - it will be very hard for the queen. princess spend the night in this place.

- Moving now is also dangerous, it would be better to stay here - said the queen - I can keep the heat in Stella's body

-But the queen would exhaust her energies – Agnus replied, the queen just stared at him -If you allow me I will make sure to protect the princess and you – Agnus replied as he extended his arm towards the queen.

The queen doubtfully looked at Agnus clinging to Stella, she took Agnus's hand who gave a slight smile, some black shadows suddenly appeared around her preventing her from moving or speaking, everything around her became dark for a few moments, when she opened Again his eyes were no longer on the carriage.

- That? – I look around her, just observing rocks I speak – a cave…. – In her arms Stella was still asleep, next to her there was a small fire that was warm – how did we get to this place?

- Thank you for trusting me, queen - the queen observed Agnus who stood at the foot of the cave entrance watching in silence.

- What just happened, you… can you use magic? - Asked the queen, Agnus looked askance at the queen.

She could be called that, because she doesn't really have a name...-dark flames appeared in her hands.

- Can a decidit control the darkness? -Agnus kept the flames from him upon hearing how he referred to him.

The queen realizing that she didn't take care of her, her words felt a bit uncomfortable, certainly Agnus was not like the deciders she knew, she could assure him.

-Speak more sorry – said the queen while Agnus nodded to her words – Agnus, have you ever met one of yours?

Agnus shook his head slightly as he watched.

-Since I have memories, I've always been by his majesty's side – she said with a slight smile – he saved me…- Agnus replied while Layla smiled.

- His Majesty is a kind person after all, although he can be a bit stubborn - Agnus nodded to the queen's words, both couldn't help but laugh when they agreed - seriously, he is very stubborn... he could even go against the whole kingdom , to take someone like me to the palace... - those words the queen had said sadly - I who should not have set foot in that place for my blood... - the queen spoke, drawing Agnus' attention - although you must surely know that story, right? – Agnus silently looked at the queen – you know one thing… being a decider… is better than belonging to the nobility… - those words surprised Agnus – I chose the throne because the person I love is in that place, Without thinking that those decisions would affect my future, I sought this destiny for myself.

That stunned Agnus, the queen had suddenly confessed her origin that her majesty had forbidden to speak, very few knew, even the queen when she married her majesty promised not to talk about the past, Agnus knew that not even her majesty could Imagine that those thoughts were on the mind of the queen.

-Queen… she knows that her past won't torment her anymore, she shouldn't worry, her majesty will always be on her side, that's why…. – The queen's body began to tremble while caressing Stella's hair – the princess? My queen, perhaps… -

- Agnus… the reason why everyone is afraid of the decidit… do you know what it is? - Asked the queen suddenly without letting Agnus continue speaking, the albino denied the question, the queen gave a slight smile while she spoke -

When the land of the Nakahud kingdom was coming back to life after decades of omen, people created a certain belief, in our kingdom our appearance predominates, due to our genes light color in eyes and hair is a natural thing to see in our offspring , these genes predominate more in members of royalty, thanks to the blessing given centuries ago by the ancient magician, as a symbol of that blessing his eyes are golden and his hair is the same, that is the symbol of the heirs to the throne of Nakahud, people cling to beliefs for that reason, the first time a decidit was born people panicked, it was different in appearance from them, also the color of its eyes was unusual not only in the kingdom of Nakahud but also in the continent of Lativia, in some places certain coincidences occurred when these children were born, drought, famine, diseases, people began to blame the children for those ravages, they even called them demons.

Hate, resentment, began to grow in people, for that reason... they were executed, they were afraid that the kingdom they belong to would be destroyed like before - Agnus had lowered his gaze without saying anything - from the beginning... their destiny was marked... - The queen remained silent stroking Stella's hair.

- Why is the queen telling me all this… - Agnus spoke softly.

-Everyone began to hate people who resembled the decidit, that hatred was also felt by me, when I married her majesty, everyone opposed it, the royal blood would be stained, a simple peasant, marrying the emperor …. It was something ironic and hard to believe, that only happens in fairy tales, but his majesty gave me that security and protection of the nobles, so I agreed to be by his side... - under his gaze - when I knew he was waiting for Stella , it was the greatest joy I could have in my life, I did not think that what for me was my greatest treasure and desire, they wanted to destroy it with all their being, I did not believe that my decision ... would endanger my daughter.

- But, the princess is a direct descendant of her majesty - the queen nodded slightly - even if they don't want to accept it they can't touch her, she is under the protection of her majesty.

- Yes, Stella is under the protection of His Majesty as the first-born, but she is of mixed blood… - she lightly squeezed her hands – for that reason she has an affinity with you Agnus, I have known that the Decidits are also of mixed blood for that reason they have their eyes of that color.

-My queen, but her Majesty said that Stella is a pure blood – the queen denied her words.

- That is impossible, in Stella's body my blood predominates more than her majesty's, Sir Lion knew it... for that reason he always acted that way towards Stella, the Dowager Empress surely also suspected it, for that reason your majesty we talked about having another child

-With this the magicians would take their eyes off the princess - Agnus said while the queen agreed to her word - but, as they were so sure that if another child was born she would not have the same problem as Stella.

- Because, unlike five years ago, my blood is more linked to the royal family, to the point of being able to use the power that only belongs to the royal family.

-But her body reigns - The queen only looked at Agnus - because she is not part of the royal family, the power used must have a price to pay

- Yes, but I didn't think that the price should be paid so soon, at least I wanted to be able to secure Stella's future, that was the only thing I wanted…. – The queen muttered, Agnus' gaze fell on Stella.

- Now I understand why I don't feel uncomfortable with the princess, unlike with other people, it's because of her blood - the queen nodded slightly to the albino's words - but, I have a question, why, the queen has not told him? told his majesty about Stella's condition?

- These five years, many times I wanted to tell him the truth about Stella and whenever I tried to talk to him about it he gave up, something in me told me to keep silent even when it hurt me because I was lying to the person I love, but now I realize why I kept that secret all these years, just as His Majesty also lied to me I did it unconsciously, before I trusted His Majesty, but now it's different, I still can't forgive him - the queen's voice trailed off as She breathed deeply holding back her tears.

-The queen has a grudge against her majesty…-Layla looked away from her, tears welled up slightly – queen…

- He was the only person I trusted with all my being, how could he hide something like that from me?! a small hand caressed her face, the queen when seeing Stella came back to herself – Stella… - she said in a low voice, those small amber eyes looked crystal clear – sorry… I woke you up… – said the queen as she wiped her tears and smiling at her little girl, Stella slightly frowned.

-Mom shouldn't smile if she's sad, she shouldn't – her voice trailed off as she clung to her mother – mom… she shouldn't cry alone! She - she cried with tears in her eyes as she cried in her mother's arms.

- Stella… - the crying of the little girl broke her mother's heart who clung to her crying in silence, Agnus looked at them in silence, the pain that the queen kept in her heart was very great and the queen had reached her limit .

Agnus that night silently stayed next to the princess and the queen watching how both consoled each other, until she fell sound asleep.

- Your Majesty…. The damage caused to the queen is very great, because she decided that…-said Agnus while he watched the snow fall.

The night progressed, the sound of the wind was getting louder, the storm continued in its wake, Angus was sitting in the cave, while he lightly hummed a tune.

Stella slowly opened her eyes, listening to the albino humming that melody, she smiled, she had found it, the melody that she heard that night in the palace.

-Agnus – she said with a small voice calling the albino's attention – thank you…. - Those amber eyes were sleepy they could barely keep open.

Agnus approached Stella, with a slight smile he placed her hand on Stella's head.

- Have sweet dreams princess… -

Stella smiled slightly closing her eyes again to follow her dream.

-Don't worry, the nightmares won't come today…-said Agnus in a low voice, her crimson eyes shone slightly.

************************************************** ***************************

// Nakahud Kingdom – Headquarters of Mages //

-Her Majesty of her cannot enter the tower!! – Shouted a magician blocking the way to see the sudden arrival of his majesty in the headquarters of magicians.

His majesty fixed his gaze on that young magician who was guarding the door, the magician was nervous in the presence of his majesty.

-Asher, get him out of my way – the knight nodded as he drew his sword and pointed it at the wizard.

- What do you think your majesty is doing?! – The magician had taken courage to claim his majesty – This is the tower of the ancient magician, he cannot come to break in like that-

A cold gaze fell on the wizard who saved his words, his majesty looking annoyed as he approached the door.

- Do you dare to impede the passage of the person you serve? I must remind you that you and all the wizards in this tower are in my service. It is an order, open the doors this instant –

The wizard, hearing the strong voice of his majesty, nodded fearfully to his words and opened the doors, his majesty entered the tower of wizards together with Asher.

-What does this sudden visit mean, his majesty? - Sir Lion watched his majesty from the stairs of the tower.

The majesty of him seeing Sir Lion frowned at him, those golden eyes of his majesty shone with intensity a golden aura began to surround him, with his hand pointed towards Sir Lion.

Sir Lion remained silent before the act of his majesty, going down the last step Sir Lion felt an oppression in his chest, as his gaze advanced, he did not depart from his majesty at any time .

- Your Majesty, do not think that this way of greeting is too much - Sir Lion spoke when facing His Majesty, his face was pale and his breathing was very slow - if Your Majesty does not calm down, do not blame me for what could happen. .. – he said in a low voice.

His majesty observed the other wizards from the tower who were present, those wizards looked at his majesty with disgust.

-I will assume the consequences – replied his majesty.

Listening to that answer, Sir Lion was stunned, his majesty increased the pressure in the room, squeezing his hands tightly.

-Stop, Your Majesty - Sir Lion's voice could barely come out of his mouth.

If his majesty had used a magic spell, Sir Lion would have noticed it before anyone else, as he was one of the best magicians in the kingdom, but it was strange there was no trace of a magic seal or any magic item, he couldn't find it. where exactly that magic came from or feel it, he could barely stand up in front of his majesty.

- Sir Lion?! What's going on?! – The magician who had received his majesty looked very confused and worried about Sir Lion's state, whatever his majesty used only affected Sir Lion.

-His majesty of him, do you intend to start a war between the magicians and the kingdom? - Sir Lion spoke with a broken voice clinging to his neck - does he care that the nobles rise up against his majesty? !! – He shouted with all his might.

- They will not say a word, not after the nobility finds out about all the acts that the magicians have committed for decades - answered his majesty closing his hand completely, his gaze turned to the other magicians who were pointing towards him - if they attack, they will have the same end and this place will completely disappear, what will they do? –

The wizards lowered their magic weapons, they were aware of his majesty's words and what that would mean.

- I said it before Sir Lion, you had to be careful, do you think I would forget the offense you did towards my eldest daughter and wife so easily? –

Sir Lion, unable to breathe, fell to the ground, he began to writhe from lack of air, the wizards in the tower looked away from him when they saw that scene.

- Wait your majesty!! – Shouted one of the magicians as he ran towards his majesty and fell on his knees in front of him without daring to look up from him –

- Do you want to die too? – His Majesty said.

-Please listen to his majesty, if Sir Lion dies his majesty is the one who will lose everything - said that magician trembling with fear.

The majesty of him turned his gaze to Sir Lion, he clicked his teeth for a moment as he released him, Sir Lion began to cough forcefully as he caught his breath.

Now speak-said his majesty as he looked at the magician who nodded.

-His majesty of him the princess actually…. – A loud sound rumbled in the tower, drawing everyone's attention, that magician who was at the feet of his majesty looked up when he heard that loud noise – beware !!! - He shouted as he stood up, with all his strength he pushed his majesty to one side of the tower, the ground began to shake for a few seconds, a smoke screen covered the floor of the tower.

-His Majesty of him! – Asher ran towards his Majesty when he saw what had happened – is he okay? –

-Yes... – His Majesty replied as he stood up, he had a slight pain in his head from the fall – what is the situation Asher –

-I don't know what happened, Your Majesty...-Asher looked around in search of evidence of what happened – that...-Asher's gaze was fixed on a point of the tower.

His majesty, receiving no response from Asher, looked at the knight who did not take his eyes off him from the center of the tower.

- Asher? – His eyes widened in surprise when he saw those huge stones in the center of the tower – that…- he turned his gaze to the magicians who only murmured among themselves, those eyes looked disappointed to see his majesty standing.

The magicians tried to end the life of his majesty it was a fact and they did not care that after performing that act one of their own had lost his life at that very moment.

-Asher, watch my back…-Asher nodded to the words of his majesty who approached that pile of stones, extending his hand towards that place and shouted – Levitiam! – the rocks one after another rose into the air, his majesty tightly clenched his hands turning those rocks to dust, seeing the body of that magician completely destroyed after the impact of the rocks his majesty approached feeling helpless for not having acted before - I owe you my life - His Majesty lowered his head and thanked that magician.

- Danger... gro... - a faint voice was heard from that magician who was lying on the ground, trying to move.

Don't move, your body...-His Majesty took the wizard's hand with force, he felt a great guilt for what happened, the wizard slightly tightened His Majesty's grip, drawing his attention.

Your... majesty... dan...ger... -repeated that magician, staring at his majesty, after saying those words his breathing began to fade.

His Majesty tightly squeezed the hand of that magician, seeing that the life of that magician had been lost, he left him carefully.

- Asher, let them take care of burying his body - Asher nodded to his majesty's words while the body was carried by some knights - call all the knights, now... - his majesty looked angrily at the wizards of the tower They did not avert a hostile gaze towards His Majesty.

"The guard is ready, His Majesty," Asher reported.

- The wizards under my command, do not let any wizard out of the tower until I say so, no one can take a step outside without my consent - His Majesty's voice was serious before his command, Asher nodded as he called to the wizards who served his majesty in secret - Asher the guard prepare to leave ... -

- Leave? His Majesty from him to where? Asher asked.

- To Khardia, send a message for the princess and queen to stop advancing and return to the kingdom now! – Said his majesty firmly – it's an order! – Asher, confused by His Majesty's words, transmitted the order to one of his companions who left immediately.

“Wizards are doomed!!”

His Majesty looked very worried, after leaving the tower, Asher could see it clearly.

- Even sending the fastest messenger of our kingdom, it will arrive in a day majesty - Asher answered.

-Then… I'll go myself – Asher looked with surprise at the majesty of him who was looking for a horse – majesty! You can't go yourself! The kingdom would be unprotected! – Asher spoke while his majesty got on one of the horses – he can't!! Asher yelled as he stopped the horse.

- They're after them – answered his majesty – those damned ones are after Stella and the queen, if he didn't act now…– Asher, understanding the reason for his majesty's actions, clenched his hands, the lives of the princess and the queen were in danger, but he couldn't let his majesty abandon the kingdom, chaos would break out in Nakahud if anything happened to his majesty.

-Your majesty, I'm sorry, but you can't go – his majesty unsheathed his sword pointing at Asher – the guard will take care of this matter, please his majesty return to the palace.

-Get away Asher, I'll go for both now... - Asher didn't respond to his majesty who looked more and more annoyed-Asher! – His majesty euphorically shouted, the knight clenched his annoying hands – if they die, do not open any kingdom that I want to protect !! – Hearing the words of his majesty Asher stepped back, his majesty left immediately –

-Protect the majesty from him!! – Asher shouted, the guards began to follow his majesty, Asher watched as his majesty galloped as fast as he could to the kingdom of Khardia – this is a disaster…-

- Are you sure of this, Asher – one of his companions spoke – losing the queen and princess is more acceptable than losing his majesty – a cold look fell on him - the kingdom will perish and you know it – Asher looked annoyed at his companion for those words.

Come on…-Asher said as he galloped after his majesty.

His Majesty may have acted on impulse at that moment, risking everything, listening to no one, although His Majesty's feeling was strong, Asher wished that feeling was wrong and that this wizard was not right, to keep away. to the kingdom about his majesty's departure, Asher sent an urgent message to the Tyson dukedom explaining the sudden situation and as a dukedom they needed his majesty's support.

*************************

The sun began to rise, small eyes opened slowly, she looked strangely at the place where they were, trying to move and realizing that her mother was clinging to her, she smiled, her eyes were swollen from the tears she shed the night before.

-Mom – Stella approached her mother, leaving a kiss on her cheek.

The queen opened her eyes, kissing her little girl's forehead, Stella smiled as she looked out of the cave, she stood up happily as she approached the edge of the cave.

- Mother!! the snow stopped!! -The queen nodded to Stella's words, while she went to her side.

-It seems that the storm is over, we can continue advancing – replied the queen, while she looked around – Agnus… did she come out? -Stella with her gaze looked for Agnus in the cave without finding him, the melody of the previous night that she had heard came to her mind.

- Let's go with Agnus mother! - Stella insisted as she stood up quickly - we must go back to him - the queen couldn't help but laugh a little at her little girl's enthusiasm.

- Does Stella want to be with Agnus? – asked the queen while Stella nodded innocently – then we should go back to the carriage, surely the guard is worried – the queen took Stella by the hand and left that cave while looking at the snow that had accumulated the night before – I hope the carriage can continue its journey, there is a lot of snow - Stella walked with difficulty in that snow.

- It's really cold!! – Stella claimed as she followed her mother – mother you know something… we should…-the queen suddenly stopped walking – mom?

The cave Agnus had taken them to the night before was not far from the carriage, yet no sound could be heard from the knights or servants, nor could the sound of any birds be heard.

- What's up mom? – The queen cast her gaze on Stella who looked confused.

-It's nothing…-she said with a slight smile, Stella continued walking with difficulty to where the carriage was.

- Agnus!!! – Stella shouted out of nowhere, some birds took flight after Stella's shout calling the attention of the queen – that scared me… mom… come on… -a loud noise was heard –

- Stella! - the queen shouted with all her might.