The Letter

The radiance of the summer sun shone on the thick layer of snow on the ground, making it sparkle like a starry night. The sun wasn't hot enough to melt the snow, it only served to bedazzle. Weather like this was a rare sight in a land where all four seasons consisted of harsh winters. Perhaps it was the heavens heralding things to come, a blessing disguised as a curse.

Persephone tapped her feet impatiently against the thick wooden floor. 'Knock knock knock!' She lunged towards the door, her nerves tingling in anticipation.

"Afternoon, sweetheart." Her father greeted her, limping his way into the house. She helped him out of his coat and hat, hanging them up on the rack.

Before she could ask him anything, her eyes fell upon his cane, which rested against the wall. Her smile slowly dropped. "You went out without it again?" Persephone looked towards her father in worry, drawing a sigh from his lips.

"I do not need it. I promise I am as healthy as a-"

"-horse. Yes, you've said, but it will only get worse if you keep pushing yourself." She shook her head in disappointment. It had not been the first time that he neglected his health but all she could do was express her concern.

"I was a decorated Colonel and I have fought many wars. That didn't kill me and a lousy leg isn't going to either." He played the same card every time but all she could do was sigh in frustration, it was no use saying anything more.

Colonel Julius Norman was a revered man who fought with everything he had for three decades. His determination and passion made him one of the highest ranking officials, putting him right under the King, in power. He fought alongside the King for many years, with countless scars to show for it while the King took his last stand on the battlefield. For years, Julius trained young princes from far and wide but ever since the tragic event, he didn't dare to go back.

Persephone simply sighed and leaned against the wall, fiddling with the cane in her hand. "Now, do show me that beautiful smile." He tapped her chin lightly, forcing the corners of her mouth to tug into a smile to which he returned a satisfied smile. Turning towards the kitchen, he called out, "Cecilia?"

"Mother left for the market." Persephone replied, putting the cane away.

"I was hoping she'd be here for the news," he sighed, pursing his lips in disappointment. The young woman's face reflected that of her fathers'.

"I don't have to go, do I?"

"Well, the envelope in my hand tells me otherwise, darling." He handed her the envelope, and she let it slip into her grip, feeling utterly apathetic about even reading it.

"I wasn't called in last year, why now?" Persephone didn't have the heart to open it, by now she already knew the contents of it.

"Open the letter, you need to know where you will be serving." Her father advised, a strain of sympathy in his voice.

Displeased, she cracked open the seal which held the envelope together, pulling the folded sheet of paper out. Persephone took a deep breath in and let her fingers slip through the bends in the paper, straightening it out.

His Royal Highness, King Bastille Augustus I, decrees all women of the age of 18 to serve as a maid in the Main Palace. A carriage will arrive just before sunrise tomorrow. Housing and meals will be provided.

"I'm being called to the Main Palace." She said, almost inaudibly. "Quite the ruler if you ask me." She tossed her hair in irritation.

"Persi.. You mustn't speak ill."

"Of course not! I only speak the truth!" She threw her hands up in protest. "His 'Highness' brings new women in for his pleasure and makes them his maids, hence the decree."

"A man such as himself, I suppose, has needs." Julius cleared his throat, feeling ashamed to speak on the matter.

"Quite barbaric if you ask me." Persephone scoffed as she folded her arms over her chest.

"Well," Her father started, "had I become a Duke, you would not have had to do such a thing."

"Oh, Father. You dedicated your whole life to the battlefield," She comforted him at his side. "Nothing can take that away."

"I suppose you're right." His lips curved into a smile. "Well, what do you say we crack open a few pints of ale for supper tonight?"

"As long as I'm up before sunrise." She giggled, locking arms with her father.

Suddenly something had dawned on her, she had forgotten the one person she dreaded to tell. Sighing, she grabbed her coat, kissing her father on the cheek. "I'm stepping out for a bit, I'll be home before dinner."

Persephone hadn't even thought about what she would tell Frederick, her birthmate. They had been together for as long as she could remember because their families had been so close, so news such as this would upset him for sure. They had never been apart from each other for this long despite Frederick working as a traveling merchant.

She knocked on his cottage door, hoping he was at his desk but it was just Old man Humphry. "Mister, is Frederick around?"

"Freds just out back, dear." He lifted his head up from his papers for a brief moment, peaking over his spectacles. She thanked the Old man and started for the back of the rusted building, when all of a sudden, she bumped up against a sturdy figure.

"Oh!" She yelped from the impact, but she looked up to see Frederick.

"Persi!" Frederick picked her up in his arms, drawing a gasp from her lips. His big brown eyes curved upwards in excitement in sync with his wide smile. He set her back down, only to smother her in a big hug.

"Fred, be serious," She sighed, her eyebrows knitted with concern as she pulled away from his arms.

"All right, All right. What is it?" He inquired, leaning against the side of his cottage with his bulky arms crossed over his chest.

"I'm being called to work in the palace starting tomorrow." Persephone quietly watched his face. What was once a smile was replaced with a frown.

"You couldn't possibly be serious, you're not 18 anymore." He protested, unfolding his arms and standing up tall.

"I believe that doesn't matter."

"Well just don't go. You can choose not to, can't you?" Frederick argued, his furrowed eyebrows peaking through his raven black hair which swept over his forehead.

"You know I can't." She sighed, grabbing his hand in hers. "My father will be charged for neglecting a King's order."

"It could be so far awa-"

"-Fred, I'm in the Main palace." She assured him. "It's not far and I will see you often when you visit the Palace for duty."

"Then there's no need to be so concerned. You nearly scared me out of my trousers, Persi." He let out a sigh of relief, playfully tapping her chin with his hand.

"But…I will miss you," he brought her hand up to place a kiss on her knuckles.

"Fredrick!" She quickly slipped her hand away from his grasp whilst playfully scowling. Frederick chuckled as he ran a hand through his hair. "I'm going to get home for dinner, but I'll see you soon, Fred."

There was a little sting in his heart, he had never imagined her being away for so long. His eyes softened. "Bye, Pers." He pulled her in for a hug, squeezing tight as he let her scent fill his nose.

***

Morning came around quicker than expected. Persephone waited in front of her house for the ride up to the Main Palace, still recovering from the drinks last night with her father. Though he would never say it, Julius was heartbroken and he had drank like it. He slept soundly this morning and Persephone didn't want to wake him.

The faint sound of the horses and the sound of their feet against the ground was getting closer and closer. The young woman took a big deep breath in, preparing herself, mentally and emotionally. She was worried that once she stepped foot in the palace grounds, she was going to be in a different world. One that would make her feel out of place even at the best of times.

Persephone stepped further away from her house with her bag, watching as the carriage pulled to a stop. "Morning, Sir." She greeted before climbing aboard amongst a few other women. They all looked miserable. As if they were being sold to the most notoriously evil person known to man. However, there weren't many faulsities in that, because quite frankly that might as well have been the case.

She knew that the present King was well known for his cold-hearted and ruthless demeanor, earning him the name 'Ice King'. She felt as though the name was simply a tactic to maximize the fear instilled on the people. And believed that behind the name was a small, ignorant, stout man who did nothing but revel in the riches he was born into. Persephone was known in town for her sharp tongue. How she was to survive in the palace around such a man, she couldn't even fathom. The wrong thing could get her thrown out or worse, hung.

Ice King, Bastille Agustus, was a man who avoided the idea of a public coronation, leaving his face anonymous for anyone who hasn't worked for or with him. As well as, of course, the women he beds. However, rumors travel fast and wild, due to its exaggerated nature. Some say he is a monster with horns made of ice who can freeze anyone with a kiss. Though, that would have to be a misfortune, considering his love for fraternizing with women.

"What do you think?" A voice pulled Persephone out of her thoughts. Which directed her attention to a petite girl with curly blonde hair tied back, which defined her face very well. Her voice was almost too timid but complimented her appearance.

"Pardon?"

"Do you think the King is as frightening as they say?" Fear was evident on her face.

"What's your name?" Persephone asked, suppressing the urge to giggle at the scared expression on her face.

"Ella."

"Well don't worry, Ella. At the end of the day he's simply a man." She gave Ella a warm smile.

Soon enough, they had arrived at the palace. Persephone couldn't take her eyes off of its grandeur while they all unloaded their few possessions off of the carriage. It was massive in comparison to what she had imagined.

"Ladies!" A small, stout woman glided elegantly down the stairs and gathered all the new recruits together. "My name is Anna, the Head Maid, and I will be taking you all to your room, and then you will receive the only training you will need." They were then taken into the palace and down its massive halls that were decorated with portraits of kings and queens of the past.

Suddenly they came to a stop in front of a man, stealing Persephone's attention. Everyone bowed before him except her, and she froze in place, unable to breathe, unable to look away. His hair was the color of winter frost but looked like pure silk draped over either sides of his face. His brown skin, glowing against the light shining in from the window like pure gold. He stood tall, with his muscular body clad in armor. Persephone couldn't stop staring, for he was the most beautiful being she had ever laid her eyes upon.

The young lady's lips parted with a sigh and she quickly stopped eyeing the man once she recognized her mistake. Humiliation took over, her cheeks and ears turning red. That was not a small, ignorant, stout man.

That was Bastille Augustes.

The Ice King.