Chapter Two: The King’s Summons

Elena woke to the sound of hushed voices. Sunlight streamed through the curtains of her room, casting a warm glow on the walls adorned with paintings of frost-covered landscapes and fiery sunsets. She stretched lazily, still basking in the joy of yesterday's celebration. But as she sat up, she noticed the unusual tension in the air. Her parents were standing by the doorway, their faces grave.

"Mama? Papa?" Elena called, her voice tinged with concern. "What's wrong?"

Her mother, Liora, forced a smile and walked over to sit on the edge of the bed. "Good morning, my darling," she said, brushing a strand of golden hair from Elena's face. "We have some news. We're going to the capital."

Elena's eyes widened. "The capital? To see the king?"

Her father, Garrick, nodded, his expression unreadable. "Yes, little star. The king has invited us to the imperial ball. And… he wants you and Eryndor to become playmates to the crown prince and the second prince."

Elena's heart leapt with excitement. "Playmates with the princes? That sounds wonderful!"

But her parents exchanged a worried glance, and Elena's excitement wavered. "Is… is something wrong?"

Liora sighed, her gentle eyes filled with unease. "It's complicated, my darling. The capital is a very different place from here. There are many rules, and people there… they don't always mean what they say."

Elena tilted her head, confused. "But why would the king want us to be playmates with the princes?"

Garrick knelt beside the bed, his voice low and serious. "Elena, you are very special. Your magic, your birth—it makes you important to the kingdom. But it also makes you a target. We've always tried to protect you from the politics of the capital, but now… the king's summons is not something we can ignore."

The Family Discussion

Later that morning, the Frostbane family gathered in the grand hall. Duke Alaric sat at the head of the table, his silver beard and piercing blue eyes reflecting the weight of the decision before them. Garrick and Liora sat to his right, while Eryndor, ever protective, sat close to Elena.

"We cannot decline the king's summons,"Alaric began, his voice heavy with resignation. "This is not a request—it is a command. The king has made his intentions clear. He wants our family's power to strengthen the crown prince's position."

Garrick clenched his fists. "But we've already declined his engagement proposal for Elena. He knows we don't want her involved in the political games of the capital."

Liora nodded, her voice soft but firm. "Elena is just a child. She deserves to be free and happy, not burdened by the weight of the Frostbane name and the king's ambitions."

Alaric sighed. "I agree. But the king is not a man to be trifled with. He favors the crown prince over the second prince, despite the empress being the second prince's mother. The crown prince's mother is the king's lover, and he will stop at nothing to secure his son's position. Our family's power is a key piece in his plan."

Eryndor, who had been silent until now, spoke up. "Then what do we do? We can't let Elena be used as a pawn."

Alaric's gaze softened as he looked at his grandchildren. "We have no choice but to go to the capital. But we must be cautious. Eryndor, your duty is to protect Elena at all costs. The capital is a dangerous place, full of schemers and opportunists. Trust no one."

Eryndor nodded, his expression resolute. "I won't let anything happen to her."

Elena, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke. "But… what about me? What do I do?"

Liora reached out and took her daughter's hand. "You be yourself, my darling. But remember, not everyone in the capital will have your best interests at heart. Be careful what you say and do. And never reveal the full extent of your magic."

Garrick added, "The king may try to test you, to see how powerful you are. You must be strong, but also wise. Do not let them see everything you are capable of."

Preparations for the Capital

Over the next week, the Frostbane estate buzzed with activity as the family prepared for their journey to the capital. Servants packed trunks with fine clothes and gifts for the royal family, while Elena and Eryndor were given lessons on court etiquette and the politics of the capital.

Eryndor took his role as Elena's protector seriously, staying close to her side and reminding her of the dangers they might face. "Remember, Elena," he said one evening as they practiced their magic in the garden, "the capital is not like home. People there will try to use you. You have to be careful."

Elena nodded, though she still struggled to understand the full weight of the situation. "I'll be careful, Eryndor. But… do you think the princes will be nice?"

Eryndor's expression darkened. "The crown prince is arrogant and spoiled. The second prince… he's clever, but I don't trust him either. Just… stay close to me, okay?"

Elena smiled, though her heart was heavy with uncertainty. "Okay."

The Journey Begins

On the morning of their departure, the Frostbane family stood before their estate, the weight of the journey ahead pressing heavily on their shoulders. Alaric placed a hand on Elena's head, his voice filled with quiet determination. "Remember who you are, little flame. You are a Frostbane, and no one can take that from you."

As they boarded the carriage and set off for the capital, Elena looked out the window, her heart racing with a mix of excitement and fear. The capital was a place of wonder and danger, and she had no idea what awaited her there.

But one thing was certain: her life would never be the same.

The Frostbane Legacy

As the carriage rolled through the countryside, Elena's thoughts drifted to her family's history. She turned to her mother, who sat across from her, her hands folded neatly in her lap.

"Mama," Elena began hesitantly, "why is our family so important to the king?"

Liora exchanged a glance with Garrick before answering. "The Frostbane family has always been a pillar of strength in the kingdom. Our ice magic is unmatched, and our loyalty to the crown has never wavered. But now, with your fire magic, you represent something even greater—a symbol of unity and power."

Elena frowned. "But why does that make me a target?"

Garrick leaned forward, his expression serious. "Because power attracts envy, Elena. There are those who would seek to control you, to use your magic for their own gain. That's why we must be cautious."

Elena nodded, though the weight of her father's words settled heavily on her shoulders. She looked out the window again, the rolling hills and distant mountains a stark contrast to the bustling streets of the capital that awaited them.