Chapter 2 - Aston

Life in the Winter Castle can only be described as one thing. Boring. If anyone actually believes that living in a castle this big is fun, they are wrong. The few things you can do here is eat, sleep, drink and that's it. There's this huge staircase and all my life I've never had that one chance to slide down it. It's so infuriating.

As the fifth son of the Winter queen, I didn't really have many things to do. My two eldest brothers, Aspen and Wren were always somewhere near Queen Icelyn, always preparing to take over the throne on day. If anything were to happen to Aspen, Wren would have to be there to take over. North, the third eldest, was always with a girl. I used to ask him why he wasn't satisfied with anyone. His answer was always a shrug and a ruffle of my head. Storm was always reading.

You would probably find me sparring with the guards. I can't say what made me decide to go for a position on the front lines. Maybe it was the fact that no one cared what I did. Or maybe the fact that I liked physical activity or just moving.

I walked briskly to my room to change out of my sweaty clothing. When I was done, I immediately walked to the throne room. Every day, I was to give a report to Queen Icelyn about how the castle guards were faring.

I'd grown up without parents. My dad died when I was young. He wanted to help fight, but in the end, he died fighting. Queen Icelyn was livid. For days, she refused to eat or sleep. She just laid in her bed, staring emptily at the ceiling. Of course, we were all worried. She was queen, after all. But after a while, she got herself together, and she was back to her scary, ice-cold self.

Technically, Queen Icelyn was my mother, but she never acted like it. She was always cold and distant to all of us, and we were all raised by servants. Never once did she even pretend to love or care about us. She doesn't think of us as her children. Only as her heirs, and therefore, a danger to her.

Before I could reach the throne room, North pushed past me.

"Being Icelyn's servant, again?"

I snarled. "Back off, North."

He smirked. "You're so tiny, you wouldn't even be able to push me over. Give up, brother, you'll never surpass me."

I raised my eyebrow. "You would be surprised at how close I am to doing that."

I brushed past him, giving him a icy glare before walking away.

"Don't forget, Elaine chose me, not you." His voice was taunting, laced with a challenge.

I halted, my back stiffening, a growl pushing up my throat.

I knew what he wanted. He wanted me to start a fight with him, and possibly humiliate myself. I didn't doubt my abilities, but he wasn't worth my time.

"Go away, North."

He chuckled darkly. "A coward like always. You weren't enough for her, but I was. Face it brother, you'll never be better than me."

I ignored him, continuing to walk away.

When I reached the throne room, I pushed open the doors and walked inside. Queen Icelyn was sitting on her throne, staring at me as I walked in. The room radiated coldness, and I shivered even though I had a few layers on.

"Prince Aston."

"My Queen."

"What is your report?"

"The guards are well. They are fit, and ready to fight if you ever call on them."

"Good. You see, Aston, today, not only do I need your report, but I need you to do something for me, as well."

I bowed, slightly gritting my teeth. "Anything, my Queen."

"Oh? Anything? Then come close, Aston, and let me whisper in your ear."

I stepped up, and leaned towards her, my body poised to defend.

She smiled cunningly. "I need you to bring the Summer princess to me."