8

"We are happy that you love our home." She steps out, and we follow behind. She opens her arms and, with a laugh, tells us. "This is one of our greatest works. This entire wing is what we call the ice palace. A place of higher learning where we can peak into the higher mysteries. The place where all matters of state are decided."

And she starts to lead us. "Now come, it is time to settle you children."

We follow her as the ice guards surround us.

Ice guards, they were a new unit that was introduced by the current Tzarina Katarin. A lot of the magical innovations that were introduced by her revolved around ice. The ice guards are formed solely by the bravest female warriors sent to the palace before they reach adolescence. Those with the gift begin a training regimen that will enable them to take their place within the Ice Court, a clandestine place of intrigue and power, typically headed by the senior matriarch of the Kislevite royal family. Each weapon these women wields is imbued with ice magic, glowing with its inner light. Each of these warriors capable of

And those that prove to be even braver and more talented among them usually rose within the ranks of Ice Court to Frost Maidens. And only the elite among them who proved themselves to be effective commanders rise to the rank of Ice Witch. Both of them are capable of turning the entire tide of battles.

Or so our mother had explained to us. Our mother herself was an Ice witch who had personally once trained and raised the current Tzarina.

Soon, we reach the gates. Giant ornate doors made of solid metal. One that was gifted by the bear god Ursun himself. I see symbols carved on it. The symbol of the Bear God, Ursun, is accompanied by a range of other rulers. The history of Kislev, its founding, and the stories of the Khan Queens of old are branded upon the door. The founding of ice magic and its significance in our culture. It radiates a divine aura.

Katarin steps towards it and pushes forward with one of her hands. I shiver as I feel a giant wave of icy wind. No, a strong tempest blows open the door in front of me. I would have been thrown forward if I had been present anywhere near the door.

She steps inside, and we follow her.

"Kislev is a harsh land, and her people must be led by strength and wisdom. Her ruler must be capable of opening the door by themselves. Otherwise, they would be considered unworthy of the honor and the responsibility that is to be entrusted to them." The Tzarina continues to explain as she steps forward. "We can discuss such matters afterward. At a suitable time when both of your training can begin. For now, it is time for us to officially welcome you both to Kislev."

We are led to the throne room, and with a wave of her hand, one of the attendants bows and approaches us.

"Young lord and lady. Please follow me."

My sister and I follow him with some hesitance. He leads us to a room.

"Please wait here until you are summoned." He closes the door as we step inside

Yuri plops down on one of the sofas, her feet on the desk as she looks at me. "So, brother. What do you think is going to happen now."

I sigh as I look at my sister. Our mother honestly did try a lot, but she could never instill any manners in my sister. It also did not help that Father had indulged her a lot. He had taught her everything about physical enhancement and combined that with her ability to incorporate magic within combat. You get the makings of a true warrior.

I lightly push her legs off the table and settle on the sofa.

"I believe we are also about to be introduced to the Court. The Tzarina disappears and then comes back with two children in tow. Some answers would be expected for that."

"So politics." She asks.

"Politics." I agree.

Soon, the attendant returns.

"My Lord and Lady. The Court is in session. Please follow me."

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(Tzarina Katarin Pov)

Today is a very significant day for more reasons than one. We sit on the Ice throne. One for the Khan Queens of old. The Court has been called into session. Today is the anniversary of the day that my father died. It is slightly funny, but we keep on waiting for our father to walk in through that door. He had surpassed his death once, but alas, we know that he did not survive a second time. We went to his grave a second time. We could not break into tears, for we must be strong. For Kislev. For our people.

We look around and see that everyone has gathered in the throne room. This is a day for morning for us, for Kislev. Our father was Just and Strong. It was through his efforts that the ensuing darkness had been pushed back. That the motherland had been kept safe.

I could hear whispers and murmurs within the Court. The Queen rarely disappears without informing anyone. I can already imagine the rumors that will be propagated.

I slam my staff into the ground, and silence envelops the room. All eyes are now focused on me.

We have some concerning news for the lords and ladies of Kislev. Lord and Lady Barkov. Defenders of the realm from the tribesman to the north have gone into the northern wasteland to secure the land around the place where our father rests." I pause to let that fact sink in.

As predicted. There is an outroar.

"That is a death sentence."

"Their request should have been refused."

"Kislev still need them."

I slam my staff onto the ground. This time, I create and shatter ice underneath me. Silence once more envelops the courtroom.

"Lord and Lady Barkov were like parents to me. They were the ones who had personally raised me. Do not think that we wanted them to leave. But we could not have denied their request after so many years of faithful service. " I yell the last part out.

Lord and Lady Barkov were the last people left of my father's generation. Both of them had served Kislev well. I can see the uncertainty in the faces of the people here.

"But, we did not return alone. We were entrusted with the education of the Heir of House Barkov. As I was once taught by them. I now must foster them. May I present you with the Heir of House Barkov. Lord Ifrit and Lady Yuri."

The door opens, and both guards tap their greatswords on the ground to announce their arrival.

Both of them enter and bow before the Court and us. I step forward towards them with a hand on each chin. We have them both stand before us.

"I introduce to you Prince Ifrit and Princess Yuri. Heir of House Barkov and our personal students. Gifted in Martial and Magic might. We personally tested them through a trial of combat and found them worthy of their reputation as the twin stars of Kislev. The one who will lead us. No, they will lead the entire world into a new era."

All around us, the lords and ladies began to thump their fists onto the table in approval.

"For Kislev! For Ursun!" The lords began to yell.

We echo them. "For Kislev For Ursun!"

"For Kislev! For Ursun!"

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It was only afterward that we were stopped by Kostaltyn