[Elsa’s POV] As Duke Monroe has planned, the fight to claim back the throne of Geneva has started. As the duke had said, my brother Darius has no claim to the Geneva throne because he is not my father's son but the son of my mother's former lover, her brother. Because of that the only one who has the right to rule over Geneva is me, the legitimate daughter of my deceased father. The uprising was planned by the loyal aristocratic faction of Geneva. They wanted to dethrone my mother the current queen of Geneva, Queen Patricia. As they have said, she was the one that cursed this land to have an eternal winter that made it into a wasteland uninhabitable in most parts. The people suffered over twenty years and they have had enough. Duke Monroe had sought help from Avalon’s King Ragnar, the one that is currently in war with my mother. The king had promised to help with one condition, that Geneva would consent into the merger of all the countries in this continent to create a new empire

Aunt Diana and my brother Darius were sitting in the lounge area. The maids have brought them refreshments while waiting for me. Before entering, I took a deep breath and walked inside. "I hope I did not make you wait." I said while entering the lounge area. "Not at all." Aunt Diana turned around and gave me a warm smile. She looked exactly like my mother that it made me pause for a moment. "I am happy to see you again, Aunt Diana." I walked towards her. She gave me a big hug when I approached. "Oh my. You have grown into a fine young woman." Aunt Diana complimented. "I hope you are doing well." "Yes, I am doing fine." I replied fighting the tears that were trying to come out of my eyes. "Why are you crying my dear?" Aunt Diana saw my mask and that had broken any defenses I made to fight the tears. "A-Aunt…" I bawled while hugging her. "I-I just can't believe you are here right now. I-It has been so long since I have seen any of my family." I cried in her arms. "Oh dear." Aunt

[Bob’s POV] The day of Elsa’s birthday finally arrived. It was a very busy day not only for Elsa but to all of the employees working in the palace. Elsa was cooped up in her room since early in the morning getting ready for the day ahead. As Elsa’s personal knight, I should be close by watching her, but the maids were adamant not to let me in and even see her. Diana came out and gave me the task of receiving important guests this morning, the emperor and empress of the united empire. "Hah…" I sighed sadly. "And I was planning on giving my gift to her first thing in the morning while greeting her a happy birthday." I took out a small box from my pocket and opened it. The box contains a gold necklace with a heart pendant, with green leaves circling around it. The leaves consist of emeralds like Elsa’s eyes, and flower was made of crimson rubies. "I hope she likes the gift." I smiled closing the box once again and putting it back inside my pocket. I walked towards the entrance o

The ball was in full swing, and many has given their birthday greetings to me. One by one, the nobles that were invited came to me and wished me a happy coming of age bearing their gifts. I on the other hand made causal talk with them, especially my vasal that came to greet me.I had my first dance with Darius and so far, I have not danced much because of the flood of people wanting to wish me a happy birthday and presenting their gifts. I on the other hand have my eyes wandering around the ball room, hoping to see a glimpse of Bob anywhere. But unfortunately, I cannot find him anywhere. "Happy coming of age grand duchess." Ragnar said. He greeted me with Isabella and their twins. "Happy birthday Elsa." Isabella replied. "These two here are Karl and Amanda. Greet your Aunt Sasa, it is her birthday today." The twins are standing hand in hand in between Ragnar and Isabella. "Happy birthday Aunt Sasa." The twins spoke on unison. "Thank you so much for the greetings." I replied

The time of the first caravan's arrival had come. Darius was just done wearing his clothes and looking at himself in front of a full body sized mirror. "How do I look Lucas?" Darius asked. "Do I look okay? I do not look intimidating or anything? Do I give off a domineering aura?"Darius was wearing a slick gray suit that is not too flashy. It is in the borderline of being sophisticated and elegant at the same time. "You look find my lord." Lucas sighed. "Do not worry too much. I am sure everything will work out well." "You think so?" Darius looked a little nervous. "What time will I be meeting them?" "Actually the caravan had just arrived." Lucas opened up a document he was holding. "You will meet them an hour from now and you will give them the speech you have made."Days prior to the caravan's arrival, Darius has been busy constructing the speech he will give after meeting the first Spartans caravan that will be arriving in the north. Lucas had seen him work so hard, crumpling p