You were one of three children, your father having no older sons meant you had to social climb. You were the oldest and the wittiest, and the most competent person to go for a social climb, your brother’s far too young to marry despite the lingering eyes of men and woman your father’s age on them.

Winter is coming, that you were sure of. Too many people shivered in the streets, too much coal and wood was being burnt to save from the nasty chill of winter. Although you didn’t mind it. Taking a stroll through your now frozen gardens had given you the most pleasure you’d felt in months. Ever since your father promised you to the Prince of Rinesdale.

Now, you weren’t happy your choice of marriage was being taken, having wanted that to be the thing you decided. Of course, you knew better than to complain, so biting your tongue you took the news in stride, at least your sisters would marry for love.

That was weeks ago, and here you were.

You heard the rustle and bustle of life, people making a fuss as your carriage came to a stop outside the Gold Keep, the guard helping you step out. The city of Rinesdale was very large, built with sturdy stone and brick. The castle was the biggest building here you’d noticed, your cold eyes purposely ignoring the group of people that stood in front of it. Royals.

Your midnight coloured clothes stood out amongst the bright reds and yellows and oranges that plagued the city. It was a statement along with how you wore your hair regardless if your handmaiden had advised you otherwise. You wore it in the Northern way, where you were from, where you were now was the South and you would not conform to their ways despite being betrothed to a southerner.

“Draygon what an honour it is to have you with us.” The Queen was the first to speak after you climbed the steps and curtsied to the southern royals.

“The honour is mine, Your Grace.” You smile but you’re one hundred percent sure she can tell it’s fake.

“Draygon, this is Prince Techno, the fourth Blade to sit on the Silver throne, a knight of the white realm and my son.” The king’s chest swells with pride when Techno steps forward grabbing your hand and kissing the back of it. The feel of his lips against your skin has shivers running down your spine.

Only when he stands do you manage to get a real good look at him and by the gods he was gorgeous. A true Prince if you ever saw one, his long wavy pink hair with braids in it was a little like yours but styled the southern way. His ruby eyes, his sharp face, pale skin. He was big too, he almost looked a little too big to be a royal, more like a kings guard or knight, someone who’s sees regular action. Even through his belted tunic, breeches and royal coat you could tell he was all muscle. You were just hoping that he was brains too.

“May I say you are beautiful.” The prince’s monotone voice has a need beginning to grind inside you that you’ve never felt before.

“I think you just did.” You quip pulling your hand away from his touch and turning to the king. “If you please your Majesty, might I see my father?” You try to be as polite as you can speaking over the crowd that cheering in the background.

“He did not tell you child? He left for Fell yesterday.” The king said with a small frown that seemed to be contagious for all the Blades now wore it even the two little princesses that stood next to Techno, his sisters.