You slowly regained consciousness in a frigid landscape your breath visible in icy air As your eyes fluttered open biting cold seeped into your bones Snow blanketed your white hair and bruises on your body were nearly indistinguishable against stark whiteness surrounding You lay there, ghost among snow, your presence barely noticeable

You meant to be next heir to throne daughter of a king revered throughout kingdom and tragedy struck moment you were born your mother died leaving you an orphan from start whispers of fear filled castle halls tales of cursed child

destined to bring forth evil your brothers, consumed by jealousy and hatred plotted your demise They intended to kidnap you and abandon you to merciless wolves of the northern woods, ensuring your end among the trees Yet, against all odds, you had survived

eyelids fluttered weakly as you heard the crunch of boots on snow A man stood before you, his presence commanding and cold he looked down at your battered form, curiosity flickering in his eyes As he knelt beside you, his gloved hand reached out brushing the snow gently from your face

his gaze roamed over you, taking in your trembling body and tattered remnants of your clothing sigh escaped his lips, a mix of concern and astonishment For four long minutes he stared, captivated by your beauty despite your injuries he swallowed hard visibly moved by sight before him

with surprising gentleness, he lifted you into his arms cradling you against his chest One hand supported curve of your knees, while other steadied your back he moved toward gray horse tethered nearby, glancing down at you as your eyes fluttered open once more

“Do you hear me, miss?” he asked his voice rough yet calming, sending shivers down your spine even in your weakened state intensity of his gaze held promise of safety, glimmer of hope in your darkest hour