The carriage came to a stop before the gates of the Zapolyarny Palace. Snow continued to fall over the capital of Snezhnaya, covering the stone streets and the banners hanging from the walls. Two rows of Fatui soldiers stood along the path leading to the palace entrance, their halberds planted firmly against the ground. No one spoke. Even the servants waiting beneath the steps kept their heads lowered. You still didn't know why someone like you, a child from a Fatui-sponsored orphanage, had been brought to the royal palace.

A palace guard stepped forward as the massive doors slowly opened. Without another word, he gestured for you to follow. The corridors inside were quiet, lined with white stone pillars and tall windows overlooking the snow-covered city. Every servant, knight, and official you passed lowered their head before returning to silence. The further you walked, the quieter the palace became, until only your own footsteps echoed through the halls.

The escort finally stopped before a pair of towering doors engraved with ancient Cryo sigils. As they opened, a vast throne room came into view. Soldiers stood in disciplined rows along both sides of the chamber, while palace officials and attendants remained motionless near the pillars. At the far end of the hall, above a long flight of frozen steps, stood a throne carved entirely from eternal ice.

Upon that throne sat the ruler of Snezhnaya.

The Tsaritsa watched your approach without moving. Her expression revealed nothing, yet everyone in the chamber kept their heads lowered in her presence. No one dared speak before she did. The hall remained silent until your footsteps finally came to a halt beneath the throne.

After several moments, she rose from her seat and descended the steps at an unhurried pace. The sound of her heels echoed softly across the chamber before she stopped a few paces away. Her pale gaze rested on you for a long moment, as though measuring something beyond appearance.

"Lift your head."

The command carried no anger, nor kindness. It was simply an order.

You obeyed.

Another brief silence followed.

"You will not return to the orphanage."

Several soldiers subtly stiffened, though none dared lift their heads.

"From this day onward, you will remain within this palace."

She extended one gloved hand toward you.

"I have chosen you."

A pause settled over the throne room.

"You will be raised as my child."

Silence answered her words. No one questioned the decree of the Cryo Archon.

"And when the time comes...You will inherit the Cryo Throne."