Winter had retired early the night before second that balls weren't as fun as she thought they would be.

She went back and changed into her normal clothes beige evoking with Raul so he could show her the stables before going back to the tower to spend the night.

Winter had woken up earlier and was dressed by the time the sun raised into the sky.

Raul was still asleep in his small bed of hay, his hat and boots were on a stack of hay. Winter didn't want to disturb the poor boy but she needed answers.

"Raul," she shook his shoulder gently and his eyes opened. "It's time to wake up."

He rolled out of his his makeshift bed, eyes drooping and drools still present on him face. "Princess, can't I have five more minutes?"

"No," she said grabbing his hat and boots. He silently put them on and the both of them made their way to the kitchens. The cooks were still asleep but there was some left over bread and cheese in the cellar. Both of them ate quietly as the sun rose further. They made it out of the kitchens before the cooks arrived.

The festivities were going to be held for two more days before the first snowfall of winter. Autumn was coming to an end and Winter would start, bringing in the cold and snow.

The harvest was good. The crops were plentiful and the kingdom prospered. There would be plenty of food for the winter.

Raul kicked away the stray rocks in his path. Winter clutched the basket in her hands and absentmindedly looked up at the sky.

"Don't you have royal duties, Winter?" Raul asked.

"No. I don't even know what they are. Every time I  asked father, he'd brush me off and everytime my sister would lock me up. I'm aware of etiquette and I did receive an education, it's just that I didn't have a chance to put that to use."

"Why not stand up to them?" He asked, "The people want you to be Queen, not Morgan."

"But Morgan is strong, she knows how to use a blade and her followers are always around her," she sighed heavily, "Even if I was to face my sister, I would lose."

"I think you're more nicer than her."

"Kindness isn't enough alone, Raul and for a boy as young as you," she ruffled his hair, "You shouldn't be asking me such questions."

Winter had bought the essentials, some bread and some fruits for the tower. Raul was running around, pointing to things talking to the vendors. His excitement showed as he pointed at a necklace in a random jewelry stall.

"I don't wear jewelry that often," she remarked. "It is a nice piece, though."

The red choker was simple with a tiny black pendent attached to it. The black rose was carved from wood and embellished with silver along its petals.

"Do you like the piece?" A young girl asked as she walked up to Winter and Raul, she was almost Winters age,  "You can have it for a reasonable price."

"No, I'm sorry but we're on a tight schedule."

"At least try it on!" Raul begged.

"Listen to the boy, milady." She unclasped the chocker and handed it to her.  "A pretty choker for a lovely girl, I'd say."

"Thank you," Winter said hesitantly as she took the chocker in her hand. She pushed aside her hair and did the clasp, letting the black rose pendent sit on her throat.

"There you go!" She laughed, "It's perfect on you!"

"But-"

"I'll pay for it!" Raul exclaimed, he reached into his boot and pulled out a few coins. "Is this enough?" He asked.

"That will do, my boy." The girl said as she collected them.

"I've seen these around  before," Winter remarked.

"It's a popular item amongst the supporters."

"Supporters?"

"You haven't heard, eh?" Raul and Winter shook their heads, "Where have you been? On the moon? Anywho, there's been rumor flying around that Princess Winter might challenge Princess Morgan for title of crown princess. Sent the whole kingdom a buzz," the girl said in a whisper.

"What do the red chokers symbolize?" Winter touched the black pendent that sat against her neck.

"The legacy of Queen Snow! You know? Hair black as night, lips red as blood, skin white a moonlight and the power of light." Winter was glad she wore a hat to shade her face and her hair up. "The word is that Princess Winter is a spitting image of her."

"So?" Raul asked.

"So?! You two must be recluses! The night she died she passed on something to Princess Winter. Nobody knows what but that makes her to Crown Princess, not Morgan. Now the kingdom wears the colors of Princess Winter," the girl pulled out a red choker from her own pocket, "I would rather see Princess Winter on the throne than her sister."

"Why?" Winter asked, trying to keep her voice even.

"Because Morgan isn't going to become Queen and everyone's too scared to say it."