Gennet's P.O.V

    The ride to Trador is awfully long. Sitting beside the king and queen is awkward, but sitting in front of my daughter who now detests me is . . . heart numbing. Her eyes seem to have gotten darker . . . colder. I can see some clouds floating in front of her bright sun.

She looks at me, just for a brief moment, and it feels like I am being told how monstrous I am for letting her go. When she looks away, it feels like I'm losing her all over again. My Auphine. My little snowflake.

I begin to hear the sound of the trumpets playing and I now know that we have arrived in the Trador kingdom. I look outside of the carriage and see the tall standing home of the Verath family. The cylinder shaped roof stretches as if it's reaching for the heavens. Its gray color matches with the soft cream color of the castle.

The castle lays on a cliff side and looks like it emerged from the ground. It's perfectly one with the hill. I take the time to gaze around and enjoy the picturesque scenery.

The sky is painted with colors of blue and pastel pink, the soothing sound of the crashing waves is echoing in my ears. This place . . . it feels so warm welcoming. I pray Auphine will love it here.

The carriage stops and the driver comes around to help the queen out first. The king then steps out with the help of the driver. It looks like Queen Mara rules and uses the king as a puppet. He looks like a lazy slob.

I look at my child and show a warm smile. My hand stenches towards her, hoping that she'll take it. She turns her head and helps herself out of the carriage. I let out a soft sigh and step outside. The breeze immediately runs through my hair and tickles my skin. I look over the white stone bridge and watch as ships sail to dock.

"Home sweet home," the queen smiles.

"Not my home," Auphine says under her breath while crossing her arms.

This is a good change for her. I hope that once she meets her future husband, she'll grow a bond and rule happily with him.

"Come Auphine," Mara says while placing her hand on her shoulder. They begin to walk and the king and I follow behind.

The doors to the castle open and we walk inside. The atmosphere is cold and I'm amazed by the rich beauty of the interior design. I have only been to this kingdom once, but never have I entered this home.

I look down at the glass tiles and I can see my reflection in them. I lift my head to see that the walls are filled with damask designs. I've been to one other kingdom in my lifetime and learned about royal designs, but this kingdom is filled with bright gold ones, pecan ones, it all seems so . . . new and warm.

"King Hence, follow me. Let us fetch our son," she nods at her husband and he rolls his eyes. He walks up the tan stairs.

"Shall we wait here?" My brow raises.

"Yes. I'm sure your little one will be pleased. Pardon me." Queen Mara follows her husband up the steps.

I look over at Auphine and it looks like her eyes are dancing around in her head. She's scanning each part of the castle. From the walls to the floor.

"I don't suppose you forgive me yet," I begin rub my hands together nervously.

She turns her back to me and I press my lips together in sadness.

"Auphine . . . this is going to be good for you," I approach her slowly.

"What do you know?!" She turns to me and throws her hands up angrily.

"Not much, but I do know that if you stayed in our home, you'd change one day."

"You don't know anything," her voice sounds disappointed and bitter. "I love home, I love . . . you mom! I want to stay there and grow there. I don't belong here." Her eyes looks around as if they're lost. "You know it . . . I know it. Whoever the prince is, I won't love him. We're too different."

"Your father and I are very different, but for a moment, I felt like I was safe in his arms." I look down and my throat becomes tight. "I really thought I could love him. The point is, don't be so quick to judge something or someone."

"Give yourself that advice! You're so quick to judge me. I won't change mom. I've been nothing but patient and good. Why are you doing this to me?!"

"I . . . because I love you," I touch her shoulder and she immediately brushes it off and turns away from me.

I can't tell her about the prophecy. If I do, I might just make it come true. I want to tell her the truth, but I can never do that. I made sure to stress to the queen that Auphine must never know who she's supposed to be.

"Hush little snow flake look in my eyes," I begin to sing softly. Auphine gasps and turns to me. "Hush little snow flake, please don't cry," I touch her cheek. "I wish you the best, I'll never forget, all the moments we've spent together, my friend."

My hand begins to tremble and they fall to my side. My daughter closes her eyes and presses her lips together. When her eyes open again, the color seems softer, more dim. Tears begin to fill her eyes and I can feel my eyes burning. She hugs me tightly and I sigh with relief. I hug her back and rub her upper back gently.

"You're a fool, I'm your daughter, not your friend." We part and she wipes her tears.

"Of course we're friends. We're family, friends, allies. I'm sorry I never told you about this. Please forgive me."

"I forgive you," she says clearly. "I still don't want to be here though. I can't leave with you . . . can I?"

"You can't. I'm sorry my little snowflake."

"Stop. It's okay. I'll make my escape plan."

"Auphine," I look at her with worry.

"I'm kidding. Sorry."

"Auphine, meet your prince," Queen Mara says loud and bold.

I look up and see two young men walking slowly down the tan steps. When I look over at Auphine, she looks completely frozen. I cannot tell what she is thinking, but I hope it is good thoughts.

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