Winter had always been a harsh bitter season. The kind of season one would appreciate from afar. It chilled to the bones, but in the quiet of the night, there was a certain beauty to it that warmed my heart. That reminded me of sister Astra.
Malachai was right. Staying indoors was better than doing the tasks, but as a queen, you had to attend to the needs of the people no matter the time or if you even wanted to see them.
My boots crunched on the snow as they waded through the harsh ground to get to the inner courtyard in the palace. When I finally arrived at my destination, Daenys and Iris stood up, bowing their heads, "Your grace."
I nodded, lowering myself unto the seat. It was cold and soggy, and the entire reason coming outside felt like a chore. I could be drinking hot cocoa with Malachai not attending to the people who wanted to have my husband's child because they thought me barren.
"The weather is rather lovely, isn't it?" Daenys began, voice light but tentative.
