Edwin and Fána returned through the library window and entered the hidden room. Fána finally got a chance to take it all in. The bookshelves were completely packed from top to bottom with tomes. All on different subjects, some so old and worn that they fell apart as she touched them.

“What exactly do you study Edwin?” Fána asked, her eyes full of curiosity.

“Mainly plants, I really like medicines and making poultices for ailments. I have always enjoyed learning about them.” He said a shy smile on his face.

On his desk there was a book on mushroom types open. Fána took a look at the pictures of the various types and noticed they were all poisonous. Edwin scratched his head and got nervous, “I-uh also study poisons.” He said trying to clean up the mess of notes.

Trying to change the subject, Edwin looked at Fána and asked, “What do you like to study?”

“I wouldn’t exactly call it studying, but I do have a natural talent for magic.” She replied.

Edwin’s eyes went wide, “You must know that magic is forbidden!” He didn’t seem mad or upset, mostly worried. “Templar’s hunt down mages who practice magic outside of their order. I also know they do not tolerate elves and tend to be more lenient to human mages. That being said, you have to show me what you can do!” Edwin couldn’t contain his excitement.

Without a response Fána held out her right hand, she then laid her left hand on top of her right. She closed her eyes and focused on the bitter cold of winter. How it felt on her nose, her ears and the sensation it brought to each part of her body. Within moments her hands had a tiny ice storm inside of them. She created a sphere and the blizzard whizzed around her palms and fingers.

Her concentration was intense, she kept her magic from leaving her hands and she continued growing the intensity of the storm. The magic wandered up her arms and to her neck. It gave her a frozen and mythical aura. Edwin reached out to touch the storm and Fána protected him from the ice.

“How are you doing this?” Edwin asked. “Such power would take years to develop and the amount of concentration and mana must be astronomical.”

Fána took her time calming the storm down so she could speak to him again. Once the storm faded she opened her eyes and said, “I have been training my whole life. My people are very powerful mages, we don’t feel cold and can withstand any frozen terrain. My kin usually start learning magic as soon as they develop their powers and for me that was when I was born.”

Edwin was speechless, so Fána continued talking.

“You see, when I was born I was already able to control the clouds. It is actually how I got my name. My mother saw me moving them with my eyes and laughing at them. It’s not often a newborn has such adept magic ability.” Fána sighed, she definitely exerted herself showing off to Edwin. She held her head feeling like she may faint.

Edwin came to her side, “Maybe we should get you something to eat, the cooks should be getting things ready right about now.” He then laid a hand on Fána’s soft and ice cold shoulder. “We should keep your abilities a secret. I think you should not speak, I hate to ask it, but I want you to stay safe. It would be understandable if you knew no English. If you speak to them use only elvish. Then, when we are together you can talk as much as you like, I promise. I hate to use such strict rules but I know that this way you will stay by my side.” He then laid his hand on hers promising to take care of her.

Fána nodded in agreement, she knew that was the best thing for both of them. “We will talk more about your powers later, we should go get some food so you can recover some energy.” Edwin walked with Fána back to his chambers.

“I almost forgot to mention, in your room there are clothes for you hanging up. I will wait for you in my room, take your time, my lady.” Edwin said giving her a polite bow.

Fána smiled back with a bow as well. “I will return quickly, my lord.” She relished the reddening of his face.

She had missed the lavishly styled room last night out of sheer exhaustion, but now in the light of the morning she could see how gorgeous it was. The room was made up for a Princess, which made her wonder if this used to be Edwin’s sisters room. She found the vanity, it had many little perfume bottles and make up powders all lined up in a row. Looking in the mirror she was surprised at how healthy she was. Her skin shined bright and vibrant in the reflection.

Heading to the closet Fána gasped at all the clothing options. The outfits were endless and she had a hard time choosing just one. She also had no idea what morning wear looked like in a castle. Hoping for the best she chose a white long sleeved dress and an emerald overcoat. The overcoat was adjustable and easy to fit her. She spent a few minutes tying and untying the various areas until it felt snug. The only one she couldn’t reach was on her back.

Before leaving the room, Fána stopped at the vanity and tried one of the powders. It felt nice and soft on her cheek and gave her a rosy look. She tried a balm on her lips, they looked so pink and smooth. It gave her complexion some depth. She then ran a comb through her long silver hair and dashed out the door and back to Edwin.

Edwin was surprised at how fast she reappeared. He hopped off his bed and approached her, she looked breathtaking. He also realized she was wearing makeup and it made his face turn a deep shade of red. “How do I look?” Fána asked spinning around. Edwin wasn’t sure exactly how to respond. He wanted to flatter her constantly but he knew that may scare her.

“You look lovely.” He finally said after a moment, considering his choice of words. Fána’s face lit at his kindness.

“I do need a bit of help,” The young elf said turning to show him the back of the dress. “could you lace me up?” She asked.

Edwin’s fingers trembled as he tried his best to tighten the laces on the back of her neck. Her skin was so soft and cool to the touch. He then worked his way to the laces on her backside. He fumbled with each knot and felt utterly helpless with such a gorgeous being in front of him. After struggling for a few moments he finally got it tied tightly for Fána.

Trying not too stare for too long Edwin asked, “Are you ready to head back downstairs?”

Fána put on a tough look and inhaled deeply. “I’m ready!“

Edwin laughed and took her hand as they exited the room together. She finally got a glimpse at the upstairs castle, Fána then noticed that Edwin had the entire floor to himself! As they approached the lower floor, the mood shifted and it became heavily guarded again. “This floor has my fathers bedchambers on it, along with my sisters. It’s very well guarded, mainly because of Simon.” Edwin said rolling his eyes. Fána stuck out her tongue as he said Simon and they both giggled.

Going down yet another floor, Edwin explained the majority of the guard barracks were located here. She was wondering how many floors were left. Thankfully, the main floor was right under it. Fána let out a sigh of relief, her stomach was very hungry.

Walking down the hallway hand in hand, they bumped into Simon. “Well don’t you two look cute.” He said with annoyance staring at Fána. He looked very hungover and unlike his usual put together self.

They brushed passed him and into the master dining room. Simon scoffed and followed behind. The whole room smelled amazing as they went to take a seat at the enormous dining table. Already porridges, fresh fruits, eggs, bread, baked sweets and plenty of meats lined the table. Fána was trying not too drool on the carpet.

Edwin went to reach for some porridge for the two, and before he could grab it, Simon snatched it out of his hand. “Let me serve you.” He said with a smile.

Edwin was pissed at this, but didn’t want to cause a scene. Simon slowly scooped out a generous portion of the porridge and approached Fána with it. He leans over her, pressing himself tightly against Fána as he lets it slowly slide out of the ladle. Her eyes go wide, and she tries her best to move closer against the table, it does nothing to make him stop. Edwin is seething at this point and trying his best to contain an outburst.

After an excruciating amount of time watching him rub up against Fána, Simon drops the dish on the table in front of Edwin. “I’m sure you can get your own.” Simon runs his hand through his hair, winking at Fána.

Edwin, trying his best not to use Simon as a punching bag, scoops out his own porridge. He then retrieves the fruits and portions out some berries for both himself and Fána. She nods at Edwin thanking him silently. As they continue grabbing foods, the King enters the room with Victoria. Simon smiles watching his wife enter the room and his face takes on a softer look.

Edwin and Fána both stand as the King and Princess approach the table and are seated. The two then sit back down, and immediately start eating. Fána had never had porridge before, but it was warm and smelled good. Edwin poured some honey on top and added some of the berries. He told her it made the porridge a bit sweeter. She took a spoonful and tasted it and was surprised at how light and delicious it was. She couldn’t hold back and began eating quickly.

Fána was so invested in her meal she wasn’t expecting Simon to sit down next to her. As she ate happily, something began to tickle her leg. She moved it a bit to shake it off but the tickle kept on. She finally took her hand to scratch her leg and realized it was Simon. His hand was on her knee, underneath her dress. She slowly turned to Simon, his face was the epitome of normal as he silently ate his meal.

His hand creeped further up her leg and was approaching her inner thigh. She was having a hard time pretending this was normal. She looked over at Edwin begging him to notice she was being felt up. He didn’t and all she could do was hope that Simon lost his nerve before she did.

Fána, not giving up yet, decided to pick up his hand and toss it off of her. He took this opportunity to grab her wrist and move it to his inner thigh. Fána’s face turned crimson as he moved her hand on top of his pants. Edwin, finally realizing something was amiss, walked up behind Simon and dumped the remnants of his porridge on Simon’s head.

“Enjoying yourself?” Edwin asked a giant smirk on his face. Simon pushed Fána away, but he couldn’t cause a scene without explaining the porridge on his head.

“You little shit.” Simon said, his hair and face had porridge and berries dripping from it. He then took the bowl off his head and threw it at Edwin. Simon left quickly, his cheeks red with anger.

Edwin laughed and taunted him as he left, “Hey Simon you got something on your face!” He said it loud enough so his father and sister could hear.

Fána thanked Edwin softly and quickly finished the rest of her meal.

“Is everything okay over here?” Edwin and Fána were startled at the words of the Princess behind them.

“Oh, yes, I-uh accidentally got some porridge on Simon.” Edwin said with a shy laugh.

“Edwin, you know better than to play tricks on Simon. You are a Prince! You should start acting like one.” She scolded him and grabbed his ear.

He fell easily to her lecture and hung his head looking very guilty. “You are right, I will go apologize to him.” Edwin left running after Simon.

Fána felt very uncomfortable under the upset Princesses gaze. “Your name is Snow right?” Victoria asked putting her hands on the young elf’s chair. Fána stayed silent, she was pretending not to understand.

The Princess bent down and whispered in her ear, “Simon has told me all about you. Apparently he is smitten. My husband gets what he wants and you will be his. If you want to stay in this castle you will sneak out of your room tonight and meet us in our chambers.” The hair on Fána’s neck stood on end as Victoria said these words.

The Princess then put her hand on top of Fána’s head and ran her fingers through her long silver hair. “Such a beautiful snow elf. I look forward to our meeting tonight.” Victoria then kissed the top of Fána’s head and walked away.

Fána was trying her best not to run as fast as she could away from this castle. The King was still at the table and she didn’t want to upset him. Edwin finally returned to the table after a few minutes with a sour look on his face.

“Well that backfired splendidly.” He said with a dejected look. Fána wanted to talk to Edwin and tried to whisper to him. The Prince put his finger on his lips to quiet her. She badly needed to explain what just happened with Victoria.

Suddenly the King got up and approached the two, “Are you ready Edwin? I told you today we would be hunting.” The King playfully rocked the Princes chair trying to get him to move.

“Of course father, can I bring my lady?” Edwin said looking at Fána.

The King let out a hearty laugh. “The hunting grounds are no place for a woman. You should have her help out at the stables or clean your chambers.”

Edwin let out a sigh, he knew it was no use arguing. “I will take my lady to the stables and meet you back here in a few minutes.” The young Prince bowed to his father and took Fána’s hand. He then led her out of the room.

“Edwin I need to talk to you!” Fána whispered with urgency. On the way to the stables she quickly and quietly explained the encounter with Victoria. Edwin wasn’t sure how to accept that his sister also knew about Simon’s perverted actions.

They arrived at the stables, “When I get back we will come up with a plan. I will make sure that nothing happens to you.” Edwin took her hands in his and he kissed the top of them. “I will be back by dusk, my lady.” The young Prince bowed.

“I will be waiting, my lord.” She bowed and replied, a blush spreading across her face.

Fána watched as Edwin walked away, every bone in her body wanted to follow him. She knew he would be back before long, she just hoped in that time she would be safe from Simon and Victoria.