Secret of the Snow Queen (Fire and Ice Book #1) *GOING THROUGH EDITS*

Prologue

                                                                           Kelvin

As we arrived at the imposing Grand Palace of Juvelia, its majestic towers soared high into the sky, casting long shadows over the courtyard below. My mother's elegant gown flowed around her like a river of silk, a stark contrast to the stern expression etched upon her face as my father's disapproving gaze fell upon me.

"Did you have to dress him like that Vanessa? That's such an inappropriate color for a boy."

"Camilla is being betrothed to Lord Petrov's son, I wanted her in her lavender dress and I thought it would be nice for the twins to match." His voice, sharp as a dagger, sliced through the tense air, criticizing my mother's choice of attire for me. Their heated exchange became the backdrop of my attention as I took my sister's hand and led her to the entrance to the palace. Camilla, my ever-present twin sister, moved with a grace that belied her years. Together, we ventured forth into the heart of the palace, leaving behind the echoes of our parents' discord.

As the commotion of my parents' argument faded into the background, a familiar figure approached through the labyrinthine corridors of the palace. It was Aurora, clad in the humble garb of a servant, her face alight with a warm smile that seemed to banish the lingering tension in the air.

With a playful skip in her step, she enveloped me in a tight embrace, her arms wrapping around me like a comforting embrace. The scent of freshly baked cookies lingered in the air around her, mingling with the faint aroma of flour that clung to her clothing.

"Kelvin!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine delight. "I've been making cookies all day with the maids. You simply must try them!" The eager five year old couldn't contain her excitement as she jittered in front of Camilla and I. I couldn't help but laugh at her enthusiasm, a warmth spreading through me at the sight of her infectious smile.

"Of course, Aurora," I replied. "Lead the way." Aurora took my hand and began leading the way while regaling Camilla and I with her adventures in the Kitchen good and bad. I would have to talk to mother later about the servants mistreating her...

Finally, we arrived at our destination—the opulent ballroom, adorned with shimmering chandeliers and gilded decorations fit for a king. And indeed, tonight the ballroom was to play host to a grand birthday celebration in honor of Nicolas II, the esteemed king of Juvelia and Aurora's own father.

As the festivities began in earnest, with nobles and dignitaries mingling amidst the splendor of the ballroom, I couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness for Aurora. Despite the lavish surroundings and the facade of celebration, I knew that beneath the surface lay a painful truth—a truth that had shaped Aurora's life in ways that few could understand.

For Aurora had been dealt a cruel hand by fate, her childhood marred by tragedy and loss. Her mother, accused of treason against the crown, had been executed before her very eyes, leaving Aurora orphaned and alone in a world that had turned its back on her. And though she bore the title of princess by birth, the stain of her mother's alleged crimes couldn't be washed away so easily. Her father branded her as a bastard in the eyes of society—a mark that no amount of wealth or privilege could erase.

But despite the hardships she had endured, Aurora refused to be defined by the circumstances of her birth. With a quiet dignity that belied her years, she had carved out a place for herself within the palace walls, earning the respect and admiration of all who knew her. She was pretty remarkable for a five-year-old, especially in my eyes. Aurora was not just a princess, but a survivor, a beacon of hope in a world filled with darkness.

She was one of my best friends despite our age difference. Mother would have her come over all the time; every time she graced our house with her presence, I was assigned the task of babysitter. It was all worth it though if it brought happiness to Aurora's life.