The border of our hearts

Awaited

In Snezhnaya “Ruvlov” was a word reserved for only one person in the nation. it was a title, a name, a symbol for Sneznayans, the lady or the lord protected the nation, as per 500 year old contract between a mortal and a great cryo sovereign. in the time of need the power bestowed upon that brave soul transcended the death itself - every first born of the lineage descended straight from the first one is able to use the primal cryo power. with time a word meant to just describe this source of power and circle of rebirth, “Ruvlov” became something…more.

She looked just like him, she knew, everyone around her knew. Like as if he was skinned and his flesh sewed onto her face. Her Father, Rodion Ruvlov laid in a pool of his own blood just a room away. The power was transitioned, she felt that. The pain was excruciating to the point she lost consciousness, but after she awoke it was like the never lasting winter made home in her heart. No pain, no emotions, no…interferences for The Great Plan. The only thing left now was to proclaim oneself, to walk into the Zapolyarny Palace and show everyone how capable she truly was, was that what she wanted? Was the reason she trained every day, till her hands were bloody from sword fighting, her legs numb and broken from dancing, her brain damaged for the purpose of bringing pain to people opposing her nation. her nation, home, responsibility to it, that flows in her blood, the duty that she had to carry on alone till the day she dies from her child's hands, just like her father did. her father - awful man, cold, stern and unloving, to her or her brother, finally dead just like every other ancestor. And the worst thing was - she was starting to understand why he was like that, will she become the same?

The girl looked at herself in the mirror, horror af a view, truly. Dead eyes, blood on everything that can be seen and no expression or remorse for her doing. That what the cryo power truly is, it protects one’ emotions, heart, the human vulnerability that Ruvlovs can not have, but for them it's not a suppression of emotions - its eradication, locking in the dark corner of consciousness.

“ siostro*?” Andrei’s voice came through a heavy oak door, she didn't respond at first, she didn't know how. how was she supposed to talk with her brother after she wasn't the same person anymore?

the door opened revealing a young boy, almost same age as her, one could say they were almost twins, and yet that would be a mistake.

only the oldest child could become a Ruvlov, hold the legacy of the cryo dragon, and so Andrei being younger six months did not inherit the traditional Ruvlov looks. he had his mothers eyes - yellow like gold from shneznayan’s mines. he was supposed to be the one, the legitimate child from aristocratic lineage not her. and yet here we are.

“Andrei. Why did you enter?” it sounded more harsh than she intended, but that was not something she could help with. Her brother stood in the doorway looking at her, he wasn't sure what changed in her but it was apparent that something did, the room felt colder and the storm behind the closed window seemed to still.

“ So you did it?” he started “ You killed him, so now…” his eyes turned from her to the closed door of the side room, a strong smell of blood started to linger, as if someone was just done butchering a pig.

“ I need to go to the palace, take care of our father while I'm absent.” it wasn't a request.

The girl walked to her room, the room that she will not miss. Small den wasn't meant to be occupied by anyone, at night it was difficult to sleep, feeling Sneznaya’s harsh winters. Undressing her soaked clothing, her body didn't shiver like it used to ,and yet it was icy cold to the touch. She opened her closet and looked at one dress different from others she owned - it was a beautiful piece of art, white like the first snow, a present from Pierro for “ when she will be ready”. It wasn't long, the perfect length to comfortably run or jump, no sleeves, top was cut in shape of a hearth. In that she left Ruvlov’s mansion. she should have been freezing, bare shoulders and knees and yet her skin didn't even bloom. People looked at her, understanding, knowing what that march meant - she was the one, the one they awaited. Some kneeled, some started to pray, others turned thay gaze not to look at something so pious,but she just kept walking. Ascending towards the palace of ice, guards opened the gates for her arrival, light steps made little sound in those dead facades. Finally she stood, in front of her archon, the archon she was supposed to serve. To cherish and protect.

“ Like my father now there is me, Ruvlov graces my name and ice flows within my body. I swear to you and to Snezhnaya to serve, like my ancestors before my birth. I give my life and soul to you, My Lady.

“The promise of 500 years befalls us again…” Tsarica looked at the young child, it was the first time she stood there as not just a girl, but a warrior, a weapon she was bred to be. something in the Archon’s heart saddened, so young and knows the hardships of this world already. like with each of them she hopped this one will be last.

“... and no matter what comes to be, Cryo sovereign will come to your aid, that i declare.”

Ruvlov’s Icy gaze fell on a man standing close by, from now on they were destined to work together, to make sure The Great Plan will succeed, mabe out of all her predecessors she will be the successful one .