Prologue

PROLOGUE

We are all the villain in someone's story, the hero in others. It all depends on who is telling the story. This… this is my story. I’ll let you decide if I’m the hero or the villain.

“ Daddy !”

The dark-haired man turns, his smile hidden under his beard as he laughs. “ My Little Snowflake .”

He catches me as I jump into his arms, giggling. My mother chuckles beside him as she tries to reprimand me. “ Eira , you must act like a proper princess.”

My father holds me close and says, “ Nonsense . She has only a few more years before she comes of age. Let her act like a child a little while longer.” He presses a kiss to the top of my head. “ You are growing so fast, daughter. I must enjoy it while I can.”

“ I suppose you have a point, husband. Thirteen will come quickly, and childhood will soon be forgotten.” My mother pinches my cheeks before pecking my father on his. “ I will handle today’s duties. Enjoy your time with our daughter before you must leave.”

My eyes widen at that news. “ You have to leave?”

He sighs and replies, “ I must visit Cybele . We need to solidify our treaty with the country.”

“ Why can’t someone else go?” I whine.

He chuckles. “ I am the king, my Little Snowflake . The kingdom will be yours one day. I have to ensure it is at its best for you.”

“ I’ll be queen!” I squeal happily.

He boops me on the nose. “ Yes , you will.” He lowers me to the ground before kneeling himself. Now at eye level, he continues, “ It is necessary that you remember to protect the people. They will be your responsibility one day.”

My head tilts in question. “ How do I do that?”

He smiles. “ You are a snowflake in this world. Pure and delicate. One of a kind. But you must also remember that even if you are delicate, that does not make you weak. Kindness and love are not weaknesses.”

I nod, my curls bouncing as I do. “ I need to be kind.”

“ I have no doubt you will be.” He sighs before wrapping me in his arms. “ You won’t understand this now, but one day you will. As a ruler, you will have to make hard decisions. Do things that are distasteful. You will need to do what’s best for everyone, not just one person. You must always do what is right.”

My small hands pat his back. “ It’s okay, Daddy . You and Mommy will be here to help me.”

His hold on me tightens. “ Of course we will.”

“ I’m not scared, Daddy .”

He pulls away with a smile. “ My fearless snowflake.”

Little did I know that would be the last time I saw my father. The last day I would hear him calling me his Little Snowflake.