# Chapter 6:
The Royal Summons
The Academy’s long winter break arrived like a sigh of relief for most students. Snow blanketed the grounds, turning the spires into silvered sentinels against a steel-gray sky. Most first-years packed their trunks and departed for family estates or city homes. Rin had planned to remain in the Diamond dormitory, continuing her quiet routine of training, reading, and the occasional guild contract in the city below.
Then the letter arrived.
Sealed with the Frost crest in deep indigo wax, it had been carried by a griffin-rider who waited only long enough to receive her acknowledgment before taking wing again. The message was brief, written in Felix’s precise hand:
*Rin,
Return to the estate for the winter break. The family will be present, and there are matters we must discuss.
Your father,
Felix Frost*
No explanation. No request for her opinion. Simply an expectation.
Rin stared at the parchment for a long moment, then folded it neatly and tucked it into her satchel. She had no desire to return. The estate was not home; it was a place of observation, a curiosity she had yet to fully satisfy. But Felix’s summons carried the weight of authority she could not easily ignore—not yet.
She packed her single chest and left the next morning, arriving at the Frost estate under a sky heavy with coming snow.
The household had already settled into its winter rhythm. Fires burned low in every hearth, servants moved with quiet efficiency, and the great hall smelled of cinnamon and mulled wine. The family gathered for breakfast in the smaller solar overlooking the frost-covered gardens.
Felix sat at the head of the long oak table, flanked by Alfons on his right and Albert on his left. Lilian sat beside Lily, her hand occasionally brushing her daughter’s arm in small, protective gestures. Rin took the seat farthest from them all, the one no one had claimed.
The meal was simple: warm bread, smoked fish, soft cheese, and stewed apples. Conversation was sparse at first. Alfons ate methodically, eyes on his plate. Albert toyed with a piece of bread, glancing occasionally toward Rin. Lily kept her gaze lowered, cheeks faintly pink as though anticipating something.
Felix waited until the servants had cleared the first course before speaking.
“There is an invitation from the royal family,” he said, voice calm but carrying the weight of importance. “Prince Kieran’s birthday celebration. All nobles of sufficient standing have been summoned to the palace in Eldoria City. We are expected to attend.”
Alfons raised a brow. “We all come?”
“Yes,” Felix confirmed. “The entire family.”
Albert leaned back in his chair, eyes narrowing in thought. “Birthday… ah! Is it Kieran? Cade’s cousin?”
Felix exhaled through his nose. “It is Prince Kieran and Prince Cade. Do not forget that, Albert. No matter how friendly they may appear, address them properly. Titles matter in the palace.”
“So it’s Prince Kieran,” Albert murmured, almost to himself.
Lily’s fork paused midway to her mouth. Her cheeks flushed a deeper rose at the mention of Prince Cade. The second prince was widely regarded as the sun of the royal court—warm, charming, golden-haired, and effortlessly kind. Every young noble lady in the capital had whispered about him at one time or another. Lily was no exception. She lowered her eyes quickly, but the blush lingered.
Rin continued eating without reaction. She had no interest in princes, royal or otherwise. She planned to attend, remain as unobtrusive as possible, and leave at the earliest opportunity.
Lilian’s voice broke the brief silence, soft but edged with concern. “Will she do fine?”
All eyes turned to Rin.
“She has not been taught proper etiquette for such an occasion,” Lilian continued. “The royal court is unforgiving. One misstep could be… costly.”
Felix nodded slowly. “She does well enough in ordinary settings. But royal protocol is another matter. Additional lessons will be necessary.”
Albert, who had been watching Rin quietly, spoke up. “I’ve never seen her make a serious mistake in etiquette. She’s careful. Observant. But yes… the palace is different. They’ll be watching her.”
Lilian turned to Felix. “Let Lily take the lessons as well. She can be Rin’s role model. They can help each other.”
Felix considered this, then inclined his head. “A sound idea.” He looked at the two girls. “Help each other.”
Lily nodded immediately, her expression obedient and composed. “Of course, Father.”
Rin said nothing. She continued to listen as though the conversation were about someone else entirely. Her silver-blue eyes remained fixed on her plate, expression unreadable.
Felix studied her for a moment longer. “The celebration is in ten days. Lessons begin tomorrow. Lady Mirabel will come from the capital to instruct you both.”
Lilian reached over and squeezed Lily’s hand. “You’ll do beautifully, darling. You always do.”
Lily smiled, small and grateful. “Thank you, Mother.”
Rin set her fork down quietly. She had no intention of shining. She intended to disappear into the background, to observe, to learn what she could of this world she had been born into but never raised in.
Albert caught her eye across the table. He gave her a small, almost conspiratorial shrug—as if to say, *Welcome to noble life.*
Rin looked away.
Outside, snow began to fall in earnest, blanketing the estate in silence. Inside, the Frost family sat in a tableau of duty, obligation, and unspoken tensions.
Ten days until the palace.
Ten days until the world would see Rin Frost—whether she wished it or not.