Winter's True Mate

Background

Astrid

When Aeric and I got home, we were informed that a stranger had shown up while we were gone. Aeric went into his office and closed the door rather harshly. This news intensely bothered him. It bothers me, too. I try not to show it, though. Herrick came and asked if he could help me with my bags. I handed him half of the bags and told him to put them in the living room as I went and put the other bags into my room. I changed into some lounge clothes while in my room and returned downstairs. As I descended the last few stairs, Herrick walked out of the living room.

"Herrick darling, would you like to help me decorate this place and make it more homey?"

"I don't see why not. I don't have anything else going on. Where do we start?" he says with a hint of joy in his voice.

"Well, we can start here at the entryway. I'll give this place some character. It's so trite."

"You are right about that. But then again, this place hasn't been lived in for lord knows how long. Let's get to sprucing this place up!" Herrick says, basically cheering.

I smiled at him, and we got to work decorating the entryway. After finishing that, we start on the dining room and then move on to the living room. Herrick and I spent several hours decorating and talking about various things.

"Herrick, you have been here in the past, right?" I asked.

"A few times, your Highness. Why do you ask?"

"Well, earlier, as Aeric and I were leaving, we followed a side path, and it led us to like a little "town" here on the property. What do you know about that?"

"Ah, that is where everyone who works for the family lives."

"But why? Are they not allowed to leave the estate or something?" I said inquisitively.

"It's not that they can't leave the estate. It's more of a way of life for them. When the royal family originally founded this estate, that little town was already here. The people that live there now are the descendants of the pioneers who started the town. The pioneers agreed to let the royal family build their estate here and serve the royals as long as the family protected them." Herrick explained.

"That is truly cool. I had no clue that this estate had a history like that. I bet there is A LOT more history regarding this place. A little boy in the town invited Aeric and me to go for a horseback ride and explore the estate. We told him we would go tomorrow." I said as we were putting the finishing touches of the decorations in the living room.

"That sounds fun, your Highness. There are just over 1,000 acres of land that make up this estate. There is plenty to explore."

"Well, we are currently out of the decorations that I bought today. I think we did a pretty fantastic job, don't you?" I said with a smile on my face and excitement in my voice.

"We most certainly did! It is starting to feel more like home. That being said, it is almost time for dinner. What shall I have the kitchen staff make?"

"I know Aeric has a lot on his mind right now. I think we should make traditional garlic butter and herb steak and potatoes. I feel like that would help ease his mind at least a little bit."

"I think that is a wonderful idea, your grace. I will inform the staff." Herrick says as he bows and leaves the room.

Kendra

I always enjoy hanging out with Winter. I mean, she is my best friend in the world. She was orphaned at a very young age and has passed from home to home. I knew right away the first time we met that I liked her. Ever since we have been friends. But here lately, I feel like something is totally off with her. She has closed herself off and only talks to me about wanting to train. I wonder what happened? What happened to her the day she ran into the woods? I saw Daniel go after her. Wait! What if....? No. That can't be. I have to get to the bottom of this. I decided to call Winter.

"Hello?" Winter said on the other end of the phone.

"Hey there girl! Ready to go shopping??"

"Now?" she asks.

"Why not now?"

"We each just got home. Why didn't we just go when we were done at the park?"

"Yeah, I know we did. I talked to my parents and asked them if you could spend the night tonight. Is there anything you HAVE to get done before you can?"

"Just dishes and to pick up my area. That won't take too long. Give me like 20 minutes?" she replied with a hint of joy in her voice.

"Ok! See you then!!"

Good! Now I have her on board. Now to go talk to my parents. They are not her biggest fans, but they also know that she is my best friend no matter what anyone says. And even though they aren't her biggest fans, they do still sort of care about her. I walk out of my room and down the stairs to the living room. My dad is sitting in his chair reading his favorite book series, Harry Potter.

"Hey dad!" I say as I enter the room.

"Hey sweetie! How was your day?" he says, putting his book down to look at me.

"It was ok for the most part. Winter had a pretty rough day today."

"What happened with her? Is she alright?" he said in worriment. You see, my dad is a counselor and therapist.

"Yeah! She is physically fine. But she is in a pretty bad head-space right now. She is actually why I wanted to talk to you."

"What is it sweetheart?"

"Well, I just got off the phone with Winter and I invited her to stay the night tonight. I know something is going on with her and she needs someone to be there for her." I say with a hint of desperation in my voice.

"As long as you get your chores done, I don't care. She can spend the weekend if you would like."

"Thanks daddy! You are the best. Hey, one more thing. And it is kind of a big request." I say with a bit of hesitation in my tone of voice.

"What is it?"

"Well, as you know, she is an orphan and really is barely surviving. She barely has no clothes or shoes. Can we please please help her dad?"

"I hate to say it, but you are right. No one is really helping her. Yes, sweetie, I think we can help her." he says as he sighs.

"Here is my credit card." he say while pulling out his wallet.

"I suppose you want to go shopping. Just don't spend an outrageous amount. Ok?"

"Ok dad! I love you! I will see you when we get home." I say with pure enthusiasm.

"Love you too, baby. Be safe! Text me so I know you are ok!" he hollers after me.

Now I can go pick Winter up and we can head to the mall. Time to change how she looks and her wardrobe. An outrageous amount to my dad is like $50,000. My mom spends $10-20,000 when she goes shopping. I truly hope this all goes well.