Norman eyed his daughter’s uncharacterized stillness out of the corner of his eye with a rare smile of amusement. In the privacy of his personal library with its comfortable plush ruby red couches in front of the hearth, the quiet tomes around them insulating the space against the slight summer breeze ebbing in from the tall peaked windows… It brought back fond memories of Ainsley.

Back when she was still alive… after dinner sitting in front of the fire with Eric, reading together well into the night once the children had been put to bed...

It had been one of her favorite spaces in Austice. One that Ainsley never got to share with their daughter…

“Did you say the Viscount’s family was going to join us?” Alina interrupted her father’s thoughts, her hazel eyes glued on the shadowed doorway.

Norman’s lighthearted mindset seeped back as he watched his daughter struggle to maintain her normally quiet gracefulness. Amongst nobility she seemed… demure. Quiet, but always gracious and performing her duties well.

Alone with her family, however… she had the most endearing quirks and infectious smile…

“Yes, I believe Lord Ashowan is merely seeing that the kitchen aides are fine for the evening before bringing his family up to join us.

“He seems very interested in the kitchen still… Surprising given that he really doesn’t have to bother with that anymore-”

The Princess’ words were cut short when the brattle of the latch interrupted her, making her spine straighten once more, her hands folded in her lap eagerly.

The first to step through the doorway was the Viscountess. Her silky long black and gray hair was swept back in an elegant hairstyle that showed off her emerald jewels glittering in her ears.

The moment her dark eyes rested on Alina, she gave a heart melting smile that made the younger woman blush self-consciously. The look in the older woman’s eyes made the Princess feel as though she knew every part of her soul, and the depth of knowledge and affection was something that made her feel taken aback.

After the Viscountess, followed her daughter, Lady Katarina Ashowan. She had a friendly smile on her face, but there was a glint of cleverness in her golden eyes that Alina already suspected meant she could be a mischief maker.

The future Viscount, Lord Tamlin Ashowan, stepped in next. The curtains of his shoulder length dark hair still blocking a clear view of his expression as he kept his head bowed.

Then, at long last, in swept the Viscount. His startling blue eyes shimmered in the candlelight of the room as he cast a handsome smile at the King before he and his entire family bowed and curtsied to the royals.

“Enough with the formalities Fin, it’s just us,” Norman chuckled, and Alina felt her spine tingle.

Her father hadn’t laughed so readily in years… nor had he spoken so casually to anyone other than Mr. Howard and Lord Fuks for just as long.

The Viscount smiled, allowing his shoulders to slump as he slowly removed his elegant black and gold coat to reveal a plain black tunic, immediately making him somehow look more approachable.

“Thank the Gods. Those coats are going to smother me to death, I swear.”

“You should try wearing the royal cloak sometimes. Wonderful for the winter, but in the summer I feel as though I need to change every hour due to the sweat,” the King sympathized with a smile while he too leaned back comfortably in his seat.

Both the Viscount and Viscountess were already moving around the couches to take a seat, leaving their children to dawdle behind them.

Lady Katarina nudged her brother and whispered, “It’s fine. It’s a library.”

Alina’s eyebrow twitched in curiosity. Watching carefully, she witnessed the young man slowly straighten his shoulders, though it was clear that it was not a natural thing to him. He then set to tying back half of his hair from his face, and Alina had to admit she was more than a little surprised by how handsome he was. Even with his eyes never quite fully lifting from the floor...

Norman observed the exchange and turned to Fin with a questioning eyebrow raised, but the redhead only gave his head a slight shake to discourage anything being asked aloud.

‘What is wrong with him?’ the Princess couldn’t help but wonder while thinking Tamlin Ashowan looked able bodied enough while moving to take a seat next to his sister. ‘Perhaps he is partly blind?’

“How have you been Princess? Despite watching my own children grow up, I must say it is quite alarming to see you as a young adult!” the Viscount turned to Alina, his smile warm and his eyes twinkling as though looking upon a favorite niece.

“I didn’t realize we frequented much time together when I was young, my Lord,” she replied with a graceful nod of her chin.

It was the Viscountess who let out a beautiful laugh then. “Goodness! Such poise and elegance. Ainsley would be proud…”

Alina turned her gaze nervously to her father, her heart falling with a splach into her stomach, drenching her with worry.

Sure enough the familiar look of pain crossed the King’s face, tearing her apart… everyone knew that they should never-

“Alina, love, did I ever tell you that it was actually the Viscount here who delivered you?” Norman turned to Fin, his saddened smile at the very least still warm.

The Princess turned her startled and somewhat mortified gaze to the redhead who looked appropriately bashful.

“I-I thought it was your mother, Katelyn Ashowan who had done that, Viscount Ashowan?”

“Err… well… she was doing many things surgically at the time for the Queen, but I was the one who pulled you free, and held you first. In fact we had an excellent chat shortly afterwards,” the Viscount recounted modestly with his ears turning red.

Alina couldn’t help but smile. “Well, I thank you for pulling me into the world and having what I hope to be a thrilling first chat.”

The Viscount shrugged with a small devious smile in the corner of his mouth. “You were the quiet type… a little lippy at the end of it, but I understand people can get agitated when hungry.”

Norman snorted, and began laughing a little more heartily.

Alina stared stunned for a moment at him, then felt herself blush in relief, only remembering to respond to the noble’s jest belatedly. “I promise you, I’ve improved greatly as a conversationalist, my Lord.”

“Oh Gods… please call me Fin. It’s weird to hear that title in present company,” the redhead shook his head making Alina smile again. He really was an affable man. It was clear why anyone would like him.

“So, Princess, are you excited to meet the young men here to ask you for your hand?” the Viscountess spoke up then.

Funny enough, for all of her beauty and formidable appearance, the Lady Ashowan had somehow managed to sink into the periphery of the group… something about her presence had withdrawn.

“It is… somewhat nerve wracking,” Alina replied with a strained smile.

“Mum, who asks that kind of question? She barely even knows you!” Lady Katarina burst out while looking at her mother incredulously.

The Viscountess gave a small wince with a smile first towards the Princess, then turned and gave her daughter a firm look with a small smile.

“I wasn’t going to ask anything more, besides… I just wanted to see how much interference I should run on her highness's behalf. Also, please call me Annika,” the Viscountess had placed a hand subconsciously over her daughter’s while giving a small bow towards Alina.

“I’m not sure I understand what you mean about running interference, Viscountes- I mean, Annika.”

“Well, if the idea of choosing a groom was truly abhorrent to you, I would’ve made you a very difficult young woman to find.” Annika shrugged innocently, earning a suspicious and accusatory side glance from the King.

“Oh, while… while that is… considerate, of you, Viscountess, I mean- Annika… I know it is my duty. Besides, it has been delayed for three years at my behest. My father has been most considerate of it and he-”

“Alina, truly. You do not need to talk to these people as you do most.” Norman shot his daughter a reassuring smile before turning back to the noble couple. “After Ainsley’s death we could’ve pushed ahead with the marriage season, but I was not ready as you know. Alina wanted to wait the following years as well, so we did. I’m not in any great hurry to send her off, so I was happy to let the matter rest for a time.”

Fin nodded in understanding. “I’m just fortunate that my daughter terrifies most suitors.”

“Oh please, it was you who began beheading a pig in front of the last man to come looking for me.” Katarina snorted before rolling her eyes.

Fin stroked his clean shaven face thoughtfully. “Herbert was indeed a squeamish fellow… Ah well. I’m just grateful it wasn’t anything I fed him that wound up being vomited and splattered all over the-”

“My dear, how about we allow the young adults to visit amongst themselves. Children, would you like to go perhaps see the rose maze, or the courtyard if your father doesn’t mind, Princess?” Annika interrupted, her voice only slightly louder than before, yet still commanding the room.

Norman smiled. “A grand idea. Off you three go, get to know each other. I’m sure you all will have horror stories to share about your parents. Enjoy. You’re in good company together.”

The three young adults glanced at one another uncertinaly- save for Tamlin whose gaze hadn’t left the floor, but he was frowning.

“I vote for the rose maze. The courtyard has a lot of nosy maids that see my hair and immediately ask about Da for some reason,” Katarina grumbled while standing and stretching in a most unladylike way before stepping towards the door.

Alina said nothing, only trailed after the tall redheaded woman while waiting for Tam to slowly move over to join them.

As the trio exited the room and strode quietly through the corridors, they at long last greeted the cool night at the east wing exit.

Immediately, Katarina threw her arms in the air and let out a loud moan mixed with a sigh. “Oh, thank the Gods. It was stifling in there. Sorry, Tam, I held on for as long as I could.”

“It’s fine.”

Alina looked startled up at the young Lord. It was the first time she had heard him speak, and she was surprised to hear how velvety and low his voice was.

Stepping down carefully into the dark, Alina worried briefly about missing a step as her eyes adjusted to the darkness, only to then find that Tam was offering her his arm.

“Oh, thank you, but shouldn’t you also help your sister,” Alina observed lightly while also accepting his sleeve and safely stepping down on the soft grass.

“She doesn’t need help. She can see just fine,” he replied before quickly releasing the royal’s hand.

“O-Oh…” hundreds of questions immediately burned Alina’s throat as she stared at the back of Katarina who was swinging her arms back and forth gaily as she walked towards the maze in the darkness.

“You’re wondering if it’s because I’m a witch, aren’t you?” Katarina whirled around, and Alina was immediately startled to see the golden eyes were somehow glowing in the dark.

It would’ve been an absolutely terrifying sight in the inky night if she hadn’t known who they belonged to…

“I’m sorry. I’m sure you don’t want any unwanted questions,” the Princess began despite desperately wanting the answer.

Katarina waved her hand dismissively as Alina joined her side with Tam trailing behind them.

“No, no, you’re the nice sort. That is one thing my parents are always great at knowing pretty quickly. They know good people when they meet them. We don’t mind you knowing a bit about us. I’m a deficient witch. My strength is aligned with fire. I’m incredibly weak, but have handy little skills. Seeing in the dark is one. Not needing much sleep- if any is another. Hmm… what am I forgetting Tam?”

“You’re the skinniest pig that’s ever walked the earth,” her brother replied without missing a beat.

“Ah, yes… I can… at times… be endlessly hungry. I’ve out-eaten my family members combined if I’ve been doing a lot of walking, or riding or… other activities. I burn through it all. Oh! I also am always warm. Doesn’t matter if the ground is covered in ice and snow, I will be a human coal pan. It’s one reason I dislike being in stuffy rooms. It does make it very difficult for me to get sick though! Which is nice… though when I do, it’s bloody murder...”

Alina drank in the information as though it were the water from the Goddess’ sacred pool before turning to look over her shoulder. “Tam… mind if… if I ask what…?” Somehow, she knew the answer wouldn’t be quite as forthcoming from the other Ashowan twin.

“Oh, uh… well,” Katarina shot her brother a quick glance over her shoulder, locking eyes with him for a brief moment, before he flitted his eyes back down to the ground.

“He is technically also a deficient witch, but… ah… no one knows what he can do.”

“I see… do you have problems with your eyes?” Alina turned to face the young man, unable to contain her curiosities any longer.

Only, Katarina tapped her shoulder and drew her gaze back. “He doesn’t, but he doesn’t like big open rooms and spaces. It’s one reason we won’t be attending many banquets or balls unless necessary.”

Alina nodded in understanding. It was clear that while the one Ashowan was an open book, the other was firmly shut.

“Besides, we’ve already shared some pretty juicy details, how about you tell us what you know about our father and your brother getting into a fight and not speaking to each other? Where is your brother anyway? Isn’t he supposed to be here to help judge the suitors?”

Alina felt her mouth clamp shut.

She was beginning to understand her father’s complicated expression from earlier that day.

While the Ashowan family was undoubtedly likable, and seemed genuinely kind… there was something about how they could cut through to the heart of anyone with little ease, and reveal all the wounds and secrets one has… and yet still make you drawn to them.

Taking a deep breath, the Princess braced herself. She could already tell that she was doomed to be horrifically good friends with the Ashowan family.