Skymint's POV

  What kind of food does a princess eat? The thought lingered as I trudged through the snowy village streets, the crunch of ice beneath my boots a rhythmic distraction. For me, tuna was the pinnacle of cuisine—flaky, flavorful, perfect—but what would Arie think? She’d probably prefer something delicate, like palace-grown blueberries or other rare fruits beyond a peasant’s reach.

  A friendly smile pulled me out of my musings. Cream-colored fur and a familiar glint in his eyes told me it was Llanova. He noticed me too, his gaze falling on my odd-colored eyes.

  "Hey there, Llanova," I greeted.

  “What a melancholic dusk, Skymint,” he replied, his voice carrying that poetic weight he always seemed to carry. We exchanged a fist bump before falling into step together.

  The periwinkle and lavender hues of the evening sky caught my attention as we walked. “I’m thinking of treating myself to something tasty tonight. You know, after a long day of life.”

  He perked up, his silver eyes gleaming. “Then let’s head to my father’s shop! Fresh tuna meals and tuna sandwiches, as always!”

  I chuckled. “Not today. I want to try something different. Hypothetically, if you were hosting an important guest, what food would you serve?”

  “Important guest?” he echoed, confusion lacing his tone.

  “Yeah, like, let’s say Megaverse himself dropped by your house.”

  “Oh, then I’d serve him my father’s special dishes, obviously!”

  I laughed softly. “Of course you would. Subtle advertising, Llanova.”

  “Was I? Didn’t even notice,” he said with mock innocence, though I could tell he wasn’t entirely unaware.

  The warm, savory scent of chicken broth wafted through the air, cutting our banter short. My nose led me toward the source: a new stall, its sign above reading Bearesto. Steam billowed out like an invitation, and my curiosity surged.

  “This must be new!” I exclaimed, grabbing Llanova’s arm to drag him along.

  The stall bustled with Polarmen, their chatter mingling with the clinking of spoons against bowls. Behind the counter stood a muscular Polarman, his fur dusted with a faint sheen of steam and effort. Large pots of soup simmered before him, each carrying a different, enticing aroma.

  “New customers!” the vendor greeted, his smile as warm as the air around him. “What can I serve you two?”

  “Your best-seller, chef master. Is it the chicken soup?”

  “You’ve got good instincts, young bear. How many bowls for you both?”

  Llanova shuffled uncomfortably. “Just him. He dragged me here.”

  I glanced at Llanova and grinned sheepishly at the vendor. “Two chicken soups, please.”

  The vendor chuckled and ladled soup into two cups, each brimming with broth and chunks of tender chicken. I paid him with fifty ice bills before scanning the seating area. We settled by a small Polarman family, their laughter contagious as we joined their lively conversation. The soup was divine—rich, hearty, and exactly what I needed on a chilly evening. For a moment, I forgot why I’d even come here in the first place.

  It wasn’t until I finished the last sip that I remembered my errand. I needed dinner for Arie.

  As Llanova and I rose to leave, I approached the vendor again. “One more to-go, please!”

  Llanova arched a brow. “You’re still hungry? Or is this for your sister?”

  I hesitated, the words catching in my throat. “Of course, it’s for her. She has to try this masterpiece too.”

  He sighed in relief. “Glad to hear you’re not binge-eating tonight.”

  I laughed lightly, taking the sealed soup from the vendor. “Don’t worry, I’m saving room for tomorrow’s tuna feast.”

  “Thanks for the meal, chef master!” I called out, waving as we stepped into the frosty night.

  The soup felt warm in my hands, a comforting contrast to the chill biting at my fur. It was the perfect choice, the ideal meal for this freezing weather. Now, I just needed to figure out how to slip back to the igloo without Llanova realizing I wasn’t heading straight home.

  ***

  Arie's POV

  "Well done!" I held up the ice camera in front of my face, while Chillbi stared at it with curiosity.

  "Woah, Arie make cool ice," his tiny voice chimed.

  He suddenly turned his gaze toward the door. "Me smell food."

  I heard three knocks at the door. It must be Skymint. Rising from the bed, I opened the door to find him standing there. His eyes met mine, his expression radiating warmth that felt familiar yet distant. The delicious aroma wafting from the pouch in his hand revealed the source of Chillbi's excitement.

  As soon as he entered, Skymint closed the door behind him and took out a container from the pouch, resting it on the cold table.

  "I bought you some chicken soup. Hope you like it, Arie," he said. His tone was hopeful, though his expression carried a hint of uncertainty, as if bracing himself for rejection.

  "Thank you for buying this for me, Skymint," I replied, hesitating before reaching for the container. It felt slightly cool to the touch, no doubt affected by the winter air. "I don’t know how I could repay you."

  He looked down briefly before meeting my gaze again. "No need. Remember, I saved you out of free will."

  "I highly appreciate your help," I said softly.

  I meant it, but regardless of what he said, I couldn’t ignore my debt to him. I sat on the wooden stool, removed the lid from the container, and was greeted by the soothing warmth of the steam against my face. I picked up the wooden spoon, its simplicity reminding me of how far I’d fallen from the silver spoons of the palace. Yet, for a fleeting moment, this simple dinner felt perfect—a reprieve from the suffocating royal expectations.

  Stolen story; please report.

  But guilt gnawed at me. The unresolved conflicts I left behind weighed heavily, making it impossible to feel truly at ease.

  Still, old habits lingered. My regal mannerisms were carved into me, refusing to fade. I sipped the soup, its warmth both comforting and nostalgic. It reminded me of the first time I ever tasted soup, when my mother spoon-fed me. Her eyes, as blue as the skies, radiated affection. I didn’t remember much about her, but those eyes remained vivid, a beacon of comfort in my fragmented memories.

  "Is this what you call the 'ice drone,' Arie?" Skymint asked, holding up my invention from the bed.

  "They're similar, but that’s an ice camera," I explained, taking another sip of soup. "I plan to attach it outside, just above the door."

  "I’ll do it for you," he offered firmly. "I can’t let you step outside, even for a moment—it’s too dangerous."

  "No prison Arie!" Chillbi exclaimed, looking up at Skymint.

  "Calm down, Chillbi. I don’t mean to lock her in," Skymint said quickly, softening his tone. "I just want to ensure I can protect her."

  "Good. Me watch out," the tiny creature declared, fixing Skymint with an intense glare. Their faces, despite the tension, were so comical I had to suppress a laugh as they stared each other down.

  Just as I was about to take another sip of soup, a knock at the door sent a shiver down my spine. The room felt colder, and unease wrapped around me like an iceberg. What if it wasn’t for Skymint? What if it was Skadar looking for me? I pushed the thought away—it couldn’t be. Not now.

  I glanced at Skymint, whose expression silently urged me to hide. Quickly, I ducked under the bed with Chillbi beside me. The space was cramped, and all I could see were Skymint’s boots. I imagined his broad shoulders blocking the view of the igloo’s interior.

  "What are you doing here at this hour, brother?" a voice asked. It was his sister, her tone tinged with concern.

  "Just hanging out with my igloo because it misses me," Skymint replied casually.

  "Hmm, I might be able to guess what you’re actually doing here. My nose doesn’t lie."

  My heart pounded. She must have smelled the chicken soup I left on the table. Why do I keep finding myself in these situations? Please let Skymint be safe. I was more worried about him than myself.

  "It smells like ice abilities," she said sharply. "But don’t think that’s enough to cover up what you’re hiding."

  Ice abilities can be smelled? I must have overlooked that detail while reading the Ice Manual. Or maybe it’s just bears having a stronger sense of smell than humans. Whatever the case, I couldn’t let her find me.

  "I’m sorry. I forgot to give it to you, so I just ate it," Skymint said, his tone casual but firm.

  "Good luck explaining your extra dinner," she shot back. "I saw you with Llanova an hour ago, grinning while heading here. Care to explain? You clearly ate the soup willingly!"

  "I thought you’d be resting at home after a long day of work with those ice-playing rich cubs," Skymint countered.

  "But I can’t let you enjoy that soup. I was distracting you to make it soggy," his sister said confidently.

  Their argument continued briefly before I heard the door close. Their voices grew fainter as they moved outside.

  Relieved but worried, I looked around and realized something alarming—Chillbi was gone. When did he slip away? He’d been right beside me moments ago. What if he went outside?

  I flinched under the wooden platform, accidentally hitting my head. "Ah!" I yelped, wincing as a sharp pulse shot through my skull. Crawling out from under the bed, I stumbled to my feet, nearly losing my balance. My gaze darted around the igloo until it landed on the crystalline desk—and I froze. My chicken soup was gone. Not even the container was left behind.

  It would have been better if it were just soggy, but no. It had vanished completely. Chillbi... He must have eaten it.

  I sighed, frustration gnawing at my stomach, which was still aching with hunger. But before I could dwell on it any longer, I remembered something far more pressing. Chillbi was missing. My pulse quickened, and I rushed toward the door, hand trembling as it gripped the knob.

  Then Skymint’s voice echoed in my mind: "It’s too dangerous outside."

  I hesitated, my hand dropping to my side. He was right. I couldn’t risk it. Pressing my ear to the door, I strained to hear what was happening beyond.

  "...she’s dead. Felipe himself declared it," came a muffled voice—a woman’s, filled with concern. Skymint’s sister. "I’m worried about how the fall of their kingdom will affect us."

  The words struck like an ice shard to my chest. She’s dead. No doubt, they were talking about me.

  I leaned harder against the door, my heart pounding so loud I feared they might hear it. Did they know what Skadar had done to me? What had they been told?

  "We’re not part of their kingdom, so don’t stress about it," Skymint replied, though his voice lacked its usual warmth.

  "But Skymint," his sister pressed, her tone urgent, "this isn’t just about their kingdom. It’s a tragedy that will ripple through neighboring territories. What if our island is next?"

  Tragedy. The word clawed at me, dredging up the memory of Aerol’s death. The grotesque image of his lifeless body—burned, ruined—seared itself into my mind again. My breath hitched as tears pricked my eyes. I clenched my fists, trying to steady myself. I couldn’t let them hear me cry.

  "I—I don’t know," Skymint stammered. "Let’s just hope for the best."

  His sister’s voice dropped to a whisper. "I’ve sensed something strange lately. Have you noticed it too?"

  "The strange occurrences at night?" he asked, his pitch rising slightly.

  "No, not that. Something else." Her voice grew sharper. "There are Wolfmen in the village. They’re posing as traders, but we both know they rarely come here unless they have a reason."

  Wolfmen. My chest tightened. I knew why they were here. They were hunting me. Felipe must have declared me dead to eliminate competition in finding me.

  "Maybe they’re just passing through," Skymint said, though he didn’t sound convinced.

  "Way too convenient," she muttered. "Anyway, be careful, brother."

  "I will," he replied. "You heading home?"

  "Yes. Aren’t you coming?"

  "I have something to finish first. I’ll catch up later."

  Her footsteps faded, crunching the snow outside.

  I let out a shaky breath, backing away from the door. My gaze fell to the stool, and I hurried to sit down, pretending I’d just finished eating. The soup no longer mattered. Chillbi’s absence weighed heavier now.

  Skymint entered moments later, closing the door behind him. He scanned the room, his expression softening when his eyes met mine.

  "Sorry about my sister," he said, his voice gentle. "She worries too much. Are you alright?"

  I nodded quickly. "I’m fine. But... have you seen Chillbi? He’s gone."

  "What?" His eyes widened. "I didn’t see him leave. Are you sure—"

  The door creaked open again, cutting him off. We both turned, and there he was—Chillbi, waddling back inside as if nothing had happened.

  Relief washed over me. I scooped the little creature into my arms, setting him gently on the desk. His tiny black eyes darted nervously, and I leaned closer.

  "Chillbi, why did you go outside?" I asked softly, then immediately regretted the question. "What happened?"

  "Magic out!" he squeaked. "Me saw bird, bird!"

  I blinked. "Bird?"

  Skymint’s face lit with recognition. "I think I know what he’s talking about."

  "What is it?" I asked, curiosity bubbling despite my lingering anxiety.

  "There’s been a dove flying around the village for the past four days," he explained. "It always appears whenever food goes missing. Vendors have started blaming it for their losses."

  A dove. My thoughts raced. Four days ago was when Sunstar Kingdom declared war on Glacia. Could it be connected?

  "Arie," Skymint said suddenly, his tone laced with suspicion. "Where’s your soup?"

  Before I could answer, Chillbi chimed in, "Bird vanish it!"

  Skymint sighed, shooting a playful glare at the tiny creature. "Guess I’ll have to buy you another one."

  I shook my head, turning away. "I don’t want to eat."

  "You can’t starve yourself," he said, his concern palpable.

  "I’m not hungry," I murmured, sitting on the bed and pulling my knees to my chest.

  He hesitated, then joined me, his voice soft but firm. "Arie... you can’t keep pushing me away. I’m staying here. I’ll protect you."

  Tears welled in my eyes, and I whispered, "You shouldn’t. You have your sister, your life. You don’t need to take responsibility for me."

  He rested a hand on my shoulder, his expression shadowed with a pain I hadn’t noticed before.

  "I’ve already made that mistake once," he said quietly.

  I looked at him, confused.

  "My mother," he explained. "I wasn’t there when she needed me most. I left her side for just a moment, thinking I’d have more time. But when I came back... she was gone."

  The anguish in his voice broke something inside me.

  "I couldn’t even hear her last words," he continued. "I’ll never forgive myself for that. So when I found you, I promised I wouldn’t let it happen again."

  I wiped my tears, his words softening the jagged edges of my grief.

  "Thank you," I whispered.

  He smiled faintly. "You’re safe here, Arie. And I’ll make sure it stays that way."

  For the first time, I felt a fragile spark of hope. Skymint wasn’t just my protector—he was my anchor, someone who truly understood. And in his quiet strength, I found the courage to let myself grieve, no longer hiding my tears.