Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters or the world they are in. The plot of this story is my own retelling/telling of what is going on in the other country Rae Carson has elected to ignore. Ms. Carson thank you for the wonderful books (huge fan) but I figured I might as well squeeze a last story out of them before you tuck them away.

This picks up right when Alodia gets the news she is going to marry an Invierno for a peace treaty.

Alodia's eyes widened. She looked up at her sister and then to the Invierno. His green eyes met hers, sending chills down her spine.

"Are you the sacrificial offering?" She asked, struggling to keep her composure. "The Princeling who must wed the enemy?"

"Yes, Your Majesty, and a most willing one."

She felt herself try to recoil. Her mind felt numb at her sister's betrayal.

"You want him to marry Alodia?" She heard the Queen of Basajuan snort.

It made sense. She did treat Elisa horribly. Alodia had never valued her opinion but she couldn't help but want to lash out. Couldn't Elisa realize that it wasn't like the opinion of a 12-year-old mattered? Godstone or not, her little sister was sheltered and didn't know how to handle situations. Her innocence and naivety were the reasons neither Alodia nor her father had faith in Elisa becoming a ruler. Alodia herself questioned God's choice. Her sister was lazy, scared and very spoiled. Though Elisa had a good heart, it didn't change the fact that she never thought things through. Alodia eyes met her sister's once more. She wasn't even the shadow of the young girl who left Orovalle. This meeting brought out the darkness in Elisa-Lucero; Alodia couldn't help but feel that this is what she truly deserved for looking down on her.

"Is it true, Elisa? Is this your revenge?" Alodia tried to read Elisa's face. She saw a mixture of shock and a bit of shame.

"No, you don't have to. I won't make you." Her voice seemed strong but Alodia knew better. Elisa may have changed but some old habits just don't. She turned to face the Invierno once more seeing if he also disagrees with the situation at hand. He didn't even bat an eye. Did Elisa not understand? These monsters had harassed her border towns leaving hundreds dead. Her most trusted steward had his eyes gouged out by one. She had to fight one in order to save a small child's life. They were gruesome people, with hearts of a vast cold wasteland.

"It's an opportunity, Alodia," Elisa smiled as if she were discussing a normal business policy. "Storm will be a Deciregus someday. The equivalent of a king. Surely you want an alliance with such a man."

That made sense. The idea was still terrifying.

"Impossible," boomed the Invierno woman with bottomless eyes, "he is an outcast"

Alodia felt light-headed at the thought. Her sister was shaming her. Publicly.

"His father," Elisa interjected glaring at the tall woman, "Reinstated him and consented to this union."

The realization slapped Alodia in the face: this was discussed without her. The familiarity of this, considering the decisions made over Elisa's future, was far too close to be called a coincidence.

"And Storm has been claimed by zafira, which means he is probably more powerful than you," Elisa said, glaring daggers at the older woman.

Alodia suddenly remembered the previous conversation about mulas. She shook her head. "How could you ask such a thing from me? It would consign the royal line of Orovalle to extinction."

"You can appoint a royal heir." Ah, she means her children. "You'd have time to prepare. To groom exactly the right person. I understand how difficult it will be for people to accept, and no, I won't require it from you. I only ask you to consider it. Think of it, Alodia. A God-ordained alliance with a prince of Invierne. No one in history has achieved so much."

Yes, this is all true. But Elisa doesn't seem to understand that this decision isn't something you can say no to. As much as it is stated that she can say no, who else will marry in order to have a peaceful alliance? Obviously not Cosme. She is too young to understand the necessity neither is she plagued that badly with Inviernos. Her country is smaller, therefore, better kept. Orovalle's outskirts need protection. This is obviously a necessity. Alodia sees the plan and understands it. She just can't believe that she must go through with it. She was prepared to marry anyone who would benefit her on the throne; she wasn't expecting an Invierno. Nothing had ever prepared her for that, to the point that she never thought about it. An old man, yes. A man with no hygiene, yes. Being kidnapped by a Perdito and being forced to marry, yes. Any situation her steward threw at her as a joke, she would actually take seriously. But an Invierno Prince was never even considered. This is a must and there was no question about it.

Alodia straightened up and looked the Invierno in the eye. She clasped her hands in her lap and said, "In that case, Prince Storm," she hoped that wasn't too insulting, she could not remember his full name. She knew his title was probably different in the Invierne court but he didn't seem too distraught. "I invite you to visit my palace in Amalur as soon as it is convenient for you. We should… see if we can learn to bear each other's company." Alodia hoped that sent the proper message across. This was business, nothing more.

"I accept," he said bowing sounding deferent but Alodia didn't believe in it.

The meeting was adjourned but the elder queen felt her life was in shambles. She felt exhausted and emotionally drained. In the background, she hears Cosme explaining customs to the Deciregi and Alodia feels her eyes roll. She is actually trying to work with these uptight pigs. Alodia was already marrying one, was that not enough? She watches Elisa smile at Cosme and the guilt began to gnaw at her stomach. Alodia took in a deep breath and stepped forward catching her little sister before she left to her own chamber.

"Elisa…" she began. Alodia felt her mind go blank. That everything she wanted to tell her sister vanished. Elisa's face was so different, not just slimmer, but older. Wiser.

"I've missed you," Elisa says. Her eyes twinkled and Alodia felt like they were in the nursery again. Her little sister looking up to her with the same pride she felt for her. Alodia pulled her in for a hug,

"My little sister is all grown up," feeling her voice waver she said what was at the top of her head in panic. "There were times I didn't think it would happen, but you proved me wrong." Alodia wanted to wince. That definitely had a barb but Elisa seemed unfazed.

"Thank you for coming," she smiled.

"I'm glad I did." Alodia added, "Even though you stole my country out from under me. You've become so powerful. So decisive and conniving so – "

"So much like you," Elisa chimed.

"Papa and Zito both always said we were more alike than we wanted to admit." Alodia felt herself grinning from ear to ear. She felt alive.

"I'll tell no one if you won't."

"Agreed. And Elisa?" She felt her heart sink a bit. "I'm sorry for not telling you about Papa." She saw the tears forming in her little sister's eyes. Elisa blinked rapidly, her smile faltering.

"Thank you for saying so," she managed to choke out. Alodia wanted to give her time but a queen's time is precious and they both had situations at hand.

"Forgive me for asking but I must. Is all of this a ploy to put one of your heirs on my throne?" She really hoped that didn't sound too harsh considering the timing. She watched her sister compose herself.

"You are free to appoint one of my heirs as your own – except Rosario. He is for Joya, and that is not negotiable. Your children, if you have them, are free to do the same. But Orovalle belongs to you, Alodia, it is your choice."

She knew her sister wasn't that ruthless but it was a relief hearing it from her own mouth. She looked at Hector and took a jab at her baby sister. "Not a horrible choice, maybe." Elisa flushed giving Alodia satisfaction. Her flustered little sister rushed an awkward farewell and retreated taking both Hector and the Invierno prince with her. A small smile played across Alodia's lips as she watched her sister retreat. She was still innocent or at least had some sense of shame. She felt her shoulder muscles tense as she turned towards her corridor. She needed a hot bath and really soft bed to make up for the tension she had built up throughout the meeting.

A soft rapping woke Alodia from her slumber. She swiftly got up and composed herself, quickly brushing tangles out her hair and wiping any residue of sleep from her face. She cleared her throat and spoke.

"Come in," she called out. Zito, her steward, walked in and bowed.

"Your majesty, it is dinner time." He smiled at her, "I'm pretty sure you would like to dine with your sister, she may not have time tomorrow morning."

She looked at him and smiled sadly. Her steward had grown a lot older. His dark hair had started graying on the sides and lines started to deepen near his mouth. Her sister should have understood how hard this marriage agreement was to her. A blindfold covered where his eyes used to be. An Invierno had attacked him when he was trying to save her. Elisa knew what happened that night but somehow her sister thought she could turn a blind eye to everything her people had experienced in order to keep her dignity as queen. It meant safety, but it's easy to write that on paper. The anger she would receive from the people would be ruthless. She couldn't imagine how Zito felt serving a queen who was going to marry one of the monsters that left him blind.

"I know this isn't like me, but how do you feel about my arrangements, Zito?"

Zito bowed his head. "I think you should let go and do what is right. I know you will anyway regardless of what I tell you. I think that a new beginning is something we all need."

That wasn't the answer she was looking for but the tone was solemn enough for her to understand he wasn't pleased with the arrangements either.

Zito cleared his throat, "I will forever be loyal to you, my Queen. The decision you make does not matter to me."

Alodia smiled at her steward. "I'm pleased with your answer. I know the people will not take this news with much enthusiasm."

"Your sister means no harm. You still have the upper hand since you are the one marrying into Invierne. The alliance is well needed not to mention the restoration projects will probably exceed expectations in order to please their prince who is marrying into the throne."

"I doubt it. He was just reinstated and it doesn't seem like the rest of their council was too pleased with that."

"Doesn't matter, He must come from an influential family considering he was reinstated by words of mouth and no one questioned it. He must be important."

Alodia nodded thinking over her steward's words. She sighed, "This will probably be the last time I see my sister before she marries; so, I guess I will go to dinner."

Her steward snorted, "Let's hope that I don't have to work any harder than I already am." He bowed once dismissed. The pit-pats of his cane echoing as he walked out the room.

Alodia smiled and shook her head recounting her steward's words once more. She felt sorry for him and wanted him to retire but dangerous times were approaching and Zito was her most trusted companion. She dressed and headed out the door, her head swimming with thoughts of marriage.

Elisa was dazzling. Though love was in the air Alodia was focused on the Inviernos and their constant complaining of the food set on the table. Storm was silent. He picked at his food listening to the other Decireguses talk about the loss of class and culture and how they are willing to put up with most of it in order to benefit them. Storm, as if sensing her stare, peered back into her eyes. She felt her cheeks grow hot and she moved her focus to her sister. She was met with a frown.

"He's a good man," Elisa said using the southern province dialect.

"Excuse me?" Alodia blinked.

"Storm," Elisa intoned, "Storm is a good man. Loyal. Smart. Strong. He understands sacrifice and practicality. He has gone through a lot. You know I wouldn't sell you off to just anyone right?"

Alodia smiled and softly whispered. "Yet, you still want your heirs on my throne."

Elisa winced and muttered, "Please stop saying that, Hector and I have yet to marry."

"That's still not changing the fact that my children could end up using their nieces and nephews as heirs," Alodia teased, feeling the vowels of the dialect at the back of her throat. Hector gave a confused smile at their secret conversation.

Elisa rolled her eyes. Alodia sadly smiled and shook her head.

"You must understand my sentiment towards him."

"Yes, Hector had to explain to me why you still were distant. I was so young; I didn't realize why you were going across Orovalle visiting lords. It wasn't until much later when Hector pointed out the issues the Perditos have caused in Orovalle that I realized how swift I made that decision. I just need you to you to know Storm isn't like the Animagus that blinded Zito. He can be cold, stubborn and arrogant but Storm is still a good man. I would never give you a choice that would ruin you. I trust you two would get along." Elisa hoped her words wouldn't sound like rot. Hector explained that the sentiment towards Inviernos would still be hard to crack. After all the damage they did, even royalty would have trouble accepting them as an ally. Elisa didn't realize her sister wasn't content with the idea until she saw her sister's disgust while eyeing the Inviernos.

"Alodia, their culture is different, a lot of the things they say sound rude. It's just how they say things. It's not that they don't have manners but in their culture truthfulness is manners. They don't sugar coat. I know you have always loved straightforward people so hopefully, you can get along with them." Elisa paused, "I'm guessing once Storm travels to Orovalle you will also travel to Invierne." Elisa prayed that Alodia hadn't already heard about how the Inviernos tried to trap her and use her as a power source. Her sister could be very composed for many political reasons, but she would have a cow if she knew Elisa was going to be the next living sacrifice to power the Inviernos. Alodia would fight tooth and nail against this arrangement if she knew that the ones who came up with the plan were going to be her future in-laws. Elisa smiled feeling her cheeks tighten at her attempt to soothe her older sister.

"You've never been good at theatrics, Elisa," Alodia accused catching the attention of the Invierno Prince.

"What? How could you say that to your beloved sister?" Elisa pouted.

"My Queen," Alodia heard Hector murmur, "We still have guests. It's rude to not include them in your conversations."

"Nosey one, isn't he?" Alodia sniffed before dropping the dialect.

"Ah, yes!" Elisa said enthusiastically. "Storm, why don't you enlighten us with some Invierne customs."

Storm looked up at Elisa from his plate. Alodia tried to read his face but it was flat.

"We also have side dialects in Lengua Classica, though it's not as colorful as your own. Those words sound like mouthfuls." His voice was full of confidence it echoed through the hall. The Decireguses started off about Loyalty and Truth and how it was great that the Joyans still worshiped the one true God. Eventually, the conversation was faded and only the sound clinking silverware echoed through the hall.

Zito could feel the tension that surrounded Alodia as they walked from the dining hall towards her room. He knew she was assessing her situation.

"Your Majesty," a cool voice drifted through the hallway.

Zito felt her freeze. He stood tall and did his best to look menacing. As much as he wanted to trust Elisa's decision, he had a hard time adjusting. He heard the fabric of her dress rustle, "Good evening, Prince Storm."

"Storm will do just fine," the male voice clipped.

"Then please call me Alodia." She said sternly.

Silence hung in the air like thick fog. He felt a presence looming over by his left side so he turned toward him.

Storm was about to nod at the steward standing next to her and saw the bandage across his eyes. He cleared his throat and spoke. "Good evening steward, my apologies I didn't see you there, the hall is a bit dim and your height is the same as some of the statues around you."

"May blessings be upon you" Zito mumbled.

"As to you," Storm smiled, turning his attention to Alodia.

"How can I help you?" she asked raising an eyebrow.

"I understand that you are to leave soon."

"Yes, that's true, I should be getting back to the palace," Alodia frowned.

"I hope to stay in communication with you for my trip to Orovalle, I know that this is a hard decision for the both of us – "

Alodia felt anger and indignation rise like bile at the back of her throat. He did not agree with the marriage but never spoke against it. He even had the nerve to play the part of a good subject in front of her sister pretending he was a "most willing" groom. Hard decision? Was she not good enough? Was the Queen of a large country that has centuries of history not good for a recently reinstated prince of Invierne? She forced herself to remain composed, but all she could think of doing was throttling him for answers.

"– I do hope to get along." He stuck out his hand. "Have a safe trip back."

Alodia stared at his hand curiously. He managed to insult her yet show some sort of respect in less than a couple of seconds. She was torn between storming her sister's love nest and telling her to go shove her peace ideas in a sand dune or putting up with it for her people. She cleared her throat.

"I will see you tomorrow morning correct?" she frowned.

"Yes, Your Ma – Alodia," he replied.

"Then why say this now when we both leave at the same time tomorrow?" she bemused.

"Your sister insisted I give you a personalized farewell," he smiled sheepishly.

Alodia felt her cheeks burn but laughter was attempting to escape her mouth. Her sister was playing matchmaker. Splendid. She just gave him a tight smile; at least something was entertaining Elisa from the chaos life had been throwing them. She might as well play along to humor herself.

"Quite noble of you." Alodia felt Zito tug her sleeve.

Storm's lips quirked upward. "You sisters are more alike than you think."

"I am aware."

"Have a good night, My Queen." Alodia felt her face flinch.

"You too, Storm."

He left as quickly as he came, leaving the young queen and her steward speechless in the hallway.

"You managed not to tear him down in this first conversation you had with him. That's a good sign," Lord Zito intoned walking towards their rooms.

"We'll see," Alodia mumbled.

"Let's rest up, we have a long day of travel tomorrow," Zito smiled. "Goodnight, Your Majesty."

"Goodnight, Lord Zito," Alodia said entering her chambers for a well-deserved slumber.