The Unseelie Prince's Bonded Bride

The wind howled all around me, causing the fire at my feet to crackle and pop as the flames roared along with it. There has always been something peaceful about night time in the saffron forest. I love warming my hands by the fire, although it does little for the icy chill that runs through my body. I would be able to start heading back to town before any of the ravenous creatures of the Forrest become any wiser. Running my freezing pale white hands together one final time, I kick dirt into the fire, utilizing my black boots to extinguish the remaining flames. As I fix the purple hood of my dress over my ears, I smile as I sense the pointed tips. Running my hand over everything and verifying my dagger is still secured to my thigh, I return to the path that leads out of the forest. The old dirt path was familiar to my feet as I made my way back home, hoping to finally get some rest. Passing through the opening of the forest gave way to the soft light of the gaslights to the small village outside the Unseelie Court. It's about three am and the small village is dead quiet all the doors are closed and all the lights of the shops are turned off only the street lights remained. I would have been frightened when a small mass of wine red curls slammed into me if I wasn’t always on guard. Smiling, I reach down and pick up the giggling mound of curls. Brushing her hair out of her face, I greet her. "Soph, what are you still doing up? It's late, and I told you not to go out of the house when I'm not home you never know who could be lurking about it isn't safe" I scold. I carry her the rest of the way to our small cottage and go inside, turning the lanterns on to brighten up the small space. I toss my bag onto the wooden desk before settling into the chair. "I'm sorry Luna, I saw you through the window and got excited that you were finally home" she answered with a whine. It was impossible for me to stay too mad at Sophia, especially after everything she had been through. I found her when she was about fifty years old, the size of a five-year-old. A member of the court had massacred her parents for speaking against them at the Winter solstice party at the castle. She ran past me, hiding under a table as the knight had grabbed her father by the throat. So I brought her home with me before he had the chance to direct his fury towards her. For the past five years, I have raised her as my little sister and made sure she wanted for nothing if I had the capability. "Just please be more careful please Soph" I sigh and run my hand through her curls and go back to my bag. Removing everything from my bag, I organized my herbs, liquids, gems, and trinkets for future use. "I found some special ingredients on my trip today so I can start making some more medicine and potions to sell tomorrow," I announce as I finish closing everything up. Finished, I turned around and the little brat has already crawled into our bed and was fast asleep. In disbelief, I head into the bathroom. I remove my hood and proceed to untie my pigtails while taking out the purple lotus pins from my hair. Brushing through my long black hair with my fingers, I sigh. Today had been fruitful, but not as much as I had hoped. But I'd figure out a way to make sure we will make it through the winter. I can only rely on myself because I can't trust anyone else. Disrobing, I change into a heavy gown that will help me keep some warmth and return to the small bedroom to get in bed with Sophie. Tucking my dagger into my pillow, I grab the small child and hold on to her, trying to share some heat with her as her small body generated even less than I do. She is all I need in life and I'd protect her with my last breath.