Astrid's mind was in turmoil. As she trudged across the frozen wasteland with a sunken expression, her thoughts drifted back to her childhood.
Astrid had always been a bright and joyful child who could smile even while growing up under the care of maids. Even though her siblings were years older and too busy with their own affairs to spare her much attention, she still found herself looking forward to each new day.
She remembered a time when her mother, the Empress, was renowned as one of the Empire's greatest minds.
But Astrid had also lived long enough to witness her decline.
How that same, brilliant mother gradually wasted away, confined to her bed because of her illness.
Oftentimes, after returning home from the academy, Astrid would find the doctor tending to her mother.
Zelliel, renowned throughout the Empire for his skills in the medical field. Many coveted the honor he held, for he was the one chosen as the royal physician entrusted with the Queen's care.
