The next morning I was woken up by the persistent knocking on my door, but before I could climb out of bed to answer, the door swung open. “Time to get up sleepy head!” Kikwang sang.

I sat up and stretched my arms. “What are you doing up so early? Lecture doesn’t start until another two hours from now.” I questioned, knowing that the elder was NOT a morning person what so ever. “How can I possibly sleep when it’s the week of First Snow?” He chimed. I couldn’t help but smile in agreement.

“Now enough talking. Get up and let’s go. There’s so much to do in so little time.” He urged excitedly. “Um, Kikwang. We still have classes and lectures to go to today.” I reminded him.

A cheeky grin grew on his face, “We don’t have classes today!”

I studied him suspiciously, “Kikwang, are you telling the truth or are you trying to get me to skip class with you?”

He frowned at this.

“He’s not lying. We don’t have any classes today.” Someone answered before he could.

The two of us looked back to see YeEun standing in the doorway, her shoulder pressed against the doorframe. “After he dragged me out of bed, I went to see for myself and saw a note on the lecture room door from Headmaster Ryeowook saying that classes were cancelled for today. So we can enjoy the events of first snow.” She explained.

“Oh really? That’s great!” I smiled in excitement only to receive a scoff from the elder prince. “Wow, I can’t believe you didn’t believe me, but you believed YeEun.” Kikwang remarked.

“You can’t blame me. You have tried to trick us into skipping classes with you.” I reminded. However, he didn’t respond. “But! The note did say that we have a quiz tomorrow over yesterday’s lecture.” YeEun added.

I looked at Kikwang with a raised eyebrow, “You didn’t mention that part.” “You didn’t give me the chance to.” He quickly brushed off. “Mm hm.” YeEun remarked, not convinced either.

“Anyway! Hurry up, let’s go. You guys are wasting precious time questioning me. Today we are going to do some sibling bonding outside of the classroom.” Kikwang said. I perked up a little at this. “Will Hyungseung be coming too?”

Kikwang opened his mouth but paused. “I don’t know.” He confessed. “But we’ll probably bump into him. Now hurry.” He urged, scurrying YeEun out the door, shutting it behind him.

I climbed out of bed to prepare for the day. After I finished cleaning up and changing into my routine layers of clothing I went down stairs. Kikwang was already at the bottom of the stairs waiting for me and YeEun.

“About time. Now let’s go.” He said. “Wait, aren’t we going to eat breakfast?” YeEun questioned. Kikwang rolled his eyes in annoyance. “Yah! Don’t roll your eyes at me. I’m only asking a question. Breakfast is the-, “YeEun, YeEun, YeEun, my dear sister. Who eats breakfast at home when there’s plenty of food out there?” Kikwang interrupted her. “The food is much better out there, so we’ll get breakfast at the festival. Time waits for no one.”

“I was just asking a question.” She grumbled. Kikwang patted her head, “Everyone knows that you don’t eat breakfast during the week of First Snow. This is why you need to get our more often.” Kikwang told her. YeEun opened to say something but decided against it. “Now, let’s go~.” Kikwang said already leading the way. The two of us shook our heads before following behind him. However, when we reached the front doors we were stopped by two guards. Kikwang and I glanced at each other, sharing nervous expressions.

“Good morning gentlemen.” Kikwang greeted. The two guards bowed in response. “We’re just going to head out and you know, do the normal First Snow stuff.” Kikwang said casually, about to push door when one of the guards suddenly blocked his path. Kikwang frowned at this.

“I’m sorry your highness.” The guard immediately apologized, stepping out of his way. “You and Princess YeEun may go out, but Prince Youngjae has to stay.”

My shoulders dropped a little, but I wasn’t surprised after what happened yesterday. YeEun gave me a sympathetic look but I only smiled back in assurance. “Says who?” Kikwang challenged, his arms folded, catching everyone by surprise.

“His majesty sent out an order to make sure that Prince Youngjae is safe and away from our guests. We have a lot of guests staying in the palace and he wants us to be extra cautious.” The second guard explained. Mine and Kikwang’s eyes slightly widened in realization. He was referring to the people from the Fire kingdom.

“But it’s the week of First Snow. Youngjae is allowed to go out whenever he wants to.” YeEun spoke up. “We understand. We feel that it’s best for him to stay here with everyone while the guests are still here.” The first guard said. “So, you don’t trust that we can take care of him for a few hours?” Kikwang questioned.

The two guards stood there speechless, unable to respond.

“Guys it’s okay. Go on without me.” I finally said, there was no use in arguing. “But Youngjae~,” YeEun frowned. “No. It’s not fair.” Kikwang said.

“We deeply apologize your highness. It’s only for your health and safety.” The first guard spoke again. I nodded in understanding.

At that moment Hyungseung came walking from the other side of the hallway. He smiled when he spotted us. “Hey guys.” He greeted. But before YeEun and I could return the greeting Kikwang cut us off, “Hold on guys, I got this.” He said proudly. YeEun and I gave each other confused looks. What is he up to now?

Suddenly the second eldest prince fell to his knees, bowing formally. “Your highness, crowned Prince Hyungseung. Thank you for gracing us with your presence!” Kikwang pronounced loudly.

YeEun rolled her eyes. I struggled to keep in my laughter.

“Kikwang. What are you doing?” Hyungseung sighed. “Oh your highness! Thank you for acknowledging me and remembering my name…” Kikwang went on. Hyungseung rolled his eyes this time, “Kikwang, get up.”

“Oh, thank you Prince Hyungseung for allowing me to get up. My knees were hurting on that cold, cold floor. Thank you for your abundant understanding.” Kikwang finished before standing up.

“What the heck was that?” YeEun questioned. “I was practicing what we learned at lecture.” Kikwang said as if it here obvious. Hyungseung shook his head. “Really? That’s all you remember from lecture we didn’t even learn that in lecture. You just say that in a play.” YeEun huffed unimpressed.

“Actually it was from a play that we watched during lecture when learning about drama. So technically I did learn it from lecture.” Kikwang retorted. Hyungseung shook his head again followed by a chuckle, “What are you guys up to?”

“Oh dearest brother, the crowned prince, what are we not up to?” Kikwang emphasized more towards the guards. Hyungseung raised an eyebrow.

“We need your help. We need your crowned princely powers.” Kikwang continued. The eldest member only gave him a confused look. “We want to go and enjoy the first snow festivities, but the guards won’t let Youngjae go. They said they were given some order to make sure that he’s okay since the people from the fire kingdom are here. And they feel like it’s better for him to stay inside.” Kikwang pouted when he finished talking. Hyungseung’s eyes slightly widened, “but it’s the week of First Snow.”

“Exactly. Can you tell them that Jae can go out?” Kikwang said. “Me?” The elder questioned. “Yes. You can override their decision because you’re the crowned prince.” Kikwang explained.

“Really? Did you learn that from lecture?” The elder joked. “Actually, I did.” Kikwang answered. YeEun folded her arms, shaking her head, “The things he chooses to pay attention to.” She remarked.

“So will you help us out?” Kikwang questioned. Hyungseung thought about it for a moment. He looked almost hesitant but then he looked at me. I looked back at him with hopeful eyes.

“Of course I’ll help.” He smiled. “See, I knew you would.” Kikwang smiled, spinning around on heels facing the two guards who stood there in surprise. “You heard him.” Kikwang said triumphantly to them. “But your highness,” The first guard began. “It’s alright. Nothing is going to happen to him.” Hyungseung said. “Mm hm, plus we’re snow people. Snow isn’t going to hurt us.” Kikwang added. “Snow people?” YeEun repeated. I couldn’t help but laugh. “What does he do during lecture?” She muttered.

The two guards gave in, opening the two large doors to allow us outside. “Are you coming with us?” I asked Hyungseung. The elder shook his head regretfully, “I won’t be able to today. I have some stuff that I have to do.” He said. “That’s okay, just make sure you’re not busy at the end of the week, so we can see the parade tougher.” Kikwang said.

“Of course. It’s tradition. I wouldn’t miss it for anything.” Hyungseung promised. “You better not.” With that Kikwang grabbed mine and YeEun’s writs and dragged us out the castle.

“Finally!” Kikwang sang once we reached the town. The streets were already busy with people going back and forth, enjoying all of the festivities. The three of us immediately went straight to the games. Kikwang and YeEun eagerly challenged each other while I watched. I didn’t mind watching, it was still entertaining. I enjoyed seeing the radiant smiles that beamed from their faces. Them being happy made me feel just as happy. Being around my family another day is more than enough for me.

“Youngjae, come do the boat races with us.” Kikwang chimed excitedly dragging the two of us to the pond where the races were held.

“Hello your highnesses, it’s a pleasure seeing you here this fine winter morning.” The race curator greeted. “Of course! This is one of my favorite games.” Kikwang said, rubbing his hands in anticipation. The woman chuckled. “Really? But I win every year.” YeEun teased. The elder rolled his eyes, “That’s because I let you win, but this year that’s going to change.” He said confidently, only to receive an eye roll from the younger.

The woman handed each of us the supplies to create our boats. Kikwang ran off on his own so that we couldn’t see how he was building his boat so we ‘won’t cheat’. YeEun and I sat on the ground by the pound, and focused on our own boats.

I couldn’t help but chuckle when I looked up at the other two. They were focused on their boats, taking into consideration every single detail. YeEun looked calm and in her element while Kikwang seemed a bit flustered, fiddling with his supplies. I shook my head a little, returning to my own project, they were both too competitive. However, before I continued I spotted a tall slender man walking in the distance.

My eyes slightly widened, it was the man that was speaking to my father last night. The man wore a thick black hooded cloak, but his hood was down, exposing his slick features.

To my surprise he wore a gentle smile on his face, as if he were enjoying the festivities around him, despite being completely out of his element. He had sharp ravenous features that complimented his dark colored hair, barely reaching the top of his shoulders and his bangs brushed purposefully to the side. Surprisingly his kin was pale, especially for someone from the fire kingdom, yet there was a calming warmth to his smooth skin. Despite his sharp distinct features, there was still a softness that laid prominent in his eyes and upon his gentle smile.

“I wonder what the king of the Fire kingdom is doing here in the festival all alone.” I thought aloud, finding the situation odd. He was alone with no guards or servants. He didn’t even wear a crown, nor did I recall seeing him wearing one when he spoke with my father. I scrunched my brow at the thought, but then decided not to think too much of it.

A few minutes later we finished our boats and lined up at the pond for the race. YeEun raised an eyebrow at the sight of Kikwang’s oversized bot. “You’re boat is too big. You’re going to lose.” She told him. “I’m trying something new this year. When the wind blows, it will knock your tiny boat over and crush it. And then I will win.” Kikwang smiled deviously.

YeEun scoffed, “You came up with all of that?” she questioned. The elder nodded confidently, “Just worry about your own boat.”

The curator stepped up to the pond, “On your mark.” We bent down near the water. “Get set…go!” On her command, we dropped our boats onto the water and our little crafts were on their way. The curator blew a slight gust of wind to help them go faster.

Mine and YeEun’s boats graced the water with ease. Kikwang’s, however, struggled to gain speed. The two of us chuckled at this. The elder was flabbergasted, but kept his cool as he innocently walked up to the curator. “Excuse me ma’am, do you think you can blow a little more wind. I don’t think you got mine.” He asked sweetly.

The woman chuckled then looked at us for approval. We nodded. “It’s not going to work.” YeEun whispered in my ear.

“You can just blow on my boat, since it didn’t get any the first time.