Diamond Reflections

Anisa pressed her nose against the cold window of the Diamond Palace, watching snowflakes dance outside. The Silver Kingdom sparkled like a jewel box, but something felt different today.

"Your Majesty seems upset," she said to Queen Icela, who sat hunched on her throne.

Queen Icela's blue eyes flashed with anger. "King Frost is visiting the Golden Kingdom again. Third time this month!"

Anisa tilted her head. "Maybe he just likes their warm bread?"

"Warm bread!" Queen Icela snapped. "He used to spend every winter evening here, telling stories by our fireplace. Now he's too busy with their golden parties and sunshine festivals."

The queen's voice cracked slightly on the last word.

Anisa noticed how Queen Icela's hands trembled as she gripped her silver crown. This wasn't just anger - something deeper was hurting her friend.

"When does he return?" Anisa asked gently.

"Tomorrow. But why should I care?" Queen Icela turned away, but not before Anisa caught the tears forming in her eyes.

The Parrot's Warning

The next morning, Anisa hurried through the Silver Kingdom's market square. Frost-covered stalls sold winter berries and hot cider, but she barely noticed. She needed to find King Frost before he saw Queen Icela.

A bright green parrot perched on a merchant's cart squawked loudly. "King Frost returns! Golden gifts! Golden gifts!"

Anisa stopped. "What golden gifts?"

The elderly merchant woman chuckled. "That silly bird repeats everything he hears. King Frost brought golden bread, golden honey, even golden flowers from his visit."

Anisa's heart sank. No wonder Queen Icela felt forgotten.

"Golden parties every night!" the parrot screeched. "Dancing! Singing! Laughing!"

"Shush, Pip," the woman scolded.

Anisa watched the Diamond Palace gates swing open. King Frost's silver sleigh glided through, pulled by white horses. Golden ribbons decorated the sleigh, and golden boxes filled the back.

King Frost stepped down, brushing snow from his dark blue coat. His kind eyes crinkled as he spotted Anisa.

"Anisa! Perfect timing. Help me carry these gifts to Queen Icela."

Anisa stared at the golden boxes. This would only make things worse.