Frostborne Returns: Invincible Snow Lord

The grand halls of Everfrost Palace shone with regal splendor, their icy blue banners fluttering gently beneath the glow of countless chandeliers. Tonight was a night of celebration—a night marking the ascension of Crown Prince Kael von Everfrost, the future ruler of the Everfrost Empire.

Kael stood before a tall mirror in his chamber, adjusting the silver embroidery on his midnight-blue royal attire. He let out a small sigh, shaking his head with a smile. Tomorrow, he would be emperor.

Just then, the heavy wooden doors creaked open.

“Your Highness, may I enter?”

A familiar, soothing voice.

Kael turned, his lips curling into a warm smile. Freya de Alden, his fiancée, stepped inside, clad in a flowing ice-blue gown that accentuated her elegant figure. Her deep violet eyes shimmered under the candlelight.

“You look breathtaking,” Kael murmured, stepping forward.

Freya chuckled. “And you, my prince, look every bit the ruler you’re meant to be.”

Kael reached out, gently tucking a loose strand of silver hair behind her ear. “After tomorrow, we’ll be married soon.”

Freya’s cheeks flushed as she averted her gaze. “Yes… I can’t wait.”

Kael smirked. “You’re blushing.”

Freya scoffed, crossing her arms. “And whose fault do you think that is?”

They both laughed softly.

A knock interrupted their moment.

“Your Highness, the Emperor and Empress have arrived.”

Kael sighed. “We should go.”

Freya nodded, slipping her hand into his. Together, they walked toward the grand banquet hall, where their future awaited.

---

The main hall of Everfrost Palace was a sight to behold. Nobles in elaborate attire mingled, the scent of roasted meats and sweet wine filling the air. Music swelled as skilled violinists played a lively melody.

Kael and Freya entered, and the room quieted for a brief moment before erupting into applause.

At the far end of the hall, seated on the grand Everfrost Throne, was Emperor Valerian von Everfrost and Empress Isolde de Frostveil. The emperor’s gaze was firm yet proud, while the empress’s expression softened as she looked at her son and his beloved.

Cedric de Valtor, Kael’s protector and mentor, stood at the emperor’s side, his sharp eyes scanning the hall for any sign of threat.

“Come,” Valerian beckoned, raising his goblet. “Let us toast to the future of Everfrost!”

The crowd erupted into cheers as goblets clinked together.

Kael exchanged a glance with Freya. “Would you grant me the honor of a dance?”

Freya’s smile was radiant. “I thought you’d never ask.”

He led her to the center of the hall as the musicians transitioned into a graceful waltz. The crowd parted, giving them space as they moved in perfect harmony.

As Kael twirled Freya, laughter bubbled from her lips. “You’ve been practicing, haven’t you?”

“I had to,” Kael admitted. “You’re far too graceful—I can’t afford to trip in front of our people.”

The empress chuckled from her seat. “They remind me of us in our younger days,” she murmured to Valerian.

The emperor smirked, watching his son with pride. “Kael will make a great ruler.”

The warmth in the room was undeniable.

Joy. Love. Celebration.

Then—

BOOM!

A deafening explosion shook the palace.

The stained-glass windows shattered. The golden chandeliers trembled. Screams erupted as the hall was suddenly engulfed in chaos.

The grand doors burst open, and armored soldiers in black and crimson surged in, swords drawn.

Kael’s body tensed. His eyes widened as he saw the Vermund sigil on their armor.

It was an ambush.

Cedric reacted first. “Your Highness, get back!” He drew his sword, slashing down an enemy before he could reach Kael.

Kael turned to Freya, his heart pounding. “Freya—”

A flash of steel.

A choked gasp.

Kael’s breath caught as he saw Freya impaled by a blade.

The warmth in her eyes faded as blood dripped from her lips. She staggered slightly, turning her gaze toward Kael.

Her lips parted. A soft smile.

She reached for him with a trembling hand.

Kael caught her, lowering her gently onto the bloodstained marble floor.

“Kael…” Freya’s voice was weak, barely a whisper. “I’m sorry… I wanted to see our future… our children…”

Tears blurred his vision. “Don’t talk like that. You’ll be fine. I’ll—”

She cupped his cheek, her fingers cold. “Live, Kael. Live… and remember me.”

Her hand slipped.

Her eyes lost their light.

“…Freya?”

She didn’t answer.

A hollow scream tore from Kael’s throat.

General Edgar de Alden, Freya’s father, roared in grief as he cut down enemies in his path. But even his fury was not enough—a blade found his throat.

Kael’s mind shattered.

His mother’s scream rang through the hall. He turned, eyes wide, as he saw his parents fighting back against overwhelming odds. His father cut through waves of enemies, but even an emperor had his limits.

A general stepped forward, his blade coated in blood. “Kill them all. Leave none alive.”

Cedric’s grip on Kael tightened. “We need to go. NOW!”

Kael struggled, his vision blurred by rage. “I CAN STILL FIGHT—”

Cedric’s face was grim. “And die here? That’s not what they would want!”

Kael turned one last time, just in time to see his mother cut down before the flames consumed her.

Cedric made his choice. He grabbed Kael and dragged him toward the hidden passage beneath the throne room.

Kael fought, fists slamming against Cedric’s armor. “LET ME GO!”

A final explosion collapsed the throne room, burying his past behind rubble and fire.

A cold wind howled outside.

The icy river behind the palace roared.

Cedric pulled Kael forward. “We have to jump.”

Kael turned, his face pale. “Jump?”

“It’s our only way out.”

Another explosion cracked the earth beneath their feet. The ledge crumbled.

Kael’s body plunged into the frozen abyss below.

The last thing he saw was Cedric standing at the cliff’s edge, sword in hand, cutting down enemies.

Then—Darkness.