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It was the 2nd of November, the year 512 after the elemental wars. The Kingdom of Trells was in mourning.

The King and Queen had been expecting. It was to be the first born, and the heir to the throne. The people were thrilled, and had festivities planned for the entire week after the birth of the heir. And in the evening of the 31st of October, the Queen had gone into labour. No one in the kingdom slept that night, too anxious for news of the new Prince or Princess.

And yesterday morning, November 1st, it was with heavy hearts, stricken with grief, that the King and Queen announced that the child was a still born. There was no Prince or Princess; no heir to the throne.

Willa, an old maid from the palace, watched as the navy and gold colours of celebration were taken down, and replaced with the blacks of mourning. From where she stood at the window, Willa could also see the King and Queen standing on their balcony, where they watched as the snow began to fall over the kingdom, holding each other in their grief.

Or, perhaps, in their guilt, she mused.

There was a soft whimper from behind her.

The baby lay swaddled in blankets; only a tuft of black hair and a strange, emerald mark curling around his tiny wrist was visible, peeking out from under the blankets.

“Are you hungry, oh fat one?” Willa coos as she lifts him from his cradle. His eyes, just barely open, she can see are grey, as dark and strong as the storm clouds now brewing over the kingdom. She slides her finger, gently, slowly, into his open hand. He holds tight.

“Too scared to keep you, but too scared still to abandon you. You have been dealt a cruel and lonely fate, my Prince.”

She begins to slowly rock him in her arms. “But, my Prince, I know. One day, you will be a force to be reckoned with. Strong, intelligent and kind. You will see, my Prince. I know.”

His grip loosened on her finger.

“Riven.”

He closes his eyes, Willa's movement calming him into sleep.