Rala watched out a window as another man ran out the front door, her face expressionless. Another failed suitor. She stood in one of the many parlors of the ice palace, watching. The palace was entirely made out of ice, sculpted to perfection by years of wind and the helpful hand of artisans. It looked out onto the town of Elizat, the heart of the kingdom, spread around the castle in spirals. Snow covered the ground, a delicate sprinkling over the blue eyes. It was dazzling to look upon.
She sighed after losing sight of her latest suitor, her silver hair flowing behind her, and left the room, a maid following behind her that almost never left her side. It was the third week of this stupid contest and the suitors didn't seem to stop coming. The untold wealth was too much of an incentive, she supposed. She moved to the library to await her next suitor.
Her father sat in the grand hall, sighing heavily as he looked over the group of suitors. He was in his middle years, with black eyes and graying-black hair. He wanted so much for his daughter to marry before he died. But not for the reason most assumed. He waved up the next suitor.