<br/>Katrina always felt cold in this castle.  It was not in a warm land like where she grew up.  Shivering, she pulled the blankets up and tighter about herself.  The morning light was showing under the heavy curtains.  But she could hear the wind and rain and knew it would be another dreary day without sunshine to warm her.<br/><br/>The princess had come as a companion for her sister.  At least that was the story.  But Katrina understood the politics of the marriage.  Her sister had always been groomed to be a queen.  While Ashinalin had been learning about the best materials for a dress, the acceptable jewels and every number of things a grand royal lady should know, Katrina had grown bored with such things, often sneaking out and listening in on the meetings her father was having.  She was actually disappointed when she was<em> told </em>she’d be going with her sister.<br/><br/>Though it wasn’t said to her face, Katrina knew she, like her sister, would be set up in a marriage that would be best for political alliances, not love.  She could only hope to be as lucky as her sister.  Her new husband was wonderful.  He was smart, funny and immensely handsome.<br/><br/>