Chapter 1: PROLOGUE
The screen you are watching shows a sparkling winter wonderland, and a familiar upbeat tune plays. The scene swaps to a host desk with two well known faces. To the left sits a figure wearing a long deep cut dress, which together with her nails and lips are the exact shade of deep red as the caption on the screen suggests, Crimson. Beside her sits a relaxed figure, wearing a casual black suit with a dark green pocket square. His name is Ozeron, the caption tells you, and they are the Winter Regent, and Winter Consort, respectively.
The woman smiles at the camera. “Thank you for tuning in to Regent Reverie, your number one source of Regent news. As the chilling winds of winter are fast approaching, we’re excited to start reporting on the most anticipated event of the season, the Winter Court selection.”
The man next to her takes over. “As you know, the selection process is a mix of chance, trials, and popularity, and it’s our pleasure as the sitting Winter Court to plan, execute, and report on this year’s proceedings.”
“And what a treat we have planned for you,” Crimson adds, with a mischievous glint in her eyes, “filled with twists and turns, as well as more secrecy and deception than ever before.”
“Indeed, we are doing things a bit differently this year,” Ozeron says. “As usual the contestants will be drawn randomly from the pool of participants, and introduced right here in the studio tomorrow. But once the Winter Trials start, as an extra twist, they will be competing using secret identities. Neither you in the audience or the contestants themselves will know who is who. Not even we will know.”
Crimson nods excitedly. “That’s right, we’re running a triple blind contest. You might wonder why, aside from the extra suspense? It’s because at the very end of the trials, the contestants will have a chance to guess each other’s identities for extra points. And of course, who doesn’t love the drama?” Crimson says, and turns to an indifferent Ozeron. “Even you, Oz,” she teases.
“It’s possible,” Ozeron says without missing a beat. “And now, the time has come to reveal this year’s lucky contestants. Any student at the Royal Academy had the chance to apply, but only 5 will be randomly drawn to compete for this year’s Winter Court, having the chance to show their mettle outside of the classroom. A chance worth a lot for these students.”
The screen changes to show 5 empty portraits.
“Let’s reveal the contestants!” Crimson announced.
The portraits begin to spin around like a slot machine, spinning for several seconds before the first one starts to slow down, revealing the name and picture of the first contestant. It is quickly followed by the second, third, fourth and fifth portraits. Additional text fills in under each portrait to read:
Melusine, first year student, no major.
Cascade, third year student majoring in Combat Sciences.
Ambrose, third year student majoring in Musical Arts.
Aven, second year student majoring in Not Specified.
Cova, third year student majoring in Interrealm Politics.
“And those are our lucky contestants!” Crimson concluded. “They will be here in the studio tomorrow night for a meet and greet, so don’t forget to tune in! That’s all from us tonight, dear viewers, we will see you again tomorrow.”
