The garden of Snowflake Mansion fell into tense silence as the palace officials stepped forward, their royal insignias glinting under the lantern light.
Arlienne instinctively moved closer to her children.
Astra held Aster's sleeve tightly.
Liora Arcwell stood behind them, frowning at the uninvited intruders.
The lead official bowed stiffly to Arlienne.
"Lady Arlienne Snowflake… we bring urgent orders from His Majesty the King."
Aster's gaze sharpened instantly. "Speak."
The official cleared his throat.
"The palace banquet is in chaos. Foreign dignitaries and nobles are demanding the presence of the Snowflakes. His Majesty requests—no, *orders*—that Prince Aster and Princess Astra come to the palace immediately and perform."
Gasps rippled through the gathered guests.
Aster stepped forward, voice cold as steel.
"We're not going."
The soldier flinched.
Aster continued:
"It is our mother's birthday. We already told the palace 'no.' Nothing has changed."
Astra nodded firmly beside him. "We won't abandon Mama's celebration."
Murmurs rose among the commoners.
Even the merchants frowned at the officials' arrogance.
But Arlienne's face paled slightly.
She understood something her children did not.
The consequences of refusing twice.
The official straightened.
"This is not a request, Prince Aster. It is royal command. You must come to the palace and perform tonight. The king insists."
Aster's eyes flashed with anger.
"So what? You'll drag us there by force?"
The soldiers exchanged uneasy glances.
Some looked away.
It was clear that yes—those were the king's instructions.
Arlienne took a slow breath and placed a hand on Aster's shoulder.
"Son… enough."
Aster turned to her, shocked.
"Mama? Don't tell me you're agreeing to this—"
Arlienne's eyes were soft, but heavy with resignation.
"Aster… refusing once is defiance. Refusing twice… the queen will not forgive it. And the king… he is not strong enough to protect you."
Aster clenched his jaw.
"But this is *your* birthday!"
Arlienne smiled sadly.
"I do not need a grand party. I only need my children safe."
Astra moved closer. "Mama…"
Arlienne cupped both of their faces gently.
"My treasures… sometimes doing what is right is not what is easy. The queen is angry. The nobles are restless. The royal image is cracking. If we push further, there will be retaliation."
The officials watched uncomfortably.
Even they felt awkward witnessing Arlienne's quiet heartbreak.
Aster tried again, voice trembling.
"Mama… I promised myself I'd never let the palace hurt you again."
Arlienne stroked his cheek.
"And you have kept that promise… every day since you were born."
Aster's breath shook.
Astra's eyes filled with tears.
"But now," Arlienne whispered, "we must choose the path that avoids danger. Even if it is unfair."
Aster lowered his head, fists clenched.
Silence hung between them for a long, long moment.
Finally—
He exhaled.
"…Fine."
Astra gasped. "Aster—"
He put a hand on her shoulder.
"We'll go."
Arlienne's shoulders sagged with relief.
But Aster raised a finger.
"On one condition."
The officials stiffened.
Aster pointed at Arlienne.
"Mama comes with us."
Arlienne blinked. "Aster… I don't need to—"
"Yes, you do," he said firmly. "If they want the Snowflakes, they bring the Snowflakes *together*. Mama is part of who we are."
Astra nodded vigorously. "We're not going anywhere without her!"
The officials hesitated.
This wasn't in their orders.
But they couldn't risk angering the guests or creating a scandal at Snowflake Mansion.
"…Very well," the lead official said after a pause. "Lady Arlienne may accompany you."
Aster let out a quiet breath.
Astra squeezed his hand.
Arlienne smiled softly, touched by their protectiveness.
"Then let's go," she whispered. "Before things worsen."
***
Within minutes, servants fetched their cloaks.
Liora Arcwell hugged Arlienne tightly.
"Be careful," she murmured. "The palace may want more than just a performance."
Arlienne nodded.
Aster promised her quietly, "I'll protect Mama and Astra. No matter what happens."
Astra clung to Arlienne's hand.
The guests bowed their heads as the family approached the front gate.
Outside waited a luxurious royal carriage, shining purple and gold under the moonlight.
The soldiers opened the door.
Aster guided his mother inside.
Astra followed.
He paused at the door, looking back at Snowflake Mansion—their safe place, their home.
The place they had just celebrated their happiest night.
Now they were leaving it… because of palace pressure.
He clenched his jaw.
*This won't be the last time,* he thought.
*But it will be the last time they force our hand without consequences.*
Aster stepped into the carriage.
The doors closed.
And under the watchful moonlight, the royal escort began rolling toward the palace—
Carrying three people whose lives were about to change forever.