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Days have passed and more memories of Jocosa's life have returned to the girl.
Being suffocated by the enormous castle was just what the girl needed, along with the push of her brother. Specks of wanted memories floated to her grasp, but the past of the cabin surrounded by frost remains.
As for the current events, Jocosa is enjoying the spectacle of her brother's training. The opposition's step falters earning her brother the match. The female immediately begins to clap with joy for her brother before a pair of footsteps catches her ear.
Twisting her body to catch a view of the newcomer, Jocosa finds her eyes settling on her birth mother.
"Good afternoon," Jocosa speaks lowly with a flickering smile.
"Afternoon my dear, would you mind accompanying me to someplace?" The queen extends her manicured hand.
The mature woman guides Jocosa through the castle walls until they arrive at the supposed destination. Her bedroom door creaks open as her mother encourages her to place herself in front of the grand vanity. Gently grasping the strands of Jocosa's hair, Cateline begins to stroke the bed of hair with a brush in hand.
"I... remember the times just like this, you and I gathered together in front of this old mirror. It brought me much joy seeing you talk to me, I was wondering if you would join me again." Cateline didn't want her own blood to feel like a stranger, yet that's the feeling coursing through her. Not knowing the child she cradled in her arms. "I know you may not remember me, but please try with me. Hm?" Begging for a relationship that stemmed years ago just to be forgotten. The feeling felt so foreign and unwelcome.
Locking eyes with the still woman she breathes deeply before telling her the story of where this all began for her. "A kind girl had taken me in, and we bonded. Then I fell for the rest of her family, they hadn't much but it was plenty for them. Then, my brother found me; a strange man telling me that we were related. It happened so fast. Yet I feel comforted here, and I hope our bond will return as well." Jocosa's face wrinkles as she gives her mother a kind smile.
Returning said smile, Cateline takes a moment to herself as her emotions settle. "I thank you, darling, you are as kind as I remember you. Yet, I do have news. You might not remember, but you have an engagement with a neighboring prince. You had agreed to marry before we had lost you, but don't catch the wrong idea. I have no intention of forcing you to go through, but I want to tell you we have alerted him of your return. He would like to visit you, my dear."
Jocosa remains quiet as she thinks back to the faint memory of the field, if the memories were strong enough to remain she should try. "I agree to continue the engagement."
"Splendid!" Her mother's joyous tone reaches the girl's heart. "Alas, I am finished dear. Take a look."
Jocosa's head tilts up at the twin set of ponytails, a smile gratefully growing.
"There you are my beautiful girl," Cateline places a kiss on her head.
The nickname falling upon Jocosa's ears feels as natural as can be. Yet the loving moment remains interrupted.
"My Queen." The maid bows entering the space.
"Yes, what is it?"
"Dinner has been prepared as well as the prince's betrothed arrival."
"Well we must be on our way," the queen glances down gathering her daughter to her feet.
But Jocosa's thoughts remain on the infamous woman. She wonders if she'll match her brother's kindness.
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