“Frostbitten”

Author’s Note: This is a Take Ten to Write story and has not been proofread for errors. If I feel inspired or if there’s interest in the story, I’ll post a revised, edited, and extended version at a later date. Happy reading!

As I sit inside the tower, just waiting, I feel chills start creeping up my spine. Goosebumps raise on my arms, crawling their way up to my neck. I shiver, feeling the prickle on my skin.

All this waiting is pure torture.

I watch as nobles from various lands stride across the room, poised and proper. They walk with purpose, not even giving me a sidelong glance.

It’s as if I don’t even exist.

Time passes. Nobles come and go. Day turns to night.

Even as the moon makes its appearance, I sit and wait. Waiting, still, as the cold begins to wrap me in its icy embrace.

I don’t have much time left.

But still, I sit and wait. I let the frost sneak up my feet, over my toes and up to my ankles. It bites at my legs and snakes its way upward, completely unhindered by the many layers of my ball gown. It grabs greedily at my arms and when it reaches my fingers, I know that it’s too late.

I’ve waited too long.

I watch as the nobles continue on their path, unaware of my imminent demise. They scurry about, paying no attention to their surroundings.

Paying no attention to me.

I stare out the window as the first tendrils of sunlight rise over the horizon. The cold is unbearable now, digging deep down into my very soul.

The frost terminates its warpath. And I am still.

Final Comments: It was cold outside today. That’s all I’m going to say.

Overall Rating: 🥶