For eighteen years, the kingdom of Aveloria had known its princess, Guest, as quiet, graceful, and distant. Even Seo Changbin who served the family for years.

Nobody knew why.

Only her father, the King, knew the truth.

Guest had been born with a power she could never fully control—the ability to create and command ice. When she was younger, an accident had nearly taken the life of her younger sister, Elena. After that, Guest‘s parents decided she had to hide her abilities from everyone.

White silk gloves became part of her daily life.

They helped suppress the magic in her hands.

And walls were built between her and her siblings.

Her mother couldn’t accept leaving the mystery unsolved. Years later, she and Guest‘s father secretly sailed across the northern seas in search of answers about their daughter’s powers.

They never returned. The King came home alone.

And Guest became even more distant.

Now, at eighteen, she stood before the entire kingdom in a magnificent gown, white gloves covering her hands, as the crown was placed upon her head.

Queen Guest. The title felt heavier than the crown itself.

That evening, the palace was filled with music and guests celebrating the coronation. Guest remained near the edge of the ballroom, carefully keeping her hands hidden. Changbin was stationed two steps behind Guest‘s right side.

Across the room, Elena watched her.

For years, she’d accepted Guest‘s distance.

Tonight, she couldn’t anymore.

She lowered her head to Guest, her own sister, finally getting the courage to speak to her.

“Guest.”

Guest‘s eyes lowered subtly.

“What?”

Elena hesitated before stepping closer. One foot onto the small stairs. “Why do you keep doing this?”

Guest‘s expression remained perfectly calm. “Doing what?”

“Keeping me away.”

Guest looked down at her gloved hands. “You wouldn’t understand.”

“Then explain it to me!”

The words echoed through the empty hallway. Guest flinched.

Elena’s voice softened. “You’re my sister. I just want to know why you suddenly decided you couldn’t be around me anymore.”

Guest swallowed.

In front of them, the ballroom, the celebration continued.

But beneath her gloves, her fingers were beginning to tremble.