Ingrid Nysno, the Heir of the Far-North, a half-human child, who aged so slow, that she looked like a 5 years old at the age of 60.

She was 25 years old, when her father, the king died, and 57 when her mother passed away. Ingrid and her mother hid their unusual aging by lying about their identity. When Ingrid looked like a baby, she was a "girl", named Adora, but after 20 years passed and still looked like a baby, then Adora's mother was to be Adora, and the real Adora was showed as her son, Ingrid.
Ingrid's mother wasn't a human, but Ingrid have never asked her what was she, why is she different. She only knew, that her mother came from a far away place, where people have their own special abilities, their gender roles are not so visible and they live forever.

But it seemed, that her mother didn't live forever, since she passed away after 3 years of dying. She prepared her daughter/son how to hide her female side and how to prepare her faraway cousin (who was a shepherd at that time) to act like her older brother, and marry a southern princess.

Of course, Sigfrid knew nothing about Ingrid's age, he only knew, that the real heir of the northern kingdom would be Ingrid, but he's too young, so they needed an older guy from the bloodline.

Ingrid was corresponding with the southern prince, Karakan about the marriage arrangement between Ingrid's "brother" (cousin) Sigfrid, and the southern princess Katica.

In that 3 years preparation for the big travel to the south, Inrid's only company were the letters from Karakan. It wasn't only about official business, but poetry and culture too. 

The day have arrived, and the northern disembarked.

-Brother! -Disturbed suddenly Sigfrid Ingrid in her thoughts.

-Sigfrid. It sound weird and unnatural how you say "brother". You should call me Ingrid if you can't get used to the brother word.

-But isn't that embarrassing to call you to that? Why did lady Freya gave you a woman's name?

-It was a unisex name when I got it, and it was also my father's name. He said, only the strongest man can hold a woman's name manly. Don't forget, nobody can know that I am your uncle. They would refuse your proposal to the Lady of the Azura Kingdom.

-What do you think, how long will  this journey take?

-The sun will go down and up for many many...many times more. -She said to him, then turned away and went to her cabin. "He's a nice kid, but I would prefer real adult and intelligent people's company. He was complaining since we were on board. I hope the Azura Kingdom have a library..."

She started to revise the Azura kingdom's family tree again.

"Kanuni'Sul the King, Bala'Ra the queen who died...Karakan the first, the son, who has an unusual name compared to his parents....and the lady is...Lady Katica.
Her name is also strange. The children's names aren't linking to the parent's...and why would they give Katica to the north's prince, when they have a son, and we have princesses too. Maybe they plan to send their prince to a bigger empire to rule?
I have to figure out if they are harmful to the north or not."

They set sail in frozen winter, and they have arrived to the blooming plum trees on the coast. Several weeks passed.
2 seamen died on the way, and Sigfrid got thinner and paler. (Though they both have almost white skin.)

As they approached the harbor, Ingrid watched the port from the top deck. She saw a little army and a few cart with magnificent animals at the front. "Those must be the horses I read about." Thought Ingrid, since they had only buffaloes and reindeers for that job.

The nephew stepped next to Ingrid to cling to the banister. His face was yellow.

-Straighten your back Brother! They're looking at us. -Said Ingrid.

-Oh yes... I feel terrible. -He answered in a high pitched voice.

-Harden your face... -She whispered without turning her head there.

-I think I'm sick.

-Don't worry Sigfrid, they will probably let you rest, when we arrive, just keep your dignity and do NOT puke in front of them.-She told him while she was waving to the delegation.

...

Finally they were alone in the cart. Behind their feet, hid their golds and jewelry. Their less important belongings were on the top of other carts.

Ingrid looked at Sigfrid's eyes and they were very blue, almost purple which she knew meant that her "brother" felt sick, or very sad.

She knew this, because her mother's eyes were the same. Only Ingrid's eyes were grey.

They traveled for a week through woods and through fields with speckled cows and beautiful green landscapes, until they reached the prince's castle (a summer residency) just after sundown.

They've just arrived to the muddy courtyard, when the heavy wooden gates closed behind them and the wrought iron doors opened at the front stone podium.

The arrivals looked up. Torches ignited.

A pale skinned, black haired young man appeared in front of the travelers.

Even in this semidarkness Ingrid could see, that  he was so handsome that it made her skin crawl. He was probably the most beautiful person after her mother whom she has ever seen.

He was at least 5 feet tall and had yellowish-brown eyes. Although he was wearing warm colored clothes, he seemed to be very cold and reserved.

-The moon shines upon you. -Started the icy man. His voice was clean and deep. - Welcome to Rivera, in our summer residency. The king asked me to go out of my way and escort you to Azura Town... which I'll do.

-Thank you for your kindness sir.-Ingrid told him, and nodded her head. "Strange he didn't say father, but king."

He didn't turn his head down, just his disdainful look, and then up to Ingrid's nephew. 

-Thank you. You must be...?-Started Sig.

-Karakan.-Said he, while his mouth twitched. -And you must be... Prince Sigfrid if I'm not mistaken? You must be tired. You can rest until dinner. My servants will show you your room. I'm heading out, but I will be back for dinner. Please discipline your...little sister. A child cannot address a man without permission here. -Said the lord, while he passed them and went out in the night.

Ingrid was so furious she couldn't spit a word. An old lady went to her, and bowed her head.

-Com'on li'tle Lady! I show you the room!

-I-am-a-BOY! -Ingrid said to her.

The nephew went to the second (top) floor, while Ingrid had a room next to the butlers room downstairs.

It was an insult, she was very angry, tired, but at the same time she was  very excited.

Everything was very different. Here people were shorter (except the prince), and had darker hair. Just a few had blondish hair.

Everybody looked the travelers with their eyes growing wide, it was so unusual, their look, the silver-white hair and white skin.

"Everything is so alive and lush here, so much green, so many types of birds, even the bugs are entertaining to look."

Ingrid has almost fallen asleep, when she heard a strange noise. It sounded like if someone were dragging something heavy through the hallway. She got up quickly, opened the door and peeped out. It was the Black prince, Karakan. He dragged a huge deer on the floor.

He saw Ingrid.

This time he looked deep into her eyes, like he was analyzing her how she reacts. She was looking at him as he turned right at the end of the corridor to the kitchen. A minute later he came back and stopped at her door.

He looked at her again, and she looked at him.

"He cannot know what I'm thinking, right?"

He had blood stain on his face and his hand was completely steeped in blood.

-Didn't you get frightened?-Asked Karakan.

-From what?-Asked back Ingrid.

-Don't you think "poor deer got killed brutally" or something?

-I was at hunting, I know what is killing.

-Oh, do you?...Phmm! - He smiled, then continued his steps on the corridor. -In an hour, dinner in the dining hall. You should join, Ingrid! -Said while he was walking away.

"How did he knew my name?!"