The Cold Prince was a powerful fae in the realm of Faërie. But he wasn’t satisfied with ruling in that realm. So he traveled to the mortal world where his attempt to rule brought about the Hundred-Years Winter a thousand years ago. The mortals and fae warred against each other.

It was thought that the Cold Prince couldn't be killed by any mortal weapon, so instead the Eilvalorian kings and heroes of the time, working with the Woldere (the ancient druids of the Wealdwood) devised powerful spells to banish him to the realm of Faërie and imprison him in his palace on the island that became known as the Frozen Isle of the Banished Usurper. It is thought that there he is still, always seeking to escape.

The Cold Prince has thirteen children—some wicked, some good. While any of them live, there is still a chance they could help the Cold Prince escape and return winter to the world.

During the war, several Eilvalorian princes made contact with the ancient long-lost dwarves who dwell deep underground. Together, it is said that they forged weapons capable of killing the Cold Prince. These weapons weren’t finished until after the war, however. They are untested and locked away in the ancient Eilvalorian treasure vaults, or so it is said.

• “The Cold Prince’s true name is Auberon and that of his former lover is Sharaea—one of the Daughters of Delight.” – the ghost of Sir Merrick.