Snow drifted gently outside the Northern Duke's mansion, the sky a pale gray canvas. Inside the estate, however, chaos reigned.
Maria stood by the fireplace in her room, staring at the letter in her hands. Her usually calm expression was… nervous. Alex noticed the way her brows knit together, her lips pressed tight in a thin line.
"What's wrong?" he asked, approaching her from behind and wrapping his arms around her waist.
She sighed deeply and handed him the letter.
"Dearest Sister,
I'm coming to visit! I can't stay away anymore! I want to see with my own eyes how you've been living in that cold wasteland with that scary Duke husband of yours.
I miss you dearly, and I must confirm you haven't been turned into a snow-woman.
Love,
Your beloved little sister, Lily "
Maria groaned. "It's Lily. She's… coming here."
Alex blinked. "Lily? That's a sweet name."
"You don't understand." Maria turned to him, dead serious. "She has a massive sister complex. Like—she clings to me. She doesn't like anyone getting close to me. Last time someone flirted with me, she poured hot tea on his lap."
Alex's expression turned… grave. "So… you're saying she might try to kill me."
"I'm saying be charming. Very charming. Or wear armor."
Two Days Later
The grand gates of the mansion opened as a carriage pulled by four white horses stopped in front. The staff lined up, the snow gently crunching beneath their boots. Maria stood nervously at the front, beside Alex—who wore his most neutral "I am not scary" expression.
The door swung open… and a blur of lilac and fur flew out.
"SISTER!!!"
Maria barely had time to brace before she was tackled into a tight, dramatic hug.
"Lily!" Maria laughed, hugging her back. "I missed you."
Lily pulled back, cupping Maria's face. "You look beautiful! But are you eating well? You're too pale. Is this brute feeding you properly?"
She turned her sharp gaze to Alex, squinting. "You. Big. Cold-looking. Tall. Hmm."
"I'm… Alex," he said slowly, offering a small smile.
Lily stepped between him and Maria, arms crossed.
"I know who you are," she said with narrowed eyes. "Don't think just because you married her, you get to keep her."
Alex blinked. Maria sighed.
"Lily, I'm not a possession."
"You're my sister. You were mine first."
Alex opened his mouth to protest, but then raised his hands in surrender. "Alright, I'll wait for my turn."
Back Inside the Mansion
Lily settled in like a storm—sweet, affectionate toward Maria, suspicious toward Alex, and an absolute menace to the staff with her curiosity. She'd sneak into the kitchen to inspect meals ("Is this poisoned?"), Corner Elisha with questions about Maria's happiness, and follow her sister around like a fluffy shadow.
But Maria could sense something else under Lily's playful energy.
That night, as they sat on Maria's bed brushing each other's hair like they used to as girls, Lily went quiet.
"Sis…" she said softly, "I got a letter from Father, too."
Maria paused. "Father?"
Lily nodded, pulling a folded paper from under her pillow.
"Lily, the North is changing too fast. We have enemies everywhere, and I fear your sister is caught in the middle of something dangerous. Keep an eye on her. And be wary of that Duke."
Maria's hand tightened on the sheet.
"I came because I missed you," Lily whispered. "But… I also wanted to see for myself. I needed to know you're okay."
Maria wrapped her arms around her. "I am. It's different here, yes. But… I'm happy."
Lily hugged her tighter. "Then I'll protect that happiness. Even if it means I have to glare at that ice block of a husband until he crumbles."
But Peace Doesn't Last
Just as things began to settle with Lily's arrival, another carriage approached the Northern estate.
This one was elegant, darker—wrapped in banners of the Morgan house.
Celestia Morgan had arrived.
Wearing deep burgundy velvet, her golden hair twisted in perfect courtly fashion, Celestia stepped out, every inch the noble lady of the center.
Maria and Alex welcomed her with practiced politeness, though both could feel the shift in the air—like a crack forming in still ice.
"Duchess Maria," Celestia said with a perfect smile. "I've heard so much about you. And Duke Alex, I must say… You look even more powerful in person."
Maria's eyes narrowed slightly. Lily, watching from the hallway, whispered to herself: "Oh no. She's hot and shady. This is going to be a disaster."
Celestia walked through the doors like a queen entering her court. "I do hope I'm not intruding… I've come on behalf of the capital to learn about the wonderful developments in the North. It's such a shame I've missed so much already… But I'm sure I'll catch up."
Her eyes briefly flicked to Alex. And lingered.
Maria felt a flicker in her chest. Not jealousy—but instinct.
Something was coming.
Celestia's presence at the Northern mansion was like perfume—sweet, lingering, and slightly suffocating.
Every day, she seemed to find a new excuse to spend time with Duke Alex. One morning, it was "Duke, I'd love your insights on this new agricultural report." The next day, "Duke, could I see the training grounds you're so proud of?" And every time, she wore just the right shade of lipstick, just the right amount of perfume, and always touched his arm just a little too long.
Maria watched.
From doorways, balconies, across the grand halls—her blue eyes never missing a single moment.
At first, she thought she was imagining things. After all, Celestia was a noblewoman, refined and proper. But then came the little things.
That day in the study…
In the Duke's Office
Alex stood by the window, holding a scroll about the upcoming harvest schedules. Celestia walked in, holding a tray with two cups of tea.
"I thought you might need something warm," she smiled, voice honeyed. "The North can be quite… cold."
Alex turned with a grateful smile. "Thank you. That's thoughtful."
As he took the cup, she placed her hand gently over his. "Warm hands. That's rare in these parts, isn't it?"
Alex blinked down at her hand, confused. "I suppose I've been outside more than you."
She giggled softly, stepping closer. "You must be lonely here… with only Maria for company."
He frowned slightly. "Maria's more than enough. She's the reason this place is alive again."
She tilted her head, lips pouting. "Is that so?"
From the half-open door, Maria watched silently, her nails digging into the doorframe. She turned and walked away.
That Evening
At dinner, Celestia laughed a little too loudly at Alex's jokes. She complimented his taste in wine, his leadership, and his voice.
And he, the dense man he was, only nodded politely.
Maria cut into her steak with slow, deliberate precision. Lily, beside her, leaned in and whispered, "Do you want me to drop her into the wine cellar?"
Maria didn't answer. But her smile was tight, eyes unreadable.
Days Passed
Celestia became a fixture in the mansion, like an overly polished statue no one asked for. She claimed it was "for research"—that her father wanted detailed reports on the North's reforms.
But Maria knew better. Every day, she was chipping at the edge of her patience.
Once, Maria walked into the library and found Celestia adjusting Alex's collar.
"Oh," Celestia said with false surprise. "Maria! I was just helping the Duke. He looked a bit... disheveled."
Alex smiled innocently. "She said my collar was wrinkled."
Maria's eyes met Celestia's. Cold. Sharp. Silent war.
And still—she said nothing.
One Night in Their Room
Maria sat at her vanity, brushing her hair. Alex came in, removing his coat.
"She really likes helping, doesn't she?" she said casually.
"Huh? Who?"
"Celestia."
Alex blinked. "Oh, yeah. She's very… enthusiastic about administration."
Maria looked at him through the mirror, deadpan. "Enthusiastic. Right."
He tilted his head, clearly confused. "Why? Did she say something?"
She turned away. "No, Alex. She didn't need to."
He paused, sensing something off, but unsure what. He walked up behind her, wrapping his arms around her shoulders.
"I only see you, you know," he whispered.
Maria smiled faintly. But even in his arms, a storm brewed in her heart.
Meanwhile… in Celestia's Quarters
Celestia sat by her desk, writing a letter by candlelight.
Father,
Progress is slow, but I see cracks beginning to form. The Duchess is not as composed as she pretends to be. The Duke is… simple. Loyal. But too trusting. I only need time. Once the tension breaks, she will doubt him—and in that moment, we strike.
Your loving daughter,
Celestia.
She folded the letter and sealed it with red wax.
Outside, the Northern wind howled against the walls—but inside the mansion, a different kind of storm was building.
The mansion buzzed with excitement.
A grand winter ball was being held—Maria's idea to celebrate the North's growth and unity. Nobles, knights, merchants, and even commoners were invited.
The Northern halls were glowing with lanterns, golden chandeliers flickered above as snow fell softly outside like powdered silk.
Maria stood at the top of the staircase, draped in a midnight-blue gown that shimmered with every step. A silver circlet crowned her head—a true Duchess of the North.
Alex, down below in a regal black suit, looked up—and the world fell away.
But the moment was shattered when Celestia arrived. She wore red.
Not just any red—the kind that screamed danger. Her gown hugged her curves, her hair pinned back to reveal her long neck and mischievous smile.
She walked straight to Alex. "You clean up nicely, Duke."
He smiled politely. "Thank you."
Maria descended slowly, eyes locked on the two.
The Dance Begins
The ballroom was a symphony of silk and violins.
As Maria danced with Alex, her heart was distant. He noticed.
"You're not speaking."
"I'm thinking."
"About?"
She hesitated. Then—
"Celestia."
Alex sighed. "Again?"
Maria stopped mid-step. "You still don't see it, do you?"
Alex looked lost. "She's your sister. She's… helping."
Maria's voice dropped. "She's seducing you."
He froze.
She stepped back. "Open your eyes, Alex. Every smile, every touch, every compliment—it's not innocent."
Before he could speak, a voice interrupted.
"Is everything alright, dear sister?"
Celestia.
She stood nearby, feigning sweetness. "You seem upset."
Maria turned to her. "Why are you really here, Celestia?"
Celestia blinked, then smiled wickedly. "Because Father is worried. About you. About your… fragile hold on power."
The music stopped. Guests nearby turned.
"And perhaps," Celestia added, "he thinks the Duke deserves someone more… attuned to noble politics."
Maria stepped closer. "You crossed the line."
Celestia's eyes gleamed. "Oh, sister. You have no idea how deep this game goes."
Maria's hand twitched.
Alex stepped in between them, his voice low. "Enough."
He looked at Celestia. "I thought you came to visit family, not stir poison in my home."
Celestia's smile faded.
He turned to Maria. "I was blind. But not anymore."
And then—in front of everyone—he took Maria's hand, pulled her close, and kissed her. Deep. Passionate. Unapologetic.
The ballroom erupted in whispers.
Celestia stood frozen. Jaw clenched.
Later That Night – In the Office
Maria sat alone, staring into the fireplace, her hands trembling.
Alex entered quietly, closing the door behind him.
"I'm sorry," he said.
"For what?"
"For making you feel like you were standing alone."
Maria didn't respond.
He walked to her and knelt before her. "You're the North's heart, Maria. But you're also mine."
She finally met his eyes—tears glistening.
"You really didn't know?"
"I was stupid," he admitted. "But now? I'd burn the world down if she tried touching me again."
Maria laughed softly, then cupped his face. "Don't burn the world. Just stay here. With me."
He leaned in, and their lips met again—slow, warm, and real.
But this time, they didn't stop at a kiss.
There, in the office where they had once talked politics and farming, they explored each other with urgency and raw emotion. The fireplace crackled behind them, casting gold on bare skin and tangled sheets as clothes fell away and only whispers remained.
"Maria…"
"Alex…"
The cold of the North couldn't touch them tonight.
The Next Morning
Celestia prepared her carriage.
Maria watched from the balcony, dressed in a pale blue robe, Alex's coat draped over her shoulders.
Celestia glanced up one last time—her eyes dark.
Maria smiled, victorious but silent.
Alex appeared beside her, wrapping his arm around her waist.
"She'll try again," he murmured.
"She can," Maria said calmly. "Let her try. The North won't fall again."
The snow was beginning to melt—just slightly—as spring peeked through the frost. The North had survived its hardest winter in years, but thanks to the innovations led by Maria, no one went hungry.
Maria and Alex had decided to visit a remote village nestled deep in the northern valley. It was one of the first villages to adopt greenhouse farming, and the people wanted to show their gratitude.
Children ran forward holding flowers. Elders bowed deeply. Villagers sang songs composed in Maria's honor—of the Duchess who turned snow into harvest.
Maria smiled warmly, but something inside her felt... off.
From early morning, her body had been unusually warm. Her head spun lightly, and her stomach twisted now and then. She tried to wave it off—just a little fatigue.
But Alex noticed.
"Maria... something's not right," he whispered, placing a hand gently on her back. "You should've stayed at the mansion."
"I'm fine," she smiled faintly. "It's just a long ride, that's all."
But as they stood among the people, receiving their love and cheers, Maria's face paled—and suddenly, she collapsed into Alex's arms.
The crowd gasped.
"Maria!" Alex shouted, catching her before she hit the ground. Panic surged through his chest. He carried her swiftly to the nearest home, his hands trembling, his mind racing.
He never felt so helpless.
Later That Night – The News
Maria slowly opened her eyes to see Alex beside her, holding her hand tightly.
"Elisha called the physician from the capital," he said softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "You scared me... Don't ever do that again."
Maria gave a weak chuckle. "I didn't plan to pass out, you know."
Just then, the door opened, and the physician entered with a bright smile.
"Congratulations, Your Grace," he announced. "The Duchess is with child."
Silence.
Alex Blinked.
Maria gasped.
Then tears welled in her eyes—and Alex cupped her face, laughing through his own tears.
"We're... having a baby?" he whispered.
She nodded slowly, and they held each other tightly, as if time had stopped.
The North Rejoices
The news spread faster than the northern wind.
The Duchess is pregnant! The villagers lit lanterns, songs echoed through the valleys, and bells rang in every town. From the highest noble to the humblest farmer—everyone celebrated.
Maria wasn't just their ruler anymore. She was family.
And now, she was carrying the future of the North.
In the Capital
When word reached the Emperor and Empress, they were overjoyed.
"A new heir... a child born of the North," the Empress said, smiling warmly. "Maria truly changed the fate of the empire."
They sent lavish gifts—golden cradles, silken robes, rare herbs for Maria's health, and an imperial blessing scroll, hand-written by the Emperor himself.
The Northern winds carried not only whispers of celebration—but whispers of fear.
Far in the heart of the capital, behind gilded doors, the central nobles sat in silence… their faces tight, their hearts heavy.
"The North…" one noble murmured, "...grows stronger with each passing day."
"They've turned barren land into gold," another snapped. "And now a child? An heir to carry on their legacy?"
"They're becoming unstoppable," said a third with narrowed eyes. "If we don't act now—our control over the empire will be nothing but history."
Arrival in the North
Two years.
It had been two years since Marquise Morgan had seen his daughter. He arrived at the grand gates of the Northern Duke's mansion with heavy steps and a heavier heart.
Maria and Alex were there to receive him. Snowflakes gently drifted around them.
When Morgan stepped out of his carriage, his eyes met hers—and he froze.
Maria stood there, smiling, wrapped in elegant fur, glowing from within. Her body had changed—her face was softer, her belly gently rounded with life.
She looked… radiant. Peaceful.
And then—he broke down.
Tears ran down his face as he walked forward and pulled her into his arms. She hugged him tightly, as if they had never been apart.
That Night
Dinner was warm, filled with laughter and stories. Alex made sure everything was perfect. Elisha served tea, and Morgan's fingers brushed the vial hidden in his sleeve… but he never reached for it.
Later, under the stars, Morgan and Maria sat in the drawing room—just the two of them.
Maria chatted cheerfully, telling stories of how the North had changed, how the people had flourished, how children now played in snow-covered streets with warm boots and full stomachs.
She laughed. Her eyes sparkled.
Morgan just… listened.
And when it was time for her to go, Alex appeared quietly by the door. Maria stood to leave, but before she could—
Morgan asked one question.
"My dear… are you happy?"
Maria turned, and her smile—soft and bright as moonlight—answered him.
"Yes, Father. I'm very happy."
The next day, he joined her and Alex for breakfast. Again, he kept silent. Again, he watched. And again… he couldn't bring himself to follow through.
Days turned into weeks.
Weeks became months.
Four months passed.
Maria's belly grew, and so did the joy in the North. The people adored her more with each passing day. Alex hovered around her with care and devotion, and every evening ended with laughter.
And Marquise Morgan?
He watched.
He waited.
And he silently made his decision.
He would be a father—for once in his life.
Even if it meant defying everything he stood for.
Everything was going smoothly in the North. Peace had settled like soft snow, and happiness filled every corner of the Duke's territory.
Maria's smile had become the sun that lit the Duke's mansion. Her laughter echoed through the halls, and the people adored her, now more than ever.
But then—fate shifted.
That morning, Alex had to leave for urgent work at the western border. He didn't want to go. His heart tugged painfully at the thought of leaving Maria, especially now… now that she was carrying their child—their hope, their future.
He held her gently, resting a hand on her belly.
"Maria… I don't feel right about this. Something feels off."
Maria smiled softly, brushing a hand through his hair.
"I'll be waiting right here. What could happen? Everyone is here with me—Elisha, the guards, even Father. Go, my Duke. I'll be fine."
Reluctantly, Alex kissed her forehead and stepped away.
But as he rode out, a storm began to brew… not in the skies, but in shadows.
THE SCREAM
As evening descended, the air in the mansion turned still. A chill swept through the corridors like a warning.
A maid entered Maria's room quietly, smiling as she offered a glass of freshly prepared apple juice.
Maria, resting on the velvet chaise near the window, accepted it with a gentle nod, unaware of the poison laced within.
Minutes later—a scream tore through the stillness.
"AHHH—!!"
The guards outside the door jumped, their swords half-drawn. Inside, Maria was on the floor, clutching her stomach, her mouth foaming, and her body convulsing as blood spilled from her lips.
"SOMEONE HELP HER!!" Elisha screamed as she ran into the room.
Marquise Morgan, hearing the chaos, rushed through the halls. When he reached the room—he froze.
There—his daughter lay—screaming, coughing blood, her skin pale and drenched in sweat.
"MARIA!!" he shouted, collapsing to her side.
The doctor was called immediately. Vials opened, clothes soaked in sweat, the floor scattered with medical tools and blood-stained towels.
The Return of the Duke
Miles away, Alex was on his return from the western post.
Suddenly, his chest tightened.
Something was wrong.
"Driver, faster!" he ordered, his voice sharp with urgency. "Don't stop until we reach the mansion!"
Snow flew behind the carriage wheels as they thundered through the cold night.
When Alex finally arrived at the estate—everything felt wrong.
The balcony where Maria always stood to greet him… was empty.
No laughter.
No lights.
Only silence.
He rushed in. The butler bowed solemnly. "Your Grace…"
But before he could finish, Elisha stepped out of Maria's bedroom—her face pale, her hands trembling, tears in her eyes.
She opened her mouth, but no words came.
Alex pushed past them, his heart pounding like thunder.
He entered the room—and his world stopped.
Maria lay unconscious on the bed, her body still and wrapped in sweat-soaked sheets. The floor was stained with blood. The maids were crying quietly.
Then the doctor stood, eyes hollow.
"Your Grace…" he bowed his head. "I'm… I'm truly sorry. We did everything we could… but we couldn't save the baby."
Silence.
Everything around Alex went numb.
He looked at the doctor, then at the blood.
His knees gave way slightly—but he clenched his fists.
"What… happened… while I was gone?" he said, voice low, barely holding back the storm within.
No one answered.
His voice rose. "I SAID, WHAT HAPPENED?! WHO HURT MY WIFE?!"
Elisha stepped forward, her voice breaking. "Your Grace… someone poisoned the apple juice she drank."
Alex stared at her, stunned. "Poison…? You're telling me someone… tried to kill Maria… and my child… while I was away?!"
The maids sobbed quietly.
The guards stood frozen.
Rage exploded in Alex's eyes.
"Where was everyone?! How could this happen in MY HOUSE?!"
Elisha and the others bowed their heads, unable to answer.
Alex turned to the commander.
"Lock down the entire mansion! No one leaves. No one enters. Search every room, every corridor. Find the poison, and FIND THE ONE WHO DID THIS!"
His voice echoed through the halls like a war cry.
He turned back to Maria, sat at her side, and gently held her cold hand.
His tears finally fell.
"My love… I'm sorry I left you… I should've been here…"
He leaned down, placing his forehead against her trembling hand.
"Forgive me… forgive me…"
And in that moment—the proud Duke of the North became a broken man.
A husband mourning the child he never got to meet.
A man preparing to burn the world to find the one who dared harm the woman he loved.