"Are you tired?"
Dorian's voice echoed through the steady rhythm of the horses' hooves.
Rosalind smiled, not looking at him, her gaze turned toward the distance. The cold breeze carrying the scent of snow brushed past her hair, making her feel light, as though her soul was being cleansed.
"No," she laughed softly. "Actually… I'm very happy."
She wasn't lying.
This was perhaps the most exciting thing she had done since leaving the palace where she had lived for over twenty years.
Dorian gave a faint smile. He said nothing more, merely lifted his hand and pointed ahead.
"We're almost there."
By this time, the sun was nearly hidden behind the snow-capped mountains in the distance, only a few rays of light stretching across the sky.
Then, through the cold mist at the horizon, the silhouette of the castle gradually emerged.
That was Everfrost – known as the heart of the North.
The castle stood like a solid block of stone, covered in white snow, as if it were one with the earth and sky, inseparable. Around it were gray stone walls, covered in moss, with watchtowers flickering with the glow of fire, rising high like stone spears, thrusting straight into the sky.
Rosalind instinctively gripped the reins tighter.
Unlike Lumisera – where everything was grand and magnificent – Everfrost was not flashy. It was cold, sturdy, and imposing, like a warrior standing guard at the edge of the world.
She had never seen a place like it.
A place that seemed cold and intimidating, yet mysterious and strangely captivating.
Just like its master.
They moved swiftly into the courtyard, where quite a few servants were already waiting.
Somehow, Dorian was always one step ahead of her.
He had moved beside her without her noticing, offering his hand to help her down from the horse, much to the surprise of those present.
The servants, though no one instructed them, all seemed to understand that from now on, the new mistress of the Valemont household was someone they could not offend.
Clip-clop, clip-clop.
The elderly woman leading the group tapped her cane on the floor, as though reminding everyone of their place. Her sharp eyes seemed to be able to see through all the secrets in this castle.
Immediately, everyone quickly formed an orderly line. When they saw Dorian and Rosalind approach the steps, her expression softened, and she bowed with grace.
"Welcome back, Your Grace." Then she turned to Rosalind, bowing similarly. "And welcome to Everfrost, Your Grace. I am Maera, the castle's steward. It is my pleasure to serve you."
"Maera has worked for the Valemont family for a long time, so if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask her," Dorian said quietly to Rosalind.
"Thank you, Maera. I am Rosalind. I look forward to your assistance during my time here."
"I am always at your service, Your Grace" Maera replied with a warm smile.
"The long journey must have tired you, Madam. A bath has been prepared, please follow this way," she said, then motioned for a few maids to guide Rosalind.
"Then I shall take my leave... Dorian."
"I'll see you at dinner," he replied, placing a light kiss on her hand.
After a few days of being with him, Rosalind had grown accustomed to his forwardness. After all, they were married now.
Rosalind blushed slightly but only nodded before leaving with Elise and the other maids.
"Ahem." Maera cleared her throat. "I didn't expect you to have me rush back to the castle just for this Castillon princess."
He didn't look at her, his gaze still following the figure of Rosalind.
"She is now my wife, the mistress of the Valemont household." He turned to look at Maera. "And... the only person I trust is you, Maera."
Maera didn't respond immediately, but gave him a discerning look.
"I understand, Your Grace." She sighed softly. "You should rest now. I will go prepare for dinner."
"Wait."
Dorian spoke suddenly, then signaled for Rowan to hand her a wooden box. Maera took it and opened the lid, recognizing it as dried peach blossoms, arranged with precious saffron threads.
She raised an eyebrow, looking back at her master.
"Are you trying to bribe this old woman?"
He said nothing, only smiled before walking away.
"I suppose I've lived long enough to see Dorian Valemont fall for a woman." Maera mused.
Hearing her words, Rowan nodded thoughtfully, but quickly returned to his usual indifferent demeanor.
"Your Grace would not appreciate hearing such things."
"If he doesn't like it, he can always throw this old woman out."
She said this, leaving Rowan staring after her, slightly dumbfounded.
Who in this castle would dare throw her out, he thought.
------
Inside the marble-tiled bath chamber, warm steam rose softly like mist. After the long journey through the snow-capped mountains, the feeling of soaking in warm water made Rosalind's whole body melt.
She had changed into a new outfit – a thick brocade dress in jade green, with silver thread embroidery on the sleeves – and now sat before a mirror, letting the maids carefully brush her hair.
Her hair was soft and shiny, gleaming under the candlelight. The young maid couldn't help but exclaim.
"Oh, Your Grace, your hair is so beautiful."
"Thank you, Haiga," she smiled gently, a bit touched by the compliment.
The maid, Haiga, continued to marvel, unable to hide her admiration. "It really is! People from the North usually have dark hair, so it's rare to see someone with hair like yours."
Haiga thought for a moment, then seemed to realize something. "Oh, and the Duke too, his platinum hair comes from his late wife."
Rosalind paused, considering Haiga's words.
She remembered now. The late wife of the Valemont family, Elysia Montclair, whom her sister Amara always insisted was the most beautiful woman in the empire.
He resembled his mother, so no wonder he had such an attractive appearance, Rosalind thought to herself.
Then, she suddenly froze. Was she complimenting him on his looks? Was it... his appearance... that captivated her?
Rosalind couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed.
But indeed, she had been attracted by his handsome face the first time they met.
"Are you feeling ill, Your Grace?" Elise asked, noticing the flush on Rosalind's cheeks.
"Oh... it's nothing. I probably stayed in the bath too long," Rosalind replied, smiling awkwardly, trying to push the thought out of her mind.
At that moment, a knock sounded at the door, followed by the voice of a male servant.
"Your Grace, dinner is ready. His Grace is waiting for you to join him."
"I'll be right there."
------
The soft light from the chandelier candles reflected off the gray stone walls, creating warm golden streaks in the chilly air of Everfrost's great hall. Under the high vaulted ceiling, a long table was covered with a pristine white silk cloth, set with ivory dishes trimmed in gold and sparkling wine glasses.
Rosalind entered, her jade green brocade dress hugging her slender frame. The scent of burning wood in the fireplace blended with the subtle aroma of herbs from the dishes being served, making her feel quite at ease.
Dorian had been waiting, standing up the moment she appeared. He wore a black velvet cloak trimmed with white fur, his platinum hair shining under the firelight, his cold blue eyes seeming to warm as he looked at her.
"Hello, my lady," Dorian said, then courteously kissed her hand.
"Sorry to have kept you waiting."
"I am always happy to waiting you, Rosi."
She was still a little shy to his intimate gestures, but she quickly reassured herself, gathering her composure.
"I hope our first dinner here won't be too dull," he said, pulling out a chair for her to sit beside him.
The meal was carefully prepared, up to noble standards: roast venison marinated in red wine, chestnut cream soup, dark bread served with herb butter. For dessert, there was blueberry tart. Some Northern specialties were also served – like smoked venison with dried orange peel and star anise, a dish typically eaten during the cold winter, or honey-glazed roasted chestnut cake – a humble dessert of the North.
"Everything looks great."
"Maera will be pleased to hear that," he said with a light smile. "Now, I'm sure you're hungry, so please, eat."
She nodded, then began to enjoy her first meal with Dorian as husband and wife.
"I never expected a place so cold… to have such warm flavors," she thought to herself.
Perhaps Everfrost and its people were warmer than she had expected.