The sunrise over Wintermere cast a golden glow upon the snow-filled landscape, creating a stunning contrast between the warmth of the light and the cold, crisp whiteness that blanketed the realm. The mountains stood tall, their peaks piercing the sky, while the forest below lay silent and serene, each tree adorned with a snowy coat.

Nestled at the mountain's base, the town of Wintermere began to stir, its beauty enhanced by the fresh blanket of snow that covered every surface. Grand mansions, with their ornate facades and towering spires, stood majestically among the smaller homes, their rooftops and balconies draped in glittering white. The tall towers of ancient keeps rose above the town, their stone walls softened by the gentle touch of snow, creating a scene that seemed almost out of a fairytale.

As the townsfolk began to emerge from their homes, they moved with a sense of purpose, their breath visible in the chilly air. The snow crunched underfoot as they went about their daily routines, bringing life to the frozen streets. 

In the heart of this wintry realm stood the Duke's manor, a grand edifice that exuded both power and grace. Inside the manor, in a spacious and elegantly appointed office, Duke Lucien sat behind a polished oak desk. 

He was dressed in a formal military-style uniform, his white jacket adorned with intricate gold embroidery. A rich blue sash draped across his torso, featuring a large blue gemstone added to his distinguished appearance. White gloves covered his hands, which were intertwined under his chin, his expression solemn and contemplative.

The room was filled with the soft glow of morning light filtering through tall windows, casting a gentle illumination on the shelves lined with books and the ornate furnishings. The golden accents of his uniform glimmered softly in the light, adding to the aura of authority that surrounded him.

Duke Lucien's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts as he pondered the events of last night. The weight of his responsibilities bore down on him, knowing that every decision he made would impact the lives of those under his rule, including his wife. The silence of his office stood in stark contrast to the bustling town outside, granting him a rare moment of introspection.

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🛡️ Lucien's POV ❄️

I can't believe she tried to escape last night. 

My frustration mingled with concern as I pondered her actions. 

Dire wolves roam during the night, and the snow is far too deep for anyone to move quickly. Worse yet, instead of heading south towards the distant safety of the capital, she ventured north, straight into the territory of ancient monsters.

Covering my face with the palm of my right hand, I let out a heavy sigh. 

I did seem to anticipate her attempt to flee, but not in such a reckless manner. If I hadn't been on patrol that night, I might have found her lifeless body in the snow this morning.

A sudden knock on the door jolted me from my thoughts.

"Your Grace, the duchess requests an audience," came the voice of my butler.

"Ah... yes, let her in," I replied, adjusting my black tie against the crisp white of my coat.

The door creaked open, and there she was. My butler bowed and quietly exited, leaving us alone. She entered the room with a grace that momentarily lifted the weight of my concerns. She wore a deep red dress, its delicate patterns catching the light. A black capelet, adorned with strands of pearls, draped elegantly over her shoulders, fastened with an ornate brooch that gleamed as she moved.

Her long, icy blue hair was swept back, cascading down her back in soft waves. As she approached, the faint scent of her perfume filled the room. A blend of winter roses with a warm, comforting undertone.

What is she trying to do here?

Over the past eight days, we have rarely seen each other. The dire wolf invasion in the western part of Wintermere took me a week to drive them back to where they belong. I've noticed fleeting expressions on her face. Reluctance, perhaps a desire to speak, but always holding back. She also looking outside through the window for a minute as if like she is longing for something.

"Please, take a seat. May I ask what brings you here?" I said, my voice steady, as I gestured to the chair across from my desk.

But she remained standing.

"Hm? Is something wrong?" I inquired.

"No, nothing. I prefer to stand. This won't take long," she replied, her gaze avoiding mine.

An awkward silence settled between us. Her eyes darted around the room, never meeting mine.

Is she nervous? Does my presence intimidate her?

"I don't wish to make you uneasy," I assured her. "Please, go ahead."

Her eyes widened, a hint of surprise flashing across her face. Did she expect something else?

"I suppose... I misjudged you," she said quietly.

Misjudged me? In what way?

"About what?" I asked.

"I assumed you were a cold and heartless man. But that night, I realized you're not as I thought. My apologies."

Cold and heartless... Well, she's not entirely wrong. There are times when I am, when something pushes me too far. I may seem distant, but I've never been rude or cruel.

"Your assumption isn't entirely off the mark," I replied. "There's truth to it."

She nodded, finally meeting my gaze.

"I'll get to the point, Your Grace," she said, her voice more resolute.

"Go on," I responded, my eyes locked on hers.

"I want something from you."

From me? What could she possibly want?

"Your attention and your time. Just a little, Your Grace," she added, a trace of reluctance in her tone.

What? Why this sudden interest?

"I don't quite understand. I can grant you that, but given our situation, why now?"

She glanced down, her hands tightly intertwined, betraying her nervousness.

"The reason I tried to flee," she began, her voice wavering slightly, 

"Is because I miss my hometown, the capital. I miss my parents, the maids, and the butlers. I just want to see them again. It's been eight days since I've been here, despite the servants treating me right i still feel alone, as if in a prison. So, I decided to run. I didn't care where I would go. I didn't have time to think; I just acted, driven by desperation. When you saved me, I was terrified. I thought you might beat me, but... you didn't. You're different from the rumors I've heard. I'm not saying this to excuse my actions, Your Grace. If there is punishment for what I've done, then... I'll accept it," she explained, guilt etched across her face.

Is this because I showed her my softer side? Is this her way of thanking me, of repaying some debt she feels she owes? Does she want my attention and time because she thinks I deserve that?

"Longing for your loved ones and attempting to flee because of it is not a sin," I replied, my tone firm yet understanding. "To be honest, there was an invasion of dire wolves in the western part of my territory."

Her eyes widened a little. "Dire Wolves?"

"Yes, the thing you saw last night. I assume you already know that Wintermere is vast, far more so than the capital. It took me a week to drive them out, which is why I wasn't here with you then. If anything, I should be the one apologizing for not being with you. I will not punish you for what you've done, nor do I desire anything in return."

The tension in the room eased as she let out a soft sigh of relief, her shoulders relaxing. She looked at me with a mixture of gratitude and something deeper, perhaps respect.

"Thank you, Your Grace," she said, her voice carrying the weight of her sincerity. "For understanding... and for your kindness. I misjudged you, and for that, I'm truly sorry."

I nodded, acknowledging her words. "There's no need for apologies. We all have our moments of doubt and fear."

For a brief moment, we simply stood there, the air between us no longer heavy with unspoken words but instead filled with a quiet understanding.

"I can see how much your family means to you," I continued. "And if returning to the capital brings you peace, then I won't keep you here any longer."

Her eyes widened, a glimmer of surprise and relief shining within them. "You'll let me go?"

"Yes," I replied firmly. "I'll arrange for you to be escorted by my knights to ensure your safe journey. You've endured enough uncertainty and also, I would like you to take care of my manor there. Do pay it a visit when you have the time."

She nodded and took a step closer, her gaze unwavering. "You've shown me more compassion than I ever expected. I see now that the rumors about you are far from the truth."

That is quite impression you have there.

Her words struck something within me, a warmth I hadn't felt in a long time. I wasn't used to receiving such praise, especially from someone who had once feared me.

"You deserve to be where your heart belongs," I said, allowing a small, genuine smile to tug at the corner of my lips. "And if your heart is in the capital, with your family, then that's where you should be."

She smiled softly, a genuine expression that lit up her features. "I will never forget this kindness, Your Grace."

The sincerity in her voice touched me, and for a moment, I was at a loss for words. It wasn't often that I allowed myself to be vulnerable, but in that moment, I felt a connection between us, a shared understanding of duty, honor, and the burdens we both carried.

"I wish you a safe journey," I finally said, regaining my composure. "And if you ever need anything, know that you will always have an ally in Wintermere."

"Thank you," she replied, her voice steady but full of emotion. "I will come back soon your grace."

With a final nod, I turned to call for my knights. As they entered the room, she gave me one last, lingering look before she followed them out, her steps lighter, her heart unburdened.

As the door closed behind her, I found myself feeling an unexpected sense of contentment. I had earned her respect, and in doing so, perhaps I had earned something even more valuable, my own.

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Hours later, the sound of carriage wheels turning over gravel filled the quiet courtyard as she began her journey toward the capital. Flanked on all sides by a group of knights, the carriage moved steadily down the long road, the riders vigilant and poised, their armor gleaming in the fading light.

Standing by the window, I watched as the procession gradually disappeared into the distance, the tall trees of Wintermere swallowing them whole.

Behind me, I heard the familiar sound of my butler's footsteps approaching. He paused a few paces away, his voice tinged with concern.

"Your Grace, are you certain about this?" he asked, his tone careful. "You know how people are. There will be rumors, especially with the duchess is not with you."

I remained silent for a moment, my gaze still fixed on the window as I considered his words. The truth was, I knew he was right. The world is thrived on whispers and speculation, and the absence of her would surely stir more than a few. But I also knew something more important, something that went beyond the reach of idle talk.

"Let them talk," I finally said, turning to face him. "Rumors are as fleeting as the wind. They'll blow through the halls of the capital, but in the end, they'll dissipate, leaving nothing behind."

He looked at me, the lines of concern still etched on his face, but I could see that he was beginning to understand.

"What matters," I continued, my voice steady and resolute, "is that she's where she needs to be, and it was not my place to keep her here against her will. I can also assure you she'll come back."

My butler nodded slowly, the worry in his expression easing slightly. "You are wise, Your Grace, as always."

I offered him a small, reassuring smile. "Thank you, but wisdom has little to do with it. It was simply the right thing to do."

He inclined his head in a gesture of respect. "If that is your will, then it shall be so."

"It is," I affirmed, turning my gaze back to the window. The carriage and its escort were now out of sight, the road ahead of them long but safe under the protection of my knights. "She'll be safe, and that's all that matters."

With a final nod, the butler stepped back and exited the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts. The room was quiet, save for the distant chirping of birds outside and the faint rustle of leaves in the wind.

As I stood there, The last of the day's light began to fade, casting long shadows across the room. I felt a sense of peace settle over me. She had shown me something unexpected, a respect that I hadn't anticipated. And in letting her go, I had earned something invaluable.