The Spring Summoner and the Winter Duke

Of Fright and Fascination

By the time Adelaide finally returned to the dining table, she offered a breezy apology. “I’m sorry for the delay,” she said, clearly brimming with excitement. “It took a little time to get Silas settled.”

Aric, brows raised, asked, "Silas?"

"Yes!" Her eyes lit up, and with an excited grin, she announced, "I was setting up a home for my new pet!”

"A pet?" Aric repeated, leaning back slightly. "I didn’t know you had one."

“Oh, I found him just this morning!” she replied with unrestrained enthusiasm.

From behind her, the other servants subtly stiffened, and Aric, noticing Clara’s pale expression, felt a flicker of suspicion. Before he could ask, however, Adelaide continued, misinterpreting his silence as disapproval.

“Do I need permission to keep him?” she asked, trying to appear innocent.

“Of course not,” he replied slowly, his curiosity piqued. “But I would like to know more about this… pet of yours.”

She clapped her hands with delight, “Oh, good! I thought he might be a bit shy in his terrarium, so I brought him with me.” She slipped her hand into her sleeve, and in one smooth movement, placed her new friend on the table.

A glossy black spider with a distinctive red marking scuttled out, moving with almost regal confidence, settling comfortably on the table’s smooth surface.

Aric’s eyes widened in surprise, and behind him, Joachim, who was observing from the doorway, went pale, clutching the doorframe for support. Even Garrick had to clear his throat, trying to mask his startled expression. It suddenly became clear to Aric why Clara had looked so uncomfortable—and why the delay might have involved a bit of a commotion.

He arched an eyebrow, glancing between the venomous creature and Adelaide, who seemed entirely unbothered. “You… have a venomous pet spider.”

“Yes!” Adelaide nodded enthusiastically, her eyes sparkling with pride. “Isn’t he magnificent?” She gently nudged Silas back toward her, and the spider obediently crawled onto her hand, entirely at ease.

Garrick, trying and failing to hide his grin, whispered to Aric, “Aren’t you lucky to be marrying such a… practical lady?”

Aric gave him a sharp look before clearing his throat. “Quite… magnificent indeed, Lady Adelaide.” He managed to keep his voice steady, though he couldn’t deny the urge to maintain a respectful distance from her unusual pet.

Adelaide beamed. “I knew you’d see it that way!”

For a moment, Aric was speechless, glancing from the spider to the elated expression on Adelaide’s face. Finally, he let out a restrained sigh. “I assume Silas… doesn’t bite?”

“Oh, no, no, not unless provoked. He’s really quite docile!” She smiled, completely unfazed by the startled looks around her.

Aric couldn’t help the small smirk that pulled at his lips. He hadn’t expected his future bride to be quite so… unique. “Well, Silas is certainly a first for this dining table. But please, enjoy your meal, Adelaide.”

“Oh, I will! And Silas will, too, I’m sure.”

Breakfast was a robust spread, rich with the hearty fare of the north—thick rye bread, salted meats, and creamy stews steaming with herbs native to Aurenfell’s icy mountains. Yet Adelaide’s eyes caught on a dish set carefully to one side, elegant pastry with delicate frostings from the capital—a considerate touch she couldn’t ignore.

"How thoughtful," she glanced at a maid with a smile, "deliver my thanks to the cooks." As they began their meal, Adelaide smoothly revived the topic of her trip to the border wall. "You’ll truly take me?” she asked, though she knew his answer. There was a spark in her eye, her fingers almost tapping with anticipation.

“Yes, I already said I would,” Aric replied calmly, his tone resolute. “I don’t make promises lightly.”

She couldn’t quite suppress her grin, though she added, “Well, someone might wish otherwise, given the look on poor Joachim’s face.”

Aric spared a brief glance toward the old chamberlain, who indeed appeared rather strained. “Joachim is not my conscience,” he replied mildly. “Pay him no mind.”

Adelaide laughed softly. “With pleasure, Your Grace.”

Aric glanced at her with mild reproach. “Now, regarding Silas… Perhaps it would be best if he returned to his terrarium.”

“Oh, I quite agree,” she nodded, entirely serious. “Aedra corruption has curious effects on animals, I know. Silas will be safer here, given the influences he might encounter near the rift.”

Aric inclined his head, his expression faintly approving. "Precisely. A wise precaution."

It's a know fact, animals near the rift did not fare well when it first appeared. Most died, and those who lived were altered beyond recognition. Those few twisted creatures that remained were either consumed by Aedra or hunted by humans to contain the Aedra's contamination.

With the meal complete, Aric excused himself first, returning to his duties. Joachim waited beside her seat, clearing his throat delicately. “If I might recommend, my lady, it would be prudent to dress warmly. The border wall is Aurenfell’s northernmost point and receives the most snow in all the duchy. It snows all year round there, in fact.”

Adelaide hummed thoughtfully, giving Joachim an obliging nod before returning to her chambers. Clara and Amelie awaited her, and at once began selecting furs and layers suited for the harsh, biting cold.

“A heavy cloak, my lady,” Amelie murmured, fastening a dark fur-lined mantle around her shoulders. “The cold up there won’t be kind to anyone without the proper layers.”

Clara smiled, adjusting Adelaide’s gloves. “Aurenfell’s snow is relentless, but you look quite the part of a winter lady, if I may say so.”

Adelaide laughed. “Then let us hope my attire lives up to the tales.” It would be a long journey ahead, but she felt no fear. Answers were waiting at the border wall, answers she was determined to uncover.

As Adelaide approached, she could feel the weight of her furs, the layers wrapping her up like a cocoon, leaving her with only a sliver of vision. When Adelaide stepped out, her appearance had a certain charm—a striking figure in dark grey furs, nearly swallowed by their generous folds, with her fair hair and a crown of small white winter blossoms standing out like a soft glow against the wintry backdrop. She looked more like a winter princess than a great battle mage, and for a brief moment, Aric hesitated.

Was she truly as formidable as she claimed, or had he made a mistake agreeing to take her?

She didn’t seem to notice his silent questioning, though, as her gaze shifted to the knight beside him. Aric cleared his throat, gesturing to the man. “My lady, allow me to introduce Garen, vice-captain of the Northern Watch and my personal guard.”

The knight was an impressive figure—broad-shouldered, towering even over Aric, with close-cropped pale hair and steely grey eyes that looked as cold and impenetrable as the northern sky. He inclined his head to Adelaide, his expression reserved, though she sensed no hostility.

“Oh, I remember you!” she said, brightening. “You helped me off the carriage when I arrived. Thank you for that.” She lowered her head respectfully. “And thank you for protecting my husband and the North, Sir Garen. I’ll be in your care today.”

Garen’s eyes widened slightly, and he quickly shook his head, visibly flustered. “Your Grace, please, there’s no need… I merely serve as is my duty. I don’t deserve such deep thanks.”

Adelaide allowed herself a small smile where they couldn’t quite see, amused by his reaction and quietly reassured by the kindness behind his cautious manner. She raised her head, meeting his eyes with a warm expression before turning to Aric.

“Your Grace…” Her gaze sharpened, and she arched a brow. “Don’t tell me you intend to ride on horseback while leaving me alone in the carriage?”

For a moment, Aric held her gaze, faintly taken aback. There was something unsettling about her smile—light and playful, yet clearly insistent. Despite himself, he felt an odd pressure.

“…No,” he replied, almost reluctant to admit it. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”

“Oh, thank goodness,” Adelaide grinned satisfied.

Aric exchanged a look with Garen, passing the horse's lead with an unspoken understanding. The knight accepted the reins wordlessly, recognizing the shift in the arrangement. Adelaide’s gaze lingered thoughtfully on the assembled knights, acknowledging the necessity of their presence without a word. She knew well that the northern border was not a place for risks, and neither was her station in the empire.

Her eyes scanned the ranks, and when she spotted Dame Lorrain, her face brightened with delight. She trotted over eagerly, her furs bouncing with each step. “Dame Lorrain!”

The knight turned and approached, lowering her head respectfully. “Your Grace?”

“Lorrain, would you like to become my personal escort? Or are you occupied with other duties?”

For a moment, Dame Lorrain looked caught off guard, her eyes flicking to the Duke for confirmation. He gave a slight nod, and she turned back to Adelaide, allowing a small, sincere smile. “It would be my honour, Your Grace.”

Adelaide cheered, clapping her hands in delight, while the Duke and several knights exchanged bemused glances. They likely had no idea why a Great Elementalist, one of the most powerful mages in the empire, would request a personal guard.

But Adelaide knew well the weight of her duty.

As a Great Elementalist, she was sworn never to turn her powers on her people. Her strength as a weapon was strictly reserved for the Aedra and foreign enemies. By law, she could not use force against civilians, even if threatened. And so, she needed someone at her side to ensure her safety, both in the city and on the road. Adelaide knew her position was unique—she didn’t always feel comfortable depending on the protection of others, but it was necessary.

Adelaide took her place beside Aric, giving Dame Lorrain a grateful smile. “I believe we’re ready.”

Aric nodded, "then let us be off." He opened the carriage door and then extended his hand. She noticed the briefest of twitches. Before he could pull back or offer an explanation, she shifted gracefully.

"Dame Lorrain," she called out with a bright smile, “would you mind?” Lorrain was quick to step forward, offering Adelaide her hand and helping her up. Once seated, she looked at Aric with a teasing glint. “What are you waiting for?”

A muscle in Aric’s jaw tightened as he quickly balled his hand into a fist, silently acknowledging her subtle tact. He entered wordlessly, settling in the seat across from her, his expression unreadable yet his composure unwavering.

Outside, Garen gave the order, and the carriage lurched forward, the muffled sounds of hooves and shifting armour filling the air as they began their journey.