The Spring Summoner and the Winter Duke

Ink and Cold Vows

As Gerrick disappeared down the corridor, Adelaide continued with Joachim, her curiosity growing with each step. When they finally reached her chambers, Joachim opened the heavy wooden door, revealing a space that immediately drew a soft gasp from Adelaide’s lips.

The room was a beautiful blend of northern craftsmanship—rustic, but no less luxurious than the marble and ivory of the capital. Smooth stone walls were accented with finely carved wooden beams, giving the room a sturdy yet elegant feel. Light-coloured tapestries and woven rugs softened the space, adorned with intricate floral patterns in pale blues and creams. Everywhere she looked, fresh wildflowers—lilies, heathers, and northern blooms she couldn’t quite name—were placed in delicate vases, their subtle fragrance mingling with the scent of the firewood stacked near the hearth.

A large canopy bed dominated the room, its frame a dark, polished wood draped with light linen curtains that gave it an ethereal quality. Her eyes drifted to the grand window, which overlooked the quaint town below and the vast northern wilderness beyond. Snow dusted the rooftops, and the setting sun bathed the horizon in hues of orange and pink.

"How lovely," she murmured, her voice filled with wonder. The view, the decor, everything felt so different from the capital's polished opulence, yet it had a charm that she found herself instantly taken with. It was a quiet luxury, one that whispered rather than shouted, and Adelaide liked it very much.

Joachim then introduced two women who had quietly entered the room then left, the remaining male servant carrying in her luggage. Adelaide turned her attention to them, her expression warm and open. "What are your names?" she asked, her voice gentle.

The maids exchanged a surprised glance, clearly not expecting such a question. Finally, one of them spoke up. “I am Clara, Your Ladyship. And this is Amelie, the head housekeeper.”

Amelie gave a small, respectful smile as she spoke. “It is an honour to serve you, Your Ladyship. As head housekeeper, I’ll oversee the daily operations of your residence.”

Adelaide’s smile deepened, her emerald eyes sparkling with sincerity. “It’s my pleasure to be your Lady. I am in your care.” She walked past them to the stone fireplace, her fingers flicking lightly toward the hearth. Instantly, a flame roared to life, its warmth filling the room. "To put this together on such short notice, I am very grateful," she added, her voice carrying a genuine sense of appreciation.

Clara and Amelie looked at each other in mild awe, though their expressions softened with the warmth of Adelaide’s presence. Amelie, usually composed and serious, felt a weight lift from her shoulders, her heart lightened by Adelaide's kind words and bright smile. Even Clara, who had been tense with worry over the arrival of such a distinguished guest, felt her concerns melt away as if that smile alone could heal the burdens they carried.

"Thank you, Your Ladyship," Amelie managed, her tone softer now, filled with unexpected warmth. "We are at your service."

The gentleman cleared his throat, he debated with himself but decided to speak in a low voice. "Your Ladyship, the ladies will guide you in the customs of the north. However, there are certain... unspoken rules within the manor."

Adelaide's smile softened as she leaned in with interest. "I'm listening."

"The Duke," his eyes flicking to the floor, "he has certain eccentricities. He prefers solitude and may spend his evenings alone in his study. If he... avoids your company, please do not take it as anger or disrespect. The Duke simply—"

His words faltered, his lips trembling as he struggled to continue. Adelaide raised an eyebrow, puzzled. “Are you alright?"

HOW DARE HE!

The furious voice in her mind cut through her thoughts like a bolt of lightning.

Does this man not understand his place? He dares to speak such things to our little LaiLai! Another indignant voice joined the fray.

Adelaide flinched, placing a hand on her temple. "Lord Vocius, Goddess Terravora," she murmured to them internally, "why are you both so upset?"

Vocius, the spirit of voices and communication, growled. I don’t like him. He was about to say something unkind.

Adelaide stifled a laugh, finding the outrage amusing. "Thank you for rushing to my defence, but, my lord, you can’t just silence people over such trivial matters..." She chuckled softly, before turning her attention back to the servant. “Please, continue.”

He blinked, visibly confused by the interruption but quickly gathering himself. He straightened, though his nerves were evident. “Your Ladyship, the Duke has also made it clear that he... prefers to avoid physical contact with women. He is... sensitive to it. For that reason, I advise you to approach him only when absolutely necessary.”

Adelaide's eyes gleamed with understanding. Is this why Vocius is angry? Over something like that?

The spirit’s indignation echoed once more in her mind. Who is he to tell you such things!? What right does he have to speak to our little LaiLai like this? Vocius huffed.

Adelaide sighed, smiling gently as she stepped closer to Joachim and laid a hand on his arm. “Thank you for telling me that. I understand you meant no harm, but I must warn you to be careful of your words. The gods are quite fickle.”

He paled, visibly shaken by the implications of offending not only his future lady but the gods themselves.

“Now,” Adelaide continued with a brighter tone, “I believe I’d like to meet my future husband. Be a dear and request an audience for me, would you?”

Her smile was warm, but inwardly she was pleading, Please just go, or Vocius will make this worse.

He bowed deeply, muttering apologies as he hurried away to do as she asked, leaving Adelaide standing by the fire. As his footsteps echoed down the hall, Adelaide let out a small sigh, rubbing her temples lightly.

"Really, Lord Vocius, you shouldn’t be so quick to anger over such things..." she said softly in her mind, trying to placate the spirit. Going as far as to take his speech indefinitely would be cruel.

But he disrespected you! Vocius huffed. He should mind his words when addressing someone of your station.

“He was simply doing his job,” she chuckled, though her mind churned over the servant’s words.

Duke Belfort, her soon-to-be husband, was a mystery wrapped in layers of rumours, and these new revelations—his preference for solitude, his aversion to touch—painted a more complicated picture. It wasn’t exactly surprising, considering his reputation as a cold, reclusive noble. She chuckled, watching the flames flicker and dance, her mind spinning with thoughts.

So this is what life in the north will be like… how exciting.

Looking out the window, she took in the sight of the quaint town, blanketed in the crisp chill of winter. A sense of anticipation swelled in her chest. She shook off the thoughts and glanced toward Clara and Amelie, who stood silently in the corner, still processing the exchange with wide eyes. Adelaide offered them a reassuring smile.

“I apologize if that was... unsettling,” she said gently, her voice bringing a sense of calm back to the room. “I’m sure you both have your own tasks to attend to. I appreciate your hard work in preparing the manor.”

The two maids, clearly relieved, curtsied in unison before excusing themselves. She wandered over to the grand window, gazing out at the snowy expanse of Aurenfell. The view was breathtaking, she couldn't wait to visit it in person. She wonders if she could get the Duke to accompany her. The thought made her heart race, not with fear but with the thrill of a challenge. She was no stranger to adversity, after all, and if there was one thing Adelaide knew, it was how to charm her way through even the iciest of exteriors.

A knock on the door pulled her from her reverie.

"Enter," she called, turning toward the door just as the chamberlain returned.

"Your Ladyship, the duke will see you now."

Adelaide's lips curved into a small smile. "Very well," she said, smoothing down the soft fabric of her gown as she prepared herself. "Let's not keep him waiting. Elaine, Cecily and Maris, I don't know how long this talk will be, could you prepare a bath and a meal for me in the meantime?"

"It would be our pleasure," Elaine nodded.

"Thank you!" Adelaide chirped and followed Joachim.

Adelaide followed the chamberlain with a lively skip in her step, her hands clasped loosely behind her back as they made their way through the manor’s winding halls. Joachim led her toward the Duke’s study, the heavy doors looming ahead. When they reached it, he knocked lightly, bowing his head as a deep voice called from within.

“Enter.”

Adelaide stepped into the room, her eyes immediately drawn to the figure behind a large wooden desk. "Greetings to the shield and spear of the Empire, Duke Belfort." She offered a graceful curtsy, her tone laced with a polite formality.

The Duke’s expression shifted from surprise to suspicion as he regarded her. "Greetings, Lady Adelaide," he replied, his gaze lingering on her a little longer than necessary, as though trying to decipher something beyond the surface.

She sighed dramatically, resting her hand against her cheek with a wistful sigh. “Aya, am I to marry a man so serious? What a fate!” she teased, her voice lilting as she batted her eyelashes. “Whatever shall I do?”

Avric’s jaw tightened, the line of his mouth hardening as he looked away toward the window. His fingers drummed once on the desk before he clasped his hands behind his back. “You find amusement in this situation?”

Adelaide’s smile widened. “Better to laugh than to brood, don’t you think?”

His eyes snapped back to hers, his gaze cold but steady. “This is not a laughing matter,” he said tersely. “I assume you understand why the Emperor has allowed this marriage?”

“Of course I do,” she replied easily, tilting her head as if the question were simple. “The Emperor wants to bring our people together. Your strong North, my position in the capital. We’re better off united, and that unity boosts morale, doesn’t it? The demons won’t care who we are, but our armies will.” She leaned in slightly, eyes twinkling with mischief. “Besides, there are far worse fates than marrying the Emperor’s cousin, no?”

His brows drew together, tension visible in his stance as he regarded her. “The matter is settled.” He looked directly at her, his gaze piercing. “If you do not wish to be married to me, you are free to return to your family. You need never come back.”

Adelaide’s lips curved into a knowing smile. "We both know I won’t do that." The Duke’s eyes narrowed slightly. Not that she cannot, she will not. "And if we want to be political," she added, "such a move could damage your reputation. If word of this reached the Emperor, what would he think?"

The Duke let out a small, almost imperceptible sigh. He knew she was right. His cousin would certainly make life difficult for him if the marriage failed. It was a headache he’d rather avoid, and the speed with which he had sent the marriage forms to be completed spoke volumes about his need to secure the arrangement.

Then, as if the tension were too thick for her liking, Adelaide clapped her hands together with a sudden burst of energy. “Well! Now that that’s settled, what else is there to talk about? Should I start planning the wedding feast, or is that too soon?”

Avric blinked, momentarily thrown off by her sudden shift in tone. “The Emperor expects the formalities to be completed.” He gestured to the documents on his desk, his voice regaining its firm edge. “We sign these first.”

Adelaide blinked as she glanced at the papers, her fingers gently brushing the surface of one. For a moment, she pitied the duke. Dear Emperor... how little do you trust your cousin?

She let out an exaggerated sigh as she reached for the quill. “Ah, paperwork, the truest enemy of all.” She picked up the quill, her fingers brushing the parchment as she glanced up at him. “You don’t have to look so serious, you know. We’ve already agreed to everything. It’s just a little ink.”

He didn’t respond, watching her carefully as she signed her name with a flourish, the playful glint never leaving her eyes. When she finished, she set the quill down and offered him a bright smile.

“There. We’re official, Duke Belfort.”