I roused from sleep in the early morning. The sun slowly crested the horizon. The world around us was still and the air was ice-cold, reminding us that winter was nearly here. I shivered and rolled over in search of warmth.

  She was staring at me.

  “Good morning.”

  “Good morning, Helian.”

  I pulled her in close with my one good arm and held her hand tight in mine. As she gazed at me, she spoke softly.

  “This has all… really been wonderful. I’ve treasured every minute. I’ll never forget our time together.”

  I nodded. “You’re right. Every moment with you is a gift.”

  She returned my embrace, hugging me tightly. “I’ll never let you out of my sight again.”

  “You don’t need to worry, Helian. Even if I fly away from your side, I’m certain to return. Haven’t I always?”

  She smiled. “That’s true. My little bird always finds her way home.”

  Someone gently knocked on our bedroom door, and just outside, I heard Dame Selene clear her throat.

  ------

  Selene politely opened the carriage door, waiting for us to enter, then closed it behind her as she took a seat beside Duchess Solana. “Good to see you two again.” She smiled brightly.

  Mother leaned close to Selene and greeted us in turn. “Helian, you look lovely as usual. Frost, my dear, have you been sleeping properly? You look exhausted. I hope you didn’t stay up late again.”

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  Helian laughed. “I fear that’s my fault, Lady Solana. I’ve had her singing for me often as of late, and perhaps she needs to rest.”

  I groaned. “I swear, you two are getting along far too well…”

  “Don’t be like that, little bird!” The duchess laughed, eerily sounding like Helian, and grinned. “It’s only right for a mother and her new daughter to get along, wouldn’t you say? Which reminds me… Helian, when will you work up the courage to call me ‘mother?’ Or ‘mommy,’ if you prefer? You needn’t waste time on formalities. We’re family now, after all.”

  It was Helian’s turn to groan. “You’re not going to let that go, are you?”

  Selene cleared her throat. “Sorry to interrupt, but we are here on business… Sola didn’t want to disturb your quality time together, but an urgent issue has arisen, and the two of us must head to the duchy. As such, the vice-commander is to take over matters in the county, lest the family be accused of abandoning its post.”

  Mother feigned extreme distress. “Oh, heavens. I hope I don’t find the streets filled with rioters and the estate in ashes once I return. Frost, my dear. Promise you’ll consult your darling wife before making any rash decisions, will you?”

  “Of course, Mother. I’ve had enough of being on my own.”

  The saintess at my side muttered under her breath. “I should ask for overtime pay…”

  ------

  As we exited the carriage, a tiny creature scurried out from the main building and tripped on the bottom step, before deftly recovering her balance and landing on her feet.

  “Lady Saintess! Lady Frost!” she shouted.

  “Hello, Lady Rosa.” I smiled.

  “I didn’t know you’d be returning so soon… I’ll prepare your room right away. You’ll be needing a bath, right? I’ll make one ready immediately and ask the chef to prepare some of your favorites. Will you be having a vegetable dish tonight? I’m told red meat is good for restoring strength after exercise. I hope everything manages to meet your expectations… though I’ll understand if you need to fire me.”

  Helian pinched the bridge of her nose. “Rosa…”

  As we entered the estate, I glanced to my right and saw the trainees sparring on the field. Ruby stopped immediately and waved to us, smiling, causing Sapphire to drop her sword mid-swing. Those two were in for a scolding again.