Craige gently guided Luren by the hand as they walked toward the grand stage, his grip firm and reassuring.
Behind them, Keith and Clara followed closely, with Roan and Mara in stride, each of them carrying an air of purpose. They stepped onto the largest stage in the square, where a sea of people had gathered, eyes fixed in anticipation. The tension was thick in the cold air, as royal soldiers stood at
attention, forming a protective perimeter.
Among the crowd, Rolen and Venn moved discreetly, their eyes scanning every shadow and corner, senses sharp, ready to strike at the first sign of danger.
Craige removed the cloak covering his head.
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
"The Duke?!" people murmured in shock and disbelief.
He stood tall at the center of the stage, his eyes scanning the gathered townsfolk.
"People of the North," Craige began, his voice steady but filled with weight, "I know you've heard the rumors, whispers about me taking a duchess who is a man... about a man carrying a child."
The murmuring grew louder, uncertain, curious, some mocking, but others turned silent, their eyes uneasy.
Craige raised his voice, filled with quiet strength.
"I never cared much for gossip. But when words become weapons, when they begin to wound the innocent, then I must speak."
A hush fell across the crowd.
"You all know what we stand for in the North. We raise our children to protect, to fight for each other, not to turn our backs when it's
inconvenient. From the youngest squire to the oldest guard, we protect. We defend."
He looked around, locking eyes with those who had spread the rumors, those now shifting uncomfortably.
"Those under my command, we guide you not to judge, but to stand by what is right."
His voice echoed, leaving a heavy silence. Some in the crowd lowered their heads, guilt and shame washing over their faces.
"I don't care what anyone says. I will choose who I want to be my duchess," Craige declared boldly, his voice echoing across the silent crowd. "Let the people talk all they want, I will not back down. And with that,
allow me to introduce to everyone… your future duchess."
A collective gasp swept through the crowd, followed by murmurs rippling like a wave.
Luren, standing just behind Craige with the others, felt his heart pounding. He nervously clasped his hands together, eyes wide, unsure whether to run or stay frozen in place.
Craige looked at Luren, gently holding his hand as he guided him to stand beside him. With a calm but firm motion, he slowly removed the cloak covering Luren's head.
A collective gasp echoed through the crowd.
The people stared in astonishment, how could a man be this breathtakingly beautiful?
"Behold!" Craige declared, his voice echoing across the square. "The Duchess of the Northern Domain who will stand beside me from this day forward, Prince Luren Kaile Elarion!"
Another wave of shocked murmurs rippled through the crowd, louder than before, especially at the name Elarion.
Luren stood frozen for a moment, unsure of what to do. Awkwardly, he raised his hand in a small wave, then quickly lowered it, feeling
it might have been the wrong move. Doubt crept into his heart, what if they don't accept him?
But the people kept whispering, eyes wide, emotions swirling, surprise, awe, confusion, some stunned silent, others moved to tears.
"Show your respect" Roan and Keith announces at the stage "We are at your command Duchess of the North" Roan and Keith kneel down followed by Clara, Mara the soldier and the people.
Luren eyes feel teary seeing that all the people bow down a him showing their respect.
"We welcome you with open hearts, Your Grace!" The people said in unison
"Stand up!" Craige announces
"Thank you for a warm welcome" Luren said
"Honor to the Duke and his chosen Duchess!" People shouted happily
"The Frostmere festival is still a month away but because we all gathered here and with this wonderful event as his grace approval lets all celebrate" Keith announces "The Frostmere festival begin now!!!!"
Golden flare was shot in the sky along with its glistening color combined with snow, Roan also remove the golden cloth and revealed a beautiful ice statue of the Duke and his new duchess holding hand standing.
Musician also song happily as the town peooke started dancing with the music.
The people was in awe watching the statue, the sculpture who finishes their statue slowly moving there creation near the center.
Children came running toward them as they made their way down, some holding flowers they had picked along the way.
"Please accept this, Duchess," a small girl said sweetly, handing Luren a tiny flower.
Luren knelt down with a soft smile and graciously accepted the flowers from each of the children.
"Thank you, everyone," he said warmly.
The children giggled and bowed before running off, smiles lighting up their faces.
"Luren! Uncle!" Claren called out, waving as they approached. Ione was carrying him, with Karin, Yael, Axel, and Velzra walking
nearby.
"You're all here!" Luren's eyes sparkled with joy.
"Of course! We wouldn't miss such beautiful event," Axel said, smiling brightly.
"You planned all this overnight?" Luren asked, turning to Craige.
"This plan has been in motion for some time," Craige replied with a grin, wrapping his arm lovingly around Luren's waist. "I just announced it earlier than planned."
"Come on, guys! Let's enjoy the town, the stores are already open!" Clara said excitedly as she grabbed Keith's hand and pulled him toward a food stall.
Laughter filled the air as they walked, the aroma of roasted nuts and freshly baked bread wafting through the street.
"Good morning, milady! You look radiant today!" a vendor called out with a cheerful grin.
"Oh thank you, you're too kind!" Clara replied with a bright smile, clearly enjoying the attention.
As they moved from stall to stall, people greeted them warmly, some whispering to one another in awe.
"Isn't that the Duke and Duchess? They're even more beautiful in person…"
Venn silently slipped beside Velzra, his arm wrapping around his waist protectively. "Stay close," he murmured. "I don't trust big crowds."
Velzra smiled softly, leaning into him. "You're always so serious," he teased, "but… thank you."
Meanwhile, Rolen, Roan, and Mara subtly positioned themselves around Craige and Luren, their eyes constantly scanning the area.
"Everything seems peaceful for now," Roan muttered under his breath.
Rolen nodded. "Let's keep it that way."
Luren looked around, eyes wide with wonder. "It's so lively… I've never seen a market this cheerful," he said softly to Craige.
Craige smiled and gently squeezed his hand. "This is your home now, Luren. And they're happy because you're here."
---
Blocks away, a cloaked figure stood in the shadows, a sly smile curling on his lips as he watched the scene unfold from afar.
"The King will be pleased to hear this... The omegas have finally revealed themselves. And that slave..he's pregnant?"
He let out a quiet chuckle before slipping back into the crowd, vanishing like a whisper in the wind.
Everyone was happily strolling through the lively town and bustling market, their breaths visible in the crisp air as snowflakes gently
fell from the sky like dancing petals. The cobbled streets shimmered under a light dusting of snow, and the scent of roasted chestnuts and fresh bread drifted from nearby stalls.
"Your graces! Come inside, warm yourselves, eat and have a drink! Let me serve you," an old man called out cheerfully, bowing low as he gestured to his cozy-looking pub, the windows glowing warmly with firelight.
Craige glanced at Luren with a questioning look. Luren gave a small nod, his cheeks pink from the cold, then looked to the others who were visibly shivering. A warm meal and a hot drink sounded perfect to chase away
the winter chill.
"All right, let's go inside," Craige said, leading the group toward the inviting entrance as they followed close behind, eager for warmth.
Venn and Rolen gave subtle signals to the soldiers and hidden knights nearby, instructing them to stay alert and keep watch. Even in a peaceful town, safety came first, especially when the snow could easily cover the footsteps of those who meant harm.
As they stepped inside, a wave of warmth embraced them. The pub was rustic but charming, lit by flickering lanterns hanging from wooden beams. A large hearth crackled at the far end, its fire casting a golden glow
across the room. The scent of spiced stew, freshly baked bread, and mulled wine filled the air, making their stomachs rumble.
"Ah, this is perfect," Clara sighed in relief, pulling off her gloves and holding her hands out toward the fire.
Wooden tables were scattered around the room, each filled with cheerful townsfolk, some playing cards, others sharing stories over steaming mugs. The old man quickly cleared a large table near the fireplace for
the group.
"Please sit, your graces," he said, setting down a large tray. "Hot venison stew, fresh bread, and warm berry wine. My wife just made them this morning."
"Thank you," Luren said gently as he sat beside Craige, a soft smile on his lips. "It smells wonderful."
"I could eat a whole pot," Keith muttered, already reaching for the bread.
"You always say that," Venn chuckled, settling beside Velzra, and on his other side is Rolen who was quietly scanning the room, ever watchful despite the relaxed setting.
Craige poured Luren a mug of wine and leaned in slightly. "Are you warm enough now?"
Luren nodded, wrapping his hands around the cup. "Much better. I like it here"
Luren gently handed a cup of hot chocolate to Claren, who was sitting quietly beside him, his small hands already reaching out with excitement.
"Are you enjoying yourself, little prince?" Luren asked warmly as he helped him take a careful sip.
"Yes! I love it here!" Claren exclaimed with a bright smile, his cheeks flushed with happiness and warmth.
"I didn't know the North could feel so safe and warm despite the cold weather," Prince Karin added thoughtfully. "In Lunathia, I've never even gone to town. I always stayed inside the palace."
Luren reached over and held his hand gently. "You can stay here as long as you want," he said sincerely, his eyes soft with kindness.
"Thank you, Luren," Karin replied with a grateful smile, touched by the warmth of both the people and the place.
Just then, the pub owner came over, placing plates of steaming food on the table with a cheerful grin. "Here is your food. Please
enjoy, and thank you for visiting our pub."
"Thank you for the food," Luren, Clara, and the others chorused with appreciation, bowing their heads slightly.
Craige and his men simply smiled and nodded, their quiet presence steady and reassuring as they watched over the group, the warmth of the moment settling like a soft blanket around them.