In the late night, a fierce snowstorm arose, wrapping the capital of Lahlian in silver. The midnight patrol whistle echoed through the stone alleys, and remaining snow glinted dazzlingly in the afterglow of watchtower fires. Queen Aveline, cloaked in an inky-gray cape and holding her scepter, stood on the balcony of the Royal Study, gazing into the swirling snow. Lucian stood silently at her side, sword in hand, his gaze as sharp as a wolf's, vigilant against every shadow in the howling wind.
"All contact with the Seventh Northern Battalion has been lost," she whispered to Lucian. "General Renault and a thousand cavalrymen patrolled to Darkrock Pass last night and haven't reported since." Her voice was calm but edged with ice. "This isn't an ordinary defection—it's more like they were lured into a trap."
Lucian gripped his sword hilt, his expression as cold as a frosty blade. "It must be remnants of the old nobility attacking under the snowstorm, aiming to split our border defenses. I'll lead an elite cavalry squad to break into Darkrock Pass tonight and escort the remaining troops back. Your Highness should stay in the capital to ensure security here."
Aveline's eyes blazed. "I'm coming too. How can I uncover the storm's origin without witnessing the blood and snow myself?"
Lucian's heart stirred, but he still persuaded in a low voice: "This journey is deeply dangerous. Snowy cliffs and icy caves can all be traps. It's more important for you to plan the kingdom's grand strategy here."
She turned to look at the lights inside and outside the capital. "If I don't dispel this mystery first, how can the people sleep peacefully? Lucian, ride with me to break through this icy mystery, then return to this tower together."
In the biting wind the next day, the two led five hundred elite cavalry on a night raid to Darkrock Pass. Before the pass, ice and snow piled up into walls several zhang high, and the surrounding watchtower fires had gone out. Lucian urged his horse forward, whistling for the cavalry to slow and sneak forward.
Suddenly, several miserable cries pierced the snowy night, and tattered flags flapped wildly in the wind. Remaining cavalrymen huddled under an abandoned watchtower, their bodies covered in blood and snow, faces filled with terror. A exhausted knight raised his hand in salute: "Help—Your Royal Highness! General Renault was abandoned in the 'Ice Abyss Cavern,' lured into a trap!"
Aveline dismounted swiftly, waving her silver scepter to order the troops into formation. Lucian urged his horse forward, joining the shadow guards to rescue the remnants, breaking through snowdrifts to save several wounded soldiers. A trembling wounded man said: "It's the Divine Envoy Cult... They used the 'Seven-Ring Holy Seal' to pretend to deliver divine oracles, leading the general and elite cavalry to lose their way in the cavern... The ice cave trap has sealed the exit!"
Aveline's gaze turned stern. "If we hadn't arrived in time, the general and soldiers would have been buried in the snow. Lucian, order the shadow guards to break a path north; I'll lead the elite cavalry to rescue the cavern!"
Lucian obeyed, leading thirty cavalry to charge down from the side cliff. The ice cave entrance was sealed by thick ice. Aveline struck with her scepter, and holy light from its tip mingled with the royal blood imprint, condensing a ray of cold light that shattered the seal. She stepped into the cave, the bone-chilling wind unable to slow her vigorous pace.
Inside, General Renault had closed his eyes, blood staining the snow. When he saw Aveline, his hunched back trembled slightly. "Queen... is that you?"
Aveline knelt to help him up, speaking gently: "Fear not, General. I'm here." She ordered the shadow guards to light giant torches, using their fire to melt the ice ceiling and open a path. Water began to drip in the ice abyss, and the cave walls threatened to collapse. Lucian guarded the outer side, his silver sword slicing through falling ice to ensure everyone's safety.
The general gradually stood steady, tears in his eyes. "If Your Highness hadn't come, Renault and my men would all have... perished." His voice choked, moving the soldiers. Aveline calmly placed her hand on his shoulder: "You've loyally protected the country. I came to rescue you myself. My heart will always remember the people and the vow to fight alongside you."
With Lucian and the soldiers' help, the general and wounded escaped danger. In the snowy night, Aveline embraced the general, wrapping her robe around his cold armor to soothe him. Renault grasped her hand, vowing firmly: "I would die for the Queen in this life."
At dawn, they returned to the capital. Aveline stood at the royal gate as soldiers returning from the north cheered in unison. She raised her scepter again: "Today, I swear by royal blood for the two thousand cavalry—whether facing avalanches or dark tides, royal power and the people's hearts shall stand together. With holy light and courage, we will defend every inch of this land!"
Lucian stood beside her on the platform, his gaze affectionate and resolute. Under the gaze of all, their fingers interlocked, becoming the capital's firmest vow.
As night fell, deep in the royal garden, Aveline and Lucian walked side by side on a snow-covered path. Leaning on his shoulder, she whispered: "Last night's brush with death made me understand—true kings don't just swear by blood and fire, but sustain hearts with trust and emotion."
Lucian held her tighter, his fingers undoing the clasp of her cape again. "Your Highness, may my life be like a northern lance, forever defending you against storms and igniting warmth for you."
They returned to the brocade couch in the Fountain Pavilion. Candlelight mingled with the sound of springs, silk pressed against skin. Lucian whispered vows of devotion, and Aveline responded with soft moans. In the night, snow and fire converged, their bodies and souls reborn after another trial of blood and snow, swearing by love and courage to protect this holy home.