The morning mist lingered, and the walls of Lachlian, cleansed of dust, stood cold in the early dawn. Evelyn and Lucian stood on the North Gate watchtower, gazing out at the border mountains. Having exchanged vows in the imperial garden the night before, they set out at dawn for urgent matters on the frontier. Chancellor Gu had long been waiting at the watchtower, joined by the governors of the eight provinces and the new faction elders of the Holy See, all discussing the implementation details of the "Frost Decree."
"Your Highness," Chancellor Gu bowed, "Elections for the defense autonomies in the Northern Ridges and Western Deserts have begun. The first list of 'Watchful People's Alliances' is out, and the people have responded warmly. Only the 'Silver Fir Fort' in the western suburbs of the capital still harbors resistance forces; elite cavalry must be dispatched to pacify it swiftly."
Evelyn nodded. "Lucian, take the Second Fire Cavalry Battalion and hurry to Silver Fir Fort. I will go to the People's Council Hall to hear the voices of the defense alliance representatives, ensuring the 'Frost Decree' gains popular support."
Lucian saluted and accepted the order. "Your Highness speaks wisely. The Fire Cavalry swears: we shall turn enmity into flames of trust."
By mid-morning, Evelyn entered the Silver Fir Fort People's Council Hall. Its wooden beams were carved with snow patterns and fire marks, and both sides of the long table were filled with elected representatives and retired officers. She spoke: "The 'Frost Decree' is being piloted here to bridge the gap between military governance and public will. Today, I wish to hear from you—what does Silver Fir Fort need most urgently?"
An elderly hunter spoke first: "Frontier supplies are insufficient, and winter grain is scarce. Moreover, there is little coordination between the garrison and the volunteer militia."
A scholar representative added: "If we establish a 'Joint Defense and Logistics Division,' with volunteers and elite cavalry patrolling together, border stability will be greatly enhanced."
Evelyn smiled and noted this down. "I adopt this proposal. A 'Silver Fir Joint Defense Division' will be established today, with special funds from the military budget allocated to support the volunteers." She turned to the Holy See representative: "Churches may also set up 'Relief Stations,' where believers and common folk can join forces to comfort the patrols." The crowd nodded in approval, the hall's atmosphere shifting from wariness to eager anticipation.
When Evelyn left the council hall, Lucian's Fire Cavalry had already arrived. The two met at the fort's gate, where dozens of remaining rebel soldiers, hidden in the snow, panicked and rose up at the sight of the queen and the general. Lucian's eyes narrowed. "They seek to use your sacred authority to coerce us?"
Evelyn raised her scepter, flame patterns flickering at its tip. "They may wield fear, but I shall repay it with trust." She fluttered her cloak, her voice echoing across the snow: "Remaining enemies may surrender or be accepted. All who pledge allegiance to the Frost Defense Alliance shall be pardoned for their past deeds."
Several rebels cast down their helmets and swords, kneeling in the snow. "Your Highness's grace—we vow to serve the frontier."
Lucian deployed the volunteer militia, integrating the former rebels into the new Silver Fir Joint Defense Division, assigning them to patrol key snowbound routes, replacing confrontation with trust.
The setting sun sank behind the western ridge peaks, and the Spring Pavilion in the imperial garden was covered in fresh snow. Evelyn changed into a plain white velvet dress, a simple holy light emblem tied at her waist, and walked slowly inside. Lucian waited by the lamp, holding a cup of warm osmanthus wine. "Your Highness, today's council and pacification are done. For now, let go of royal worries and taste this winter warmth."
Evelyn took the cup, a soft smile curving her lips. "With such fragrance, even the bitterest winter holds no fear." She sipped, closing her eyes to savor the wine.
Lucian stepped behind her, draping his cloak over her shoulders, his fingers undoing a button at the side of her velvet dress, letting it slip gently to her waist. Evelyn turned, tilting her head to press her lips to his neck, murmuring: "Here, I wish to forget all titles—only live for you."
Lucian bent to kiss her neck, his fingertips tracing patterns on her back as the silk slid away, revealing warm skin. Evelyn looped her arms around his neck, undoing the silver clasps of his chest, feeling the heat of his solid .
Candlelight, the murmur of the spring, and snow shadows intertwined. Their breaths and heartbeats merged; silk and skin slid against each other, whispers and kisses echoing deep into the winter night. Evelyn's sighs flowed like melting snow, while Lucian's kisses burned warm and fierce. Their bodies merged again in the Spring Pavilion, vowing to guard this kingdom—where ice and flame coexist—with love and trust.