Dawn mist spread beyond the city walls, like a gossamer veil woven for Lachlian. Queen Evelyn, leading Lucian, Chancellor Gu, and several governors, gathered at the beacon tower north of the royal palace. The establishment of the "Joint Defense Division" at Silver Fir Fort the previous day had kindled a glimmer of hope, yet the border still reeked of lingering bloodshed.
Chancellor Gu unfurled a map of the border provinces and reported in a low voice: "Though many remnants in the Southern Deserts have submitted to the 'Post-Snow Reconstruction Decree' and Silver Fir's new policies, the Northern Ridges—with their rugged terrain—still harbor hidden bandits that require further suppression."
Evelyn's eyes blazed with resolve. "The Northern Ridges may be frigid, but they are the very bone and blood of our kingdom. Lucian, take five battalions of Fire Cavalry and two teams of Jingwei Guards. Follow the mountain paths. I shall don my black-gold battle robe and lead the charge with my scepter, striking at their lair. If the remnants refuse to surrender, we shall them with thunderous force."
Lucian thought to himself: This journey is perilous, but as long as Her Highness leads, I will stand guard behind her.
By evening, they departed through the western gate of the capital, riding ice-shadow steeds across the snowy plains at breakneck speed. Hours later, they set camp in the windswept mountain pass of Youfeng Gorge, nestled in a - deep valley, as night and cold descended together. Evelyn dismounted onto a beacon stone, pointing to the distant forest: "The remnants have gathered in the old temple on North Cliff. At dawn tomorrow, we shall end this once and for all."
In the middle of the night, wind carried blood-red maple leaves as Lucian and the shadow guards slipped into the side hall of the old temple, cutting down the sentries. Evelyn led the formation with her scepter, holy light and flames converging into a ring to seal off all exits. The remnants fled in panic, but found no escape. Lucian and the Fire Cavalry roared forth, driving the last ringleader onto the altar. Evelyn shouted, "Let the sacred fire judge your sins!" Flames coiled like serpents, devouring the evil shrine, while the remnants wailed and scattered.
Back in the camp, a snowstorm swept through the Northern Ridges, and the beacon fire flickered. Chancellor Gu and the governors huddled by the stove to discuss aftercare: "The temple can be converted into a joint defense outpost. Repairing the mountain pass fortress and integrating soldiers with militias in training will bring peace to the deepest reaches."
Evelyn nodded, her brows softening. "The people here have endured bitter cold. Tomorrow, I will visit the joint defense market in person, help them build granaries, and swear the 'Guardianship Through Storms' oath—so the border folk may know my heart."
Lucian gently draped a cloak over her, his voice tinged with concern: "Your Highness has labored too much. Rest a while and warm yourself with a drink."
Deep into the night, silver moonlight spilled over the snowbound camp. Evelyn removed her armor, changing into a silk robe embroidered with snowflakes—ivory white, matching her silver hair. Lucian lifted the brocade covers, drawing her into his arms, his lips brushing her neck as he whispered: "The path through wind and snow is long, but my heart remains steadfast toward you."
Evelyn wrapped her arms around his neck and shoulders, her fingers undoing his pauldrons to touch his steady heartbeat, murmuring softly: "With you, even a thousand miles of cold snow turn to spring breeze."
Beneath candlelight and snow shadows, they tangled again. Lucian's kisses trailed from her neck to her shoulder, then wandered along her collarbone, his fingertips and tongue kindling warmth in the depths of her heart. Evelyn's sighs fell like snowflakes on plum blossoms—soft yet striking.
They comforted each other in the snowbound tent, their forms and vows intertwined. Until the chimes of the snow-bell stained the night through, they slept in warmth and trust, their breaths and heartbeats becoming the sturdiest guardians of this snowbound border.