The first rays of dawn dyed the glazed tiles of South Street in the royal capital crimson. Evelyn and Lucian led the vanguard of the Northern Ridge Joint Defense Division back, riding in a simple carriage. She wore a plain silver inspection robe, with a few remaining snowflakes clinging to the lapels—a testament to the resolve forged through harsh trials. Lucian rode a side horse, his black armor glinting in the morning light; his gaze was protective, yet held a softening warmth.
On both sides of the street, merchants and passersby knelt or bowed as they caught sight of the queen. Evelyn nodded slightly, a faint smile on her lips. "Rise, no need for formality." She brushed a few leftover snowflakes from the bluestone with a wave of her hand, her natural and approachable demeanor delighting the people.
They proceeded to the south gate of the palace, where Silver Oath knights and palace guards stood at attention to greet them. Chancellor Gu had been waiting in the southern corridor. He hurried forward: "Your Highness, the capital has decorated lanterns and snow altars for the 'Decree of Return,' awaiting you to preside over the 'Post-Snow Homecoming Festival.'"
Evelyn nodded. "Prepare at once. After I settle the remaining matters in the Northern Ridges, we shall return to the capital to swear a new covenant." She turned to Lucian, her voice gentle: "Come. I wish to stand beside you and vow together before the snow altar."
By dusk, a temporary snow altar had been erected on South Street—a hexagonal stone platform inlaid with tokens of the people and snowflake emblems. Evelyn and Lucian stood side by side atop it, with officials, elected representatives, and border guards gathered below.
She raised her scepter, her voice cutting through the cold wind: "Though the remnants in the Northern Ridges have been subdued, post-snow reconstruction is underway. Today, I swear the 'Homecoming Covenant' with our valiant border defenders: we shall not forget the blood and tears of the frontier. Royal power and the people's will shall forever guard this city as one. If hidden tides rise again, the throne and our alliance shall answer with steel and fire!"
Lucian clasped her hand, taking up the oath: "Our resolve to protect the realm is like snow gilded by gold—never fading. This covenant of the snow altar shall stand with the queen's vow, guarding this city for all eternity!"
At once, banners soared above the snow altar, and the crowd roared in unison: "The Homecoming Covenant shall endure for ten thousand generations!"
A feast was held in the southern courtyard, where Longjiang charcoal fires and snow lanterns cast a warm glow. Candlelight illuminated glittering beaded curtains and snow sculptures. Amid the toasts and laughter, Lucian quietly led Evelyn to a side hall.
He murmured, "Your Highness, this Homecoming Festival will surely be etched in the people's memory. But tonight, I wish to let it bloom only for you."
Evelyn smiled, leaning gently on his shoulder. "Standing beside you, even the grandest spectacle fades like a fleeting spark. I only wish to be with you in this moment—wordless, yet sweet."
By the brocade couch in the side hall, the glow of snow lanterns mingled with the lingering warmth of the hearth. They removed their pauldrons and ceremonial robes, their skin shimmering faintly in the snowy night. Lucian kissed her neck softly, his fingertips sliding over her side, feeling the gentle tremble of her muscles as she smiled.
Evelyn wrapped her arms around his neck, her fingers undoing the clasps of his chest plate to touch the steady pulse of his heart. They embraced fervently, lips, tongues, and fingers weaving the truest tenderness into the snowy night.
She whispered, "Post-snow reconstruction is not just for walls. As long as you are here, my heart will never wither."
He kissed her deeply in reply, "And you are my brightest flame, lighting all my nights."
Beneath snow lanterns and candlelight, their bodies merged. Vows and desire melted in the ice and snow, forging the warmest of covenants.