The snow fell steadily as the royal party made its way along the winding road out of Montegnera. The hills ahead were white and silent except for the crunch of hooves and wheels over ice. Inside the second carriage, Giselle sat beside Lysara, her cloak drawn tight around her shoulders.
It had been a long morning. Fabio rode at the front with Dorian and a few guards, leaving the rest to follow behind. He hadn't spoken to her once since they left the palace.
Lysara pulled the curtain slightly to look outside. "I can't feel my toes," she muttered.
"You wanted to come," Giselle said, almost smiling.
"Yes, but I didn't expect to freeze halfway there." She rubbed her hands together and glanced at her companion. "It's rather pretty, though. If this were less cold, it could almost feel romantic."
Giselle gave her a sidelong look. "Romantic?"
"The snow, the quiet, a long journey… you know."
