After the heavy snow, the streets and alleys of the royal capital were cloaked in a layer of glittering frost. Morning light filtered through snow-laden eaves, spilling over the broad stone-paved roads. Queen Evelyn and Lucian rode side by side in the imperial carriage, passing through the ranks of the Iron Cavalry who had returned from their rescue mission the night before. Their gazes met between the solemn guards and cheering crowds, both feeling a sense of relief and resolve after days of wind and snow.
The carriage halted at the North Gate Post Station. Chancellor Gu hurried forward, holding a memorial still tinged with the cold. Evelyn took it, lifting her eyebrows slightly. "What is it?"
Chancellor Gu bowed and reported, "Your Highness, on his way back, General Reynold received a joint petition from the border generals, proposing to extend the 'Post-Snow Reconstruction Decree' to the Northern Ridges and Western Deserts. Officials and civilians alike wish to rebuild their homes, repair roads, and restore granaries."
Evelyn unrolled the memorial and read it, a smile curving her lips. "Excellent. This decree shall be promulgated today—complete the reconstruction within three months, build 'snow-mitigation roads,' and dredge the mountains and rivers. Lucian, you shall command the engineering guard; ensure both quality and speed."
Lucian met her gaze. "Your Highness's ambition aligns with the people's wishes in this decree. Even harsh weather cannot stop the spring breeze." He clenched his fist lightly, his voice brimming with confidence.
In the afternoon, Evelyn and Lucian ventured out in plain clothes, wandering deep into the streets. An old woman in a teahouse, overcome with joy at the queen's unexpected visit, wept as she offered a cup of hot tea. "Your Highness, would you taste something simple?" Evelyn smiled, taking a sip. "The tea warms the heart… does it warm the Highness as well?" Lucian smiled and nodded beside her, clinking his cup gently against hers.
Night fell again. In the imperial garden, snow had not yet fully melted. Inside the Spring Pavilion, the two sat together on a long stone bench, silver light glinting off the snow, and the gurgling spring sang like a melody. Evelyn had removed her royal robes, wearing only a plain white silk gown; her shoulders, neck, and collarbones glowed softly in the snowy candlelight.
Lucian pulled her into his arms, his voice low with concern. "Your Highness, with all the snowstorms and state affairs these days—are you utterly exhausted?"
Evelyn tilted her head back, snowflakes dusting her hair as she brushed his wrist. "Without you by my side, I could not even enjoy the first dawn after snow with peace of mind."
He reached up to brush a flake of snow from her cheek, his sliding down to her neck. "Then tonight, let me warm your body with kisses."
He bent to kiss the side of her neck, his lips and tongue soft as feathers, warm and tender. Evelyn leaned back, wrapping her legs around his waist, murmuring softly, "Lucian, let me forget the crown and scepter—let me just race for you."
They moved to the brocade couch in the pavilion. The chill of snow lingered at their feet, while candlelight slanted over the covers. Lucian loosened the sash of her gown, letting it slip gently to reveal her delicate curves. Evelyn unfastened his leather armor, the cold touch of metal giving way to warmth, their skin bathed in flickering candlelight.
Lips and tongues tangled again; fingers wandered over each other's backs and waists, leaving searing traces. Evelyn's breath came in soft, quick gasps in the night wind. She bit her lower lip lightly, her fingertips slipping under his undergarment to feel the steady thud of his chest.
Lucian responded with deep, fervent passion, drawing her into the most intimate embrace. They lost themselves in the fusion of fire and ice: on this first night after snow, their bodies burned like kindled hearts, defying the cold, melting all weariness away.
As the candle flame dwindled and the snow regained its faint chill, they clung to each other. Evelyn whispered against his chest, "The new decree rebuilds ten thousand miles, but in the storm, what I trust most is this—our bond will never freeze over."
Lucian kissed the snowflakes from her hair. "Every decree you issue, I shall defend with my life; every dream you hold, I shall walk with you to fulfill."
In the night, they fell asleep in each other's arms, forging a new covenant in blood and snow—and leaving the firmest oath for the dawn of Lachlian.