Chapter 10: Returning to the Capital

The dark storm clouds over the Northern Spine broke as the morning sun crested the peaks, painting the snow-covered valley in gold.

Elodie sat atop her warhorse beside Grim as their procession rode through the iron gates of the Obsidian Fortress. Behind them, Commander Waylon and fifty northern knights escorted the bound mercenaries in heavy chains, their armor gleaming in the morning light.

A large crowd of northern soldiers, servants, and councilors had gathered in the central courtyard, their faces anxious. Rumors of the armory fire, Lord Vane's treason, and the Grand Duke's departure into the blizzard had spread through the castle corridors.

When Grim dismounted, a collective breath caught in the throat of every onlooker.

For three years, the Grand Duke had walked with a subtle limp, his breath ragged and his skin unnaturally pale from the Black Vein Curse. Today, he moved with the fluid grace of an apex predator. His jawline was clear of dark veins, his eyes glowing with steady power.

"He looks completely healed," a senior councilor whispered in shock to his neighbor.

Grim ignored the murmurs. He turned to Elodie's horse, catching her around the waist as she dismounted. His hands stayed on her waist a second longer, his thumbs pressing against her coat with possessive warmth.

"Welcome home, Duchess," Grim murmured softly, his voice meant only for her.

"Thank you, Husband," Elodie replied with a calm smile, placing her palm against his chest in full view of the assembly.

Commander Waylon stepped into the center of the courtyard, slamming his spear against the flagstones. "Silence for the Grand Duke and Duchess!"

The courtyard fell dead quiet. Even the horses ceased their restless stamping.

Grim turned to face his people, his hand entwined firmly with Elodie's. "Last night, treason was attempted within these walls. Lord Vane conspired with Prince Jamie's agents to burn our armory and sabotage our defense. He stands stripped of his lands, his title, and his honor, awaiting final sentence in the dungeon."

A wave of low gasps and angry nods ran through the northern soldiers. Vane had long been suspected of taking bribes, but no one had dared challenge him until now.

"Furthermore," Grim continued, his voice echoing off stone walls like thunder, "the poison that afflicted my body for three years has been neutralized. The Duchess identified the secret toxin, unearthed the remedy at the frost cliffs, and saved my life."

Silence gripped the courtyard for two breathless seconds before Commander Waylon raised his sword into the air.

"Hail the Duchess of the Obsidian Fortress!" Waylon bellowed.

"Hail Duchess Elodie!" the northern knights roared in unison, their voices shaking the battlements.

Elodie stood tall beside Grim, her chin held high as she accepted the homage of the northern army. The capital noblewoman they had once viewed as a disposable spy was now recognized as the savior of their duchy.

Grim led her through the grand archway into his private study. Once heavy oak doors shut out the noise of the courtyard, he released her hand only to pull her against his chest.

"You turned my entire court upside down in less than forty-eight hours, Elodie," Grim murmured, resting his chin lightly against the top of her head.

"I merely reorganized what was broken," Elodie answered, looking up at him. "A duchess must keep her household in order."

Grim let out a low, breathless laugh, his bare hand coming up to cup her cheek. His thumb brushed over her cheekbone, his touch burning hot against her skin. "And what does my duchess require next?"

"The second stage of your cure requires the dragon root preserved inside the Imperial Vault," Elodie said, her eyes darkening with determination. "Prince Jamie holds the key. If we do not retrieve it before spring thaw, the curse will reactivate."

"Then we go to the capital," Grim declared softly, his ice-blue eyes burning with fierce devotion. "Not as petitioners begging for mercy, but as rulers demanding what is ours."

"Prince Jamie believes I am still his obedient pawn," Elodie noted, a razor-thin smile touching her lips. "He has no idea that when we arrive at the Capital Winter Gala, I will be presenting his illegal debt receipts to the Imperial Senate."

Grim leaned down, his lips brushing against hers in a slow, intoxicating kiss that made her knees go weak. When he pulled back, his dark eyes held hers captive.

"I used to believe my life would end in blood and madness in this frozen castle," Grim whispered, his hand sliding down to clasp hers tightly. "Now I realize my life only began the night you stepped into my room."

Elodie squeezed his hand in return, her heart beating in perfect sync with his. "Then let us make sure our enemies regret ever crossing our path."

A sharp knock sounded at the door. Chief Maid Effie entered, holding an official golden envelope bearing the imperial crest.

"Your Grace," Effie announced, bowing low. "A carriage from the capital has arrived at the gates. Prince Jamie has issued a formal command for you and the Duchess to attend the Royal Winter Gala in seven days."

Elodie looked at Grim, her eyes flashing with dangerous excitement.

"Tell the messenger we accept," Elodie commanded. "It is time to return to the capital and burn his game to the ground."