"My lady, the preparations for your departure have been completed," Lily announced, "We can leave whenever you're ready."
I nodded, my mind already focused on the journey ahead. "Tell the knights we'll be departing in thirty minutes," I ordered.
Lily bowed her head. "Understood, my lady."
As she hurried off to relay my instructions, I couldn't help but think about the timing of our departure. Winter had arrived, and this year was predicted to be particularly brutal. And, of course, I was heading straight into the heart of it, all because of my foolish lie.
I sighed inwardly, wondering how I had managed to get myself into this predicament. The North was a harsh and unforgiving region, especially during the winter months. But I had no choice now; I had to see this through, no matter how daunting the prospect seemed.
