(Chapter 22)
Clarisse was stunned as she passed through the grand gates. Before her, the landscape changed dramatically, as if the winter she had just seen was nothing more than an illusion. The view now stretched before her, completely contradicting everything she knew about the magical world she inhabited. Clarisse furrowed her brow, feeling puzzled. However, beneath her amazement, she began to understand why Lorcan had given her the magic necklace, which was said to protect against the cold.
The necklace was Lorcan's own creation.
Clarisse's gaze shifted to the snowdrifts in the distance. Childhood memories flashed in her mind, memories of playing snowball fights with great enthusiasm, often ending with her mother scolding her and giving long lectures. The memory made Clarisse smile faintly, a glimpse of the simple happiness she once experienced.
"I'm glad you like it," Lorcan's soft voice interrupted Clarisse's thoughts. He gave her a small, meaningful smile.
Clarisse nodded slowly, grateful for the magic necklace Lorcan had given her. In her heart, she knew that without it, she would surely be shivering in the cold. The snow before her seemed deceiving, for behind its beauty was a cold that could pierce the bones. Clarisse couldn't imagine how it would feel without the protection of the magic.
"I've prepared many things," Lorcan continued, his tone more formal than usual, "and with your presence, I aim to make sure everything ensures your comfort."
Clarisse noticed the change in Lorcan's manner of speaking. He was more polite, more careful, as if each word was chosen with great thought. There was a particular emphasis on the word 'comfort.' It seemed like there was a deeper meaning behind it than mere politeness.
"I hope to feel comfortable for a week," Clarisse replied, her tone equally polite.
Lorcan looked at her, this time with a gaze that seemed to carry greater hope. "I hope you can stay longer."
The words made Clarisse pause for a moment. She looked at Lorcan with a thoughtful expression before responding, "It would be inappropriate to stay longer than a week, Your Majesty. We're not official, and there's still much to prepare."
Lorcan nodded slowly, but there was a glimmer of certainty in his eyes. "To be honest, I could prepare everything myself. You can stay and wait for the right time."
Clarisse turned her gaze away, her eyes wandering over the land they were passing through. This place seemed so prosperous, very different from the villages she had passed before entering the gates.
"Your Majesty," Clarisse began cautiously, "outside the gates, I saw the people there... they seemed—"
"Poor?" Lorcan interjected flatly. "Yes, I know. But we can't help everyone."
Lorcan's emotionless reply immediately shifted the atmosphere, making it awkward. Clarisse fell silent, feeling uncomfortable with the cold response. The rest of the journey to Lorcan's residence was passed in silence.
Finally, they arrived at the front of a large, magnificent house, far more luxurious than the Faeloria family home. Clarisse was taken aback by its grandeur. She had never imagined that Lorcan Frostborne, who lived near the border, could possess such wealth. She had thought his life would be simpler, but it turned out her assumption was completely wrong.
Lorcan got out first after the carriage door was opened, then extended his hand to help Clarisse down. Clarisse accepted the hand, noticing that they both wore the same black gloves. A coincidence that made some onlookers misinterpret, as if they had an unspoken agreement with matching colors.
"Welcome, Your Majesty, Lady Faeloria," greeted a man with a friendly voice.
Clarisse turned and saw Aedric, who greeted her with a warm smile. Lorcan only nodded in response, while Clarisse returned Aedric's friendly smile with a small nod.
But only Aedric noticed the subtle change in Lorcan's expression. His sharp gaze seemed to hint at displeasure, though he maintained his calm demeanor. Aedric wondered to himself, 'What made His Majesty seem unhappy? Is it because I smiled at Lady Clarisse Faeloria?'
On the other side, Clarisse shifted her attention elsewhere, searching for someone who had yet to appear. Finally, she saw Sasa, who arrived with a different carriage. Sasa wasn't wearing a magic necklace like hers, so she appeared to be shivering from the cold. But as soon as they entered Lorcan's residence, the room temperature regulated by magic immediately made Sasa feel comfortable.
"Are you alright?" Clarisse asked with concern.
Sasa smiled faintly and replied, "I'm fine, Lady."
Clarisse let out a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness..."