(Chapter 45)
After successfully convincing Lorcan Frostborne, Clarisse Faeloria could only shake her head. Her husband was truly acting like a child. Aedric Thornshade, who had been waiting outside, remained silent, having heard everything and choosing not to comment.
"Have you been waiting long?" Clarisse asked as she stepped out to meet Aedric.
Aedric, who had been waiting for nearly two hours, merely gave a faint smile. "Just as you expected," he replied briefly.
Everyone knew how Lorcan Frostborne behaved toward his wife, but no one dared to gossip openly. They preferred to remain silent. The Duke of the North was infamous for his temper. The last time a servant dared to make a comment, they had nearly received a severe punishment—only for Clarisse to step in and prevent it just in time.
With Aedric's help, Clarisse finished her work that day faster than usual. Only the knights were assigned the more demanding tasks, and none of them complained. They considered themselves fortunate to receive extra pay, a privilege that came with having Clarisse as the Duke's wife.
A week later, a letter arrived from the Faeloria family. Her mother had requested Clarisse to return home for a few days. Missing her family, Clarisse hurried to find Lorcan to ask for permission.
"I'm coming with you," Lorcan said without hesitation.
"I can go on my own," Clarisse countered.
"No. I will go with you."
"You have a lot of work to do," Clarisse argued, trying to sound firm.
Lorcan Frostborne was unmoved. "I'm coming," he declared, leaving no room for protest.
Clarisse, however, stood her ground. She wanted a short break—without Lorcan. Her reason was simple: she needed time to rest from her role as his wife. Serving her husband five nights a week was enough to make her want to keep certain things private, especially to ensure her family remained unaware of how intense their nights were.
After what felt like an endless night of negotiations, Lorcan finally relented, allowing Clarisse to leave on her own. As she departed, Clarisse couldn't help but smile, recalling everything that had happened. Sasa, who accompanied her, was the most enthusiastic about the trip. Upon arriving home, Clarisse was warmly welcomed by her parents.
Eleanor Faeloria, her mother, couldn't contain her curiosity and asked countless questions about her daughter's life in the North. Clarisse answered truthfully, explaining that while the air and weather were different, the aid of magical tools made the transition manageable.
When Eleanor suddenly brought up the topic of grandchildren, Clarisse's face turned red. She promised to do her best to fulfill her mother's dream. Hearing this, Eleanor was overjoyed, knowing that her daughter was living comfortably and that grandchildren were a future certainty.
Clarisse knew it wouldn't be long before that promise became reality. Every night, Lorcan made his eagerness to have a child very clear.
The week Clarisse spent at home was a much-needed break. However, as she lay in bed at night, she couldn't deny that there were moments when she missed her husband's touch.
"Oh, come on..." she muttered, feeling a bit frustrated. She realized that her time with Lorcan had become a routine—one that was proving difficult to break.
Three days later, a letter from Lorcan arrived.
"Three days, and he's already asking me to come back?" Clarisse chuckled as she read the contents. They had agreed that she would stay for a full week, and in her reply, she firmly reminded him of their arrangement.
"It would be amusing if he's restless at night," Clarisse thought with a small laugh before continuing to write her response.