Chapter 2 – Voices from the North

  I walked to my study. The training hadn’t tired me in the slightest. I found Maria, the housekeeper of Verdelume, already waiting for me. A woman of forty-five, with mature beauty and an ever-watchful gaze.

  “Maria, give me the report,” I said directly.

  She stood by the desk, her dark hair elegantly tied back. She turned at the sound of my voice, her posture impeccable, her eyes experienced.

  “Duke Petrus,” she said firmly. “The tributes from the village of Leiros arrived this morning, but two carts are missing. The steward claimed a snowstorm delayed them.”

  She handed me a sealed parchment.

  “Also, the border patrol reported unusual movement of beast-men to the north. Nothing hostile… for now. Shall I summon Captain Orlen?”

  I reached out and pulled her gently onto my lap, keeping my gaze locked on hers.

  “Send a representative to check the situation in Leiros and verify the truth of that excuse,” I ordered. I paused for a moment. “As for the beast-men… I think I’ll go to them myself.”

  Maria was surprised by the gesture but didn’t resist. She only raised an eyebrow with a faint smile and settled in my lap, maintaining her usual composure.

  “As you wish, my lord. I’ll send Intendant Raul. He’s precise… and has a good memory.” She paused, her voice softening. “Going personally to the beast-men is bold. But perhaps it’s the kind of strength only Your Grace can show.”

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  “I’ll go with only a coachman, a maid… Luna. Bringing too many would send the wrong message,” I explained as I stroked her softly.

  Maria kept her serious gaze, but I noticed a subtle tension at the corners of her mouth.

  “Understood. Discretion, presence, and restrained strength… a wise choice.”

  She rose slowly, adjusting herself with natural grace.

  “I’ll prepare everything. Will you leave at dawn?”

  “Yes,” I replied, standing and kissing her lips gently. “You’re dismissed.”

  She remained silent for a few seconds, her eyes fixed on mine. Then she gave a slight bow.

  “Until tomorrow, my lord.”

  I watched her as she left. When the door closed, my thoughts returned to the beast-men. Something about their movement unsettled me. I didn’t want to rely only on reports. I needed to see it with my own eyes.

  I decided to sleep.

  ~Next day~

  The castle was calm as I walked to my chambers. The wide, quiet corridors echoed the apparent peace of the night. When I arrived, the bed was neatly made. I lay down, and gradually, thoughts of Leiros, the beast-men, and the journey ahead began to fade. Sleep came heavily, and I drifted off.

  I was awakened by Maria’s presence, her steps light. She approached and touched my shoulder gently.

  “My lord, it is time. The coachman and Luna are ready. The retinue awaits.”

  I sat up and looked at her directly.

  I stood and kissed her lips once more.

  “Wish me good fortune, my maid.”

  She held my gaze, steady, and her expression softened for a brief moment.

  “May the Gods guide your journey, my lord. May you find what you seek… and return safely.”

  As I dressed, I noticed the silence around me. Something within told me that what lay ahead would be more than mere diplomacy.

  Before leaving, I gave her a playful tap on the hip. Just teasing.

  Maria turned quickly, surprised, but her lips curled into a discreet smile — half reproach, half affection. She straightened and remained there, watching me depart.

  The morning air was crisp. I walked with firm steps toward the carriage. Soon, Luna, the coachman, and I would be on the road. And the North awaited.