Raven found himself at a long table reserved for the nobles of Everfrost. The dishes before him were carefully prepared—more refined and intricate than the simple fare at the knights’ table. Though the other selection was no less appetizing, he couldn’t deny the appeal of the golden, egg-battered bread Mary had chosen, its crisp edges glistening with a rich sheen. His curiosity piqued, he took a few slices for himself, along with a cup of the deep blue berry water.

  Mary and Raven made their way toward Lilia, who sat alone at one of the grand wooden tables. As always, her presence carried an air of quiet authority. Across the hall, the kitchen staff moved with purpose, their pristine uniforms in sharp contrast to the rustic, stone walls of the hall. The aroma of rich spices and fresh bread filled the hall as servants in dark Everfrost livery moved gracefully, carrying silver trays to and from the nobles’ table. Aira and Cedric had left earlier for a bath, and it seemed that during their absence, the chef was preparing a special course for the Wintermanes.

  Mary and Raven had their own food before them, yet they chose to wait for the others before eating. The knights seated nearby cast occasional glances toward Raven, their expressions unreadable, silently questioning why he had been invited to dine with nobility.

  Lilia sipped from a delicate porcelain cup as she regarded Raven. “So, how was your room? Did you sleep well?”

  “Yes, it was very comfortable,” Raven replied, setting his cup down.

  Shadebinder’s voice echoed in his mind.

  Well, you did toss and turn in your sleep.

  Raven frowned. “You were watching?”

  Lilia smirked slightly, setting down her teacup. “Soul-weapons don’t sleep.”

  A maid in a neatly pressed black and white uniform approached with a fresh cup of tea for Lilia. She curtsied before setting the cup down. Lilia took a careful sip, but the slight downturn of her lips betrayed her disappointment in the brew.

  Raven, curious about something else, tilted his head. “Aren’t you cold, Lady Lilia?”

  Lilia scoffed lightly. “I’m not that fragile.”

  Mary interjected, “Lady Lilia has Runeart woven into her clothing. She can use it to keep warm.”

  Shadebinder hummed.

  Oh? Clever.

  Raven crossed his arms. “But if you can do this, why are you always in your tower?”

  Lilia sighed. “Even I will run out of mana eventually.”

  A disturbance at the hall’s entrance drew their attention as Cedric and Aira entered. Cedric walked with the unmistakable posture of a noble warrior, his long tunic pressed to perfection, his heavy cape embroidered with the Kite Shield and Wolf symbol. Aira, on the other hand, looked disheveled and exhausted, her damp hair hanging freely over her shoulders. Her long tunic, though elegant, sat sloppily on her frame. The ever-present Wolfking sword rested at her belt.

  The two took their seats and greeted the table in their native tongue. Lilia’s lips pressed into a thin line, unimpressed. Without a word, she reached into the folds of her dress and withdrew a comb, which she levitated with a flick of her fingers. The comb floated through the air and began working its way through Aira’s messy hair, slowly braiding it into a neat style, secured at the end with a golden string.

  Aira, too tired to object, simply let it happen.

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  As Raven waited, his gaze wandered to the banners hanging from the stone walls. Two sigils stood out: a hammer and a wolf. He had wondered about their meaning for some time now.

  “I was wondering,” Raven began, “what is the meaning of those flags?”

  Lilia followed his gaze. “Not much to it. The hammer represents House Coldmaul. The wolf is for the Wintermanes.”

  Shadebinder’s voice echoed in his mind.

  So the Coldmauls enjoy the same prestige as the Wintermanes?

  A troubled look crossed Lilia’s face. “They… used to be.”

  Mary spoke next. “It was their great effort and sorcery that built Stormhold, under the watchful eyes of Jarvik.”

  Raven frowned. “Then what happened?”

  Lilia’s voice took on a measured tone. “They disagreed with some of the crown’s decrees, such as the pirate amnesty, and sought to challenge their rulership.”

  Shadebinder scoffed.

  They started a civil war?

  “No,” Lilia corrected. “The Warden Houses have the right to issue a challenge for the throne, but they never got the chance.”

  Raven leaned forward. “How so?”

  Mary explained, “The Wintermanes at the time were certain they would lose the challenge, and they feared the Coldmauls would start an actual war. So they issued a duel against them instead.”

  Raven raised a brow. “Were the Coldmauls seen as weak?”

  Lilia shook her head. “No. But challenges work differently in Crow-Peak and Everfrost. In Crow-Peak, it’s more of an intellectual trial—you must convince others that you are in the right. Here in Everfrost, you can propose a one-on-one champion duel.”

  Shadebinder interjected.

  And what happened?

  Lilia’s voice was quiet. “The Wintermanes won the duel. The Coldmauls lost their right to challenge the throne and the support of Everfrost’s army.”

  Mary sighed. “The Noble Council later revoked their noble status entirely.”

  Shadebinder’s tone was skeptical.

  That seems a little harsh.

  Lilia gave a knowing nod. “It was a controversial decision.”

  Raven glanced back at the banners. “Then why was the hammer kept?”

  Mary answered, “Jarvik is still an ancestor who watches over us.”

  Raven’s brow furrowed in confusion.

  Lilia elaborated, “We believe our ancestors look after us and bring good fortune.”

  The scent of freshly baked bread, spiced cheese sauce, and cured meat filled the dining hall as the kitchen doors swung open. A small procession of servants stepped forward, each balancing carefully arranged trays.

  For Cedric: a slab of dark bread, aged cheese, and neatly arranged cuts of smoked salami. A goblet of honey-gold mead was placed beside it.

  In front of Lilia: a fruit and cheese platter arranged in a perfect circular pattern, with a variety of both. This was accompanied by her tea.

  Aira, on the other hand, had a bowl of long, narrow pasta with fish and cheese sauce, richly seasoned.

  In the middle of the table, a large bowl was set down. Inside, nestled together like treasures in a chest, were pastries—golden and folded like small satchels, their crispy edges hiding a soft, golden filling.

  After most of the meal had been finished, only a single pastry remained.

  Aira and Cedric locked eyes. Aira smirked, pulling a coin from her pocket. She flourished it skillfully between her fingers, allowing Raven a glimpse of each side—one bearing a shield with a sword, the other marked with a foreign number.

  She tossed the coin into the air. Before it could land, Lilia reached for the final pastry and took a bite, nonchalantly chewing as she watched the coin land in Aira’s palm.

  Aira’s face twisted in surprise and betrayal. Cedric simply chuckled, unbothered.

  Lilia’s magic gently nudged the coin from Aira’s palm into Raven’s hands. He turned it over and blinked—both sides were the same.

  Raven frowned. “How? I saw a coin with different sides in her hand! Did she use magic or sorcery?”

  Lilia chuckled. "Oh no, just her own talents."

  Aira pouted, clearly annoyed at being caught. Cedric, however, merely looked faintly amused.

  “When did you notice the switch, Lady Lilia?” Raven asked.

  Lilia sipped her tea. “Hmm? I didn’t. I just know Aira enjoys practicing her skills.”

  Mary, surprised, looked at Raven. “Even I didn’t know she could do tricks like that.”

  Shadebinder mused.

  Where did she even learn these tricks?

  Lilia smirked. “From the Grimwind pirates. But that is a tale for another time.”

  She stood. “Using my magic this much is exhausting. Try not to need me too soon.”

  Aira stretched and muttered something under her breath as both she and Cedric stood, preparing to leave. Raven assumed they had also said their goodbyes in their foreign tongue. Before Cedric ventured too far, he spared Raven a glance and muttered something that sounded slightly cold.

  Mary turned to Raven. “Cedric said he hopes Everfrost will treat you fairly.”

  Raven exhaled. His day had only just started, yet Cedric’s stare alone had left him exhausted.