The thick snow in the forest blanketed everything in white silence. Edric rode slowly, his gloved hands gripping the reins while Serena sat quietly behind him. The weight of the cold air pressed down on them, and not a word was exchanged for several minutes.
After nearly three hours of silent riding, Edric finally broke the silence. "Are you sure this is the right path?" he asked flatly, scanning the snow-covered woods. "We've been riding through this frozen maze forever."
Serena giggled faintly, resting her chin on the back of his shoulder for a second. "Just trust me. We're close. Now turn left... there."
With a quiet sigh, Edric followed her instructions, steering his black horse carefully through a narrow snowy gap between two thick trees.
From behind, Serena tilted her head slightly, her voice playfully curious. "So... are you a warrior? A knight? Or just an exceptionally handsome commoner?"
Edric scoffed and slowed his horse to a stop. He didn't look at her right away. "Do I look like a commoner to you?"
"Maybe," she teased.
Without answering, he dismounted and turned to face her. His eyes swept over her, sharp and assessing. "Your clothes are torn. You look like you crawled through a chimney."
Serena raised an eyebrow. "Thanks?"
He crossed his arms. "You're riding with royalty. I am Prince Edric of Caelthorn."
There was a beat of silence.
Then Serena burst into laughter. "Sure you are."
Edric rolled his eyes and grabbed the reins. "Believe what you want."
As they continued, snow began to fall again. The sky dimmed into early evening. After finding a narrow clearing protected from wind, Edric dismounted and started preparing a campfire. He moved with the kind of precision that showed he had done this before—many times.
Serena stayed quiet, her eyes observing him curiously. Her heart felt heavy, though she couldn't explain why. I hope Mother isn't worried, she thought, hugging her arms around herself.
Edric, meanwhile, pulled out his sword, aimed it into the trees, and let it fly.
A bird dropped dead seconds later, pierced through the chest.
Serena jumped. "What are you doing?!"
"Getting us dinner," he replied calmly, retrieving the bird.
"That's awful! You just killed it without hesitation."
He plucked the feathers without flinching. "It's survival. Either you eat or you freeze."
"I'm not hungry," she muttered, watching with discomfort.
Her stomach growled audibly.
Edric smirked but said nothing. Once the bird was cooked over the crackling fire, he offered her a roasted leg. "Here."
"I don't eat... things like that," she mumbled, though her mouth was already watering.
He raised an eyebrow. "You'd rather starve?"
She snatched it quickly and took a small bite.
The warmth eased her hunger. Edric settled on the opposite side of the fire, sharpening his blade casually. His silence wasn't uncomfortable—but it was... heavy.
"You really are a prince?" Serena finally asked.
He glanced at her. "Why would I lie?"
"I don't know. Maybe you like sounding important."
"I am important," Edric said dryly. "Even if my father doesn't think so."
Serena tilted her head. "What do you mean?"
He paused. "Never mind."
The flames cracked between them.
After a moment, Edric reached into his satchel and pulled out a thick, navy-blue jacket. The crest of Caelthorn was stitched in gold thread across the shoulder. He tossed it to her. "Put that on before you freeze to death."
Serena caught it. "This... it's beautiful."
"Don't get used to it."
She wrapped herself in it, burying her face in the soft warmth. Then Edric pulled out a clean cloth and handed it to her.
"Your nose. You're still bleeding a little."
"Thanks," she whispered, dabbing the dried blood.
Edric crouched near her feet and gestured toward her ankle. "Still hurting?"
Serena hesitated. Then nodded.
He took her foot gently and pressed along the swollen spot, his fingers cold but surprisingly careful. Then—crack—he twisted it back into place.
"OW! You could've warned me!"
"It's back in position."
She stared at him, breathing fast. "You're insane."
Edric stood up. "You're welcome."
They sat in quiet again, only the howling wind and fire between them.
Serena pulled the coat tighter. I miss you, Mother, she thought, her eyes glistening as she turned toward the fire.
"I'll need you awake early," Edric finally said. "We're not there yet."
"Where exactly is 'there'?"
He didn't answer. Instead, he lay back, one hand over his chest, his sword resting nearby. "Sleep."
"Just like that?"
"Unless you prefer to freeze."
Serena mumbled under her breath and laid down as close to the fire as she dared. She watched Edric for a moment.
He's strange... but maybe not entirely heartless, she thought as her eyelids began to close.
The firelight flickered, shadows dancing across the snow-covered trees. For a fleeting moment, Serena felt safe.
Neither of them said another word.
But for the first time, both slept—side by side.
And the snow continued to fall.