House Valecrest

The great Duke crossed the room and rested a large gloved hand atop Seraphina's head, gently brushing away a strand of silver hair from her face .

"sera, how were your lessons"

"The tutor underestimated me again " she answered with a small smile.

"I heard that" the old tutor muttered under his breath.

A smile appeared on Alaric Valecrest's face.

Yet enough to shock every servent nearby.

Because the feared ruler of the North almost never smiled except to beloved onesies.

"You worked too hard again"Elaria sighed softly from beside the window.

"And you should be resting" Alaric replied immediately, his tone gentle towards his pregnant wife.

Then his graze returned to Seraphina.

"Come"

She titled her head slightly. " where"

"The eastern watchtower "A faint smirk touched his lips.

"If you are to inherit the North one day, you should learn why men fear winter"

Lucien Evermont choked on his tea.

*******************

Days had passed since Duchess Evangeline Evermont and her son Lucien Evermont, arrived at the northern estate of Duke Alaric Valecrest. What was meant to be a short stay slowly became something neither Lucien nor Seraphina wished to end.

Despite the North being a land where snow never creased to fall, the valecrest estate was strangely warm. The mansion itself stood proudly like a fortress carved from silver stone, surrounded by towering walls and endless white fields.

Yet hidden within it was the greatest treasure of House Valecrest - The winter garden.

Built generation ago by the former duke for his beloved mother , the garden was said to rival even the imperial garden itself. Glass ceilings stretched high above like crystal skies , allowing golden sunlight to pour inside.

Flowers of every color bloomed endlessly despite the freezing land outside. Roses climbed marble pillars . Wisteria hung from arched pathways and fountains shimmered beneath war air enchanted by ancient magic.

Crossing its gates felt like steeping into another world.

Only members of the Valecrest family - and those deeply trusted by them- were ever allowed inside.

And somehow, Lucien had been welcomed there.

****************

At first, their meetings were formal.

Seraphina valecrest would sit gracefully beneath the white roses while reading thick political books far beyond the understanding of most nobles their age.

Lucien often found himself watching her in silence fascinated not only by her beauty but by the calm intelligence hidden behind her crimson eyes.

Every conversation with her became a surprise.

One snowy afternoon, the two walked slowly through the garden paths while servants remained at a respectful distance.

"Do flowers bloom this beautifully in the east"

Seraphina asked softly brushing her fingers against a pale blue lily.

Lucien glanced at her before smiling faintly .

"They do..........but not like this"

Seraphina titled her head ."What is the difference?"

"The flowers in the East are beautiful" he said carefully." But they feel alive"

A small smile appeared on her lips.

Lucien felt his heartbeat quicken.

He had already fallen for her the moment he first saw her , but the more he learned about her, the deeper he sank.