The journey back to the capital feels like going to battle.

At least for me.

Alexander is as calm as always while he oversees the servants packing the carriages. He has ordered a comfortable seat, and he personally filled our carriage with pillows.

He even asked me if I wanted to travel alone, but he had such a beaten expression that I couldn't accept. Not that it was my intention, in the first place.

Yet, sometimes, I feel like dealing with a puppy in fear to be abandoned, rather than an overbearing, cruel husband.

I know he will reverse back to his shameless self as soon as the baby is born, but it's nice to be cuddled like this. I have my spaces respected and my will enforced with little to no efforts from my side.

«If the weather remains this warm, we'll arrive at the first inn by evening,» I consider.

Spring has reached Kyre. The scenery I can see from the castle's walls is colourful, mostly green. Strawberries have invaded our tables, but I've tried drawing a line to myself.

Trees are growing new leaves, and the animals are waking up from their winter slumber. The forest is newly vital, as vivid as in autumn but with calmer, more lively shades.

I'd like to paint this scenery as well, but I'm not that good.

Luckily for me, Alexander is. I have the paintings he made for me in my luggage, packed with care.

He won't be able to paint in the capital. He's always so busy during our stay there, but the few he made before the departure will be enough as a start.

I'm going there as Duchess Kyre, now, not as a prisoner of war. I'll be treated differently, with some luck. The other noblewomen won't be able to look at me with contempt, and they'll be ready to spend time at my tea parties and chat with me.

Even if I'm not that interesting, they won't dare to complain.

«We're ready,» Alexander says. He's the one deciding when we're going, so there's no need to report to me. Yet, I nod to his words.

The Countess has already greeted us yesterday evening, so she doesn't need to get up at dawn just to send us off. Lady Lyana, on the contrary, is already here. She's waiting for the departure with more anxiety than me.

«Is my Lady sure there won't be any need for me in the capital?»

«Oh, don't worry,» I reassure her. «I've already been there once. It won't be that difficult.»

And she can't get ready on the spot, can she?

Alexander asked me not to bring her along. After hearing part of the story, I accepted. My husband didn't go into the details, but, apparently, her dead husband's family shot Alexander with an arrow.

After that incident, she moved here permanently, and her former in-laws disappeared. Yet, gossip stayed.

Now, the capital is a ferocious, unpleasant place for her. Probably, even worse than for me.

There's no need to make her go through all of that. So, I didn't insist on bringing my lady in waiting along.

After all, I have Kate taking care of me when Alexander isn't around.

And also the guard-maid. They're both on the carriage behind mine, together. They're close in age, so I hope they get along.

«I will be back soon, lady Lyana. You don't need to worry at all...»

«I'll be waiting, my Lady!»

When everyone is ready to leave, I hold lady Lyana's hand for a moment only and then reach the carriage.

The seats are both larger than usual, and one is covered by pillows and blankets. I've also worn fur to keep my shoulders warm during the journey, but I'll likely get rid of it as we proceed south.

Here the weather is already tolerable; it will get even warmer with the hour and the latitude.

«Awesome,» I exclaim while settling on the seat and using all the space for me.

Alexander sits in front of me like in penitence. He observes me from there but doesn't dare to say anything.

«You can sit next to me,» I try, showing him the corner. I move just a little to the side, making enough space for him to sit.

He doesn't complain about it: he just appears next to me all of a sudden. His arms spread, letting me lie in his embrace and sighing in peace.

Even though his muscles are hard, it's so much more comfortable than on the plain pillows.

We travel for the whole day without breaks. The curtains from the door are moved to the side so that the light can come in. The glass was polished yesterday, and I can read without issues.

I've left the lewd books home: it didn't seem wise to bring them with me. What I have at a hand's reach right now are just ordinary books intended for nobles.

I've started fancying folk literature, by the way. I can understand why my Duke likes it so much.

At dusk, we reach the inn.

«We'll stay here until tomorrow. We'll also meet a friend of mine by chance.»

«By chance?»

«Correct. This journey will be full of unexpected events. Do you have the missive ready?»

«Yes, I do!» I nod, patting on the purse attached to the belt. «Everything ready.»

«Good. Let's go.»

It's fun, causing trouble together. I've never thought that Alexander would agree to help me. After all, I'm plotting towards Kyre's invasion.

I won't let people suffer as I'll solve the situation as soon as his majesty gives me the power to do so. But until then, Kyre will be in danger.

«We'll stay the night. Tomorrow, we'll resume the trip after breakfast,» he informs me while we walk in. I already know by heart the plan, but it's reassuring to hear my husband's voice stating trivial things.

«Is dinner ready?»

«It should be. I've sent a messenger ahead of us.»

«Awesome. I'm not that tired. Can we take a walk later?» I inquire.

Retreating in the room to sleep would be such a waste of time. I've done nothing for the whole day. Even the carriage shaking didn't annoy me too much.

«Of course. Only if you eat well, though.»

«I'm not a child,» I reply while his fingers entwine with mine as we walk in.

We reach the closest table when Alexander's eyes move in the hall as if by chance. He recognises someone and smiles widely as if by reflex.

«Your highness, Archduke of Kyre!» the other person exclaims, getting up from his table. He walks to us and observes me for a moment before smiling and bowing to me. «And her highness, I suppose.»

He's rather tall but not taller than my Duke. His pitch-black eyes are only a shade lighter than Alexander's, but his hair and flowing beard are as dark as coal. His skin is tanned, and his fingers are covered by gold and gems. His clothes are of the best quality but simple, comfortable for travel.

He's a merchant.

«It's your grace,» I reply, smiling politely. «And it's Lord Kyre, here.» After all, we haven't abandoned Alexander's territories yet. He's not Duke Kyre, at the moment.

«My apologies, your grace,» the man says, accepting my words without a frown. «I've heard about Lord Kyre's marriage, but I thought it was all gossip. And here I see the Lady of Kyre in flesh and bone.»

«What is so surprising?» After all, Alexander isn't all that young anymore.

«Alexander of Kyre wasn't known as someone susceptible to a woman's charm, that's all. I didn't think he would find himself a wife so soon.»

«Marriage isn't about fooling around and falling for charms. It's a contract. Family is the base of our society: it has nothing to do with our personal emotions and dreams. It's a duty.»

«I see,» the merchant chuckles. «My name is Ephrah.»

«No surname?»

«I don't need one.» He shrugs.

«It's a pleasure to see you after so much time, Ephrah,» Alexander says, stopping my pressing.

He rubs his thumb on my palm to calm me down without anyone noticing, and he smiles tenderly when I look at him.

«My wife and I are going to the capital.»

«Isn't it early?» Ephrah asks, narrowing his eyes.

«This year, it's like this,» Alexander shrugs and shows the table with a hand, «let's talk with dinner.»

We sit at the place booked for us, and the waitress brings the merchant's drink over.

«How are things in Stoneyard? I was going to visit on the way to the north, but it seems I was lucky to meet the Lord on the way. I wouldn't have seen you in Stoneyard.»

«That's right.»

«What luck,» he sighs, «I won't need to explain once again that I have no ill intentions. Your sister's grandmother is a really stern person.»

«She's just suspicious and precise.»

«Do I look that dangerous?»

«You don't look completely reliable either. What are you transporting this time?»

«Silk and salt.»

«Sea salt?»

«Exactly. I've bought a whole carriage on the south. Instead of selling it on the way, I decided to bring it towards lands that do not have any.»