“NO! DON'T! PLEASE!!!” The anguished cry reverberated through the frigid night, but it was too late. Xenia’s world shattered as she watched in agonizing clarity the man who had loved her with unwavering devotion fall before her eyes.

Her vision blurred, tears mingling with the icy wind that whipped around them. Her heart, once full of hope, was now a leaden weight of sorrow and disbelief. The faces of those she had once cherished were now twisted with cold, calculating malice. Their eyes, once warm and familiar, now gleamed with a harsh, unspoken hatred.

“You’re a monster, Xenia,” hissed Elara, her stepsister, her voice slicing through the air like a blade. “You’ve brought shame upon our family.”

Xenia’s breath hitched as her father stepped forward, a dagger glinting menacingly in the dim light. The cold metal reflected the flickering flames of the torches, casting eerie shadows across his stern face. “Forgive me, daughter,” he murmured, his voice a strained whisper, heavy with guilt and resolve. The dagger plunged into her flesh, and Xenia’s world erupted into a whirlwind of pain and betrayal.

As darkness closed in, her vision dimmed, the once-familiar faces of her loved ones morphing into grotesque masks of hatred and treachery. The betrayal was complete, the love she once held shattered beyond repair.

Chapter 2: Awakening

“Why is it so loud this morning?” Xenia’s eyes fluttered open, her head throbbing with the remnants of her anguish. Confusion enveloped her as she struggled to reconcile the memory of her death with her present reality. The opulent room around her was a stark contrast to the cold, unforgiving night she had just left behind.

As she tried to sit up, a wave of dizziness washed over her, and she steadied herself against the plush, intricately embroidered pillows. The room was bathed in a soft, golden light that seemed foreign and surreal. The elegant tapestries and ornate furnishings spoke of wealth and luxury, a world she had never known before.

A gentle voice broke through the fog of her disorientation. “Good morning, my lady. You’re awake. Today is your wedding day.”

Xenia’s gaze fell upon a stunning gown laid out on an ornate wooden screen. The dress, rich with intricate lace and shimmering embroidery, seemed to glow with a soft, ethereal light. Panic surged through her as she struggled to piece together the fragments of her past life. Who was she? What was happening?

The door creaked open, and Elara’s malevolent smile filled the doorway. Her entrance was accompanied by a chill that seemed to suck the warmth from the room. “Good morning, dear sister,” Elara drawled, her voice dripping with malicious delight. “I trust your little hunger strike hasn’t spoiled our grand event.”

Elara’s eyes sparkled with cruel amusement as she took in Xenia’s disoriented state. But Xenia remained composed, her gaze steady and defiant. “Maids, please assist me with my preparations.”

Elara’s smile faltered for a moment, surprise momentarily flickering across her face before she quickly masked it with her usual sneer. “Oh, Xenia, you think you can charm your way through this marriage and avoid your fate? Don’t be so naïve.”

Ignoring her sister’s taunts, Xenia focused on the maids who were now bustling around her, their deft hands working to dress her in the magnificent gown. As the layers of silk and lace were fastened around her, Xenia felt a strange sense of empowerment. The dress, with its delicate embroidery that shimmered like sunlight filtering through a canopy of leaves, seemed to transform her into something otherworldly.

As the maids continued their work, Xenia was gradually enveloped in a vision of grace and elegance. Her raven hair cascaded in waves like a dark waterfall, while her skin glowed with a warm, golden undertone, a stark contrast to the frigid world she had left behind. Her eyes, once dull and lifeless, now sparkled with the brilliance of sapphires, reflecting a new strength and resolve.

Four hours later, Xenia was reborn in both appearance and spirit. She radiated warmth and vibrancy that seemed almost tangible against the cold backdrop of her past. She awaited her father’s arrival in the tea parlor, surrounded by her aunts who were nervously discussing the ceremony. Their chatter was a distant hum as Xenia’s thoughts raced with anticipation and resolve.

Her father’s entrance was marked by a sudden hush. His gaze met hers, and for a fleeting moment, Xenia’s composure cracked. Hatred flared in her eyes, a brief but intense reflection of the turmoil within her. Yet, she quickly regained her mask of detachment.

“Time to go, daughter,” he said, his tone gruff and devoid of warmth.

Xenia rose gracefully, her movements deliberate and controlled. Taking her father’s arm, she maintained a cold, detached demeanor as they walked toward the altar. The grandeur of the hall and the murmured excitement of the guests faded into the background as her heart raced—not with fear, but with a fierce excitement and anticipation for the new chapter of her life that awaited her with the Duke of Winter.

As Xenia walked down the aisle toward the altar, a collective gasp filled the room. Her beauty, hidden for so long, was now on full display, and it captured everyone’s attention. The whispers about her supposed ugliness, spread by her jealous stepsister Elara, were silenced instantly.

For years, Xenia had stayed away from social events. Elara had told everyone, “My sister feels uncomfortable showing her face, so she won’t be coming to the tea parties. I apologize on her behalf.” Elara had attended these events for her, using Xenia’s absence to spread rumors. But now, everyone could see the truth: Xenia was stunning, a radiant beauty that had been hidden away.

Xenia’s eyes scanned the room, finally resting on the figure waiting for her. Duke Varric Thorne, the so-called Monster Duke, stood tall and imposing. His rugged features were striking, with a strong jawline, high cheekbones, and a nose that spoke of noble heritage. His frosty blue eyes, framed by dark, untamed hair, held a cold intensity, softened by a hint of warmth. His pale skin and neatly trimmed beard only added to his commanding presence.

But it was his eyes that held Xenia’s gaze. They never left hers, taking in her beauty as if he had been parched and was now at an oasis. Duke Varric’s intense stare made Xenia’s heart flutter with a mix of excitement and nervousness.

Elara, watching from the sidelines, was green with envy. She had always thought of herself as the most beautiful, but now Xenia’s radiant appearance overshadowed her. Her face twisted into a scowl as she observed the look of admiration in Varric’s eyes.

As Xenia’s father approached, her heart pounded with a mix of anticipation and anxiety. A strange sense of calm washed over her, as if this moment was where she was meant to be. Her father’s hand was warm as he placed it into Duke Varric’s gloved hand.

Their eyes met, and Xenia felt a jolt of electricity run through her. Instead of the hatred she had expected, she saw curiosity and wonder in the Duke’s frosty blue eyes. She offered him a warm smile, her lips curving upwards as her eyes shone with newfound hope.

The ceremony proceeded smoothly, the officiant’s words becoming a distant murmur as Xenia and Varric exchanged their vows. The tension in the air had shifted from animosity to anticipation. As they spoke their promises, Xenia’s cheeks flushed with happiness. When Varric’s lips touched hers in a brief kiss, her face turned a deep crimson. The kiss, though short, was filled with promises of a future and hints of passion.

Varric’s eyes remained locked on hers, burning with an intensity that made Xenia feel as if she were being pulled into a deep, warm ocean. She felt a sense of belonging, as though she was exactly where she was supposed to be. The room erupted into cheers and applause, and Xenia’s cheeks flushed even more with joy. With Varric by her side, she felt like a queen, his hand still firmly holding hers.

King Hawk, dressed in his finest clothes, raised his glass with a smile. “To the happy couple! May your union bring peace and prosperity to our lands!” His voice rang out with genuine approval.

As they toasted the guests, Xenia’s gaze never left Varric’s. She felt a deep sense of belonging, as if she had finally found her place in the world. The mask that Varric wore seemed to fade away, revealing a man who was both strong and vulnerable, and incredibly captivating.

The night grew darker, and the newlyweds prepared to leave for the North. Xenia’s heart raced with excitement and curiosity about what the future held. She knew this marriage was just the beginning and that their journey together would be filled with challenges and triumphs. The thought of starting this new chapter made her feel both nervous and eager.

Varric’s hand tightened around hers, his eyes shining with a promise of his own. They were about to face whatever came their way, and she felt a deep connection with him. Together, they would face the unknown, their bond growing stronger with each step they took.

Under the starry night sky, Xenia and Varric set off toward their new life. The North, with its icy landscapes and hidden warmth, awaited them. They were ready to embrace this new beginning, their hearts filled with hope and their spirits high with anticipation. The journey ahead was uncertain, but with each other by their side, they were ready to face whatever came next.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden hue over the landscape, Duke Varric Thorne and Xenia began their seven-day journey. The Duke chose to travel on horseback beside Xenia’s carriage, maintaining a respectful distance. Inside the carriage, Xenia was accompanied by her maids, Lucy and Daisy, who had been loyal to her in her past life. Despite their kindness, Xenia had been distant and often rude to them. This time, however, she was determined to change that.

As the carriage bumped along the uneven path, Xenia turned to Lucy with a genuine smile. “Lucy, tell me about the journey ahead,” she asked, her voice softening with curiosity.

Lucy looked up from her seat with a slightly surprised but warm smile. “The journey will be challenging, my lady. For the first two days, we’ll navigate through the rugged terrain of the South. It’s quite rough and bumpy, so you should brace yourself for a lot of jolting.”

Xenia nodded, her eyes wide with concern but determination. “And what about the rest of the journey?”

Lucy continued, “For the next two days, we’ll face steep cliffs and raging rivers. The weather there is notoriously unpredictable, so we may encounter heavy rain or sudden storms. On the fifth and sixth days, we’ll enter the coldest outer regions of Winter Land. By the seventh day, we should finally reach the Duke’s mansion.”

Xenia remembered her previous journey along this road. Duke Varric had maintained a distance, never speaking to her during the entire trip. This time, she was resolved to change their relationship. Determined to start anew, she decided to make an effort to connect with him. But for now, she wanted to get a good night’s sleep to prepare for the journey ahead.

As Xenia settled into her bed for the night, she fell asleep quickly, her body exhausted from the day’s travels.

---

The next morning, the carriage pulled to a stop by a small river. The rugged terrain had already started to test their endurance. The soldiers dismounted their horses and headed towards the river to give their mounts a break and quench their thirst. Lucy and Daisy began to prepare the meal.

Xenia, dressed in a richly adorned gown, felt a slight discomfort. Her corset laces were too tight, and she found it challenging to adjust them. She called out for Lucy, but as she started to speak, a new thought crossed her mind. Perhaps this was an opportunity to bridge the gap with Duke Varric.

Summoning her courage, Xenia called out, “Duke Varric! Might I trouble you for assistance with my gown?”

Varric, who had been surveying the surroundings, was taken aback by the request but quickly dismounted his horse and approached the carriage. His expression was a mix of surprise and concern.

As he entered the carriage and stood behind Xenia, he carefully began to untie the laces of her corset. His fingers brushed lightly against her back, and Xenia felt a shiver run down her spine. The Duke’s touch, though unintended, was electric, sending a sudden jolt of warmth through her.

Duke Varric, feeling the unexpected reaction, tried to keep his composure. His eyes, usually so cold and calculating, flickered with a red glow of passion. He finished loosening the laces and stepped back, his heart racing.

“Thank you, Duke Varric,” Xenia said softly, turning slightly to face him. “I’ll change and join everyone shortly.”

Varric nodded, his voice steady despite the emotions swirling within him. “Of course, my lady. Please change and come outside for the meal. We’ll continue our journey soon.”

As Xenia emerged from the carriage in a simple yellow dress, the sunlight seemed to embrace her, making her look like a ray of sunshine. The dress, though simple, accentuated her beauty and grace. The bright yellow fabric highlighted her radiant smile and glowing complexion, drawing appreciative glances from those around her, including Duke Varric.

Varric’s gaze lingered on her as she approached. The memory of his touch still fresh in his mind, he found himself mesmerized by her presence. Xenia, noticing his attention, took the opportunity to sit beside him at the makeshift dining area by the river.

The Duke was both surprised and delighted by her choice. As they ate, Xenia engaged in light conversation with him, her voice a sweet melody that enchanted Varric. He felt a warmth spreading through him that he hadn’t expected.

After their meal, the journey continued with Xenia’s renewed hope for a better connection with the Duke. They made a brief stop in the evening to rest before continuing their travels through the night.

As the sun began to set, casting long shadows over the rugged terrain, Xenia decided to address a matter that had been on her mind. She approached Duke Varric, her determination evident.

“Duke Varric,” she began, her voice soft but firm, “I was wondering why you choose to travel on horseback rather than with me in the carriage?”

Varric’s eyes widened slightly, his heart fluttering at the sound of her voice. It was like music to his ears. He answered, “I do not wish to make you uncomfortable, my lady. I am quite content traveling by horse.”

Xenia’s expression grew resolute. “I understand, but I am afraid of the dark. It would ease my mind greatly if you could join me in the carriage tonight.”

The Duke’s heart warmed at her request. He could see the sincerity in her eyes and the vulnerability in her voice. “If it will bring you comfort, then I shall join you in the carriage tonight,” he said calmly, though a hint of excitement lingered in his tone.

As night fell and the stars began to twinkle, Duke Varric entered the carriage, sitting across from Xenia. The small space between them was filled with a new, electric tension. The Duke’s presence was both reassuring and thrilling for Xenia.

Their conversation was gentle and filled with laughter, a stark contrast to their earlier encounters. As the night deepened, their proximity became more intimate. They found themselves drawn to each other, their shared warmth creating a comforting cocoon in the cold night.

When it was time to rest, Xenia felt a newfound closeness to Varric. But she didn't wanted to sleep yet. Finally he was sitting beside her although their legs were touching but still duke kept his distance and calmness there. So Xenia decided to take the first step she brought her hand near his as slowly as possible in order to be discreet. Duke noticed her from side of his eye but did nothing and still looked outside. His heart was fluttering with anticipation but at the main point Xenia got all shy and decided to not do it. But as she withdrew her hand Duke took it suddenly, Closing the little fingers of her in his big hands. Xenia felt the warmness and butterflies at the same time. They looked at each other like teenagers in love. Xenia was blushing so hard under the moon light that the duke wanted to eat her.

But at the end he controlled his desires and said,"It's quite late my lady, we should sleep." Xenia just simply nodded.

As they drifted off to sleep, the carriage rocked gently with the rhythm of the horses, and the bond between them grew stronger with each passing moment. They slept holding hands and with warmth in both hearts.