A hand brushed through the horse’s dark mane. The animal huffed but allowed the relaxing motion. The musty but familiar smell of hay and shavings was comforting.

Faye ran a brush across the animal’s coarse hair, absentmindedly running her fingers through its soft coat. Her left hand rubbed at its chest as she swept the brush against its strong back.

It had taken hours to find something the giant creature didn’t nip at her for. She groaned at the thought of training him out of the habit.

The stables were silent. The moving and chattering of servants into and out of the residence had since faded.

The first glaring rays of the sun began to creep into the dark sky. Dawn would break soon. There was a peace in the early mornings that Faye enjoyed. In Wenge, she would go to the grasslands and watch the sun rise, as golden rays spilled across the grass and sky. Even on campaigns, the ritual would calm her before battles and strategy meetings. The sun felt different here. It was more distant. Warm but muted in the chilled air.

It was already her second day in Eburean. The young woman’s grooming paused at the thought.

The horse nickered. Its nose flared as it craned its neck and bumped its head at the Raven General.

Faye rolled her eyes but continued. She would have to make sure that the warhorse didn’t grow too spoiled. It would be unseemly on the battlefield.

But for now, a bit of pampering wouldn’t hurt.

“What should I name you?” she wondered out loud into the empty air.

In the wooden rafters, the faithful raven picked at its feather. A feather fluttered down, landing on Faye’s head. Silently, the young woman pocketed the feather and continued in her task silently.

The bird’s beady eyes glanced at the door. It let out a loud caw. The sound reverberated in the stables. Even the other horses picked their heads up at the noise. The warhorse snorted loudly.

Without turning her head, Faye asked, “What brings you here, lord?”

The Lord of Feldgrau crossed his arms. He leaned against the wooden pillars of the stable.

“That’s a neat trick,” he commented, eyes following the raven as it strutted down the rafters.

“Mouse is quite observant,” responded Faye.

The lord raised an eyebrow. “You named your raven Mouse?”

The Raven General shrugged. It wasn’t as if she had placed much thought into it. “Mouse is not my raven.”

“And yet it follows you everywhere you go,” noted the lord. There was no hostility in his voice, merely curiosity.

Sighing, Faye shrugged, “There are many mice in the aftermath of battle. Mouse likes to feast on their meat.” Her amber eyes raised to meet Nikolai’s. “Mouse follows me because it knows there is a great reward in doing so. It is no more or less than that.”

The young woman turned back to her grooming. “I presume your men and mine follow us for the same reason.”

“I suppose we share that commonality.” Without skipping a beat, the lord asked, “But it doesn’t explain why you would turn away an ally. The maid’s mistress is the queen. I thought the two of you were on good terms.”

"Yes, and if I saw the queen I would advise her to be careful of those she keeps by her side, as well." Faye paused. Her expression darkened. “I would not bring a rusted tool into battle.” She raised her chin at him. “Punish me if you must, but that servant could not be trusted. There was deceit in their eyes.”

There was a moment of silence. Nikolai noticed that although her eyes burned and fists were clenched, the Raven General’s blade remained unsheathed. The mighty longblades' owner’s hands were by their sides. It felt like a significant detail.

“We may be enemies,” admitted the lord. “But I have no right nor desire to punish you.” He gestured towards the residence. “This is to be your home. For most noble ladies, they control the matters of the husband’s house like a general would their army.”

The Raven General barked out a laugh. “I have no desire to control your household.” Patting the insistent warhorse, she sighed, “I merely wish to have a safe space and freedom before I am called away to duty.”

The Lord of Feldgrau shrugged, “Do as you must. I will not begrudge you of that.”

Faye stared.

The beginning of dawn began to filter in, bathing the two in a golden light. Their silhouettes splayed against the wooden barn walls.

“You are a weird one,” decided the Raven General. “They call you a fool and yet It is hard to read your true intentions.”

Surprisingly, the lord made no rebuking comment.

He approached the horse and master. Glancing at the magnificent steed, he asked, “What is to be their name?” The lord glanced at the food in the trough. “Hay? Grass?”

The raven above them cawed in offense.

“He is a war horse, not a bird scouring for scraps.” Faye rolled her eyes. She patted the horse’s neck firmly. Her scarred hands seemed pale against the stygian coat. “His name is to be Viktor. When I ride into battle, he shall lead me to victory.” Her words trailed off.

Beside her, the lord was silent for a moment.

“That is the second time you have mentioned battle,” murmured the young man. His blue eyes searched into hers. “Are you expecting one?”

Their eyes locked. And for a moment, the world paused around them.

The Raven General looked away swiftly.

The wind blew in the fog, as a slight breeze picked up, chilling the air.

An object was set on top of the stable walls. It was a small wooden box.

Faye’s brow furrowed. But when she turned to glance at the object’s owner, the man was halfway out the door.

Setting down her brush, she pried open the lid. A white paste sat inside. Holding it to her nose, the Raven General gave a hesitant sniff. Her eyes widened.

She stared at the cream. It was a medicinal paste. Suddenly, the bite wound ached.

“You may do as you wish,” called the lord from the door. “So long as it does not disturb me and my plans.”

Faye huffed a laugh. “So it is as if we are strangers.”

“Who happen to live together,” finished Nikolai. He paused and added, “I wish you luck in your upcoming battle. Whoever it may be against.”

The words although harsh, sounded sincere. He would not aid her, but nor would he discredit her.

The Lord of Feldgrau’s footsteps faded as he headed back towards the residence. In the light of dawn, he cut a stunning figure. Like a dream, surreal and out of reach.

What a confusing man.

Faye stared down at the medicinal paste. Shrugging, she began to apply a hearty amount to the wound. The white paste stung. As it should.

Although not versed in the subtlety of Eburean nobility and their stuffy traditions, the Raven General could recognize a peace offering when she saw one.

No reason to look a gift horse in the mouth. She closed the box, pocketing the paste.

Viktor neighed in agreement.

—

In the grand hall of the residence, the maids and servants were already scurrying back and forth. Rags and brooms worked away, chipping away at the dust and cobwebs from years of disuse and emptyness.

Blubber fat soap was scrubbed at the banisters. The pillars squeaked as they were polished to perfection. Slopping buckets of water were carried and to and from the giant wells on the estate.

There was a sense of urgency in the walk of even the youngest of servants and a sharp look in the eyes of the stewards and chefs as they took in their new places of work.

Although ancient, the Prince’s Residence had a strong foundation. The Feldgrau family (before essentially dying out) had ensured a proper safe haven for their descendants. It was situated with dozens of guest bedrooms and a stargazing room. The residence even had a war planning room and a dungeon below in the crypts where the lords and ladies of Feldgrau had buried their ashes.

In short, it made sure that there would be a lack of want for their heirs, hopefully equipping them with the materials to succeed and stand out as a great house.

Centuries later, the great house was all but gone. However, its residence remained, sturdy and proud.

Nikolai entered through the front doors, Cristin by his side. Sharp blue eyes surveyed the foyer as the servants scrubbed and dusted.

His mother had secretly brought him and his brother to the residence. It was their private getaway. Especially when her parents had still been alive and before a great sickness had taken most of the Feldgrau family members. Many had moved to the capital when their sister and cousin had become queen. Almost all of them died of a mysterious illness a decade ago. Then, the former queen passed.

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Those who remained returned to Feldgrau, and refused to travel to the capital unless necessary.

Those same aunties and uncles had warned Nikolai and urged him to make haste in his return. Iliana’s son could die in the Capital as so many of them had.

In the center of the commotion stood a stout woman of a short stature. Her curly gray hair had been pinned into a bun and her face was the pinnacle of stern disappointment.

The Lord of Feldgrau’s lips quirked.

He approached the woman, stopping by her side.

The stout woman barely spared him a glance. “You’ve returned, my lord.”

Nikolai nodded, “How goes the preparations, Abby?” His lips pursed, “Do the new help bring you any trouble?”

Abby’s expression, to her credit, remained unchanged. “Aye. A huge group of complainers and spoilt brats from what I can tell.” She shook her head and admitted gruffly. “But we could not finish the work without the extra help.”

Sighing, the stern expression cracked as Abby sent Nikolai a guilty look. “I apologize, my lord. But I’m afraid it may be hard to have this prepared soon enough. I know you plan to invite guests on the morrow.”

“We must make do.” The Lord of Feldgrau squeezed the older woman’s arms comfortingly. “You have my thanks, Abby.”

They were distant fourth cousins, but ever since his arrival in Feldgrau, still practically a boy, Abby had taken Nikolai under her wing. There were few others he would entrust his new residence to.

The older woman rolled her eyes playfully. “Always so formal, my lord.” She puffed up and rolled her sleeves up. A steely determination lit up in her eyes. “You leave this to me. Soon, the fools won’t be able to tell between this place and that damned castle of theirs.”

Nikolai nodded. He knew the residence would be left in good hands. For the first time since he arrived in the capital, Nikolai felt like he could breathe.

Before he could leave, Abby whispered lowly. “And how is that barbarian wife of yours?” Her brows furrowed. “Is it true that she carries a bloody sword everywhere she goes? And that raven of hers can eat grown men?”

The lord paused.

“Apparently it enjoys rat meat,” he muttered faintly.

“What was that?” asked Abby.

Nikolai shook his head. It was unimportant. For now. He offered plainly. “You will meet her soon enough.”

A hand grasped his arm. Abby leaned in to whisper something only for the two of them to hear.

The young man froze at the words. He glanced at one of his most trusted people.

Sighing, the lord admitted, “I do not know. But let us air on the side of caution.” Nikolai shook his head. “She is an ally of the queen.”

“Enough said then,” decided Abby.

“But you will treat her with the utmost respect and aid her as much as you can,” warned Nikolai. His blue eyes peered down at Abby. “She is a general who has almost been killed and has killed. Her people are a proud one. Do not get on her bad side, lest it might be too late for even me to save you.” It was easier to admit the last part out loud to trustworthy ears who would understand.

Abby studied the young man. She had watched him grow from an angry boy to the capable lord he was today. Now, her boy was married. They had a Lady Feldgrau, but all she could make out was the worry and frustration teeming from every pore of the lord’s body.

The other side had dealt a heavy hand.

Sighing, Abby patted Nikolai’s arm. “Do not worry, I understand.”

The stern expression snapped back onto her face. She shoved him towards the stairs. “Now get away and have a servant draw you a bath! You reek, my lord. And! You’re disrupting my workers.” Her head snapped to a servant leaning against the wall. “You there! Did I say it was break time? Do you want me to go over there and show you how to mop!”

“No, ma’am!” squeaked the servant, his mop moved frantically as if to prove his point. But it was too late for him as Abby stormed over.

As they headed towards the stairs for the lord’s private chambers, Cristin nudged Nikolai. “I always forget how scary she can be.”

“I don’t,” muttered the lord. “Once she found me sneaking out, and made me shovel horse shit for a month.”

Behind the two, Abby happily barked orders.

Honestly, thought Nikolai, the older woman and the Raven General could probably go head-to-head in terms of their impressive volume.

His thoughts suddenly flashed to the young woman calmly brushing her horse. As if they weren’t the terrifying general and fearsome beast who had attacked many of his men. There was a moment when the light had peaked in through the barn doors… those amber eyes burned like fire itself. The same eyes that had personally delivered the heads of her adversaries to their grieving families and yet named a legendary bird after its foodstuff. Beauty, life, and danger all rolled into the crashing presence that was the Raven General.

Friend or foe, Abby had asked. Nikolai pursed his lips.

Time will tell.

—

Lord Langard stared down at his son practicing in the courtyard.

The boy was smacked in the head by his teacher for once again being caught staring at the female servants.

The mighty general let out a defeated sigh. Of all his children, this youngest son of his caused him the greatest headache.

They had hired an ex-assassin, with the patience to wait under a bed for a fortnight to catch her target… but even the woman looked close to slitting the boy or her own throat.

Lord Langard sighed. He could see potential in Rufus, but one had to squint very, very, very hard to catch a glimpse of that greatness.

“A letter has come for you, husband,” called a soft voice.

From the other end of the room, Lady Langard approached, said letter held in hand. Her brows furrowed as she studied the outside of the simple envelope. It was unlike the usual letters that the General of Eburean’s forces received, decked out in fancy calligraphy and the most exquisite of paper. The paper was that used by commoners and there was nothing special about the writing.

“I almost had it tossed,” murmured the lady. She lifted her eyes to meet her husband’s. “But the messenger was insistent.”

Lord Langard hummed in acknowledgment.

“He mentioned that you would understand once you saw it.” Her heels clicked against their ornate tiles. The woman held the letter to her husband. “I figured it was better safe than sorry.”

Leaning forward to press a kiss to her cheek, Lord Langard murmured fondly. “What would I do without you?”

“The list is too long to name,” replied the lady playfully.

Although her father had been the Master of Coin, Lady and Lord Langard’s marriage had been a love match.

It was because of this that the man felt a great pity in his heart for the unwilling Lord of Feldgrau and his bloodthirsty Wenge bride. The Raven General was no blushing maid. In fact, she was quite possibly the exact opposite. He had been just as shocked as the rest of the room to find out that the general was a woman. But it hurt his pride more to see just how young the other was. To be so formidable at an early age… what trials had the general been forced to overcome?

“I can see your brain thinking too hard,” chided Lady Langard. “What is on your mind?”

Letting out a long sigh, Lord Langard admitted, “This old man merely thinks of our unfortunate second prince.”

Frowning, Lady Langard sighed as well. “Perhaps some good will come out of it. Time has a mysterious effect on all of us. Misfortune can make us stronger.”

“True as that may be,” Lord Langard’s eyes drifted over to the window and his son sparring with his teacher. “I hope never to chain my son to such a fate.”

Lady Langard smiled at that. “I do not believe Rufus will allow you to do so either.” Her brows ticked with frustration. “Although it seems his favored maiden changes as often as the moon cycle.”

Her husband laughed loudly at that. The words were almost accurate. He glanced down at the letter.

His laughter choked in his throat. The general’s face paled considerably.

Lady Landgard approached worriedly. “What is wrong, husband?”

Absently, Lord Landgard pressed a kiss to his wife’s head and headed off in the direction of his study. She watched his finger stroke the symbol on the letter’s corner. Was it a code for something?

Lady Langard sighed. Perhaps it was better not to know. She glanced out the window, only to see her son flat on his back once more.

And now her son was saying something to the teacher who looked ready to strangle him. She should probably intervene.

—

It was midday. The noon sun burned brightly down. Beads of sweat gathered behind the Raven General’s back.

She swept her hair back and lunged forward. Her longsword seemed to dance in her hands as it went up against an imaginary opponent.

The metal glinted in warning before it slashed into an unfortunate bush, cleanly slicing it into two. The top portion slid off and hit the floor with a thud.

Amber eyes glanced behind her, then abruptly dropped to the floor. Her feet swept her imaginary foes to the floor. In a precise motion, the general slid her dagger from her belt into her hands and slit the air behind her. If her opponents were real, they’d be dead.

The general rose slowly to her feet. Pulling an arm to her chest, she sighed happily at the cracking noise the action made.

Rolling her shoulders, the Raven General held up her blade once more. Amber eyes caught sight of another delectable bush.

It had been days since her marriage. True to the lord’s words, the Raven General had been mostly left to her own devices. The lavish room she had been granted had meals sent to them but was otherwise unbothered. Besides attempting to train Viktor around the wooden corral and exploring the grounds, the Raven General found herself bored out of her mind.

That was until Faye found the residence’s esteemed gardens while meditating on the roof. The greenery quivered as they became her new target for tormenting. So far, no one had stopped her, and Faye had unleashed everything from her arrows, spears, swords, and even her bare hands against the foliage.

The Raven General eyed the thick bush. Could one stroke of her blade cut through it cleanly, she wondered.

Grip tightening, the young woman took a step forward. She inhaled deeply through her nose. Then took another step forward. Suddenly, the general broke out into a run. Lifting the blade, she exhaled and focused. Leaping into the air, her blade readied itself.

In one motion, the sword glinted in the midday sun, as if receiving its blessing, then cut down in a brutal but fast motion. It was a move that could cut through flesh and bone.

Landing on the other side of the bush, Faye brought the blade back to her side.

Behind her, she could hear the snapping branches.

The general smirked as the top half of the bush slid down in defeat. Soaring above her, Mouse the Raven cawed loudly. Victory, she thought smugly.

“What in heavens are you doing!” screamed a shrill voice.

Eyes narrowing, Faye swept around, blade aimed up at the voice, ready to attack at any moment. Her eyes matched the steel, sharp and unyielding. It was quite a fearsome sight.

Undeterred, a furious Abby stared at the young woman. “What in the heavens are you doing,” the older woman gritted out. She crossed her pudgy arms, glancing over the ruined gardens. The woman was actually terrified. Who knew a person could move so fast? But the anger steadied her fear as she glared openly at the other woman.

The garden had been in the lord’s family for generations! What fool would decimate such a treasure with no care?

“Would you like to answer, my lady?” Abby slapped the last title on carelessly.

Lowering the sword, the Raven General shrugged. The action was brash, but a faint blush lined the young woman’s cheeks. “Practicing.”

Sheathing the blade in a swift motion, Faye tilted her head. Although her stance was relaxed, a firm hand remained on the pommel of the weapon.

“What is it?” Faye muttered darkly. “I had been under the impression that I was to live like a ghost roaming these halls.”

Abby huffed, “Well, your time as a ghost is over.” The older woman smirked. The expression was weird on a face used to frowning and inflicting pain on her unfortunate underlings. Even the Raven General was a bit off-put by it.

“The queen has requested your presence in her meeting with the noble ladies.” Abby’s voice lowered, “In a week!”

Crossing her arms, Faye was genuinely curious. “And what does that have to do with me?” It would be nice to leave the residence, but there was no need for a maid to inform her of something so far off in the future.

The maid shuddered. Abby’s hardest task was yet ahead of her as she announced the terrifying news.

“I am to make a proper lady out of you.”