The group of ladies paled. Each trembled harder than the next, trying to recall their comments and wondering if their voices could be altered.

Nikolai rested a hand on the small of Faye’s back. Amber eyes widened. They glanced at him warily, unsure what to make of the action.

The Lord of Feldgrau stared ahead, but announced, “Dear wife, these ladies have done a great disservice to their families by dishonoring you.”

His eyes sharpened, but his voice was sweet and doting. The stoic ice prince seemed like a gentle lover. If his ire were not directed at them, the ladies would have blushed at the intimate sight. He spoke with a soft passion and genuine respect.

“My dear general, you are a princess of the grasslands and heir of the great Fadye. You are the highest-ranked woman in this castle after Queen Mother.” He leaned in close, but his words were clear for all to hear. “Whatever punishment you see fit, I shall ensure it is perfectly delivered.”

The lord leaned back and leveled her with a demure and calm look. As if he was not acting like some stranger had possessed him.

Faye tried searching his face for an answer but found nothing. She was… extremely confused. “Why would I punish them? They speak the truth.” The woman crossed her arms. The sword lay against her chest. “Although, I have not recently shot any man blindfolded. I would remember if I had ” She sneered, truly insulted. “I have not missed a target since I was a child.”

Nikolai raised an eyebrow. “Dear wife, you didn’t kill someone?”

The Raven General scratched her head genuinely considering the question.

The group of ladies grew closer to suffocating from fear the longer the Lady of Feldgrau continued to think.

“Not this week,” decided Faye. “Why do you ask?”

“Perhaps you could show some mercy.” Nikolai shot the group of trembling women a look. “It would be a pity if your streak was broken.” He looked almost bored as he studied them. “Queen Mother would be displeased with staining the new floor with blood…. unless you truly desire it.” He bowed lowly. “Your wish is my command, my dear wife.”

There was a loud noise as one of the women fell onto her bottom in fright.

“Please!” screamed another, crawling towards the Raven General. “Great general! Have mercy!”

“Lady Feldgrau, all those rumors I heard are from Lady Asinara’s maid! I did not believe any of it to be true!” explained one, tears streaming down her face.

Soon enough, every single noblewoman was groveling at the general’s feet. Faye cocked her head to the side. It had been a while since she had seen such a sight. She swung her sword over her shoulder. Faye winced at the terrified shrieks the action caused. Not to mention, the groveling usually took place with enemy soldiers, not bawling and dolled-up women in expensive dresses.

Unsure of what to do, Faye floundered for what to say. This wasn’t in Abby’s lessons! "Uhm," she stammered, "I suppose it is-"

An arm took hers and looped it through the lord’s own.

Amber eyes glanced at the blank face.

Nikolai led the way, walking away from the crying group. His expression was solemn and serious. His blue gaze shot towards hers, staring into them as if there were no one except for them in the hall. He murmured lowly. “Leave them, Faye. They are not worth the dirt on your... feet.” He shot her an amused look. “And yes, we can replace those shoes as well if you so desire it.”

Faye’s mind was stuck. Her heart beat erratically and she feared for her health. What was going on? All that grounded her was the Lord of Feldgrau’s firm hold. He was near enough for his warmth to seep into her side. They had not been this close since their disastrous wedding. She flushed, suddenly feeling ridiculously pleased.

As the couple left, the unfortunate victims they left behind stared incredulously. Some even blinked and rubbed their eyes in disbelief.

It was a sight to see.

The ice prince and the barbarian general walked hand in hand, scarred flesh against pale skin, too entwined to tell where one began and the other ended.

There was a pregnant pause before someone finally asked:

“Does that mean she isn’t carrying Langard’s spawn?”

A resounding slap to the forehead followed.

---

Faye sat in a stunned stupor. Her eyes were unfocused.

Bian was the uncomfortable subject of the uncanny stare. The boy fidgeted in his seat, at a loss for what to do.

“What has that infuriating man done?” muttered Faye. “Bian, I feel like that time my brothers knocked me off my horse!”

Brian glanced towards the door. He respected the general very much, but he had no desire to be part of this conversation. The boy slowly inched towards the exit.

“I have been jealous before.”

Bian froze. He had never heard the general so… lost. Sighing, he returned to his seat.

Faye’s brows furrowed. “I have been jealous of my siblings, jealous that they had their mothers. In the heat of battle I have been jealous of my enemies. By the gods, I have even envied my father before.” She gripped her chest. “Always, I have longed to have what others have. But this," she paused, "this is the first time I am jealous of something I already possess.”

She had felt desire before. It was only human. But never so strongly for something not related to a drive to fight and survive.

“General,” signed Bian slowly. The boy’s youth often masked his experience, but he dealt in the trade of people-watching. Although the general was far from normal, he had seen enough to diagnose the truth. He looked at her earnestly. “Have you developed… romantic feelings for the lord?”

There was a pause. Faye’s nose scrunched. “I shouldn’t.” Then, her shoulders sagged and the young woman hugged herself. “But sometimes I wonder if he’s the only one that sees me. Not as a god or demon. But just me. He hates me.”

She smiled widely. “I annoy him. Not Fadye’s heir or the Raven General. But me. Faye.” Shaking her head, she let out a rueful laugh. Before coming to Eburean she could count the number of times she heard her given name on one hand.

Fadye always gazed at her but saw others, be it her lost brothers or mother. Those who supported her saw an immovable fortress, a god. Those who wished her dead saw an unnatural creature sent to torment them.

No one saw Faye.

Sometimes she wondered who was the Raven General. A weapon? An entity?

It was a heavy mantle that she loved and hated in equal measure.

Faye rubbed her temples. She was tired. All the years of fighting had taken a toll, something she was weary to admit. Could one grow tired of something they were so good at?

The young woman held up her scarred hands. She imagined them soft and elegant like the ladies at court. In another life, maybe they would play an instrument instead of juggle swords and spears. Faye laughed at her foolish thoughts.

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Scary, the girl had said. The child didn’t know how true her words were. Faye’s nails were dyed with the blood of the dying. And her scarred hands had tortured and slaughtered for just as long.

But Faye thought back to the way Nikolai held them. As if… they were precious.

Her fists clenched. Faye sniffed and straightened. “Bian what news of the border wars?”

—

Nikolai strode towards his study. Compared to the stuffiness of the castle, the Prince's Residence silent halls were a welcomed reprieve.

In his pocket, Ismelyda’s message sat heavily.

Although he did not blame her, Faye was sent by her clan to take his life. He thought the information would have hardened his heart towards her. But when he saw the young woman cowering behind the wall, so still and unlike herself, a mysterious force and rage had overcome him. Foolish, he chided himself. But Nikolai found that he did not quite care.

“My lord,” called a soft voice.

The Lord of Feldgrau froze at the sound.

A long-missed but familiar form rose. The dark eyepatch gleamed. Behind them stood a beaming Cristin. The attendant looked happier than he would have been if Nikolai decided to bequeath all his titles and castle to the man.

But even Nikolai could not stop the small smile from lifting his lips. He held out an arm and gratefully pulled the other man into a tight embrace. “It is good to see you, Darcy.”

The one-eyed man smiled. “I return with good news, my lord.” He stepped back to grab a letter from his riding pouch.

Cristin smirked behind Darcy. He shot the ice prince an amused look. “Darcy brought our men. We have about fifty stationed in the residence and another hundred scattered throughout the city.” He crossed his arms proudly like the accomplishment was his own. Faye’s dismissal of the servants, although unplanned, had left the perfect opening to insert their own people. “They are a moment’s call away. Darcy the Brave has done it again!”

Darcy handed the letter to Nikolai. He ribbed a crowing Cristin good-naturedly. His good eye crinkled in amusement. “My lord, the mines are yours.” He lowered his head. “The true battle can finally commence.”

---

In a luxurious residence on the opposite end of the capital, Lord Asinor stroked through his grey beard.

The roaring fireplace filled the room with warmth but the cold winds made his old bones ache. His eyes watched the flames lick greedily at the wood, full of life and vigor. How he missed his youth. To sleep one night without his body reminding of his age would be bliss. The only comforting thought was that Langard with his years of battle and injuries likely had it worse.

“I can tell you are thinking of General Langard,” chided a sharp voice.

The head of the Court glanced to his beautiful daughter. Lady Asinara crossed her arms against her chest. The Lord frowned at her bruises lining her left arm but said nothing.

Asinara rose, patting down her dress. “That is all I have to say about the Queen’s meeting.” She stared at him cooly. “Is there anything else?”

To the court and most nobles, Lord Asinor was a cold and proud individual. A prodigy in his youth and a master in his age. Yet, the distance that had grown between himself and his eldest daughter caused his heart to ache. “How is the Raven General settling in?”

Lady Asinara paused at the question. “The ways of a noble women do not suit her,” she admitted evenly. “I do not believe the general is familiar with our battlefield and has made many enemies with her mere presence alone.”

Lord Asinor hummed thoughtfully.

Asinara snapped, “The rumors you had me spread with my maids did not help her reputation much either, I’m afraid.”

Her father’s lips raised into an amused smirk. “Are you defending the Raven General, daughter?”

Turning, the Rose of Eburean laughed mirthlessly. “As if. But father, her standing in Court will also affect Nikolai’s.”

Lord Asinor rubbed his beard. “That is not a concern of ours.” He leaned into his chair. “In the king’s absence, Queen Rewanna controls the court, we must play by her rules.” If the Queen Mother wished to tarnish the reputation of her step-daughter in law, who were they to stop that? In such matters, it made much sense to abide by the queen’s wishes.

He continued, “If you are unable to see why I have asked to perform as I have, you still have much to learn, my dear.” The old man straightened, “If he knows what is best, then the Lord of Feldgrau will return to Feldgrau after the Festival of Love.”

Asinara rolled her eyes. “And what of his wife?”

Lord Asinor chuckled, “It matters even less what happens to the general. If the gods are good, she will return to her land and continue to kill other barbarians for us." He chuckled, finding the irony humorous. "She is quite proficient in that regard.”

Having heard enough, Asinara stormed to the door. Her beautiful face held an angry frown. Unconsciously, she grasped at her bruised left arm.

“Your sacrifice is for the betterment of our house and your future happiness, my dear,” reminded Lord Asinor. “You will thank me someday.”

Glaring, Asinara shook her head. She loved her father... but she would never forgive him for forcing her into this engagement. “What if I protested that happiness lies in one that would love me for who I am," she sighed, "and not my beauty and house?”

“Then I would call you foolish.” Lord Asinor spoke his mind and was used to having his opinion respected. “And foolish you are not, my dear. Either ways, be sure not to irritate the Raven General, I heard she is quite territorial. I do not want our house to get involved any more than necessary.”

His daughter laughed in his face at the blatant warning.

“Asinara!” Lord Asinor snapped, “Do not take this for a joke, the Raven General is not to be trifled with, do you understand? She will kill you for any slight!”

“I’m afraid it is too late, Father,” noted Asinara. “I have insulted Lady Feldgrau twice now, once while hanging off her husband’s arm and the other in front of the entire queen’s court.” She smirked sardonically. “And yet, here I am.”

The young woman reveled in the loud slam of the heavy doors.

---

Faye scanned the script in her hands. The candle flickered weakly beside her. She shot Bian another incredulous stare. “This is impossible.”

Not a single fight, rebel, or sign of protest? In all her years on and off the battlefield, Faye had never seen something so bizarre. If her men had truly brought down an insurgent army, there was no way their opponents would go down so peacefully. It was not the way of the Grasslands.

The Raven General growled. The papers crumpled under her irritation. Someone was tampering with her information. Her eyes lifted to glance at the door. Somewhere on the other side of the residence, Nikolai slept or schemed. Could it be… She shook away her own thoughts. What would be the purpose of getting involved in Grassland politics? Unfortunately, the realization brought little comfort. At least if the enemy were living in the same house, she could keep an eye on them. Now, her enemy pranced around her territory, greedily cementing power while she was away.

And for that information to trick even Bian’s messenger… Trouble was stirring.

Faye lowered her gaze back to the crumpled information. In truth, she had not wanted to resort to such methods so early.

Bian approached, worry tensing his brows. He signed hesitantly. The boy was young but he had been in the information business for more than half his life.

It was quiet as they waited for the general to make a decision. The charred ends of the candle fell off. It landed with a sizzling noise.

Faye stood. “Bian, I will tell Abby and the others you have gone to visit family.”

The boy paused, he stared incredulously at her. “They will believe you have killed me,” he signed.

The Raven General laughed softly at that. He was probably right. But she could trust no one else. Despite being alone, Faye leaned forward whisper in Bian’s ear. “You must ride to Livye.” She reached into her pockets for the folded message. “Tell my lieutenant the Raven General commands him to ride his fastest horse and not delay.” They had not left on good terms, her men unhappy with what they viewed as a deterrent to the Raven General’s ascension to power. Still, she needed to hear the situation from Livye’s mouth, only then could she be sure.

Bian frowned. To sneak the lieutenant of the grasslands into Eburean… He signed, “You are still looking for the messenger of the grasslands war. I can be of more use here.”

Faye shook her head. “If someone has deceived even Belge’s ears, there is something nefarious at play. We cannot be in the unknown.” She laid an encouraging hand on Bian’s shoulder, tone softening. “Bian, you are the only one I trust to reach Livye.”

Anyone else would only deliver the wrong message at best or get her people killed. In her absence, every Wenge general was watching her troops greedily, eagerly awaiting a slip up that would allow them access to her highly trained forces.

Hearing the serious tone, Bian nodded sharply. Although he was reluctant to leave the general to Eburean’s mercy without a single ally, there was no choice. Bian could not shake the unsettling feeling in his heart that something would go horribly amiss in his absence. But he could not disobey the Raven General’s orders.

Bian took a step forward and kneeled. The boy pressed a hand to his forehead, then brushed the same hand against Faye’s feet. With that, he took the folded message and hurried away, blending effortlessly into the shadows.

Faye watched him go, expression stormy. Once she was sure Bian was gone, she allowed herself to sink into her seat.

Faye had always had a sense for these things. It was what made her a legendary general. Still, sometimes the Raven General cursed her abilities.

She could feel change in the air, trembling with the might of what was to come. She sighed. It was foolish to assume she’d get a nice break. The scent of battle was all too familiar. The Raven General stretched and reached for her blade. If nothing else, at least her sword would be ready.

Leaning forward, she blew on the candle, shrouding the room in darkness.