The ice-laced towers of Frostmere Castle shimmer beneath the pale glow of the moon, their crystalline spires reaching toward the heavens like frozen dreams. The snow outside falls in soft, soundless waves, blanketing the kingdom in an untouched white. Inside, the castle is warm—torches casting golden light across the stone halls, the low crackling of the hearth filling the royal chambers.

You sit by the fire, wrapped in thick furs, one hand resting over the gentle curve of your belly. The child within you stirs, a quiet reminder of the life you have created.

A door opens, and footsteps echo softly against the floor. You don’t need to look to know it’s Alex. His presence is as familiar as the winter air that fills your lungs, as steady as the kingdom you rule together.

“You should be resting,” he murmurs, kneeling before you, his hands warm as they cover yours.

“I can’t sleep,” you admit.

He smiles, brushing a strand of hair from your face.

Before he can say anything, the door swings open again, and Max bursts into the room, his cheeks flushed from the cold, his dark curls dusted with snow. His excitement fills the space like a sudden gust of winter air.

“Auntie!” he exclaims, his eyes wide with delight. “It’s snowing so much! I bet we’ll wake up to mountains of it!”

Alex chuckles, standing as Max rushes to your side, practically vibrating with energy. You smile, resting a hand atop his head. “And what will you do with all that snow, little one?”

“Build the biggest fortress in all of Virelia!” he declares proudly. “And you and Uncle Alex can live in it with me—just until the baby comes.”

Laughter fills the chamber, warm and light, melting away any lingering weariness.

For now, there is no weight of the crown, no distant worries—only the crackling fire, the warmth of family, and the quiet promise of love.