They were still within Yiorgos' borders, but the road to Ludwig remained long. On foot, the journey would take two days instead of one. Fortunately, they had their horses.
Before entering Ulrik, Rayan had arranged for their horses to be kept at a nearby village. It would have been unwise to enter enemy territory mounted, especially while pretending to be humble merchants.
So, the next morning, after a quiet meal, they traveled to the village.
The stable owner collected the remaining payment and handed over the reins. His gaze swept across the horses, lingering with unspoken reluctance.
"Fine creatures, these," he remarked, eyes narrowing with admiration. He had never seen white horses like them.
The knights exchanged smirks, and Eden stepped forward, gently running a hand through his horse's mane.
"Why would they not be? These were bred in the Southern Continent."
The stable owner's eyes widened.
No wonder.
Horses from the Southern Continent were renowned even in the North. Rumor had it the king himself rode one. His curiosity now sharpened with suspicion—just who were these travelers?
Beside Rayan, Aria clung softly to his sleeve, her eyes wide in wonder as she stared at the majestic animal.
So beautiful...
Her hand reached out on instinct.
Rayan, meanwhile, stroked Cindur's mane with quiet affection. The horse nudged his hand as if voicing a complaint over his long absence. But when another hand appeared in his view, something in him tensed.
Cindur tolerated only him. Even the knights kept their distance.
He caught Aria's hand, instinctively protective. But then he saw the excitement shimmering in her eyes—and gave in.
Holding her hand in his, he guided her to stroke Cindur. When the horse remained calm, he slowly let go. Moments later, Cindur nudged her hand gently, earning a soft giggle from Aria.
A flicker of surprise crossed Rayan's face, followed by a slow sigh.
What was I even worried about?
Even wild creatures seemed drawn to her. It was easy to forget what she truly was, especially when she clung to his sleeve in awe of every new sight.
Does she even realize the power she carries?
He could forget, for now, that she was a witch. But for how long?
Rayan exhaled silently as Aria giggled again, Cindur brushing its nose against her cheek.
At least she was happy.
They had no spare horse, and Rayan had no intention of letting Aria ride alone. She may have held an uncanny bond with animals, but she was unfamiliar with riding.
So, he had her sit before him as they set off for Ludwig. When her back settled against his chest, Aria froze for a moment. That strange flutter stirred again in her chest, warm and familiar—but it faded quickly, replaced by wonder.
She marvelled at everything they passed.
From the moment they had entered Ulrik Village and she had seen others who looked like her, her heart had begun to settle. Even now, whenever she saw a Lady—as Maxim had taught her—she would smile. Some were her height, others even smaller.
Perhaps I'm not as weak as I thought.
Her eyes flitted to their dresses. Most wore plain garments, but now and then, she glimpsed one or two clad in robes finer than she'd ever imagined.
So many things I still don't know...
The joy of discovery seemed to push away the shadows of the day before. Her gaze shifted toward Maxim, riding near Rayan. She pointed at something along the roadside.
Maxim blinked in surprise.
Since leaving her room that morning, Aria had remained close to Rayan, ignoring everyone else. Even Aria seemed to realize her slip, but Maxim had already composed himself. With his usual gentleness, he spoke.
"Candied fruit, my lady."
Aria dropped her gaze. In a whisper, she repeated the words to herself. Whatever it was, it looked delicious.
She swallowed, wishing to taste it just once.
Then, as if her wish had taken shape, a stick of candied fruit appeared before her eyes.
She looked up—Magnus was beside her, holding two sticks and offering one with a friendly smile.
He didn't seem like the same man who had taken lives without hesitation the day before.
Aria hesitated when the memories flooded her mind.
Rayan had been watching. Sensing her hesitation, he reached out and took the stick from Magnus.
"Aria."
His voice was gentle, and it pulled her from the past. She accepted the sweet with bright eyes and without hesitation this time.
She could take it—from Rayan.
But she didn't dare glance at the knights again.
Unseen by her, they chuckled quietly at her shy defiance.
Rayan saw it, though.
And something flickered in his cold, steel eyes.
Except for that attack, did something else also happen in his absence?