The Duchess

chapter 5

Chapter 5: Shadows of the North

The Duchess of Elarion had long believed that trust was a luxury she could not afford. But as the Northern King, Allen, rode into her court with a proposal of peace, she couldn't shake the feeling that he sought more than a mere alliance.

By the time Allen's entourage arrived at Elarion's gates, the tension in the air was palpable. Hanna stood at the top of the castle steps, her knights flanking her, ready to face the man who had suddenly thrust himself back into her life.

Allen dismounted with practiced grace, his silver armor glinting in the sunlight. Despite the formality of the moment, his gaze softened when it landed on Hanna.

"Your Grace," he said, his voice warm but measured. "I've come seeking peace."

Hanna held her ground, refusing to be disarmed by his charm. "And why should I believe the man whose kingdom has been a thorn in my side?"

Allen's lips quirked into a faint smile. "Because I have no interest in being your enemy, Hanna. I never did."

Her chest tightened at the way he said her name, as if it was meant only for him to speak.

That evening, Hanna paced the corridors, her thoughts a whirlwind of doubt and frustration. Puppers padded silently beside her, his ears perked as they wandered.

In a dimly lit hallway near the kitchens, Puppers growled low, drawing Hanna's attention. She froze when she saw Elias, her brother's mysterious ward, speaking in hushed tones with Allen.

Though their conversation was too quiet to hear, Allen's posture was calm, almost protective. Elias nodded quickly, then darted away, her face pale when she noticed Hanna watching.

Before Hanna could question Elias, Allen approached her, his expression unreadable.

"You shouldn't be wandering alone at night, Duchess," he said softly.

"I could say the same for you," Hanna shot back.

Allen hesitated, then added, "Not everything is as it seems, Hanna. Trust me, just this once."

The following day, Allen requested a private audience with Hanna. Against her better judgment, she agreed, meeting him in the war room where maps of their kingdoms sprawled across the table.

"I won't waste your time," Allen began. "An alliance between our kingdoms would benefit us both. But I'm not here to propose just a treaty."

Hanna arched a brow. "Then what are you here to propose?"

Allen took a step closer, his voice low and earnest. "A marriage. You and I. Together, we can unite our people and end this tension for good."

Hanna's heart skipped, though she forced herself to scoff. "You're bold, I'll give you that. But you can't seriously expect me to marry a man who-"

"Who has always been on your side?" Allen interrupted, his tone firm but gentle. "Hanna, I've admired your strength since the moment I met you. This isn't just about politics for me."

His words caught her off guard. She searched his face for any hint of manipulation, but all she saw was sincerity.

Later that night, as rain lashed against the castle walls, Hanna stood on the battlements, lost in thought. Allen joined her, his presence as steady as the storm raging around them.

"I've always respected you," he said softly, his voice almost lost in the wind. "But it's more than that. I see the woman behind the title-the one who fights for her people with everything she has."

Hanna turned to him, her defenses faltering. "And what would you gain from telling me this?"

Allen smiled faintly. "Only the hope that one day, you might see me as something more than a king from the North. Someone who... cares for you."

His words hung in the air between them, as heavy as the storm clouds above. For the first time, Hanna didn't know how to respond.

As Allen walked away, he glanced back and said, "When the storm comes, Hanna, I'll stand beside you-whether you want me to or not."