Chapter 24: Trip To The Northern Wall
The days passed slowly, but everything felt like a loud ticking clock in the stillness.
Lirian's fever finally broke, and her wounds began to heal, though they still left her weak.
She stayed mostly in bed, more cautious.
Gabriel, despite his piercing character, was always nearby.
But she avoided him.
Every time Gabriel entered the room, she found a reason to leave.
She kept her head down, keeping her words short.
The awkwardness hung between them like an old mountain, not letting anyone to pass.
One evening, as Gabriel checked on her, he caught her mid-step toward the door.
"Lirian," he said firmly, blocking her path.
She froze, her hands clutched the edge of her shawl. "I... I need fresh air."
"You've been avoiding me," Gabriel said calmly but with frowned eyebrows. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," she said quickly, looking at the floor.
Gabriel sighed, stepping closer. "Is it about what you said? About me dying?"
She flinched but didn't answer.
"Lirian, look at me." His tone softened, but it felt like an order.
Slowly, she raised her eyes to meet him. "I'm sorry," she whispered.
"For what?"
"For saying it. For... for everything," she said, her voice faded. "I shouldn't have—"
Gabriel placed a hand on her shoulder, cutting her off. "Stop. You were scared. I understand."
She shook her head, pulling away. "You don't understand. You don't... You think I'm just weak and scared, but it's more than that."
"Then explain it to me," Gabriel searched for her eyes.
"I can't," she muttered.
She stepped around him, leaving the room before he could say more.
Gabriel didn't push her further, but his anger only grew when he met with the crown prince a few days later.
"She was attacked and nearly killed," Gabriel said with his fists clenched as he stood before the prince's desk.
"And no one knows anything?"
Raphael leaned back in his chair, "We're investigating. The men you killed were nobles and knights—well-known ones. It's complicated."
"Complicated?" Gabriel growled. "Those 'well-known' men tortured my wife."
"I know," Raphael said. "And I promise, we'll get to the bottom of this. But we have no clear evidence tying them to any specific organization. It could be the Order, but..."
"It was the Order," Gabriel said coldly.
Raphael frowned. "If it is, we need proof. I can't accuse powerful families without evidence. It would tear the court apart."
Gabriel leaned over the desk, "I don't care about your court. I care about keeping Lirian safe."
"I know. And I'll do everything I can. But for now, I need you to focus on the northern wall. The eastern border is under threat from Patron. Johann and Gunther Nightwinds have been reassigned there. You'll have to handle the northern wall without them."
Gabriel's jaw tightened. "I can't leave Lirian alone."
"Then take her with you," Raphael said simply. "It'll only be for a few days, and the northern wall is close to your land. She'll be safer under your watch."
The next morning, Gabriel prepared a carriage for the travel.
He made sure it was insulated and lined with thick furs for warmth.
Lirian hesitated when he told her the plan. "You're taking me with you?"
"Yes," Gabriel said without looking up from the saddlebags he was fastening.
"But why? I'll slow you down," she said softly.
"I won't leave you here...Not after what happened."
She frowned, pulling her shawl tighter around her shoulders. "I can take care of myself, Gabriel."
"Can you? Do you want to risk finding out if they'll come back while I'm gone?"
Lirian bit her lip, unable to argue. "I don't want to be a burden."
"You're not a burden," Gabriel said softer. "You're my wife. It's my job to protect you...or kill you with my own hands.
There it was...the villain Lirian knew.
The trip began under a pale winter sky.
The carriage rocked gently as the horses pulled it along the narrow forest roads.
Gabriel sat at the reins, scanning the horizon, while Lirian remained inside, bundled in furs.
The warmth of the carriage was comforting, but Lirian couldn't relax.
She glanced out the small window, watching the snow-covered trees pass by.
Gabriel's voice broke through her thoughts. "Are you comfortable?"
"Yes," she said quietly, not looking at him.
He didn't press further, returning his attention to the road.
There was something different about Lirian's character.
When he met Lirian for the first time, she threw her shoe at him.
She then tried to escape and got kidnapped by him. She escaped again...
Eventually, he married her...she was flirting with the crown prince, and then tried to stab him with a knife.
She was like fire—not the kind that destroys, but the one that offered him warmth.
He was sure he needed her by his side.
Having no feelings towards anyone, Gabriel felt a weird and strong feeling to keep protecting her.
Lirian herself was fierce and one would say she needed no protection, but he couldn't allow himself to think that someone could get near her.
There was no love, then what was it?