The mountain air cut through Evangeline’s traveling cloak like ice as she stumbled along the dangerous path toward the estate in King Edward’s letter.

Her legs ached from days of hard travel, heart still racing from escaping highway robbers that afternoon.

The journey to Meridia had proven more dangerous than she’d imagined. Traveling alone, even disguised as a merchant, made her an easy target for the outlaws haunting these remote mountain passes.

She clutched her leather bag against her chest, breath forming white clouds in the freezing air as she pushed forward through the growing darkness.

King Edward’s sealed letter remained tucked safely in her bodice—her only hope for sanctuary in this foreign land.

Just as warm manor lights appeared through the bare trees ahead, hoofbeats echoed behind her. Her blood turned cold. They’d found her again.

“No, not again,” she whispered desperately, breaking into an unsteady run despite her exhaustion. The estate’s torches flickered ahead like fallen stars, her only beacon of safety in the encroaching night.

The thundering hooves grew louder, closer, rough voices shouting crude threats.

Her legs, weakened by travel and pregnancy, finally gave out. She stumbled and fell hard onto the rocky path, palms scraping against sharp stones.

Evangeline rolled onto her back, heart hammering as mounted figures emerged from the trees. Three men on horseback, faces hidden by shadows but intentions unmistakably violent.

She squeezed her eyes shut, one hand moving instinctively to protect her unborn children, bracing for whatever came next.

The sharp ring of steel being drawn made her flinch, followed by the clash of metal and the wet sound of blade meeting flesh.

Pained cries echoed through the forest, then heavy thuds of bodies hitting ground.

“Are you injured?” a deep, commanding voice asked.

Evangeline’s eyes snapped open. A tall figure stood above her, sword gleaming with fresh blood in the moonlight.

He was powerfully built, with broad shoulders and a presence that spoke of noble breeding and military training. Dark hair tousled from battle, piercing eyes assessing her with a warrior’s keen attention.

She scrambled backward instinctively, mind still reeling. For all she knew, this man could be another threat—perhaps leading a different band of thieves.

“What brings you to these lands?” he demanded, voice carrying unmistakable authority. “State your business.”

Her racing thoughts struggled to process his words. The formal tone, the educated accent—this was no common thief.

Relief flooded through her as she realized her salvation had arrived. With trembling hands, she fumbled for King Edward’s envelope and extended it toward her rescuer.

“What is this?” he asked, accepting the letter with obvious curiosity.

“From… His Majesty King Edward,” she managed to whisper, voice hoarse from exhaustion and fear.

The nobleman broke the royal seal, eyes scanning the contents with growing intensity.

His stern expression transformed into something unreadable—surprise, recognition, perhaps even wonder—before he looked back at her with renewed interest.

“Guards!” he called out sharply.

Two armored men appeared from the shadows as if they’d been watching, hands resting on sword hilts.

“Escort the lady to the manor immediately,” he commanded, tone allowing no discussion. “See that she’s treated with utmost care and respect.”

Evangeline blinked in surprise as the guards approached with gentle deference, offering assistance rather than seizing her roughly.

“Wait—” she began, confusion clouding her features.

“You’ll be properly cared for,” the nobleman assured her, manner now protective rather than threatening. “You’re safe now. No harm will come to you under my protection.”

Inside the magnificent manor, Evangeline found herself surrounded by unexpected warmth and hospitality.

Servants bustled about with genuine concern, drawing her a hot bath, providing fresh clothes befitting her station, and offering the first proper meal she’d had in days.

She’d hesitated at first, uncertain whether to trust such kindness after her journey’s horrors, but hunger and exhaustion soon overcame caution.

She ate gratefully, the rich stew and fresh bread soothing both her frazzled nerves and empty stomach.

As she finished her meal in the elegant dining hall, the nobleman from the forest entered. His presence seemed to command the very air, causing servants to bow respectfully before quietly withdrawing.

Evangeline quickly rose, offering a proper curtsy despite her borrowed clothes.

“Thank you,” she said softly, voice still trembling with emotion. “Thank you for welcoming me into your household, my lord.”

The man crossed his arms, a faint smile playing at his lips. “This isn’t my household alone.”

Evangeline looked up, confusion evident in her weary features. “I’m afraid I don’t understand, my lord.”

“It’s our household,” he said simply, dark eyes holding secrets she couldn’t yet fathom.

Her brow furrowed as she tried to comprehend. “Our household?”

He nodded slowly, expression growing serious. “Because you’re my sister.”

The spoon clattered from her nerveless fingers, jaw dropping in complete disbelief. “Sister?”