Alistair sat tall on his horse, his sharp eyes watching as his new wife, Althea, and her mother settled into the carriage. The final exchange between Althea and the Bellmere family confirmed what he already suspected—there was no love lost between them. Her farewell had been as cold as it was brief, her clipped words and indifferent expression making it clear that she was not looking back.
With a flick of the reins, he urged his horse forward, falling into position behind the carriage. His men followed, their presence a quiet but firm reminder that this was not just a simple journey—it was the beginning of a new chapter, both for Althea and for him.
Beside him, Jonathan rode at a steady pace, his usual carefree demeanor in place. Miguel, Althea's cousin, kept close as well, his protective gaze occasionally flickering toward her carriage. Williams, ever composed, remained silent, focused on the road ahead.
The day passed in relative silence, the sound of hooves against the dirt path the only real company. The landscape gradually changed, from the structured elegance of Bellmere's lands to the wild openness of the northern territory. The wind carried a crisp scent of autumn, and the sky burned orange as the sun began to set.
Alistair pulled on the reins, signaling the group to stop. "We camp here for the night," he announced.
Jonathan let out a dramatic sigh, stretching his arms. "Finally. I was beginning to think we'd be riding straight into the afterlife."
Miguel scoffed. "If we did, you'd be the first to fall off your horse and die."
Jonathan placed a hand over his chest, feigning deep offense. "How dare you doubt my resilience!"
Althea, who had just stepped down from the carriage, ignored their banter. She let out a groan, arching her back in an exaggerated stretch. "I think my spine is permanently bent from all that sitting," she muttered.
Jonathan, still on his horse, smirked. "Enjoying your journey, little bunny?"
Althea froze mid-stretch before slowly turning to glare at him, eyes narrowed. "Stop calling me that."
Jonathan chuckled but wisely didn't push further. Instead, he dismounted and joined the others in securing the area.
Meanwhile, Althea walked toward Alistair, her gaze drawn to the large black stallion beside him. The horse was massive, its glossy coat shimmering under the dimming sunlight.
"What's his name?" she asked, reaching out to stroke the animal's muzzle.
Alistair looked at her, momentarily surprised by the question. "Herus."
A small smile tugged at Althea's lips. "Nice name," she murmured, gently running her fingers along the stallion's nose. Herus exhaled softly, leaning into her touch.
Horses back on Earth had always enjoyed sugar cubes, and she assumed it would be the same here. Reaching into the small bag strapped to her waist, she discreetly conjured a sugar cube with magic and acted as if she had pulled it from the bag's storage. She then held it out to Herus, who sniffed the treat curiously before eagerly taking it from her palm.
Alistair frowned slightly. "What was that?"
"A sugar cube," Althea replied, watching as Herus crunched happily on the treat.
"A... sugar cube?" Alistair repeated, clearly unfamiliar with the term.
She glanced at him, tilting her head. "It's a treat for horses. They love it."
Alistair raised a brow, glancing at Herus, who seemed rather pleased with the offering. "I see." He didn't, not really, but he made a mental note of it.
Althea walked forward to join everyone else. "So how are we doing the sleeping arrangements?"She asked. "The ladies in the carriage and we men sleep outside." William said. "On bare floor?" Althea asked. He nodded seemingly confused. That's how they have always done after all. Only some nobles manage to lay thick blankets on the floor to cushion it.
ALTHEA
No way in hell am I sleeping on the bare floor. Looking around for the best spot for a tent, I began to walk and I noticed Alistair following me. Such a protective husband.
I turned to him. "What do you think about this spot for settlement?" I asked him. He looked around the area, definitely surveying it. "It's good, it's a higher ground so we can notice if anything is approaching." He replied. "Good." I said rubbing my palm, let's do some magic.
I activated my magic circle, thinking of the camping tents back on earth and sleeping bags, I made some modification to the tents making it have a heating system. Three tents, one for Alistair and I, one for mum and Elliot and one for Jonathan and William.
Soon everything I thought of came into existence. I mentally patted my back, nice work.
Turning around, I saw Alistair looking shocked, maybe. Does he have face paralysis? He hardly expresses anything. "How, you have magic blessings." he said. "Yep, now let's go eat something."
I got everyone to move closer to the spot where the tents were. Immediately they saw it, they were all surprised to see it.
"What are these?" Jonathan was the first to break the silence. "These are camping tents, inside are sleeping bags, enough for comfort." I said to them.
Williams moved closer to the tent and noticed that all sides was sealed. "How do we get inside?" he asked. "Through this." I pulled the zipper down showing them how to do it.
After they got over the tents, we all sat to eat. Williams made the fire and they took out the small pots and pans they had. "I got this." I said to them.
I made a simple soup to go with bread. Bringing everything I need out of the bag, I got to work as the three men watched me. Soon the food was ready.
"Would anyone like a drink or tea?" I asked. "I will take the fruit tea."Migueal said. "The orange drink for me, dear." Mum said. Reaching into my bag, I pulled out two jugs along with cups for everyone. William took the fruit tea with Miguel, as well as Jonathan. Before I knew it, the entire jug was empty.
Mum, Alistair and I enjoyed the orange drink together until we all finished eating.
The fire crackled, casting flickering shadows over our small group. The enchanted tents held back the chill of the northern air, and for the first time since this journey began, I felt a sliver of comfort. My mother had already retreated to her tent, and William was sharpening his sword with quiet focus. Miguel had taken the first watch.
I stretched, suppressing a yawn. "I think I'll head to bed. I assume we have a guard rotation?"
Alistair nodded. "Miguel first, then William, then me then Jonathan."
"Good thing I am last, enough for my beauty sleep." Jonathan said. "It's not working anyway." Miguel said to him.
I shook my head, amused, and stood, brushing off my skirts. "Well, goodnight, then."
As I turned toward my tent, I could feel Alistair's gaze following me. Just before stepping inside, I glanced back at him. "Don't stay up too late, husband."
Something flickered across his face—something unreadable—but he inclined his head slightly. "Sleep well, wife."
I ducked inside the tent, warmth immediately surrounding me. Stretching out on the sleeping bag, I sighed in relief.
Not bad for a first night on the road.