I watched as the Imperial knights, their hands trembling with a mix of fear and frustration, reluctantly removed the royal crests and decorations from the Emperor’s carriage.
"Now," I said, pointing to my grandfather’s "villain’s sedan." "Put the largest crest right there, on the door."
"But Princess! That’s the Altsbeit family carriage! You can't just—"
"Do I have to repeat myself?" I asked, my voice cold.
"..."
They moved to obey. To my surprise, the Imperial crest fit perfectly over the spot where my name was engraved in gold. It was a massive improvement. I’d effectively used the Emperor’s authority to cover up my own social embarrassment.
Once the crest was in place, I had them attach the rest of the royal decorations to the roof of my grandfather’s carriage.
"Wow..." Susan whispered from the sidelines. "Princess, you look... incredible. You really know how to handle a situation."
I ignored the mutterings of the other maids. I knew they were starting to feel comfortable enough around me to speak their minds, which was a good sign, even if their comments were occasionally a bit too honest.
I stepped back to look at the final result.
'This is definitely the strongest carriage in the Empire,' I thought. It was a hybrid of Altsbeit wealth and Imperial authority, a rolling fortress of social status. And because the colors harmonized so well, it didn't even look like a patchwork job. It looked like it had been designed this way from the start.
I climbed inside, ready to pick up my Ice Prince.
* * *
The night was perfect—neither too cold nor too hot, with a clear sky full of stars. When my carriage passed through the gates of the Lemut territory, people on the street stopped to stare.
"Is that... His Majesty’s carriage?"
"No way! Is the Emperor here?"
They were clearly confused by the Imperial crest. But when I peeked out the window, someone recognized me.
"It’s Princess Altsbeit!"
"Wait, really? Princess! Welcome back!"
The initial confusion turned into cheers. I was surprised by the hospitality. It seemed the road-repair project and my previous visit had left a much better impression than I’d realized.
The applause followed me all the way to the castle gates. When I arrived, two figures were waiting for me: Askin and Aria.
'Aria?' I was shocked. She was wrapped in so many layers of fur and wool that she looked like a small, silver-haired snow rabbit. Askin was clearly taking no chances with her health.
I stepped out of the carriage, and to my utter amazement, Askin stepped forward and held out his hand. His large, black-gloved hand was extended toward me in a perfect, formal gesture.
I hesitated for a split second, my heart racing. I took his hand, and I felt him shudder slightly when our fingers met. He was stronger than I expected, and his touch sent a jolt of nervous energy through me.
"Thank you," I said, stepping down.
Askin stared at me for a moment before looking away. "You actually know how to use your manners," he muttered, though his voice sounded subtly different than usual.
I looked at him and my heart sank. 'He’s not wearing the suit,' I thought. He was wearing his usual long overcoat, the one he always wore when he went out.
'I knew it,' I groaned internally. 'Why did I even hope?'
"Princess!" Aria’s voice broke the tension. She ran up and grabbed my hand, her own hands encased in thick white gloves. "You look so beautiful!"
I smiled down at her. "And you look like a very warm, very cute snow rabbit. Are you sure you’re not cold?"
"Brother made sure of it," she said with a giggle.
I looked at Askin. "He’s a good brother."
He didn't respond, but Aria looked between us and smiled. "We should go soon, shouldn't we? But wait... Princess, you look so cold! You don't have a coat at all!"
"I’ll be in the carriage soon, Aria. I’ll be fine."
"No! You can't! Here, take mine—"
"No, no! Don't you dare take that off!" I said, catching her hand. I wasn't about to let a sick girl give me her coat.
Before I could say anything else, I felt something warm and heavy settle over my shoulders.
"Take this," Askin said, his voice low and gruff. "Don't take my sister's clothes."
I looked down. He’d draped his own overcoat over me. And then I saw it.
Under the coat, Askin was wearing the suit I’d sent him.
I stared at him, speechless. I’d forgotten that I hadn't sent a matching overcoat with the suit.
"...I wasn't trying to steal her clothes," I stammered, pulling the coat closer. It smelled of fresh snow and the subtle, clean scent I’d noticed on him before.
"Go on then," Askin said, his voice calm. Was that... a hint of a smile? 'Wait, is this a green light? Is the Ice Rabbit actually being nice?'
Aria beamed at us. "Have a wonderful time! I can't wait to hear all about it!"
We said our goodbyes and climbed into the carriage. The ride was silent—my grandfather’s custom wheels were so smooth they barely made a sound. But the silence wasn't uncomfortable. I was too busy over-analyzing every second of our interaction.
'He wore the suit. He gave me his coat. This is definitely a good sign!'
I looked at Askin, who was staring out the window. His coat was still on my shoulders, its rough fabric a constant reminder of his presence.
"You know," I said, trying to break the silence. "I don't know who made that suit, but they did a magnificent job. It looks very good on you."
It was the truth. The red and white of the Lemut family matched his features perfectly, making him look even more like the "Ice Prince" he was meant to be. He looked more luxurious and commanding than I’d ever seen him.
'He has to know we’re wearing matching colors,' I thought. 'He’s not blind.'
I shifted in my seat, letting the coat slide off my shoulders slightly to show off my dress, but he didn't even turn his head.
'I look incredible today! Is he really going to ignore me?' Even the blunt, honest Z had been stunned.
"Do you like the clothes?" I asked finally, unable to take the silence anymore.
Askin slowly turned his gaze from the window to me. His expression was indifferent, but his eyes were sharp.
"Are you finished with your 'appreciation' now?" he asked.