JOURNEY day 1

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden hue over the landscape, Duke Varric Thorne and Xenia began their seven-day journey. The Duke chose to travel on horseback beside Xenia’s carriage, maintaining a respectful distance. Inside the carriage, Xenia was accompanied by her maids, Lucy and Daisy, who had been loyal to her in her past life. Despite their kindness, Xenia had been distant and often rude to them. This time, however, she was determined to change that.

As the carriage bumped along the uneven path, Xenia turned to Lucy with a genuine smile. “Lucy, tell me about the journey ahead,” she asked, her voice softening with curiosity.

Lucy looked up from her seat with a slightly surprised but warm smile. “The journey will be challenging, my lady. For the first two days, we’ll navigate through the rugged terrain of the South. It’s quite rough and bumpy, so you should brace yourself for a lot of jolting.”

Xenia nodded, her eyes wide with concern but determination. “And what about the rest of the journey?”

Lucy continued, “For the next two days, we’ll face steep cliffs and raging rivers. The weather there is notoriously unpredictable, so we may encounter heavy rain or sudden storms. On the fifth and sixth days, we’ll enter the coldest outer regions of Winter Land. By the seventh day, we should finally reach the Duke’s mansion.”

Xenia remembered her previous journey along this road. Duke Varric had maintained a distance, never speaking to her during the entire trip. This time, she was resolved to change their relationship. Determined to start anew, she decided to make an effort to connect with him. But for now, she wanted to get a good night’s sleep to prepare for the journey ahead.

As Xenia settled into her bed for the night, she fell asleep quickly, her body exhausted from the day’s travels.

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The next morning, the carriage pulled to a stop by a small river. The rugged terrain had already started to test their endurance. The soldiers dismounted their horses and headed towards the river to give their mounts a break and quench their thirst. Lucy and Daisy began to prepare the meal.

Xenia, dressed in a richly adorned gown, felt a slight discomfort. Her corset laces were too tight, and she found it challenging to adjust them. She called out for Lucy, but as she started to speak, a new thought crossed her mind. Perhaps this was an opportunity to bridge the gap with Duke Varric.

Summoning her courage, Xenia called out, “Duke Varric! Might I trouble you for assistance with my gown?”

Varric, who had been surveying the surroundings, was taken aback by the request but quickly dismounted his horse and approached the carriage. His expression was a mix of surprise and concern.

As he entered the carriage and stood behind Xenia, he carefully began to untie the laces of her corset. His fingers brushed lightly against her back, and Xenia felt a shiver run down her spine. The Duke’s touch, though unintended, was electric, sending a sudden jolt of warmth through her.

Duke Varric, feeling the unexpected reaction, tried to keep his composure. His eyes, usually so cold and calculating, flickered with a red glow of passion. He finished loosening the laces and stepped back, his heart racing.

“Thank you, Duke Varric,” Xenia said softly, turning slightly to face him. “I’ll change and join everyone shortly.”

Varric nodded, his voice steady despite the emotions swirling within him. “Of course, my lady. Please change and come outside for the meal. We’ll continue our journey soon.”

As Xenia emerged from the carriage in a simple yellow dress, the sunlight seemed to embrace her, making her look like a ray of sunshine. The dress, though simple, accentuated her beauty and grace. The bright yellow fabric highlighted her radiant smile and glowing complexion, drawing appreciative glances from those around her, including Duke Varric.

Varric’s gaze lingered on her as she approached. The memory of his touch still fresh in his mind, he found himself mesmerized by her presence. Xenia, noticing his attention, took the opportunity to sit beside him at the makeshift dining area by the river.

The Duke was both surprised and delighted by her choice. As they ate, Xenia engaged in light conversation with him, her voice a sweet melody that enchanted Varric. He felt a warmth spreading through him that he hadn’t expected.

After their meal, the journey continued with Xenia’s renewed hope for a better connection with the Duke. They made a brief stop in the evening to rest before continuing their travels through the night.

As the sun began to set, casting long shadows over the rugged terrain, Xenia decided to address a matter that had been on her mind. She approached Duke Varric, her determination evident.

“Duke Varric,” she began, her voice soft but firm, “I was wondering why you choose to travel on horseback rather than with me in the carriage?”

Varric’s eyes widened slightly, his heart fluttering at the sound of her voice. It was like music to his ears. He answered, “I do not wish to make you uncomfortable, my lady. I am quite content traveling by horse.”

Xenia’s expression grew resolute. “I understand, but I am afraid of the dark. It would ease my mind greatly if you could join me in the carriage tonight.”

The Duke’s heart warmed at her request. He could see the sincerity in her eyes and the vulnerability in her voice. “If it will bring you comfort, then I shall join you in the carriage tonight,” he said calmly, though a hint of excitement lingered in his tone.

As night fell and the stars began to twinkle, Duke Varric entered the carriage, sitting across from Xenia. The small space between them was filled with a new, electric tension. The Duke’s presence was both reassuring and thrilling for Xenia.

Their conversation was gentle and filled with laughter, a stark contrast to their earlier encounters. As the night deepened, their proximity became more intimate. They found themselves drawn to each other, their shared warmth creating a comforting cocoon in the cold night.

When it was time to rest, Xenia felt a newfound closeness to Varric. But she didn't wanted to sleep yet. Finally he was sitting beside her although their legs were touching but still duke kept his distance and calmness there. So Xenia decided to take the first step she brought her hand near his as slowly as possible in order to be discreet. Duke noticed her from side of his eye but did nothing and still looked outside. His heart was fluttering with anticipation but at the main point Xenia got all shy and decided to not do it. But as she withdrew her hand Duke took it suddenly, Closing the little fingers of her in his big hands. Xenia felt the warmness and butterflies at the same time. They looked at each other like teenagers in love. Xenia was blushing so hard under the moon light that the duke wanted to eat her.

But at the end he controlled his desires and said,"It's quite late my lady, we should sleep." Xenia just simply nodded.

As they drifted off to sleep, the carriage rocked gently with the rhythm of the horses, and the bond between them grew stronger with each passing moment. They slept holding hands and with warmth in both hearts.

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