Winter arrived gradually upon Elyndra.
Autumn’s golden leaves disappeared beneath silver frost while cold winds travelled through palace corridors carrying the sharp scent of pine and snow.
The Imperial Palace transformed with the season.
Morning mist lingered over stone courtyards and lotus ponds froze beneath thin layers of ice.
Servants hurried through covered walkways carrying charcoal burners and fur-lined robes for their masters.
Heavy curtains replaced lighter silks while bronze braziers burned constantly inside halls and chambers.
The palace gardens stood bare beneath winter skies.
Branches stretched toward pale sunlight while patches of frost decorated pathways like scattered crystals.
Musicians now played indoors beside warm fires and evening gatherings lasted longer to escape the biting cold outside.
The grand palace remained as magnificent as ever-
Yet winter gave it a quieter atmosphere.
Colder.
More restrained.
Even laughter seemed softer beneath winter walls.
Meanwhile-
Moonveil Palace greeted winter differently.
Unlike the lively residences of favored consorts, Moonveil stood at the edge of palace grounds wrapped in silence.
Its abandoned walls carried signs of age.
Cold winds slipped through neglected corners while frost gathered upon roof tiles and quiet courtyards.
Yet-
For the first time in years, Moonveil no longer looked entirely forsaken.
The vegetable garden Elias and Keiro had built rested beneath pale winter sunlight.
Most plants had already been harvested before winter deepened, leaving neat rows of sleeping soil waiting patiently beneath frost.
Small repairs had changed the palace.
Broken railings stood mended.
Cracked windows were sealed against winter winds.
Old lanterns once forgotten now glowed softly at night.
The fish pond reflected winter skies while smoke occasionally rose from the kitchen chimney-something rarely seen from Moonveil before.
Inside-
The atmosphere felt unexpectedly warm.
Not luxurious.
Not grand.
But lived in.
Charcoal braziers warmed their modest rooms while folded fabrics, sewing materials and sketches occupied corners of Elias’s chamber.
Winter sunlight entered through lattice windows and settled quietly over wooden tables where unfinished designs and loose threads remained scattered.
Outside, Moonveil still looked abandoned to distant eyes.
But within its walls-
Life had quietly returned.
Elias could not attend Lynera’s longevity banquet, but he had accomplished his purpose.
He had secretly sent Princess Lynera a beautifully handcrafted robe.
His first user in this world.
His first creation worn by someone important.
She had sent him a thank-you letter the very next day.
She wrote that she felt honoured to receive such a thoughtful gift.
Elias smiled remembering it.
When she wore that robe, she would attract attention.
Unknowingly-
Princess Lynera had become the model for his designs.
He had modernized the ancient robe’s design without disturbing its traditional foundation.
Still-
He wished he had better materials.
The robe had been created using only the limited resources available inside Moonveil Palace.
One winter evening, Elias sat beside the small fireplace in the backyard with Keiro, rubbing his hands together for warmth.
“I think I should visit my parents’ home,” Elias said.
“Really, Master?” Keiro asked in surprise.
“Yes.
Why are you surprised?” Elias looked amused.
“We have not visited them since your marriage,” Keiro said quietly.
“What?” Elias frowned.
“I mean…
are we not allowed to visit home after marriage?”
For a brief moment he wondered if this was another matriarchal rule.
“Master, you forgot?” Keiro looked confused. Visit g.com for the full chapter.
“You may visit your parents twice each year, but you refused every invitation they sent.”
Elias nearly spat out his tea.
“What?!”
Is the original owner of this body out of his mind?
He has a loving family and refused to visit?
This place is nothing but a golden cage.
If he had such freedom, he would have left immediately.
“Yes, Master,” Keiro confirmed.
“This year they did not send an invitation after your drowning incident.
Your father wishes to see you but fears Her Majesty may not approve.”
“She should be delighted that I will be gone for some time,” Elias muttered.
Keiro smiled faintly.
“Perhaps.”
“But your restriction decree still exists.
In the past when invitations came, you rejected them yourself.”
He grew nostalgic.
“Her Majesty advised you many times to visit home…
but you never agreed.”
Elias fell silent.
Then he sighed.
“Let us forget the past.”
He stood.
“I was stupid.”
“This time we will go.”
“Without an invitation?” Keiro asked.
“Yes.”
Elias shrugged.
“I do not need an invitation to visit my own family.”
“We will send a letter to the Empress tomorrow.”
He stretched.
“I am going to bed now.
You should rest too, Keiro.”
With that, Elias left.
Keiro watched his retreating figure for a long while.
Lost in thought.
Next Day
At the Empress’s Study
The Empress sat inside her study wrapped in an additional fur robe against winter cold.
Servants replaced her tea and warm water regularly while charcoal braziers quietly burned nearby.
She was reading military updates from the northern border when a messenger arrived.
“Your Highness, this humble servant has come bearing a message from Noble Consort Elyas.”
Selene did not lift her eyes from the report.
She remembered their previous meeting.
Since then-
Nothing.
No letters.
No invitations.
No disturbances.
No chaos.
He had sent Lynera a robe.
Selene had learned about it through other sources.
What is it this time?
Another game?
“Read it.”
The messenger unfolded the letter.
“Your Highness,
May Heaven bless you.
This humble consort seeks permission to visit his parents’ residence for seven days.
If permission is granted, I shall remain grateful for Your Majesty’s kindness.
I humbly request leave to travel with my servant.
May Your Majesty live long.
Your humble consort,
Elyas.”
Selene’s fingers tightened around her writing brush.
“Did he asked me to accompany him to his home?” She asked as she knew he always wanted her to accompany with him to his home.
“No, Your Majesty.
He did not mention anything about it” Messenger replied.
So.
It is confirmed.
No apology.
No explanation.
Now distance?
Another method to seek attention?
“Write my reply.”
Her cold voice lowered the room’s temperature further.
“Noble Consort Elyas,
After consideration, your request is approved.
You are granted permission to visit your family residence for fourteen days.
By order,
Empress Elyandra.”
The messenger looked startled.
Fourteen days?
“You may leave.”
Selene dismissed her and turned toward the window.
Snow drifted silently beyond palace walls.
Elyas does not know whom he is dealing with.
He asked for seven days.
She gave him fourteen.
Fourteen days-
To suffer insecurity.
Jealousy.
And sleepless nights away from her.
Let him be restless.
One Hour Later
At Moonveil Palace
The messenger had barely left Moonveil Palace when Elias nearly smiled.
He was overjoyed.
Finally-
He would leave the palace.
Luck truly favored him.
He had requested seven days-
And received fourteen.
Perhaps the Empress was not as cruel as he had imagined.
He would thank her later.
Now-
It was time to prepare.
And surprise his parents.
That night-
One soul believed distance would bring suffering.
Another welcomed it with excitement.
Winter remained silent-
Watching both misunderstand each other.
Irony.
Right?
Author’s Note A home visit.
A winter journey.
And fourteen unexpected days away from the palace.
Tell me honestly- If you were Elias, would you be excited…
or suspicious?
Let me know your thoughts Your thoughts light up my universe Lune5verse