They started their journey shortly after finishing saddling his horse. Alexi pulled himself up into the saddle, gathering the reins in his left hand as he took up his position behind his father. The King and Evelyn were side by side in front of him, which left him irritated beyond belief.

As they started their long trek through the mountains, he couldn’t help but notice how comfortable the young Princess was in the saddle. Riding seemed like it came easily to her, even though he didn’t approve of the way she was riding, stradling the horse like a man instead of side saddle, he was impressed with her skill and how well she handled the mare on the narrow roads through the North.

The day wore on, the air getting increasingly colder, biting into their skin. The Princess had pulled back, riding behind the King as the roads became more narrow. Alexi pressed his heel into the side of his horse, urging him forward until he was alongside her.

“Do you need a heavier coat, Princess? The coat you're wearing doesn’t appear to be very thick,” Alexi noted, observing the thin waterproof jacket she wore.

“It’s no heavier than the one your wearing, my Prince,” Evelyn replied without bothering to spare him a glance.

“Yes, but as you southerners love to remind us, Vampires are cold blooded creatures. The cold does not bother us like it does you warm bloods.”

“We’re not as delicate as you’d like to believe.”

Alexi tried to ignore the hidden meaning behind her words and continued anyway, trying to push his annoyance aside. “I’d hate for you to be sick as soon as we arrive at Castle Silencia. It wouldn’t look very well on us if we are seen unable to care for you.”

Evelyn finally made eye contact with him, her electric blue eyes full of fire. Her cheeks were red, full of warmth. Her breath came out in white puffs but he didn’t see any usual signs of cold. There was no shaking, teeth chattering, her nose wasn’t red or dripping.

Without thinking, Alexi reached out, brushing the back of his hand against her cheek. His skin felt like ice, but he was shocked to find her skin full of warmth and life as if there was a fire raging beneath her skin. He hissed, pulling his hand back sharply.

Evelyn didn’t move, barely flinching at the sharp contact when he grazed his hand against her flesh. The contrast was startling between his frozen flesh and her warm one. Her body temperature was well above that of an average human.

“As I said, my Prince. I am perfectly fine, but thank you for your concern,” Evelyn gave him a curt nod before urging her horse ahead, catching up with the King.

Alexi watched as she rode ahead, staying behind her a good length. It almost felt as though fate was laughing at the Prince. He chose her, thinking she was the easiest of the princesses, but he had a feeling he was only beginning to understand just how wrong he was in that thought.