Our newfound mission to explore the kingdom and uncover the prophecy’s secrets had us on the move again. The palace library had given us clues that the next step was to seek out the Duke of the North, a reclusive but apparently influential figure in Lunaris.

“Why does this always have to involve travel?” Jeanna grumbled as she stuffed supplies into her pack. “Can’t we just have a nice, relaxing quest for once?”

Sabrina, meanwhile, was practically glowing with excitement. “The Duke of the North! I always read about him in one of my historical romance novels. He’s supposed to be incredibly handsome and brooding.”

“Great,” I said, rolling my eyes. “Just what we need. Another potentially attractive but emotionally unavailable character to complicate things.”

Jeanna raised an eyebrow. “Oh, you mean like you, Alice?”

I shot her a mock-glare. “Very funny.”

Our journey took us through lush forests, over rolling hills, and across babbling brooks. It was picturesque, but Sabrina was too busy daydreaming about the Duke to notice.

“I just know he’s going to sweep us off our feet,” Sabrina said wistfully, clutching a well-worn novel to her chest. “I bet he’ll have a dramatic backstory and a deep, tragic past.”

“Or he’ll be a total bore who spends all day brooding in a drafty castle,” Jeanna countered, munching on an apple.

“Don’t be such a skeptic,” Sabrina said. “The Duke is supposed to be quite the charmer.”

Eventually, we arrived at the Duke’s castle—a grand, imposing structure perched on a snowy mountaintop. The cold wind howled around us as we approached, and Sabrina shivered with excitement.

“This is it! The Duke’s domain!” she declared.

“Let’s hope he’s not as cold as this place,” I said, rubbing my arms for warmth.

The castle’s gate was adorned with intricate carvings of wolves and snowflakes, and a grumpy-looking guard let us in after a brief but gruff interrogation. We were led through lavish halls and past tapestries depicting epic battles and snowy landscapes until we reached the Duke’s chamber.

Our knock was answered by a butler in a perfectly pressed uniform, who ushered us inside. The Duke of the North was lounging in a grand armchair by a roaring fire, dressed in a richly embroidered tunic and looking every bit the dramatic figure Sabrina had imagined.

“Well, well,” the Duke said, his voice deep and gravelly. “What brings such distinguished guests to my humble abode?”

Sabrina’s eyes went wide as she took in his rugged good looks and brooding demeanor. She nearly tripped over her own feet as she stumbled into the room. “Your Grace! We’ve come to seek your counsel about the ancient prophecy!”

The Duke raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by Sabrina’s enthusiasm. “The prophecy, you say? How interesting. And who might you be?”

“I’m Sabrina,” she said, trying to sound as poised as possible. “And these are Jeanna and Alice.”

Jeanna gave a casual wave. “Yo.”

I nodded. “Pleased to meet you.”

The Duke’s gaze lingered on Sabrina with a bemused smile. “Well, Sabrina, Jeanna, and Alice. I’m Duke Eamon of the North. What makes you think I can help with this prophecy of yours?”

Sabrina practically melted under his gaze. “I read that you’re wise and knowledgeable. Plus, you have a dramatic flair that seems perfect for solving ancient mysteries.”

Eamon chuckled, a low, rumbling sound that seemed to resonate through the room. “I must say, I’m flattered. But before we discuss the prophecy, I’m afraid we must address the matter of hospitality.”

“Of course!” Sabrina said eagerly. “What can we do to repay your kindness?”

Eamon’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “Well, for starters, you can join me for dinner. I have a delightful spread prepared, and it would be a shame to waste it.”

Jeanna grinned. “I’m in. I haven’t had a proper meal in ages.”

As we sat down to dinner, the conversation flowed easily, and Sabrina tried to maintain her composure while practically swooning over the Duke. Eamon, for his part, seemed to enjoy teasing her about her romance novel fantasies.

“So, Sabrina,” Eamon said, twirling a glass of wine. “Tell me more about these novels of yours. Do they accurately depict the trials and tribulations of life in the North?”

Sabrina blushed furiously. “Well, they’re… somewhat exaggerated. But they do capture the essence of adventure and romance!”

Jeanna snorted. “Oh, sure. Like every Duke is a tortured soul waiting to be saved by a plucky heroine.”

Eamon’s laugh was warm and hearty. “Ah, but you see, Jeanna, every story has its grains of truth. Perhaps I, too, have a dramatic past.”

“Care to share?” I asked, intrigued.

Eamon’s expression grew serious. “Not tonight. But perhaps another time. For now, let’s enjoy the evening and the company.”

The meal was sumptuous, with hearty dishes that warmed us against the chill of the North. As we dined, Eamon shared tales of his own adventures and the challenges of ruling such a harsh, snowy land. Despite his enigmatic air, he was surprisingly down-to-earth and personable.

After dinner, we gathered around the fire, and Sabrina was practically glowing with happiness. Eamon seemed to enjoy her company, and the evening passed in a pleasant haze of laughter and conversation.

“Well, I must say,” Eamon said as we prepared to leave, “you’ve been delightful guests. If you ever find yourselves in need of assistance, do not hesitate to seek me out.”

Sabrina’s eyes sparkled. “Thank you, Your Grace! I’m sure we’ll be back soon.”

Jeanna and I exchanged glances, both of us bemused by Sabrina’s enthusiasm but relieved that the Duke had been more than accommodating. As we left the castle, Sabrina was practically skipping.

“That was amazing!” she declared. “The Duke is everything I imagined and more!”

Jeanna chuckled. “Yeah, well, let’s hope his charm isn’t the only thing he has going for him. We still have a prophecy to solve.”

I nodded in agreement. “Indeed. But for now, let’s enjoy the fact that we’ve made a valuable ally.”

As we headed back toward the palace, the snow gently falling around us, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation for the next part of our journey. With the Duke of the North in our corner, we were one step closer to unraveling the mystery of the prophecy and saving Lunaris.