Natalie POV
The frost of the northern peaks didn't just blanket the ground; it hung in the air like a veil of crushed diamonds, catching the sharp, pale light of the morning sun as we cleared the perimeter gates of the Blackwood estate. The mountain wind howled down the pass, carrying the scent of pine needles, frozen stone, and the unmistakable, heavy aroma of oil and sharpened iron from the army riding behind us.
Four full companies of the elite Blackwood vanguard made up the column, their heavy armored warhorses moving in flawless, rhythmic synchronization. The steady clunk, clank of iron hooves against the icy slate road echoed off the canyon walls like the steady heartbeat of a war machine.
I sat astride a sleek, pitch-black mare provided by the royal stables, my fingers wrapped fi
