The snowstorm became so strong that it became almost impossible to see. The weather was extremely cold to the point where someone could freeze just from staying outside for a few hours.

Lucas was advancing slowly with his horse because of the strong wind blowing against the direction they were moving to. The young knight glanced at the unconscious girl that laid beside him on her horse. Her breathing was very slow and unsteady.

he thought bitterly.

Suddenly, Lucas' horse began whinnying loudly which puzzled its master.

The horse turned its head towards Piper and nodded. The two horses began galloping gently together towards another direction than the one that leads towards Lemgan.

Lucas exclaimed angrily, pulling hard on the reins.

The horse did not listen to its master and continued to advance quickly which made its master give up on trying to control it.

══════ ∘◦❁◦∘ ══════

A few minutes later, they found themselves on a beautiful clearing where there was a small river. The ground was completely covered with snow there.

A few meters away from them was a small cottage with a pretty garden with small bushes at the entrance. There was some light coming from the windows and smoke from the top of the chimney. The place was inhabited.

Lucas whispered to his horse.

He dismounted the animal and approached the house.

The young captain entered the small garden and walked towards the front door before knocking on it loudly.

he called out.

He got no response.

"

a male voice answered from the other side.

A few seconds later, an old man in his sixties opened the door. He was very tall with a large build. He had pale skin, short gray hair and light blue eyes.

he asked, getting on his guard.

the young man begged.

exclaimed the old man, opening the door completely for him.

answered Lucas before returning to the horses.

The old man turned his head around to look inside the house.

he ordered his wife.

Lucas carried Luana in his arms gently and ushered her into the house.

Arrived in the guest room, he saw an old lady who was preparing blankets and pillows on the bed.

She was slightly tall and slim. She had pale skin, straight long brow hair with a few gray streaks, and brown eyes.

She turned around to look at the young man. Her facial expression exuded a lot of warmth and affection.

she ordered softly, pointing to the prepared bed.

Lucas did as she asked and laid the princess down on the soft surface.

the old man said as he entered the room.

Lucas muttered, relieved.

Once his gaze landed on the patient's face, the old man's eyes widened in shock.

he asked.

Sofia turned quickly to look at the young man beside her who nodded his head in answer.

she whispered, a sad expression on her face.

asked the captain.

she answered.

the old man replied.

whispered Lucas.

Alastair stated.

The old man nodded before turning his attention back to Luana. He tilted the girl's head to the right.

he asked.

replied the young man, taking out a handkerchief from his pocket which enveloped the small object.

The doctor took the needle from his hands and sniffed the tip.

Lucas asked, a hint of hope in his eyes.

answered the doctor, smiling before leaving the room.

The young knight let out a long sigh of relief.

Sofia comforted with an affectionate smile.

replied the young men, his cheeks becoming rosy.

exclaimed the old lady, putting her hand over her mouth.

he reassured, smiling sadly while blushing slightly.

The old lady looked at him for a moment before displaying an affectionate smile.

she said.

The captain was taken by surprise. His face who was pink, turned as red as a tomato.

At that moment, the doctor came back with two vials in his hands.

," she replied.

Lucas answered.

Sofia said.

he whispered.

the doctor replied smiling.

Seeing their insistence, Lucas sighed before displaying a small smile.

══════ ∘◦❁◦∘ ══════

After having dinner, the young knight returned to the room where the princess was. The doctor had his back turned as he stared out the window. Sensing his presence, he turned around to look at him.

he said, smiling.

At that moment, Sofia entered the room.

The old lady and her husband sighed deeply before smiling affectionately at him.

she said.

Alastair said before leaving the room.

A short silence settled.

Sofia said.

Lucas wondered.

Lucas muttered, smiling slightly.

Alastair came back into the room carrying a soft, warm blanket that Lucas took from his hands.

the old couple replied as they left the room.

Lucas took the chair that was next to the window to bring it back next to Luana's bed. He wrapped the blanket around himself before sitting down. He looked at the young princess who was sleeping peacefully.

he said, smiling slightly.

══════ ∘◦❁◦∘ ══════

The snowstorm stopped early in the morning giving way to a more or less clear sky. The birds began to sing softly announcing the beginning of a new day.

The young princess slightly opened her heavy eyelids. She turned her head slowly to the right to observe her surroundings. The first thing she saw was the young knight who was asleep in the chair next to her.

she whispered in a small, sleepy voice.

The captain, as if hearing her, slowly opened his eyes before widening them when he saw the young girl awake. He abruptly got up from the chair, dropping his blanket on the floor.

he exclaimed in relief.

she asked, looking around the room.

he asked worriedly.

she said, putting her hand on the left side of her neck.

At that moment, the old couple entered the room. They were surprised to see the young princess awake. They bowed in front of her immediately.

they said in synchronisation.

The young princess, completely confused, turned her gaze to Lucas, searching for answers to her questions. The young man sighed before explaining the situation to her.

After a few minutes of discussion and explanation, Luana smiled at the old couple.

the doctor replied.

added the young princess, nodding her head.

said Sofia.

the old lady replied, smiling warmly.

a small voice called out.

The old couple turned towards the door to see a little girl of around 5 years old, standing there, her hair disheveled from sleep and holding a medium sized teddy bear.

The little girl had pale skin, very pretty brown eyes and short curly auburn hair.

Sofia greeted as she walked over to her.

the little girl asked with curious eyes.

Alastair began.

said the young knight, smiling affectionately at her.

Susan watched them carefully before walking over to Luana's bed and climbing into it.

she asked hesitantly.

the girl replied smiling.

she exclaimed, stars in her eyes.

The young child turned her head to Lucas.

she asked, curiousity clear in her eyes.

Everyone burst out laughing at Susan's cute thoughts. Sofia walked over to her.

she replied excitedly.

The old lady chuckled lightly before leaving the room, holding the child in her arms.