– Then let's go! – Derek shouted triumphantly.

– Hooray! Home! – With joyous shouts, the warriors, homesick for their families and homes, streamed toward the stairs. Armor clinked, swords rattled, and men laughed loudly.

Satisfied with the general joy, the king of men grinned and, coming even closer to Sylvia and Bergil, said quietly:

– Bergil, see to discipline. I don't want the army to suddenly become chaotic.

– As you say, Your Majesty. – Bergil bowed to the king and left: he realized that the king was angry at his prank, and decided to silently retreat.

– And you, Sylvia, will ride in the carriage…" Derek turned to his bride.

– I'm glad you haven't forgotten about honor… – the flattered demoness began.

– In a carriage for my servants, – the king finished his thought.

– But… – The princess tried to object, but was stopped by a quick wave of her hand

– One more word and you will walk to Kaldwind. – Derek unceremoniously grabbed Sylvia's arm and led her down the stairs. – Didn't you have a more modest dress in your rag-stuffed closet?

– Please, let me say goodbye to my parents! – the princess begged.

– You have had plenty of time," her fiancé replied sternly.

Derek immediately let go of the girl's hand as if it was burning his skin.

– What's that… There on the wagons? – Sylvia frowned when she saw the king's horses drawn in wagons loaded with rather large chests.

– This is your dowry," the groom announced with a wry grin. – And your father's payment for peace. Now get into the carriage! – He walked to the huge, luxurious carriage that belonged to Sylvia's father and climbed in, remembering to slam the door loudly.

One of the maids, who had come with the king from Kaldwind, timidly put her arm around Sylvia's shoulders and hurriedly led her towards the sturdily-built, but rather uncomfortable carriage for the servants who always followed their lord on his military campaigns. The princess took a seat by the window and turned her back to the glass so that people would not see her tears. Sylvia wanted to weep with bitterness: this cruel usurper wouldn't even let her say goodbye to her parents! After all, it wouldn't have taken long! She was ready to bear all the trials and humiliations, even traveling in the same carriage with her fiancé's servants, but not this… And hatred for her fiancé took hold of her heart even more.

Bergil jumped up on his horse and jerked the reins angrily. The horse galloped obediently to the end of the line.

The whole ride to Kaldwind was silent for Sylvia. But the army, returning home from war and with victory in their hands, jingled their armor and talked loudly, sharing with their friends what they would do with the King's reward and the loot from Flammehav. Derek sat alone in the comfortable carriage, studying the papers he had accumulated during the campaign and trying not to think about the conflict. Usually the king led his army on horseback, but this time the urgency and importance of the papers did not allow him to put on his armor again and be like everyone else. Also Derek did not want to scandalize his fiancée and especially not to offend his friend. Everyone in Kaldwind's army and palace had long been accustomed to Bergil's special status, and he was allowed more than the others, and here he was being punished because of some red-eyed girl! Derek hated demons as much as Bergil did, so he understood his anger and desire to humiliate Sylvia, but now the demoness was on her way to his kingdom as his future wife, and he didn't want her to be humiliated by anyone. She was, after all, his future queen. The mother of his heir. Bergil could mock her in private all he wanted, but he had to keep his mouth shut in front of witnesses. Be that as it may, Sylvia was the king's choice, and no one in Kaldwind, not even Bergil, dared challenge that choice.