Then he left, spurring Shadow down the hillside, disappearing from view, and I closed my eyes and spoke words into the air that I hoped were more of a spell than a prayer that he would be safe.

***

I found myself wandering into the kitchens, a place I had never been. Like many rooms in the castle, this one was cavernous. The doors, windows, and ceiling were all rounded, and a large iron chandelier hung over two long tables positioned before a great hearth that raged with fire. A man stood at one table, kneading loaves of bread. Violeta and Vesna sat at the other, along with Killian, who was the first to notice I had arrived.

He stood quickly.

“Isol—my queen,” he stammered.

My ladies-in-waiting also stood and bowed, and the cook, who was a large, older man, whirled, face glistening with sweat as he clumsily bowed.

“My queen!” he said and began wringing hands. “I hope you have been pleased with your meals. Is everything to your liking?”

“Yes, thank you,” I said and smiled. “What is your name?”

This time, he offered an exaggerated bow. “I am called Cyril.”

I smiled at him, and then my gaze shifted to the table where Killian, Violeta, and Vesna sat, noticing a variety of strange supplies spread out before them—sticks, paper, twine, and berries.

“What are you making?” I asked.

“Lanterns,” said Violeta. “To scare away the demons!”

Her tone changed, and I could tell she was joking. I admired the fact that she did not seem to fear Winter’s Eve the way I had for so many years.

“May I join you?”

There was a part of me that did not wish to stay because I did not want to interrupt their fun. I recognized that my presence was not the most comforting, even to those who worked for me or knew me well. Still, I did not wish to be alone to worry over Adrian.

“Of course!” Violeta said.

After I was settled, Killian sat beside me and returned to his project.

“It appears your lantern has melted,” I said.

“That’s because he doesn’t listen to instructions,” said Violeta.

“Or you are really bad at giving them,” Killian countered, smirking. I found it amusing that he was making lanterns. I had expected to find him training or in Cel Ceredi busying himself with errands.

“That is rude, Commander Killian,” Violeta said, feigning offense.

“I quite agree,” I said.

“You are not allowed to take sides until you try to follow her instructions,” said Killian.

“Fine,” I said and took up a set of sticks. “Instruct, Violeta.”

She did, happily, using the sticks and twine to create a frame to which she glued a thin sheet of paper that she had dyed with colorful berries. When she was finished, she placed it over a lit candle on the table, demonstrating how it glowed.

“That seems easy enough,” I said, glancing at Killian.