“There are far more monstrous creatures to worry about, Violeta,” I said, and her cheeks reddened at my mild reprimand. “Killian is right. We can go, but we must return to the castle before full dark.”

With the lanterns gathered, we descended into Cel Ceredi.

Killian and I walked together while Violeta and Vesna moved ahead of us, arm in arm. Now and then, a burst of laughter bubbled from the lips of one or the other.

“Any word from Gavriel on Lara?” Killian asked.

“None,” I said. “Adrian does not seem to be concerned.”

The snow crunched beneath our feet as we walked a few more paces in silence.

“But are you concerned?” he asked.

I considered his question. “I fear I will never be able to return to Lara as their queen.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean that by the time I arrive, they will have turned against me,” I explained. “And I will have to be their conqueror.”

Killian said nothing, which I knew meant he agreed. There were so many factors that played into my return to Lara—my marriage, the death of my father, even the rumors of Asha’s salvation. It was a prime environment for rebellion.

“Perhaps I should return—” Killian began.

“No,” I said. I had hated it when Adrian had suggested it and I hated it now. “When we return, we return together.”

We said nothing more on the subject as we entered Cel Ceredi proper. Though dusk was settling on the town in a crimson wave, several villagers were out and about, many milling around outside the tavern, drinking from leather tankards or wooden goblets. Their conversation was lively, and I assumed they had gathered to celebrate the eve of winter.

Violeta and Vesna worked their way through the crowd, passing out lanterns and exclaiming, “Happy Winter’s Eve!”

I watched from a distance as the two women brought smiles to several worn faces, but I was anxious seeing so many outdoors, and I found myself studying the long shadows cast by the growing dark, wondering what would prey upon us next. I thought I may have found it when my gaze shifted to a hooded man sitting among the villagers, arms crossed over his chest, and while his eyes were hidden in the shadow of his cloak, I was familiar with his cold gaze.

Solaris.

“What is he doing here?” Killian asked, suspicious.

“Commiserating?” I suggested, my voice dripping with sarcasm, though I was not completely joking. I had no doubt this man had come here to gain admiration, and when he had not managed to obtain Adrian’s, he sought it from our people.

He had yet to look away from me, and I wondered if he hoped to intimidate me.

“Oh, and our queen made these!” Violeta exclaimed.