A hush settled on the crowd following her announcement, and I could not discern if it was hateful, but I did not waver as I stood before them, waiting to find out, almost afraid. I had sacrificed some part of myself to fight for them against the aufhockers, just as I had done for my people when I married Adrian, and yet no one cared.

But then those who were seated stood and bowed—even Solaris.

“Rise, please,” I said, not wishing for them to kneel so long in the snow.

“My queen,” said a man as he got to his feet. “I saw you run to us when the aufhockers attacked. I saw you fight. We are all indebted to you.”

“It is my obligation,” I said. “Not yours.”

“Nevertheless, we are grateful,” said another.

“A happy Winter’s Eve, indeed,” said another. “Vesna, sing for us!”

“Yes, sing!” others chanted, and over the noise, Killian leaned toward me.

“It is dark. We should return to the castle.”

I had not noticed because Cel Ceredi was so well lit with firelight.

“I would like to hear Vesna sing before we go,” I said.

Adrian’s warning echoed in my mind, but we would not be out far past dark. Killian did not argue and offered his arm. I took it as we walked closer to the crowd.

“Please, sit, my queen!” A villager hopped up from his chair. Gratefully, I took it, though I was very much aware I was now seated across from Solaris, who nodded at me.

“Your Majesty,” he said.

“Witch-hunter,” I replied.

I did not like giving him my back. I did not trust that, even in a crowd, he was safe. Yet I did not wish for him to know how uncomfortable he made me, and I very much wanted to watch Vesna as she sang.

“Enjoying your evening, Master Solaris?” Killian asked.

Silently, I thanked him. It was his way of telling me he was watching.

Vesna began to sing, her voice pure and icy, quieting the crowd. I closed my eyes and listened, letting her words caress my skin, coaxing chills, making me shiver deep in my bones. As she reached the climax of her song, I heard the unmistakable sound of galloping hooves.

I opened my eyes and stood, moving to the edge of the crowd. Vesna had ceased to sing, and the villagers were distracted as Adrian came into view atop Shadow, slowing to a trot and then halting altogether.

“My queen,” he said, and while he did not speak the words aloud, I knew what he asked with his eyes. What did I say about being outside past nightfall?

“My king,” I said. “We were just listening to Vesna sing. Will you join us?”

Adrian studied me for a moment, the corner of his mouth lifting. Then he dismounted and came to me, placing his hands on either side of my face as he kissed me.