“Welcome home,” she says warmly, and I smile, remembering when she had to serve breakfast with me chained to the foot of Nadir’s bed.

“Brea,” he says. “We have some special guests with us.”

She nods. “The princess sent word. We have rooms ready for everyone.”

“Make sure you get them some warmer clothing, too,” he adds, and Brea gestures for everyone to follow.

“Come,” Nadir says, and he drags me up the stairs to his room, where we fall on the bed, wrapped in one another’s arms. For several long moments, we hold each other. I can’t get the image of the Heart Castle collapsing out of my head. Logically, I know a building doesn’t matter. I understand it was just mortar and stones and not truly the legacy we left behind. I think of my grandparents’ portraits, which already survived one tragedy, worried they’re gone forever. Despite their actions, they’re still a part of who I am.

I also can’t stop seeing Nadir wrapped up in Zerra’s magic. She almost took him again.

A soft shuffle from the corner of the room draws our attention, and we look over to see Morana and Khione in front of the fire. They’re staring at Nadir with such longing in their dark eyes that I burst out laughing.

Nadir smiles and slides off me, kneeling on the floor. That’s their cue because both giant ice hounds bound over, practically knocking him over as they paw at his clothing and lick his face, their tales wagging hard enough to snap right off. He laughs, and the sound twists in my chest.

Was this cold prince always capable of thawing? Or did I help him along?

Morana turns to me, placing her paws on my thigh, and I rub her head as she yips.

“You’re not planning to eat me anymore?” I ask, and then she licks my hand with her rough tongue.

“I would never have let them eat you,” Nadir says. “Perhaps just a nibble.”

“Will you let me sleep in the bed tonight? No tying me up?”

He eyes me up and down. “Oh, I’d be happy to tie you up again,” he replies, the suggestion in his voice clear.

“Or maybe we’ll do it the other way around.”

His eyes light up. “I like the sound of that, Heart Queen.”

Khione whines, shoving her head under his hand for another dose of affection, when a knock comes at the door.

“Come in,” Nadir calls, and it swings open.

Brea stands there again. “The princess and the captain have arrived and asked that you come downstairs to speak with them.”

“We’re on our way,” he answers, and she nods, closing the door behind her.

Nadir reaches out and takes my hand. “Are you ready for the next part?”

“No,” I say, shaking my head. “Not at all.”