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“A chance of redemption to Araki… and the greatest threat we’ve faced so far to Klaus.”

I sighed. “What can I do to change their minds?”

“They’re both far too stubborn for that, Reilyn. Just do what I do. Be confident and trust they will make the right choices.”

“I’m not sure that a palace is all that necessary,” I slowly said, feeling her out. “Certainly not when it comes attached to so much empty land. If these lawns were ploughed and planted, it could feed the capital.”

Nadine shook her head. “Until a drought hits and the cultivated lands become as dry and barren as the rest of the farmland. The grass keeps it from blowing away. If we were ever under siege, the food stores would see us through however long it took to plant the lawns into a garden.”

Was that really why they had these lawns, though? I wasn’t sure I bought it, but I supposed it was reasonable enough to think of. We quickly got to the archway after that. It was attached to the side of the palace and led to a dark tunnel. Mirrors were set into the walls. Portals, I realized as I looked into one and saw not a reflection but a busy kitchen.

“I must check on the food preparation for tonight,” Nadine said. “Feel free to explore. Just be at the ballroom by dusk.”

With a friendly wave, she stepped through the mirror. I watched her interact with the kitchen staff for a moment before I moved on. Most of the mirrors showed people who were hard at work, but at the far end was a room that seemed abandoned. I touched the glass, shivering as my hand passed through. It felt like pushing my hand through water. I stepped through. The teleportation was far smoother than anything I had been able to achieve. I found myself in a large storage room filled with dried flowers and decorations. Several craft tables were set up in the middle of the space. They were already starting on the décor for a winter-themed celebration. I roamed the shelves, seeing everything from delicately painted eggs to the metal birds singing in the first ball. Now, they were quiet and cold without the magic to bring them to life. At the far end of the storage room were a series of paintings. I gazed at them, not recognizing any of the people. They were exquisitely detailed. Someone had clearly put a lot of time and effort into them. Why, then, were these portraits hidden away in a storage space?

I wasn’t sure how long I’d stood there, looking at the beautiful paintings and exploring the room, before I realized it was getting close to dusk. Surprised nobody had been looking for me, I hurried back to my room. Again, there were no guards at my door. Neither did Klaus wait for me. When I opened the door, though, Mhrandir was inside, singing softly to herself as she prepared another bath.

“I’m already clean,” I protested, letting the door swing shut behind me.

Mhrandir pointed at the water. “Keep your face and hair out but wash the day’s sweat off.”

I considered refusing, but it didn’t seem worth it to make Mhrandir’s job harder. I washed quickly, and Mhrandir wipedoff my makeup, then had me dress and sit in a chair. She did my hair up in elaborate braids, fitting the tiara onto the top of my head once she was done.

This time, she darkened my lashes with kohl and drew several swirls arching from either eye onto my temple. She painted my lips a darker shade of red and dusted gold on my cheeks and along my hairline. When she showed me a mirror after she was done, I stared at myself. The gold highlighted the blue of my hair. Though most of it was braided, two curls framed my face. My lips looked plumper, somehow.

“You’re amazing,” I said in appreciation.

Mhrandir puffed herself up. “Rightly so, I am! Of course, you make a beautiful canvas, but not every artist can work my magic.”

I smiled. I liked Mhrandir. Her confidence was refreshing.

“I’m to be your escort tonight,” Mhrandir continued. “Klaus will be busy with his wife. It is a night for… celebration of life after all.” She gave me a saucy wink, and I couldn’t help but laugh. She wore an orange-brown dress paired with a fancy gold apron, and her hair and face were done as well, albeit plainer than mine.

“Shall we then,” I said with a smile, standing up from the chair.

“Yes.”

She escorted me to the palace's backyard, where rows and tables were set. People were scattered about these tables. Some wore the fancy clothing of nobility, others wore lovingly washed and mended clothes. Trees ringed the feasting tables, hangingwith every type of fruit available. Leaves floated from the sky, though they disappeared before touching the heads of the feasters. Every table was laden with everything I could imagine eating. One large table stood apart from the rest on a slightly raised platform. Mhrandir led me to this table and picked out a glass of wine. She sipped it, waited, and then handed it to me. I looked at the used glass in distaste.

“Part of being our chaperone is ensuring you don’t get poisoned,” Mhrandir laughed.

I turned the glass and drank from the side she hadn’t touched. A hand touched my shoulder. I jumped, not expecting anyone to touch me. But as I turned, expecting to see Klaus or Nadine, I was surprised—and pleased—to see Araki.

“I’m glad you could make it,” he said.

Bonfyr’s Blessings

Reilyn

Araki’s eyes sparkled as he took my hand and kissed it. I couldn’t help but smile back at him. Even though I knew people had to be gawking at us, I didn’t care. He had changed into a simple short sleeve tunic that showed off his strong hands and leather trousers. The shade of his clothing was a deep green, almost the same colour as my ginkgo gown. To my surprise and embarrassment, his jerkin was embroidered with the same gold ginkgo pattern as my skirt. But why would he want us to match so perfectly? He had to have planned this.

“I thought you were going to make a big entrance like last time,” I said as Araki sat beside me.

“Today is Bonfyr’s day,” Araki replied. “And aren’t all people, from king to beggar, the same in Bonfyr’s eyes?”

The same. A princess, heir to the crown, and an orphaned assassin. The same in Bonfyr’s eyes. My shoulders relaxed. I hadn’t even thought I was tense until my muscles were unknotted. I smiled at him.

“Do you like sweet corn?” he asked, picking an empty plate, and turning his attention to the food table.