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I glance between them, touched they’ve welcomed me into this private family tradition. “Cookie baking was your mysterious surprise activity?”

“Well, you are one of us now, are you not?” Vespera replies gently. “We thought you should help prepare the solstice treats, as is custom.”

Warmth blooms in my chest at her words. After lifetimes alone, to be so readily accepted means everything.

Draven grins and presses a quick kiss to my hair before putting on an apron.

Soon, we’re all busy creaming butter, whisking eggs, and mixing batter the color of sunsets. Laughter and banter fills the cozy kitchen as we work side by side.

Draven keeps sneaking nibbles of cookie dough when he thinks I’m not looking. I retaliate by flicking flour across his nose, making him sputter in surprise. Even Vespera hides her smile behind one elegant hand at our antics.

Princess Kira giggles as she watches us, her doe eyes lighting up with delight. Though the youngest, she joins in preparing the dough with enthusiasm, scattering flour across the tabletop.

As we bake, the looming solstice rituals fade from thought. Here there are no divisions between natural born vampires and those turned. No expectations weigh upon me as Prince Draven’s fated mate. We are simply family, finding joy in shared laughter and sweets.

While we wait for the first batch to bake, I study those gathered around me. Vespera moves with refined grace even while scooping dough onto trays, every motion elegant. Audrey’s eyes keep straying to Anthony, who steals glances of his own when herhead is turned. An unspoken affection glows between them, binding two souls despite their differences.

My own gaze finds Draven. He’s leaning casually near the ovens. Our eyes meet across the room, and an invisible thread seems to connect us. Though I’m unsure where fate will lead us, I’m deeply grateful for the joy this bond has brought me.

The warm scents of baking cookies fill the kitchen. We sample the results eagerly, mouths full of molten chocolate and bursts of cinnamon. Kira laughs in delight with each new treat, leaving a smudge of icing on her nose that makes Draven chuckle and wipe it away fondly.

As we finish our baking, talk turns to reminiscing about past Winter Festivals. I listen with joy as Draven recounts lively tales of him and his siblings sneaking down here for midnight feasts or stealing whole trays of tarts upstairs. His eyes dance with nostalgia and mischief.

“One year, young Draven somehow rigged a trap above the kitchen door to shower me in flour when I walked through,” Vespera adds wryly. “I was finding the stuff in my hair for days.”

We all laugh at the image while Draven ducks his head with an impish grin. “You must admit I was quite inventive,” he says cheekily.

The queen just shakes her head in amusement.

I find myself blending into the reminiscing, sharing my own stories of Winter Fests long ago, back when my world was whole. The bittersweet memories bring smiles tinged with sorrow but also hope that I may find similar joy again now.

Too soon, the grandfather clock signals mid-morning. We begin tidying up, the lightness of our shared moments drifting away like flour dusted across the worn wood floors. The memories glow within me, kindling hope. For a few precious hours, I felt part of something beyond myself, beyond my solitude. Whatever comes tonight, I will hold onto that.

Vespera sighs as she unties her apron. “I’m afraid duty calls, but thank you all for this lovely interlude.” She touches my shoulder lightly. “I hope you know you are welcome here, Thorn.”

“Thank you,” I reply thickly. I curtsy respectfully as she takes her leave, queen once more despite her casual garb.

Audrey glances at the clock and gasps. “Oh, my, is it really almost noon already? I must start preparing for the ball!” She gathers an armload of freshly baked cookies and sweets. “The handmaidens will need at least four hours just to style my hair, and don’t get me started on picking the perfect gown!”

I smile in amusement at her dramatic flair as she sweeps toward the door in a flutter of skirts.

Anthony sketches us an elaborate bow. “Well, I suppose I should go make myself presentable as well. Can’t have the princess showing me up in front of all the nobility.” He winks.

Audrey tosses her head imperiously, though her eyes sparkle with laughter. “As if you could ever match my sense of style, Anthony.”

“You wound me, my lady!” Anthony presses a hand to his heart in mock affront.

Audrey’s laughter echoes down the passage as she departs, Anthony following with a grin and a wave.

Draven draws me close, his arms encircling my waist. “Did you enjoy yourself?”

“Very much so. I almost wish this day would never end.” I nestle into his embrace, wanting to clingto these beautiful moments a little longer before the coming night.

Draven’s expression grows serious. “Whatever this ritual holds, remember you are not alone to face it.” He tips my chin up, gazing intently into my eyes until I nod.

Together, we gather up the rest of the cookie trays. As we make our way back upstairs, I feel hopeful. With Draven beside me and a newfound family at my back, I am ready for what is to come.

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