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When Rossa didn't answer, Sara added, "I mean, is he a danger to anyone here? Will he hurt the villagers, or the servants?"

No mention of Rossa or herself. Interesting. Did that mean Sara was a witch, too, as powerful as her daughter?

Sara continued, "I'm sure I don't need to remind you, but you are Lady Rossa, and you have a duty to protect your people as much as I do. So if this bear is a danger to them, a bear you brought into the castle among them, then it will be your responsibility to drive him out, or otherwise remove the danger to protect your people."

Rossa stared at him, anguish in her eyes. "I can't kill Snow, Mother. He won't harm anyone here – will you give your word, Snow? Please?"

If he'd been able to speak, Boris would have offered them both his heartfelt promise to respect the laws of hospitality, in thanks for allowing him into their home. Instead, he placed a hand on his heart and dropped to one knee, bowing his head.

Lady Sara's mouth twitched, almost as if she were trying to hide a smile. "I've seen many things in my life, but that's the first time I've ever seen a bear swear fealty to someone, let alone me. Fine, your magic bear can stay for one night, as long as he confines himself to the great hall, but he must be gone in the morning. With the whole village coming for the feast…he cannot stay any longer than that. And as he's your guest, you'll have to come up with a Yule gift for him. I have enough to do." She marched off.

Rossa blew out a relieved breath. "I can't believe she let you stay. If my father were here, he would not have permitted it."

Boris nodded. He would have killed a bear that came within ten yards of Vica or Lida.

"Especially if he found out you were once a knight. Father does not like knights," Rossa explained.

What manner of man did not like knights? They fought for the king, or their liege lord, and as Rossa's father and Lady Sara's husband, the man was surely a nobleman himself.

"Don't worry about Father. He's…off doing something for the Emperor. He won't be home before spring," Rossa said, patting his arm. "Now, the food should be ready, so I'll just go down to the kitchen to fetch it, because none of the maids will dare come in here while there's a bear in the hall."

And again she departed, but this time Boris took a seat at one of the tables. He might have the strength and appearance of a bear, but he had the heart and soul of a prince, and he owed these ladies his best behaviour.

And a Yule gift, he realised, his heart sinking. That would present a problem.