“Hey, Astrid,” Billy says, smirking. “Dom’s wondering if you would go talk to him over there.”
Astrid cuts a look to Dom, who has wandered under a garland archway. She rolls her eyes. “And get caught under the mistletoe with him? No way.”
Dom’s face falls when he realizes Astrid isn’t coming over. “You were supposed to be subtle about it!”
I laugh, but Astrid just sighs. “I’m a little tired. I might head back.”
“Let me walk with you,” Marigold says, standing. “Such a nice time today, dearie.”
I give them both a hug and watch them go. Astrid does look tired. There are deep purple circles under her eyes. She’d seemed fine moments ago, but it is getting closer to sunset, and we’ve had a long day. I’m sure that’s all it is. Hope that’s all it is.
I sigh and turn back to my father. “You’ve got to try this lefse.”
“Oh, I will,” he says, touching my cheek with a snow-covered mitten. “I’m so glad we get to spend solstice together. With family.”
My thoughts drift for a moment. Family. I wonder where Wrenley is. Caspian has searched for her several times but come up empty. I know we need to find her and the bow. Not only is it too dangerous in her hands, but it might be the only weapon capable of ending Sira once and for all.
But there’s something else. A desire to see her justbecause. Because she’s alone out there. Because it’s solstice, and everyone should be with their family during the holidays. Because as much as I’ve tried to pretend this isn’t who I am and even if I can never forgive her for what she did to Dayton, I also don’t know if I can ever give up on her.
Papa pulls something from his bag. It’s a tiny snow globe. I cradle it in my hands. Inside is Keep Wolfhelm, and on one of the ramparts, a miniature Papa and I stand waving. “What is this?”
“Your mother loved snow globes,” Papa says. “We’d try to purchase one at every location we visited. The ones in this market are quite enchanting.”
It feels heavier in my hands. “You really think you’ll see her again, Papa?”
“Iknowwe will.”
The conviction in his voice, the sureness…it sparks something in me as well. I know it in my heart. Looking at these people around us, at the hope—I want that not just for Frostfangbut for every corner of the Enchanted Vale. And I will make it happen.
47
Rosalina
Iwake to the soft glow of morning light spilling through thefrosted windows, a warm cocoon of blankets, and the High Prince of Winter standing above my bed, a strange expression on his face.
Because it’s a smile.
Keldarion is smiling. His eyes are bright as robin’s eggs, hair long and wild. “Happy solstice, Rosalina.”
“Happy solstice, Kel.”
I tilt my head. He’s nearly bouncing up and down with excitement. I take a deep breath, and something rich cuts through the air. Butter. Sweet pastries. A hint of spiced berries.
Keldarion grabs a tray off a table and lays it on the covers in front of me. A spread fit for a queen. Steam rises from a delicate ceramic teapot painted with swirling frost patterns. The tea smells of chamomile and something sharper—mint perhaps. A platter of golden waffles rests nearby, drizzled with honey and scattered with sugared red berries. Beside it, a small bowl of whipped cream sits like a puff of snow.
But the centerpiece steals my breath—a massive basket of bread rolls, dusted with flour and still warm. Nestled on top is a handwritten note:To throw at me all you want.
A smirk tugs at his lips. “I figured you’d appreciate the gesture.”
The absurdity of it makes me laugh. “I only throw these at you when you’re being annoying.”
“Well, my Rose,” he says as he leans against the bedpost, arms folded, “I can’t make any promises for today. I wanted you to be prepared.”
I reach for a roll and tear into it. The inside is impossibly soft. I take a bite, the warmth spreading through me. “Perfect,” I murmur around a mouthful.
Keldarion watches me with such intensity it brings a flush to my cheeks.
“You’re making me suspicious.” I clear my throat and gesture to the basket. “I’m tempted to use these.”
