Winterbourne's Daughter

by Stephanie Rabig

  Stones were still being carved for many who had perished in the Shadow's attack. People approached the markers that were there, bringing flowers from the Goddess Tree or small mementos to lay atop the wide stones. Jyotsana and Alexei talked quietly as they stood at the stone for Jai, the coachman who had insisted upon accompanying the Princess to her new home. Rachna had survived her injury, though she still did not feel well enough to leave Alain's work room.

  Lisette stepped forward, holding an intricate fighting dagger; one of Roz's favorites. She lay it next to the snowdrop. "If Roz's battle in the Arena had reflected our battle with the Shadow, with good on one side and bad on the other, I would sleep easier at night. But it didn't. And due to Nazar's order, one good person had to take another good one's life." Vasya looked away, and Lisette gently took his hand. "I don't believe sie'd blame you. In fact, somewhere sie's probably laughing at me for being so maudlin."

  "That sounds more like Roz," Soraya said, moving out of the crowd to approach the coffin. She rested a hand on the dagger, and then smiled as the baby in her arms squealed. "Gennadi," she said. "It's good to see you again."

  "And you," he said, pulling her into his arms, being mindful of the infant, who immediately fisted a hand in his hair. Laughing as he disentangled himself, he asked, "And who's this little one?"

  "My youngest daughter," she said.

  "And... and your eldest?" he asked. "Everything happened with Roz, and Yelena lost track of you, we didn't―"

  "She survived," Soraya said, turning and waving to a young woman in the crowd. She limped forward, scars dotting her face and hands, smiling. "Gennadi, this is Galya."

  "It's wonderful to finally meet you," he said.

  "We knew Roz quite well," Lisette said. "Sie was wonderful."

  "Sie was," Soraya agreed, giving her a hug as well. Then she looked to Vasya, who had retreated, watching her and her children with a mixture of nervousness and guilt. "Fighter?" she said quietly. "I would speak with you."

  "Of course," he said, moving to stand in front of her, tilting his chin slightly as if expecting a blow.

  "There were many nights when I tried to comfort sier when sie was consumed by things sie had done in that Arena. But I never saw Roz so upset as the day I was assigned there. Fortunately, I never had to take anyone's life in the service of it. But know that sier guilt and yours are one and the same, and sie would not want it to overtake you."

  "Thank you, Soraya. You and yours... if you would like to stay..."

  "Of course," Gennadi said. "We would love to have you here."

  The bartender cleared his throat then, and Lisette smiled, motioning for him to speak. He did so, raising his voice to be heard above the crowd.

  "The kings and queens have declared free drinks at my tavern for the night, in honor of the fallen." He winked. "Now seemed a good a time as any to empty out the former king's private stash."

  Emeline smiled and wiped at her eyes. "I thought moments of silence and deep red flags were the traditional ways to honor."

  "Well, yes. But people getting quite drunk and telling all sorts of stories and tumbling off barstools?" Lisette said. "Seems a fine new tradition to me."

  As most of the loyalists and villagers headed off toward the tavern, Lisette watched them go. "As much as I would like to join the others..." She trailed off, the realities of their new life clear. Mingling with their subjects was to be encouraged, but not to the point of being foolhardy. To go into a crowded room with a multitude of people whom they didn't know so soon after the previous king's death? It couldn't be risked.

  "Let's go to the old throne room," Gennadi suggested. "If I know Andriy, he's missing all the festivities and has his nose in that book again. Him and his stories."

  "Speaking of stories, have I ever told you about the time Emeline spread a full bucket of chicken droppings around in Grisha's bed?" Lisette asked.

  Vasya laughed. "Couldn't have happened to a kinder soul."

  "I got that idea from you," Emeline said, nudging Lisette in the side.

  "Oh!" Gennadi exclaimed. "Emeline, you were there, but you two... I ever tell you about the time I fought off some kind of possessed, size-changing hound?"

  "A what?"

  "Maybe we should stop in the kitchens first," Lisette said, glancing toward the tavern. "Sounds like they're not the only ones who're going to need a few drinks before the night's through."

  Gennadi laughed and slung an arm around her shoulders, and the four of them made their way back into their castle.

  Fin

  About the Author

  When not writing, Stephanie can be found hanging out with her kids, making steampunk hats, or trying in vain to buy every pint of Ben & Jerry’s in the store. Loves include fairy tales, mythology, tea, chocolate, and The Avengers. Come say hi on Twitter at twitter.com/stephrabig, and keep an eye out for new projects at stephanierabig.weebly.com.