"Adalric," she said, and her voice shifted, shedding the Western accent. "Don't you recognize me?"

He stared, unapologetically open-mouthed. "But how? It's winter."

"That rule is really only to protect the Queen," she said. "You've seen how weak she is in the winter. A few months rest has always been good for my chariots."

"So then-"

"This young woman is of noble blood, of a great house in the West. She is young and strong, while your queen... well, I'm sure you've noticed she can't stay with you forever."

It sounded strange to Adalric. Something wasn't quite right. But he had been so lonely this winter, and this foreign woman was so charming. Perhaps it would make more sense in the spring.

"No one quite understands, do they?" she asked.

Adalric nodded.

"Kaspars teases you so, coming and going as if he is your master rather than the other way around."

He frowned at that. "He doesn't -"

"You are too generous, my love."

"But you are the one who encouraged me to let him go." Adalric felt like his head was swimming. Was the fire too high in here?

The spirit was quiet for only a moment. "I didn't expect him to take such advantage of your kindness."