Even now, she didn’t like to think about her first trip into the city. She’d never been in a city before and felt completely alone. Finally, she literally collided with a barkeep standing beneath a sign that read The Fish Belly, and he’d given her directions to the castle. She’d clutched her letter, unopened. She assumed it was for a position for her to serve in a minor capacity, as she had no royal blood. Though addressed to the King, it was the golden-haired Queen who’d taken the missive, read it and chosen her to serve in the royal nursery. 

         In the short time she’d been at Castle Ursaulis, she’d gained the trust of Laveth and served her gladly. She had a home now, a purpose. Never again would she speak gibberish or hie to a strange voice. 

         Now, she reached the top of the stairs, holding out both hands to balance herself against the walls. Frightened and out of breath, for the first time she felt in danger of falling backwards. She waited until a wave of dizziness passed and then she pushed against the door. Not much strength today for it only partially opened but Mirella was slim and managed to slide through.  

         One nightmare was behind her and another lay ahead. She must find the words to tell her beloved Queen that an old man whom she’d never met had plucked her child’s birth from a cold northern sky.