He hadnt seen them yet, as all guards were waiting to be granted trials under the new regime. Most would be offered a chance to swear fealty to Queen Selene and join the new royal guard she was building. He knew his father, a good man who had long suffered under Levanas thumb, would be happy at the change.

Jacin himself was nervous to be reunited with his family. After years of pushing everyone he loved away, it was difficult to imagine a life in which he was free to care for people without fear of them becoming pawns to be used against him.

He knew they would love to see Winter again too, who had been like a part of their family growing up. But not like this. Seeing her like this would break their hearts.

Seeing her like this

Winter whimpered, a pathetic sound like that of a dying animal. Jacin jumped to his feet and settled a hand on her shoulder in what he hoped was a comforting gesture. She whipped her head back and forth a few times, her eyes jerking beneath her closed lids, but she didnt wake up. When she had settled down again, Jacin breathed a heavy sigh.

He wanted her to be better. He wanted this to be over. He wanted her to open her eyes and not thrash or bite or howl. He wanted her to look at him with recognition and happiness and that hint of mischief that had captured his heart long before shed been the most beautiful girl on Luna.

He pulled a coiled spring of hair away from her lips, brushing it back off her face.

I love you, Princess, he whispered, hovering over her for a long time, tracing the planes of her face and the curve of her lips and remembering how she had kissed him in the menagerie. Shed told him then that she loved him, and he hadnt been brave enough to say it back.

But now

He placed one hand on the other side of her body, leaning into it for balance. His heart was racing, and he felt like an idiot. If anyone saw him, theyd think he was one of Winters creepy admirers.

It would change nothingevery bit of logic told him so. A stupid, idealistic kiss could not put her mind back together.

But he had nothing to lose.

Winter went on sleeping, her chest rising. Falling.

Rising and falling and rising.

Jacin realized he was stalling. Building up hope, but also erecting a wall around himself for when nothing happened. Because nothing would happen.

He leaned over her, leaving a hint of space between them, and dug his fingers into the thin hospital blankets. I love you, Winter. I always have.

He kissed her. One-sided as it was, it had little of the passion thered been in the menagerie, but so much more hope. And a whole lot of foolishness.

Pulling away, he swallowed hard and dared to open his eyes.

Winter was staring at him.

Jacin snapped backward. Dammit, Winter. You how long He rubbed the back of his neck. Were you just pretending to be asleep?

Winter stared up at him, a dreamy half smile on her lips.

Jacins pulse skittered at that look, his attention dipping back to her lips. Was it possible?

WinPrincess?

Hello, she said, her voice parched, but no less sweet than usual. Do you see the snow?

His brow twitched. Snow?

Winter peered up at the ceiling. Though her wrists were bound tight, she opened up a palm, like trying to catch something. It is more beautiful than Id ever imagined, she whispered. I am the girl of ice and snow, and I think Im very glad to meet you.

Disappointment tried to burrow into Jacins chest, but the walls hed thrown up did their job, and it was repelled as quickly as it came.

At least she wasnt trying to bite him.

Hello, snow girl, he said, folding her fingers around an imaginary snowflake. Im glad to meet you too.

Ninety-Four

Still weak-legged, Cinder held on to Kais arm as he guided her through Artemisia Palace for the first time since the insurrection. All around her, enormous windows and tiled walls glittered in the sunlight. It was so beautiful. She was having trouble believing it was hers.

Her palace, her kingdom, her home.

She wondered how long it would take before it felt real.

Iko had chosen her dress, a simple gown taken from Winters wardrobe, and done her hair in some fancy updo. Cinder was afraid to move her head for fear it would all come tumbling down. She knew she was supposed to feel regal and powerful, but instead she felt like a feeble girl playing dress-up.

She drew strength from Kais presence on one side and Iko on the other, even though Iko wouldnt stop reaching up and mucking with her hair. Cinder batted her away again.

At least Ikos arm was working again. Dr. Nandez had managed to return most of her bodys functionality, but there was still a lot of damage to be repaired.

As they turned a corner, she spotted her new personal guard, Liam Kinney, along with Kais adviser, Konn Torin. Beside them were Adri and Pearl.

Cinder hesitated, her pulse speeding up.

Cinder.

She met Kais gaze, his encouraging smile, and felt her heart tumbling for another reason entirely.

I know this is weird, he said, but Im here if you need me. You wont need me, though. Youre going to be great.

Thanks, she murmured, fighting the urge to embrace him, to crawl into his arms and hide from the rest of the galaxy. Maybe forever.

Alsohis voice loweredyou look beautiful.