Stellina brings Iridea and I into her room when we return to the palace. She collapses into a heap of pillows, already prepared at the foot of her bed. Her room is bigger than mine, but I suppose that’s to be expected...

The Star Elf peers at the gathered crowd from behind navy curtains. She is dressed in a gown suited for a queen; the top white, the bottom bleeding into midnight...

Cedar holds me steady while thunderous feet shake the nursing bed.