Chapter 179 One Month Later

• Candace
• I drag a comb through my thin hair and stare at myself in the mirror on my vanity. More accurately, the new mirror on my new vanity. Hollis and I had to exchange one more goodbye because I had to return to Dun’s Crossing long enough to pack up my life. Some things weren’t worth the trouble of escorting through the mountain passes—mostly furniture—so I’m still getting used to the foreign, Snowcrest fixtures. And the rest of the castle’s little quirks. Eva’s guidance has been massively helpful, but I keep finding myself in strange towers, looking through windows at the rooms I want with no idea how to get there. Without Kieran’s diplomatic party around, the castle is emptier than I’m used to. Their late spring helps some. Maybe I can convince Hollis to take an annual trip when spring arrives somewhere warmer. Raven was saying something about turning the festival in Escuro into an annual event.
• I adjust the angle of the mirror then meet my own gaze.