Zoya was curled up in a plush armchair, wearing a Lacy white nightgown that skimmed the tops of her thighs and a Royal-blue silk robe.

You were sitting on the floor in front of her, your back to her chair and your head in her lap.

You were showing off your Tidemaker talents, bending the water into animals and Zoya’s favourite, little dragons.

Genya was sitting on the couch with her husband, David next to her, and Nikolai with his new woman in his lap, Kateryna Fontikov- the daughter of the Andrij Fontikov, a member of the Grisha Triumvirate who was planning to retire in the Spring.

Genya was extremely pleased by this party trick of yours, laughing delightedly as your little water-made dragon flew around the room, nipping at Genya and Kateryna’s fingertips.

Zoya watched quietly as you cracked jokes and did your party tricks, hiding her pleased and affectionate smile behind her glass of Kavas.

It was Christmas Eve, and, from the view from the window in your woman’s chambers, it was going to be a white Christmas.

The snowstorm raged outside, but inside The Little Palace was warm and comfortable. You were at peace despite the war; it was Christmas, and you were surrounded by friends and your woman.

The fire in the hearth was crackling, the candles were burning bright, the garland on the mantle smelled of fresh pine, there were cookies, cakes, and other small pastries on a table at the centre of the room- all of Zoya’s favourites, of course.

The room was filled with smiles and laughters and jokes and stories, and there was no place anybody in that room would rather be.