The king and his consort spirited away from the celebration like teenagers hiding from their parents. Eris had shed his cloak, carrying it now in his free hand while he walked hand in hand with Marion. The moon’s beams danced across the carpeted floors like faeries in the wood, illuminating the path that he navigated them along.

He pushed open a door when they came to it without warning, guiding Marion in. Candles and sconces flickered to life around them, reacting to the presence ...