Ardala folded herself up against the corner of the couch, shoving herself in as far as she could go and trying not to think beyond the demands of the moment. She would find her way to the door that the Prince of Winter had promised, and he would be free. So why was a part of her crying and begging to be allowed to remain? Now was not the time, but it was never time for her to be selfish and remain with him.

She couldn’t- but he’d asked her to stay, asked her to come back ...