Free Shadows on Snow: A Flipped Fairy Tale (Flipped Fairy Tales) by Starla Huchton

retreating back through the stable. “We leave at first light. I’ll pass word to Master Grey,” he called back to me.
    Shaking a little, I tried to recover my wits. What must it be like to have such a startling effect on others? Any time the man touched me, my entire body lit up like a great bonfire was ablaze in my belly.
    I returned to shoveling out the stall, replaying our conversation over and over in my head. I tried to think of some way I might’ve persuaded him against this expedition, some words that could convince him to remain at the palace, but, instead, my worry deepened.
    The Royal Guard shadowed him? To what end? Were they protecting their almost-king, or were darker forces at work?
    My trepidation grew as the day turned to night. When at last Master Grey inflicted his usual round of insults on me before dismissing me for the evening, I retreated to my pallet to think. Perhaps it was a good thing I was going along. If nothing else, I could keep an eye on the prince at all times. It was entirely possible nothing was amiss, but I couldn’t help the growing unease that kept me from sleep. To placate myself a little, I crept from my bed and out to the hollow log that hid my bow and arrows. Keeping them bundled in a linen wrap, I returned to the stables and covered it in the pile of hay, intending to roll it up in my blankets when I woke.
    There was one thing yet to do.
    Lighting the fire in the metal bucket, I needed to inform Delphine of where I would be the next few days, lest she try to contact me. Bracing for an inevitable barrage of questions, I decided on my story before her face formed in the smoke.
    “We’ve no news, dearest one. Still working. Is there something pressing you need?” she said, hurried.
    “I wanted to let you know that I’ll be away from here for two days at least,” I said. “I’m being sent along on a hunting expedition to care for the horses.”
    “Any horse in particular you’ll be caring for?” she asked with a hint of mirth.
    I scowled. “All of them. Why are you asking?”
    “Because it amuses me that you thought to tell me this. I’m already aware. Have you packed your bow?”
    “Have you been reading the ashes again?” I hissed at her. “I told you—”
    “Yes, you did tell me, but I won’t leave your safety to chance. If we have a way to avoid danger, we need all the advantages we can get. Or have you forgotten what we’re facing in this?”
    Gritting my teeth, I tried very, very hard to control my temper. “I haven’t forgotten, but I wish you’d avoid it if at all possible.”
    “You’ll have a choice to make, dearest one. I know not what it is, but please use as much caution as you can. Everything rides on your actions. Choose wisely.”
    “No more ashes,” I said, ignoring her warning. “If you don’t hear from me in a span of four days, then you may. Otherwise, respect my wishes. I won’t be made into a self-fulfilling prophecy.”
    “Is that all?” she asked, clearly in a hurry to be done with me.
    I grumbled in exasperation. “Yes, that’s all.”
    “Then I wish you well, dearest one. Be swift. Be safe.”
    “Spirits willing,” I said in return, putting out the fire when she was gone.

    The soft snuffle of a horse rousted me from the blankets knotted around me. I’d thrashed about in my sleep so violently that I was nearly trapped by the fabric. After a few trembling breaths, I tried to determine the hour. Within moments, I heard the castle watch cry half past four. As there was little point in attempting sleep again, since surely more of the same memories would haunt me in slumber, I stood, stretched, and went about the morning’s preparations.
    By the time Prince Leopold approached the stables, Remy was brushed, saddled, and waiting at the hitching post outside, along with three other steeds for the guards accompanying us.
    His pleasant smile dissolved into a curious frown. “Will you not be coming with us today?”
    I adjusted