The warmth that had surrounded me was gone as I sat up, squinting against the morning sun’s blinding light. My head was thick with sleep and as I stretched and looked around for my large friend. 

But he was gone.  

Only a huge indent in the sheets surrounding me soothed my doubts of madness. Sighing, I trudged out of bed and made my way to the bathroom, drawing myself a warm bath to start off my day with a literally clean state. I combed through my hair, cursing as I went through tangle after tangle. Next time I went dancing, I would braid my hair. I used magic to manipulate my hair, running it with long strokes through my trellises until they were silky and curling beautifully. With a satisfied sigh, I laid back in the warm water, rinsing myself off before I stood and wrung my hair out. Gavril had mentioned meeting with the High Witch last night at the festival, a statement that had caught me so off guard, that I had choked on the sweet pudding I was trying. Apparently, the previous kings of Paristol had all made agreements to meet with the High Witch and discuss the peace between citizens of the continent and witches. Because of the attack on the Second Cerulean Marsh, she had requested a meeting on short notice to discuss with Gavril the state of her marshes and the danger warlocks posed on them. Gavril had been slightly drunk when he told me this, his usually neat hair beautifully wild from running his hand through it so many times.  

If he had known I was a witch, he no doubt would have banished me from Paristol in that moment, but I was careful to keep my eyes wide and my face innocent as he told me about his meeting with my leader. The 400,643rd High Witch was notoriously dramatic and had probably talked the king’s ear off for a few hours. Gavril had confirmed my suspicions with an exaggerated groan and a wonderfully accurate interpretation of her. Then Gavril had mentioned the High Witch’s biggest concern and my stomach had flipped, nearly making me throw up the pudding I had just finished; She had been concerned about the wellbeing of the missing witch. She couldn’t have known that instead of being tortured for my marsh’s secrets by warlocks, I was swimming in luxury and comfort. The Second Cerulean Marsh had launched a search for me in the woods and towns nearby. But they were met with only disappointment. I had grimaced at the thought of my best friend worrying about me while I was gone.  

Maysie had been sixteen when she was raped and killed by warlocks. We witches never remembered the events surrounding out brutal deaths, surely a blessing from the gods themselves. Only other witches could tell you how you died at the hands of a warlock. Maysie had been kidnapped only a week before her energy was harvested and her body used for the pleasure of those sick creatures. She had been tossed into a lake near a marsh, where she drowned. The witches of that marsh had found her body and mourned her death when no one else had. And then she was given a second chance at life. She had been granted abilities by the gods so that she could mourn for other women and protect her marsh just as the witches before her had done. It had only been four years since she was made a witch, but she had thrived in our marsh. She was beautiful and popular, even if she wasn’t very good at magic yet. And she had accepted me as her friend when no one else had.  

I was pulled from my thoughts when a knock sounded at my door, reminding me that I needed to quickly dress. Slipping into a flowy gown of light green and gold, I quickly braided my hair using magic and rushed to my door to greet whoever was knocking this early in the morning.  

As I opened my door, Endymion stared down at me, his hair disheveled and his eyes wide and dazed. He pushed into my room and started looking around, sniffing the air like some sort of animal. When satisfied with examining my room, he turned to me and grabbed my shoulders, firmly but still gentle, and scanned my body.  

“Umm, good morning?”  

He snapped out of his daze and scrambled back, his face flushing with an embarrassed blush.  

“I-I apologize for being so intrusive, but are you alright, Asajj?” 

His voice was rough and husky as though he had just woken up, and judging by his appearance, he had. 

I raised an eyebrow at his strange behavior my lips curling into a small smile, “I’m fine...are you?” 

Endymion released a breath of relief and nodded, forcing a nervous smile onto his face, “Yes, I’m ok.” 

We shuffled awkwardly for a few moments before I decided that I was very hungry.  

“Would you like to get breakfast with me, Eddy? You look like you could use some...rest and relaxation today.” 

He nodded enthusiastically, looking down at himself with a chuckle, “I should probably clean up though.”  

I grinned and tugged at his hand, leading him out of my room and into the hall so that I could lock my door. 

“Go get dressed,” I started down the hall that the king had escorted me through the previous morning, “I’ll see if I can find the kitchen to whip us up a small spread.” 

Rushing through the hall and down the beautiful stairwell, I scanned the doors for any indication that I might be close to the kitchen. I was so concentrated with looking for the kitchen that I almost ran into a petit woman.  

“Oh, I’m so sorry!” I exclaimed, grimacing internally as I reached out to study her before she fell over, “I wasn't paying attention...are you ok?” 

The woman was very beautiful, even in her older age; She had deep brown eyes that were lined with years of laughter and smiles, and a warm smile that she offered me as I panicked.  

“Don’t worry, dear, I was distracted too,” She laughed lightly and patted my arm in reassurance, “I was looking for the kitchen because I want to eat something, but all of the staff have today off...” 

My eyes widened and my smile returned, “I was looking for the kitchen as well, ma’am,” I tried to remain well-mannered as I offered her my arm, “Perhaps we could go together?” 

She smiled and took my arm, “Yes, let’s go find the kitchen, dear. What is your name?” 

“Asajj Éinri,” her eyes widened curiously, and her smile grew, “What should I call you, ma’am?” 

“I am the old queen Yosafine Zlatna,” It was my turn to be surprised as I stared into the wise gaze of Gavril’s mother, “But you may call me Lady Yosafine.” 

I nodded with a polite smile. Her children certainly looked like her, now that I observed her closely. Her blond hair, while a bit darker than her children’s, was a dead giveaway to their relations. She was graceful like her son and her smile was identical to Ophia’s, making my heart warm as we continued to talk and search for the kitchens.  

Finally, we found a set of wooden double doors that led to the warmth of the kitchens. Even in my marsh, where we had taken turns preparing food in the communal kitchen for all 200 of us, the interior had not been as big.  

The queen detached herself from my side to take a seat at a large servant’s table, glancing around as I did.  

“What would you like to have for breakfast this morning, Lady Yosafine?” 

She grinned at me and tucked her silky hair behind her ear, “You can cook, Lady Asajj?” 

“Of course! My aunties thought it a necessary skill and taught me a soon as I was tall enough to reach the stove top.”  

My chest warmed at the memory of my aunties and their boisterous laughs. We had spent hours in our small kitchen, experimenting with dishes from all over Roma. 

“Surprise me then,” The queen smiled at me as I moved around the kitchen, getting my barring for the space, "I'll love anything delicious!” 

I laughed and opened the door to the cold room, retreating into its depths to retrieve the ingredients I would need for our breakfast. 

Humming as I went, I turned on the stove top and oven, pulling a spare apron on to protect the gown I wore. I cracked eggs into a pan, adding seasoning and chopping vegetables to go in the queen's omelet. While that fried, I whisked together some milk, flour, sugar, egg whites, and shortening, dipping my finger to taste the sweet batter. When I was satisfied, I poured the batter onto a griddle, grinning as my pancakes began to fluff up and little bubbles popped. By the time the first few pancakes were done, the omelet had finished frying, and I moved it onto a plate along with two pancakes and a small jar of jam.  

“I’ll cut up some fruits and prepare the meat as well,” I grinned as the queen put a hand over her chest and picked up her fork, savoring her first bite of omelet.  

To see Lady Yosefine enjoy my cooking made my heart swell. I was hurrying to get the meat in the oven and cut up the assortment of fruits, when Endymion peeked into the kitchen and caught my eye.  

Before I could greet him, A little blond head flew past him and straight into my open arms. 

“Lady Asajj!” Ophia hugged me and sniffed the air, her toothy grin matching my own, “You can cook too?!” 

I laughed and patted her cheek, guiding her to the table where her mother sat, “Yes, princess, it’s one of my many talents. Would you like a pancake?” 

She nodded vigorously as she turned to her mother and smiled politely. I turned my attention to Endymion, who was just straightening up from bowing in the presence of the queen.  

“And how about you, Eddy? I have an omelet ready for you if you want it.” 

He grinned at my offer, “Of course.”  

I layed the sausages out on a platter, expertly spacing them and tossing them into the oven. I went to reach for the timer on the counter behind me, but Endymion was already setting it, smiling at me as he looked up. I grinned and moved past him, pulling two knives from the block and handing one to him.  

“Since you’re insistent on helping, you can assist me in preparing the fruit.” 

Endymion made no complaints as he stood next to me, cutting up fruits of every variety for our breakfast. I hummed as I cut instructing the lord on how to place the fruits on the platter when he was done. Bringing the platter to the table, I grinned as princess Ophia finished her pancakes with gusto.  

“These were delightful, Lady Asajj, thank you.” She giggled through a bite full of pastry.  

“My pleasure, princess,” I chuckled and presented the assortment of fruit to the royals, “I’m glad you enjoyed it. If you want more, please help yourself.” 

Ophia grinned and started shoveling more food onto her plate. I turned to get the sausage from the oven upon hearing the timer go off, but Endymion had beat me too it.  

“Look who’s being a little helper this morning,” I laughed at the blush that stained Endymion’s porcelain cheeks, “I’m glad you’re feeling better.”