V Day

Varya walked back to the castle with Ebari and Basileus on either side of her. Theron and Solana had returned ahead of everyone so they could take Basileus Jr back to the emperor's quarters safely and with little notice.

As a breeze blew by, she couldn't help shivering and hugging herself. 

"It's getting so cold so quickly," Varya said. "Have I ever talked to either of you about Christmas before? Cold weather always reminds me of Christmas. " 

She wanted to step closer to Basileus who was a natural heater but she resisted the urge since there were many others on the path leading up to the castle. 

"No, you never have before," Basileus said. "What's Christmas?" 

Varya felt nostalgic all of a sudden. Christmas was inexplicably intertwined in memories of her parents and how beautiful they would make their house around the holidays. Her heart felt heavy.