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Bernadine, flanked by two kitchenher hands on a flour spattered apron Burke and several menservants hesitated on the stairway at the far side of the room

Normally Elle would have realized what their appearance meant, but she was fixated on the front door She reached it and wrenched it open, opening the door to a sea of swirling white Overnight it had snowed at least a foot, anddown as the wind howled It was a blizzard An enraged, vengeful blizzard

Although the wind pulled on Elle’s hair and her dress, Elle stared outside until her eyelashes froze She finally closed the door and leaned against it, her forehead resting on the wooden surface

"Elle"

Elle turned to face Severin, who stood with Burke on the stairs "I cannot leave We would never get out through all this snow, andup by the minute," she said

Severin nodded as he drew closer "It would not be wise," he agreed "You are still worried the croill abuse you for your absence?"

Elle briefly tightened her lips "It makes me feel helpless," she admitted

"You will never trust me to secure your livelihood, will you? I am a prince, Elle You are safe here Think of it as an extended holiday"

Elle laughed "Where have I heard that before?"

Severin stared at her "…Are you well?" he finally asked

Elle sighed, and the exhale seemed to deflate her

Severin turned to stand at her side He offered her an ar a s for Severin’s study

As they left Bernadine and Heloise clasped hands--their eyes hooked on Elle’s and Severin’s interlaced are she had written to Elle before writing anew A miracle?

Bernadine nodded and Heloise crossed herself as Burke and his compatriots slapped each other on the back Elle wasn’t happy about her extended stay, but the Chanceux Chateau household was thrilled