The dining hall of the castle was filled, and the seat of honor was yielded to King Alaric. Many blessings were said over Aurora, who had been baptized an Arian, like her parents and the other nobility in attendance. Boars were brought in, as were birds and nuts, pies and elaborate pastries. Aurora grinned and cooed at them all, taking delight in every dish.

As the food was removed, games ensued, and children began to hide beneath the tables and run across the reed-covered floor. The sound of a child’s scream split the air, and in an instant, children returned to their parents’ arms. A woman, tall and regal, held a small boy in the air by the collar, grinning most fearfully. She set the tot down and marched toward Alexandru and his wife, glaring at the baby Aurora.

Doina held her close, and Alex looked to Alaric, who protected his own children. “Who are you? What do you want?” he growled.

“I am Luminita Opara, the uninvited guest.” She sneered, “And I want to give this undeserving child a gift.”