That night, Aurora could not sleep. Bumblebees drifted in her stomach, and honey remained sweet on her lips. She said her prayers many times over, but her eyes refused to close. Finally, she tossed her coverlet aside and rose. She peeped out her door, to make sure no one was up and about, and was satisfied with the night’s silence.

On tiptoe, the castle remained without sound, and she made her way through the halls upstairs. She paused at Mihai’s room, wondering whether to knock. She put her fist against her teeth to stop their nervous chatter, after all, they would be husband and wife tomorrow. She felt a flush warm her cheeks and shuffled down the hallway. She could wait another night.

She moved quickly down the stairs, into the dining hall. The tables were empty, the benches pushed against the walls. They were beautiful, pale wood, and she ran her hand along the smooth surface. She bumped something with her foot at the end of the long table. It was the thing, from the kitchen.

She reached for it.