They sat in silence for a long while. The carriage rocked from side to side. It was dark and warm and quiet. Accamel’s arm was laid over Pellinore’s shoulders and she huddled against his chest.

Here, in the dark, with him, it was alright to be afraid.

Pellinore leaned over Accamel and opened the small carriage window. Sights and sounds rushed in, disrupting the quiet calm.

“Candleshine Court. We’re almost there.” Accamel stretched lazily.

Pellinore opened her bag and set about reapplying her makeup. Her kohl had run from all the tears, but that was soon fixed. Her face was strong, with high cheekbones and plump lips. Two tiny stars were drawn on the corners of her emerald eyes with charcoal. When she finally passed her exams, they would be tattooed on, symbolizing her status as a certified witch. For now, though, she was only a trainee- though one of the most gifted ones in the kingdom.

The carriage stopped and Accamel stood up.

“What are we doing today, Ace?”

“Getting in trouble, of course.”