This was a surprise, though her face would not betray it. Jadis had taken him for a common prince, eager for more land, more wealth, and perhaps the hand of a pretty lady. Such things were likely the result of spending too much time with Dumas, the fool who believed he'd get his fairytale ending at the point of a sword. No, this one was different. He recognized her potential, and wanted it for his own.

This was a seed of loyalty, and she would be a fool to pass it up.

"I will send a familiar," she said softly. "Look for the white wolf at your window. Do as I say, and I shall give you a taste of true power. It will be more than enough for whatever your heart desire..."

She bid him rise then, and turned to Dumas. "Take him back to his ship," she said, than turned to Lysanner. "Be warned...I am not kind to traitors. Tell them what you wish, but avoid the truth at all costs. Are we in understanding?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Celine wasn't herself, not until the snow and ice vanished from her eyes. It was only when she saw Narnia's warm grass, and bright sun did she exhale. She gripped Caspian's hand tightly, wanting to feel any of that warmth again from before. No more cold, no more ice, no more of anything winter...

"I take your word, my prince," she said, staring back into his eyes. "Always."

The ghost lowered her head. "May the fates be kind," it whispered, voice oddly human, before it dissipated. All that was frosted, animals and plant, were now as good as new. They stood slowly, as if waking from a dream, before stumbling forward.

"My lord, my lady," one of the foxes inquired. "I fear...I know not what has occurred. Was the creature dealt with?"