Just that word sets off a thrum in Aster’s veins. Magical.

“The palace’s maze covers a vast part of the main gardens, and is considered one of the best defences the palace has to offer,” Seraphina continues, launching into her customary explanation as Aster pokes her head past the maze’s entrance. Hedge walls flank the pathway that stretches out before her, an untouched layer of snow blanketing the grass. “Legend has it that the maze has been here since the time of Lucrenz’s first king, a gift from the spirits to and a token of their favour for the royal family.”

“It doesn’t feel very magical,” Aster notes, retreating from the entry. “Has anyone ever gotten lost in it?”

“There have been occasions where guests who’ve been invited to the royal palace for events end up stranded within. Usually, the guards have to be dispatched the following morning to rescue them.” Seraphina’s expression turns wry. “It’s for this exact reason that His Majesty never fails to declare the maze being off-limits during events, but I suppose people never learn.”

“How about the castle’s servants?”

Seraphina ponders over it for a second. “Now that you mention it, I don’t think any of the servants have ever ended up lost in the maze.”

“Does the castle make you memorise a map or something?”

Seraphina shakes her head. “No. But I’m sure they would, if they could map out the maze to begin with.”

Aster’s eyebrows furrow. “Are you saying… the maze constantly changes?”

“Not quite…” The faintest of wrinkles appear in Seraphina’s brow. “Forgive me my lady, I’m not quite sure myself of how it works.”

“Ah, that’s fine. We can always find out more from someone who knows better,” Aster says, flapping a hand at her airily. “Don’t sweat it, Fina.”

Seraphina’s gaze lingers over the maze’s entrance. “I may not know the rules that govern it, but… I do have my own experiences with the castle’s maze.”

“You’ve been in it before?” Aster’s voice comes out awed.

“Naturally. All the servants have used it as a shortcut at some point.” An amused smile appears on Seraphina’s face, likely due to the look of wonder that Aster must be sporting now. “There’s a rumor passed around the servants: about how the maze helps out those who are in a hurry and have places to be. I didn’t believe it myself at first, but… well, let’s just say that I too, have been on the receiving end of the maze’s aid more than once.”

Aster turns towards the maze, a new light in her eyes. “A magical maze with a moral compass…” She turns towards Seraphina with a grin. “I wonder if the library has anything that can tell us more about it.”