Half the day was spent finishing her chores. Every hall was swept and dusted for good measure, repeated several times over until it met her stepmother’s approval. Only then was she allowed to wash up in preparation for dinner, which Ash still needed to make. One of the last moments she’d ever do for this terrible family.

She took her time stoking the fire in the oven. Burning wood and ash was pushed around, clearing space for the bread that needed to be baked, the dough had risen enough to create at least four loaves. Sweat clung to her brow as she evened out the wood, embers hot enough to melt the thickest of ice. It was ready for baking now.

One by one, each clump of dough was pulled from the bowl, kneaded, and molded into four rounded oval shapes on a wooden peel. Once finished, the paddle was hefted upward and inserted into the sweltering maw. Ash wiped at her brow with a dish towel before turning to the rest of the meal.

A beef chuck was extracted from the cooling storage, set on the countertop and left to rest. Ash washed her hands in between gathering the herbs and spices she’d need to season the meat along with collecting assorted vegetables for the side dishes. Potatoes and carrots in even slices simmered in a pan on the stovetop, mingling with the oil as broccoli and sugar snap peas were added. In an open fireplace, water boiled in a pot as creamy milk, butter, sliced mushrooms, and diced onions turned the broth into a smooth, viscous soup. It was a lot of work, but she’d done it so many times that the amount of work was miniscule compared to cleaning.

As she stirred the contents of the pot, a few squeaks reached her ear. Ash turned to a small hole in the wall behind the flour jar. A spotted mouse sniffed the air, tilted its head to the side, then squeaked once more.

“You’re not supposed to be in here, Bernard,” said Ash. “If my stepmother knew I let a mouse in the kitchen, she’d throw a fit.”

Bernard squeaked a few times.

“Hey, don’t give me that. I’m aware it’s unfair, but I have little choice in the matter.” The lid of the pot closed shut. Ash went back to the pan, shifted the vegetables a few times, then rushed over to the meat. “Did you find the map?”

It was the only reason he had to be here if he was willing to risk his life like this.

With a nod, Bernard scurried back in the hole. He returned moments later dragging a small scroll with all his might in his tiny jaws.

“Perfect.”

Ash plucked the scroll up, wiping a hand on her apron before unfurling it.

Upon the parchment was an image of the Winter Kingdom. Every landmark, landmass, river, lake, and forest were drawn in great simplistic detail. Her finger dragged across it, hovering over the castle.

“Okay, it should be right over… there!”

Tracing around the surrounding area, her finger settled on the far northeast end of the forest. Large letters that read ‘FORBIDDEN WOOD’ were written below the fingertip.

There was a pause before Bernard let out a worried squeak.

“No, I don’t have a death wish,” said Ash. “I’m aware of the rumors about that place. That’s why I’m going there.”

She rolled the map back up, tucking it back into the hole.

“I’m tired, Bernard. Of everything.”

Bernard squeaked, rubbing his head against her fingers. She lifted him up to her face.

“It’s not the same anymore. I miss my father’s jolly laughter when we walked down the halls. I miss the servants who always smiled at me. And I miss the warmth of my nanny’s hand brushing my hair off my face as I slept…”

Tears formed in the corners of her eyes. Ash gave Bernard a gentle nuzzle.

“Believe me, I’d rather not resort to this either. What else should I do?”

More squeaks from Bernard. Ash sighed, drying her eyes.

“No, I’m not going to Prince Luiz’s birthday ball. He’s been unbearable since Ortega’s disappearance last year.” She lowered her hand back to the counter. “You’d think he’d worry more about his little brother than flaunt how blessed he is to be crown prince. Shameless cad is what Luiz is.”

Ash pushed the jar aside, revealing the hole in the wall. Once her hand touched the countertop, Bernard skittered into the hole.

“Now, no more talk of this. I have to finish making dinner before the queen, Georgette, and Willa demand for it.” A thought soon occurred to her. “Oh, one last thing. Make sure to keep that thing hidden with the map. With any luck, I’ll be able to get what I need from that room.”

Bernard nodded, chittering one last squeak before scampering deep in the crevice of the wall.

The moment Ash covered the hole back up, she washed her hands as quick as she could. Before she dried them, a smoky scent wafted up her nostrils. Something was burning.

The contents of the pan continued their calm simmer and the pot wasn’t boiling over. It didn’t take long to notice the thin trail of grey wafting out of the oven. She gasped, then rushed over to yank the paddle out. Thankfully, the loaves hadn’t burnt all the way through— only the two at the forefront of the peel had darkened along the edge. The other two were salvageable as she extracted them from the peel into the cloth of the breadbasket.

With the bread baked to a crisp, golden brown sheen, all that was left was to bake the roast and she’d be done. The meat was already seasoned and placed in the roast pan, ready to be cooked.

However, as Ash peered into the oven to stoke the flames once more, her body full on stopped. The flames swayed and crackled, flickering wild and free. They mesmerized her, locked her in a trance the longer she stared. It wasn’t the first time this happened. Every time she stoked the fireplace or boiler, the same result would happen.

Vision blurred, chest tightened. A heartbeat pounded against her chest.

In the flames, six sparks alighted. Each one split in twain, scattered by a smaller flare until they vanished into the haze. The smoke intensified, a swirling plume smothered the flare. Glowing red eyes burned through the noxious cloud, a distant roar echoed in Ash’s ears.

“Ash Sleet!”

She gasped. The pan was thrown in before Ash slammed the oven door shut.

“Where in God’s name is our food? The appetizers should’ve been done by now!”

Never had Ash been so thankful her stepmother was so demanding. Such strange dreams plagued Ash’s mind for years. She couldn’t recall when it all started— there seemed to be no end to them. Still, she would endure. Just a few more days until it was time.

A few more was all she needed.