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17: Melting Snow
Overview
Aurora faces public fallout from jilting the Starmaker but finds unexpected ease and humor with him. Visiting her family, she endures her mother’s disappointment until the Starmaker defends her. He admires Aurora’s mirror-field ingenuity and warns of an approaching magical fever. When Aurora panics about outliving loved ones, he grounds her, revealing their growing connection and offering a path to meaning beyond loss.
Summary
Aurora forces herself to attend breakfast, trading a dry prompt for the Starmaker’s laughter, easing last night’s tension. A cruel headline about being left at the altar stings, but the Starmaker’s jab at its quality lightens her mood. They depart to pull light; Aurora remains frustrated by her stalled progress.
In the sleigh, the Starmaker quietly admits he can feel his magic inside Aurora and even senses her frustration, suggesting a new bond. Aurora reels, recognizing he wants to end his reign and is exhausted, while she longs for time to learn. Their misaligned goals clarify their past friction and unsettle her.
They visit Aurora’s cottage. Her mother chastises her for the public embarrassment and lost glare line, but the Starmaker unexpectedly defends Aurora and promises to tend the phlox. The family’s mood softens. After tea, Aurora shows him the mirror field that reflects sunlight to their land; he is genuinely impressed and credits the Sun’s choice.
On the return, he explains an impending fever from rising magic—debilitating but not dangerous, mitigated by the castle. Approaching the bustling village, Aurora is struck by the realization that she will outlive everyone she loves and spirals into panic. The Starmaker halts the sleigh, guides her breathing with her hand over his heartbeat, and steadies her.
He tells Aurora she will bear it because she was born for this, urging her to find lasting meaning in the mountain, flowers, stars, and sunlight—love of enduring things. He admits he was once terrified and that time helped. Calmed, Aurora thanks him; as they continue, she quietly wishes the grounding moment could have lasted longer, aware that even he cannot last forever.
Who Appears
- AuroraProtagonist; faces public fallout, stalls in training, reveals ingenuity with mirror fields, and panics over immortality before finding steadiness through the Starmaker’s guidance.
- The StarmakerMentor and would-be groom; shares emotional-magic connection, defends Aurora to her family, admires her mirrors, explains the coming fever, and calms her panic with steady presence.
- MamaAurora’s mother; initially condemns the jilting and lost status, then softens after the Starmaker’s defense and apologizes for being swept up in attention.
- ElsieAurora’s sister; offers comfort and tea, anchoring Aurora during the family visit.
- AspenAurora’s sibling; checks on Aurora’s well-being upon arrival.
- InaCastle staff; accepts Aurora’s apology for the ruined wedding arrangements.
- FrederickCastle staff; attends breakfast and assists Aurora, confused but supportive.
- ConstanceAt breakfast beside the Starmaker; a quiet presence observing the new dynamic.