Spring came again, as it always did, and Reinette welcomed it.

There was a particular need for it this year, as she still slowly recovered from her illness. Her hair and skin refreshed by the sun. Her gowns began to fit as they should once more.

There could be no doubting her influence now. And those that thought the dissolution of her physical relationship with Louis would prove her downfall were proven wrong. If anything their bonds were now stronger. For Louis could be an indifferent ruler at his worst, and he needed her passions and attentions. He might argue when she exhausted herself, but never once did he actually ask that she stop.

And then it was a year since she last saw Jack.

An entire year.

It was all too easy to mark the day. Reinette had always been conscious of time since her childhood and the first night the fireplace spun. She was aware of it now. One year to the day since the one they spent together.

She found herself walking the labyrinth, imagining how this one was different for him than the last. She wondered if he was happy. Because if he recognized it or not, he deserved that.

No matter how he might argue with her.

The thought was nearly enough to make her smile.