The Ice Monarch's territory was particularly peaceful that morning.
Fine snow fell over the palace gardens, slowly covering rooftops and trees with crystallized leaves, while a discreet barrier kept the harsher cold away from the small area where Vex was playing.
Strax was kneeling in the snow in front of her, holding a small ice creature the girl had shaped with her own hands.
According to Vex, it was a dragon.
According to anyone else with functioning eyes, it looked more like a fat lizard with crooked wings.
"It's perfect," Strax declared with complete seriousness.
Vex broke into a huge smile.
"I knew it!"
Mercedes, sitting a few meters behind them beneath the shelter of a small pavilion, nearly choked on her hot coffee.
She looked at the creature in his hands, then at Strax with an expression that clearly said he was raising a child who would never be able to accept criticism.
"Don't encourage her."
Strax turned the small ice dragon to look at it from another angle.
