Galinor laughs. “I know—it’s hard to believe—but it was a real fairy. An entire tree of them.”
I grasp his shoulders, turning him toward me. “You must take me to them. Please, Galinor—please say you will.”
He’s surprised by the gesture, and he glances at my hands. I should let go, but I don’t.
“I’m sorry, Anwen, but I will not go back in that forest.”
“Please.” I meet his eyes. “I need you.”
He laughs, and it’s such a tired, sad sound, my heart aches for him. His hands rise to mine, and he gently pulls my fingers from his shoulders. “I’ve been here before, Your Ladyship, and though you are just as lovely as the first girl who begged for my help, I am not stepping foot in that forest again.”
I yank my hands away from his, frustrated. Surely if Father received the changeling stone from the fairies, they would be able to give me another. I’m so close, but if Galinor won’t take me, I have no way to find them.
“Are you all right?” Galinor asks as I clench and unclench my fingers. “Anwen?”
I look up and attempt a smile. “Yes, but I’m sticky from touching you.”
He laughs, and I’m startled by how genuine it is. He meets my eyes again. “You don’t want your hopes riding on me. Anyone but me.”
I shake my head, refusing to give in. If it’s not Galinor, who will it be?
Galinor stands with his men,and they are ready to ride. The morning sun is warm, and I linger under a tree, watching them. I haven’t spoken with him. I’m afraid if I approach him, he will wonder why I thought I should.
Galinor says something to his men, hands a boy his reins, and strides in my direction. “You are hovering,” he says when he reaches me. His voice is clear this morning, and his eyes are sharp.
I look up at him—he’s very tall when he’s standing—and I feel awkward. “I had hoped…I mean, I wondered…” I look at the stones under my feet.
He places a finger under my chin and gently tilts my face up. “You want me to change my mind.”
“Yes.”
“I haven’t,” he says, dashing my hopes.
I look away, frustrated, and bite my lip to keep from begging.
He groans and steps closer. “Why is this so important to you?”
I cross my arms and look back. “I’ve lost something dear to my family. I can’t go home until I replace it.”
His features sharpen. “Your family won’t let you come home?”
I shake my head. “No, of course they would have me, but they would be so disappointed.” My voice trembles, but I try to hide it. “I’ve messed up so badly.”
“And if I help you, and we by some miracle stumble on this tree again, the fairies will give you what you need?”
He’s wavering.
“Yes.” I nod so vigorously a curl escapes my braid and falls in front of my eyes.
He grumbles under his breath. “Fine. I’ll try to find it, but I make no—”
I jump up, wrap my arms around his neck, and squeal in his ear. “Thank you, Galinor!”
He laughs at my spontaneity, holds me for just a moment, and then pulls me loose.
“What is this?” Irving says from behind me. Next to him, the girl at his side looks embarrassed.
“Marigold!” I gasp, surprised to see my friend here in Lauramore. I step forward to embrace her. “Did you come with Irving for the tournament?”
