“You can’t live here,” I said. "I will put you on trial for everything you did to me, the people, and Kaiora, and then I will send you back."
“Please… can my punishment be here? I will never do magic again, just… don’t send me to my family.”
I frowned. She made our lives miserable, so why not make hers miserable?
“I’m sending you back to Windmere.”
Her fingers wrapped around the iron bars. “I feel I could start new here, Ezra. If I go home… father will just… betroth me to someone else, and I do not want it. It’s been a nightmare with Tavo, then you, and Tavo again…”
For whatever reason, I felt sorry for Cressida. We came from similar backgrounds: the spares to the throne, except I became king and she was still tossed around for marriage like a leaf blowing in the wind.
No wonder she tried to turn the tables in her favor after Tavo’s death.
I said, "You must stand trial first. Then I will send word to your father. If he agrees to your punishment here, you will stay and be loyal to this crown and kingdom forever. If not, you will go.”
“I understand.” She nodded, a little relief crossing her face. “I just hope he will not request me to come home.”
Home. It was a word we all tossed around. Aulani was trying to get home. Cressida was trying to flee home. Tavo was trying to take over his home. And I? Well… I was trying to protect my home. I was trying to protecther.
“Come on,” I said, unlocking the door, then paused as Cressida stepped out. Our eyes met and she sighed, holding out her hand.
“Ezra, I really am sorry for changing you into a frog,” she said, and I hesitated before shaking it.
“My father died trying to find me,” I said, and she visibly cringed.
“Yes, and I am truly sorry for that too… I suppose this is the best way I can repay you… by helping you save the girl you love.”
I nodded and an understanding passed through us. I shook her hand. This was a new beginning, a fresh start for the “spares” in their kingdoms. But we were spares no longer.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
AULANI
Iwalked through the forest, unafraid to be seen. Morning light danced through the trees, and I could hear the ocean waves not far from here. The birds began circling above, and the bugs, plants, flowers, and insects seemed to respond to my plea for help. I could feel them prepared to stand in solidarity with me, even to fight.
We must stop Tavo,I told them.He’s going to hurt the island.
The campfire smoke grew stronger the closer I got, and, soon, I heard men talking, metal grinding, and axes hacking.
Already at work.I shook my head to myself, saddened that Tavo had turned against the island and his people.
“Whoa! Look who’s here!” A man called out and Tavo appeared, his shirt off, sweat dripping down his big, bulky frame.
“Ah, Aulani.” He grinned. “Come to join me? You’re a little late, dear. My offer to you and my brother has expired.”
I shook my head, and he frowned, as if realizing I was completely alone. It was a strange thing. And then… “Did you call on all those birds last night?” He gaped. “It’s you…”
Before he could rally his men to snatch me, I nodded and, from all around me, the leaves began shaking in the branches. The trunks swayed, and just the noise from the movement spooked the men.
Leave,I wanted to tell Tavo, but some of his men already dropped their tools and stepped back, looking from the trees to me.
A man reached out and grabbed my wrist, dragging me towards Tavo. I tried to resist, pushing him away. Then, something happened. Thefrogsresponded to my call. I had never reached out to them, bothered by them as I was, but I could feel themworryingfor me…
Help me!And suddenly frogs came from every direction, jumping onto the man who grabbed my wrist. He let go immediately, trying to swat at the frogs jumping all around him.
“We can’t keep doing this!” exclaimed one of the men and they all scurried away. Tavo was furious, watching his crew disappear.
“You cowards!” he cursed at them. “Come back!Come back!”
