“Thank you, Your Highness,” Rawn said, stroking Fair’s muzzle.
“I’m sorry for what occurred,” she said.
“It was not your doing.”
“And yet I feel responsible.” Keena linked her hands, lowering her head. “I shouldn’t have believed him.”
“Who?” Dyna asked.
“Leoake.”
Lucenna whipped around. “You know the Druid?”
The fairy princess nodded, her nose curling in annoyance. “Yes, he’s somewhat of a friend. He said you would come and that I should bring you to the court. He …” Her gaze flickered to Dyna, then away. “Leoake is tricksy as most seers tend to be.”
“You knew we were searching for him,” Dyna said. “Why didn’t you tell us?”
Keena flew to her. “He said your paths may cross.”
“They didn’t.”
The fairy glowered at the woods, though the edges of her mouth softened with fondness. “That dastardly Druid. He is long gone now. You broke the geas King Dagden had on him. Seers are mighty convenient to have in one’s court. King bound him in a geas, but Leoake set the terms. ‘Serve you I will until the day comes the moon renders death to ash.’ Such strange terms, and yet no one questioned it since it seemed so silly and impossible. Us, who are so careful with words.” Keena met Lucenna’s gaze and smiled. “His service ended after fifteen years when a Lunar sorceress vanquished a Dark Fae of demise.”
No wonder the king had been angry. He’d lost a valued member of his court.
“That is why you expected us,” Cassiel said.
“Leoake advised King Dagden travelers would come and that allowing you into the court would endow the Phantasmic Moors with great amusement on his wedding day.”
That they certainly did.
“Do you know where he may have gone?” Dyna asked.
“Most likely as far away from King Dagden as possible. He wasn’t treated poorly, but Leoake hated being trapped here.” Keena fluttered around Dyna and landed on her shoulder. “He may very well be headed for Arthal.”
“That is across the ocean,” Lucenna said in alarm. “We need to find him as soon as possible. We have questions to ask of him. Where can we find him?”
The fairy shrugged as she knotted a lock of Dyna’s hair in a braid. “I suspect he will pass through the Port of Azure.”
“Good,” Cassiel said. “We are headed there as well.”
“How much time would we have to find him?” Dyna asked.
Keena bit her lip. “The next ship to Arthal leaves in one week.”
Rawn bowed his head. “Thank you, Princess.”
The little fairy curtsied back. “If you need anything, I will be in the Moors.”
“Ah, yes, I must return this jacket.” Dyna motioned at the folded silver fabric in her arms. “But it’s too late to go back now.”
“Then I’ll return to escort you in the morning.” Keena waved farewell, and they flew away in a mist of gold dust.
“I need to sleep,” Lucenna grumbled. She wouldn’t be able to function without at least a few hours. “Do whatever you want. I’m making camp.”
With a wave of her hand, she tossed out everyone’s belongings from her satchel. Her tent floated out and expanded as it reached the ground. She went in, ignoring the hum of the voices outside. She peeled off her flimsy dress and put on a black chemise before flopping on her bed.
But sleep proved difficult when her mind wouldn’t quiet. She would have to contact Lucien tomorrow and admit her setback.
