I only could peek once outside by the stables. The gargantuan statues were beautifully carved.
“They're magical golems that when the defense system is activated from the control room, it raises the castle and enacts the barrier. Nobody without the royal rune can leave or enter. That symbol gives you more power than you know. I’m surprised he doesn’t have one of his pixies following you around everywhere. He must not see you as a threat… an underestimation on his part.”
I leaned back, taking in every word he said.
“There are many things that make little sense about my cousin’s unique immortality gift,” Gideon whispered. “But we know one thing for sure. My aunt was involved. We need to search her chambers.”
My heart raced and I put a hand to my head. “What are you planning, and why should I trust you?”
“I can't tell you everything, but know that I can get you free if you help.”
“Where will I go? Anyone who sees me will see this birthmark and know who I am. There is no escape for me.” I brushed a finger across the birthmark on my face.
“I can hide that. My family and I are well skilled in illusion. We can protect you if you work with us.”
Freedom.
Something I had dreamed about since I was a little girl. Not to be free of a greater destiny, or even queen, but to go unrecognized through a crowd. To run amongst other children andlaugh without fear. To be untethered to the world, running barefoot through fields without guards or priestesses watching me.
For so long, I had walked through the world trapped by a destiny I never asked for. What could I do without a prophecy controlling my future?
And with no signifying mark, I’d truly be free.
“You could do that?” Without my birthmark, I was just a woman, not the child of prophecy. If Gideon could actually hide it, I might have a chance of freedom.
But at what cost? Without knowing his plans, I was taking a significant risk in trusting this stranger.
“I need to know I can trust you too,” he said. “Help me tonight, and I’ll share with you what I can.”
The carriage stopped.
Gideon pulled the curtain back, looking outside. “I will come to you tonight when it’s safe.”
Before I could answer, a guard opened the door and Gideon stepped out first. He held out his hand, helping me out of the carriage.
Liora came over, followed by three chambermaids, each one holding a basket and dressed in simple white and green frocks. Their white bonnets hid their hair, but not their long pointy ears.
“This way, Your Majesty.” Gideon stepped aside and walked toward the center square.
Guards were stationed along the perimeter, creating a circle around the stone fountain.
One cobbled road ran down the center of the tightly knit square. Carts carrying various morning goods and trinkets lined the sides and filled the sidewalks.
The homes, built from rocks and moss, held a quaint beauty, but one I didn't expect from fae. There were no big, beautiful trees or passing butterflies.
Instead, blue forget-me-nots and yellow lilies filled the grassy spaces between the homes, which were decorated with various wildflowers ranging from vibrant bluebells to pink fireweed.
There was something intricately simple and wondrous about the town.
Sunlight beamed on the crystal water, and two red robins splashed on the bowl the elf statue in the center held. Another stunning sight. As the warm sunlight heated my face and arms, I forgot about my own troubles and enjoyed the view before me.
Rustling carts bumped across the cobblestone, fae trying to get a better view of me. Curious whispers mingled with the clanging of metal from a nearby blacksmith.
One of the chambermaids handed me a basket filled with red apples and loaves of bread. I took one of the fresh rolls and handed it to a young fae cowering behind her mother’s apron, dirt covering her face.
Her fingers trembled as she reached for the roll, eyes wide with both hunger and fear.
I knelt to her level, forcing a smile. "It's okay," I whispered, holding out the bread. "You're safe."
