“Semantics.”
We pass the maze and various folks who stare wide-eyed. “You’ve never seen a maiden fly before?” I ask. “Clearly, you have led sheltered lives until my arrival.”
They scurry away like my chaos might infect them. They need not worry, because I’m going to keep it all for myself.
Theo yanks me down so we can go under the archway and enter the castle. We turn right, ready to head up the stairs to the knights’ chambers. Probably for the best. We don’t want everyone to get jealous of my new ability.
Screams erupt from somewhere in the vast castle, which isn’t unusual when everyone is trying to fit their narrative inside one space. It’s bound to have competing consequences. But this sounds a little more urgent than usual.
“A crocodile,” a girl shouts. “He’s going to eat us.”
I know a crocodile. What a coincidence. The sound of pounding feet reaches us before a gang of terrified females shoves out the doors and rushes toward us, knocking into the knights. Theo curses as one of them snags her hand on the rope in his hand, making him lose his grip. I grab at the checkered picnic blanket and clutch it to my shoulders like a cape. My body floats higher. Malachi jumps, his fingers outstretched to grabme, but it’s no use. My flight ability is powerful and can’t be tamed. I swallow down the panic as everyone gets smaller, and then I bump into the ceiling. Holy Idol balls, that’s a long way down.
Mr. Tick shuffles across the floor, having cleared out the castle of screaming women, and stares at the brothers before lifting his head and grinning at me.
Hart and Nash appear at the top of the stairs, staring up at me in what can only be a mixture of surprise and resignation. “Calamity?” Hart snaps. “How? Never mind.”
I grin and give them a wave. “Hey, look! I can fly.”
Nash shakes his head, and Hart snorts before joining the others as they stare up at me.
I waft my hand around. “They really should get some cleaning fairies up here. There’s so many cobwebs, it’s embarrassing.”
“I take it her clumsiness isn’t contained to the ocean?” Mr. Tick says.
“Nope,” Gwyneth mutters. “Now what?”
“We wait here until she falls,” Nash replies with a deep sigh.
“Falls?” I shriek. “I am not a fan of the falling.”
Hart’s lips tip up in a wicked smirk. “Don’t worry, Calamity, we’ll catch you.” Why is he smiling like that? He should stick to frowning. It’s far less terrifying.
“New bet,” Malachi says, a matching smile gracing his face before he licks his lips. “Whoever catches her gets her in their bed tonight.”
“But I’m in your bed,” Theo reminds him. “We made space for Gwyneth, remember?”
“Then I guess she sleeps with us both,” Malachi says, rubbing his hands together. “Missioncatch a falling maidenis on.”
Do I want to be caught between two knights? Yes. Oh Idols, I believe I do.
Chapter
Twenty-Two
After three turns of flying, three turns of the knights taking turns watching my every move, I’m ready to scream. There’s only so much ceiling cleaning one can handle before wanting to throw in the towel. Or blanket, in my case. I made it my mission to clear the cobwebs to give myself something to pass the time with, but I want my cloud bed back. Trying to sleep while dangling mid-air isn’t fun.
As I reach out to clear another web, I float down a few feet. “Um, guys?” I call out, hope sparking in my chest. This will work—a slow, gentle descent into the arms of my knights as the venom wears off.
Then, like someone has sucked the magic out of my body, I lose every semblance of lightness and slam downward, a shriek ripping from my throat as my arms flail. Strong arms catch me, and after my heart settles back in my chest, I smile up at Malachi and pat his cheek. Tonight I’ll share a bed with not one, but two knights. Idols help me. I am equal parts excited and terrified.
“Good catch,” I murmur.
He shakes his head as he lowers my feet to the ground and holds me for a split tempo to ensure I am conquering gravity. The other knights press closer until I’m caught between them.They don’t speak, but their casual touches of reassurance feed my soul.
Gwyneth comes hurrying into the room, with Mr. Tick shuffling behind her. The crocodile’s presence has had the bonus effect of warding off curious folks from gazing at the spectacle of the flying maiden, which I can only be grateful for.
“Good, you are down,” she breathes, holding a hand to her chest. “I was a little worried you would be stuck up there for an annus.”
