“What?” Dayton laces his hands through his hair. “Someone back me up. Kel?”
But Keldarion stands dazed, staring at Caspian with a mix of disgust and reverence.
If this bargain works,I think,I could return to Autumn without fear of hurting my family or my people. I could remain hidden at night and not worry about breaking out or losing control of myself during the day. I might be able to be the High Prince for once.
“If this is a bargain,” Rosalina says, “what do you want in return?”
Caspian throws a casual arm around her shoulders. “In exchange, I would like you all to attend my birthday party.”
Now it’s my turn to join the collective gasp.
Dayton slams his foot down. “Is this some sick joke? Why the fuck would you want us there?”
“To trap us in the Below.” Ezryn prowls toward him. “We are not fools, Caspian.”
“No, but you’re certainly paranoid,” Caspian says without missing a beat. “You know I love a good festivity. I’m hosting a grand celebration for my Revelry Day in two full moons time down in the pleasureyard of Cryptgarden. I simply want the satisfaction of forcing you there.” He touches his chest. “Trust me.”
Keldarion walks over and yanks Caspian’s hand off Rosalina. “Your birthday isn’t on the full moon.”
A flush seems to appear on Caspian’s cheeks. “Well, that’s when I’m hosting my party.”
“We can’t go to the Below,” I say. “Our magic has no connection there.”
Caspian clicks his tongue and pulls a tiny seed out of his front pocket. He flicks it to me, and I fumble, barely catching it. The small, purple oval is smooth to the touch.
“Plant this and a portal shall sprout for you and remain open for twelve hours. I recommend somewhere where no poor souls will accidentally come across it. It grows best in soil touched by tragedy.” Caspian raises a brow. “Perhaps your old library would do.”
Shame and anger flow through me, and I hold the seed between my fingers, ready to crush it.
I can’t make a deal with Caspian. He betrayed Kel. He’s sapping the magic from Castletree. He’s a villain.
And he’s the only way I’ll ever be able to save my home and make sure what happened to the old library never happens again.
“This bargain includes everyone.” I take turns staring each of my family members in the eye. “Will you come to Cryptgarden with me?”
Ezryn grinds his fists together. “It doesn’t make sense. Why would the traitor want us there?”
Caspian opens his mouth to respond, but Rosalina interrupts him, giving him a dead-pan stare. “I think it’s because he doesn’t have any real friends.” She takes my hand. “Trust your heart, Farron. If this is what you need to do for your people, I’ll stand beside you.” Then she flings a nasty look over her shoulder. “Even if it means attending a boring birthday party.”
“Oh, trust me, Flower,” Caspian purrs. “My parties are anything but boring.”
Dayton looks up at the ceiling and gives an audible exhale. “Same as Rosie. I’m with you, Fare.” He storms over to Caspian and pokes his chest. “But if anything seems fishy, I’ll use that seed to go straight to the Below and cut off your pretty head.”
Caspian rubs his chest. “Dayton, dear, I could teach you a thing or two about pretty head.”
Now, it’s Dayton’s turn to blush.
Rosalina turns to Kel and Ezryn. “What about you two?” I ask.
Kel’s gaze is a hailstorm driving into me. “Are you sure about this, Farron?”
I’m not sure about anything except that I can’t do this alone. “Yes. I’m sure.”
Kel’s eyes close and his face softens in an expression akin to grief. He flicks one eye open and looks toward Ezryn. “I’m not going without you.” His voice lowers a pitch. “I made that mistake last time.”
Moment after moment passes as Ezryn stands eerily still. And then he says, “If this is the will of the High Prince of Autumn, then I will stand with you.”
The air feels thick with anticipation, and I stumble as Caspian drags me away from the others. Rosalina reaches for me, and Dayton entwines his fingers in hers.
