I can only hope Perth Quellos can help the Winter Realm from his side. I still don’t like him and I’m anxious that he knows Keldarion’s secret, but he’s served the royal family for generations. Surely now that we’re all working together, we can see this through.
“I know you took care of that dreadful man—”
I tear myself from my thoughts and look up to see Keldarion has fallen into step beside us, and he’s conversing with my father. Besides a few brief exchanges, the last time these two spoke was when Kel threw my dad in the dungeon.
“His departure from this world was a great mercy,” Papa continues. “And you may be so-called ‘mates’ with my daughter, but that does not mean you have my approval. Not that Rosalina requires such a thing, but she deserves—”
Keldarion fixes his icy gaze on my father. I expect him to spout something about never wanting me even if I was the last woman in the Enchanted Vale, but he just says, “I will not let harm come to her again. Anyone who hurts her will earn a similar fate.”
Papa gives a curt nod, no doubt proud of himself for talking to the High Prince of Winter. I know he’s trying to take a more active role in my life now, and I appreciate the gesture.
“So,” I slide between them, eager to change the subject, “do you think Papa and I will stand out in Coppershire with our round ears?”
“Doubtful,” Keldarion says. “The realms are quite accommodating to wayward humans.”
“Besides the ones that wander into Castletree,” I chide.
Cries of excitement sound from up ahead. Dayton turns around, winking. “We’re almost there.”
As I round the bend, the trees give way to a breathtaking sight—a magnificent fae city nestled in the valley below.
The buildings are adorned with ivy and wreaths of orange and red leaves. In the distance, a castle towers over the city. It’s Castletree, except its branches flutter with fall leaves. I know it’s only an illusion: though the Queen’s magic makes Castletree appear in all four realms, there’s only one true physical location in the Briar.
But the keep at the base of Castletree is real… and it’s huge. Towering spires stretch upward, with walls made of shimmering bronze and gold.
The sounds of laughter and music drift up to us as we draw closer. I slow until I fall into step beside Farron. He looks down at me, a soft smile on his face. “You look beautiful today, Rosie. Like you’re ready for a proper adventure.”
“This is an adventure, Farron.” I take his hand. “One we’re going on together.”
He gives a brief nod, the chilly breeze blowing the loose brown hair back from his brow. “I suppose.”
“I’m so excited to see where you grew up,” I say, trying to stay positive. There have been no signs of a frost yet.
We approach a large stone wall that surrounds the entire city. The gates are made of gold, designed with intricate carvings of leaves, acorns, and fae creatures.
“We’re here,” Farron says, straightening a little, the hint of a smile on his face. “Coppershire.”
The great gates swing open, and a host of mounted soldiers storm out. Hooves thunder as they form a perimeter around our group. We huddle close together, Keldarion pressing me tightly against his side.
“What is the meaning of this, Farron?” he growls.
“I-I don’t know!” Farron stammers.
The guards of the Autumn Realm are dressed in ornate armor atop their long, flowing orange robes they they’ve belted with braided rope. The fabric seems to be made from woven leaves and petals, which rustle softly as they move. Each carries a weapon crafted from the forest itself: a bow of twigs and vines, or a spear adorned with foliage and berries.
Why are they surrounding us like we’re the enemy?
Two guards pull Billy and Dom from our circle, despite their complaints.
Another soldier steps forward. He removes his golden helmet, and Farron lets out a sigh. “Captain, what’s going on?”
The captain frowns. “You are all under arrest for fraternizing with the High Prince of Winter.”
Keldarion stiffens beside me. “What?”
Farron looks at the tight circle of guards. His lip trembles. “But I’m, uh, I’m your High Prince. I would very much appreciate it if you stood down.”
Dayton gives a frustrated sigh. “Fare, command, don’t ask.”
