Last.
One.
Even the angry foreman is perched on a stack of wood, sipping from a mug next to the two incompetent guards.
It is no wonder they have not finished. Surely they should be taking breaks one or two at a time so that work can continue instead of the entire site coming to a halt.
Then again, what reason do they have to rush? They have immortal water flowing through their city. They do not need to traverse the temporary bridge for any reason.
They have no incentive to complete the bridge.
Maybe the architects did not go missing after all.
Maybe this is only an excuse to delay connecting our worlds.
Golden sunlight streams through the tall windows on the far wall, highlighting Ever’s form where he perches on the raised platform, watching me pace.
How can he be so still at a time like this? So calm? “The guards left at dinnertime.” Dinnertime!
Ever scrubs a hand across his jaw. “I know.”
“They do not care if the bridge is finished.”
“I know.”
“This is unacceptable. The temporary bridge is no longer safe for wagon or steed. Our people must cross on foot to retrieve water from their well, and these Seelie act as if there is no hurry to complete the bridge.” They spent an hour on lunch. An hour! Who takes this long to eat a meal?
“Maddox. I know.”
“Then why do you allow them to continue?” He is their king. His words hold weight. His word is law. “If you spoke to the Chieftain, surely he would be willing to send males to finish the bridge.”
“The Unseelie have other worries. Besides, we do not have the skills, and the Chieftain cannot spare the hunters.”
This is another problem that could be easily solved. There is plenty of game on this side of the canyon. Our hunters would not have to leave for weeks on end if they were allowed to hunt the Seelie forests.
A problem for another time.
In this moment, we must focus on the bridge. At the Seelie’s current pace, the thing will take years to complete. The foreman clearly does not have what it takes to motivate his workers.
But I can think of someone who might. I stop in front of Ever, meeting his scowl with a smile—the first I have worn since returning from the worksite. “We do not need all the hunters.”
His brows arch.
“We only need one.”
14
“The golden willow displayed in Castle Rose’s garden fountain was a gift from the Kingdom of Laurel for King Octavius Waltz III’s coronation.”
— Castle Rose: A Royal Marvel
I’m not certain how a long stroll through the local orchard ended with me standing at the gates leading to the castle gardens. Probably has something to do with me missing my cousin.
Yes. That must be it.
Since I walked all the way here, it would be silly to waste the trip without seeing at least one person I know. Maybe Maddox will have good news to share about his Unseelie love.
Best not to focus too much on why this thought makes my stomach ache. Maybe it’s not the thought of the two of them together. Maybe it’s the apple I ate on the way. Could’ve had worms.
