“I can’t believe Lady Raena pulled out a dagger!” Theo called out over his shoulder, snatching my attention away from any dangerous thoughts. “And you’re right for not asking Erik to join us. He’d throw a fit if he heard what happened.”
Originally, I’d considered having both the guards accompany me, but the fewer people who knew about my dealings with the fae, the better. Besides, of the two guards, Theo seemed so much calmer, and given how eagerly Erik had cared for Raena, I worried that he’d be the type to let anger outweigh his logic if he heard what happened in the faery dungeons.
Our horses slowed as we reached the forest clearing. This time, I helped Theo secure the horses before we venturedtowards the huge willow tree together. While my hand searched against the bark for that same gnarled spot, my heart pounded against my ribs.
“I’m half expecting Erik to jump out and tell me this is all some big joke,” Theo said in a failed attempt to lighten the mood.
“This is no joke,” I muttered as the bark began to buckle and morph into a doorway. All I could hear were the faint sounds of nighttime crickets and Theo’s soft gasps as the overwhelming scent of spring blossoms hit my nose once again.
It wasn’t long before we reached the end of the spiral staircase that led down to the official entrance of Faelenna. Theo had stayed silent, closely following my steps as we descended further and further. When we finally headed through the small archway that marked the end of the steps, the two armoured faeries that guarded the gate immediately straightened. Although they appeared to be much less panicked this time, each of them bowed as though they were expecting me.
“His Royal Highness Prince Arenn has been eagerly anticipating your return, Princess,” one of the faeries announced, lifting his head. “Please, let us escort you to the palace.”
“I would much rather he comes to me,” I requested, trying hard to mask the nervousness in my voice. “Please inform the prince that I have some urgent business to discuss.”
The two faeries exchanged worried glances.
“Of course, Your Highness.” The other spoke this time. “We will alert the prince of your arrival.” Then, with a bow, he slinked off through a small tunnel that I hadn’t noticed before.
Minutes passed, but they felt more like hours as the pounding in my chest only grew stronger. I once again hoped that faeries didn’t have a secret way of sensing fear, because otherwise my plan to ‘bravely’ confront the Prince of the Fae would crumble just as quickly as my stomach dropped upon seeing the gate.
With a quiet grunt, the same guard popped out from the tunnel and wordlessly returned to his place by the entrance. Moments later, the giant round doors began to tremble and groan until, slowly, they creaked open towards the faery kingdom.
My heart fluttered when I caught sight of that familiar silver circlet resting upon a perfect heap of black waves. Just as before, the prince was finely dressed in an black- and silver-embroidered ensemble that clung tightly to his toned chest. And as I glanced up, his honey-coloured irises immediately found mine.
“Princess Naria,” the faery prince called from just beyond the doorway, a perfect smile stretching over his pale face, “I cannot even begin to express how enchanting it is to see you again.”
He bowed deeply, sending the butterflies in my stomach into a frenzy.
“Prince Arenn,” I returned the greeting and steadied my breath. “I wish I could say the same, but I’m afraid I did not come here just to socialise.”
The prince tilted his head, and then shot an amused look at Theo, who was positioned behind me. “Who have you brought with you? Do not tell me this is your foolish prince?”
“This is Theo, a palace guard from Drothmore. He accompanied me here as my chaperone. I would have come with Raena again, except she is too terrified to even leave her room.” My fists clenched as the words came out more cutting than I anticipated. “Yourfriendlyguard Valen gave her a gift that convinced her she was in love – an enchanted bracelet. Thankfully, there was someone at the palace who could remove it, but—”
“Well, I’m glad the problem was resolved.” Arenn grinned, shoving his hands into his pockets and sauntering closer.
“The problem has not been resolved.” My eyebrows knittedtogether. “Poor Lady Raena is beside herself. She has nightmares every night; I can hear her through the walls!”
“Watching you be angry like this is so… heartwarming,” he chuckled. “You’re like a little dog.” He let out a mocking, high-pitched bark that sent the two faery guards into a fit of tinkling laughter.
Rage boiled in my chest. If this prince wasn’t my only option for rebuilding Corlixir, I would’ve spun on my heels then and there, never to return. But I had to try and get through to him, not just for the sake of my people but for Raena too.
“What he did wasn’t right. I don’t care if he thought she was an assassin, you can’t just toy with people like that. I need you to promise me you will punish him.” As I spoke, something sparkled like the stars in Arenn’s devious gaze.
He paused for a moment, deep in thought. Then, another smile tugged at his sharp faery lips. “I will make sure that Valen answers for his crimes. Just for you, I will have him punished in the middle of Luminessia!” The two faery guards gasped and babbled excitedly, as if he’d just announced the opening of a fantastical new theatre show, but my focus remained on the prince as he moved closer. When he was just inches away, his slender fingers trailed down my arm, gently brushing my skin and making my toes curl in my boots. “I will have him punished in any way you so desire, if you let me takeyousomewhere special tonight.”
Behind me, I heard the clinking of armour as Theo stiffened.
Arenn’s gaze flew over my head and landed on my palace guard, who’d remained silent throughout the entire conversation. “You, Sir Theo, can remain here. My guards will keep you company.”
“I’m not leaving the princess,” Theo responded in a low, don’t-test-me sort of voice.
Arenn chuckled, and then in one swift motion, he wrappedhis arm around my shoulders and spun me to face the guard. The smell of wildflowers and cinnamon crept into my nose as his arm held me tightly against his side. “I can assure you that your precious princess is very safe with me. She doesn’t need you as her chaperone, in fact, I shall be her chaperone!”
The two faery guards giggled like schoolchildren, which only made Theo lower his brow further. “I don’t think you understand how this works.”
“It’s alright, Theo,” I reassured him. “I can handle myself. Please, just stay here for now.”
