Stone of Hope

Chapter 6

Iawake to a gentle knock on the door. No one ever knocks on my door, I think groggily. When the light knocking sounds again, my sleep-induced brain starts to come to life and I open my eyes to gain my bearings. With a start, I realize I must have fallen asleep and I really am in the Northern Kingdom. My arrival here wasn’t a dream. I close my eyes and breathe a sigh, unsure of what is to come. The brightness in my room is too sunny for early morning, which leads me to believe it’s late afternoon. That is, if time moves the same here as it does back in the Earth Realm. Just then, the door opens.

To my surprise, the person at my door is female. “Hello, I’m Molly!” she says cheerily, accompanied by a small curtsy. “Timber briefly filled me in on your situation and sent me to attend you. I figured you would be thirsty and hungry, so I brought up a cart with snacks for afternoon tea.” Pushing the door open further, she makes her way into my room and sets up shop near a small table and chairs, then motions for me to take a seat. The guard Avery quickly peers in the doorway and scans the room warily. His eyes meet mine briefly, and with a smile on his face, he nods and closes the door. Attention focused back on Molly, I observe that her small frame fits her iridescent blue A-line gown well. Brown hair cascades down her back in long, ringlet curls. She offers a sweet smile when she hears my stomach growl. I smile sheepishly.

The comforting aroma coming from the cart reminds me of a bakery from back home. I finger-comb my ratty hair and try to make myself presentable as Molly bustles about and creates a plate for me, spooning a dollop of each confection, pastry, and baked good and naming them for me. I pick up a fork, about to take a bite, until I notice she’s not making herself a plate. Instead, she turns to go to the closet.

Before she enters the closet, I entreat, “Molly, please join me and eat.” She stops, hesitant at first, but when she turns around, I offer a reassuring smile. She nods and walks back to me.

“I’m not supposed to dine with you,” she confides breathlessly. “I don’t want to get into trouble, but the frostik is my favorite. I can’t resist!” I watch as she picks up a fork and picks up a large bite of deep purple frostik with berries in it. Reminding me of fruit cake, the crumbles are smothered with red jam. She takes a big bite and moans. Once she swallows, her face spreads in a satisfied smile. “It’s so good!”

I smile at her enthusiasm, deciding to try that next since the blue pudding I just ate tastes like watered-down tapioca pudding. A third confectionary delight has some sort of red berries in it with a crumble on top. To my surprise, it’s a lot sweeter than the first sweet, but also has a sour aftertaste to it, similar to rhubarb squares. We continue to eat and chat, and all too soon, the snacks are gone. Molly bustles about, cleaning up and pouring tea, and tells me about the gossip and rumors swirling around the castle. She seems ecstatic to have someone to talk to.

“How long have you worked for King Forrest?” I ask, genuinely interested.

“Well, life spans are different here,” she answers thoughtfully. “We live a lot longer than you do. I’d say in comparison to your years, I started working here when I was fifteen.”

“How old are you now, then?”

“If you count it in your years, I’m thirty.”

My jaw practically hits the floor. She doesn’t look a day older than fifteen! Even I look older than her. “How did you get the job here?”

A proud glint comes to her eye. “My entire family works for our current king, and they worked for the king before him, so I had an easy in. Since my family is one of the most trusted, I was assigned to you. Ash had to fill me in with the lifestyle on Earth and what you like. “

“You spoke to Ash?” I ask, perking up a bit. “Why hasn’t he come to see me?”

She looks down at her tea and I notice her shoulders lower. “He’s not allowed to come see you,” she confides uncomfortably. “Then again, I’m sure King Forrest and Prince Timber have already explained things to you.”

“No one has explained anything to me,” I moan, then offer an encouraging smile. “I really do want to understand.” I reach for her hand and cover it lightly with my own. “Will you share with me what you can?” I try to keep the pleading tone from my voice.

“If they haven’t explained it yet, then it’s not my place to explain it to you.” She pulls her hand away gently and brings her teacup to her lips. “Now, we need to get started on your hair,” she announces, effectively changing the subject and practically running to the bathroom. I take that as my cue to follow.

The vanity is decorated with the same type of carvings found throughout the bedroom. I’m at a loss for words to describe how intricately sculpted the oval mirror is. She starts working on my hair as I slowly take in the patterns around me. After deciding to leave my hair down in curls like hers, I find myself missing the necklace around my neck. My hand keeps reaching for it.

Once she’s done, she makes her way into the closet and returns with two A-line dresses with a sweetheart neckline, one blue and one green. “This is something you can wear during the day,” she instructs. “It’s simple, but elegant.” She holds up each one, asking me which one I’d like to wear.

“Do you have any that go up to my neck, like a halter top?” I ask, hopeful that I can return my mother’s necklace to its rightful place. She heads back to the closet to search.

She comes out with the same two dresses. “Not as of yet, but I will let the seamstress know that is the style you prefer.”

“The green one is fine with me.” I pick it because out of the two offered, it looks bigger and might provide more breathing room. Not to mention that I find all the crystals at the bottom hem of the dress enchanting. Molly puts the blue one back in the wardrobe and returns to help me dress. She hangs the dress on a wardrobe hook, grips the hem of my silk nightie, and starts to pull it over my hips like my nakedness is no big deal. Embarrassed, I push her hands down and take a step back.

“Molly, I can dress myself, but I might need your help with the zipper,” I say sheepishly. Without waiting for an answer, I grab the dress and head back into the bathroom to dress in private. After slipping into the finely made dress, I glance in the mirror and barely recognize myself. Shocked, I quickly look away. Instead of being swayed by a pretty dress, I need to focus on the task at hand: get dressed, find Timber, ask about Ash, and find out about my dad.

Here goes nothing…“I’m ready,” I call out nervously.

Molly opens the bathroom door and I twirl around, making the dress flare out and the crystals sparkle. She smoothly tugs the zipper all the way to the top, then turns me around by the shoulders.

“You look beautiful, Jewel,” she appraises. “It’s getting late and it’s time for me to go, but before I leave, I’ll lay out your clothes for bed tonight.” She gives me a reassuring smile. “Timber will be here soon to escort you to the King’s dining hall.” She picks up the tennis shoes I wore earlier and looks at me apologetically. “Sorry, but I was told to get rid of your old clothing.” With a small smile and a curtsy, she heads towards the walk-in closet.

My mind swirls in an agitated mix of questions and emotions. I have no clue what to expect at the King’s dining hall. Will there be more questions? Will Ash be there? Where did Paul go? Just as I’m about to have a mini panic attack, Molly walks back into the bedroom and places a nude-colored dress on the garment hook. It has a heart-shaped neckline with dark green trim, accented by deep brown stones that begin around the upper edge of the bodice and subtly cascade down to the bottom hem. The dress is stunning, and I’m excited to see what everyone else will wear tonight.

I don’t have to wait long before Timber’s gentle knock sounds.

“Come in; I just need a minute.” I poke my head out of the closet where I’m rummaging for shoes.

His cheeks turn pink. “Are you still not dressed?” he asks, confused.

“No, I’m dressed, I’m just trying to find shoes.” I let out a sigh, turning to look at the mounds of shoes I’ve dug out so far.

“Didn’t Molly lay those out for you?” he queries, pointing to the pair sitting by the door.

“She did, but I can’t walk in those! They’re stilettos.” He tilts his head and scrunches his eyebrows, obviously not understanding my aversion. “They’re too high,” I explain. “I’ll twist my ankle.” I keep opening drawers and looking on shelves, vainly searching for a pair of flats.

Outside the closet, I hear a sudden whoosh and a clink. I poke my head out of the closet to find him sheathing his sword and holding my now lower heels in his hand, a triumphant smile on his face.

“Well, I guess that’s one way of doing it,” I congratulate with a grin.

He kneels as I walk into the room, and I feel like Cinderella as he reaches for my foot. He slips on both shoes, a bigger smile playing on my lips as he stands. “You and Ash are so 1950’s.” His eyebrows rise in a silent question. “Because you’re both gentlemen, I mean.”

Timber’s mouth straightens and something crosses his features, but I can’t tell what it means. It leaves as quickly as it arrived. He nods and holds his hand out, his formal smile officially clicked back into place. “Ready now?”

I take his hand and he tucks it into the crook of his arm, gallant as always. We silently make our way down to the same room we were in before. As we enter, I attempt to sit in a seat far away from the King so Timber can sit by him instead, but Timber has different plans. He pulls out the chair next to his father and offers it to me. “Jewel, it is custom to never let a female troll be unprotected.”

“Am I not protected with you two in the room?” I counter, glancing meaningfully at their swords.

“If you sit with no one on your left side, then that side is left unprotected,” Timber explains patiently. “If you sit between us, that means any threat that arrives will have to go through us first.”

Inwardly rolling my eyes, I take the offered chair and Timber pushes it in from behind me. “What if it was just me and you sitting down, then what?” I counter saucily.

“Well, in that case, it is what it is, but when there are more males than females in the room, it’s important they are stationed around the females for protection.”

“Okay…” I respond, still puzzled. I still want to egg him on with ridiculous scenarios; like, what if someone comes smashing through the window, leaving my back unprotected, or what about my front? But instead, I suppress a smile and decide not to push it. Just then, the doors open and servers bustle into the room.

Of course, they would have servers filling our plates.My assigned server spoons a small amount of food onto my plate and my eyes widen. If this is all I’ll have to eat, I’ll starve! I think crossly. The other servers don’t start to fill the King and Timber’s plates until they finish with my measly plate. I look at Timber, envious when I see the servers filling up his plate.

His smile grows as he sees me looking from my plate to his. “You can have more, Jewel, but since the servers don’t know what you like, they’re giving you a tiny bit to try at first. Think of it as a sample platter. Whatever you don’t eat, other people will.”

Guiltily, I remember the King telling me they have to ration food. I dig into what looks like steak, and find it tastes normal. Then I stop chewing as I wonder what kind of creature I’m eating. Do they have pets, or is every animal meant to play its part in the food chain? I decide not to get seconds on that particular dish.

Playing my eyes around the room, I notice King Forrest and Timber’s bright attire. “I heard that the brighter the clothes, the higher the rank. Is that correct?”

Timber answers, “Yes. It is our custom that the higher you are honored, the brighter the colors you wear.”

Interested in how the custom began, I ask, “Why was this established?”

“We don’t worry about who has money and who doesn’t,” Timber answers. “Here, no one goes hungry and everyone has what they need. Our system works. The only way we differentiate ourselves is by the color of our clothing.” He takes a sip of water. “On Earth, humans show people how rich they are by the things they buy. In the Troll Realm, our system works because everyone does their part. My father is the brightest because he’s the one who makes the hard decisions. He’s the last counsel if something cannot be agreed upon.” He looks over at his father, who nods his agreement.

“I’m the second brightest, because I am in charge of the security and safety of our kingdom. My soldiers wear bright clothing, too; a dual color, depending on their capabilities and how long they’ve been with us. Paul is one of the highest in my command. I’m sure you noticed how bright his garments were, but Avery, the guard at your door, is dull in comparison to Paul. Even garbed the way we are, we don’t view ourselves as more important than someone else. We all have a job to do to make our kingdom thrive.”

I take a sip of my water, trying to find the right words to say. I find this concept difficult to understand. “How do you not think you’re better? You’re higher up on the food chain.”

Timber offers an indulgent smile. “Ah, you’re thinking like a human. I don’t think I’m better than the next person; I just think I’m more suited for my position than others.”

“So, being the Prince doesn’t have anything to do with getting the job?” I jab.

He chuckles. “I’ve fought side-by-side with the soldiers I now command since I was a boy. Very few of them can match my abilities. I’ve trained with them and made it a point to be the best.” He pauses and a mischievous twinkle comes into his eyes. “Although it does help that I hold the title.” He winks at me and starts to eat, and I follow suit.

Intent as I am on eating, I jump when the King speaks.

“I know we went over this last night, but I’d like to ask more questions about you and your family.” The King takes a bite of his food without taking his unsettling eyes off me.

A sigh escapes me. I thought we went over everything yesterday? I contemplate refusing, imagining how good it would feel, but realize they’re probably just as curious about me as I am of them. Obviously, I was left out of the loop my whole life. Hopefully, by answering their questions, they’ll answer some of mine, as well. Nodding my head obediently, I respond, “Yes, of course.” I hold off on my next bite, waiting for King Forrest to begin his questions.

“You had no trouble crossing into our realm?” He leans in and holds his breath, ready to hear and dissect all my answers.

“Actually, I felt a pull toward a path in the woods. I saw spots, and the next thing I knew, I was in this realm.” Stalling for time, I take another sip of water. Ash warned me not to say much about our relationship, so I decide not to bring him up unless the King asks.

“Ash told us you are half human.”

Drat.I turn to Timber and nod my head, anger worming its way into my heart. We discussed this last night, and if I remember correctly, the King referred to me as a half-breed.

Sensing my anger, Timber appears conciliatory. “You are the only one of your kind that we know of. My father and I are surprised you were able to cross into our realm unharmed, is all.” Before I can respond, he continues, “Even our Seekers have been injured trying to cross. You must have a sense for magic in order to make the portals work.”

“You guys have magic?” I ask skeptically.

“Not like the fairies and pixies, or even the elves,” Timber replies. “But there’s a little magic in every realm.” He shrugs as if it’s no big deal.

I sneak a glance at King Forrest and see his plate is almost empty. He never stopped eating. I look at my plate in contrast, and I barely touched anything. I poke a fork into something that looks vaguely like a casserole, and as I bring it to my lips, the taste is bitter with a gritty texture. I swallow the bite at the same time I reach for my cup, hoping it will wash away the taste. I decide to pile the rest of the food over to the side of my plate, using a well-known, non-eating food tactic from when I was three years old.

Timber chuckles and I realize he was watching me. “It took me a long time to acquire a taste,” he mutters.

More meals like this, and I’ll start cooking for myself, I think darkly. Ash could teach me what the food substitutes should be from my realm to this one. Thinking of Ash makes me wonder if he’s at my house by now. I don’t remember if Dad told me when he was coming back, just that he wouldn’t be home for Prom.

The grating sound of forks and knives scraping across plates jars me back to reality, and I hear the solid sound of water goblets being set carefully down. Glancing around, I catch them staring at each other. I look back at my plate as they have their silent conversation and wonder if one of their Gifts is telepathy. I take a bite of something that looks like pudding, delighted to find the taste zesty, but sweet. I take another spoonful.

“Tell me about your father,” the King insists suddenly. There is a gleam in his eyes that makes me hesitate to respond. I take a bite, stalling for time, and notice him leaning towards me. From the corner of my eye, I see Timber sit up taller.

The once-sweet pudding feels chalky in my mouth now, and I swallow and reach for my water glass. “Well, his name is John, and he has about the same build as you.” I take a sip. “What else do you want to know that I haven’t already told you?” I plaster on a saccharine sweet, fake smile. I’m not going to make this easy on them. It’s not like I know anything about my dad’s troll background, anyway.

“We’re just trying to figure out how this all came about,” King Forrest answers, just as saccharine sweet. “Like we said before, we were surprised to hear he’s from the Darkland Realm.” He says it nonchalantly, but his posture tells a different story.

“Well, it’s simple, really,” I begin. “He fell in love with my mother, they had me, and then my mother died. His job required him to leave town a lot,” I provide with a shrug. “Honestly, you guys know more than I do. I just found out yesterday that trolls exist, and that he’s one of them.” My voice rises in pitch, and King Forrest studies me before going back to eating.

I stare back unflinchingly, even when he starts to dig in again. I turn to Timber, who is also eating. “Where’s Ash?”

Timber puts his fork down carefully. “He’s been sent on a mission to find your father.” He takes a drink, studying my reaction over the rim of his glass.

Rising to the bait, I retort, “My dad won’t be back for a while, so you should call Ash back.” It’s not exactly a lie.

“What job does your father do on Earth?” King Forrest asks, directing the conversation back where he wants it.

“Don’t know,” I reply shortly.

The King lets out a sigh, eyeing Timber and then me. “You mean to tell me in your seventeen years of living, you have no idea what your father does?”

Patiently, I reply, “Sure I do. He travels.”

“What do you mean, ‘he travels’?”

I scowl. “Exactly like it sounds!” Reining my emotions in with great effort, I ask, “Why do you have such an interest in my father, anyway?” I look back and forth between them, but they just stare back placidly. King Forrest speaks first.

“We would like to know more about your father because we are interested in learning more about the Darkland Realm.”

I see where this is going. He doesn’t care about me; he only cares about the information I can give on my father and the Darkland Kingdom. I knew there was something about King Forrest I didn’t like the moment Ash told me there was rank in this kingdom. My mind works furiously, trying to figure out my next move.

“Timber, can you tell me what this is? I’d like more, please.” Stalling for time, I point to the last bite that resembles broccoli, pretending I don’t know what’s going on.

“That is lykin, a vegetable.” He points to a ruby red, broccoli-looking thing on his plate. Timber makes eye contact with a server and I receive another spoonful.

“Sir, I don’t know anything about the Darkland Realm. My father never told me much about his job, only that it was top secret and he couldn’t tell me everything he did. He traveled for buyers who were looking for certain relics.” Looking back, I realize it might have been for my safety. Thoughtful, I take up eating again. I eventually make it around my plate, sampling all the foods King Forrest and Timber are eating and trying not to engage in conversations they have about the kingdom.

Finally, Timber sets his fork down and leans back in his chair. “So, what was your favorite?” he asks.

“Truthfully? Most of it was good, but probably the red pudding with the crumbles on top from this morning.”

He laughs. “So, you like sweets?” His smile is radiant.

“I definitely have a sweet tooth,” I admit. “But if you’re asking what my favorite thing from this meal is, I’d have to say it’s the vegetable, lykin.” I look around the table at the jumble of empty plates, noting we must have all been pretty hungry.

“So, Jewel, when you say your dad travels, what do you mean?” the King begins again.

So we’re back at it again, are we?I plaster a sweet smile on my face as I respond. “Just like I said, he traveled. He didn’t typically tell me details, but once in a while he would share the location.” The King starts to interrupt me, but I keep going. “All the locations were on Earth, if that’s what you’re wondering. You’ll have to ask him what he does and who his buyers are. It appears I don’t really know him at all,” I trail off, forlorn.

I notice Timber wearing a smirk when I look at him. He knows what I’m doing. He must have caught on to my snarky tone.

Undeterred, the King draws my attention back to him. “You said your mother died when you were young, correct?” Waiting for my answering nod, he continues, “Surely your father didn’t leave you home alone when he traveled?” Sensing he’d caught me in a lie, his fingers clasped together expectantly, his elbows perched on the table as if ready to pounce.

Unsure how to respond in a way that won’t invite further questions, I take a moment to consider my next move. I don’t want to slip and tell him Dad left me with Ash most of the time. I must be taking too long to respond, because King Forrest exhales loudly, frustration apparent on his face.

“He left me with a friend,” I finally offer. It isn’t technically a lie; my elderly neighbor would take me for a day or two here and there. It wasn’t until I was much older when Dad would be gone for a week or two that he left me in Ash’s care.

“Jewel, do you mind taking a walk with me?” Timber interrupts suddenly, holding out his hand and excusing himself from the table.

I’m left with no choice as I wipe my mouth and grab his hand. I’m shocked to find his hand is rough and calloused, where I expected it to be soft and smooth as befitting his higher station as Prince. I try to let go, thinking of Ash and feeling unfaithful, but he holds it tightly as we walk away, our hands intertwined like we are on a date. My face gets hot when he finally releases me and places his warm hand on my lower back to usher me through the door and into the hallway. Looking back over my shoulder, I see the King smiling knowingly at us. I quickly turn back around.

“So, you really don’t know where your father traveled or the relics he was searching for?” Timber asks as soon as the door closes. He begins to lead the way down the hallway, intertwining our hands once more.

I come to a screeching halt and try to pull my hand out of his, but his grip is tight as he moves in front of me. His eyes widen when he feels my finger poking him in his chest. “No more questions!” I seethe. “I think you and your father picked apart my brain quite enough at dinner. Don’t you have any regard for my feelings?” His mouth opens, ready to protest, but I put my hand over it. “Look. I miss my dad and I don’t know when I’ll see him again, or if I ever will. Your questions make me think you only want to ‘help’ me,” I sneer, “because you have a second agenda.” I take my hand off his mouth and poke him in the chest again. “Can’t you see this is a little overwhelming for me?” I give him one last poke to emphasize my point.

Softening his grip on the hand he still holds hostage, he apologizes. “Yes, Jewel, I do. I was just trying to make conversation.”

I give an unladylike snort. “I’ll tell you what – why don’t we talk about something besides kingdoms, my father, or anything else we’ve already talked about since I arrived yesterday?” Without waiting for permission, I start walking forward. He follows.

We walk in silence for what seems like forever. Of course, I have no idea where I’m going, but I find myself drawn again to the intricate details of the carved patterns along the wall. My hand reaches out of its own accord, tracing the elaborate patterns.

“Each carving was made by someone in the kingdom,” Timber remarks softly. “Each family member gets to add on to their generation’s carving.” He opens a door, revealing a giant mass of entwined roots snaking its way around the room. “Each root has letters on it, indicating the family’s heritage. We are one big family in our kingdom, and as such, we must remember where we came from and learn from the past. Most importantly, we must stay grounded.”

Ah, the roots underground…grounded. I get it.

“It’s amazing that every generation gets to leave a mark on their kingdom,” I offer grudgingly. I can’t seem to stop gliding my hand over the hewn patterns. “I love the concept of one big family. All my life, it’s just been me and my dad.” I frown at the direction the discussion has taken. “This is a pretty deep conversation to be having with someone I just met.”

He watches my hand trace the patterns. “I just thought you might like to see this room. You seem to be drawn to the carvings whenever you walk around.”

“I do like the craftsmanship of it all,” I admit sheepishly. “I build sculptures back home.”

“What kind of sculptures?” Timber asks, curious.

Feeling oddly proud and protective of my gift, I say simply, “Mainly it’s just a hobby of mine, but I weld scrap metal together. My dad taught me how.”

“Your dad knows how to wield fire?” Timber exclaims, a flash of fear in his eyes.

I tense, suddenly afraid I’ve given something away. Relax, I tell myself. What is there to fear? I look him in the eye and scoff, “What? No. No one can wield fire.” I wave my arm at him, trying to hide the lie and brushing off his concerns. Ash told me no one could wield fire, but if that’s true, why does the thought of it seem to scare Timber so badly? “It’s called welding. You take an acetylene tank, which is a type of gas, and a welding torch that connects to the tank. The gas catches on fire when you create a spark, and the welding torch maintains the flame,” I explain matter-of-factly. “The flame is hot enough to melt the metal, so when you use a rod that attaches two metal objects, it fuses them together.”

“Oh,” he answers dumbly, unconvinced.

“Can trolls wield fire?” I ask carefully, wanting to see if Ash was lying to me.

“No, trolls can’t, but some inhabitants of different realms can,” he answers softly. He stares into space a moment before returning his attention to me. He replaces his flat mouth with a smile.

Unapologetic at grasping on to what seems to be a perfect opportunity to pepper Timber with questions, I ask, “What realm can, and what are those people called?” The questions come out in rapid fire.

He rubs the back of his neck anxiously. “The Fallen, the Fae, demons, and some witches can harness fire. I don’t know much about them, but whatever or whoever came to this realm was involved in my mother’s accident, and it had to do with fire.”

I gasp. “I’m so sorry, Timber! I had no idea.” I think back to my mother and sadness draws me closer to him, feeling the urge to comfort.

“It’s okay, Jewel. It was a very long time ago. My mother was a Healer,” he admits, keeping his eyes forward.

“She was?” I respond, hoping he’ll talk about her. Talking about my mom always seems to help me when I’m feeling sad.

“She was. She loved life and thought everyone should have a second chance at living. She would help anyone, no matter if they were from a different kingdom or not.” He chuckles a little, the corner of his mouth rising. “My father says he tried to tell her not to heal someone from a different kingdom once, and that was the last time my father told her no.”

“Why? What happened?” I ask.

“She basically told him she didn’t need someone telling her what to do, and if she wanted that, she would have married into a different kingdom. After that, my father realized why she chose him over all her other suitors. After that day, he always gave her choices. Never once did he tell her what they were going to do. She fell in love with the fact that he thought of them as equals. For the first time in her life, she was not a slave to someone.” He smiles, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. I know he misses her.

I touch his arm. “Your mom sounds like a lady who knew what she wanted.” I smile up at him. “She also seems pure of heart to want to use her Gift for everyone.”

“She was an amazing person…mother.” He pauses for a moment. “What was your mom like?” he asks suddenly.

“She passed when I was five, so I don’t remember much,” I admit. “The parts I do remember involve her taking care of me. I was sick a lot when I was little, and she would always snuggle with me, trying to make me feel better. My favorite memories of her are when we’d stay in a cabin in the mountains. We’d spend all day doing what I wanted to do. It was the one place that would make me feel better. Every time we went there, I got better.”

“Do you still go there?”

“I haven’t been back since she died.” The tightness in my chest comes. With a long, drawn-in breath, I give myself a moment to compose myself. My mom was never an easy topic to talk about it. In this way, Timber and I can relate to one another. For a moment, we remain silent, lost in our own thoughts. We round a corner and I recognize the pattern of my door.

Timber escorts me to the door and pauses. “I will see you tomorrow, Jewel,” he says formally, tipping his chin down in farewell and releasing my hand.

I nod and smile. His courtly formalities remind me a lot of Ash. I miss him.

“Goodnight, Timber. Thank you for walking with me.” Offering a smile over my shoulder, I step inside my gilded bedroom and shut the door.

“How was dinner?” a female voice asks from behind me.

Nearly jumping out of my skin, I turn quickly to find Molly sitting at the table. “Jeez, you scared the crap out of me!”

She gives a sheepish smile. “I apologize. I expected you back a while ago, so I came to turn your bed down for the night. How was dinner?”

Walking over to her, I decide to tell her about dinner, but not divulge any more to her than I did to them just in case she’s been asked to report back to them. “Molly, dinner was exhausting. They questioned me over and over about my family. It was like they couldn’t get enough. I swear, they must think I’m hiding something!” I throw my hands up. “Maybe they think I’m lying about not knowing my father was a Seeker for the Darkland Realm.”

Molly looks thoughtful. “Well, maybe they thought if they knew more, they could get you back across if you wanted to go back home.” Hmm. I never thought of that. “Prince Timber told me to make sure you’re ready early in the morning so he can take you to your lessons.” Her smile is bright.

“Lessons? What lessons? He didn’t mention that to me.” I slip off my shoes with a groan.

“Well, I’m sure you’ll be staying with us until Ash can locate your father,” she chirps, “and King Forrest and Prince Timber think it will be good to acclimate you to the customs of our realm and history. Or should I say, your history!” She laughs. “After all, you’re part troll.” Then she frowns as she looks at my shoes. “How did you get the heel off? Did they break?”

I smile. “I like flats. Timber’s sword helped with that.” Taking a seat, I feel myself deflating as I grasp onto the first thing Molly said. “What do you mean, locate my father?” I sit up a little straighter, hoping she’ll share more.

“King Forrest sent Ash back to Earth to collect your father and bring him here,” she replies, then stands and walks to the closet, bending down to grab my shoes along the way.

Suddenly, I feel nervous. Can the Darkland Realm really be such a mystery? Why do they need my father? If they’re that interested in him, what do they plan to do with me?