31. Rosalina
31
Rosalina
M y boots crunch on fallen leaves as we make our way down the winding path in the Autumn Realm.
“I can’t wait to see the capital city of Coppershire,” my father says, walking beside me. “Those twins have been telling me all about it.”
I smile. Papa spent all last night chatting with Farron’s little brothers. Apparently, they snuck out and joined the staff in celebrating the full moon.
Our party set out at dawn, using the mirror in the entrance hall to travel just outside the capital. We decided it would be best to arrive officially as an embassy, rather than surprising the fae royals by reopening the door from Castletree and appearing directly in the keep.
We opted for a minimal group: the princes, Papa, Farron’s brothers, Astrid, Marigold, and me. We don’t need much, as Farron assured us the Autumn Realm would have everything we require. I brought my trusty pack, anyway, filled with my treasures: the necklace Kel gave me, the plush lion Dayton bought me in the Summer Realm, and my crown of thorns.
I’m not sure why I brought the last one. Maybe it won’t feel like home in the Autumn Realm without some thorns.
“Nothing out of the ordinary yet.” Papa smiles.
“No,” I agree. “This is beautiful.”
Chestnut trees line the trail, growing so close together they almost form a tunnel. Red, orange, and yellow leaves fall like rain, mirroring the sky’s fiery sunrise. Lingering blue mist wraps around our ankles. I inhale deeply, loving the crisp air and scent of wood smoke and apples that float on the soft breeze.
At the front of our party, Keldarion walks beside Ezryn, their sharp eyes scanning the path ahead. Behind them is Dayton, carrying both his and Farron’s packs. He chats animatedly with Marigold, Astrid, and the twins.
Astrid and Marigold look hilarious. After they cleaned up the Orca Cove hoodies that came back with us from the human world, they took a shining to them. Now, they’re both decked out in the vibrant hoodies, repping my small town.
Drifting behind, Farron kicks his feet through the crunchy leaves. Every so often, he pulls down his scarf to touch the thorn collar around his neck. I tried to talk to him before we left, but I get the sense he wants to be alone with his thoughts. I need to give him that space.
“Staying in the Autumn Realm won’t only help the princes’ cause,” my father continues. “Exploring their world could be the best chance at finding information about your mother. Now, if Coppershire has a library anything like Castletree’s, we’ll be in for wonders galore.”
My heart warms as I look at my father. He’ll never stop learning, never stop trying to find her. But I admire that he can still take pleasure in the journey. Plus, he looks dashing in the fae clothes Marigold suited him with. He’s trying so hard to fit in.
I dressed practically for our travels today, wearing fitted black trousers and an emerald tunic. The neckline is embroidered with autumn foliage in a cascading pattern, as if caught in a breeze. Brown boots hug tight to my calves. My deep burgundy cloak completes my ensemble. The oversized hood cocoons me in its warmth as we make our way through the woods. I’ve swept my chestnut waves back with a simple golden clip, leaving a few loose tendrils down to frame my face.
I felt lighter getting dressed this morning.
He’s gone. Lucas is truly gone. Last night had been horrific, but I feel a sense of closure. My princes protected me. Hell, even the Prince of Thorns protected me.
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.”
The guards don’t shift.
“We do not answer to you,” the captain says.
Farron opens his mouth, closes it.
“Do something, Farron,” I whisper. “You’re their High Prince.”
He swallows, straightens, clears his throat, says nothing.
Keldarion growls, “If you traitorous lot do not answer to your High Prince, then who do you answer to?”
“They answer to me.”
My lips part as a fae woman walks through the line of soldiers. She stands tall in an elegant dress, her long dark hair flecked with strands of silver and braided down her back.
The guards bow their heads and the captain mutters, “Princess.”
But Farron gapes at her, his face shattered with pain as he whispers, “Mother?”