41. Rosalina
41
Rosalina
D espite all the tragedy they’ve been through, the Autumn fae sure know how to celebrate. I sit on a log off to the side, a cup of spiced cider in my hands. The clay mug warms my cold fingers as I observe the festival.
The smell of cinnamon, roasted pumpkins, and wood smoke fills the air. The party is outside the city walls in a grove of twisting trees. Golden ribbon wraps the trunks, and lanterns dangle from the branches. A crackling bonfire lights the center. Tables of food, wine, and ale dot the clearing, while logs and squishy mushrooms have been positioned around the perimeter to rest upon. The music is a merry jig played on flutes and pipes. Fae dance in the flickering light of the fire.
I’m so grateful we made it in time for this celebration and the princes’ curse is held back by the full moon.
Once we arrived in Coppershire, I’d had just enough time to get ready with Astrid and Marigold. I chose a beautiful gown, the bodice adorned with intricate beadwork that shimmers and sparkles in the firelight. The skirt is full and flowing, with layers of tulle and chiffon that resemble the changing of leaves with hues of red, orange, and gold. Even the fabric rustles like crispy leaves in a breeze. My hair falls over my shoulders in cascading waves.
And this time, Marigold and Astrid also got ready with me. In fact, I spy Marigold dancing with a burly fae man with bright red hair. Trust me, girlie, she’d told me as we headed to the party, you’ve never truly been fucked until you’ve had one of these wild Autumn fae.
I’d laughed and reminded her she’d said the same thing about the Summer fae. Now, another giggle bubbles up from my chest as I watch her. I hope she has a fantastic time tonight.
“Enjoying the party?” a voice asks, the command in it drawing me from my thoughts.
I look up at Farron’s mother, the former High Princess of Autumn. She’s wearing an elegant green dress, her silver and brown hair woven in a crown atop her head.
“Oh! Yes, very much so,” I tell her. “It’s magical.”
She takes a seat beside me, and I flush, cupping tight to my drink. I’ve only seen her a handful of times since we’ve been here. She might be content to let us roam free now, but I’m under no illusion that at the first hint of trouble she won’t slap Keldarion—and the rest of us—back in chains.
“I’ve been watching you,” she says, her golden eyes so similar to Farron’s.
“Watching me?”
“Yes. Tonight, you’ve made everyone you’ve talked to happier than they were before.”
“I’ve just been having fun.” I shake my head. “It’s the atmosphere.”
It truly has felt magical. Like Kel made them promise, I danced with all three princes. Farron was so sweet, teaching me the steps in time to the music. I had to remind Dayton to grab my waist and not my ass, though I didn’t really mind. Ezryn and I finally got to have the dance Caspian interrupted at the Winter Solstice Ball. Though, I can’t help but wonder if he’s going to crash this party, too.
Most of the fae opted for no shoes, so I didn’t either, feeling the leaves crack beneath my feet. I felt the energy of the Enchanted Vale as we moved to the beat of the music, and for a moment, I was a part of this world.
After the dancing, Papa and I ravaged the buffet table, stuffing ourselves with candied apples and rhubarb pie. We feasted on roasted nuts, soft bread, and strangely shaped mushrooms. Papa particularly liked the sweet and spicy pumpkin beer, and I was partial to agree.
I even got to spend time with Farron’s little brothers. I caught them rehearsing a jig and they pulled me in to dance with them. We performed twice for a gaggle of small fae children before we all agreed our masterpiece deserved to be shared with everyone. They pulled me up on a table in the middle of the party, and we sang and danced our hearts out. I can definitely thank the pumpkin beer for that one.
It must have been decent—or perhaps people are inclined to clap for princes—because we got a round of applause. I was a bit unsteady after that. Ez helped me off the table with praise that it was the best song he’d ever heard in his life. Maybe he’d had some pumpkin beer, too. The thought makes me nearly burst out laughing as I imagine Ez tucking a huge curly straw under his helmet.
Of course, Kel hasn’t danced with me. He’s been standing in the shadows, calmly sipping his ale. Though, I suspect he’s having fun. Every now and again I catch his stare, watching me and the princes through the firelight.
“It’s a magical celebration,” I breathe again.
“Mother.” Farron breaks through the crowd, his cheeks rosy and flushed. “Are you interrogating Rosalina?”
“Absolutely not,” she says, moving aside for him to sit.
Farron’s dressed as befits a prince. A crown of gilded leaves rests across his soft brown hair. A regal deep green tunic fits across his lean, muscled chest. A golden cuff that twists like a blazing flame adorns one of his pointed ears.
“She was telling me all sorts of embarrassing stories about you,” I say, poking his cheek.
His eyes widen. “Wait, what? Really?”
“I’m teasing you.” I laugh.
But Princess Niamh’s eyes sparkle with a mischievous glint. “I would never tell anyone about the time you got stuck in the alder tree until your father had to carry you down.”
There’s a lightness in her tone revealing a strange side of the Princess I’ve never seen before. More of the mother, less of the leader holding her realm together.
Farron lifts his chin. “I was attempting to see if the leaves exposed to the most light were more potent.”
“Of course.” She nods seriously, but there’s the tremble of a smile on her lips. “And what about that ‘love’ potion you mixed trying to gain the affections of one of your schoolmates, and instead that unicorn followed you all the way home?”
I can’t help but giggle and Farron crosses his arms, trying to hide his smile. “You know, that unicorn could have been a beautiful girl; we never saw her in the light of a crescent moon.”
“These memories lighten my heart,” Niamh says, smoothing down his hair. “But there is also the time you cared for the baby bird that plummeted from its nest. You stayed up all night watching over it. Even fashioned a splint for its wing.”
“What else was I to do?” He shakes his head.
“Or when Nori was sick with fever, you built a puppet theater for her and spent the whole day performing plays.” Niamh smiles fondly.
“I even made Dom and Billy laugh like an audience.” He turns to me. “Though I’m sure my jokes were hilarious, anyway.”
Princess Niamh clasps Farron’s hand in her own. “I would not trade a single memory of you for all the gold in the Enchanted Vale. I treasure each deeply.”
Farron lets out a long sigh. “I love you, Mother, even if you know every embarrassing thing about me.”
“I love you too, my clove.” She kisses the top of his head as he rests on her shoulder.
I stare at the two of them, marveling in the complexity of it all. She had her son in chains only a month ago and had threatened to take back the Blessing. And yet, I can tell her love runs deep and vast for him. If only he trusted her enduring love.
Another emotion flickers within me. What would it be like to have experienced a mother’s love?
My gaze drifts across the party to find my father. He’s been recruited by the musicians and bangs on some acorn drums, while Farron’s father and Dayton sing a sea shanty that must be from the Summer Realm. My heart warms that Papa’s finding himself here. But I know he’ll never truly be happy unless we find my mother.
If she even wants to be found.
Dayton taps out of the musical festivities and wanders over to us. “How are the three most beautiful people in the Enchanted Vale?”
“Can you not flirt with my mother?” Farron glares up at him. But Niamh pushes Farron to the side and gestures for Dayton to sit beside her, kissing his cheek with motherly affection.
“Are you enjoying the party, my dear?”
“Of course.” He grins. “Taught Paddy some new songs.”
“Oh yes, I heard. He’ll be singing them all night.” Niamh smiles. “I received a letter from Eleanor the other day,”
I’ve heard that Farron’s youngest sibling, Eleanor—Nori—is currently a ward in the Summer Realm. Something shifts in Dayton’s expression. “Did she mention Delphia?”
Delphia, Dayton’s little sister, and current steward of the Summer Realm.
“By mention, you mean complain about every single aspect of her,” Niamh says. “You know them, getting on like oil and water.”
Dayton gives a charming laugh. “Sounds about right.”
“Delphia’s well. The very spirit of the sun inside that one. Though,” Princess Niamh’s voice drops to a low tone, “the Summer Realm is a great expanse. There will be a time soon when she’ll need you, Daytonales. She will need the Blessing of Summer and her older brother.”
Dayton heaves in a breath. “Yes, alright.” He stands, pulling Farron with him. “But tonight, we dance.”
Farron shrugs before he’s towed away into the throng with Dayton. I can’t resist grinning as I watch them, the way Farron’s whole body melts into Day’s chest as they hold each other.
I chance a glance over at Niamh, who watches them with a matching expression of fondness.
“Your family,” I say softly, more to myself, “is so close. I can tell how much you love each other.”
“Of course,” she says. “Love stokes a mighty fire within us, one able to summon armies, create magic, and break spells. It is the greatest strength we possess.”
“And you’re wise as well,” I say, “with words like that.”
“Well, I can’t take all the credit for it.” She taps the side of her nose. “Long ago, when I was only a small child, I met Queen Aurelia herself. I asked her how to help my people and that is what she replied.”
“Wow, like the Queen? The one who built Castletree? What was she like?”
“Mighty,” Niamh says, then her eyes narrow as she looks at me. “And beautiful. And… kind.”
“Well, for the record, I think you’re an amazing ruler. I’m sure the Queen would be proud.”
Niamh smiles, gaze returning to Farron. He and Dayton have been pulled into a jig with Dom and Billy now.
“Can I ask you something?” I whisper.
“Of course.”
I inhale deeply, hoping she doesn’t get offended. “You’re such an amazing ruler and the people love you. How come you passed the Blessing onto Farron instead of continuing to reign?”
Niamh doesn’t hesitate as she says, “Because when I looked at him, I knew he could be a better ruler than I. Though, there are times I wonder if the burden of Autumn’s Blessing is too great for his gentle heart.”
Our eyes meet. “No, you weren’t wrong. I know he’ll make the Autumn Realm proud. I know he’ll make you proud.” Emotion wells within me at the trueness of my words. “Farron’s gentle heart makes him mighty.”