27. The Stolen Bride
The following morning, I woke early and gathered my courage. I hadn’t dared to wander outside on my own since Forrest had saved me from the Unseelie Queen. But today’s mission required stealth. I couldn’t very well ask Harry to accompany me to the old, dilapidated greenhouses without arousing suspicion.
So, I dressed in a plain linen dress and boots and prepared to make my exit. This time, I wanted daylight on my side. I wasn’t foolish enough to wander close to nightfall again. At least, not until I had finished reading Forrest’s entire Book of Iron.
I took a few precautions. I wore my dress inside out and carried a pinch of salt. While salt did not bother the fae of the isle, the Book of Iron said it could be a powerful deterrent against migratory or visiting fae.
First, I wanted to stop and see if I could snag an apple or leftover bread for my walk. I thought, if the weather held up, I might stop for a picnic. I found it often rained on the isle during the afternoon. It’s part of what keeps everything so lush and green.
The dining room was empty and the table completely cleared. It was still an hour or so before breakfast, so it wasn’t a huge surprise. Off to one side, in another room, I heard a loud bang and shuffling feet. Could this be the door to the kitchen?
Hesitantly, I pushed it open and discovered a magnificent tavern-style kitchen complete with wheels of cheese that were bigger than a sea turtle’s back. Pots and pans hung from the ceiling, pristine and gleaming. To my immediate left, I saw a set of ancient stairs descending downward. A wine cellar perhaps?
In the midst of it all were two tiny, stout men frozen in horror. They had ruddy cheeks and whiskers like a cat. I couldn’t decide if they were adorable or hideous, but I did recognize their lineage at once. They were brownies, household fae who keep clean and order. As far as most of the folk go, they seemed almost helpful.
But they didn’t like to be seen, and if they felt unappreciated, they would leave. Sometimes with a frightful trick in their wake. I wasn’t certain how much of that applied to those serving a fae king. Still, I did my best to bumble through the exchange.
”I am so sorry to disturb your work.” I gestured around the room. ”I’ve never seen such a well-run household. Why, look how the countertops shine. The king is very lucky to have two such wonderful fae in his service.”
One of them stroked his whiskers in a demure sort of way, and the other blushed magnificently. ”Very kind, madame. You must be the lady of the house.”
I stumbled for a moment. ”I, er, yes. I am. Newly so.”
They nodded, looking as skittish as cats at bath time. I remembered one more bit of wisdom from the folks in my own kingdom. Offer milk in a saucer. So I turned my back on them, found a carafe of fresh milk, and poured it into a small, chipped bowl. Without glancing backward, I set it on the floor.
”Many thanks,” one purred.
I smiled and turned to leave, but before I could do so, there was a sudden flurry of movement. Then I felt a tap on my back. The brownies were nowhere to be seen, but waiting for me was a cloth-lined basket filled with fresh bread, cheese, and a calf skin of wine.
”Thank you,” I said softly, taking its handle and departing the kitchen.
With my basket in tow, I was ready to go. This time, I intended to walk straight out the front door of the castle and not end up in a maddening, dangerous loop of faerie circles. I set my mind to the task at hand and focused. No daydreaming today, I scolded myself.
I exited the kitchens first, then the private royal wing, before finally entering the main thoroughfare. The hallways were nearly empty compared to my evening stroll with Forrest.
Along my path, I nearly ran into a man with round, molten gold eyes and thick eyelashes.
He stuck out a gentle hand. ”Whoa there.”
I looked up and gave my first genuine smile of the day. ”Hawthorne!”
He returned his own easy smile and bowed. ”Well met, princess. Where are you headed on this beautiful day?”
”The greenhouses.”
He fell into step beside me.
”And you?” I asked.
”The library.”
”An excellent choice.”
He grinned. ”I thought you’d approve.”
”Do you mind if I walk with you?”
I shook my head. ”Not at all.”
He quickly fell into step beside me and lowered his voice. ”I’ve made inquiries… about your sister.”
”What have you learned?” I asked in a rush of breath.
”Not as much as I hoped. Briar’s movements are hard to track. I can’t tell you where she is, but I can confirm she is alive and well.”
Relief flooded me. The fae realm was filled with danger. I had been too afraid to even consider that Briar might not have made it. That she might have died. Something that had almost happened to me twice in just weeks. ”You’re sure?” I asked.
He nodded. ”Certain. I wish I had more to tell you.”
I shook my head. ”Thank you. That is enough for now. My heart is full knowing she is well. You’ll keep asking?”
He gave me a thumbs up. Something I had never seen a fae do before. ”Until we get that wedding invitation to her.”
I laughed softly. ”You’re very kind.” Then I hesitantly asked a question. I knew I was still talking to a fae, no matter the distant human blood in his veins. ”Is there anything I can do for you? Any repayment?”
He lowered his head humbly. ”Helping you is helping the court. No further payment is necessary.”
I smiled.
We entered a crowded thoroughfare, and he offered his arm out for me to take. ”Better not to get separated.”
I accepted his arm, and he made polite conversation. ”Do you have any hobbies, Princess Georgia?”
This was the sort of conversation I was used to, the sort that filled the ballrooms and salons of my old life. So, I answered easily, ”Perhaps, it is strange to admit this to one of your kind, but I enjoy horticulture immensely. Watching plants shoot up from the earth, nurturing them, and marveling in their beauty.”
”And utility,” he added.
”Sometimes,” I agreed.
”Have you had time to read that book I recommended?”
I frowned. I really should have made time, but I had been distracted by Forrest and shoe salesmen. ”A bit. My time has been very limited these last few days.”
”Ah, preparations for the revel,” he said.
”Yes.”
”Save a dance for me?” he asked with that jovial grin.
”Of course.”
We reached the front doors, and I paused.
”Would you like me to walk you the rest of the way?” he asked.
”No, thank you. I’m okay on my own.”
He inclined his head. ”Enjoy your time in the sun.”
”Enjoy your time in the library.”
Once into the woods, I stepped lightly, trying to make as little noise as possible. I didn’t want to attract unfriendly attention this time. Even so early in the day, it was very hot, and I fanned myself. Perhaps, an afternoon shower would knock down this humidity.
My thoughts on the weather were interrupted as I heard a twig snap behind me. My heart hammered. This was all too familiar. Forrest’s words echoed in my ears, ”There are no tricks of the light on the isle.” Probably no tricks of sound either.
I walked carefully forward a few paces as if I had heard nothing. Then, suddenly, I whipped around to face my would-be-attacker.
I was practically nose to nose with a beautiful stag. The one that helped rescue me from the Unseelie Queen. He wasn’t alone either. There were at least seven of them visible, though I suspected more had hidden behind trees or lain in the moss.
I looked at the stag in surprise for a moment. Its big, warm brown eyes stared back. Was this the stag that had saved my life the other night? I reached out my hand to pat his nose.
Then I stopped and retracted it. I shouldn’t get attached to this beautiful creature. After all, he had sent him. I was almost certain of it. He was spying on me! I let out a frustrated sigh.
The stag looked at me.
I gazed suspiciously back. ”You’re going to tell him where I go, aren’t you, boy?”
He gave me a baleful look, and I relented and petted him. After all, he was only a pawn.
I couldn’t be sure, but I swore I heard a small laugh somewhere in the distance. Was the Fae King out here, too, and if so, why wouldn’t he just show himself?