by R L Medina
Tears blurred my vision. A sob escaped me. It wasn’t fair. I didn’t get enough time to really know him and now, I never would. I gasped as wind picked up and wrapped itself around him. Dark shadows covered him. I stepped back, unsure of what was happening. As the shadows dispersed, my chest tightened.
He was gone. Just like that, he was gone.
I stared at the empty spot until I could bear it no longer. Anger replaced the sorrow. The queen was still alive, and she would pay for what she’d done. I had to get back to the others. My eyes welled as I thought of the news, I’d have to tell Mom. It would break her.
Fearless’s empathy struck me as I rose to my feet.
I will fly you there, Princess.
My eyes widened at his new address. “Thank you, Fearless.”
He lowered himself on the ground and glanced back at me, expectantly.
I groaned as I walked toward him, my muscles protesting the movement. Pain washed over me. I paused, trying to push the dizziness away. Spots danced in my vision.
Princess halfling?
My lips quirked at the name. “I’m coming. I’m fine.”
Ignoring the nausea rolling in my gut, I carefully pulled myself across the dragon’s back. I adjusted myself, pressing myself flat against the Fearless’s body.
My heart leapt into my throat as we took off. I pressed myself tighter against his scales. Wind roared around us and it was all I could do not to envision myself being ripped away and falling to my death.
Using my magic, I steeled myself and calmed my breathing. It was fine. I was fine. Everything was fine. I’m sure other people had ridden dragons before.
Though I tried to reassure myself, I still couldn’t get over the fact I was flying—on a freaking dragon—and it was terrifying.
My heart didn’t stop racing until we descended, and the ground was a safe distance. Fearless circled once more before making a perfect landing.
I happily slid off, thankful for solid grass beneath my feet. Fearless cocked his head at me. He couldn’t understand my fear of flying.
“Thank you, Fearless.” I smiled at him.
He nodded and took off once more, darting high into the sky with a blast of fire. My face paled as he did flips and turns in the air. I shuddered, imagining what would have happened had I been on his back for his acrobatic moves.
Pushing away the morbid thoughts, I scanned the woods. We were in the Green Court. Where was everybody? Was the queen with them?
Anger rushed through me. I hoped she was there so I could give her a piece of my mind. Killing me like that and showing zero remorse—it was time to confront her. B’Zahir’s words came back to me. I’d promised to bring peace. My lip curled. We wouldn’t have peace until the queen was gone. I patted the stone in my pocket that Baba Yaga had given me. Permanent banishment. Somehow, she’d known.
Voices drifted from afar. I summoned my magic and let the warmth spread through me. With Belle’s added power, mine was at full capacity. I was practically brimming with energy and strength. It made my skin itch as if my human body couldn’t handle the intensity of my magic now.
No one noticed as I grew closer. They were all there. Mom, Aunt Maloret, Aunt Cindra, Des, and even my uncles. My eyes searched the crowd for Sacha and Mag. Fear filled me. Had they made it out too? I sighed in relief as I spotted them in the background.
Power blasted before me, making me jump back with a start. I watched as the queen appeared in their midst, not bothering to hide her triumphant smile. My fists clenched by my side.
They turned to her in surprise.
“The abyss is destroyed and the halfling is dead,” she announced.
Horror and grief rolled from them in waves. I winced as I strengthened my shields.
“No.” Aunt Cindra reeled.
Mom fell to her knees with a strangled sob, her despair shattering me.
Fire lit in Aunt Cindra’s hands. “How did she die?”
The queen shrugged a shoulder. “She wasn’t strong enough to withstand the Raj’ani. It was only with my help that we succeeded in sending the creature into the abyss.”
Anger sparked inside me. A rage stirring as I watched the scene unfold.
I stepped out of the forest. “Yes. And then you stabbed me and left me for dead.”
Her eyes widened then narrowed on me. “You. How?”
My lip curled into my own triumphant sneer. “You failed.”
Mom ran to me, pulling me into a tight embrace. Her relief flooded through me. Aunt Cindra whipped toward the queen, fire blazing from her palms. The others stepped closer. Their magic radiated around me, giving me strength. Mom released me and summoned her power as I let mine take control.
I pulled out the black stone and held it up. “You will leave Feylin and never return. You are banished forever.”
She laughed. “You can’t banish me.”
I threw my magic at her. “You will leave Feylin and never return.”
Her voice was shrill. “I am the queen. The crown is mine. The throne is mine.” She whipped toward the others. “Sylvain.”
His face hardened. “How did the king die?”
She sneered. “He was too weak to lead Feylin.”
Uncle Sylvain’s nostrils flared. The earth shook beneath him. “It was you.”
My magic swirled inside me, ready to be unleashed. I would not let her win this time.
Fire, water and wind whipped around her. Aunt Maloret joined with her shadow magic, enforcing the barrier to keep her captive. Mom raised her hand and threw her power with mine.
The queen’s eyes lit with fury.
She was outnumbered, and we were stronger.
“Go. Leave Feylin and never return.” My voice rose above Uncle Sylvain’s roaring wind.
Her face crumpled in pain as she tried to resist my magic. Even against all of us, she was still strong, but not strong enough.
With a howling cry, her body jerked, her legs taking her closer to the portal. The crowd backed away, their eyes wide and bodies trembling.
Rage rolled from her. White, hot icy rage. Ice flew from her hands, but the barrier stood strong against her attacks. Her eyes fixed on me. The hate burning in them made shivers crawl along my skin.
She opened her mouth, a final scream ripping from her throat as she disappeared into the portal. I threw in the rock after her. A boom sounded. Gasps echoed around us. I stared at the spot she’d been, shock still reeling through me.
She was gone.
Everyone fell silent for a moment. Then they erupted in cheers. All the voices clamored together, their emotions exploding around us.
“Where is the Raj’ani?” Aunt Cindra’s question made me turn.
I glanced at the others. “He got away. I don’t think he’s in this world anymore.”
Aunt Cindra nodded. “We can deal with that another day.”
“Where is B’Zahir?” Mom’s question pierced my heart.
I turned to here with a lump in my throat. How could I tell her? I pulled the crinkled paper from my pocket and handed it to her.
Her eyes met mine in realization. She stilled. “He brought you back.”
I nodded. “A life for a life.”
Her face crumpled, tearing a hole in my heart. I threw my arms around her and cried with her.
“I’m sorry, Mom. I’m so sorry.”
“It’s alright. I will love him and miss him forever, but I could never live if you had died.” She choked out and hugged me tighter.
Our sadness clashed together. Tears filled my eyes.
“We will remember him and honor his wishes.” Mom pulled away to address the crowd.
Everyone bowed their heads. He had, after all, been their king long ago. Voices lifted, all at once as they lamented him. My heart swelled at their poetic words. Tears dried as I listened to them praise him.
“He will be honored.” Aunt Cindra hugged Mom and me.
“And now for some good news.” She broke the silen
ce.
I turned to her.
She glanced at Des, excitement sparkling in her eyes. “We will be holding the bonding ceremony.”
Surprised gasps echoed from the crowd.
Her eyes shot to Uncle Sylvain. “As this is your court, we would ask that you would perform—”
He scoffed. “Absolutely not. I’m surprised at you, Cindra.” His eyes narrowed on Des. “Bonded with a vulgaire?”
Anger surged inside me.
Aunt Maloret silenced him with her raised hand. “I’ll do it.” She smiled at Aunt Cindra. “It would be an honor.”
Aunt Cindra returned her smile and I couldn’t help but tear up at their affection. After years and years of animosity and distrust they had finally come to love each other despite their differences. I could only hope for more healing and restoration for everyone as time passed on.
28
Aunt Cindra was glorious. Her red gown sparkled with gold glitter and living sprites, their yellow glow adding a magical effect. The crown sat on her head, the bottom of it burned and charred but the top blazing with real fire. I smiled at the symbol. It reminded me of a phoenix and poor Fiammetta who hadn’t survived, but Aunt Cindra had risen. A true royal in every sense.
Despite the ornate dress and finery, it was her smile that captivated. I’d never seen such a smile on her before. She was happy—truly happy.
Des’s eyes stayed on her and the fire burning in them was a match for her own. Though he didn’t smile, his emotions burst around him in an uncontrollable wave.
Love. Hope. Happiness. There was so much happiness, I had to summon my magic to steel myself against the onslaught.
I caught Sacha’s eye and smiled. Did he sense it too?
Since the elders were gone and Uncle Sylvain refused to perform the ceremony, Aunt Maloret did the honors. I tried to listen to the poetic elvish words, but my thoughts were racing. Excitement stirred within me. I could see a bright future on the horizon, and I knew I would have a part in it. I’d never felt so at peace and at home.
At last, they sealed their bond with a blood pact and kiss. Their happiness was a balm to my soul. We’d lost so much. Yet we had also gained something. I cheered along with the others as the ceremony ended.
The next day, it was business as usual. We gathered together at a table on one of the castle’s balconies, high above the forest. I sat in my chair, trying to ignore the dizzying height. There was no getting used to the towering tree castle.
Conversation drifted around the table along with all the emotions. I steeled myself against them.
“We are all that’s left of the royal line.” Aunt Cindra’s voice rose above the others. “It is up to us to restore Feylin.”
“By making you queen? I think not,” Uncle Sylvain scoffed.
“If anyone is to be Queen, it would be me.” Aunt Maloret’s eyebrow arched in challenge.
Uncle Sylvain’s face reddened, vines bursting from the wooden table and stretching to the floor.
“Enough.” Mom rose to her feet.
They fell silent.
“You can keep your courts if you must, but there will be no more slaves. No more castes.”
Everyone spoke at once, their voices clashing and rising.
“We will put it to a vote then.” She sighed.
Weariness poured off her in waves. Years of heartache had taken its toll on her and yet she remained hopeful. I stared at her in awe, my heart bursting with pride. No, she hadn’t been the perfect mom, but she was what everything I longed to be—brave, strong, and compassionate. Even with her magic and power, she had never lost her empathy, proving what I had feared was never possible—I could have magic and still be human.
“Without slaves and castes, we will lose our way of life. Our years of tradition,” Uncle Mortemer argued.
My lip curled. Years of hate and torture. The words burned on the tip of my tongue, but Mom’s warning look held them at bay. Coming from me, he’d never accept it. This had to be something they all voted on.
“I know you mean well, Aubri, but I fear deconstructing our entire hierarchy would be detrimental.” Aunt Cindra spoke next.
Mom rubbed a hand across her forehead. “Continuing along this path will only lead to more suffering and a rebellion.”
Uncle Sylvain scoffed. “A rebellion? With what army?”
“The lesser fae still outnumber us. This is as much their world as it is ours and they understand now, that our strength is weakened. That we are not indestructible.”
Uncle Mortemer laughed, the sound harsh as it echoed in the forest. “Speak for yourself.”
Aunt Maloret rose from her seat and addressed everyone. “No, no. Aubri is right.”
My eyes widened at her words. Without the king and queen, she had become the most powerful royal even if the others didn’t want to acknowledge it.
Uncle Sylvain watched her through narrowed eyes. Uncle Mortemer took a sip of his wine and frowned at her, clearly in disagreement.
“That means you’d give up your precious fairies,” he muttered.
Aunt Maloret’s eyes narrowed. “I know what it means, Morty. The only way to save Feylin is to change Feylin.”
He shook his head vehemently. “That was not the plan we agreed to.”
She snorted. “Plans change, darling. It’s time for a new regime.”
Aunt Cindra sighed. “We will put it to a vote then.”
Uncle Sylvain pointed to Mom. “And do we still allow her to have a vote? She’s not of a pure royal line.”
I glared at him.
Aunt Cindra’s eyes narrowed on him. “She is still our blood, even if her mother was pesan.”
“And the halfling?” Uncle Mortemer grunted.
My eyes shot to him. I fought the urge to scowl back at him. Family or not, I doubted we would ever be exchanging Christmas presents. Even after all I’d done, they still rejected me. Though it burned me, I could still be happy knowing I’d done what they couldn’t—save Feylin.
“She is my blood and Princess of the Gray Court.” Mom’s voice rang clear and strong.
His eyes shifted to her. “Which no longer exists.”
Anger radiated from Mom. “My people still live though the forest is gone.”
He grunted.
“Enough. Let us vote.” Aunt Cindra urged. “All those in favor of demolishing all slavery and indentured servitude.”
Mom’s hand and mine shot up, followed by Aunt Maloret’s. My heart sank. It would be a tie then. What would that mean?
Then to my amazement, Aunt Cindra raised her hand. “The votes have it. No more slavery.”
Uncle Sylvain’s face reddened and Uncle Mortemer shook his head, taking another swig from his goblet.
A smile spread on my face. Just like that, we’d freed all the lesser fae. My heart burst with excitement and it was all I could do not to race down and tell Mag and everybody.
No more slaves.
Mom smiled at me through tear filled eyes that made my heart twist. She had been fighting for their equality far longer than I had and I could only imagine what this move meant to her and what it would have meant to B’Zahir. A lump grew in my throat.
I blinked away tears. If only he’d been able to see it.
“Now. The castes…” Aunt Cindra’s words snapped me out of my thoughts.
Uncle Sylvain slammed his fist down, shaking the table. “No. We will not dismantle everything we’ve established and built in one day. I will not see that happen. The castes stay.”
My skin flushed with anger. Their caste system was cruel, and I would do everything in my power to end them.
Aunt Cindra stiffened. “We can leave that subject for another day then.”
I whipped toward her, a protest on my lips. Her eyes shot me a warning. Biting down my frustration, I held my tongue. At least we’d made progress.
“Will that be all?” Uncle Sylvain mocked.
Aunt Cindra frowned at him. Without waiting for anot
her word, Uncle Sylvain rose and stormed out of his own room. His steps were thundering as he left. Uncle Mortemer finished off his goblet, slammed it down and followed, casting me a sneer on his way out.
“Poor losers,” Aunt Maloret snorted. She turned to us and smiled. “Now that business is done, I vote we throw the largest, grandest celebration for all the courts. This is after all, a momentous occasion, don’t you agree?”
I smiled. “Yes. The fae will be so happy.”
“A party it is then!” Aunt Maloret clapped her hands.
Mom and Aunt Cindra shared smiles, excitement growing around us though guilt still poured as well. We had seen so much death and destruction, it was time for some good. The unicorn’s words replayed in my mind.
Good is ahead.
I grinned. Yes, it finally, was. Eager to tell everyone the news, I stood with the others and made my way down the winding staircase. My heart pounded with each step. I couldn’t wait to see their faces when we declared them free. The happiness that would explode would be incredible.
Sacha stood by the stairs, his eyes hungry for news. A laugh escaped me as I launched myself into his arms. Shock reeled through him at my reaction.
“We did it! No more slaves!” Happy tears welled in my eyes.
His lips stretched into a smile, his gorgeous dimples appearing and making my heart race. If my mom and aunts hadn’t been standing right behind us, I would have given into the urge to lay a fat kiss on those full lips.
“Let’s go tell Mag!” I released him.
The brownie was waiting outside with Grimera, weaving flowers and leaves into a crown. She looked up at our approach and smiled.
I picked her up and twirled around, eliciting a surprised squeal from her. Setting her back down, I beamed. “You’re free, Mag. You’re finally free.” My voice cracked.
Her eyes went wide as saucers. “Free?” The question came out a whisper.
Shock and confusion poured from her. Then came joy mixed with sorrow. She would be free, but her family was still gone.