I knocked on his door. Once, twice, thrice, and then I opened it, unable to wait any longer. Nathan’s silver eyes widened as I hurried inside. He was in the middle of rising from his chair. “Virgie, what’s going on?”
Despite the direness of the situation, I rushed over to him and hugged him, allowing myself a few blissful seconds. Then, I pulled away and confronted reality. “Lady Cardinal, the vampire headmistress I told you about, isn’t missing. She’s at the Summer Court, working together with King Peter.”
Nathan took a step away and studied me as if I had gone insane. “That’s ludicrous. Where did you hear that?”
I tensed, knowing he wouldn’t be thrilled once I told him. “I wanted to see if I could discover anything about the king’s plans, so I flew on a Pegasus to the castle. I heard the king conspiring with Lady Cardinal, in a room behind a locked door. It was on the storage level, where they keep the food.”
Nathan rubbed his chin, and I prepared for a lecture on how he was disappointed in me, but it didn’t come. Instead, he asked in a whisper, “Are you absolutely sure? Maybe you mistook her for some other vamp.”
“I didn’t see her, but I heard the king call her Lady Cardinal. Why on earth would he call someone else by that name? He can't even lie.”
Nathan nodded slowly as his eyes hardened. “King Peter expected us to return with Thorsten, then. He had planned to turn Thorsten into a plant right from the start. He told us he wanted a high-profile vampire prisoner, counting on us to assume he meant Lady Cardinal.”
Finally, Nathan was opening his eyes to the truth. He reached to the collar of his shirt and undid the first button. I darted toward him, afraid the realization alone had caused him pain.
“I’m fine,” he said in a weary voice. “The air feels stuffy.”
“Let’s take a walk then. Get some fresh air.” Seeing the hesitation on his face, I added, “No one is out this late, and if they see us, they’ll think it’s a romantic walk and nothing more.”
That must’ve convinced Nathan, because he took my hand, his nervous magic running under my skin. “All right.”
Not saying another word, we walked out of the mansion. The grounds might be enclosed in stockades, but they were still vast, with trees growing in the far corner of the combat training area. Nathan led me to a pond with lilies so white they were almost glowing, remaining silent the whole way. I didn’t press him, knowing he needed to process everything I’d just dumped onto him.
Finally, with a sigh, Nathan began talking. “When Caleb stole the fertility plant and rescued the students from Nocturnal Academy, I thought things were looking up. I couldn’t predict that only a few months later, he’d be imprisoned, and I’d be…”
“Torn,” I finished. I bit my lip, but then pressed on. “Nathan, I know the vow you made to serve King Peter is hurting you every time you break it. But I need to understand how exactly it works. Sometimes, it seems like you’re able to help me, and other times, you’re bound by it completely.”
Nathan sat down on a bench. When I joined him, he put his arm around my shoulder. “I made the loyalty vow when I was ten,” he said slowly. “King Peter promised to keep me safe and that I’d always have a high place in his court, so long as I pledged my loyalty.” Nathan glanced at me, pleading in his eyes. “He offered Nerissa the same deal, but only I took it and I said I'd protect her. We didn’t have anyone after our parents’ deaths. We thought this was the best thing that could happen to us, given the circumstances.”
I nodded. “I understand. Anyone in your position would’ve done the same.”
“For the next five, six years, I did everything the king asked me to. I idolized him.” Nathan snorted and looked deep into the pond. “Then as I got older, I began to ask questions about a few things and would experience a bit of pain each time that I did. I quickly learned not to go against my king. I also thought that if the magic worked that way, I was wrong to disagree. I buried all of my concerns, deciding it was my duty to follow through on my promise. I convinced myself that this was my life and there was nothing I could change. Then, you showed up.”
I’d turned his world upside down, and not in a good way. Yes, Nathan needed to face the truth, but I hated all I was putting him through. “The pain. Does it stay the same, or does it get worse the more you oppose the king?” Blythe had mentioned that pain prevented fae from breaking vows, but she hadn’t gone into details.
Nathan took my hand, sliding his finger over my palm, exploring it as if it was a map. “Speaking badly of King Peter’s policies causes short term pain, like a warning. Going around the king’s order can make me feel unwell for a day or two. I have not tried to go further. With each time, the pain worsens.”
I waited for him to continue, but when he didn’t, I knew I had to pose the hardest question. “What if you go against the king fully and work with the enemy?”
He hesitated. “I don’t know. I’ve never done it.”
“Look at me.” He did, and the bleakness in Nathan’s silver gaze gave me the answer that he was trying to hide from both of us. “You will be in excruciating, long-lasting pain. You might even die.” Blythe had alluded in a chipper tone to that consequence in class.
Nathan opened his mouth to speak, but I silenced him, pressing my lips against his. I was done talking. I was done hearing one horror story after another. “Will you stay at my place for tonight?”
Nathan reeled back, and I chuckled. “I promise I won’t bite.”
“I’m not sure that’s wise—”
“It’s not forbidden, and nobody will see us. I don’t want to sleep alone tonight. I think we both could use a bit of company.” A warm body to distract our minds.
Nathan nodded, and we rose together. We stayed silent as we headed into the Vasara Center, stepped onto the tree stump staircase, and into my apartment.
“Are you sure?” Nathan asked, stiff, as I closed the door behind him.
“Absolutely.” I took his hand and guided him into my bedroom where I threw back the covers and slipped off my shoes. Then I laid down and motioned for him to lie down next to me. He did, and our lips met. We laid on our sides and kissed for a long time. My hands tangled in his long, fine hair, and my legs wound around his perfect muscled thighs. A deep part of me burned, wanting to go further, but that wasn’t what tonight was about. Tonight was about safety and companionship, not passion or lust.
Thus, after a while, I turned and pressed my back into his torso. His arms came around me, pulling me tight against his chest. Cocooned in his embrace, I fell into a deep sleep.
I woke up the next day to the smell of fresh coffee. I reached out for Nathan, only to be greeted by cool sheets and air. I sighed. Nathan had many duties. He couldn’t afford to just sleep in. Still, I was disappointed.
I sat up to discover a tray with fruit, waffles, and yogurt waiting on my bedside table. Next to it sat an envelope. I tore it open to find elegant, yet blocky handwriting.
Sorry I had to leave early and couldn’t stay for breakfast. I really enjoyed last night.
Nathan
A giddy sound escaped my mouth, and I fell back into my pillows. Oh boy, I was in so deep with Nathan. I was in love. Just thinking about him gave me butterflies. While I worried about the future once the war broke out, I refused to let anxiety consume me. Instead, I hummed, “Fly me to the moon” as I got dressed in a pastel suit.
Classes consumed most of my day. History was a snooze fest as always, I did well in Mental Shields and Influence, and I couldn’t wait for our first Potions Class, which wasn’t taught by Blythe, but Nerissa. Instead of using our regular classroom, Nerissa whisked us downstairs into a room that held copper chairs and tables. It felt weird to be somewhere that didn’t feature wood and plants, but I supposed it made sense to use a room with more durable materials for such a class.
“Good afternoon, students.” Nerissa floated into the room, her hair shining like spun gold and her wings emitting so much light, it took m
e a few seconds to adjust. “Today, we’ll start with an easy potion for calming effects. You’ll mix lavender, chamomile, and root of moonglow.” For the next hour, we chopped the plants and carefully added them to boiling water. After stirring the brew for ten minutes, we tasted the concoctions, most of which had turned a pale blue. Relaxation swept over me as I swallowed the floral-tasting potion.
Nerissa examined them one by one. “Very good,” she said once she had stopped at every table. “You all did excellent. Our next potion is a healing draft with antiseptic qualities. Please take your aloe vera and ginger, as well as your strongweed.” She pointed out a mixture of familiar and unfamiliar herbs, some of which were only native to the faeland.
I was chopping up my ingredients when Nerissa stopped at my table. “You’re doing well, Virgie. Everyone is so impressed with your progress since you came here.”
I gave her my most brilliant smile. “Thank you.” Realizing this was my chance to get some answers, I added, “Can I ask you a question?” According to Nathan, Nerissa hadn't taken a loyalty vow to the king, and I knew he had shielded her. So even before he took the vow, he had known there was some risk.
“Of course.”
“Blythe taught us about fae vows. Can they be broken?” I pushed against the shield around Nerissa’s mind, hoping my smile convinced her to let her guard down. Tell me all you know. It’s important for a mentalist like me to have as much information as possible to keep the other fae in line.
“A vow is binding,” Nerissa said slowly. “But if either party dies, it is voided.”
“What other ways are there to break the vow?”
Nerissa blinked and shook off the grasp I had on her mind. “You don’t have to worry about that. Vows protect us. They’re in our best interest.” Her features grew serious. “I know it must be hard not to be fully part of the court. But don’t worry. I’m certain King Peter will allow you to swear your allegiance very soon.”
8
Virgie
Vows are in our best interest. Yeah, right. I tossed and turned in bed that night, hearing Nerissa’s words over and over again, hating that so far I’d done nothing but follow King Peter’s orders. If I swore the oath, I’d become his marionette. I would have to mimic Nathan, keeping my real thoughts about King Peter buried deep down, so my vow wouldn’t hurt me.
I had to avoid making the vow, that was clear. But how?
My situation seemed dire, and I was no longer angry that my father had turned to alcohol. His position as the king’s mental arm twister must’ve undone him. He’d cracked under the pressure, but I couldn’t afford to do the same. Onyx, the earthbound fae, and all the Summer and Winter Court fae who didn’t want war, were counting on me. With my powers came great responsibility.
I eyed the stars through my open window, listening to the insects outside. Nathan wasn’t with me tonight. He had to stay at the palace when he wasn’t working, socializing and spending time with the king. Would I soon have to do the same?
“Focus, Virgie.” I couldn’t wallow in self-pity. I had to come up with a plan. First, we had to free Peony and Caleb, then change Thorsten back into a person, and get him out of here. That would stop Onyx from starting a war, but not King Peter. No matter how much he disgusted me, I had to get close to him so I could influence him and convince him that war was not the solution.
An impossible task. King Peter was unstable and dangerous, and with Lady Cardinal in the Summer Castle, he had another person whispering into his ear, urging him to kill Onyx. She was their mutual enemy. The king had probably outed Onyx as the one who blew up Nocturnal Academy, omitting the significant role his son Caleb had played.
Despite my thoughts circling like a dark tornado, exhaustion claimed me at last, and I fell asleep that night, none the wiser. When a knock sounded on my door the next morning, I felt as if I had just closed my eyes. I groaned, my body stiff from fatigue and worry. “Who’s there?”
“Nathan.”
At the sound of his deep voice and reassuring tone, I leapt out of bed, casting away the stiffness. I found Nathan on the other side of the door with a rolling, wooden breakfast tray and an envelope.
He offered me a smile. “Sorry I couldn’t see you yesterday. I hoped I could make it up to you with breakfast.”
I smiled and stood aside so he could come in. “Thanks. Did you find out anything about Lady Cardinal when you were in the castle?” Nathan had promised me that after his duties were over for the day, he’d stay at the castle and search for the vampire. How much pain had this act caused him? From the way his silver eyes clouded, I guessed a lot. Guilt over his agony swept over me, but I cast it aside. This was the king’s fault, not mine.
Nathan sighed. “I searched the storage room below the ground floor. There was no trace of Lady Cardinal. Then I searched the rest of the castle from top to bottom without any trace. King Peter must’ve moved her.”
That might have taken him hours. “Nathan. Are you okay?”
“Yes.” He offered another faint smile as he removed the wooden lid from the breakfast tray, revealing an artistic sprawl of goodies. “I am glad that you helped me stop being in denial.” He took a croissant, and I forced coffee down my throat.
To free you, King Peter has to die. I couldn’t get the words out, but I knew Nathan heard my thoughts because he flinched. I was getting so good at telepathy now that it was becoming automatic.
“I wasn’t in much pain,” he reassured me. “The king didn’t prohibit me to search for Lady Cardinal. I only felt weak. I was able to lie in the garden and recover after a few minutes.”
Despite him trying to downplay the situation, I felt sick. Pushing down my guilt wasn’t working. I had done this to Nathan. I was putting him in danger. But what other choice did I have?
“We can deal with King Peter later.” I forced a piece of cheese down my throat. “We should focus on freeing Thorsten and returning him so that war doesn’t break out. Both courts will benefit. The Summer Court will benefit, and you swore your loyalty to the Summer Court, right?”
Nathan’s shoulders fell, and he managed to finish his croissant before nodding at the letter he had brought me. “Open it. It’s from Peony. Obviously, it has been curated by the guards, but it’s a good sign that she was allowed to write at all.”
With trembling fingers, I reached for the letter, hesitating before opening it. What if its contents would further hurt Nathan?
He rose. “I’m sorry I must leave you so soon, but I have a lot of duties to attend to today.”
“I understand,” I whispered as his lips crashed against mine. I lost myself in the kiss for a few moments, and when Nathan pulled away, I was satisfied to see this his eyes shone with life and happiness. I had this effect on him. “See you later.”
As soon as the door clicked shut behind him, I tore open the letter. Peony’s fancy, perfect script greeted me, which I remembered well from our time of doing homework together at Nocturnal Academy.
Hi Virgie,
I miss you and the Vasara Center, and the last week has allowed me to really think about how wrong my actions were. Working with Onyx was a risk, and I sincerely hope that King Peter can forgive me.
I rolled my eyes. It was clear that this part of the letter was for the guards and while it was necessary, I hated that we had to skirt the truth to survive. Of course, Peony did hope that King Peter could forgive her, and when she was talking about how wrong her actions were, she could be referring to anything. Technically she had written the truth.
I’m very grateful that King Peter has allowed me to work on a project for him and given me the chance to show that I can serve the Summer Court. The plant is coming along nicely. I’m honing my plant skills, and soon I’ll be able to do what is expected of me. The guards tell me that once I complete the plant for the king, Caleb and I shall be released.
We are working peacefully together, and not harming each other, or anyone else. Everything is progressing nicely.
<
br /> Peony
Peony’s letter seemed innocent, but I understood the code. Her experiments with the mouse were going well. She must’ve discovered how to successfully turn it into a plant and back into a mouse. That was reassuring, as was the news that she and Caleb should be released soon. However, as I reread the letter, something tickled at the back of my mind. Something was off, and on the fifth read, I realized that a bit of Peony’s writing looked, well, strange.
A few of Peony’s letters had a strange little curl at the bottom that I’d never seen in her writing before, a curl that no one but Peony herself or I would’ve noticed. It could’ve been a fluke, but I didn’t think so. Tingling with excitement, I grabbed a quill from another table along with a piece of parchment. One by one, I noted each letter that had the telltale sign.
Hi Virgie,
I miss you and the Vasara Center, and the last week has allowed me to really think about how wrong my actions were. Working with a non-Summer fae was a risk, and I sincerely hope that King Peter can forgive me.
I’m very grateful that King Peter has allowed me to work on a project for him and given me the chance to show that I can serve the Summer Court. The plant is coming along nicely. I’m honing my plant skills, and soon I’ll be able to do what is expected of me. The guards tell me that once I complete the plant for the king, Caleb and I shall be released.
We are working peacefully together, and not harming each other, or anyone else. Everything is progressing nicely.
Peony
S U N S C R E E N
Sunscreen? What was that supposed to mean? Had Peony found a property in a plant that would help Thorsten once we got him changed back? That would be helpful as the Summer Court offered no protection from the sun in the daytime. I had to hope. I crumpled up my worksheet and tossed it in the trash, feeling much better. At least one of us was making progress.
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