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“Inanimate objects hold no memory,” I explain dryly. “Objects, clothing, or, perhaps, something as innocuous as a flow charm can leave the establishment intact. It is well known your son Milford extorted new exhibitors through his charms. If I were you, I would begin my search with any mortal who has suddenly gained a new House of Stone charm.” I pause. “And Sylvanar, remember to smile.”
“We have a problem,”I tell the two Keepers of the Cauldron standing guard outside the queen’s royal chambers. “I must speak with Her Majesty immediately.”
One carved wooden mask faces me. “Disturbing her in this state will have a toll, Robin Goodfellow.”
“I understand.” I bow reverently. “However, I believe something has happened that jeopardizes her reign. If she is not consulted, we may lose this war before she wakes.”
Tension thickens the air. The last thing anyone wants is for Oberon to gain control over the watergates.
The druid replies, “The flower required for communal enchantment is rare. Our supply has dwindled to almost nothing.”
“I understand. I would not be here if it were not a matter of life or death.”
They stare for too long. The smaller druid on the left irritatingly notes, “The seals are still intact. There is no danger.”
I grit my teeth. To speak of such things out here in the palace, where the Knight Inquisitor prowls, borders on negligence. Regardless, I give them what they need. “The ravens reported the Wild Hunt has doubled in size.”
Another pause. Panic unfolds in their shadowed eyes.
“In addition, Sylvanar has reported his son—a Radiant—is missing, and he suspects the House of Shadow. Do you need me to connect the dots?”
“Very well. You are her most trusted advisor. If you believe this is worth the risk, I will prepare the dew.”
For an organization older than Titania, they are incredibly slow on the uptake. Before allowing me entry, the second druid reminds me of the risks as the first leaves to prepare. “You may not remain inside her dreamscape for longer than three minutes. You must not use more than the required dose on her eyelids. You must not?—”
I hold up my palm. “I’m well aware of the process.”
A pause. “Very well, you may enter. We will be watching.”
They hand me the prepared flower essence and usher me inside. The heavy doors close, leaving me alone with my queen in the twilight-lit room. It takes me a moment to desensitize from seeing my beloved with her hands clasped as though she were in a coffin. There is no woolen blanket covering her body, just lashes of greenery. The vines, foliage, and moss of her pillow emit a pungent scent, but she draws power from nature.
She also draws power from the thousands of gemstones twinkling above her bed, dripping essence extracted from dream webs around the city. The Weaving Hunt sleeps at her side and barely lifts an eyelid as I walk through the dragon’s misty substance. As I near, I slide my hand along her bare leg until the foliage blocks me. Such a beautiful queen. So perfectly crafted from dreams.
I place a drop of dew onto each of her eyelids. The effect is immediate when I do the same for my eyes.
Titania’s incorporeal form materializes beside me. My gut lurches at her disheveled appearance. The lustrous brown locks are matted. Her tiara slips. A strange dress of sculpted lily and rose petals is wilted and torn. Finger-shaped bruises encircle the delicate flesh around her neck.
“Puck,” she whispers, as though she is not alone. “You place me in grave danger.”
I bow. “My queen, I would not be here if it were unimportant.”
Her visage appears to run and glance over her shoulder as if chased by her nightmares. She turns a corner, leans against a wall, and then meets my eyes. “Tell me.”
“The Wild Hunt has finally been revealed. It is a baby.”
Her eyes widen with relief. “’Tis the sweetest news.”
“Can we kill it like this?”
“All things are possible in dreams,” she sings hysterically.
“I know you would want to strike the killing blow.” I frown. “But I fear we cannot wait for this Interlude to run its course. The Hunt has already doubled in size.”
Her eyes widen with mania. “How is that possible? Are the seals broken?”
“The Keepers say they remain intact.”
“No.” She shakes her head. “Are you sure the seals are intact? When was the last time you checked the Cabinet?”
