Florian smiled. “Yeah. Let’s head inside.”
He led the other two through the Moon Garden, Koji’s sense of wonder making Florian appreciate the Winter Court all over again. He had been just as enchanted with it the first time he visited, but it had been easy to forget how—well,magical—it all was when everything had so soon been tainted by his father’s passing and his subsequent coronation. He didn’t like to think about that—the parts he could remember, as much of it was still a worrying blank in his mind—but the Winter Court was still just as beautiful, its gardens manicured, the perpetual twilight giving it all a cool bluish-purple glow. He’d almost forgotten.
Kade walked alongside him, letting Florian lead, even though he certainly was more familiar with the way up to the castle. His loping gait was comfortable and relaxed, more so than Florian had seen it in weeks—they really were home, both of them. A warm feeling curled in his belly at the thought.
They approached the back entrance of the castle, but the heavy doors swung open before they reached it. Tatiana poked her head out, beaming when she caught sight of them, as she fully opened the door and waved.
“Welcome home,” she said, smiling warmly at each of them in turn. “I see you’ve gained an ally.”
“Yes,” Florian replied, gesturing between Koji and Tatiana. “Tatiana, this is Prince Koji of the dragon kingdom. Koji, this is my aunt Tatiana. She, uh…” He trailed off, unsure of how to describe everything Tatiana did for him. In many ways, she was the one who truly kept the Winter Court functioning by ruling in his stead—but telling Koji that felt nerve wracking somehow, like giving away a vulnerability.
But it was the truth, and he’d already decided he owed Koji at least that. They would have to talk more soon. “Well, she keeps everything here running while I’m gone. If anyone should be ruling the Winter Court, it’s her.”
Tatiana laughed, waving graciously. “You know I’m happy to do it.” In an unexpected, quick movement, she reached for Florian and hugged him briefly. “I’m so glad you’re home safe.”
Florian blinked, surprised, before squeezing her back. “Me too.”
She released him quickly and smiled at the other two. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Prince Koji,” she said, bowing her head in respect. “I appreciate you being here to help Florian.”
“I’m happy to be here, too,” Koji replied, giving just as graceful a bow. “Thank you.”
Tatiana’s gaze turned to Kade. “And welcome back, as always, Kade. I’m happy to see you, too.”
Kade gave her a tiny smile. “It’s alright. I can see who the favorite really is.”
She laughed, then gestured for them to follow her into the castle. “Come on inside. Let’s get a guest room set up for you, Koji. Are you hungry? We already had dinner, but…”
Florin blinked again, processing—of course it was late in the day, he realized, as time differences existed here in the Veil too. The time difference was smaller between here and the Wolf Kingdom, so he hadn’t really thought about it before—especially with the Winter Court’s near-constant twilight—but the dragon kingdom was on the other side of this world. He laughed, shrugging.
“Well, we just had breakfast, but sure,” he said, already dreading the jet lag they would suffer through the next few days. Tatiana paused, taken aback, then shook her head with a fond sigh.
“I don’t know how you do it. Who knew teleportation was even possible?” she mused, dissipating Florian’s mirth all at once. He really did need to talk to Koji about… everything, really, before he started asking questions. Florian would hate to lose his trust now, after the dragon prince had just promised to help them through to the end.
“Maybe some coffee,” he continued, looking between Koji and Kade.
“That would be nice,” Kade agreed, sensing Florian’s nerves. Outnumbered, Koji nodded too.
“Sure,” he agreed, the same easy-going smile on his face.
Soon, they were all sitting in the spacious dining hall, a small spread of desserts on the table, and Tatiana bustling to the kitchen for a carafe of coffee. The three of them sat down alongside each other at the center of the large dining table, Florian in the middle. Koji immediately selected a pastry and took an eager bite.
“Koji,” Florian blurted out, unable to wait for the coffee. “I wanted to tell you some stuff about, uh, the Winter Court and, I guess, me. And about what we’re going to do next.”
Koji blinked, unperturbed. “Sure.”
Florian glanced at Kade on the other side of him, who gave a small but encouraging smile.
“If it’s about you and Kade, um, I already know. I mean, I guess I assumed, but…” Koji interrupted, looking between the two of them. Florian felt his face burn red, and Kade cleared his throat, glancing away.
“That’s—I mean, it’s not really what I was going to say, but—yeah, I guess that too,” he stammered. “We’re, um, yeah. Together. I thought you might have guessed, but I guess we’ll just say it outright.”
“Yes,” Kade agreed simply, sounding awkward.
Koji smiled, looking between them blankly for a moment before offering, “That’s good.”
For an uncomfortable beat, all three of them were silent, Florian burning up with the awkwardness of it all. It didn’t exactly bode well for the rest of their conversation, but at least Koji had taken that in stride.
“There are a few other things you should probably know now that you’re here with us,” he continued resolutely, looking at the pile of desserts as he spoke. “I don’t… I mean, I don’t think any of it would change your mind, but if it does, you know, I can take you home.”
