“Don’t you want to dance with Pepper?” I ask. I’m sure with six kids they don’t get a ton of chances tobe alone.
“They are currently helping in the kitchen, per Holly’s schedule, though they should return to me soon.” I swear there are literal hearts inher eyes.
“Multi-talented.” I nod, giving her athumbs up.
“They really are.” She nods. “Now come. I too could use a caffeine boost—my two youngest have decided naps are no longer in fashion. Neither is sleeping in.”
“To the tea cart!” I exclaim. As much as I want to find Moth, caffeine comes first, especially since Ruby needs a boost just as much as I do. The more I’m here, the more I realize the faeries are immortal but not invincible. They may not get a common cold, but they certainly can become tired, weary, and heartbroken. My eyes find Queen Plume across the dance floor for just a moment. She regards me with a small nod, then smiles when her eyes fall on the way Ruby’s and my arms are loopedtogether.
Of all the things I thought I’d find here, friendship wasn’t one of them. I wish I could tell her who I really am and why I keep talking about things she’s never heard of, but I appreciate Ruby’s support, nonetheless. Considering at least three of her children are still in the babbling phase, nodding politely and pretending to understand is undoubtedly a skill she’s gained withpractice.
Still, I can’t help but wonder what her reaction to a cute little coffee shop would be. I bet she’d order a floral latte and look out the windows at all the cars passing by. She and Moth would share inside jokes—but without accessible portal travel, that’s never really going to happen, is it?
Moth and I can be guests in this world, but his friends and family will never really be guests in ours—not with ease, at least. That would require Queen Plume to share her secret portal, and if that was something she wanted, I’m sure it already would havehappened.
No. Tonight will be our last night here.
Maybe we’ll be able to visit from time to time, but it’ll be worse than having friends who live in a different time zone. No FaceTime or group chats—just radio silence.
“Did you hear me?” Ruby asks. We’re standing at the tea cart, stacks of decorative cups on one side, large teapots on the other. The smell of rich black tea, hints of jasmine, and rose hangs in the air around us. Delicate flowing script on pretty labels indicates each of the flavors. We both opt for a breakfast tea, and I hope the caffeine will do something to make me feel human again.
“What? No, sorry.” I shake my head. “The musicis loud!”
“Creamor sugar?”
“Both!” I nod, watching her plop two sugar cubes in each of our cups. She adds in a dribble of cream before placing it in my hands.
We clink glasses, taking large sips before letting out contented sighs. It’s not coffee, but it’s definitely hittingthe spot.
“How do people typically stay in touch when the seasonis over?”
“The usual—letter writing and weekend visits. We do not live far—a little outside of the palace walls in a big open house with lots of space for the children.” She nods. “You will have to visit soon.”
“I would lovethat but—”
Her face falls. “You’re notstaying?”
I shake my head.
“And you’re not going back to the Butterfly Court either, are you?” She raises her dark brows and… oh, she knows. She absolutely knows.
I sigh, shaking my head. I’m too tired to hide anymore but will not admit anything while we’re in earshot of other people.
“Am I that obvious?”I whisper.
“A little. Oak figured it out first.” She shrugs.
Iknew it.
She opens her mouth to say more just as Pepper sneaks up behind her, wrapping their arms around Ruby’s waist. She catches herself before any tea is spilled—literally and figuratively. The elegant fae shoots back her tea in one gulp before Pepper whisks her away to the dance floor.
I’m left alone once again.
My wings fold tight against my back, and with each step, I feel smaller in this grand space filled with kings and lords—and whatamI doing here?
Ruby and Oak have been able to tell I’m just a human this whole time. Sure, I helped pick out flowers and tasted cakes samples, but it’s a joke to think I belonged here.
Wandering to the far corner of the ballroom, a tall shadowy figure catches my eye on the opposite end of the dance floor.
