“Oak,” I say warningly, but the ache for a new creative opportunity burns in my chest. “Look, if you did somehow figure out a way to make the commute normal, I would love to. It’s just—even now, the idea of something happening and not being able to get back is terrifying. Besides, I still haven’t even told my mom about all of this. I want to before the wedding, but it’s just…”
“A lot?” he offers, finally seeming to understand. He lays a delicate hand on my shoulder.“Let us table this ’til after your nuptials, yes? I am sorry for my overzealous nature, but you should know that I’m ordering a sign next week. I’d like to know if I should engrave your name upon it.”
“Nuptialsandhoneymoon. Look, either way, I don’t need my name on a sign. I’ll set you up with all the goods before opening day, okay?” I plead. “You’ll make something amazing with or without me.”
“I do not mean to pressure you, my friend.” He perks up, shaking the crestfallen expression into something that resembles a smile. “Whatever you decide, I will support, but I truly think a collaboration between the three of us could be wonderful. I can feel the creativity ready to burst from your veins.”
“Me too,” I agree. “But I like my cozy life in the mortal realm too. I wish I could have my cake and eat it or whatever.”
Oak opens his mouth to speak, but we’re interrupted by a chorus of shrieks, clapping, and my steely sister-in-law’s protests.
“I won!” Ruby shouts, rising from her seat as the party cheers.
“Not fair! She’s written half of the things I answered verbally.” Holly crosses her arms.
“I mean, you kinda gave those answers to everyone.” I laugh, giving Ruby a thumbs up. Heck yes, if anyone deserves a day out for coffee, it’s the busy mom in the group. Regarding the rest of the bridal party, I raise my mocktail into the air. “Now, who wants to run through a hedge maze?”
2.
Moth
Awedding.
My lips quirk into a smile. For all the time wandering around this mortal plane, I never thought I would see the day. Heather has only been in my life for a short time; even still, I cannot imagine a day without her. I want to make this as special as she has dreamt of. Especially considering there are variables in our lives she never considered.She is a faerie, a bride—my bride.
Butterflies swell in my chest at the thought of seeing her dressed in something white with frills—my perfect confection. I am thankful she’s bonded so well with a seamstress like Widow. I have ensured her favorite items have been altered to accommodate her wings. Still, neither of us mind our space well and tend to bump into things around the cabin. She seems more comfortable now, especially with access to her full wardrobe.
And though I have not been permitted to see her gown before our wedding day, I know my flame would look like a goddess in anything. I trust Widow has created a garment that will complement her perfectly.
Yes. It seems wherever my flame goes, warmth follows. She has found comfort with my family and her friendships. She acts with an ease that I find admirable, aspirational even. Often, I am teased for my standoffish nature. Brooding, grumpy, even strange. In truth, I am most comfortable when I can simplyobserve. Both here and in the other realm. It is only Heather I feel I can be completely myself with.
Even after denouncing my title and crown, the mere act of thinking of Eclipsica has beenchallenging,to say the very least.
My memories of what life was like come back in hazy waves, flowing into pages of a novel I am convinced I will never finish. Despite endless conversations with Heather, I have a strange feeling that my past is a dream, and there is nothing before her.
“Brain Fog” is what Heather calls it, and it certainly is fitting. My mind is a swamp and my past lost in the marshy waters.
For a moment, I stand at the window and watch my flame disappear into the woods, Sprout following close at her heels. It is odd watching her go, knowing she’ll be a world away from me, if only for one night. The portal that my mother keeps under lock and key from the rest of the realm will bring her home safe, but that doesn’t relieve the uneasiness when I think of her so far from my reach.
Eclipsica should feel like home, and yet this is where I’m most comfortable, despite how cramped our living conditions have become. I do not regret returning, not in the slightest, but this cannot be home forever. Not while Heather is learning to stretch her wings and hone her skills. And this restlessness is not just my own. I have seen tabs on a website called Zillow pulled up on her phone when she thinks I am not looking.
I know my flame well enough to know when she is hiding a desire. And there is no desire I will leave unmet. Smirking to myself, I turn on the electric kettle. We have a rule against secrets, but a surprise after our wedding?
I hope it will be well received.
After I pour myself a blend of black tea and rose, I put a record on the player. It is a collection of old country songs, reminiscent of the radio signals I heard when I first arrived in this realm. How domesticated I’ve become since hiding in the bunkers ofPoint Pleasant, but then again, compared to royal life, it is quite simple.
A simple, quiet night. I’ll enjoy my cup of tea, the tasks laid before me, and thoughts of my love until her return.
“Knock, knock!”
I groan and place my cup down. Was a guest missing from Heather’s gathering? Everyone was accounted for, or so I thought, but then again, I was distracted. I move through the cabin, finding my glamour. It’s a small necklace with a charm of pearlescent gemstones. Any human would think it had been picked up at a boutique—not from the queen of the faerie’s personal collection. Checking my reflection in the mirror, I am assured my wings and antennae are indeed hidden. However, faerie magic can’t hide everything. There’s always a tell: claws that are too long, teeth too sharp. A glamour cannot hide my bright red eyes, which Heather has easily explained away as contacts.
Moving to the door, I open it, revealing my future mother-in-law. Strange, she was not set to arrive until tomorrow. But she is here, her bags overflowing with what appear to be florals and craft supplies.Wonderful.
“Am I too late?” she gasps. “Honey said that the party started at 7, and my flight—well, I changed it last minute, so I hope…”
She looks at the empty house.
