“I am content with the number of friendships I have at the present,” I say with a shrug. My life is more social than it has been in decades. And it is unsurprising: who would not want to bask in the glow of my flame? She seems to attract admirers and friends wherever we go, and I am happy to watch her effortlessly go into those relationships.We all have our talents. She is the light, and I am happy she joins me in the shadows each evening.
“As outgoing as ever.” She laughs, tying another ribbon around a mason jar. “But you’re cute. I’ll give Heather that.”
“Honestly, I didn’t really need to come early, did I?” She rises from the table, “You two probably could handle all this before the wedding day. I never thought she’d want something so small. Then again, this whole thing came out of left field. I never thought she’d want to step out of the spotlight. I’m glad she did though…”
Words I never thought I would hear Heather’s mother say.
“You are?”
“Well, yeah!” She smiles. “Who knew she’d find such a handsome man to settle down with—and crafty too!” After admiring my handiwork on the centerpieces, her gaze picks up as she appraises the large archway in our small living room.It still requires the addition of fresh flowers. Mother is having them brought in from the garden. I would be happy to get married surrounded by just the trees, but it’s been touching for Heather to see everyone come together to make our day special, and I love to see her smile.
“She’s happy with you,” Marsha says taking on a more serious tone. “Frankly, I’ve never seen her so happy. Not in a long time, at least. A few missing details will not change that.”
“Your daughter is everything to me.”
“Good,” she says. “God, I’m going to have the most beautiful grandchildren one day.”
My flame has always said that her mother takes only five minutes to ruin a heart-to-heart moment. I think we nearly made record time on this attempt.
“Still, I’m surprised, these life changes are all fast for her.” She shakes her head. I can understand the apprehension. Her only child is marrying a man she herself has not come to know. Marsha and I have spent very little time together. I suppose I should be grateful for the opportunity to bond with her.
“The phrase I have heard Heather use is ‘when you know you know.’ And I believe it is the correct sentiment,” I offer, wondering how long this conversation will persist.
“But I don’t even think I know your last name.” She squints as if staring at me long enough will make it reveal itself to her. The name “Prince Moth of Eclipsica” would be just as strange to reveal as “Mothman.”
“I plan on taking hers, mine is of no consequence,”I reply easily.
“A modern man.” Marsha laughs. “The invitations were pretty informal as well…”
She is clearly digging for information—a predicament indeed. Secrets will be told in time. But, it is important they come from Heather’s lips.Marsha is her mother, after all.
Sprout pushes his way through the door, whining and spinning in circles, scratching at my leg—a signal for me to follow.But why? I stand. The room spins for a moment as my second form begs to burst free of the bindings of flesh. It is possible the magic of my glamour is the only thing keeping me in this human form on my bones.
There is an urgency to his barking that makes my hair stand on end. His very presence here does not bode well, and the creature inside me begs to spread its wings.
“You will excuse me,” I say—an order, not a question—and I curse myself for not having more social grace. But Marsha just laughs, telling me to take Sprout for his “walkies.”
While I am glad she does not follow, the persistence of Sprout’s bark as he shepherds me toward the forest makes every fear I have for my flame’s safety come to the forefront of my mind.
Something is wrong.
3.
Heather
One hour earlier.
“There is a small tradition in Eclipsica,” Holly announces, retrieving a long silk ribbon from her satchel. “It is said a faerie of pure intent can make it all the way through the maze by following their heart alone. You’ll be blindfolded, of course.”
“That’s ridiculous. Let’s do it.” I say. I’m not sure if it’s the sugar pulsing through my veins or my eagerness to get away from the conversation with Oak, but I bounce on my heels ready to take part.
“We will also be looking for you,” Holly says, a wicked laugh in her voice. “If you are caught by any of us, you’ll have to start at the beginning.”
“Wait, what?!” I gasp. “Who made up these rules?”
“The courts of Eclipsica, of course,” Holly says. “It was much more dubious in olden times, but has turned into a children’s game since called ‘Marry the King.’ Despite my brother’s disinterest in the crown, I thought it would be afestiveway to welcome you. Do you hate it?”
I wish she would stop worrying, there’s nothing that could make tonight less perfect. That being said, I’msonot even going to ask what the old rules are. The more I learn about the quirkiness of the fae courts, the more I wish I could forget. Withall the drama, kidnapping, and swordplay, I’m glad I ended up with a group as cozy as this.
