That’s long enough to make a decision about homes and lifemarks. But Folly counters anyway. “Toss in Yarrow’s memory of his father, and we have a deal.”
Haelwen smiles. “We have a deal.”
Half a day later, Yarrow stands once again on the goldwood wharf. The Pyran River dazzles nearby, the empty stalls wave their masks and hats, and Folly moans into Yarrow’s ravenous kiss. Yarrow doesn’t pull away until his neck aches from craning down.
“You are incredible,” Yarrow says, cupping Folly’s face.
Folly grins up at him. “I really am. And so are you.”
A sturdy glass bottle holds Yarrow’s only childhood memory of Moriath. He’s tucked the bottle in his carryhold for now, where it can wait until he’s ready to remember it. Not today. Perhaps not for years. But someday he will, and he has that choice thanks to Folly.
“We’re both incredible.” Yarrow plants another kiss on Folly’s forehead. “I think we could be even more incredible together. What do you say we spend a year or two trying that out?”
Grin widening, Folly steps out of Yarrow’s grasp. “I say, where do you want to start?” He spins around, waving at the empty stalls and rustling forest. “The fae realm isn’t as scary as I thought it would be. I wouldn’t mind living here.”
“It’s very scary. You’re just braver than you realize.” Yarrow shoves down a sudden, strange reluctance. “We can live here, then.”
Folly whirls to face him. He doesn’t need a magic eye to read Yarrow perfectly. “Do you want to live in the human realm? That’s a yes or no question, don’t try to dodge it.”
“I don’t know,” Yarrow admits. A sigh melts through his shoulders. “I’ve never belonged in Summer. Maybe that would be different with you. Maybe I’d feel the same in your realm.”
Folly leans against him. The small weight is a reassuring anchor. All the more so because Yarrow’s never asked for reassurance before. “If we can’t decide, maybe we should flip a coin.”
Yarrow loops an arm around Folly’s waist. “Your mysterious magical coin?”
“My mysterious magical coin,” Folly confirms, and unbuttons his coin purse.
The coin is ancient. Powerful. Forged in another realm. So valuable that Nevander refused to accept it.
Yarrow can think of no better use for a spark of fortune than choosing their new home.
“Call it,” Folly says.
Yarrow’s hand wanders beneath Folly’s starry robe. “Ravens, we live in the human realm. Dragons, we live in the summer realm.”
Folly squirms, then steps away from the physical distraction. Frowning in concentration, he balances the heavy coin over his thumb. “All right, magic coin. Where should we live?”
His thumb flicks, and the coin spins upwards. The golden disc shines in ascension, arcing up against the clear summer sky. It winks brighter at its zenith before it tumbles?—
The coin vanishes.
Startled, Yarrow scans around, but nothing hits the wooden wharf. “Was that some clever charlatan’s trick?”
“Gods’ meager mercy.” Folly kicks the wood, pouting. “No, the only charlatan here is that stupid coin! Ugh. I’ll try again with a normal coin.”
A normal coin will give them a proper answer. One side or the other.
But maybe Yarrow and Folly don’t need a proper answer.
“Wait,” Yarrow says, staring into the emptiness where the coin disappeared. “I think that was the right answer. I’ve got an idea.”
Folly blinks. His pout softens into wonder. “I think I do too. But let’s stop by the human realm first. I have some business to settle.”
It’s a crazy idea. It may not work. But one thing is certain—wherever he goes with Folly is exactly where Yarrow belongs.
Chapter 27
Folly
