Page 2 of Only Flames Remain

As we reached the end of the narrow alley, the marketplace came into view. The ocean shimmered just beyond, endless and alive. The market stalls of Majur unfurled like a living tapestry before us, warm and vibrant. The booths were framed with timber and oak, crowded close together with linen cloths billowing above, secured tightly overhead. They served as awnings to protect the wares below from the volatile Myrosian weather.

The stands were heavy with fruit, spiced breads, bolts of dyed cloth, charms, and even enchantments. Common fae magic was everywhere you looked in Myros. Every fae had magic of some sort, some more specialized than others. Common magic was often found in simple illusions, growing plants, weaving fabrics, healing, and creating glowlight. It was the more specialized magic, such as shapeshifting and altering the mind and memories, that was possessed by few. But anything could be found in the markets of Majur, if one only searched hard enough.

I gazed toward the port, but the clouds appeared to be holding off—for now. I should have plenty of time before I was caught in the deluge of rain the incoming storm threatened.

Enora trailed her fingers along the wooden market stalls, her eyes on me despite pretending as though they weren’t. I knew exactly where I needed to go—heading straight toward the end of the third row. I flipped open the leather flap on my satchel, fishing for coins. Osric was a good friend of mine and indulged in similar…interests.

If one might call mithridatism an interest.

“Good day, Miss Aveline. I haven’t seen you in ages,” he greeted. He reached out to clasp his worn, weathered hand in my own.

The contrast between my delicate pale skin against his aged, wrinkling tan was startling. Osric spent his time outside, his skin aged by years spent beneath the Aelorian sun. I was lucky that my mother, Lavanya, had been an alchemist and herbologist before me. Not only had she developed the only corrosion-resistant coating for the king’s weapons, but her duties to the crown and our shop had allowed me to spend most of my time indoors.

My mother raised me alone—my father having left before I was born. I searched for him for a time but eventually came to the realization that if he wanted nothing to do with us, then I wanted nothing to do with him.

I had spent most of my years as a child managing the counter at our apothecary. It wasn’t until I was much older that I was allowed to travel out to harvest for myself. My pale, delicate skin was thankful for it.

“It’s good to see you, Osric.” I squeezed his hand before my gaze searched the glass case before us.

“What can I help you find?” he asked, his wrinkled hands moving to insert the large, ornamental key into the lock on the glass case.

“Mandrake?” I asked, my voice hopeful as I reached up onto my tiptoes to see what he had hidden behind the counter. “And moonflower, if you have it.”

Osric’s face lit up with a smile, eyes crinkling. “It’s your lucky day, Miss Aveline.”

I nodded with a soft smile, falling back onto my heels. My lucky day, indeed.

Osric unlocked the case, slipping three mandrake roots free and turning to add moonflower to the bundle. He wrapped it tightly in a thick layer of parchment, securing the package with knotted twine.

If I were found with these…there was no telling what Queen Dyata would do. There was only so much Prince Kallias could do to protect me if I were caught breaking the laws of Myros.

I stuffed the parchment into my satchel, effectively concealing the other herbs I had gathered while exploring the plains below the castle. I gave Osric my thanks and turned to leave, slamming directly into Enora’s chest. Her hands were on her hips once more, her gaze darkening as she peered at me through lidded eyes.

“Aveline. This is a dangerous game you’re playing.”

I shook my head at her, pushing past her to make my way toward the ports. Our family apothecary, Drake’s, was tucked at the end of the row of shops there, facing the striking view of the Saltale Sea beyond. If you squinted just right, you could see the outline of Gothryn from the shop’s window on a clear day.

“I don’t know what you are talking about,” I replied, gathering my skirts in one hand and pressing onward through the crowded street.

“You know exactly what I am talking about,” she accused, her voice taut at my back. “If Kallias were to find out…”

I turned, my gaze scorching as it fell on her. “The only way he could find out is if you told him. You aren’t even supposed to know, Enora. This is between my mother and me.”

She shook her head, catching up to me and placing a hand on my shoulder. “I’m only looking out for you, that’s all. Lavanya has crazy ideas about these things. I know she’s your mother. It’s just…I don’t want to see you hurt getting caught up in them.”

My expression softened. “I know. Thank you. If I didn’t have my oldest friend looking out for me, I’m not sure what I would do. But I’m fine, I promise.”

She pasted a smile across her lips, but it faltered as her gaze snagged on something behind me.

“Best to get off the streets,” a soldier barked as he approached, his metal armor catching the glint of the summer sun. “Curfew tonight.”

“Curfew?” I asked, my nose scrunching in confusion. “I didn’t hear anything about a curfew.”

I could see that the soldier was tempted to continue walking—but when his gaze met mine—he stopped in his tracks. “Your eyes…I know who you are.”

I released a heavy sigh, preparing myself for the verbal lashing I was about to receive. None of the Veytari fae of the eastern continent approved of my relationship with the prince, whether they were soldiers or merely citizens. Humans were beneath them.

They were certainly no match for their beloved prince. I was lucky that Kallias didn’t feel the same.