Page 27 of A Legacy of the Light

“What do you mean by that?” I ask.

“It’s the same in any place, isn’t it? I’m sure there are mortals that aren’t kind?”

I suspect that isn’t what she meant but nod my agreement anyway. “Yes, I suppose.”

Reyne places two cups of tea on the breakfast bar.

“I wanted to thank you, for all the items you’ve left and how you’ve been with me since I arrived. It’s made all of this a little bit easier,” I tell her.

“It’s my pleasure. I can’t imagine how frightening it’s all been for you.”

“Yeah, it’s been strange finding out there’s a whole realm I had no idea about that’s occupied by magical beings I thought only existed in the folktales my Granny told me. What’s the difference between humans and Seelie anyway?”

Reyne chuckles when I take a breath after my rambling.

“Our anatomies are basically the same. You wouldn’t be able to tell apart a Seelie and a human. Seelie are much stronger and a lot faster. We have heightened senses, and we don’t die from disease like mortals do. Oh, and we age a lot slower. Most of us can wield magic, but not every Seelie can wield the mist. Those that do tend to be leaders or warriors,” Reyne explains.

“Can you wield?” I ask before realizing that might be considered rude. “Shit, I’m sorry, is that a personal question? I don’t know the rules here.”

Reyne laughs and shakes her head. “You can ask me, but I wouldn’t go round asking that. Some who can’t are touchy about it. I’m what’s called a summoner, I can wield basic magic; make things appear and disappear and put a bit of extra oomph into a fight, but that’s all I can do. My father is an Aotrom, he can wield mist and he’s very powerful. He’s one of the king’s generals. My Mammy can’t wield at all, so I guess I’m caught between the two.”

“Okay. Noted,” I reply, and shuffle nervously before asking, “Do you want to stay for dinner? I’ve been on my own a while and it would be nice to have some company.”

Reyne’s face breaks into a wide smile, a dimple forming in her right cheek. She is beautiful.

“Of course, Elsie. Why don’t you get settled and I’ll get it sorted.” She nods toward the small dining table tucked against the stone wall on the far side of the apartment. I take the cutlery she offers me to set the table. Reyne places a plate filled with chicken, roasted potatoes and vegetables in front of me and takes a seat.

“Whose rooms are these?” I ask while pouring us each a glass of water from the jug she brought over before the food.

“These belonged to the princess, before she died. A few changes have been made over the years. New sofa, new bed, modern plumbing. But it’s largely stayed the same. No-one has used them though,” she says.

I cut into the buttery chicken and take a bite. I have to hold back a moan at the delicious flavor.

We eat in a companionable silence for a while, watching the sun set further behind the mountains, the night sky creeping closer. Reyne doesn’t push for conversation, helping me relax around her.

“This view is stunning. I live in Brooklyn, so I’m not used to seeing so much green. The sights from my apartment aren’t as dramatic as these,” I comment.

“Yes, we are very lucky to live in such beautiful lands. I’ve never been to the mortal realm, but I’ve heard it’s very crowded in places.”

“It can be. It depends where you go. New York is very densely populated but you can escape the hustle and bustle if you know where to go. How do Seelie know so much about my world but not the other way around?”

“I’m not sure. I guess in part because of the magic. Also, we can see what the humans have done to their world and we don’t want the same to happen here. I think the barrier between the worlds has something to do with it, too.”

“What do you mean?” I ask.

“Well, from what I’ve been told, when a mortal has found their way into Seelie lands and been sent back, they find they can’t remember full details. Their memories of Elfayne will seem like a dream to them. It looks like you’ve met Finneus,” Reyne says, pointing a fork toward the books on the breakfast bar. “He knows a lot more about the barrier and its magic, so will be able to explain it far better than me.”

I’m going to have a long list of questions for Finneus. I’m hoping he can answer them or at least point me to some books so I can research while I’m here.

“I’ll ask him. I’m sure he’s going to hate me with all the things I’m dying to know about this world.”

“Well, our trip into the city tomorrow will give you a view. I’ve not been shopping in ages. It’ll be nice to have some female company for a change,” Reyne says wistfully.

“Are there not many women around the palace?” I ask.

“Oh, there are, but they’re vicious and always more interested in winning over Tavish than actually making friends. Since that doesn’t interest me, I keep my distance from court, and they keep their distance from me. I help out around the palace most days, but most of the staff keep me at arm’s length since my dad is a general,” she says with a sad look on her face. She must be so lonely caught between two worlds.

“What made you decide to keep your distance from the court? And what about your mom? Is she around?” I reach across and pat her arm reassuringly. She looks like I do when I’m in my black hole.