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“Ahh, so the queen has secrets,” he joked.
I smiled back and shrugged. “Not anymore—I had Carys install these secret passageways so that I could get to you and Bayleon quickly if needed, and vice versa.” Then, taking one last look over my shoulder at Bastian, I opened the door with a reassuring smile. “I’ll see you soon.”
He nodded solemnly and bowed his head in farewell. The passageway was just a tiny space between our rooms, connected by an antique dresser on my side. The one that led into Bayleon’s room was a bookshelf on the opposite wall. A part of me wanted to sneak through to see if he was in his room. I was nervous to see him, especially with him knowing that Bastian and I were together last night.
A knock sounded on my door and Shaylah’s voice echoed from the hallway. “Good morning, Your Highness.”
I was still in my gown from last night, so I quickly took it off and grabbed my bathrobe out of the bathroom. Shaylah was standing on the other side when I answered the door, grinning wide and holding a tray of warm croissants, freshly squeezed orange juice and raspberry preserves. Her honey-colored eyes matched her sun-kissed hair. She held out the food and my stomach growled.
“I know it’s early, but I thought you’d want to eat something before everyone heads home. Some of your aunts and uncles are already packing up to leave.”
Smiling, I took the tray from her. “Thank you, Shaylah. I’ll be down shortly.”
She bowed. “I’ll let everyone know.”
Shaylah turned to leave, but I stopped her. “Do you know where Bayleon is?”
She nodded and her eyes sparkled. “He’s outside with your warriors. They started training at sunrise this morning.”
“Thank you,” I said.
Once she was gone, I stuffed two croissants into my mouth and ran for the shower. I felt so alive with anticipation; I couldn’t wait to tell Bayleon and Bastian my plan, hoping they would agree to help me. It wouldn’t work without their support.
After I bathed, I put on my warm green warrior leathers, then tied my red hair in a braid. Without delay, I hurried out of my room and down the marble staircase, the sound of voices echoing off the walls. Out of all the magical beings in the Land of the Fae, the prophetess was the only one with the power to help me. Unfortunately, I didn’t see her last night with everything going on; I just hoped she hadn’t left yet.
Walking toward the open palace doors, I could hear my parents outside saying farewell to our guests.
“There you are,” a voice boomed from behind. I spun around to see my brother and Aidan, both carrying two large loaves of freshly baked lemon bread. I raised an eyebrow and looked from the bread to them.
“So, you two kings of your own courts, can’t get your people to bake for you?”
Kale grinned. “Some of the best bakers in the Spring Court chose to follow you, sis. I would be an idiot not to take advantage when I come over.”
He joined our parents at the front steps of the palace, leaving me and Aidan alone. Aidan’s enchanting emerald eyes shimmered with excitement as he smiled at me.
“Next time I see you, I’ll bring two loaves of strawberry bread. My bakers make the best.”
I laughed and gave him a hug around the neck. “I’m counting on it! I haven’t seen your court yet, so maybe it’s time for a visit.”
He returned my embrace and smiled. “I’d like that very much.”
Saying our goodbyes, Aidan walked away to join his Summer fae. I spotted Bayleon in the crowd, his tall frame standing confidently with our warriors. I paused, my heart almost leaping out of my chest, but he quickly looked away and I noticed him glancing behind me. I didn’t need to turn around to know who it was—Bastian. My mother stepped up beside me and followed Bayleon’s gaze. She sighed and carefully tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her amethyst eyes filled with worry.
“Things feel different, Lia,” she murmured.
“They are,” I whispered, the previous night’s events weighing heavily on my heart. “I healed Bastian last night.”
She paused and studied me for a moment before speaking again. “I hope you know what you’re getting into,” she said. “Bastian’s not the only one who loves you. I’d hate to see this tear the brothers apart.”
“No,” I stated adamantly. “I choose both. I belong to them, and them to me.”
Her eyes widened and her lips parted in surprise, but no words came out. I could tell from her expression that she was processing the news. No queen in the history of the Land of the Fae had ever had two kings. My mother gently grasped my hand and locked our gazes. Her worry was palpable.
“I know you love them, but their curse isn’t something to be taken lightly. If you were to have sons with them, they’d be doomed just like their fathers. Is that really what you want?”
I stared deeply into my mother’s eyes, refusing to look away. “That’s why I’m going to break the curse. Iwillfind a way.”
My mother couldn’t hide her shock as she uttered, “How do you plan on doing that?”
