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Rue pushed through the undergrowth and ducked under branches, her wand extended in front of her as she half expected Mother to reappear and cart her back to the burrow, back to Grun, back to the destiny she’d finally escaped. Rose crashed through the brush behind her, less graceful than Rue with her years of experience navigating the forest but still keeping pace.
“Are you sure this is the right direction?” Rose said, pushing a branch out of her way.
Rue glanced over her shoulder. Rose’s hair had escaped her plait and thorns had torn slashes in her clothes, but a surge of excitement, contentment, peace rose as she looked at her mother. Her real mother.
“Just a little farther,” Rue said, turning back to the path ahead.
They continued another few minutes before breaking into a familiar clearing with one crooked witch hazel tree standing in the center, reaching its branches out toward them.
“Henry!” Rue said, surging forward without waiting for Rose.
“You found her!” came his voice in her head. “And you have the wand! Does that mean...?”
“Yes. They’re back where they belong. Rose—my real mother—showed me how to set up a barrier to keep them on the island.” Her voice caught, and she blinked at the tears pooling in her eyes. “They’re gone, and I’m not, and I found her.”
“Henry?” Rose said, appearing next to Rue. She was already pulling the jar of pink glittery powder out of her bag and unscrewing the lid. She sneezed twice, then rubbed her nose. “Ugh, that’s him all right.”
Rose reached into the jar and pulled out another pinch of the dust, then blew it at Henry. The sparkles wound around his trunk, then he morphed before their eyes, back into the familiar form Rue loved.
As soon as the sparks settled, she rushed forward and wrapped her arms around him, still clutching her wand—her wand! Tears ran down her cheeks freely as he slid his arms around her, pulling her close into that comfortable embrace. The last of her fear melted away as she relaxed into his arms.
Finally he pulled back, glancing at Rose. “So you found each other, then. What happened? How did you send them home?”
Rue held up the wand. “Apparently this is mine. Once I could recognize it, it came to me like it always belonged with me.”
Henry smiled. “I told you your so-called mother was lying to you.” He rested his hands on Rue’s shoulders and looked past her to Rose. “Thank you, Rose. I was afraid I’d be a tree forever.”
Rose smiled, tears sparkling in her own eyes. “I should be thanking you.” She stepped forward, wrapping them both in a hug. “You brought Aimee back, and I’m so happy to see you again.” She stepped back. “When you didn’t come back after that storm, we thought...”
Henry nodded. “I know. I thought I’d never make it back either. But Rue—er, Aimee—took care of me. Kept them from hurting me. And she got us off that island.”
A bright melody chimed through the air, and Rose stepped back, reaching into her back pocket for the box she had talked to Aaron in earlier. She held it up, looking at the front of it, the side that lit up, then smiled.
“Speaking of people who thought they’d never see you again, Aaron will be home in five minutes,” Rose said, looking back up at Henry. She switched her gaze to Rue, eyes sparkling. “And just wait until he sets his eyes on you.”
She smiled, and Rue couldn’t help smiling back. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach at the thought of meeting her real father—hopefully another person who would accept her as she was, take her in, bring her back to her real life—but for the first time in her life, she was happy for the apprehension. This time, it meant something good was happening.
They turned toward the buildings again, making their way back the way they had come. Warmth filled Rue like the first warm day of spring. She could never have guessed just a few short weeks ago that her life would change so drastically. She’d lost everything she’d ever known but gained so much more—people to love and love her back, power she’d never known was hers in the first place, and a place to truly belong.
She was so much more than mere flotsam.
If you enjoyed this story, please consider leaving a review at your favorite retailer or book site. Reviews help more readers find the stories they love, and I am grateful for every single review my readers leave, no matter what it says.
If you enjoyed Flotsam, you may also like Pumpkin Spice Pie-Jinks, another Fae fairy tale novella.
When fate comes knocking, feed it pie!
Reese was never a risk-taker...that is, until she quit her job to open a bakery serving magical pies from her home. Now, she has the opportunity of a lifetime to win a contract with the visiting Autumn Court. But when two troublesome Fae appear on her doorstep, determined to find a mate for their prince, Reese’s life is thrown into chaos, and she begins to question every choice she has made. Can she learn to take a risk on her new life, despite the troubles around her? Or will the mischief of the Fae drive her business into ruin—forcing her to move back in with her parents? This light and entertaining tale is inspired by Hansel & Gretel and is a perfect way to celebrate the autumn season.
Or, keep reading Petals & Sirens with All That Glimmers!
There’s nothing worse than making a bargain with a Fae. Except doing it twice.
Desperate after the death of her best friend, Hallie made a bargain with a Fae. Now, they are back to collect. Unfortunately, their price is far higher than Hallie is willing to pay, and she will do whatever it takes to escape her promise.
Including making a new bargain, one with far more dangerous terms. To get out of her initial bargain, she must unravel the identity of her mysterious Fae benefactor before spring break comes to a close.
And if she fails, she’ll be trapped in the Spring Court forever.
