I awoke to see Annabeth leaning over me, dabbing a cool cloth to my forehead. I was in my bed, though I had no memory of how I got there. Seeing me open my eyes, Annabeth squeaked, almost jumping away from me. I could see her uncertainty now that I was awake.
At least I can see.
“Am I dead?” I asked. My voice was raspy, my throat stung, but less than I would have imagined. My entire body ached, but I was in no severe pain. I attempted to sit up.
Seeing my struggles, Annabeth suddenly burst into tears, crying even as she tried to help me sit. “It really is you, milady. I am so, so sorry.” Annabeth was apologizing and sobbing, the cries turning into hiccups.
“I will take it from here.” Casper was suddenly beside the bed. In a kind tone, he suggested Annabeth fetch me some tea. She bobbed a quick curtsy before hurrying out of the room. Casper gently propped pillows behind my back.
Even as daylight streamed in from the window, there was no sign Casper would transform into a swan. I greedily drank in his every detail, elated beyond words to see Casper human again. His black hair was disheveled and there were shadows under his eyes. I reached up a hand and touched his cheek. I smiled, feeling the stubble on his face.
“You’re human,” I said before I began coughing again. Casper poured me a cup of water from the pitcher, helping me carefully swallow several sips.
“Thanks to you, my love.” Casper clasped his hand over mine, gently kissing my fingers. His eyes darkened as he squeezed my hand. “I was terrified I had arrived too late. Everyone in the Rose Palace save for your brother owes you an apology.” Casper’s lips turned down in a grimace. “I wanted to throw every single person in the dungeon for what they did to you.”
“I hardly think the dungeon has room for everyone in the Rose Palace,” I said, though I secretly felt pleased by his fierce concern.
“I’m serious, Nor. I don’t know what I would’ve done if I had lost you.”
“I felt the same way when I thought you might be a swan forever,” I said in a rough whisper. “But I am too happy to see you to think about vengeance. Besides, they could not have known.”
“You are being exceedingly generous considering my sister tried to execute you.”
I couldn’t hide the shudder; the memory of being tied to a stake would haunt me.
“Why don’t I hurt more?” I had been certain I was dying in the fire, convinced my body was destroyed. But I felt little pain now. I looked down at my arms. My burnished faerie skin was intact. I could make out faint scarring, light markings that were nowhere near as terrible as they should be.
Casper nodded toward the door that led to my parlor. “Pel and Lorella arrived soon after I got you out of the fire. Pel said you had summoned him.”
“Are they safe?” I asked, suddenly fearful that the laws against faeries put them in danger. I threw off my quilt, about to seek them out, when Casper put a gentle, but firm hand on my shoulder.
“You need to stay in bed. The faeries are under my protection. I explained everything that happened to us to Constance and the rest of the court. From our capture, to you being the Magnomel heir, to Elrik’s death. And while I cannot promise that everyone is entirely comfortable with the fay, they understand that no faerie is to be harmed in the Rose Palace, or in any of Reynallis.”
I looked down at my hands, my skin clearly not human. “I imagine Constance was most surprised,” I deadpanned.
“Well, she—” Casper started, but was interrupted by Constance herself striding into my room.
“Yes, I was surprised,” Constance said, her tone brisk. “I instructed Annabeth to notify me the moment Elenora was awake.” She faltered then, as she took in my appearance. “Is there a way to reverse this?” She gestured toward my wings. “We can have the finest physicians—”
“No,” Casper cut her off. “This is who she truly is. There is no need for her to change anything.” I nodded, grateful to not have to explain.
Constance’s breath hitched slightly, as though she wanted to speak but was uncertain of what to say. “It will be hard for a faerie in Reynallis.” Before I could respond, I noticed Constance’s eyes going glassy before fat tears began to roll down her cheeks. She squeezed her eyes closed.
“Elenora, I am so sorry. So deeply, gravely sorry.” Constance finally opened her eyes to look at me, though her hands knotted together in front of her. I had never seen such an outpour of emotion from Casper’s sister, and it rendered me speechless.
Constance wiped at her eyes, even as tears still ran down her cheeks. “I’ve always hated the fay. And since they murdered our older brother, I took that as a sign they were all wicked. But I almost had you killed. And you would have died if not for Casper and Finn. And it would have been my fault. I am so sorry. I thought I was protecting Casper, but I had it all wrong.” Constance broke down crying, her breath uneven between sobs.
As I gave her time to weep, I realized I was more like Constance than I ever thought possible. When she calmed down to the point of an occasional sniffle, I reached out and clasped her hand. Though she didn’t withdraw it, she held my hand with caution, as though I might break.
“I forgive you,” I said.
Constance studied me, her eyes red and puffy. “How can you forgive me? I watched the horrors of that fire . . .” she trailed off. I knew I would be haunted by the memory of that terrible day, but I was weary of vengeance. I wanted hope instead.
“Because I understand what it means to do anything to protect your family. And because I want us to focus on the future. One where there can be peace between humans and fay.”
“Thank you, Elenora.” Constance’s words were little more than a whisper, but she gave me a watery smile.
“And I will heal thanks to Pel and Lorella. It’s a wonder they arrived so quickly,” I mused.
“They were close by, knowing that the time was almost up to break the curse. Lorella came with Pel and she used her magic to heal you,” Casper said.
I looked down at my hand, Pel’s gold bracelet still wrapped around my wrist, undamaged by the fire. “I have never been so grateful that he tricked me with an unremovable bracelet. I was lucky to have gold I could never spend.” I fully took in Casper’s attire. “And speaking of gold, what are you wearing?”
Casper looked down at his clothes, almost sheepishly. He wore an outfit of pure gold, as though someone had used spools from the tower to construct the fitted trousers, the fine tunic, and calf-length boots. Unlike the cloak I had woven, the fabric was fine and smooth, resembling liquid gold. The only thing marring their perfection were the detailed accents, what might have been white feathers sewn into complex patterns on the tunic and up the seams of the boots. The feathers were covered in ash, many blackened or burned off entirely. Around his waist was a belt that also might have been made of swan feathers, but only a few stringy plumes remained. A gold sword rested on one of my chairs, with a thick, golden cloak draped over the side. It was not the thorny, wild thing I had created, rather it was piled in rich folds, another cluster of destroyed feathers forming what would have been rich trimming if the plumage had not been burned.
“When Finn threw your cloak on me, it transformed, even as it was transforming me. I became human and the cloak became fine gold, smoothing around me and turning into this.” He gestured at his clothes.
I recalled my golden angel and smiled.
“I might have ruined your lovely new outfit,” I said, reaching out to stroke one of the few surviving feathers, a half-burnt thing embroidered into his tunic.
“Perhaps I should get cursed again so you can make me another one,” Casper said with a smirk.
“Don’t you dare,” Constance snapped, regaining some of her composure. The look of horror on her face was enough to make me laugh.
I plucked out the feather, letting it float to the ground. “If you are still wearing this,” I tried to do the calculations in my head, “then how long have I been out?”
Casper’s face grew serious. “Two days. It took a lot for Lorella to heal you, and then we all had to wait.” Casper laced his fingers in mine, as though needing to physically touch me to assure himself I was alive. “I did not want to leave your side.”
I looked down at our interlaced fingers and smiled. I noticed his signet ring was still on my finger, the imprint of roses unscathed by the fire. I ran my thumb over the ring, before tracing the lines of his fingers. There was so much work to be done, so much to fix, but for the moment, I was content to be right here, close to the one I loved, feeling safe and protected.
After three days, I was deemed rested enough to leave my bed. At least, I deemed myself so. Despite my reassurances, Annabeth was beside herself with guilt at having not realized who I was and seemed intent on making up for it by ensuring I had constant care and a steady supply of pastries, all hot and fresh from the kitchens. While I enjoyed the idleness the first day, by the second day, I was restless, and uncomfortable with all the apologies.
Annabeth was not the only one eager to make amends. Sir Yanis was first, followed by a very repentant Devon. He oscillated between begging my forgiveness for his part in my arrest and chastising me for hiding both the fact that we are half fay, and the curse from him. Finn made the problem worse by being far too smug about knowing the truth, at least until I finally threw a pillow at his head. But I did not mind my brothers’ bickering. I was too happy to have our family back together.
I spent most of the second day in bed as Finn and Devon played cards and Jacobie snuggled in bed with me, every now and again asking if he could have wings like me. The first time he asked, I exchanged a silent look with Finn and Devon. At some point, my brothers would have to deal with the knowledge that they were also half fay, but that discussion could wait. For now, I distracted Jacobie with the promise of a pear and almond tart if he could find Annabeth to fetch one from the kitchens.
By the third day, I could no longer stand my confinement. There was too much that had to be set right, and I wanted to be a part of it, especially if I could do anything to bridge the divide between faeries and humans. When Casper confided that there would be a council to determine the next course of action, I refused to miss it.
Annabeth realized I was leaving my rooms, with or without her help, so she set to work, preparing my bath and laying out fresh towels. As I dried off, I noticed the gown she pulled, a velvet dress of deep teal, trimmed with shimmering cream ribbons. The dress was unfamiliar. I ran my hand over the soft velvet before picking it up. The back of the neckline had a deep plunge that would reach to my mid-back.
“Annabeth, where did this gown come from?”
“I had it made, milady,” Annabeth said, carefully studying her toes. “I thought you would like a gown that can accommodate your wings. I did not want to disturb you with such things when you needed rest. I also thought the color would be nice with your new skin, I mean, complexion.” Annabeth peeked up at me, biting her lip. “I hope I did not presume too much, milady.”
I found it hard to speak from a wave of emotions. Though many people asked after my health, wishing me a full recovery, most of them skated around the fact that I was now fay. I had begun to feel as though it was something shameful. I threw my arms around Annabeth, embracing the small girl in a tight hug. Annabeth stiffened in surprise and I was certain I was breaking all the rules of decorum. I released her, scrubbing at my eyes so I wouldn’t cry.
“Thank you for seeing me,” I whispered.
“It is my job and honor to serve you,” Annabeth said, with a dismissive wave of her hand. But as she tied the laces of my new dress, she smiled. “Your wings are lovely things.”
I stared at myself in the mirror. Annabeth had been right about the color, the dark blue-green velvet perfectly complemented my glowing copper skin. I extended my wings, their opalescent surfaces reflecting the light. My white hair had been cropped after much of it burned, but there was enough to frame my face, though the points of my fay ears poked out. Annabeth secured a dainty tiara on my head, one studded with pearly moonstones. It was a gift from Constance, one she had given me when my pearwood cane had been recovered and returned. I told Constance that the moonstone in the cane used to belong to my father, and we spoke at length about our families, especially those who were no longer with us. Before she left, she squeezed my hand and told me that she was looking forward to us being sisters.
Annabeth dusted my eyelids with a fine golden powder that, instead of hiding the gold of my eyes, made them even more prominent. Though I was not entirely accustomed to seeing myself as fay, for the first time, I realized I was not disgusted by what, by whom, I saw reflected in the glass. I might no longer look human, but as a faerie princess, I was beautiful.
As I seated myself at the large, round table in Casper’s study, I noted the advisors Casper had chosen. In addition to Constance, Devon and Finn, Pel and Lorella were in attendance. Since the Southern War, I had believed nobles cared only for themselves, but Casper had faeries and commoners at his table. Perhaps he truly could be a different kind of king.
“I thank you all for your time,” Casper said, addressing us. “It would be an understatement to say that much has happened since my return, and our actions in the next few days and weeks will dictate the future relationships of Reynallis with her neighboring countries. Before I bring in a bunch of yelling nobles, I want to strategize a plan with those most closely involved.”
As Casper let his words sink in, I realized I was seeing yet another side of him. He was not the imperial, grand monarch nor was he the charming boy, rather, he was a dedicated leader, a caretaker of his country. He did not need an elaborate show or ceremony to command the respect of those closest to him.
“Relations with Magnomel have not been good, but I do not want to start my reign with another war, not if there is any way it can be avoided. The damage from the Southern War is still felt by our most vulnerable citizens.” Casper glanced at me as he added, “I have my betrothed to thank for opening my eyes to that fact. It took a thief to make an honorable king,” he said, winking at me before turning his attention back to the rest of the attendees. “There are poor villages in the south that have never been rebuilt, people who are still going hungry years after we stopped enforcing rations. A war against Magnomel will only further delay aiding our southern cities and bring the same fate to our towns in the north.”
“Peace is a noble goal, but what of Queen Marasina? We have no way to trust her,” Constance said. She considered her next words before adding, “I was wrong to think that all fay are evil. I have learned much from new friends,” she nodded at Lorella, “but even as I recognize my ignorance, we cannot ignore that Queen Marasina ordered an unprovoked attack on the Rose Palace during your coronation. Good lives were lost in that battle in addition to her capture and imprisonment of you and Elenora.”
“I am genuinely sorry for my mother’s actions against the humans but starting a war against us will only lead to further bloodshed.” Lorella spoke softly, but without any hesitation.
“And if your mother decides to attack again?” Constance countered.
“She will not.”
“How can you be certain?”
“Enough!” Casper said, using his commanding voice. Both Lorella and Constance closed their mouths, sitting back in their seats and glaring at each other. “We may already have a solution to peace with Magnomel.” All eyes fixed on Casper, expectantly. He took my hand. “An alliance by marriage.”
For a long time, no one spoke, taking in Casper’s words. He squeezed my hand, and I returned the gesture. As I watched the people around the table, I dared to glance at Pel, afraid this reminder would cause him pain. Rather than upset, he looked pensive, and whispered something to Lorella, who nodded.
“That is not a terrible plan,” Lorella finally said, breaking the silence. “Public violence toward one’s kin is considered highly disgraceful. It would be unheard of for royal fay to commit such an act.”
“But Valente tried to have me poisoned,” I countered. My confidence in such a straightforward strategy dipped as I remembered my uncle’s attempt to assassinate me. Even if he owed me loyalty now, Marasina was under no such obligation.
“Yes,” Lorella conceded, “but he did not do it himself. It would have been a very different matter if he had given you the piro berries. That would have been far more dishonorable.”
“A strange sort of honor,” I grumbled, but I had to concede that Valente did abide by a moral code. He had gone to the trouble of warning me in the forest that Marasina would demand my return eventually.
“Strange or not, it is the way of our people. And if Nor is queen of Reynallis, I cannot see a way my mother would view open attacks on Reynallis as anything other than overt violence toward her granddaughter. She may not like it, but the honor due to living kin outweighs revenge for the dead.”
“We can inform the queen when we return to Magnomel,” Pel said, glancing toward Lorella, who nodded.
“I will go. I should be the one to tell her,” I said.
“What?” Devon and Casper said in unison. Chatter broke out, Casper and my brother both making arguments as to why I should never return to Magnomel.
“It’s the honorable thing to do,” I said. “Which may be a surprise coming from me.” Finn snickered and Devon elbowed him in the ribs. “But it is true. Because of humans, Queen Marasina lost a son, and if I never see her again, she will view humans as taking her granddaughter away as well. She might not openly attack Reynallis, but she will only resent humans more, and a bitter peace is not a lasting peace.” I paused before adding, “And I promised Valente that I would go back and explain.”
“Is there any way I can talk you out of this?” Casper asked. His grip on my hand tightened, and I could see the shadow of fear in his eyes.
“No, you cannot.” I placed my other hand on his, trying to reassure him. “But I will be fine. I know that Queen Marasina cares for me in her own way. And whether I like it or not, she is family, and I’ve lost too much family to lose any more.”
“Then I shall not stop you.” And if Casper felt anxiety at my decision, he did his best to hide it.
“Excellent! I’ll come with you,” Finn said.
“You will not,” Devon said.
“Why not? We’re family too.”
“Because it’s dangerous.” Devon glared at Finn.
“Come on, I’ve already gone into Magnomel twice, and I was fine.”
“I’m not certain that is a good idea,” I said. “You still look entirely human, and while Alverdine could remove your glamour, that is a big decision.” I raised my hand before Finn could argue or Devon could agree. “But regardless, you are right. You and Devon and Jacobie are all her family and deserve to see her as much as I do.”
“You two are incorrigible,” Devon said, but I knew we had him. He rarely got his way when Finn and I both agreed on something.
“Now that our strategy for relations with Magnomel is,” Casper glanced between my brothers and me, “mostly decided, we must take immediate action to de-escalate war preparations, starting with sending messengers to Glavnada and Faradisia to halt the request for reinforcement armies. Lady Ilana and Lady Flora should also be invited back as guests to the Rose Palace, should they wish to return.”
“I can go to Glavnada,” Devon quickly offered, drawing the eyes of everyone in the room. “What?”
“Eager to see Lady Ilana?” Finn goaded.
“No, that’s not it,” Devon said, but the flush of red creeping up his neck told a different story. “Though she is a wonderful girl, err, woman, umm, lady.” He cleared his throat. “Sailing to Glavnada sounds far better than venturing to Magnomel, and I know there is no talking either of you out of heading there. Better I take Jacobie with me, to keep him safe.”
“And so you can see your lady love?” Finn added in a very loud whisper. Devon punched his arm. Those around the table politely muffled snickers and hid smiles at my brothers’ antics, all except Constance, whose face had become forcibly blank.
“Delighted to see that matter is addressed,” Casper said. “That only leaves notifying Faradisia. Constance, I was thinking you could lead the retinue to the south.”
“Flora can’t come back,” Constance blurted out. Cracks formed around her stony expression, as she blinked rapidly to keep her composure. “Even with the war called off, Flora was only allowed to stay in Reynallis as a royal hostage. King Jovian has been eager for Flora to return since you were released to take your place as king. He would see it as an insult to Faradisia for us to have her here with us when you are no longer there.”
“Perhaps you can convince King Jovian that Flora’s invitation back to our court is one of an honored guest, not a royal hostage?” Casper spoke softly to his sister, but she shook her head.
“He interprets a royal guest as an unofficial royal hostage, I am certain of it.” Constance wiped once at her eyes and pressed her lips together in a tight line.
“What if she was not returning as a hostage or guest, but rather to fulfil a different sort of contract?” I said, an idea starting to take shape.
“Such as?” Constance asked, though she looked doubtful.
“If a marriage with the Magnomel heir can cement a peace between kingdoms, perhaps a marriage with the niece of the Faradisian king would also ally our two countries.” I looked intently at Constance, waiting for her response.
Constance lit up, a hopeful smile spreading over her face as she practically jumped to her feet.
“Elenora, you might be brilliant.” She turned to Casper. “I shall start preparations for my trip immediately.” She hurried out of Casper’s study, her velvet skirts swirling around her.
Casper grinned as he watched his sister scurry away. “Thank you, Nor. I do not believe I have ever seen her so excited.”
I kissed his cheek. “Being reunited with one’s love is a pretty thrilling thing.”