n behind them, and Lilli walks with Freya. Still seething over the remarks Rory made, the questio

, “Did you know he was

? I knew you would say no. But, I also know why he had to bring

f the woodland. Ivy wraps around the massive tree trunks. Red and pink toadstools carve out the small trail they walk along now. Rory offered to carry Freya, explaining how if they moved at their full speed,

s. Flickering luminescent lights cast an enchanting glow. Merlyn doesn’t t

ks. She only has an inkling

drawl as before. As if the conversation bores him. Freya keeps her questions to a minimum after that as they continue to w

rowing stronger around her. “We’re almost there,” Lilli announces

worn down with weathering of the elements. Rory takes a step, and the others follow, Freya being the last

a mountain. She isn’t sure where the cliffside ends and the castle begins. Bungal

. His arm extends in front of him, pointing to the castle. “That’s where we’re going.

tepping toward her. His face is still undecipherable. Freya lets out a sigh, nestles Flora safely under one of her arms, and then clasps his outstretched hand. H

ip past her and the wind is sharp on her cheeks. She grasps Merlyn as the speed overwhelms h

hey must have been invisible to any onlookers at the rate they went. She thinks about h

ory turns to them. Intently, he says, “Remember, no one can know about Freya. Only Aeron does – and even I don’t like that.” Freya menta

walk toward it, but Freya pauses a moment. Her neck craning to the highe

e asks. The question seems to catch them o

keep things interesting.” He walks forward, and then turns on his heel, walking backward. Beckoning for Freya, and the other three, to follow.

n halls, similar to that of the castle in the In Between. That one mus

’s a bit extravagant for my taste, but

incredulous laugh

ile her way, “Only

__

oft bed, once again enjo

he needed to attend to elsewhere. Freya easily picked up on his desire

room before he vanished. Freya had a million questions for Lilli, but her

er wonder exactly how long she’s been out of their lives. She tried to ask Lilli why her room was in the castle, why she – and

ow it’s possible. The farthest wall is covered in windows, facing the sprawling gardens where other fairies roamed about. The bed leans against the windows, an ivory canopy draped around

likely want to talk to you.’ Again, the mention of Aeron. Coupled with Rory’s remark about the King earlier, Fre

__

d to quiet the raucous, her mind still partly asleep. She cracks the door open,

e. I thought I was going to have to break the door do

ms the do

his arms flexing as he interlaces his hands behind his head. “Dinner’s almost ready. If you want to change, there’s dresses in there,” his head nods to the ornate armoire in the corner of her room.” Freya p

ze and says, “That’

the wardrobe and turns to him. She cringes as Flora

e to help you get ready. But

ave been difficult for

. “It was, but for you, it’s worth it.” It’s ti

is so urgent, you c

Freya shifts, trying to assert that she’s not his play thing. He continues, “I also wanted to cover a few rules for tonight. First, try not to talk to anyone. We don’t n

ou can’t come as my date, as

ts. “I would never want t

at her, clicking his tongue at her. ‘That’s w

ays this, her heart skips as she thinks of the bewit

uld be easier for people to find out. But, if you’re with Merlyn then we can say he met you at one of the o

s?” Freya asks. His other words al

st brilliant plan he’s ever had. For once, Freya accepts his confidence despite the qualms runnin