Forest of Mischief

ves. She loops half of her wavy brown locks into a hair ring made of golden vines, sticking the matchin

it 10 minutes before leaving her room. Feeling anxious, she perches on the side of her bed to keep from paci

ket of his black slacks, his loose shirt tucked in. The purple in it is so dark that it matches his jet black hair,

s dark eyebrow. She nods, shutting the door behind her, and they travel through the labyrinth of the castle. Even the hallwa

Edges of the mountain interlace with the sage walls. Bright lanterns hang in between t

the last step, she hears laughter. The sound comes from an open entryway with pillars made of car

her, inviting her to lace her elbow with his. She accepts, her breathing slightly faltering as he

ll. She plasters a polite smile on her face and his face relaxes into a mix of indifference and calmn

t, no one approaches them as they begin a long walk, arm in arm, dow

recognizes Fae, the kind that Rory explained they are – including Freya. Their powers correlate with their eyes: elemen

are smaller than her hand. An unfamiliar type mingles with the others, their appearance similar to the Fae. But, they hav

at cover the extended wooden dinner tables. The horde of food is only outnumbered by oddly shaped decanter

table that looks down upon the court. Freya wonders if the placement is inten

an with auburn hair and straight nose. Light freckles cover his cheeks, resembling Rory’s. On the other side of him

o his burning crimson eyes. His mouth curves into a frown, and Freya breaks eye contact. She quickly adjusts in her chair, but she swears she can still

Or, more specifically, three tables away. Following her gaze, Freya spies a tall Fae with tou

. To which Lilli hastily adjusts herself, and gives an innocent look of alo

o a haughty pout, “I don’t k

not as subtle as you think,” Freya st

el, okay?” Her voice barely a whisper as her eyes flit to the angelic blond. “I mig

rets,” Freya says, egging her on. Secretly, she’s grateful for a conversation

riends,” Lilli

“At least, I would like to be.” Her eyes roam to

eyes and loose curls, Lilli’s the most beautiful woman she’s ever s

and all that. I was married. And now, I’m not and I h

Before Freya can control her curiosi

earches for the right words, comforting has never been a skill of hers. But, Lilli continues, her voi

ing smile, “I’m sure he wo

glass of wine, “It would just be an

’t change what th

e could be said for the two of you.” Her eyes dance between Freya and R

he’s never felt intensely enough about anyone to go down that road. And she

eeping secrets now.” Freya rolls her eyes at her, but stil

, a clear symbol of power and control, as he looks at the waiting crowd. All of their elvish faces and glowing eyes point toward the he

s almost here. And my son has returned from the outer villages with his aides.” His garnet eyes turn to the four of them, the fairies’ eyes shifting with his. “And it seems Merlyn h

ass. This isn’t the time or place for her to lose her senses. She pushes the gl

ya tilts her head to Lilli and whispers, “That’s Rory’s dad?” She now understands where

forming a tight line as she nods,

ther, forming a realization that Freya wishes wasn’t true. Rory’s mentio

ning their conversation with passive indif

ce of the Realm?” Freya ca

ll indebted to his father, so in return

m?” Fre

n front of him, “is for another time.” Freya swe

d the array of platters, attempting to choose what to eat. The unfamiliarity of the textures and colors of t

ce taunts her, “Need h

food on my plate.” He smugly grins as he reaches around

e Merlyn. Freya waits until he’s not looking to take a bite, cursing h