Page 12 of Oleander
Well, here goes nothing, I suppose. “Auroria is the largest kingdom in Faerie and home to Elemental Academy, the most sought-after university. My mother is the queen, and one day, very far into the future, I suppose I’ll be king.” I’m nearly out of breath by the time I finish summarizing my royal status. I realize that it all sounds entirely conceited, but what am I to do? It’s the truth.
“Wow.King?That’s heavy.”
I hum my agreement, but it’s not even the tip of the iceberg.
“Shall we go inside? Where are your belongings?” I grab two of my own boxes and balance a small succulent on top.
Skyler runs a hand through his tangled locks a few times, seemingly embarrassed. His messy hair parts, revealing a small, rounded ear beneath. I gasp, completely shocked and caught off guard, and nearly drop my favorite ceramic pot.
“Y-You’re human,” I murmur, grateful that Zephyr and Hawk didn’t notice, thanks to the complete state of disarray his hair is currently in.
“Uh. Yeah. Well, I’m half-Fae, technically. Found out last week when I released a tornado into the neighborhood.” He holds up his wrists, tugging the sleeves of his sweatshirt up to reveal what I already knew was underneath. “That’s why I ended up with these. And also why I have no belongings.” He takes a deep, exhausted breath. “Everything was destroyed, including my life.”
The trauma he must have gone through emerging into his powers like that, with no knowledge and no guidance, might beas severe as my own. But Skyler’s experience isfresh. The weight of his reality settles heavily on my own shoulders, and I feel an instant kinship with him. A desire tohelp.
“Your family. . .” I trail off, afraid to ask if anyone was injured.
“My mom was out of town, and luckily, most of my neighbors were at work. Those that weren’t made it to their basements in time. Tornados aren’t exactly rare in Oklahoma, so at least they were prepared.”
I haven’t a clue where Oklahoma is—I’m terrible with Mortal Realm geography—but I’m glad no one was hurt or killed.
“I’m sorry,” I whisper because what else do you tell someone whose entire life was just obliterated by their own magic.
I’ve been there.Exactly there.And there’s not a damn thing anyonecansay.
“Me too,” he murmurs, and I glance over at him, sensing a sadness in his aura that I want to eradicate.
“So, you’re an Air Fae,” I say, trying to steer the conversation away from his misfortune and focus on something more positive. Perhaps even exciting. Skyler nods but doesn’t respond with words, so I continue on. “My element is Earth, so I hope you like plants, roomie.” I smile at him and nod toward my collection of various potted plants, succulents, and rare herbs in the corner.
It works, and Skyler smiles wide. The happy-go-lucky twinkle in his eye is back. “I’m here for it, bro.”
Skyler and I enter our new home and are met with a small foyer with a bench, mirror, and coat rack tucked into the corner. Thekitchen is to the left, just beyond that, with a large marble island and two comfortable-looking barstools. I can imagine having a cup of tea there in the morning before class. The living room has an overstuffed couch, a chaise lounge, and a large, flat-screen TV. The giant, exposed-stone wall at the back of the suite, with windows that stretch the entire height and fill the space with so much natural light, draws my eye. It’s an Earth Fae’s dream and houseplant heaven.
A door opens up to a cozy little balcony. Pure joy filters through me as I let the bright sunlight warm my face. I can see it now: medicinal herbs, small trees, and blooming vines weaving throughout the metal railing. It will be absolutely beautiful, combined with the scenery of the wild Fae forest and snow-capped mountains in the distance.
Skyler barely takes in our living quarters before he quite jarringly announces that he smells like shit and needs a shower. I can't disagree with him there, knowing he came from an entirely different realm and likely trekked through the dangerous forest for hours to get here.
“I was gonna ask which room is mine, but never mind!” Skyler calls from the end of the hallway that connects to the living room.
I follow after him, finding his door decorated in the same manner as the dorms on the first floor. It makes me slightly uncomfortable knowing someone was in our space, but it’s a nice gesture, I suppose.
Skyler’s door has a blue sky, white clouds, silver streamers, and sparkleseverywhere. His name is written in white bubble letters on top of pastel blue paper stock.
“Do you go by Sky?” I ask. “It’s a perfect fit for an Air Fae.”
“Yeah. Actually, I do.”
I hum my approval and continue down the hall to my own bedroom door. I’m curious and have to admit, a little excited.
The door is covered in white, baby pink, and lilac flowers, withPrince Oleanderwritten in elegant gold calligraphy. It’s perfect. A small smile tugs at my lips, and I wrap long fingers around the knob, slowly twisting it open and taking in my new space for however long my mother sees fit.
An oversized desk is set up in front of the large stone window, allowing for a beautiful view and plenty of sunlight. A latticework of small platforms line one wall, allowing me to safely grow my rarest plants. A full chemistry set, perfect for developing tonics, sits on a long table with invisible shelves above. It’s stocked with glass bottles, flasks, and beakers of every shape and size.
My mother knows exactly what I like, and I can’t be mad at her for trying to make me happy here. But I still can’t stay. I need to learn control and move on. I’ve been living in a bubble for the past five years, and it’s time to burst it. But I won’t be trapped here. Not once I’m free.
I stroll over to the king-sized bed made up of rich, earth-toned fabrics and plop down unceremoniously, taking in my new surroundings. The room is nice, I can admit it. My own private oasis in the middle of what’s sure to be drama and chaos.
It wasn’t a long journey from the castle, but I’m tired nonetheless. My eyelids feel heavy, and I fall back into the soft bedding, closing my eyes. The only thing I have to do before Monday is set my schedule, and having already missed a week of classes, I’m positive I’ll be stuck with the worst choices. So, I’m in no hurry. Or maybe I’ll plan my escape instead. Either way, I have a lot to think about. But there seems to be one thing on the forefront of my mind.
