Page 90 of A City of Emeralds and Envy
She sets off across the fields, and I turn in the direction of my family’s farm. It’s within sight already—the shabby house, the big barn, a few other outbuildings. The old barn is noticeably absent from the scene.
As we approach the yard from the road, I notice a familiar horse—the same one that was standing by our gate on that rainy day when Dorothy and I made our unexpected getaway.
“That’s Gulch’s horse,” I mutter.
“Who?” asks Jasper.
“A tavern owner who wanted to marry me. I’m fairly sure he also planned to whore me out to his customers.”
Riordan growls deep in his chest—a surprisingly predatory sound for someone with his long, rabbit-like ears. I love the protective impulse the sound betrays.
At that moment, the door of the farmhouse opens and my parents follow Gulch out into the yard. Their discussion halts abruptly when they spot us.
A glorious thrill skates through my stomach as I imagine how we must look to them. Me, with my blond hair flowing free over the blue silk of my dress—a dress both fine and scandalous. I wear a delicate gold collar around my neck, part of a naughty game I’ve been playing with my partners.
The thin gold chain that usually accompanies the collar is in Riordan’s pocket. Jasper took his turn with the collar and leash last week, and he and Caer are very much looking forward to next week, when it’s Riordan’s turn to play the role of the pet.
Riordan stands at my side, clad in a suit of scarlet and white, his height and bulk a steady comfort to me as I face my parents. Caer is on my other side, teeth bared in a terrifying smile, his tail skimming the back of my leg. He’s wearing an outfit Fin made him—all black shimmery gauze and studded leather. Jasper stands beyond Caer, dressed in pale blue pants and an open white shirt, with an overstuffed cloth bag in his hands.
Gulch’s sloppy mouth falls open, his eyes bulging in shocked horror. “What the fuck is going on?”
“Alice?” says my mother faintly.
My father can’t speak. He’s turning purple with rage and fear. Behind him, the children are crowding out of the house, gasping and chattering at the sight of me and my Fae companions.
“I’ve come back again, but only to say goodbye,” I announce. “I’m going to live in Faerie from now on. Pap, I’m leaving you with enough gold to pay your debts and carry the farm through the year. Before I go, I’ll also leave a sum of gold in trust with Lord Drosselmeyer, to be used for the education and clothing needs of the children until they come of age. You won’t be able to touch it, so don’t try. It’s for them, not for your drink.”
Speechless, my parents stare at me, while the space between me and them seems to widen. The children still hover behind them, unsure whether to cry or rejoice.
Jasper solves the dilemma for them, approaching my siblings with the bag of gifts and sweets we brought. There are clockwork animals of the Hatter’s creation and music boxes hand-painted by Clara. And there are sweets concocted by Finias, gently spelled to promote happiness, confidence, and hope.
The children cluster around Jasper, drawn by his innocent blue eyes and beautiful smile. They question him about his mechanical heart and about the gifts he passes around. Meanwhile, Caer, Riordan, and I approach my parents. Caer hisses sharply at Gulch as we pass him, and the tavern owner whimpers like a frightened child.
“What is this?” Mam asks through white lips. “You stupid girl—have you sold your soul and body to demons?”
“Not at all,” I say sweetly. “You two were the ones planning to sell me, body and soul. These men are my friends, my lovers. I protect them, and they protect me. They’re my new family.”
“But—they’re monsters,” my mother gasps.
“Yes, they are.” I smile up at Riordan, then at Caer. “The most lovable monsters in all the realms.” I glance back at Jasper, surrounded by children and practically glowing with happiness. “I’m going to talk to my brothers and sisters now, and explain all of this to them.”
“You won’t,” my father chokes out. “I won’t allow it.”
“Allow?” Riordan says coolly. “I don’t believe you have the right to dictate what Alice does. If you’d like to try to stop her, by all means, proceed.”
“It’s an outrage,” snarls Gulch, finding his voice. He steps forward, tugging at the hilt of a dagger in his belt, but Caer lifts one hand, rattling his claws together.
“Give me a reason, bastard,” the Cat says silkily.
“Enough,” I say. “They get the message. The gold, please, Riordan.”
He gives me one of the purses of coin from the satchel slung across his body. We’ll deliver the other purse to Lord Drosselmeyer after we’re done here.
“Pay Gulch what you owe him,” I tell Pap, handing over the purse. “And you—” I turn to Gulch. “Say nothing of this to anyone. As far as any of you know, I was taken by highwaymen again, and this time they’re not giving me back. If you breathe a word of this—cause trouble for my family or Lord Drosselmeyer—you’ll have to answer to—”
“To your demon consorts,” spits out Gulch. “I get it.”
Caer laughs. “No, no. You’ll have to answer toher. She will decide your punishment and command us to carry it out.”
