Page 6 of Spring of the Cursed Fae

Kale turned to me, his voice serious. “Are you ready?”

After taking a deep breath, I nodded. “I am,” I replied with a smile, admiring my brother in his Spring Court warrior uniform.

Soon the symbol on his chest will change to the crest of his new court, just like mine will when we have them designed. Kale had our father’s broad shoulders and strong jawline. Though Kale resembled our dad in almost every way, he had the same amethyst eyes as my mother and me. His hair was always something of a mystery. It was a vivid red upon birth, but as we grew older, it faded to jet black, like our father’s. However, you could still make out the faintest hints of red in the sunlight.

I glanced back at our family and friends gathered behind us; they stood silently, watching as we made our way to the border of the Spring Court. I could feel their anticipation as if it was an electric current running through me.

As we reached the edge of the unclaimed land, I felt an excited flutter in my stomach. The meadow stretched out into a lush, green expanse that seemed to have no end. In just a few minutes, everything was going to change.

I sank to my knees in the soft grass, taking a moment to feel the sun’s rays on my skin and breathe in the sweet scent of lilac and hemlock. Memories of my childhood rushed back, of running in the meadows with Kale and Ember, exploring and dreaming of greatness. My heart raced, and I could feel my hands trembling with anticipation. I wanted to prove that even without the benefit of birthright, I was worthy of ruling over a kingdom.

Looking up, I observed the crowd that had come to witness this special moment, and two distinct figures stood out: Bayleon and Bastian, who met my gaze with their own, even though their eyes were hidden behind their masks. Our connection had grown stronger in the past seven years, but even more so the past year. Lately, however, something seemed different. The tension was almost unbearable sometimes, and it’d been that way for the past few months. They seemed to be hiding something from me, and a part of me questioned their desire to remain in my court or if they were considering returning to the Tyvar.

Nonetheless, I was happy to have them here with me today and looked forward to being alone with them tonight in my castle. Maybe with us being separated from my family, they’ll be more willing to open up to me.

A soft smile touched my lips as I focused on my two protectors. Bastian’s demeanor was alight with mischief, his mouth tilted up in a smirk while Bayleon stood stoic like a statue. He had always been the serious of the two.

I tore my gaze away from them and focused back on my land. I sifted through the grass, and as soon as I felt the earth beneath my fingers, the land seemed to come alive before my eyes.

Out of the corner of my eye, I could see a glimmering haze of magic surrounding my brother. It was an incredible sight to behold. I felt a surge of power coursing through my veins and radiating from the ground into my hands, making me feel more powerful than I had ever been before and robbing me of breath for a split second.

“I’m here,” I whispered, knowing the land could hear me. “I know it took a while, but I needed to feel worthy, to know that I deserve this great honor. I vow to be a good queen, and I will protect the realm with my life.”

A gust of wind lifted my hair and it billowed softly around me, temporarily blocking my view of the brilliant landscape which had started to take shape in the meadow. I was entranced as I brushed my hair away from my face and looked upon the rolling hills of different colored flowers. Tulip and saucer magnolia trees painted the border between Kale’s court and mine. I felt a wave of energy surround me like a blanket of warm power. I could feel the magic of the Blossom Court pulse through me.

When I reached up to touch my head, I felt the crown, made of vines and delicate blossoms with sparkling gems in the center. Across from me, Kale’s court was coming to life, shimmering with a winding river that wove its way throughout his Court of Rivers. I heard a gentle, hushed gasp of admiration from behind me and turned to see my aunt Calista and her daughter, Carys. They were mirror images of each other, their blond hair cascading down to their shoulders and green eyes that sparkled with the same intensity. Calista was the only one in my family endowed with the magical ability to manipulate all four elements—earth, air, fire, and water. She could create a city simply by conjuring the elements. Calista had passed the same powers to not only Carys, but to her son, Merrick, as well; he was the eldest of my cousins. My aunt named him after her guardian who had died trying to protect her from the dark sorcerer.

Carys cracked her knuckles and winked at me. “Are we ready to do this?”

“You’re really going to build my new home?” I asked.

Carys quirked an eyebrow. “Do you trust me?” She gestured grandly toward her brother, who strode confidently beside Kale. “We can always get Merrick to do it. I doubt his idea will be what you have in mind!”

Merrick waved a hand in the air, and in an instant, a majestic palace sprang up in the distance. It was constructed of polished gray stones, each window framed by ornate stone archways. The castle was surrounded by a lush forest, with a winding river snaking through it. It was magnificent. Kale and his warriors, accompanied by the fae who had decided to join his royal court, marched forward with a purpose. They were going to their new home.

I couldn’t help the anticipation bubbling up in my chest as I looked at Carys.

Her eyes twinkled with promise. “Ready?”

I glanced around at my people, who were as eager as I was to see where we would be living. Ember had tears in her eyes, one hand resting lovingly on her pregnant belly while Ren beamed beside her. Bayleon and Bastian stood together, their faces filled with awe.

Taking a deep breath, I replied, “I’m ready.”

Carys nodded and raised her arms. Then, the ground began to tremble beneath our feet, and a mere few seconds later, an exquisite palace appeared before us. I had never seen anything more beautiful. The stones were the color of old ivory, covered in thick vines with colorful flowers.

As I looked around the Blossom Court, I could feel my heart swelling with emotion. Hot tears stung my eyes. I sensed Bayleon and Bastian behind me, their presence heavy as they watched me intently. The others huddled around me, ready to venture into their new home. I met their expectant gazes and smiled through my tears.

“It’s time,” I whispered, my voice full of hope. “Let’s go home.”

* * *

Carys had outdone herself.My castle was everything I could’ve ever dreamed of, with its tall towers, large ornate doors, and stained-glass windows that shone in the sunlight.

Ren and Ember’s cottage stood at one end of the palace grounds, a cozy little structure with a thatched roof and a rose garden. Carys had even built several other dwellings around the palace grounds, each decorated according to their inhabitants’ desires. Tiny villages had begun to form, and everywhere I looked, I could see the beginnings of a beautiful kingdom.

The sun had finally begun to dip below the horizon, and the palace was filled with the hustle and bustle of people settling in for the night. The smell of warm lemon bread wafted through the air, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

Ella and I made our way through the Great Room, the sound of our footsteps echoing off the cold marble floor added a sense of grandeur to the space.

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