He had to be hallucinating. That was the only logical explanation for it. Had one of his potions backfired again? He pushed through the fog in his mind for answers. The last thing he remembered was Folium asking him something, followed by the sound of rain.

That didn’t help much. He tried to recall anything more recent, but the mists in his head would not part any further. Without warning, Frederick sneezed. He became intimately aware of the fact that he was soaking wet. He shivered and hugged himself as he stood.

“Folium?” Frederick called.

No answer. He turned in a small circle. The same surroundings greeted him from all sides, along with occasional, faint giggles from the undergrowth.

“Who’s there?” he demanded.

His hand went for his sword. He unsheathed it with a swish and held it in a white-knuckled grip. The giggles, of which there were several now, only increased.

“I should very much like to wake up now,” Frederick muttered, then, more loudly, “show yourselves!”

The sound of rain returned, and with it the scent of petrichor. A woman approached him through the undergrowth.

Frederick had never seen a stranger sight in his life. For one thing, her skin was the most unnatural shade of blue, more so than that of someone that had frozen to death in a snowstorm. Her eyes held a grey-blue sky within them, and her ears came to little points at their ends. Her deep-blue hair fell in watery cascades down her back, and the white freckles that dotted her face were like flecks of splashing water.

More extraordinary than all of this was the fact that the woman had not walked toward him; she had floated. For on her back sprouted a pair of blue wings with a composition much akin to a dragonfly’s. They fluttered behind her now, supporting her as she circled him in midair.

“Hello, little one,” she beamed.

Frederick followed her every move with his sword, not daring to lower it.

“Who are you?” he asked, hoping his voice sounded firmer than it felt.

“I am called Sapphire,” the woman said, “may I have your name?”

Frederick’s eyes widened. Oh, how he wished he had only been hallucinating after all. Based on the stories, he knew all too well where he was. He didn’t know much about the fae, for Galiot and his parents always got strangely quiet and distant when he asked about them, but he knew enough to recognize one of their kind when he saw one. And he also knew what not to do should one of them ask the question that this one had just posed.

“You may not,” Frederick said, “my name is mine and mine alone.”

Sapphire’s smile flickered for only a moment. It returned even broader than before.

“Oh, clever boy,” she praised, “I see you know more than I presumed.”

She stopped right in front of his sword’s razor-sharp point.

“You must also know not to insult me,” she said sweetly, “and pointing a blade such as this at your host is rather rude, is it not?”

Frederick did know that, he had just forgotten he knew that. With reluctance, he sheathed his blade.

“As honored as I am to be invited to your realm,” Frederick said, “I have urgent business to attend to in my own. I should like to return there at once.”

“Oh?” Sapphire’s eyes twinkled, “and do you know how to get back to your realm?”

“I had hoped you would tell me.”

Fae couldn’t lie, so hopefully this ordeal would be over as soon as it had-

“I don’t want to, so I will not,” Sapphire said, circling him once more, “I have waited ever so long for your arrival, and I do not intend to let you go so easily.”

Frederick huffed. Now what was he to do?

“Very well. I shall figure it out on my own.”

He started to walk away, but something wrapped around his ankle and held him fast. He looked down and saw wet, leafy vines had crawled out of the water and were snaking up his legs.

“I said I did not intend to let you go so easily,” Sapphire said, “while I am not a plant fae, these vines and I have a good relationship with each other. They have been gracious enough to assist me.”

Frederick had drawn his sword once more, manners be cursed, and was attempting to hack at the vines. His steel blade barely gave them a scratch. They climbed up his body like a trellis, pulling his arms down and pinning them to his sides. Every breath Frederick took became shallower as it became abundantly clear just how immobile he had become.

The vines were almost to his neck when they recoiled. They started to wither at the tips, their strength waning until only his forearms and below were properly secured. He still couldn’t get free of course.

Sapphire’s brows knitted together.

“What have you got around your neck, human?” she asked.

She approached him with caution. Frederick wanted to put distance between them, but it seemed like the vines were pulling him closer to her. Sapphire trailed a finger around his collar. She cried out when she touched the chain of his pendant.

“What accursed object have you brought with you?” she demanded, cradling her burnt finger.

“I didn’t bring anything,” Frederick countered, “you abducted me.”

She took a deep breath. She untied his shirt at the neckline, exposing his chest. There upon it sat the pendant, its dark sapphire glinting in its black setting. The metal was mildly warm against his skin, but not hot, and certainly not enough to burn someone. Sapphire took a few hasty steps back until she was at arm’s length.

“Iron,” she spoke the word like a curse, “I might have known.”

She nodded to the vines, which slithered down enough to release Frederick’s hands.

“Take it off,” she said, “and cast it through there.”

She pointed to a large pool in the moss, big enough for a person to fit through.

“Is that the way back to the human realm?” Frederick asked.

Sapphire refused to answer. That would be a yes then.

“This pendant was a gift,” Frederick said, not making a move, “I want to keep it.”

“This is your final warning,” Sapphire said, but made no move to get closer.

“Remove the vines.” Frederick said.

Sapphire rolled her eyes.

“Suit yourself, human.”

Good. Once he was free of the plants he could simply jump into the portal and then have it filled with dirt and stone.

Sapphire flew toward him, closing the distance between them in the blink of an eye. She tore the chain from around his neck, breaking it at once. She gritted her teeth and fought to not cry out. With a plop and a splash, Frederick’s only protection from the fae disappeared across the planes.

Sapphire summoned a bubble of cool water from the lake and slipped her hand inside it. The liquid soothed her, and soon enough her blue skin had completely healed.

She turned to Frederick with a smile, but in her eyes she wore a withering gaze of fire.

“Right,” she said, “I did warn you, human. Now let’s see about a consequence for your defiance.”

Part 5- Consequences

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In the meantime, King Hrethric summoned the best scholars of fae-folk and their magic. Surely one of them could help Frederick slip the blue fae-woman’s grasp.

The years passed, and Frederick grew into a young man who was more than worthy to be called a prince of Ridire. It is on his eighteenth birthday that our story begins.

…

Frederick greeted Prince Folium of Verheim, son of the elven King Robur and Queen Blodyn, and his oldest friend since childhood.

“Many joyous returns of the day, Prince Frederick,” Folium said.

“Thank you, Prince Folium,” Frederick said.

They stared at each other for a couple moments before bursting into laughter. They embraced each other.

“It is good to see you, Folium,” Frederick said.

“And you as well,” Folium replied, “I thought your ceremony would go on for an age before I could speak with you properly.”

“My father’s wish,” Frederick said, “if I could work my will, we would have a small, quiet affair here, with just our friends and family, and no-”

Torsten walked by, speaking with a lord from Athenae. Frederick paused, waiting until they left earshot.

“Ahem, no… extra guests invited for the sake of diplomacy,” he finished quietly.

“No strangers, you mean,” Folium corrected.

“You said it, not I,” Frederick said.

He took his hand off of the rim of his cup and sipped his cider. He had been particularly careful with his drinks ever since the unification day ball back in the summer. He was determined to have this event unfold without any unwelcome experiences.

A guard came up from behind him.

“Your highness, it’s time,” he said.

Frederick turned and nodded.

“Yes, thank you. I’ll be right there.”

The guard bowed and left the way he came.

Frederick downed the rest of his cider.

“Good luck, your highness,” Folium said with a chuckle.

Frederick merely grunted in response, then left in the direction of the guard.

…

Frederick felt as though a beam of light from the heavens had come down upon him, while the rest of the world had been swathed in darkness. The party guests flocked to him like moths to flame. He gave a polite, practiced smile.

His mother had said he only needed to open a few presents in front of everyone, but even that would require an excellent performance. He felt like one of his potion ingredients being examined on his workbench, being scrutinized intently for any defect or flaw.

So far, he had received a chalice from Torsten, a music box from a Ridirian noblewoman, a decorative bow with an ornate quiver of arrows- that gift would be from Folium, a tea set from Lady Ingvild Vertrarim (along with a spine-chilling love letter which Frederick refused to read aloud), and a leather-bound journal from Princess Mindelyn of Athenae. He had just opened a beautiful stein of crystal from King Njord of Ledyanoy when a leafy parcel found its way into his lap.

“Prince Folium,” Frederick said, “you’ve already given me such a generous gift, you didn’t have to give me another.”

“You flatter me, your highness, but that is not from me,” Folium said.

“Leigheus?” Frederick asked, turning to the elven doctor.

Leigheus shook his head.

“The only thing you’ll be receiving from me, your highness, is a first aid satchel.”

Laughter bubbled up around the room. Frederick joined them, then looked for a name on the parcel.

“Perhaps it is an anonymous giver?” Frederick said.

“Well don’t keep us in suspense, open it!” Folium said.

Frederick acquiesced. Inside the parcel lay a crown of lily buds and dew drops. When Frederick lifted it, the beads of water stayed in place, and the flowers bloomed vibrantly from his touch.

“How beautiful,” Frederick said, “but who…?”

Morgana and Hrethric exchanged a glance. The queen approached and took the wreath from him. The lilies closed at once as she set the gift back in its wrappings.

“I’ll set this aside for you, where the blooms will not get damaged,” she said.

There was something peculiar about her tone, but Frederick did not have time to comment on it, for Hrethric stood next.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” he said, “you have been more than generous to my son. Words cannot begin to adequately express our gratitude. I feel it is now time for you to enjoy the dessert banquet that has been prepared.”

He nodded to the doors, and the banquet hall opened for the second time, the first being for dinner. They all migrated to the space, eager to taste more of Chef Augustin’s cooking.

…

Frederick wished Folium a good night as he retired to a guest chamber.  The royal family of Verheim would stay overnight before returning to their kingdom the next day. Frederick went to go to bed himself, but a hand on his shoulder stopped him.

“Galiot,” Frederick beamed, “there you are. You’ve been in and out all day.”

“My apologies, Lad,” he said, “I was making sure your security was in order.”

He fiddled with a bundle of cloth in his hand. He presented it to Frederick.

“What is this?” he asked, taking it.

He pulled back the cloth to reveal a solid black pendant encrusted with a dark sapphire. The metal was ice-cold in his hands, and the gem was so dark that one could barely tell it was blue.

“Thank you,” Frederick said slowly, “but you know that aside from my ring-”

“I know you aren’t one for jewelry,” Galiot said, “but, this is very important to me, and I want you to wear it. Please.”

Frederick couldn’t hide his bewilderment.

“Of course,” he said, “anything for you. Tomorrow I’ll find something that matches it.”

He put the pendant back in its cloth, but Galiot took it out once more.

“I think it would be best,” he said, draping it around Frederick’s neck, “if you start wearing it tonight. It will help you get used to its presence.”

Frederick gasped a little, the metal was freezing against his skin.

“Is… everything all right, Galiot?” he asked.

Galiot didn’t answer for a moment.

“Everything is fine, Frederick,” Galiot said.

…

Frederick lay in his bed, twirling the pendant between his fingers. What a strange gift. Galiot usually got him things like a scabbard for his sword, new armor, or a rare potion ingredient that he had been searching for. He was never one to give him jewelry or objects that were purely sentimental. He always gave him something that had a use. Frederick eventually fell asleep, unaware of Galiot’s presence outside.

…

The fae crown had deeply troubled Hrethric, Morgana, and Galiot. They debated destroying it but eventually decided against it. Rejecting a gift from the fae in such a way could have irreversible consequences. At least Galiot had commissioned the blacksmith for the iron necklace. They hoped it would be enough to keep him safe.

The blue fae-woman watched Frederick outside his window. He seemed so peaceful when he slept. She wondered what he was dreaming about. Tomorrow, she would ask him. She wanted to know everything about her new human when she brought him home.

Part 3

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“Frederick!”

Galiot skidded to a halt and knelt down beside him.

“Galiot!?” Frederick blinked through his tears.

“It’s me, it’s me, Lad,” Galiot said, producing a dagger.

He went to cut the vines. Frederick sniffled.

“Don’t. Don’t bother.”

“Blasted plants are stronger than steel,” Galiot muttered, “not to worry, I’ll have you out of this in a moment-”

“I can’t leave, Galiot.”

Galiot turned to look at him and quirked a brow.

“What do you mean?”

“I tried, I really tried, but they made me- there was a flower with nectar and they- they-”

Frederick, who was not one to cry in front of anyone, broke down into shuddering sobs. Galiot said nothing for some time.

“They fed you their food,” Galiot muttered, “I thought they might’ve.”

He opened a small pouch on his belt and produced a dry biscuit.

“Eat this, Frederick,” he said, “we’re going home.”

Frederick stared down at the biscuit, confusion written on his otherwise disconsolate features.

“I don’t understand.”

“Eating fae food will tether you to the fae realm,” Galiot said, “but eating human food will sever the magic which binds you. Hurry. I doubt the winged wretches would leave you alone like this for long.”

Frederick was ready to cry again, this time out of pure, hopeful joy. Galiot held the biscuit up for him to eat it. As soon as the first bite when down his throat, he felt as though an invisible weight had been detached from his body.

“The rest of it,” Galiot said, “I am taking no risks.”

He didn’t need to be told twice. He scarfed down the rest of the biscuit in about a minute. Galiot pocketed his dagger and produced a dark knife. The iron blade slashed through the vines with a sizzling noise. They fell away, leaving Frederick completely free.

There was however the slight problem that he still could barely move. The pollen they had doused him with still ran through his system.

“Come on,” Galiot said, hoisting him up.

Frederick would’ve fallen if Galiot wasn’t supporting his weight. They started the slow, awkward walk back to the fairy pool.

“Stop!”

A whip of water swept under their shins, knocking them to the ground. Galiot scrambled up, grabbed Frederick by the middle, and held out the iron dagger.

Sapphire approached with two fae behind her, her fingers dripping with water.

“That is my human, and I will thank you to return him,” she said.

Galiot slowly rose to his feet, pulling Frederick up with him.

“Did you forget our deal, Old One?” Sapphire demanded, “would you dare to go back on a fae promise?”

Frederick’s brow furrowed. What was she talking about?

“I would not dream of it,” Galiot said, “I completed my part of the promise. You took this boy to the fae realm, as we agreed. The deal bloomed, and now it has withered. It is nothing more than dust. I am taking him home.”

Sapphire’s face contorted into a rageful expression.

“Who are you to decide when a deal dies!? I have given him food of this realm, he is tethered to it.”

“And yet,” Galiot bit out, “your magic food has no power against a good biscuit.”

Sapphire’s hands clenched into fists. The two fae behind her exchanged worried glances.

“You would not be wise to anger me,” she said.

“Perhaps an alternative offering could be presented to you,” Galiot said slowly.

He produced a Ridirian sapphire from his pocket. One of the largest from the treasury, Frederick would imagine.

“Do you really think stones and trinkets would appease me? I have waited eighteen human years for that boy, what could possibly be of equal value to him?”

Frederick could feel Galiot tense behind him.

“A human with a name is more valuable to you than a human without a name, is this not so?”

Sapphire folded her arms across her chest and set her feet on the ground.

“…It is as you say.”

“Then maybe you would like to default to my original offer all those years ago. My name is-”

“No!” Frederick shouted.

Galiot clamped a hand over Frederick’s mouth.

“My name is Sir Galiot Smith of Ridire. I offer it to you freely.”

No. No no no no no. Frederick wanted more than anything to go home, but not like this. Not like this.

Tingling spread through his core and into every limb. Weakly, He pulled Galiot’s hand from his mouth.

“Take it back! Please, take it back!”

“I can’t, Son.” Galiot smiled sadly, “it’s time for you to go home.”

Without warning, he lifted Frederick up and tossed him into the fairy pool.

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Fate has a fondness for irony.

Sir Galiot Smith, a man in his late thirties, had been given the station of Frederick’s personal knight and protector at his birth. He took this role with a solemnity one would afford to guarding a most precious treasure, which Frederick was to his parents, and as time passed, he quickly became to Galiot.

Now, as Galiot watched the young prince toddle off after a butterfly, the sky sent a midsummer breeze to offset the cruel majesty of the sun. It was nice, refreshing, and just what the man needed after traveling for so long.

“Sir Galiot!” a knight called.

“What is it?” he asked, turning.

“The king asked me to remind you of your rematch,” the knight said.

“Ah, still bitter at his loss, is he?” Galiot said, though his words were in jest, “tell him I’ll be right there. Come along, Lad- Lad? Frederick!?”

For what would surely not be the last time in his life, Frederick had wandered off into the thicket.

“Stay there in case he comes back,” Galiot ordered the knight, whose paling visage mirrored his own.

Galiot tore through the undergrowth, calling for the child. It had been one second. One second he had turned, and now Frederick was gone like a passing vapor. He could practically feel his dirty-blond hair turning grey.

The deeper he went into the woods, the more anxious he became. Relations between Ridirians and Verheimans had always been incredibly positive, even to the point that one of their citizens had been the Highcrest family physician since the dawn of Ridire itself. Running into the elves wasn’t what Galiot was worried about. No, it was far more dangerous creatures he feared in these woods.

The sound of lively music turned his blood to ice. He ducked behind a mossy boulder and peeked out just in time to see a merry band of oddly-colored people with pointed ears and wings like dragonflies, dancing and fluttering along to the tune of their instruments.

In the center of the throng, two fae-folk held either hand of a little boy with onyx-black hair and brilliant blue eyes.

They were headed right for a ring of mushrooms. No. Absolutely not. By the stars, Galiot would cut himself down with his own sword before he let Frederick be doomed to the fae realm.

He jumped out in front of the troupe, and the music stopped at once. Some of the fae looked confused, others a bit frightened. The one holding Frederick’s right hand pulled him in closer. She had cerulean and grey eyes like a cloudy sky, and her skin was the pale blue color of raindrops. Her white freckles seemed to glow under the trees, and her deep azure hair ran down her back like a river.

Her eyes narrowed.

“Forgive me, good people,” Galiot said slowly, “only I was so enchanted by your music that I simply had to compliment it.”

Each of the fae’s eyes brightened at once. The fae-man holding Frederick’s other hand released it, flitting over and around Galiot.

“Did you really enjoy it? Tell us more about our music, human~!”

Galiot took a deep breath. Frederick couldn’t talk yet, or at least, he couldn’t make coherent speech, so with luck, the fae did not have his name, which meant the knight could negotiate his safe return to him. Still, if Galiot insulted them in any way, the consequences could be cataclysmic. He needed to choose his words very carefully.

“Your melodies are like nothing we humans can produce,” Galiot said, “they are superior in every way. The babbling brook sounds like a hag’s cackle compared to you, and the birds are no more than a man’s pitchy whistle.”

“This human has taste!” a pink fae clapped.

Galiot took a deep breath, never taking his eyes off of Frederick.

“If I may ask, good fae-folk, where are you taking this child?”

“Back to our realm, of course!” the blue fae said, “I have long desired a pet, and he is simply perfect for me!”

Sweat beaded on Galiot’s forehead.

“Ah, but, your graces,” Galiot said, “that boy is far too young to truly appreciate your musical talents. He does not understand what a privileged audience he would be. Return him to me, won’t you? I will teach him to respect you as you deserve.”

The blue fae considered his words.

“Very well,” she said.

Galiot breathed a sigh of relief.

“You may have him until he has grown, at which point, I will return for him. Surely, by his eighteenth year, he will learn to adore our gifts and talents!”

“But-!” Galiot blurted.

He composed himself at once.

“My lady, eighteen is still so young,” he tried, “why not take me in his place? I can give you the adoration you deserve.”

“Nonsense!” she said brightly, “his youth is what draws us to him. A human your age is like a flower that has begun to wither.”

“Please-”

“Unless you would prefer for me to take him now, as he is?” she asked, quirking a brow.

“No!” Galiot said, “of course not. Like I said, he is too little to behold your greatness.”

She smiled and nodded.

“It is as you say,” she said, “when he is of age, we will come back to this plane and find him. Thank you, kind human, your services are appreciated!”

She brought Frederick over to Galiot, who crouched down with his arms out.

“Aliof!” Frederick babbled.

Galiot embraced him and stood. He held him in his arms tightly, as though the winged creatures might snatch him back that very moment.

“Farewell, human!” the fae waved.

One by one the fae flittered into the fairy circle, disappearing back to their realm in a whisper of wind.

…

Galiot staggered back into camp, still carrying the young prince. Frederick had since fallen asleep, completely unaware of the danger he had just been saved from, and blissfully ignorant of the fate that awaited him in adulthood.

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…

Two Ridirian knights wrapped a blanket around Frederick’s shoulders and held him fast despite his frenzied struggles.

“Let me go! He’s still in there!”

His efforts were unfortunately, quite pathetic, as the fae pollen still had not completely worked out of his system. It was easy to manhandle him to safety.

“Your highness, our orders were to bring you home,” the knight said, “Sir Galiot knew the risks.”

“That I did, that I did.”

Frederick and the knights whirled around. Galiot stood before them, sopping wet but otherwise unharmed. The knights released him, and Frederick nearly knocked himself and Galiot to the ground with how quickly he embraced him.

“You’re here, how!?”

“Those miserable fairy thieves only go after young folk,” Galiot said, “at least, that blue one does. Seems as though there are benefits to being old.”

Galiot hugged Frederick so hard he was sure his ribs were going to pop out.

“Right,” The old knight said, “Let us be rid of this portal.”

…

Under Galiot’s orders, the fairy pool was filled with stone and earth until it had been completely dried up.

“Hope you didn’t leave a handkerchief over there,” Galiot joked.

“You jest, but I did lose that iron pendant,” Frederick said, “that fae woman threw it in the pool you just had filled.”

“Oh, this pendant?”

Galiot held up the iron necklace.

“The very same,” Frederick said, then added, “Galiot, I do not wish to hurt your feelings, but-”

“It’s all right Lad, I know you’re not one for much jewelry. The adornment served its purpose, but I think it will be better suited with the other royal jewels you so often neglect.”

“Oh, thank the stars!” Frederick exclaimed.

Galiot chuckled. He whistled, and a knight led an all-black horse over by the bridle.

“Ainmire!” Frederick beamed.

He mounted his horse, and Galiot did the same with his own grey stallion. The company began the ride back to the Ridirian capital.

“Er, Galiot?” Frederick asked.

“What is it, Lad?”

“About the fae realm…”

Galiot sighed.

“I know now that I should’ve told you sooner, but we didn’t want you to grow up with such an anxiousness looming over your head. The fear of impending doom and such. It was either promise you to them in eighteen years or let them take you as an infant. I had always intended to get you back, Frederick. One way or another.”

“Well, actually- er, yes. I do not resent you or hold blame. I knew you would have a good explanation for that. But what I meant to ask was… did you happen to bring lunch? I have not eaten in five days…apart from the fae nectar and the biscuit, of course.”

“Aye, Lad, We’ll stop for lunch in about- five days!? Five days!? Why didn’t you say something sooner!?”

“Sir Galiot, it has only been three hours,” a knight pointed out.

“Time passes differently in the fae realm, you fool!” Galiot shouted, “everyone halt!”

After coming to an abrupt stop and dismounting, Galiot had set out a picnic that looked less like an outdoor meal and more like a royal banquet on the forest floor.

“Chef Augustin sends his regards,” Galiot said.

Frederick took a bite of a small meat pie. His immediate thought afterward was that he had died and went to Heaven. Then he had a little bit of cheese, two bread rolls, a few carrots, half an apple, and finally, several dry biscuits. Frederick had never had such an appetite in his life. It wasn’t until another hour had passed that they resumed their journey.

Galiot sent word to the Verheiman royal family, along with the Highcrest household, that Frederick had been safely retrieved and was on the way home. Word would not have to travel far, as King Robur, Queen Blodyn, and Prince Folium had arrived in Serenwyn just as Galiot had left for the fae realm.

By the time Frederick and the company reached the castle gates, it was almost time for supper. Frederick had barely dismounted Ainmire when someone tackled him from behind. They went tumbling to the ground, kicking up dust and straw.

“Frederick!” the someone shouted.

“Folium!?”

“Indeed,” Folium confirmed, “how are you? I hope you’re not hurt.”

“Well, if I wasn’t before, I daresay your body slam has done plenty of damage,” Frederick said, though not in a serious way.

Frederick stood, brushing the hay from his hair. Folium pulled him in by the arm and hugged him.

“We were all worried,” Folium said, “as soon as you disappeared, we sent our swiftest messenger to your parents. We followed, of course, and planned to deliberate a course of action. Just as we got here, Sir Galiot took off with a storm in his eyes. It would seem as though he had a plan of his own.”

“He did,” Frederick said, “and I am eternally grateful that his plan worked.”

He had not made it two paces into the castle before someone else embraced him, Hrethric this time. Morgana joined in the hug a moment after.

“Thank Alberich,” Morgana whispered.

As the Highcrest family reunited, the fae realm buzzed with chatter.

“I’m so sorry about your human, Sapphire,” Jacinth said, “would you like to try and retrieve him?”

Sapphire sighed, tapping the stone where the fairy pool had been.

“No,” she said, “besides, I can always play with your human, I suppose.”

The fae promise was broken, and the entire royal household could now sleep without a weight on their hearts.

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“This feels rather awkward,” Frederick admitted.

“It will for a time,” Folium said, “but improper position would be more awkward, I assure you.”

The target stood several yards away, just waiting for an arrowhead to pierce it.

“How much longer, Folium?” Frederick asked.

Folium checked him over one more time. He adjusted Frederick’s grip on the bow and stood out of the way.

“All right, release,” he said.

Frederick let the arrow fly. It hit its mark… which happened to be a tree to the left of the target. This elicited a laugh from Folium.

“You did well for your first shot,” he assured him.

Frederick set the bow and quiver of arrows down on a bench.

“Yes, well, now it’s your turn to be the novice,” he said.

He picked up a Ridirian sword from the bench and offered it to Folium, who took it with an uncertain expression. Frederick produced his own blade, assuming an en garde position.

“Let’s see what we’re working with,” Frederick said, “strike me.”

Folium, who came from an elven line of everlasting grace and beauty, made a swing much like a toddler who had just found a big stick in the road. Frederick easily blocked this, and the clang of metal against metal echoed in the garden.

Folium’s footwork was akin to a newborn foal learning to walk. Frederick had had at least three opportunities to defeat him by now, but he felt it was his duty to go easy on his friend. After the fifth blocked swing, however, Frederick put the elven prince out of his misery.

“That would be the conclusion of our match.” he grinned.

Folium panted as he lowered the cumbersome sword to the ground.

“I think it would be best if we stuck to our original weapons of choice for a while,” he admitted.

“I agree,” Frederick said, sheathing his blade.

A servant brought out small tankards of apple cider. Although winter was waning, there was still a mild chill in the air that would send the occasional cold draft through the castle. Little patches of snow coated the foliage of the gardens, while the rest of it had melted into puddles along the pathways. The air did not have a bite, but it was still crisp. All of this made the steaming drinks a welcome sight indeed.

“Begging your pardon, your highness, but the king and queen of Verheim asked to give you a message,” the servant said as they took their tankards.

“A message?” Folium asked, “please relay it, good sir.”

“They departed for Verheim this morning and would like you to do the same once you have finished Prince Frederick’s archery lesson.”

Frederick could tell Folium was biting his tongue in the presence of the servant.

“I understand, thank you,” he said.

“Is there anything else you require?” the servant asked.

Folium and Frederick exchanged glances.

“Not presently-”

“Yes, as a matter of fact,” Folium interjected, “Prince Frederick requires his belongings for traveling.”

“Your highness?” the servant looked as puzzled as Frederick.

“I have invited him to stay in Verheim for a few days, so we might continue his lessons there.”

“Really?” Frederick’s eyes brightened, “are you quite sure their majesties would approve?”

“My parents would be delighted to have you, as always,” Folium said.

Frederick opened his mouth to accept, then closed it. His demeanor shifted to that of a wilted winter flower.

“I fear my parents would not be as delighted with my absence,” he said.

“Nonsense,” Folium said, “good sir, please see that Prince Frederick’s luggage is brought to my carriage within the hour.”

“At once, your highness.”

The servant bowed and left the way he came. Frederick was going to call him back, but Folium put a hand over his mouth, shaking his head. Frederick pried his friend’s hand off.

“Ever since yesterday morning, both my parents and Galiot have been acting strangely,” Frederick said, “they would never allow such spontaneity.”

“My dear friend, I would think you would know by now that it is better to ask for forgiveness than permission.” Folium grinned, “unless you do not wish for a holiday in Verheim? Away from all the smothering nobility and your official duties? Where you might have some breathing room for once?”

Frederick cast an uncertain glance at the castle, then turned to Folium.

“I must be sure they will not be livid when I get back,” he said.

“We shall simply say I coerced you, which I have,” Folium replied, “I invited you to my kingdom, and for the sake of diplomacy, you accepted. It would be rude to turn down such an offer, wouldn’t it?”

Frederick cracked a small smile.

“Very well,” he said, “what harm could come of it?”

…

Frederick and Folium must have been talking for hours as carriage swept past the dense wall of trees outside. What had started as a small cluster had quickly given way to a fortress of trunks and branches.

Frederick was laughing at a joke Folium had made when the sound of rainfall stole his attention.

“I didn’t think it would rain today,” Frederick said.

Folium tilted his head, his smile still broad from their shared laughter.

“What do you mean?” he asked, “look outside, the sun is out in full vigor.”

“But I thought I heard rainfall just now,” Frederick said.

“Your imagination is boundless, Frederick, perhaps it has run away with you,” Folium suggested.

“But I really heard it, I-”

The carriage jolted to a halt. Instead of a servant opening the door, King Robur stood in front of them.

“You caught up then,” the king greeted, “and I see you’ve brought a guest.”

“Only if it’s not a bother, I do not wish to be an inconvenience,” Frederick said.

“Frederick, with you, it’s never a bother,” Robur said, “come, both of you, we’ve just made camp for lunch.”

…

Folium led the way out of the carriage and toward his parents’ campsite.

“See? I told you it would be no trouble,” he said with a satisfied grin, “what sort of meal would strike your fancy, Frederick? Frederick?”

Folium turned to see an empty path where his friend had been following moments before. A gentle breeze whooshed through the air, carrying with it the scent of petrichor. Folium could swear he heard the sound of rainfall.

“Frederick?” he called.

Folium knew he could be a bit of a rebellious influence on his friend, but surely he hadn’t gone so far as to teach the Ridirian to disappear for the fun of it. He looked around, but there was absolutely no sign of Frederick.

“I give up!” Folium called, “show yourself!”

There came no response, save for the breeze. The sound of rainfall returned, with it a faint string of music unlike anything in Verheim or Ridire. Folium’s eyes widened to that of saucers. He turned on his heel, kicking up dust as he bolted for the campsite.

“Mother! Father! Come quickly!”

…

The blue fae-woman beamed, coaxing her human closer to the fairy pool. His eyes were glazed over with the enchantment from her song. She plucked away on her lyre, shaking the dewdrops that adorned each string.

She had made sure to pick something familiar to him; the same song she had played a mere sixteen human years ago. He seemed to like it now even more than he had then. Just a few more steps, and…

…

Folium stopped dead in his tracks when he heard the splash.

“Father!”

“I heard it,” Robur said.

The king, who never ran, came running to the undergrowth. He parted the long grasses aside to reveal the fairy pool concealed between the trees.

“Get the messengers,” Robur said to Folium, “we must alert King Hrethric. His son has been taken to the fae realm.”