Whatever had happened to us was eerily similar to the condition that had afflicted Ezryn and me after the jubilee. That incident had been caused by the purple flowers, but there hadn’t been any of those in my room. Though there was a vase of red flowers, brought fresh to my room by Wrenley. Kairyn had instructed her to do so. Does he know? He can’t. He wouldn’t?
My mind spins with thoughts. There are red flowers all over the city and in the throne room. The townsfolk talked of a sickness going around. Could it all be connected?
Even if I’m on to something, not a single person is listening to me. I made sure my room was clear of flowers. The red ones were already gone, replaced with daisies, which I promptly threw out the window.
Above all else, I have to make sure Ezryn is all right.
My mate.
A new mate, the flowers, the power of change. Everything has happened so fast, and I don’t know how to process it.
“It’ll be all right, Rosalina,” Astrid says, sitting on the edge of the chair and wrapping her arms around me. “We’ll get through this.”
“Astrid is right,” Marigold says. “We have faith that Kairyn will provide a fair trial for Ezryn, considering the situation and…” Her lip quivers and Eldy wraps a comforting arm around her.
Something blooms bright in my chest and loud arguing sounds from outside my chamber. The door whips open, and I hear Kel’s voice growling low and dangerous, “Get your hands off me,” before storming inside. Farron clambers after him, a bundle of books and scrolls in his hands.
I leap up, and Kel gathers me in his arms. “Rose, I’ve negotiated with Kairyn for free run of the keep. They never should have locked you up.”
“Indeed,” Farron says, golden glasses low on his nose. “The law is very particular. The person who saw the face is not held responsible at all. The blame falls solely on the royal.”
“What are all those books, Farron?” I ask, peeking out from Kel’s strong arms.
“Laws and writing on the Spring Realm creed. I was looking for a loophole, something to help Ez, but from what I’ve read so far, this rule is ironclad. Day’s carrying up a few more texts from the archives, but I don’t think there’s anything I can find that can help him.”
“It wouldn’t matter if you did.” Marigold steps forward, shaking her head. “The creed is bred into that’s boy’s bones. He will follow it as he knows it.”
Farron throws the books and scrolls down with a long sigh. “Right as usual, Marigold.”
My gaze drifts to the chief majordomo. I transformed him … into a bird. Everything’s happened so fast, I haven’t even had time to think about it. What well of power did I draw from? It’s unlike anything I’ve ever done before.
But then again, I did transform the arrow into seawater back at Castle. There’s only been one other fae documented to transform matter like that. My hand drifts over my heart.
How is it possible that my magic resembles the Queen’s?
“Is everything all right?” Eldy asks me.
I give my head a shake. “Huh? Yes, I’m fine. Sorry for turning you into a bird.”
The room fills with silence, and I look around to notice everyone is staring at me.
“How did you do that?” Farron asks slowly. He drifts over to Eldy and grabs his arm, examining it.
“Excuse me!” Eldy pulls away from Farron and turns to me. “Your apology is quite unnecessary. That incredible feat of yours saved my life. Besides, I made quite a dashing bird, if I do say so myself. Though not so dashing, I’m sure, as a fair raccoon.” His face flushes as he looks down at Marigold.
“So, you know of the curse, then,” I say.
“I filled him in as soon as we arrived back at the keep,” Kel says. “Figured now that he’s been turned into an animal himself, he ought to know about the rest of us.”
“I knew our Rosalina was a special one the moment I set eyes on her,” Marigold says. She takes Eldy’s arm. “You know, Ezryn’s mother used to say that there’s deep magic in the world, more than we could possibly understand. It wakes up when it’s ready to.”
“Maybe this magic’s been asleep for five hundred years,” Farron says.
“Farron, what are you saying?” I ask.
“The realms were crafted of the four seasons to keep the Vale in balance, but the world has been anything but balanced lately.” He shrugs. “Maybe her magic found a way back to us.”