Keldarion’s voice is a raspy growl. “Where is Ezryn?”
At that moment, the door flings open. Not to another realm, but the true world outside of Castletree: the Briar. Ezryn stands like a shadow, cape snapping in the harsh wind, metal armor shining with water. His mud-caked boots echo off the floor as he strides in.
He tilts his helm, taking in the castle and all of us the same way Keldarion did. Then his dark visor lands on me. It’s so strange—it’s been almost a year since the first time I met Ezryn, and now I can read the helmet as clearly as any expression.
Or more so, I can feel it. Apprehension.
Guilt.
I’ve been fine on my own, I think, though I know he can’t hear me.
And it’s true.
But it doesn’t mean I didn’t think of him, out alone, in the Briar with only the goblins for company. Doesn’t mean I didn’t wonder what he was looking for out there when he could have stayed here in his home, with the staff who adore him, with me who would have …
Who would have treasured that time to learn even one more thing about the High Prince of Spring.
My hands graze the smooth flesh of my wrist, a piece of me that used to bear a hideous scar.
Ezryn tears away from my gaze and looks at each of the princes. “I felt a disturbance. I came as soon as—”
“A disturbance?” Dayton laughs. “Yeah, the bloody castle falling to pieces is a bit of a disturbance.”
Kel storms over to Ezryn. “You were supposed to be checking on the castle. On Rosalina.”
“The Briar was festering. I knew Rosalina could handle herself,” Ezryn responds in a low growl.
“And I did,” I say. “But now that you’re here, can we please do something?”
Kel turns away and storms up the stairs. “To High Tower.”
The breath is heavy in my throat as I follow the four princes. I know they must channel their magic into Castletree. I know it drains them.
And I know I can help.
I did it before, the night I first learned of the Enchantress’s curse. But Kel had become so angry, I hadn’t dared try again when they were gone.
Instead, I’ve been using my thorn bracelets to reinforce the different areas of the castle. As we walk up the stairs, I bet the princes can’t even tell which thorns are mine and which are Caspian’s.
The thought unsettles me.
Farron pushes ahead into High Tower. The roses bloom in the middle, Farron’s bursting with color, the other three wilted and drooping. Golden thorns grow around Farron’s rose, while the rest of the room is covered in dark purple ones. “We have to give as much as we can,” Farron urges, sinking to his knees by the flowers. “Hold nothing back!”
The castle gives a great shudder as the others drop beside Farron. Dust and bits of stone shower to the ground. Unlike the last time I saw them do this, this time I can feel it. My fae blood sings through my veins, my body lighting up like dry grass caught to flame.
The princes’ bodies glow. The flowers perk a little, the stems fighting to straighten. More magic … They need more magic.
Slowly, I kneel and touch one of the golden roses. “Help them,” I whisper to the rose, to myself. “Give them strength.”
I close my eyes, feeling that rush through my chest. But it’s more than magic. The castle may crumble, the briars may fall, but for now, for this moment, we’re together. All five of us. The thought gives my heart strength. And I pass it to them.
I don’t know if we stay like this for a minute or an hour, but when my eyes blink open, I see Kel, Ez, Day, and Fare leaning against the stone, bodies clearly exhausted.
But the castle’s stopped shaking, and the flowers stand at full attention.
How many more times will we be able to bring Castletree back to life?
I stumble forward, my own legs trembling and weak. Farron pulls me down to his side.
“See?” Dayton smiles, sweat dripping down his brow. “Nothing to worry about.”
Kel snorts. “Of course the Prince of Summer would say that.”
“He’s right.” I take a moment to look at each of them. “We fixed it. And we’re together now.” My heart brightens at the thought. “We’re all back home.”
An awkward silence passes through High Tower, and I realize everyone’s eyes are darting away.
“What?” I snap.
“I’m sorry, Rosie,” Farron mumbles, dropping his lips to my shoulder. “I only came back for a short visit. I have to return to Autumn to be with my father for a little while longer.”