“Three in favor of Summer, three for Spring. So, does nobody like Fall?” I asked with a small frown.
While Winter held my heart, with its icy allure, Fall was a vibrant tapestry of fiery colors and crisp, gusting winds. It had been Dad’s favorite season, especially for camping. Before he got sick, every Fall we’d venture into the woods to watch the forest transform, blazing with color.
“Mother isn’t exactly a fan of Fall,” Noemi scoffed, drawing a sharp look from Graziana. “Oh, come on, you know it’s silly,” she added, shrugging.
Leonardo’s gaze drifted to the closed doors. “Is it safe to talk here?”
“Absolutely. Water Nymphs excel at keeping secrets,” Noemi replied proudly, tilting her chin up. “Brigida can create a natural barrier. Anyone within it can hear each other, but anyone outside? They wouldn’t catch a whisper.”
“Yes, she’s quite attached to Brigida,” Graziana teased her sister, smirking. “Brigida has been with our family for centuries. And it’s not anything oppressive-she’s treated well and has a place here because she wants to be. Every generation, she decides which child to care for. She chose Noemi this time.”
“Enough chatter; eat while it’s still warm,” Brigida’s soft, slightly raspy voice drifted over as she moved through the kitchen. Though she looked to be in her early thirties, her eyes held an age-old wisdom. She led us to a bright hall ending in stained-glass doors. Sunlight streamed through, casting colorful shadows. “I’ll bring your breakfast out to the garden, where my protection can extend,” she assured us.
A few moments later, the four of us were seated outside, overlooking the castle’s unexpected marvel. When they mentioned a river running through the castle, I’d assumed something quaint. Instead, a powerful river rushed beneath us, crashing over rocks and churning in a spray of mist. Fifty feet below, water thundered from a steep waterfall, an unbridled force woven into the castle itself.
“It’s beautiful,” I thought, marveling at how the castle had been built around the river rather than reshaping it.
“Marinella and Isotta will be occupied in the coming weeks,” Graziana informed Leonardo and me as we began picking at an assortment of pastries and tarts. I had always enjoyed sweets, but these were exceptional. The Fae Realm’s magic seemed to heighten each flavor; the strawberry-banana cupcake I popped into my mouth practically burst with taste.
“Actually, plans have changed,” Noemi frowned, casting a glance at Brigida nearby. “Mother decided to move up the ball to three days from now. Isotta convinced her, claiming someone was plotting to ruin it. But at least Graziana and I get to be your ‘official babysitters’ now. Isotta wasn’t too thrilled about that,” she added with a mischievous grin.
“And how exactly did you find that out?” Graziana demanded, arms crossed in a way that suggested they’d had this conversation before.
I met Noemi’s eyes, knowing how she’d gotten her information. She had a knack for slipping through hidden tunnels-how many more secrets did she know?
“What’s this ball for?” Leonardo asked, eyebrows raised at his siblings.
“You explain it, Graziana. I never really understood it,” Noemi said, looking away.
Graziana recited, “For each High Lord or Lady, there comes a time when their power begins to weaken, usually after they’ve had children. As their children grow, their power continues to fade, signaling the rise of the next ruler. The ball reassures the people of their High Lady’s strength, while also scouting potential heirs from the Water Court. Traditionally, it remains within the family, but there have been exceptions in other courts. In truth, though, it’s a distraction to spotlight Isotta.”
I took a moment to process. “A front?” I echoed, but Leonardo beat me to it, leaning forward with the same question.
“We already know who the next ruler will be,” Noemi muttered, pouting at her half-eaten pastry. “It’s between me or Isotta.”
Graziana’s sad gaze lingered on her sister before she turned to us. “Noemi told me you have spirit magic,” she said softly. “She mentioned you have untapped potential. Spirit magic is rare, and no two Fae wield it the same way. Keep this to yourself-it could cost Noemi her life.”
Though uncomfortable, Noemi didn’t object as her sister continued.
“She does, in a very unique way,” Graziana said, nodding toward Noemi.
“I see things, mostly in dreams,” Noemi admitted, tugging at a strand of her chocolate hair. “Outcomes, glimpses without the steps in between. That’s how I know Marinella and Isotta are planning something. If someone’s willing, I can even share my visions with them, though it’s exhausting.”
“I know I wasn’t always there for you, Emi, but I believe you now,” Graziana said with a sigh.
“I forgive you, sister.” Noemi grinned, a hint of mischief returning to her face.
“Spirit users are rare, sought after,” Graziana continued in a low tone. “Some High Lords pay generously for their skills. Others… well, slavery still exists in some places,” she finished, her voice tight with anger. “Isotta has no love for us, and Marinella-she’s jealous. She already resents you for using spirit magic, Leonardo. If she knew about Noemi, she might try to harm her.”
“We’ll keep her secret,” I said, feeling Leonardo’s agreement without needing to look at him. “If there’s any way we can help, we’re here.”
“I knew you were the right choice,” Noemi grinned, her tone lightening. Seeing my confusion, she explained, “I get feelings, too. It’s not like my visions, but when I met you, I knew you’d be important to us.”
“About the High Lady, though,” Leonardo pressed. “You saw who it’ll be, right? I assume we’d all prefer it to be you, Noemi. Does Isotta know you might replace her?”
“She has no clue,” Graziana scoffed. “She’d have Noemi killed without a second thought. Mother’s pride blinds her to Isotta’s scheming, and it will be her downfall.”
“You don’t seem thrilled about becoming High Lady,” I murmured to Noemi, who met my gaze with a sad smile.
“It’s not going to be me,” she whispered, her sapphire eyes clouded with worry.