I lingered in the warmth of the sun, savoring how it soaked into my skin, breathing life into me after days in the Ice Kingdom. Yet, no amount of heat could melt away the tension gnawing at me. During my search for the next Day Court ruler, I encountered a strange boundary-an invisible wall that I could neither see nor cross. Whether due to my bond or some other mystical force, I felt certain it marked the end of one realm and the start of another.
I recalled a warning I’d once heard: the Earth and the Fae realms were linked, no matter how implausible it sounded. And yet, the next ruler had to be somewhere within the human world.
‘How could a human possibly lead the Fae?’ Leonardo’s voice slipped into my thoughts, unfiltered.
I sighed, half amused, half resigned. ‘Who knows? Humans don’t live long in our world-how would they survive even sixty or seventy years? That’s barely a blink when you’re immortal.’
He hummed thoughtfully. ‘Maybe it’s a werewolf, then. They might still have roots in the Fae realm, even if they’ve lost their magic.’
‘That does make sense, especially with all the changes since… well, since your transformation.’ After a pause, he added, ‘We should tell Graziana. She might have insight.’
I nodded, even though he couldn’t see me. ‘After training. It’s been impossible to connect with water lately, but I’m not about to give up.’
‘You’ll get there, kitten,’ he purred in that deep, smooth voice that sent chills across my skin. ‘Just don’t let it tense you up, or I’ll have to find you myself. You know how that goes-neither of us will get any training done, and you might even bring spring to the court again.’
‘After?’ I asked hopefully, feeling a blush rise as he sensed my eagerness.
Since completing the bond, the distance between us felt unbearable at times. I could handle a few rooms apart, or even being on opposite wings of the castle, but something inside me always yearned to be close. It felt as though a piece of me went missing whenever he was gone.
‘I’ll steal you away for the rest of the afternoon if we’re not busy,’ he promised, sending an image into my mind of him standing by a vast pond, his dark hair stirring in the sunlight. The sight of him-flushed, radiant in the daylight, the breeze tugging at his porcelain skin-made my pulse quicken.
I wandered the garden for a few minutes, trying to clear my mind. I nearly ended up following the faint scent trail he’d left, but I caught myself and turned down a slope, stopping by a lively stream zig-zagging across the landscape. Carefully, I padded over the moss-covered stones and perched on one jutting stone, angled perfectly for sitting.
The magic of the elements whispered across my skin-earth, air, fire, and even spirit were present, each one touching me in subtle ways. But water remained elusive, disconnected, as though it had faded from my reach.
I lingered there until my limbs grew stiff and Leonardo’s thoughts finally broke into mine. “Any luck?” His voice came, now in person.
I stretched, wincing at the ache in my muscles, and met his gaze. Just like in the vision, he looked striking, his hair tousled by a light breeze. “Not yet,” I admitted, stepping into his embrace while glaring at the stream. “But I’m not giving up.”
After that, we were whisked away to a room swarming with busy tailors. According to Noemi and Graziana, the chaos would be tenfold on the day of the ball. I was already missing coffee desperately; nothing here could replicate it. Stripped down and fitted, assistants hovered around us, comparing swatches.
A soft giggle nearby drew my attention. Two young Fae women, one with a petite figure and wheat-blond hair, the other tall with brown curls, were whispering over a trunk brimming with fabric and tools.
“Oh, she was livid,” the shorter one murmured, barely containing her laughter. “She shut down an entire wing, and the chill of her ice spread beyond the doors.”
“What angered her more-the bond or the blast of spring?” the other replied with a smirk.
The blond groaned, “Apparently, she’s begging the High Lady to bring back winter in time for the ball. It’s all themed around the frigid season. Personally, the Water Court could use a few decades of warmth.”
The brunette nodded fervently. “I’m so tired of sewing these pale, lifeless colors. We need something bold.”
I couldn’t help but interrupt, curiosity and defiance sparking together. “Excuse me?” I called, startling the pair, who turned wide-eyed toward me. I smiled to show I meant no harm. “What color is my dress?”
The blond exhaled in relief, stepping forward and brushing a lock of hair behind her pointed ear. Her dress-a soft blush shade, sheer and delicate-was the first hint of color I’d seen in this place. She held out a pale-blue swatch, shimmering faintly, beautiful but muted. She waited, uncertain.
“I see,” I mused, looking between them. “Do you have anything in red?”
The brunette gasped, glancing nervously at Leonardo as he chuckled, and then back at her friend.
“Blood-red, if you have it,” I added, knowing the richness would stand out.
The blond’s smile widened, her eyes alight with mischief. “Anything else you’d like?”
Leonardo grinned. “Make sure her neck is bare, so the mark shows.” His tone was teasing, but his gaze lingered, warm and intense.
I raised a brow. “I expect the same for you.”
He chuckled, flashing a wicked smile. “Naturally, kitten.”