I pulled Sofia into a warm embrace, my heart swelling with pride for the unyielding strength of my best friend. There were no words to say-Sofia never needed reassurance. She carried her confidence like a flame, burning bright for everyone to see. Even in my darkest moments, when Leonardo’s rejection had drained the joy from my life, Sofia’s unwavering belief in herself and the people she loved had been my anchor, keeping me afloat.
When Enrico appeared to whisk her away, I turned to catch up with Carlo, eager to hear more about the assassination attempt he’d so casually mentioned. Leonardo, to his credit, kept his growling to a low rumble as Carlo pulled me into a bear hug, though his steely gaze hardened in the background.
“Really, it was pathetic,” Carlo said with a shake of his head, feigning disappointment. His lips curved into a smirk that made Leonardo’s jaw tighten. “Not even a proper attempt. Missed my heart by a mile. The poison? Barely more than a mild annoyance. Took me, what, three hours to burn it off? Perks of running hot.”
Don’t even think about it. I merged my thoughts with Leonardo’s, hiding a grin as I felt his protective instincts flare to life. His immediate solution? Keep me as far as possible from any assassination attempts. We’re still going, I insisted, my mental voice firm.
In three months, we’d be visiting the Day Court. The thought filled me with a mix of anticipation and wonder. Rumors of its breathtaking sunrises, jagged cliffs, and sprawling jungles teeming with both beauty and danger had reached my ears. Sofia, ever the scholar, had already researched their customs and traditions. We would arrive just in time for the Festival of Flame, a celebration honoring the sun’s fiery journey across the sky.
I had just left Leonardo’s side to grab a glass of wine when Chiara and Andrea found me in the crowd. The tart sweetness of cherries lingered on my tongue as Chiara teased, “I missed the Water Court, though it could use more nature. Flowers, forests, all that good stuff.”
Her laugh was light and warm, a sound that lifted my spirits. “Now that Fausto’s settling in, he’s going to pick a court soon. I’ll go with him for a bit-help him get situated. You know how Mom would have my head if I didn’t.”
Fausto, Chiara’s eldest brother, had arrived through the wall a month ago. She had rushed back from Carlo’s court as soon as I sent word. Though I’d only met him a handful of times, he struck me as the sharpest of her brothers, much steadier than her mischievous twin siblings.
“I’ve been meaning to talk to you about that,” Andrea said, his voice carrying the steady warmth of sunlit earth. His gaze shifted between us, his expression thoughtful. “Fausto actually asked to transfer to my court. He’s connected to my element, and I’d be honored to have him.”
Chiara blinked in surprise, her lips parting as she tried to process the unexpected news. I nudged her gently with my elbow, unable to keep the teasing grin off my face. “If it’s flowers and forests you’re after, the Earth Court has you covered. You could even call it a second vacation.”
She smirked, her eyes glinting like damp earth. “I do love second vacations.”
Andrea offered a wide grin. “I’d be happy to personally escort you and Fausto, give you the full tour.”
The blush creeping up Chiara’s cheeks was priceless, though the moment was interrupted by the sensation of petals brushing my lips. Spitting them out, I turned to find the culprits-Noemi and a boy with wild, dark hair and mischievous green eyes.
“Noemi,” I said, trying to keep a straight face. “Where did you get those flowers?”
She pointed to her companion, who held up his hands with a sheepish grin. Swirls of emerald magic danced in his palms. “I can make flowers and dirt. Mom says I should plant them, not throw them.”
I couldn’t hold back my laughter any longer, especially when a clump of damp soil landed in my hand. “You got flowers in my mouth!” I exclaimed, chasing the giggling pair through the crowd.
Their laughter was contagious, drawing smiles and wistful looks from the fae around us. Children were a rare sight, and their presence brought a renewed sense of hope. Only when both were sufficiently covered in dirt did I grant them mercy, letting them scamper off in search of more mischief.
“You do have a talent for public punishments,” Leonardo’s voice rumbled warmly behind me, sending a shiver down my spine. He plucked a stray petal from my hair, his touch lingering. “Should we add flower-throwing to the list of capital offenses?”
I turned to face him, grinning as I stepped into his embrace. “Where have you been? Andrea’s been trying to track us down. Fausto’s transferring to his court, and Chiara’s going with him for a while.”