The Fall Of The Fairy Queen: The Fairy Queen Trilogy, #2 151f2e

The Fall of the Fairy Queen

The Fairy Queen Trilogy, Volume 2

Gemma Perfect

Published by Gemma Perfect, 2020.

This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.

THE FALL OF THE FAIRY QUEEN

First edition. September 13, 2020.

Copyright © 2020 Gemma Perfect.

ISBN: 978-1393580096

Written by Gemma Perfect.

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright Page

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

Author’s Note

1

Her breathing is laboured , and she’s not sure if she’s going to be sick or faint. Hardy killed Meg. It’s what Bella alluded to, but she never believed it. How could he have known that arguing with her would make her run away? How could he have known the clippers would be out at that specific time? Unless they weren’t clippers? She shakes her head. She doesn’t have time to think about this right now. She flies up and sees that Hardy has left Bella for dead. Is she dead? She has to check. She lands in front of her, feeling broken. Why did she believe Hardy? Because he’s so handsome, so kind to her, so believable? “Bella.” Elsie touches her, feeling for a pulse. She can feel it, it’s so faint, but it’s there. With difficulty, she lifts her; they are the same size and it’s difficult, but Elsie knows the castle better than anyone and knows a shortcut to her room. She flies Bella there quickly and carefully. If she comes face to face with Hardy now, he will kill her. If she comes face to face with any guard or clipper, they will kill her. She cannot fight and rescue Bella at the same time. She pauses inside her childhood bedroom, taking in the soft pink bedding, the toys and games still littered around the floor as though she has just slipped out of the room and will be back any minute. It’s unsettling to see it, but she hasn’t the time to stop. Between her room and her sister’s room is a secret age and a room. It’s where they would go to play and hide from the grownups. Sometimes they would fall asleep there and cause a panic while everyone looked for them. She smiles. She misses her old life so much. Who thought she would set foot in this castle again? With her sister dead, her parents dead, and now her step parents dead. She is queen of Allaire, and Hardy killed Meg. She cannot process

it; she just has to get Bella somewhere safe. She thinks Aster might help her – if anybody can – but amid a battle she has no idea if she’ll find her and if it’ll be too late for Bella when she does. As long as she tries. Her old things are waiting for her in the secret room. Blankets and pillows from when she and Isla would make dens. Toys and clothes. Her baby doll. She makes a bed for Bella and lies her down. She checks her body for wounds and finds two. One isn’t bleeding at all, the other is. She tears a blanket and wads it against the bleeding, and then, as best she can considering she has no idea what she’s doing, she wraps another piece of blanket around Bella’s body, over the wound, hopefully stopping the bleeding or at least slowing it. She shakes her head. Why wasn’t she born a super healer, like Aster? She’s no help. “I’m going to get help,” she whispers to Bella, who is unresponsive, but breathing. Elsie pauses for only a moment in her bedroom, closing the door to the secret corridor and covering it with a trunk. This room was her haven. She cannot help but feel tearful and nostalgic. Strange. She holds her sword and leaves the room; she was lucky to get Bella to safety without being hurt; she’s not sure she’ll be so lucky again. She’s also sure if she meets anybody who wants to hurt her, she won’t a bit of her training. You probably have to be fighting for a long time for it to become innate. The corridors are quiet. The battle over. She hopes. She flies to the courtyard and sees several fairies she vaguely recognises. They all look as unsure as she is. There are too many dead bodies – guards, clippers and fairies. Some she recognises as castle servants, others are fairies who came to fight for her cause, for Hardy’s cause. “Follow me,” she calls out and as a group they all troop through the castle. “We’ll go to the hall.” The great hall was the hub of the castle – where they ate, where they had dances

and plays – before her parents died. Now it’s just an empty shell, filled with the echoes of a happy past. As they weave through the castle, other fairies them, and she sees Bronwen – alive but limping, a smile of pure joy on her face. “That was epic!” she says when she catches up with Elsie. “I killed so many guards.” “Well done. Have you seen Aster?” Bronwen turns. “Yes, I spotted her just now. All fine.” She takes in Elsie’s worried expression. “I know we lost some lives here, Elsie, but we won. It’s okay to celebrate that.” “I know, and I will.” She’s distracted though, scanning the battle-weary faces for Aster, hoping she doesn’t see Hardy. She can see blood and bruises and broken hearts as people realise who they’ve lost, and she feels helpless. What should a queen do to help them? “Bronwen, are you able to get some fairies to fly to the troupe with you and pick up as many lotions and tonics or whatever magical things you might have to hand there? I think we need to help those of us who made it through.” Bronwen beams again. “Even better. I’ve been making up little packs for everyone and yesterday we brought them up in some canvas bags and hid them outside. Give me five minutes.” Elsie smiles. This is the help she needs. She flies up on the dais which holds the thrones for the royal family and clears her throat. Nobody hears her over the din. “Hey. Hey!” Slowly the noise stops, and the fairies turn to her. She hates to see the fatigue and the sadness in their eyes. “Thank you. I know it might not feel like it now, but this is a victory. The king and queen are dead. We clipped them before I killed them.” A small murmur of appreciation emanates from the crowd. “Before I killed them, I told them I’d hang their wings in the village square so everyone could see that they were dead. And that I’d done to them what they did to so many of us.” There’s a slight cheer.

“I know you’re exhausted and hurt, and we lost too many fairies, but it’s done. I promise as queen to give you a better home, a better version of Allaire. A Kingdom where everyone is safe, and everything grows. Bronwen is going to give you all some medicine to make you feel better. If we can help the fairies who are truly injured over to one end of the hall, please, so we know who needs help. Thank you.” There’s a smattering of applause, hardly the grand victory celebration Elsie might have been hoping for, and then someone shouts out, long live the queen, which brings tears to her eyes and a humbleness to her heart. That so many fairies risked their lives to help her here today, unplanned and off the cuff, is a testament to something. She’s not fully sure what, but she’s happy. Then she sees Hardy, and she’s miserable again. He weaves through the crowd like the showman he is. He shakes hands; he hugs people; he smiles and grins, and comforts and rallies, even now, and she watches him with a strange sense of envy. He probably would make a better leader than her. Why did he have to be so duplicitous? She needs help and advisors, and he could have been that for her, anyway. It’s not like she knows hundreds of people who could step into the role. He finally comes to her side and gathers her into his arms. He holds her and hugs her and kisses her cheeks, forehead and then lips. She feels nothing but venom towards him, but when she looks around the room at the hurt and injured fairies, she knows that not one of them would raise a hand against him. She cannot call him out now. Not yet. She has to gather a team. She has to get people on her side. And in a Kingdom where her only true friend is dead; she knows it won’t be easy. She has some idea that Bronwen, Gwenna and Aster will help her. There’s a definite divide between the troupe and the rest of the Kingdom. She has no idea how deep that divide runs, but she knows it exists. She thinks Norah might help her, but it’s a guess, really. She doesn’t know anyone well enough to know who she can trust. And Hardy knows everyone. He’s the real figurehead of this whole rebellion. Even though

he said it was her, he really was just keeping her on side. There isn’t a fairy here, right now, who would stand against Hardy. And there isn’t a fairy here who would take her side. She will have to bide her time and be clever, despite how disgusting it felt to have his mouth on hers. She cannot imagine how these days will unfold, but she is wise enough to know her hands are tied for now. He pulls back and stares at her, as though he’s trying to read her mind. “Queen?” There’s a question in his word, which she doesn’t like. What else is she but queen? She nods and takes a step back, looking at the fairies. He’s clever and organised and she can use him to clean up the mess they have made in the castle. “I saw Bronwen on the way in. She’s doling out her little care packages. I’ve instructed the younger lads to clear away the bodies. It’s not a pleasant job, but the older men will find it back breaking.” “What will we do with them?” “I know the troupe like to bury people, but it’s not practical. I’ve instructed them to separate the bodies. We’ll burn the guards and clippers on the far jousting field. The castle servants on the side garden, downwind of the vegetable patch, and we’ll burn the fairies on the front lawn.” He brushes a thumb over her cheek. “I can see from your face it’s not what you want. But we have hundreds dead, Elsie. We have to be efficient in this clean up. You don’t want to be ruling over a graveyard full of rotting bodies, do you?” She shakes her head. “No, it’s good. It’s a good call. Do we know if Aster and Norah and... the others are safe?” She cannot bring herself to mention Bella’s name. She watches his expression with interest. Now she knows, everything she perceives about him is different. His eyes cloud over with sadness and he drops his head, unable to meet her eyes. He reaches for her hand and rubs his fingers over her skin. “I’m so sorry. I saw Bella. She’s dead. A guard or clipper must have got her.” “Must have,” Elsie almost chokes on the words.

“I wish I could have saved her.” The regret in his voice sounds so genuine that Elsie searches his face, his eyes, his body language. How can he lie so easily? How could she have been taken in so completely? “I want to find Aster and Norah. I’m going to look.” “Be careful.” He doesn’t offer to go with her or help her. He has less reason to want her alive now. A chill runs through her, and she looks back at him as she winds her way through the crowd. He smiles and raises a hand. If he has less reason to keep her alive now, will he? Is her life in danger from him? If she were to die during this battle, she knows that the fairies would look to him for answers, for guidance, for leadership. She grips onto her sword. She will have to keep her wits about her and find out quickly who she can trust. She can see lots of fairies, but not Aster. She directs the ones able to move to the hall and sends help for the ones who cannot. She spots Norah kneeling next to an old man. She hunkers down beside her, putting an arm around her. Norah jumps and then leans into Elsie, crying on her shoulder. “This is James. He lived by my grandparents. I can’t let him die alone, Elsie.” “No, you can’t. I’m sorry.” “I am too.” Her voice is small, and her tone measured; so different to how she usually speaks, running excited sentence together with excited sentence. Her eyes have lost their shine and her shoulders are slumped. “I’m sorry,” Elsie says. “I talked you into this fight.” Norah shakes her head. “I didn’t take much talking. I wanted to fight, and we won.” She smiles. “Someone said we won. Is that right?” Elsie nods. “We did.” Her voice is just a whisper. “Have you seen Aster?” The chances of Bella being alive when she gets Aster to her are dropping with every minute that es. “She was just around there.” Norah points but then turns her attention to the old

man. He’s dying. His thready breathing and low moans are testament to that. Elsie hugs Norah fiercely and then flies in the direction she pointed, looking for Aster. She eventually sees her, huddled with two young fairies. She’s healing them, touching their injuries and ing around potions. Elsie’s heart leaps. If there is hope for Bella, it will come from Aster. She has magic in her fingertips, Elsie can see it. But will she tell Hardy? How do you test to see if you can trust someone? How can you know who is loyal to you? For Bella’s sake, she cannot even worry. If she hesitates she might die. She will take Aster to her and tell her the truth. If Aster tells Hardy, then the world will turn on its head again. It always does. “Aster,” Elsie calls out, beckoning her away from the fairies so they’re alone. “I need you.” “Are you hurt? We won.” Aster gives Elsie’s arm a squeeze. “Are there many hurt?” “There are, but one more than most. Will you come with me?” “I heard we’re taking the injured fairies to the hall. At least that’s where I’ve been sending them.” “That’s right. We’re not going there, though.” Aster pauses, her expression confused. “Where then?” “I’ll show you.” They fly through the aftermath of a bloody battle, both quiet and saddened by what they see. “Elsie!” Aster calls out and Elsie turns. Anya is dead on the floor, in a pool of blood. A shiver turns Elsie cold. The work of a guard or a clipper or Hardy? Elsie pulls Aster away. “We can’t help her.” “I don’t like this. I knew we’d have injured fairies, but this is monstrous.” “I’m sorry.”

“It isn’t your fault. It’s the legacy of war.” Elsie pushes open the door to her childhood bedroom, so different to the prison they held her in from the age of ten to sixteen. Aster follows her in. “There’s nobody here.” Elsie pulls the trunk away from the wall and opens the door. They have to crouch to climb in, but then they can stand. The room is lit from above by a skylight in the castle walls. The light falls on Bella’s face and Elsie shudders at the colour of her skin. Aster rushes to her side. “Oh, Elsie, what happened?” “She was stabbed. Twice.” Aster folds Bella’s top up, exposing the wounds on her stomach that Elsie tried to dress. The blood has soaked through, making her bandages useless. Aster pulls all the material away so she can look at the wounds properly. She sighs. “Someone wanted her dead.” “Did they succeed?” “She’s not long for this world. I might be able to save her.” She pulls some vials and bottles out of her pocket, a small pair of scissors and some fine thread. “This is from the wings I’ve been repairing,” she says, holding it up so Elsie can see it. “I can stitch with it. I tried to bring anything I thought I might need. I know Bronwen brought a load of stuff up yesterday.” Elsie kneels the other side of Bella, not wanting to get in the way. Aster’s expression is worrying her. She doesn’t look hopeful. She places her hands on the wounds, one at a time, oblivious to the blood and gore. Her eyes closed, she whispers words Elsie can’t hear, and Elsie can feel the room get warmer. The light gets brighter. Aster opens a small bottle and dabs some green ointment onto the wounds and then pours another concoction into Bella’s mouth.

Bella still hasn’t moved. Elsie can see she’s breathing. But barely. “It was somebody strong,” Aster says. “These wounds are deep.” “Can you save her?” Aster meets her eyes. “If anybody can, it’ll be me.” Elsie nods. She knows it’s true. She hopes it’s true. She watches in silence, and it’s fascinating. Aster works intuitively, her fingers dancing over Bella’s skin, adding this potion and that lotion, stopping the bleeding and stitching her skin together. Elsie can see the air change when Aster puts her hands on Bella; it shimmers and pulses. It’s captivating to watch. “And you don’t know who did it to her? Just a guard or clipper?” Aster asks. Elsie shrugs. “Sometimes knowing the intent helps.” “I think they intended to kill her.” Aster nods. “I meant...” She shakes her head. “It’s not relevant here, but usually I would heal differently depending on who hurt a person.” Elsie takes a deep breath. “It was Hardy.”

2

Aster pales and snatches her hands away from Bella’s body, clasping them together. “Hardy did this to her? Are you sure?” Elsie nods, wishing it wasn’t so. Aster roots through her little bag and pulls out a flower. She tucks it into Bella’s hand, closing her fingers around it, and then sprays a fine mist over her from a bottle. “What’s that?” “Hardy and Bella were lovers.” Elsie closes her eyes, thankful that things between her and Hardy never got that far. “And that makes a difference?” “Absolutely. Like I said, how I heal depends on who did the harm. Harm is different when it’s ionate, different when it’s indifferent or indiscriminate. It’s something I’m figuring out with my wing healing. The clippers don’t care which fairy they hurt, and so although they make a mess when they cut the wings away from the body – they are cack-handed and use rusty and blunt instruments, there isn’t the rage you might see in a different murder. It’s easier to heal. They don’t care about who they kill, they kill on demand. Or else they did. A murderer filled with hatred and ion will kill differently.” Elsie thinks about how she killed her step parents. She wasn’t in a mist of rage, but she still killed them. “Why did he want her dead? Do we know?”

Elsie nods and holds a vial Aster es her. “She knew something, and he didn’t want her to tell me.” Elsie breathes a little easier. She’s not laying blame or asking Aster to take sides; she’s just giving her the information. “Didn’t want her to tell you?” Aster holds her hand out for the vial and Elsie es it to her. “He killed Meg.” The words sound so flat as she says them. Meg already feels like a character from another lifetime. She hasn’t been gone long and Elsie is forgetting what she looked like and sounded like. “Hardy killed Meg.” Aster pauses, her face ashen. Her voice is quiet. “I thought the clippers did it.” “They did. At least I think they were clippers. I heard him say it, Aster. He didn’t know I was there. He killed Meg.” Aster is silent and busies herself with tending to Bella. Elsie is desperate for her to say something, but the air is thick with the tension of unspoken words. “Now we wait.” Aster sits back, watching Bella carefully, feeling her forehead and touching her wounds. Elsie nods and then stares at Aster, utter helplessness in her expression. “Elsie. You’re in grave danger. If Hardy killed Meg. And he killed Bella – or thinks he has – then who might he target next?” Elsie takes a deep breath and then shakes her head. She cannot say it, and she doesn’t have to. She knows they are both thinking the same thing. She’s next. “Won’t he need me for the throne?” Elsie hates the pathetic hope in her question. Aster shrugs and es her a little box. “Eat one.” Elsie opens it up, it’s filled with tiny little orbs of liquid.

“These are weird.” Aster smiles. “My concoction. Good for shock. Stress. Anxiety. All those fun things. Crush it between your tongue and the roof of your mouth.” “Can I take them all?” Elsie pops one in her mouth. It’s so weird, but she likes it. The liquid that oozes out of it when she pops it is hot. “I think he needs you for the throne. That’s what’s been said. But thinking logically, and disionately, your step parents are dead, and they weren’t the true rulers of Allaire.” “But if he killed me-” “He won’t make it look like he killed you. Elsie, I mean this, I think you have to tread very carefully. If some terrible accident happens and the queen dies, I know it, and you know it, every single fairy will look to Hardy. He’s the natural choice. He won’t kill you in front of anyone. He will make it look like an accident. He will be heart broken. He will play the victim every bit as much as if something terrible had happened to him himself.” Elsie swallows thickly. She knows it’s true. “How come you have such a high opinion of him?” “I think he’s a handsome man, Elsie, and I don’t know him at all. But if you heard him tell Bella that he killed Meg, and then he tried to kill Bella, left her for dead, then it doesn’t take a genius to work out you’re next. Why kill Meg, but to make access to you easier. Why kill Bella, but to make sure she couldn’t tell you. Why kill you? So he can have the power for himself.” “So what do I do? I cannot hide and sit on the throne at the same time. I cannot keep myself safe every minute of the day. He could poison me, behead me, spear me. There are a lot of ways to kill me and make it look like a terrible accident, or the work of somebody else.” There’s a slightly hysterical edge to her voice now.

“Aster?” “I don’t know what to say, Elsie. I want to help you, and I will, but how do we keep a queen safe?” “I’ll help.” They both jump. It’s Bella, sounding as groggy and half-dead as she probably is. Aster scoops her up and asks her to drink. She’s able to get much more liquid into her now she can swallow. She has three potions, all mixed with different ingredients, which will help her to recuperate. Together they sit her up and lean her against a wall. “You’ll help?” Elsie’s eyes fill with tears. “Hardy nearly killed you.” “Exactly. And he thinks he succeeded, am I right?” Elsie and Aster both nod. Suddenly it doesn’t seem as hopeless as they thought. “So he won’t be expecting me to murder him in his sleep, or the next time I set eyes on him.” Her anger is palpable, despite her injuries and lack of energy. Aster shakes her head. “Bella, you can’t fight right now. It would kill you. And there’d be another uprising if you killed Hardy. Nobody knows Elsie yet. We have to tread lightly.” “I don’t want to tread lightly. I want to skewer him with my sword, I want to gouge his eyeballs out and-” Elsie puts a hand on her arm. “Bella, I know you’re furious, but I’m terrified and I don’t want to do anything rash. Aster’s right. I’m new here and I don’t have anybody’s trust or loyalty yet. If Hardy’s dead and I try to rule, I fear anarchy.” Bella shrugs, her expression sullen. Aster es her a small bottle. “Every time you feel pain, I want you to take a swallow of this. Just a mouthful, or it’ll knock you out.”

“Maybe we could put some in Hardy’s dinner?” Elsie laughs. “Who would have thought we’d end up on the same side?” Bella stares at Elsie, eyebrows raised, expression hostile, but then she breaks into a grin. Elsie isn’t sure if it’s Aster’s potion or a genuine smile. “I hated you. You just waltzed back to Allaire and stole Hardy from me.” Elsie opens her mouth to protest, but Bella holds up her hand. “But I know that you can only steal something that wants to be stolen. Hardy wasn’t ever happy with me. Not really. He was always on edge, always ready for a new plan, a new endeavour. He won’t rest now that he’s achieved this rebellion.” “No, I don’t think he’ll rest until I’m dead.” “Maybe he won’t kill you,” Aster says, fiddling with some lotions and ing one to Bella. “To rub on the wound if it itches. Maybe he’ll just rule through you.” “And if I argue with him? If I don’t let him have his way?” Aster shrugs. “I know nothing of this type of thing. The first I really heard of the rebellion was when you came back. I keep my head down.” Bella tuts. “I don’t. I want to know what’s going on in this Kingdom and make it better.” “Aster wants to make it better, too. She’s been healing wings.” Aster blushes and shakes her head, but Elsie ploughs on. She feels like these two girls are polar opposites. Bella is brash and cross and not afraid to speak her mind. Aster is soft and gentle and full of healing power, nervous to show off her astounding capabilities. “Really?” Bella shifts, wincing, to look at Aster. Aster nods. “I’m good at healing, and I mentioned it to Bronwen, and I started

experimenting. Between different magical potions, and my healing ability, I could mend a wing, but it wasn’t attached to anyone.” “Useless really,” Bella says, swallowing a mouthful of her pain relief. Elsie snatches the bottle. “Ugh! Bella – you’re so rude! Aster saved your life. She can mend wings – not just severed wings, she can mend them on a fairy now. She’ll be able to fix every fairy who’s been clipped, and all you can say is something snarky.” She holds out the bottle as if to pour its contents on the floor. “I won’t give it back to you.” Bella holds her hands up, placatingly, and with great difficulty. Her breathing is laboured again. “I’m sorry. Being murdered hasn’t put me in the best of moods.” “I understand,” Aster says, keeping her eyes down. Bella sighs. “I’m sorry. I am. Being mean to you is like being mean to a bunny rabbit or a baby deer. It’s not half as satisfying as you’d think.” Aster looks up and smiles. Her smile is as beautiful as her soul, and Bella closes her eyes. Elsie hands her back the pain medicine and Bella immediately drinks down another glug. “I don’t want to be stupid. I want to rule. And I want to do a good job.” “And I want to kill Hardy.” “And you can. Just not right now.” “For more than one reason.” Aster says. “Honestly, if you try to move now, you’ll die. I have no way of knowing what internal injuries you’ve suffered, and I need to tend to you every day until your health and strength return. Please do nothing rash. I feel guilty if people die on my watch.” “I promise not to die. I won’t give him the satisfaction.” “So, now what?”

“He won’t show that he wants you dead,” Bella says. “That’s what I said,” Aster agrees. “I think he’d make it look like an accident.” “Definitely. He has a thing for power, but he also just loves to be loved. He has a way of making everyone fall in love with him. Men think he’s their best mate and all the women fancy him.” Her tone turns wistful. “He makes you feel special.” Elsie nods. He does. She felt like the only girl in the world when she was in Hardy’s arms. “I want to rule.” She feels embarrassed to it it. Ruling the Kingdom she was born in had never occurred to her. After her parents died and her step parents locked her up, she knew her only hope of escape was marriage. She only got out of her prison in the castle because she was leaving Allaire to marry a prince across the seas. And then she found out what her step parents had been doing to their subjects – abusing them, clipping them and killing them. She had realised she couldn’t leave and had returned to help. But even then, she had no genuine desire to rule. At sixteen years old, with no experience and no team to back her, how could she think to rule? And now she is queen. Her step parents are dead and she is the rightful heir to the throne. But she doesn’t want to be a puppet for Hardy to play with. She wants to rule how she sees fit. She wants to make the decisions and build a better future. The question is, will he let her? “I want you to rule.” Bella laughs. “I never thought I’d say that.” They all laugh. Aster reaches out for Elsie and pulls her sleeve. “We can’t stay here. The Kingdom needs a queen. They’ll be wondering where you are.” Elsie turns to Bella. “Will you be-”

“I’ll be just dandy. I’m going to plan all the ways I can kill Hardy. I can be patient.” “Let’s go.” Aster runs through her medicine one last time, so Bella can help herself until she comes back, and then the two girls leave her alone, and head for the hall. The corridors are empty; dead bodies gone. All the fairies have gathered in the hall. The noise is deafening. Some fairies are crying, others are wailing in pain. Elsie sees Bronwen straightaway tending to the injured, and Aster squeezes her hand before going to her. Elsie can see Malachi and Hardy. She flies over to them. “I still can’t find Norah,” she says by way of an explanation, hoping Hardy will think she’s been searching for her the whole time. “She’s fine. I’ve seen her.” Elsie has seen her too, but hopes Norah won’t mention that. Hardy takes her in his arms, holding her tight and rubbing her back. Elsie tries not to stiffen. He thinks she needs and comfort because of this battle, but what she needs is distance away from him so she can figure out her next steps. She has to have things her way, without making him angry. She has to be careful, so she doesn’t come to an accidental end. She has to placate him until she can win the trust of the fairies and build a loyal team around her who will allow her to reign, even without Hardy. She closes her eyes. It’s a lot. They weren’t even meant to start this battle until tomorrow, but her step parents had hastened the inevitable when they killed her sister. She can’t even grieve for Isla. She feels numb. She didn’t know her very well; hadn’t seen her for six years, since they were both locked up separately at the castle. Meg’s is the death she feels, like a physical wound. Knowing that Hardy planned it and condoned it; ordered it, makes her want to be physically sick.

She has to play the game, just for a little while. He pulls back and kisses her forehead. “Queen of Allaire.” She smiles at him; she has nothing to say. “We lost Anya and Ajo,” Hardy says. “I saw Anya,” Elsie says. “I didn’t realise Ajo had died. That’s such a loss for the troupe.” “Loss all around,” he says. “But much less than I thought. We did good.” She steps into his arms again. She’s worried he’ll read her expression, and she’s scared. If he can kill Meg just to get her out of his way, so he can be the only person who has her ear, and he killed Bella so she couldn’t tell his secret, then as soon as he thinks the time is right, he will kill her. It stands to reason. Why would he keep her around? They have shared a few kisses, a few hugs, a few sweet words, but this man has been planning this uprising for years. He has known her for days. She will have to learn to cover her feelings and play the game better than she is doing right now. “I have things to do.” He untangles himself from her hold and kisses her again. “Malachi.” He calls his cousin and Malachi gives Elsie a brief wave, before following Hardy around the room. He’s doing a better job of ruling than she is. She shakes her head. He’s organised the removal and burning of the dead. He’s organised the tending to and healing of the injured. He’s rallying everybody. It’s such a shame he wants to harm her; she could do with him around. Does he want to harm her? She doesn’t have definitive proof that he wants her dead. Maybe he just wants to rule through her, take over bit by bit until she’s just that damn figurehead he’s always talking about. Then she shakes her head and closes her eyes. Killing Meg is definitive proof of harm. Anyone who wanted the best for her couldn’t have

harmed Meg. Anyone who wanted her to rule Allaire would know she’d need Meg by her side. Killing Meg was him showing his hand. She won’t be sucked in by him. Even if he wants to rule by her side, he doesn’t get to, not after what he did. She mustn’t forget it. She makes her way around the room, doing what she thinks a queen might do in this situation. She thanks people, hugs them, helps Bronwen and Aster hand out tonics and tinctures. Hardy flies over. “The castle cook is dead. I’m going to get my mum up here. She can make food for everyone. These fairies need sustenance.” And so it begins. She nods her acquiescence, because to refuse him would be churlish. They do need to eat. The castle needs a cook – and Maud is great. She can’t imagine it’s her life’s aim to cook at the castle, but Elsie also knows that like everyone in his vicinity, Maud will do what Hardy tells her. She wonders if all the castle servants are dead, or just the ones Hardy wants to replace. She needs to organise this mess. She needs to be a queen.

3

She looks around at the fairies; these people are her subjects now whether or not Hardy likes it. She has to rule and take charge. Or he will. She calls over some young men and asks for their help. For so long the table and benches have been packed away in a stable. Her step parents didn’t run a crowded court, and they never entertained. If Maud is going to cook, they will need somewhere to eat. All the crockery and cutlery, jugs and cups are also packed away. They used most of the stables for storage after her mother died. Her step mother was frightened of horses and didn’t like to ride them. They also packed a lot of the beautiful things away from the castle; her step mother didn’t like the memories of the former queen. And the king was happy to forget – his grief so extreme. Maud will also need help in the kitchen. She cannot feed more than a thousand fairies by herself. Elsie finds fairies willing to help and shows them where to wait. It appears the castle has no servants left; she will need to find fairies willing to work at the castle. She wants the place to be a hub for the Kingdom – somewhere all fairies are welcome. The numbers are dwindling. Many of the fairies who fared well in the battle have asked to be excused; they want to celebrate with their loved ones and recover at home, where they are happiest. Elsie has so few happy memories of the castle; she needs to make new ones. Which won’t be easy while she waits for Hardy to kill her, but she is determined to try. She jumps when Bronwen touches her shoulder; she really needs to get her nerves under control. She’s jittery, and Hardy will guess something’s up. “I’ve done what I can.” She wipes her face, leaving grubby streaks across her cheeks. Her hands are stained with dirt and blood. She’s too old for this, and Elsie feels a rush of affection for her. She hugs her fiercely.

“Thank you, Bronwen. Thank you for fighting today and for helping with the injured fairies.” “I’m happy I could help. Never thought I’d be in a battle at my age, let me tell you. Though...” She trails off, wincing as she takes a step back, stumbling slightly. “Bronwen, are you all right? Here, sit.” She pulls over a seat and helps Bronwen into it. Bronwen nods, but Elsie cannot help but worry at how weary she looks. “Aster!” “I’m fine, I’m fine. No fuss, Elsie, no fuss. This is just more than I’ve moved for a long, long time. My days are gentle, my pace is slow. I thought my heart might stop more than once tonight.” She laughs, and then coughs. Aster s them. “Bronwen?” She pulls a vial from her endless pockets and squeezes a few drops onto Bronwen’s tongue. “I’m fine, I’m fine. No need for fuss. I’m just tired. I’m not the only one.” She gestures around the room. “You need rest. All that training and now all this fighting and then all the healing you just did. I say you need to rest for many days,” Aster says, crouching beside her. “Oh, how does the taught become the teacher?” Bronwen touches Aster’s cheek. “You might take over from me sooner than I thought.” She laughs again and then catches the misery on Aster’s face. “I’m fine. I’ve got years left in me, child. I’ve seen my end, and this is not it. Fear not. I also know that Elsie has requested you her here at the castle.” Elsie opens her mouth to protest that Aster can stay at the troupe if Bronwen needs her to, but Bronwen holds up her hand. “Aster is meant to come here. I know that too. I will be fine. I trained Aster for greater things than looking after the old men of the troupe. She is the finest healer I have ever seen; her ability sures mine. You will do well to have her

at your side, Elsie. She’s wise and kind.” Elsie nods, she knows it. Aster is young but has an old soul. “Shall I take you back to the troupe?” “No.” Bronwen grunts as she stands up. “My old bones. They might not forgive me for this.” She laughs at the alarm on Elsie and Aster’s faces. “Girls, I jest. This is the finest damn adventure I have ever been on, and I have to live to a ripe old age so I can brag about it. The fairies from the troupe who didn’t come today won’t believe my tales. I stuck my sword in a man’s eye socket. Straight in, no messing.” Elsie grimaces and Aster looks like she wants to be sick. “I wasn’t aiming for his eyeball, but I killed him. I’m all right, girls. I’ll get myself home to my bed and sleep for three full days and then I’ll be like new. I promise you. If I need you, Aster, I will get someone here. I assume you’re staying now?” Aster looks at Elsie, unsure what the next steps are. Elsie shrugs. All her things are at Maud’s house. Not that she has many things. She needs to clear her head of her dithering and be decisive. “I’d love you to stay, Aster. Maud is on her way to cook, so maybe after you’ve eaten you could collect what you need from the troupe. You can always go back and fore over the next few days to get all your things, and tell your parents?” Elsie has no idea if Aster lives with her parents, or how old she is. She knows so little about anyone she has met; which is why she’s on the back foot. “I don’t have parents.” “You don’t?” “Well, I did at some point, I suppose. Bronwen found me in the woods when I was about two. She doesn’t know where I came from, but I was alone. Nobody ever came looking for me.” Elsie feels a wave of sadness wash over her. Aster has as sad a past as she does,

but she’d never have known it. She’s so peaceful, like she’s never had a worry in her entire life. It shows what a wonderful healer she is, that she can make someone feel at ease, despite the strangeness of her own circumstances. “That’s so sad.” Aster shrugs. “I think I ended up where I was meant to. Bronwen has been a mother to me. I don’t anyone else. The troupe has been my family. I’ve done all right. And now I get to live at the castle!” Elsie hugs her. “You do. As long as you still want to.” “I do. When you asked me, I felt a certainty inside. It’s what I’m meant to do next. I’m sure of it. Bronwen has taught me so many things, but listening to my intuition has been the best lesson. I’m never afraid, because I know I’ll always be all right. The answers will come to me. I just have to listen.” Elsie thinks about what Smelly Jim said to her. It’s the same thing. She has a lot to learn, and maybe Aster is meant to help her. “I’m off,” Bronwen says, touching her hand to Aster’s head. Elsie feels the surrounding air change in temperature. “What was that?” she asks Aster, as the two of them watch Bronwen hobble off. “She does it all the time to me. It’s just her transferring her wisdom and love to me.” Elsie’s eyes fill up. “That is so lovely. You’re lucky to have had her as a mother. Do you ever wonder where you came from?” Aster shakes her head. “I did for a while. But then I realised I couldn’t live my entire life looking backwards. I don’t know if I got lost or left on purpose. I don’t know if I was loved or cared for or missed. But it doesn’t help me to ponder. And it doesn’t help me to worry.” “How are you so wise? How old are you?” “Same as you. Sixteen. Almost seventeen.”

“Well, you’re amazing. I hope you’ll be happy at the castle. I plan to learn all I can from you.” “Here you are!” Norah descends on them and Elsie laughs. Here’s another girl who is as opposite to Aster as Bella is. But Bella is snarky and mean and sullen, Norah is happy and infectiously energetic. “I’ve been flying here and there and everywhere looking for you. The old man I was with? He died. I know, don’t be nice, because I’ll cry. Too many tears here today. It’s time to celebrate now. Elsie – you did it! You’re the queen of Allaire.” Elsie laughs. “Norah, be quiet.” “Why? You’re the queen of Allaire. The queen of Allaire. Long live the queen of Allaire.” The other fairies are laughing as they watch Elsie blush, but they take up the call as well and Elsie laughs. She doubts she will ever get used to this. “Anyway. I did it. I killed hundreds of guards and hundreds of clippers and had the best day.” She spins. “And not a scratch on me! I know not everybody was as lucky as me. I don’t want to be unsympathetic, but I did good. I’m allowed to be happy about that, aren’t I?” “You are. You did better than me. I only killed two people.” Norah nods at her, waiting for the story. “My step parents. I clipped them too.” “Whoa.” A strange and unsettled sadness comes over the three of them, and they watch the rest of the fairies in the hall as though they are separate from them. Aster bursts the bubble. “I need to go. There are people who need me.” Elsie nods, knowing exactly where she’s going. Norah flits off to a friend of hers and Elsie stands alone, back in the weird

bubble of feeling separate and isolated, despite being in a crowd of hundreds. She backs away from the middle of the room, to the periphery and then out through a door, with nobody noticing her. She might be the queen, but she’s still a stranger to most fairies in Allaire. She’s a stranger to herself sometimes. And the person she wasn’t a stranger to is dead. She flies to Maud’s house. She will gather her things, and Meg’s things. Gwenna will probably want them and she will bring them back to the castle, and then maybe she will feel better. It was a happy home a long time ago, and she can make it her cause to make it happy again. She can fix the clipped fairies and she can learn to rule as she goes along. Each day she will know more and each day she will get better. Maud has already left her house with Hardy to go to the castle and cook, but her neighbour hears Elsie knocking on the door. “Hello lovely. Do you need to go inside?” “If I can. I just need to get my stuff.” “Did Hardy win?” Elsie laughs. “Yes. He did.” The neighbour unlocks the door and Elsie goes upstairs. “I knew he would,” the neighbour calls up. “Do you need a hand?” “No thanks. We didn’t have much stuff.” Elsie grins to herself, suddenly wondering what Prince Alwen will do with all her things that were shipped to him before she left Allaire. She’s not as careful as Meg would have been, she just shoves everything into the bags. It takes but a few minutes. She looks under the bed to see if she’s missed anything and sees Meg’s letter opener. She never got sent any letters, but she had loved this thing. It’s tiny. Silver at one end and pearl at the other. She had called

it her treasure. To think Meg’s entire life had been put on hold so she could look after Elsie still fills Elsie with love and shame. To be so loved by someone who wasn’t her own family makes her feel happy and loved and warm, but the guilt of knowing that Meg lived without love because she sacrificed her freedom to keep Elsie safe, and then died because of it, makes Elsie’s toes curl with shame. Nothing she can do now. She finds Meg’s pouch in the bag she’s already packed and tucks the letter opener into it. She adds the scarlet ribbon that fell from Dayle’s waist and the smooth and sparkly pebble Tom gave her. She’s got treasures of her own now. She tucks the pouch in her pocket and carries the bags downstairs. “Thank you.” The neighbour grins. “Happy to help.” Elsie flies off before she can bang on about Hardy winning the war again, and flies home. Home. The castle looms ahead of her, looking ominous in the evening gloom. Her step parents are dead. The biggest threat Allaire faced is over. Inside there is order and celebration. Hardy flies up to her, concern in his expression, and Elsie thinks she can see a touch of anger too. “Where have you been? You’re queen now, you can’t just flit off. Nobody knew where you were. Something could have happened to you.” He takes her in his arms, holding her just a little too tight. “Don’t do that again. Promise?” Elsie nods and looks around. They have transformed the hall. It looks like how

she re it. Rows and rows of tables filled with food, rows and rows of benches filled with chattering fairies, all eating and drinking. The dais is set too. One throne – for her – and seats next to it. “Your throne.” Hardy takes her hand and leads her up onto the dais. He takes her hand and lifts it into the air with his, like she just won a joust or something. She smiles and the crowd roars. “The queen!” He gestures to the throne, and she takes her seat. It puts her higher than him when he sits next to her. Maud comes over and brings them food and drink, her cheeks pink. “Oof, that kitchen is hot.” “Thank you.” She waves her away and pushes a platter of food towards her. Elsie reaches for it and hesitates for just a fraction of a second. Could Maud have poisoned it? Or would that put his mother in the frame? He’d never do that to her. Elsie loads her plate with food and takes a bite. Maud beams and bustles off. Hardy takes his food and starts eating and drinking. She tries to relax and enjoy. These are her first hours as queen. She did what she set out to do when she came back to Allaire. She stopped her step parents and they won’t be able to hurt anybody else. They’re dead. She also clipped them, which was a nice bit of poetic justice, she reckons. This is her first meal as queen, sitting on her throne and surrounded by her new subjects. And sitting beside Meg’s murderer. That’s why she cannot enjoy. He eats and drinks like he hasn’t a care in the world and it’s infuriating. “Did you get all your stuff from my mother’s house?”

“Yes. We didn’t have much.” “I know a man in the East of Allaire who makes the most wonderful clothes. I’ll get a message to him. You should have a wardrobe fit for a queen. Don’t you think?” She nods. Clothes aren’t something she’s interested in. She wore the same uniform of dress the entire time she was locked away. She got measured for new clothes when the date was set for her to leave Allaire. As cruel as her step parents were, they knew all about keeping up appearances. They had lovely clothes made for her, but they were all sent away. “Are there any castle servants alive, Hardy? What about Alyce and Lacey, Isla’s handmaiden?” He shrugs, unconcerned. “There are a few in the dungeon – you’re welcome to look, but I wouldn’t trust any of them. They worked for your step parents, Elsie.” “I imagine they were in fear for their lives.” “Maybe. But the guards and clippers are all dead. I’ll gather and train a small army for you, but Allaire has always been a peaceful Kingdom. I don’t expect wars. My mother is happy to cook and I have several men I trust to make up the council.” “I think I’ll ask Gwenna to the council and maybe Ool and Marella.” “I think we’ll have enough. You don’t want people arguing for the sake of it, or shouting over each other. Just me and four others, I thought. Then we’ll have a deciding vote.” “Won’t I be counted.” He pauses, fork in the air, and slowly nods. “Of course. So me, you, and three others.” “But I can be out voted?” Elsie can see he doesn’t enjoy being questioned. But she figures she’s safe to do it here in front of everyone. “It’s just I am queen. It

doesn’t seem right somehow...” He shakes his head. “We can worry about this later.” His voice is too bright. “Eat. Drink. Celebrate.” She does as she’s told. Again. But let’s herself relax into the evening. More and more fairies come to the dais to curtesy and bow to her. Most of them include Hardy in their thanks and goodbyes, and Elsie tries not to get annoyed. He has done everything for these fairies, and in their eyes he’s the one who pulled off this rebellion. And it’s right. He did. He was planning it for a long time before she came along. But she is their queen now, and she needs to figure out a way to gain their trust and their loyalty so she can rule without Hardy. It’s dark, and she’s tired, but she doesn’t know what to do next. This is when she misses having Meg tell her what to do and help her. The hall is mostly empty, but she’s feeling lost. “Queen.” Gwenna curtseys and then smiles. Meg’s sister from the troupe. It always lifts Elsie up to see her. She didn’t fight in the battle for the throne, because she’s pregnant; Elsie wasn’t expecting to see her tonight. “I’ve come to help you. If you need me.”

4

Elsie nods. “Really ?” “I figured you might need a little help, figuring all of this out.” She gestures around the room, and Elsie jumps off her throne, and rushes around to hug her. “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.” Gwenna laughs and untangles herself. Elsie has never been so happy to see anyone in her life. Gwenna will know what to do. About everything. Hardy smiles at them and finishes his food. Gwenna sits on the other side of Elsie on the dais, and Elsie moves her throne back so they can involve Hardy in their conversation. She won’t tell Gwenna anything until they’re alone. “The Kingdom is over the moon with this. It was quite the shock, though. When a fairy flew back to us and told us the battle was tonight, we were shocked. Some of the troupe who weren’t planning on helping flew straight over to you. Elsie, I’m so sorry about your sister.” Elsie doesn’t know what to say. That her step parents killed Isla was no surprise, not after what they were doing to the other fairies in the Kingdom. But she has a lot in common with Gwenna now – they have both lost their sisters. “It spurred us on,” Hardy says. “We were happy to wait until tomorrow, but – as awful as it was – it put a lot of fight into us all. I think the anger helped us to win. I think they did us a favour.” He touches Elsie’s hand, maybe realising how callous he sounds. Elsie feels prickles all along the back of her neck and down her arms and pulls her hand away from Hardy’s, pretending to take a drink.

There had to have been someone in the castle who knew about the rebellion. That someone must have told her step parents. And they sent out the warning with Isla’s dead body. What they thought would be a warning became a call to arms. Did Hardy realise that would happen? Did he somehow orchestrate Isla’s death? She shakes her head. Is she giving him too much credit? Is he really that clever, that cruel? She doesn’t know. She doesn’t know him well enough to say. “You must be tired,” Hardy says. “Let me organise the clear up tonight, then tomorrow we’ll make firm plans.” “Good idea, Hardy. You look exhausted, Elsie.” “It’s been a long day.” Her voice is thin; she is exhausted and tired of all the games. She is finding the pretence hard to keep up. Elsie rises and bids the fairies left in the hall a good night. Another cheer goes up and Gwenna tucks her arm through hers. “When I got here, I sent a few fairies to organise a few things. They’ll make a hot bath for you when you’re ready and bring clean clothes.” “Thank you, Gwenna.” They duck inside Elsie’s room, and she falls apart. Her knees buckle and she drops to the floor. “Elsie!” Gwenna’s voice is tinged with panic, but before she can go out to the corridor to call for help, Aster appears from the secret corridor to the secret room. Gwenna jumps and holds a hand to her heart. “Aster! Where the hell did you spring from? You nearly killed me.” “I’m sorry. I’ve been hiding.” “Hiding where? From who?”

Aster ignores Gwenna’s question and sits on the floor beside Elsie. She lifts Elsie’s head up. Her eyes are glassy. “I think she’s in shock.” Aster has just the thing in her pocket; she always does, and after a few sips of a tonic, Elsie comes around. “Girls, what’s going on?” Gwenna has her arms folded across her chest, a stern expression on her face. Elsie takes a deep breath, recovering quickly thanks to Aster’s tonic. “I think Hardy killed Isla.” “What?” Aster and Gwenna exclaim at the same time. Elsie nods. “That’s why I felt all funny. He was telling Gwenna in the hall how her death rallied everyone on and helped us win, and I just got the strangest feeling...” “I know we’ve warned you about Hardy, Elsie, but I think that’s a stretch. He’s ambitious, certainly, but I wouldn’t say he was murderous.” “He killed Meg.” “Says who?” Gwenna looks confused. “He killed my sister? No way.” “He said it. I heard him tell Bella, just before he killed her. I’m sorry.” “Why? Why kill Meg and Bella?” “Bella’s all right – Aster saved her.” “But he doesn’t know that.” “Bella’s through there,” Elsie says, pointing. Gwenna closes her eyes. “That was a lot of information to get in thirty seconds. Hardy really killed my Meg?” Elsie wishes she didn’t have to tell her something so horrible.

“After we clipped my step parents, I killed them. Then Hardy went to the battle. Then I went to help, and I overheard them talking. Bella and Hardy. He itted to killing Meg and killed Bella so she wouldn’t be able to tell me.” “After he left, Elsie flew down and brought Bella here.” “It’s a secret room, between my childhood bedroom and my sister’s. We used to hide in here when we were little.” “Elsie found me to see if I could help Bella. Hardy left her for dead. But, as you know, I’m good.” “Incredible. Bella is alive.” “Let me see her.” They lock Elsie’s bedroom door and go into the secret room. Bella has her eyes closed, but opens them when they all troop in. “Hey.” She winces; it’s painful to talk. “Is it worse? Are you worse?” Elsie sits beside her and takes her hand. “She’s a little worse. I’ll get some extra provisions when I go back to the troupe for my things.” “Bronwen told me you were staying here. It was Bronwen’s idea for me to come. I’m a little distracted.” Gwenna pats her belly. “That’s understandable.” They are silent for a moment. “So Hardy left you for dead?” Bella nods. “And he itted he killed Meg?” They all nod.

“And now you think he killed Isla?” “What?” Bella shouts and then groans, putting her hands to her temples. “Ooh, that hurt. Isla?” Aster tuts and presses a compress against Bella’s forehead. “Take it easy.” Bella nods. “I will. Isla?” “I don’t know,” Elsie says, though she feels sickeningly sure. “But Hardy was telling Gwenna about how he thought Isla dying helped rally everyone to fight, and I wondered how my step parents even knew about the rebellion. I wondered if Hardy orchestrated the entire thing.” They are silent again. It feels like a huge thing, but he’s already itted to getting Meg murdered, and he thinks Bella is dead at his own hand. “We think Elsie’s next,” Bella says, taking the compress from Aster and holding it against her own head. Gwenna rubs her face and then lets out an enormous sigh. “I can’t believe what I’m hearing. We cannot move you to safety, Elsie. You have to stay here at the castle – you’re the queen.” “Exactly. That’s the problem.” “We don’t think he’ll hurt Elsie in plain sight. We don’t think he’d want anybody to know he’d stoop so low.” “I don’t know what to do.” Gwenna looks pained. “Really. I have nothing. If you’re in danger we should move you, but we can’t; you’re the queen. If he’s a danger to you, we should have him removed or arrested or something, but we can’t. Who would arrest him? Your army will comprise his men, Elsie. Your council will comprise his men. Everybody in Allaire knows and loves and trusts him, and after he pulled this off, they’d have a crown on his head if they could. Nobody knows you, Elsie. You have no fealty here.” They are all defeated. Gwenna is saying what they have all said, what they all know, and yet it sounds so harsh coming from somebody else. It sounds so final.

“What do I do?” “It’s sounds pathetic, but I think we bide our time.” “I’ll kill him when I’m back to full strength,” Bella says. “You could,” Gwenna says. “But will the Kingdom bow down to a stranger? I worry that there’ll be uproar, especially if anyone thinks Elsie had a hand in Hardy’s demise. He’s beloved.” “He is.” They are a miserable group, Gwenna distressed by all she has learned, Aster tending to Bella, Bella in pain and Elsie at a loss. “You need to solidify your position in the Kingdom,” Aster says. “You know how you said you wanted to mend Allaire, that’s what you need to do, and quickly. Let Hardy run your army and let him bring his men to your council, but balance that with your own people.” “I have no people.” “You have me,” Gwenna says. “And I could ask Ool and Marella.” Aster nods. “Then I heal all the broken fairies, and I fix Bella, and then you do all the wonderful things you need to do. Make sure you’re seen everywhere throughout the Kingdom, make sure the people know and love you. Get involved. Don’t just hide away in your castle looking down on your subjects, not that you would, I know, but.” “She’s right. Whatever else Hardy is, he’s a man of the people. People love him.” “Fix everything. And then Bella can kill him, and maybe nobody will care.” “Maud will care,” Bella says, making a face. “She’ll kill you with her rolling pin. And then she’ll come for me.” They all laugh. “I thought she might poison me, but I thought that would be too obvious. It would place the blame at her feet; he’d never do that to her.”

“You’re right. Just be careful.” “I will. I don’t want to die. Not yet.” “I need to go to the troupe and get some stuff,” Aster says, frowning down at Bella. “Or you won’t last the night.” “And nobody knows about this room?” Gwenna asks. “No, she’ll be safe here.” “I need to sleep. Could I have more pillows and another blanket?” “Of course.” “I’ve told them they’ll need to set up another bed for me as well,” Gwenna says. “I hope you don’t mind me turning up and taking over?” “I’m glad of it,” Elsie says. They leave Bella alone, and Gwenna orders a bath run for Elsie and extra bedding. “And the fairies don’t mind working here?” “Not at all. The ones I asked seemed excited to come to the castle.” “I suppose it’s been this looming and scary place for so long.” “It’s nice to see people here. Elsie, I know you’re scared, but I think you can do it. After all your step parents did, it’ll be wonderful to open up the doors, let the light in, help the fairies take the Kingdom back. Aster, you’re a wise old soul, you know that. Elsie’s gain is our loss. The troupe will miss you.” “I’ll miss the troupe.” “I hope there’ll be less division between all of us now,” Elsie says. “Now that everyone’s safe. Well, except me!” They can’t help but laugh. Aster leaves them and heads back to the troupe for her things and medicine for Bella. Elsie insists on bathing and washing herself,

but enjoys having company. “I think it’s all right if you have a handmaiden who does all the things Meg used to do for you. You are a queen.” “I know, but I want to be a different queen. There’s no reason I can’t wash and dress myself. It’s pretty ridiculous that I didn’t. It’s not like because I’m royal my arms don’t work, or my hands or anything else.” Gwenna nods. “Fair enough. You have lots of decisions to make. Who washes your hair is the least of them. I still can’t believe Hardy.” “Right?” “No, I mean I know what we all say about him. Damn, he’s handsome, but you can tell he’s aiming for the stars, and not afraid to trample on anyone who gets in the way. Like his cousin, Malachi – you met Malachi, right?” Elsie nods. “Well, Malachi is bright and can fight like a machine, but he just got pushed aside for Hardy. Malachi’s dad and Hardy’s dad are brothers, and the two boys were equally involved in the rebellion and all the plans. But after Hardy’s dad died, well, Hardy took over. His uncle gave up after they butted heads too many times. Malachi hung around, but I think it was to temper his cousin; he knows what he’s like more than anyone. He’s a hot head.” “He’s a murderer.” “I don’t know how I’ll face him again, knowing what he did to my sister.” “It’s hard. He keeps hugging me and kissing me.” “At least I don’t have to deal with that. We have to keep our game face on, Elsie. He’s dangerous.” “He is. And he’ll be in charge of my army and my council and me.” “It will not be easy. But I’ll help you. You just stand firm. If he wants you to do something you would do anyway, let him have his way and think you’re bowing

down to him. If it’s something you cannot or will not allow, then we’ll figure it out. We won’t let him walk all over you.” Elsie lets out a sigh. It’s all so easy in theory. “I’ll try.” “We’ll do it. You didn’t come back here to be someone else’s puppet, did you?” “No.” “You came back here to help all of us. And you’re the true heir to the throne.” “I know. I just didn’t expect to be in fear for my life after I killed my step parents. Everything should be good now.” “It will be. At the moment, the balance of power is off; he has it all and you have none. Each day you get to take action to tip the scales in your favour. Each day you can prove yourself to the fairies in Allaire. We’ll all help you.” “Thank you, Gwenna. I couldn’t do this without you.” “Meg would never have forgiven me if I didn’t come to help you in your first weeks as queen. Even without this additional complication.” “Complication. That’s an understatement.” They smile and Gwenna busies herself making up her bed and taking extra pillows and blankets through to Bella. Elsie dresses herself. She’s finding it easier each time she does it, and she grins. It’s about time. Imagine trying to run a Kingdom and gain the trust of all the fairies and defeat Hardy. And she cannot even put her own clothes on. They sit in a comfortable silence while they wait for Aster to get back from the troupe. Bella is sleeping, her breathing shallow. “I hope Aster can fix her.” “If anyone can, she can. Elsie, I’ve never known a healer like her.” “She’s so clever and so calm.”

“She is. I still can’t believe that bastard killed Meg.” Gwenna laughs at Elsie’s shocked face. “I’m sorry to swear, but it’s true. How did he know she’d go outside? He said she was coming to visit me, didn’t he?” “He upset her. I blamed myself. But I can see now that he goaded her.” “Goaded her?” “He told her that people in the Kingdom assume the servants in the castle are or were as culpable as my step parents.” “I told you – bastard!” “He made her feel awful, guilty. I never thought for a minute she was culpable, and I told her so. She knew how much I loved her, but I guess Hardy figured out her weakness and exploited it. She felt guilty. She ran away, and I followed her.” “But Hardy didn’t?” “There was nobody there to help us, just two clippers.” “Who weren’t clippers at all, I’ll bet. Elsie you must be careful. This is not a man to take lightly. He’s not here to play.” “I know. I think even if I could be a puppet for him and his mother, he’d still get rid of me as soon as he could. I’m no use to him now, if I ever was.” “Oh, you were. You helped him get this rebellion started; you were the spark he needed.” “And now he doesn’t.” Gwenna looks furious. “I won’t let him hurt you. For Meg, I won’t.” There’s a knock at the door. “It’s me, Aster.”

Aster comes in, followed by three fairies from the troupe, and a load of her belongings. Elsie laughs. “I didn’t want the fuss of going back and fore. This is everything.” “And you have the stuff you need for Bella.” “I think so. The most important thing for her is me. I’ll sleep next to her tonight, make sure I’m touching her. I might need you to bind us together. I want her to have my strength and healing.” “We’ll do whatever you need us to. I want her to live.” “We all do. But.” Aster shakes her head. “I will not even say it. I will save her. Hardy shouldn’t get away with this.” “He won’t. With witnesses now, I vow to you two that Hardy will not get away with what he’s done to Meg and what he tried to do to Bella. Or what he might like to do to me. I will rule this Kingdom without him and I will rule it well. I will do everything I can to win the trust and fealty of every single fairy in Allaire until I can confront him and kill him.” “It’s more than he deserves.” “It is and my biggest wish is that I didn’t have to let him take one more breath.” “But we can bide our time.” “I can be patient. It’s something I learned when I was locked up for six years.”

HER FIRST MORNING AS queen is stormy; the rain is lashing down; the entire Kingdom is bathed in a misty grey fog and the air is split with lightning more often than not. Elsie doesn’t have a wardrobe fit for a queen yet, but she has a clean dress which she gets into herself, though she needs Gwenna to lace up the back. They check on Aster and Bella before they head down to the hall for breakfast. Bella is alive, which is all they can hope for, for now. “Untie us before you go,” Aster says, and Elsie quickly undoes the green cord that bound them together arm to arm for the night. “She slept well and her temperature is normal. Hopefully, having me close worked. I’ll stay here for most of the day if you can bring us food and drink.” “We can. Thank you, Aster.” Aster shakes her head and busies herself with another mix of ingredients to help Bella. Elsie and Gwenna close the door, cover it with the trunk and head to the door, just as there’s a knock on the other side. Hardy. Elsie steps out of her bedroom and Gwenna follows, shutting and locking the door behind her and dropping the key in her pocket. “Did you sleep well, queen?” “I did, thank you. You?” “I did. I came back early this morning, brought some men with me. I thought it was a good idea to clear out the caves and the cabin up at Elwin’s Peak, and bring everything here. We don’t need secret bases anymore.” Before Elsie can speak, he ploughs on.

“We emptied the three stables, brought all the stuff that was in there into the castle, and put our stuff in the stables. We have one for weapon making and one for weapon storage – we need to get a forge set up. I’ll make a start on an army this morning, and we should have a council meeting. We need to get your step parents wings displayed and we-” “Take a breath, Hardy,” Gwenna says, her voice light. Elsie is impressed with her. She wasn’t sure how Gwenna would feel seeing Hardy again. But she’s smiling, and her tone is light and teasing. “Sorry, there’s just so much to do and I can finally do it. I have all these ideas and-” “And so does our queen.” Hardy turns to Gwenna, but she’s still smiling. He grins at Elsie. “I know I’m enthusiastic, but there’s so much to do. So much to undo.” His sentiments are so similar to her own it’s scary. Why did he have to be so murderous? “And we have time. It’s all we have now. The urgency from being under attack is gone. There are peaceful times ahead. Let Elsie enjoy this. We need to plan a coronation. We need to get the castle fit for living in. We need to staff the castle; I assume most of the servants are dead?” Hardy nods, not even bothering to look guilty. “There’s a handful in the dungeon, but, to be honest, I was thinking about it last night. Maybe we should just kill them. Make it a clean sweep, you know?” “Aren’t they innocent fairies, though?” “Well, who knows? I mean, they lived and worked at the castle. They all have their wings.” “Just like my sister did.” Elsie takes in a sharp breath, but Gwenna keeps her cool. Despite knowing what she knows, there isn’t even a tiny edge to her voice.

“I’m sorry, Gwenna, I know Meg did everything she could for Elsie, but we don’t know that’s true of the others. We only know Meg was innocent because Elsie was always with her. The rest? They could be as dangerous as your step parents, Elsie. Plus, they won’t have fealty to you.” “Nobody has fealty to me,” Elsie says, and then wishes she hasn’t. “I have fealty to you. Gwenna does. All of us who fought for you yesterday. But we don’t know if the castle servants do. I think it’s risky...” Elsie shakes her head. It might be risky. There might be a page locked away who is still loyal to her step father or a handmaiden who is still loyal to her step mother, but she cannot kill them. Killing her step parents because of all they’d done was the right thing to do. Killing anyone who lived or worked at the castle would make her as bad as her step parents, as bad as Hardy. “I won’t do it.” Hardy frowns and opens his mouth to argue, but Elsie shakes her head. “No, Hardy. I’ll speak to them and give them a chance to plead their cases. It’s only fair.” He doesn’t answer and Elsie hides a smile. He’s so much like a spoiled little boy and no wonder, he’s been indulged by his mother, and probably his father when he was alive. The entire Kingdom loves him, and what he says goes. Or it used to. “We’ll eat and then I’ll look. All the clippers and guards are dead, aren’t they?” Hardy nods, still not speaking. “Do we know if the clippers who killed my sister are dead?” Gwenna asks. Hardy nods again. “I think so. All the clippers and guards are.” Elsie knows they weren’t clippers or guards, though; she knows they were

Hardy’s men. She wonders if he has spirited them away or killed them. She would know both men if she saw them. Their images are burned into her memory. The way they killed Meg like she was nothing. She shivers. Hardy pushes the door open to the hall where Maud has outdone herself. The benches are full of fairies and more line the walls, and huddle around in groups. There is so much food lining the tables, plate after plate after plate. The smell is incredible, and Elsie is ravenous suddenly. The fairies rise to their feet, clapping and cheering, and she waves their applause away. “Please sit, please eat.” “Fairies from all over Allaire have come to the castle overnight,” Hardy says, taking his seat beside her throne, Gwenna on the other side. “They have come to bow to their queen, to see if it’s true that your step parents are dead. The castle will be busy for a while.” Elsie smiles. She likes it. It’s a little disconcerting seeing so many people when she’s been used to so few, and it’s definitely unsettling to have so many strangers her for breakfast. This is like the court she grew up in, though. The doors were always open; the fairies were always welcome. Any fairy from within the Kingdom or any visitor from outside of it. Anybody could break bread with their king. It was expected and welcomed. Fairies could petition their king for anything – to settle a dispute or to ask for a special favour. She eats her breakfast and watches the fairies eating theirs. There’s a lightness in the air and the tension is all gone. When she arrived back in Allaire and was taken by Hardy, she felt the strain from everyone she met. They were afraid, living with the genuine fear of an attack. Now they are in a celebratory place. People are being silly, laughing too loud, shouting out and feeling their freedom. Hardy can’t spoil the entire thing; she can’t let him. She came back to stop her step parents, and that’s what she did. She had help, but she had always known she would need it. She doesn’t feel embarrassed by her shortcomings. It’s only by recognising them she can change them, like how she learned to fight and got Hardy to accept the female fighters ing the battle.

That was her. This cheery room is down to her too. She’s the queen of Allaire now, and as long as she can hold her nerve with Hardy and ensure she doesn’t fall victim of a nasty accident or assassination attempt, she will be all right. She can feel it. Maud bustles over with more hot bread. She’s beaming. “If you had asked me yesterday morning would I like to work at the castle – me a servant – when I’ve always been a free woman, looked after by the men in my life, I’d have told you to sling your hook, but this morning you couldn’t drag me away from here if you wanted to.” Elsie laughs. She cannot dislike Maud because of what Hardy has done. She’s her own woman, and she’s funny. And kind. And warm. And generous. The perfect person to take up position in the castle, feeding every waif and stray who stops by. “Tell me I can stay, Hardy?” Hardy takes a bread roll and then drops it on his plate; it’s so hot. “Not up to me, ma. You must ask the queen.” There’s an edge to Hardy’s voice, only a slight one, but Elsie hears it. Maud laughs. “That’s right.” She does a little bow of her head. “We have a new queen and long may she live and reign. You look beautiful, my dear. Would you have an objection to me cooking for you? I’m in my element in there. You should see the quality of the pots and pans, the ingredients – things I’ve never seen before. Lord knows how I’ll cook some of it, but I’ll have a go. Let me stay, Elsie?” Elsie cannot refuse her, not least because they have nobody else to do the job. If Maud is happy she can do it. “Of course. If you want to.” “I do. And there’s accommodation. What do you say, Hardy? You’ve been staying with Malachi since you and Bella split up – bless her soul. Do you want

to go home, and I’ll come here?” Hardy nods. “That sounds great.” Maud beams and then shrieks. “I’ve got stuff cooking. I best get back.” Hardy shakes his head and sighs. “She’d never be a noble woman, would she?” “Ah she’s so happy, though.” “She is. She’s a feeder. She loves to look after people and she cooks all day, anyway. She might as well do it here. As long as that’s all right with you?” “Why wouldn’t it be? I’d never have asked her; I wouldn’t have wanted to insult her by assuming she’d work here, but she’s so happy. And, oh she can cook.” “That’s settled then,” Gwenna says. “We need more servants, of course. Not as many as your step parents used to keep.” “They only had so many staff because people felt safe here,” Hardy says. “If you worked at the castle, it guaranteed you not to be clipped.” He puts his hands up. “I don’t mean that in a judgemental way. I’m not saying they were all evil, but some of them were self serving, you know it.” “We’re all self serving to a degree,” Gwenna says, taking a gulp of her ale. Hardy doesn’t agree or disagree. “You won’t have a problem getting people to work here, there are hundreds of fairies milling around and plenty who need jobs.” “We need to get Allaire thriving again. People earning money is good.” “We need to check the treasury,” Hardy says. “We have no idea if you have any money. We don’t know if your step parents spent everything they took, all the taxes and tithes for clipping, or if they stored it away.” “We’ll look. There’s so much to do.”

“There is, but I’m here to help you.” He gives her that look, the one that melted her before she found out his true nature. She smiles and looks away, aiming for coquettish. He grins and takes a bite of some meat. “I think we need to put your step parents wings in the square today. I’ll send some men around to announce it. At three o’clock. Does that give you enough time to visit the dungeons and the treasury?” Elsie nods. “I’m off. I’ll catch up with you at dinner.” He bows and then disappears from the hall. Elsie is glad he’s gone, but also nervous. At least when he’s with her, she knows what he’s up to. He could gather men to stand against her, he could plan her demise, he couldGwenna touches her arm, interrupting her panicky thoughts. “He won’t hurt you. You’re safe with him. You’re only at risk from other people.” Elsie laughs and gestures at the room full of other people. Gwenna snorts and covers her mouth. “That was supposed to be reassuring, I have no idea how! Sorry.” “I know what you mean. But that’s quite scary. Any of the fairies in this room could wish me harm.” “And any of them could wish you well. As soon as you came back with Meg, the entire troupe was rooting for you. We were ready for change and just knew you were part of that change.” Elsie shrugs and breaks apart some bread. “Elsie, every single fairy who marched on this castle to kill your step parents was in the right. They ed you because they were monsters. We celebrate their death because of what they did. The only person who would celebrate your death

is Hardy, and that’s only if he thinks he can take over from you. If he thinks the people won’t accept him, then he won’t hurt you. You’re in a race now to get the fairies of Allaire to trust in you. He’s got a head start, for sure, but he’s also at a disadvantage because he doesn’t know he’s in a race with you. You have the upper hand here.” “I hadn’t thought of it like that.” “Yes. He has work to do too. He’s closer than you are because he’s so beloved and he won this battle, but he’s not ready to have a crown on his head. You, my lovely, were born to rule. that.” Elsie smiles. “You’re right. I’ll try to that while watching out for lone swordsmen, poisoned chalices, and any other nasty thing that could kill me.” “Help me gather this extra food. We’ll take it to the girls.” On the way back to Elsie’s room, they spot a little fairy in a fresh castle uniform. Gwenna asks her to bring jugs of ale, water and cups to them. “It’s so strange being back here,” Elsie says as they go in her room, lock the door behind them, and head into the secret room. Bella is sitting up, looking very sweaty. They hand over the food and the remainders of their jug of water from breakfast. “Bella?” Bella groans and opens her eyes. “She’s not great today,” Aster says, gratefully taking a bread roll and some meat. She tries to feed Bella before feeding herself, but Bella refuses. “She needs to eat.” “I know.” Aster brings a cup of water to her lips. “She’s worsening. But people often do before they get better. We have to hope that’s what it is.”

“If I die,” Bella says, her voice croaky, “kill him for me. Promise me one of you will kill him.” Elsie tucks in beside her, shocked by how much heat is radiating from her. “You won’t die, but he will. By your hand or mine. I promise.” They sit in silence and watch Aster work. She’s brought many more potions and lotions and medicines and herbs, and she’s diligent with her care. She spends a lot of time just touching Bella, hands on her head, letting her powers of healing work their magic. “We’re going down to the dungeon. You are coming with me, aren’t you, Gwenna?” Gwenna nods. “Hardy says there aren’t many people down there. He reckons I should kill them all.” Aster shakes her head. “Sadly, that doesn’t surprise me. A man who kills with ease assumes everybody else could do the same.” Elsie shudders. “I couldn’t. I killed my step parents, but I think that’s different.” “Absolutely. They kept you prisoner.” “And you knew about the atrocities they were carrying out. What Hardy does is different. Self serving.” Elsie laughs. “He called the people who lived and worked here at the castle self serving, at breakfast, didn’t he Gwenna.” “He did. Cheeky devil.” “He judges others by his own standards, that’s why.” Aster feeds Bella more potion, and then a tiny piece of bread. She closes her mouth when she tries to spit it out. “You need to eat.” Bella frowns but dutifully chews. Aster breaks the bread into tiny bits and feeds Bella bit by bit.

“You have so much patience,” Elsie says, marvelling at her. “Bronwen taught me it. She would have me plant seeds to see how long they took to grow, watch an egg to see how long it took to hatch. We would make a potion one day at a time, one ingredient at a time, to watch exactly when the magic occurred, when the change happened, when the ingredients went from individual things to the new whole thing.” “That’s amazing. She taught you so much.” “Everything I know.” “Everything she knew. She knew you’d be a great healer one day, and she is a brilliant teacher.” Aster nods and rubs some ointment into Bella’s forehead. “Do you know how I knew she was so good? She never held back. A teacher teaches, of course, but a truly great teacher teaches you everything they know. They don’t hold back; they don’t worry that you might overtake them.” “That’s Bronwen exactly.” “I’m lucky to have you, then, and everything she taught you.” Aster laughs and takes a little more food for herself.

5

Elsie sighs as she walks along the corridor with Gwenna. There are signs of life and change around every corner. “Hardy’s good at organising,” Elsie says, begrudgingly. “Let him organise. It saves you a job.” They both laugh. “I’m nervous to go to the dungeon. I have never been down there, never in my life.” “I can’t imagine it’s a pleasant place. Do you want me to go for you? Or Hardy?” Gwenna asks. “I think I should go. If there are prisoners down there, they’re mine. But what if there are prisoners down there from before?” “That your step parents put down there?” Elsie nods. “Or even my parents. To be honest, it was news to me we even had a dungeon. It’s medieval, don’t you think?” Gwenna shrugs. “I suppose there has to be somewhere to put bad people. I don’t know, Elsie. I’ve never had to think about a dungeon either.” “What do you do with bad people in the troupe?” “Honestly? We don’t get a lot of trouble. We have tomfoolery with the young ones, of course, just hijinks and shenanigans, nothing bad.” She’s quiet, obviously trying to think. “We had someone stealing once, and the elders sat him down, he was only

young, but still a thief – he wasn’t playing – and they talked to him. They asked him why he stole, what the stuff meant to him, how the owners of what he took might feel, if he felt bad about it. It worked out. He felt bad. We’re all capable of doing bad things, I suppose it’s figuring out if people need punishing – like your step parents did, or help and like that young boy did. There’s a lot to think about when you run a Kingdom.” Elsie nods. That’s true. Too much to think about, really. Usually the heir to the throne is prepped and schooled in all aspects of running a Kingdom long before there’s a possibility of them doing it. Elsie knows as much about running a Kingdom as any other fairy in Allaire. Absolutely nothing. “I don’t even know where I’m going,” Elsie says, coming to a stop and laughing. Gwenna takes her hand. “I do.” Elsie looks shocked. “I’ve never been down there, but I spent time here when I was younger, with Meg, before they locked her up. We used to run past the stairs down to the dungeon like we might get caught and thrown down there or chased by someone who might escape from there.” She sounds wistful and Elsie squeezes her hand. “I don’t being aware of it at all,” Elsie says. “That’s strange, isn’t it?” “No. You’d have been kept away from there. The servants had the run of every place in the castle, and the guards wouldn’t have worried if some young handmaiden or little maid saw a prisoner being dragged in or out of there.” They stop at the top of a stairway. The steps are worn away and they cannot see the door at the bottom, it’s so dark. Gwenna takes a lantern off the wall for Elsie and one for herself. “I’m not sure if there are any windows down there.” They pause at the door. It’s locked. “I don’t have a key.” Elsie rolls her eyes and then spots a fairy servant.

“Hey, can you help us, please? Can you fly down to the stables and look for Hardy? I need a key to get in the dungeon.” The fairy dutifully flies off. “He’ll have the key, right?” “Hopefully.” They sit on the steps and wait for the fairy to come back. She hands them an enormous bunch of keys. “Hardy said to be careful. If there’s anyone you want to free, the keys are on this bunch; they’re all numbered, he said. He said not to free anyone you don’t .” Elsie thanks her and turns to Gwenna. “I’m scared.” “It’s fine.” Gwenna pushes the door open. The stench is the first thing that hits them both; it’s staggering and they both take a step back. Elsie covers her mouth. “I don’t think I can do this.” The panic is clear on her face, and Gwenna pats her arm. “You have to. You’re a queen. These people are your prisoners now, there’s nobody else to deal with them.” It’s eerily quiet, and Elsie holds up her lantern, taking in the entire space. It’s not pleasant. They have split the dungeon into square prisons, made of steel cages, running the length of both sides and along the back. It’s too big to see each cage clearly. But she can see the ones closest to the door hold the castle servants, their uniforms are clean, their expressions scared.

Elsie whispers to Gwenna, “I don’t know what to do. Do I let them out?” Their eyes plead with Elsie, but not one of them dares open their mouths. They walk on. The cages further away from the door have had prisoners in them for a long time. They are dirty and dishevelled, all hope gone from their eyes. “I don’t even know why they’re in here,” Elsie says to Gwenna, her eyes full of tears. Most of the prisoners are men, some of them are free to move around their cages, some of them are shackled in their own waste. It’s filthy and smelly. They find the cause of the stench; a dead prisoner, maggoty and putrid. One of them looks up, his beard and hair straggly, his eyes piercing and unusual. He has one brown eye and one blue eye. She’s seen nothing like it before. He locks eyes with her, and she shudders. The hatred she feels emanating from him is almost like a physical thing. She turns away from him, refusing to look. “I cannot stand this.” “Elsie?” Elsie spins around and follows the voice back to a cage at the front. The other servants cower back, but one steps forward. “Lacey?” Elsie recognises her immediately, although it’s been six years since she saw her. She steps toward her and takes her hands through the bars. “I’m sorry. I’ll let you out.” “Will you let us all out?” a voice asks. “We’ve done nothing wrong.” Elsie’s stomach flips. It’s true. These servants were lucky not to be killed last night, and not because they deserved to die, but because of the blood lust running through the men and women fighting, and the orders she’s sure Hardy gave to kill first and ask questions later.

If they lived and worked at the castle, it’s only their bad luck that they ended up working for her step parents. She cannot blame them for it. She looks at Gwenna, a question in her eyes. Gwenna nods. She cannot think of a good reason to keep any of these prisoners locked up, but the castle servants should be freed immediately. Elsie fumbles with the keys. “I’ll let you all out.” “Are they dead? The monsters?” Elsie nods. “My step parents are dead. I’m sorry you got locked up and I hope you weren’t hurt, but the battle last night was...” She trails off and takes a breath. “They killed Isla.” She hears Lacey sob. “They killed my sister, so we came to kill them, a little bit unprepared, and we didn’t have the time to think or worry about all of you. I’m sorry, we just needed you out of the way. You’re free to go, you’re free to go home or leave Allaire or stay at the castle. Whatever pleases you.” Elsie feels sick looking at their faces. They don’t stare at her with hostility or accusation, only hurt and confusion. She finds the key and opens the cage, letting them all spill out. None of them hang around to thank her or blame her. They flee. Except Lacey. She stands quietly while Elsie opens three more cages, chock full of fairies. They all fly away as quick as they are able. Lacey hugs Elsie. “I’m sorry I couldn’t protect your sister. They gave no warning; they just took her. I thought she’d be all right.” “It’s not your fault. You looked after her. I know Meg helped you look after her. That you both kept us safe.”

“Meg told you. Where is she?” “No, Gwenna told me. Meg never let on.” “I didn’t tell Isla, either. I don’t know how they harmed her.” “Evil magic,” Gwenna says. “I’ve been thinking the same thing, wondering, but it can be done. Meg’s dead.” “No!” “Clippers killed her.” Lacey looks aghast. “Poor Meg. Oh, Elsie, I’m so pleased you’re free, and you’re safe, and your step parents are dead. I’m so sad about Meg, though. She was my only friend in this place after they locked me up.” “You sacrificed your freedom to look after Isla. What do you want to do, Lacey? You can have your freedom and go.” “I have nowhere to go but I cannot stay. There are too many memories. Can I leave Allaire? Travel across the sea?” “I was hoping you would stay, but I understand.” Elsie would like her to stay; she’s sure she’d be loyal to her and her cause after all she did for Isla, but she cannot reward her sacrifice in looking after Isla with anything less than giving her what she wants. “Was Alyce locked up?” Lacey shakes her head. “I haven’t seen her.” A stampede of footsteps has them all spinning to face the door to the dungeon. Hardy bursts in. “Elsie! You let everyone go?” Elsie straightens up and takes a breath before she answers.

“I did. Just the castle servants.” Hardy sighs. “We have no idea if they are bad people Elsie. We don’t know if it’s safe to let them out. What a stupid-” “Hardy!” Gwenna cuts him off. “Watch how you speak to your queen.” Hardy rolls his eyes and sighs. “I wasn’t trying to be rude, Elsie, I’m just concerned for your safety. Any of those servants you just freed could wish you harm.” “They don’t,” Lacey says, lifting her head and refusing to look away. Hardy glares at her, but she holds his gaze. “They all loved the princesses, we all did. None of us could stand what was happening in Allaire, but none of us could stop it.” “But you were all happy to stay here.” “Hardy. That’s not fair. Lacey was like Meg; locked up with Isla, losing her freedom so she could keep Isla safe.” He shakes his head. “I just hope none of them want your blood in revenge for what went on here.” He storms off, leaving them all a little shaken. “I can’t believe he just spoke to you like that. He doesn’t like not getting his own way, does he?” Elsie shakes her head. It’s the first time he’s broken character and been angry with her. She doesn’t like it; his facade is slipping, which means she’s in more danger than she thought. “Wait until I tell him I plan on freeing these prisoners, too.” “You do?”

“Look at them. It’s pitiful. I don’t know what they’ve done or how long they’ve been here.” “There’ll be records somewhere...” “They’ve obviously been mistreated. One of them is dead. Let’s go. I’m going to tell Maud to send food to the ones who are alive. Then I want them moved somewhere else, so we can clean the place. The dead body needs burning.” She locks the dungeon up and they wander through the castle corridors. “Is he right? Am I in danger?” Lacey shakes her head. “Absolutely not. I know what the fairies who didn’t live here think of us who did, but I promise you, if we thought we could have done anything to stop any of it, we would have. All we would have achieved is getting ourselves killed. There’s not a single servant who would wish you any harm. We would kiss your feet if we could. Elsie, I was in a better position than most, but you don’t know what you saved us from. We might have kept our wings, but we lost everything else.” Gwenna touches her shoulder. “You’re safe now. Hardy will get over himself.” “Tell me about my sister, was she all right, you know, before.” “She was.” Lacey wipes a tear away. “Oh, I loved your sister so much. It was like she was my child.” “That’s what Meg always said about Elsie.” Lacey touches Elsie’s back, her smile sad. “She was wonderful. She looked on the bright side. She loved to talk about you and your wedding. She was so happy you were free. She wanted to meet you when she was older, when she was wed and free from this place.” Lacey dissolves into proper sobs and Elsie hugs her, helplessly. There is so much that she cannot change and so much sadness, anger and hurt that she cannot

undo. Aster might fix wings, but will anything ever fix the hurt and humiliation and heartbreak that her step parents caused? If they were alive, she’d happily kill them all over again. “I wish I could say something that would help. If Isla was anything like me, then she loved you like you were her mother, and if she’d known how you kept her safe, she’d have been so grateful and humbled. I can’t bring her back, for either of us, but at least we can talk about her and her – and Meg. And with my step parents dead, I feel peaceful. They can’t hurt anybody else.” “Elsie, you don’t know what you’ve done for us. You’ve changed everything.” Elsie tucks her arm through Lacey’s, and they walk together to the kitchen. “I wonder if Maud will think I’m as stupid as Hardy does,” Elsie says, feeling nervous suddenly. “It doesn’t matter what she thinks. She’ll do as you tell her.” “As I ask her, you mean. I can’t be bossy.” “It’s not bossy, Elsie, you’re the queen now. If you don’t lead, then Hardy will. that anytime you feel doubt or hesitation.” Elsie nods. Gwenna is right; isn’t she always? She’s so much like Meg. “If I don’t; he will. You’re right. I didn’t come back just to let someone else tell me what to do.” “I can’t believe you came back, Elsie. We heard rumours in the castle, but I couldn’t believe it. You were free!” “I was, but nobody else was. I couldn’t run away.” “I would have.” They laugh, and Elsie pushes open the door to the kitchen. Maud is in the middle of some type of organised chaos. There are fairies milling around her, being told to stir this, roll that, mix this, chop that. She is beaming,

cheeks bright red, pinny stained with food. “Oh morning, lovely. Look at this – I’ve got quite the system going, haven’t I?” A low mutter of unenthusiastic agreement goes up from the fairies and Maud laughs, catching one of them on the backside with her rolling pin, leaving a cloud of flour in the air. Elsie grins. “I’m glad you’re happy, Maud.” “Elsie, if you told me you didn’t need me, I’d die. I didn’t know what was missing from my life all these years, but it’s this. I love having people to boss around, fairies to help, and the ingredients they’ve got here – oh! I am happy as I’ve been since my husband ed away. Thank you.” “You’re most welcome. And I’d never ask you to leave. If you’re happy to do it, I’m happy to have you.” “I was hoping you’d say that. Stir that pot, girl, quick! Sorry, Elsie. Was there something you wanted? A favourite meal cooked for your tea?” Elsie grins and shakes her head, though visions of some of Maud’s most delicious offerings quickly flash through her mind. “No. I have prisoners who need feeding.” Maud makes a face. “I know – not the most pleasant of tasks, but I have no idea when they last ate. I’m having them all moved to one of the stables, Hardy can guard them then, while the dungeon is cleaned.” “Cleaned? You don’t need a clean dungeon, lovely. There're better ways for you to spend your first day as queen, surely? Ordering some fancy new clothes – Hardy knows a tailor.” “I know, and I will, but Maud, these people need help.” “They’re prisoners, lovely.”

“I know. But one of them is dead in there. Just rotting away for everyone to see and smell. I need them fed.” Maud holds up her hands and sighs. “I’ll feed them. But I’m not giving them any of my fancy stuff.” “That’s fine. Just food and drink. I’m going to find Hardy so we can move them. Do you know where he is?” “In the stables, I think. How many prisoners?” “Fifty three.” Elsie counted each one of them when she was in the dungeon. Fifty three lost and abandoned souls. She knows there’s a reason they were locked up, but if her step parents were happy to have their clippers kill and maim innocent children, it doesn’t mean they locked prisoners up for a valid reason. Their crimes might have been tiny or imagined for all she knows. “I need to find the records,” she says to Gwenna as they head outside to the stable. They fly quickly to avoid getting wet and find Hardy and Malachi going through the weapon stores, making an inventory. “They have so much stuff here. We’ll have the best equipped army there ever was.” “Great.” Elsie doesn’t feel enthusiastic about an army. Does she really need one? “Do I really need an army?” Malachi nods and answers before Hardy can. “You do. I don’t think you need a huge one. Allaire has always been a peaceful Kingdom, but there is always the risk of attack. It makes sense to be prepared.” Elsie can see the truth in what he’s saying. “And now we have a young and inexperienced queen,” Hardy says, smiling at her, as though that might soften the blow of his words, “we might find we are

under attack from other Kingdoms. We don’t want to be seen as weak.” “I think you’re right. So, Malachi.” She deliberately addresses Hardy’s cousin instead of him. “How many?” “I think a hundred men. Or women,” he adds hastily. “I think more.” Hardy throws a dagger up into the air and then catches it. “I agree with Malachi,” Elsie says, ing Gwenna’s words. If she’s not ruling, then Hardy will. Hardy glares at her but doesn’t reply. She can sense his anger bubbling beneath the surface, but she’s sure he won’t attack in front of everyone. She won’t push it. Malachi shrugs. “We can go with a hundred men on a full-time basis, with additional duties so they don’t get idle, and then train up a reserve army that we can call on if we ever need to.” “That’s a really a good idea,” Hardy concedes, though Elsie can see it’s hard for him. “I want the prisoners moved,” Elsie says, feeling her stomach turn. She knows he’ll question her, and she knows he’ll complain, and she knows he’ll think he has a better idea, but she has to stand her ground. “It’s disgusting in there, I don’t think they’ve been fed, or the place has been cleaned-” “I thought the same thing when I went in there,” he says, causing Elsie to stutter and stop. “Really?” “Yes. I don’t know what they were locked up for – there should be records – but it’s awful in there. I think they need feeding too.” “I asked your mum for some food for them. She said yes.” “She’ll feed anyone.”

They all laugh and the tension eases. “I’m going to find the records to see if we should free them, but if we can guard them somewhere in the meantime? It doesn’t look like they’d have any fight in them.” “Agreed. There’s probably not much risk from letting them out, but we’ll check. We’ll move the dead one too and clean through.” Elsie finds it strange that Hardy is suddenly in agreement with her, but she’s also glad. She’s in charge and she can’t forget that. “Can I leave you to organise that while I look for the records and then check the treasury? You can me for that, if you like.” Even as she makes the offer, she feels angry with herself. Why is she being nice to him? Why does she feel the need to placate him in any way? He killed Meg.

6

She flies off before he can answer and once they’re inside and away from him she stops and takes Gwenna’s hand. “I’m sorry. I don’t want to be nice to him after what he did.” Lacey steps forward, voice low. “What did he do?” Elsie closes her eyes. That was careless. “Nothing, he was grumpy with me earlier, ?” “Yes. Cheeky devil.” “Don’t worry,” Gwenna squeezes her hand and Elsie knows that she knows that Elsie is feeling bad about Meg. They don’t even need to say it. “We’re in strange times. Now where was royal business taken care of?” “This way.” Elsie leads them through the castle to what used to be her favourite room. Although her father was always busy when he was in it, he always took the time to play with her. He would give her papers and ink to play with while he did official business, and then he’d let her play with the sealing wax. Once he’d finished, they would sit in front of the fire and he’d tell her stories about his work and stories about their Kingdom and she was always happy. She doesn’t know where he kept records, or where her step parents would have kept them, but she knows it’ll be somewhere in this room. Stepping inside is like stepping back in time, and she feels the bittersweet pang of nostalgia. It’s a long time since her father sat in here with her. “Look,” she says. “They’re here somewhere.”

They hunt through papers and drawers and books, and then Lacey calls out. “Got them.” She’s holding a thick, leather-bound book, and inside it are lines and lines of information on the prisoners. “It looks up to date,” she says ing it over to Elsie. Elsie places it on the table so they can all see. Each entry which stretches over both pages lists the prisoner’s name, age, crime and sentence. Some entries have thick black lines through them, so the initial information is hard to read. “They cross them out when they let them out.” “Or they die,” Elsie says, thinking of the dead man in the dungeon. His death must have been agonisingly slow. She feels sick thinking about it. “So there should be fifty three entries,” Lacey says and starts counting, flicking through the pages. Elsie walks over to the fire. There used to be a portrait of her mother and father hanging above it. The wall is empty now, but she can see it like it’s still there. “Fifty three,” Lacey says, running her finger along a line documenting one prisoner. “This one stole some chickens. This one kicked a clipper. This one killed his mother.” She makes a face. “Maybe you shouldn’t just let them all out?” Elsie sits down heavily on her father’s chair, running her hands through her hair and sighing. “This is hard. When I came home, I didn’t give one thought to what the future might hold. I never once thought about what would happen if my step parents were out of the picture, I never got that far ahead. Now I’m in charge, it’s hard. It’s a lot to think about and a lot to be responsible for.” “It is, but you have and you just have to be fair-minded and use common sense. If one of those prisoners killed his mother, then we keep him locked up.

Or you can talk to him, ask him why, see if anyone who knew them both is still alive and would give you some insight. Did he kill her because she killed his brother, or did he kill her because he’s a maniac? The prisoner who kicked a clipper, well, I’d probably let him out. Think about every decision you make and ask yourself can you sleep at night with the decision you made. If you can, then you made the right choice. You cannot spend your entire reign worrying about every single choice you have to make. You’ll go mad.” “And you won’t have any fun,” Lacey says. “You deserve some fun after what you’ve been through. And some reward for freeing us all.” “I don’t want a reward, I just want to know that I’m doing a good job.” “Elsie.” Lacey shuts the book. “You worry too much. Just what your step parents did and relax. You couldn’t do a worse job if you tried.” Elsie smiles and actually feels a bit better. “You’re right. You’re right. I’ll take this book down to Hardy and then I want to see how Aster’s doing before we eat and before we go to the treasury.” “Can I leave in a while?” Lacey asks. “I’d love to go out of the castle grounds. Just to fly and see the Kingdom. I miss it.” “Of course you can. You’re free to do as you please now.” “I will. Of course I will.” Lacey smiles and flies along with them. The dungeon is already unlocked when they get there, and men Elsie doesn’t recognise are letting the prisoners out of their cages and binding their wrists with rope. She spots Hardy. “I’ve found the records. Do we have clean clothes for them?” “Yes – we brought a load of spares from the caves when we emptied them, and we’ve got fairies getting baths ready for them. I was going to hose them down with water, but Malachi said you wouldn’t like that.” Elsie makes a face but doesn’t argue. She likes that Malachi is sticking up for her. There’s no need to treat them cruelly just because they’re prisoners.

“We’ll get them washed and cleaned and shave their filthy hair and beards. We’ll put them in lovely clean clothes and feed them. Is that all right?” She ignores his sarcastic tone. “Perfect. I’ll see you at lunch.” She doesn’t wait for his answer but turns to Gwenna and Lacey. “Am I being stupid for wanting the prisoners looked after a little better than they have been, or freed even?” Lacey shakes her head, her expression a mix of horror and disgust. “I was only in there one night – and I know what it’s like to be a prisoner. I lost my freedom for six years, but that dungeon isn’t just a punishment, it’s pure degradation. One night and the smell of it, the sound of the men groaning as they probably die. I’m half traumatised. It’s a good thing to get them out of there. Even if they end up having to go back.” Elsie feels better. She knows the need for reassurance will ebb as she gets used to ruling, but for now, she needs it. “I’ll see you later.” Lacey flies off and Elsie and Gwenna head back to check on Aster and Bella. “You look better,” Elsie says, sitting beside her. She does. She’s sitting up, with colour in her cheeks and some slightly stale bread in her hand. Aster is refilling her drink and adding a few drops of medication to it. “I feel better. Ten times better.” She turns to Aster. “I’m sorry if I was ever rude to you.” They all laugh because she was; she’s been rude to everyone. “You’re a healing genius.” Aster shakes her head and her cheeks colour slightly. Elsie can tell she’s pleased,

though. What is it about prickly people that makes not prickly people so desperate to be liked by them, and so happy when they get through to them? Is it because they are prickly and don’t seem to care? She doesn’t know, but she knows that she wants Bella to like her. Maybe because they like so few people, it makes you feel special if they choose you. She squeezes her hand. “I’m so glad you feel better.” “Still not ready to kill Hardy,” Aster warns. They all know it’s what she’s waiting for. “He’s behaving so far. We’re taking the prisoners out of the dungeon to clean it. It’s disgusting.” “Really?” “I’ve smelt nothing like it,” Gwenna says. “A man was dead in there.” Elsie shudders. “I told him I want them all fed and watered and given clean clothes. Some of them need locking up for sure, but others? One man is there because he kicked a clipper. He’ll be going home, I tell you.” “Really? For kicking a clipper?” Elsie nods and makes a sad face. “It’s pretty appalling. I wonder if you could see them, Aster. See if you can help any of them. Nobody’s been looking after them. We’ll do that this week. I don’t want to take you away from Bella. But when she’s a little better.” “I’m happy to help.” “What most of them need,” Gwenna says, “is just a good meal or five. We can survive a little dirt, all of us. But we need food. And water.” “And sleep. We all need sleep,” Aster says. “Bella, for example, could do with a brief nap.”

Bella rolls her eyes. “I don’t want a nap. I want to take Hardy to the village square and drown him in a barrel of ale.” Elsie laughs. “Is that what you’ve been doing? Planning your revenge?” Bella nods. “Absolutely. He killed me, Elsie. I can laugh now, but if I think about the look on his face, the gleam in his eyes as he did it. I think I could just murder him with my bare hands.” It’s so easy to forget what Hardy’s done. When he’s talking to Malachi or smiling at everyone, chatting affably away like he’s the nicest guy in the Kingdom. It’s really easy to forget that this amiable chap, who so clearly adores his mother, has also murdered two women – and that’s what they know about. Elsie shudders again. She will not be his third victim. “We need to go to the treasury. I hope there’s something in there. We’ll come back with lunch.” They are silent on the way. “Are you all right?” Elsie asks Gwenna. She’s rubbing her back. “Just a little bit achy. I’m fine. Just this baby causing trouble.” “I’m so excited for you. Don’t let me tire you out.” “Believe me, even with all this drama with Hardy it’s quieter here than at camp. There I’m looking after hundreds of people. Here, it’s only you.” The treasury is locked and Elsie sighs. Of course it would be locked; if a dungeon is locked then a treasury certainly will be. “I need keys.” “You do. Hardy has access to all this.” Gwenna gestures at the locked treasury door with her hand.

“I don’t think he’d try to steal anything.” “I didn’t think he’d murder my sister, but-” Gwenna covers her mouth with her hand. They can hear Hardy whistling as he flies through the corridor. They both make a face; that was too close. He grins when he spots them. “You need your own keys, queen.” He pulls the treasury key off the fob and hands it to her. “These are just for the dungeon and the stables. Shall I keep them for now?” Elsie nods and smiles at him. It’s like he’s reading her thoughts or listening in to their conversations. She unlocks the door and gasps. She hears Gwenna and Hardy do the same. The treasury is full, top to bottom, of treasure. Stacks and stacks of money, jewels, gold bars and trinkets. Elsie steps in and gestures for Gwenna and Hardy to move so she can lock the door. “Look at this.” None of them can take it in. The orderly shelves and cubby holes they originally designed the room with, to house taxes and tithes, are overflowing. “This isn’t just tax money.” Hardy picks up a solid gold crown. “Are these your parent’s jewels?” “Maybe,” Elsie says, picking up a string of rubies. “I don’t .” “There’s so much wealth here, more than you’d ever need,” Gwenna says. Elsie picks up a pile of coins, letting them fall through her fingers. “I have the best idea.” “What?” Hardy runs his fingers through a barrel of diamonds. “I think we could give it back to the fairies of Allaire.”

Hardy turns to her but says nothing. “Look at it all. There’s more here than I would ever need.” “You don’t know what you need yet,” Hardy says. “You haven’t run the castle yet. You have to pay all the wages, buy all the food. You’re not just feeding yourself, but every visitor and every prisoner.” He gives her a pointed look, which she ignores. “He might be right,” Gwenna says. “Might be?” Gwenna shrugs, and Elsie puts her hands up. “All right. I won’t go mad and gift every fairy with a hundred diamonds – even though I could – but it’s something to think about, yes? If my step parents were charging the fairies to clip them, we could at least give something back to every fairy who’s been clipped.” “Like compensation?” Hardy sifts through the contents of a hessian sack. “There’s an awful lot of money here.” “And I could do great things with it, yes?” “We could.” Elsie notes his use of the word ‘we’ but says nothing. Her heart is racing with excitement. She knows it costs money to run a Kingdom – paying servants, feeding people, buying uniforms, buying weaponry, paying her army, but there’s a fortune here. “There are records,” Gwenna says, holding up several small notebooks. “There're loads of them.” “I know I have to be sensible, but I can’t help but feel excited. I know my step parents shut down the schools; we could open them back up. There’s a million things we could do with all of this.” “You should choose a crown for your coronation, Elsie. I think I your

mother wearing this one.” She hands Elsie a thick golden crown, studded with diamonds and lined with ermine. Elsie touches it, feeling a shiver run throughout her body. This was her mother’s crown and now it will be hers. These were her parent’s treasures, and now they will be hers. Her step parents ill-gotten gains are sullying the wealth her parents justly accumulated. “I want nothing that was theirs,” she says, pulling the records towards her. “I’ll go through each of these books, if it takes me weeks, and anything my step parents got for clipping or any other dastardly deed I don’t want.” She holds her hand up so Hardy can’t interrupt her. “No. They ruined everything, they sullied everything. I came home to change things, to fix things and to make things better. I don’t want their blood money.” Gwenna takes her hand. “And you don’t have to keep it. We can do good things with it. Let’s go, we can come back later for the records. If I’m not mistaken Maud will be cooking up a storm for us, and this baby is hungry.” She pats her stomach and Elsie nods. She will do what she wants with this money, and she wants to help the fairies of Allaire. She re Gwenna’s warning as they lock up and head to the great hall to eat. If she doesn’t make the decisions and rule Allaire and her castle, and take control of her reign, then Hardy will. She’s been a prisoner in her own home once, for far too long, and she will not let it happen again. This is her home and her Kingdom; she’s the queen, and she’s determined to have things her way. Whether Hardy likes it or not.

7

Maud places an enormous pie in front of Elsie and grins. For the briefest of seconds Elsie worries about poison, but then Hardy cuts open the pie and helps himself. There’s no way his mother would risk her own son eating anything poisonous. She also knows that Hardy will ensure they cannot tie him to anything that happens to her, if anything happens to her. When she thinks back now, it’s the reason he didn’t follow her and Meg outside when they quarrelled, and they murdered Meg. If she gets hurt – and she’s staying very vigilant in the hope that she won’t – Hardy will be nowhere near. “Queen.” It’s Norah. Elsie smiles at her. She’s tiny and full of energy and also a superb fighter. She was the one who gave Elsie the idea that all the females in the Kingdom should fight, if they wanted to. She looks awkward, and while Elsie doesn’t know her well, she knows this isn’t like her. “Are you all right, Norah?” “I wondered if I might work at the castle. I can do anything – I could help Maud or help Hardy or help you. I’m a quick learner and I’m trustworthy and-” Elsie interrupts her by holding up a hand, laughing. “Yes. That would be wonderful – you’d be so welcome!” “Really? I have loads of other fantastic reasons for letting me...” She looks sad that she can’t give her full list of reasons and Elsie grins. “I can think of hundreds of good reasons, but I don’t need convincing, honestly. Enjoy some lunch, we’ll talk later.” Norah sits but never settles. Elsie feels exhausted watching her only for a few

minutes; she’s clearly full of pent up energy and needs something that will keep her occupied. There are plenty of jobs around the castle for an energetic young fairy. Elsie can being young and watching the fairies who lived at the castle with such envy. They had so much freedom and fun; far more than the two royal princesses ever had. They schooled her sister and her in good manners, and their lives were even more boring because of it. Don’t fly in the corridors, only walk. Don’t gobble your food, eat daintily. Don’t be so loud, princesses should be seen and not heard, and even more rules she can’t designed to make their lives a little less fun. They always hated it; as the two most privileged fairies in the whole of Allaire, shouldn’t they be entitled to a little fun? A smile tugs at her mouth; she’s queen now. There’s nobody to give her a list of rules. There’s nobody to tell her to be quiet or walk or don’t be greedy. She turns to Gwenna and not Hardy, her face flushed with excitement. “I’m going to have a party.” Hardy tugs on her sleeve. “A party?” Reluctantly, she pushes her chair back enough that Hardy can be a part of her conversation with Gwenna. “A party.” She confirms it and feels a thrill rush through her. Now she’s queen, there’s nothing stopping her from having anything she wants or doing anything she wants. If she doesn’t like the rules; she can change them. If she doesn’t like someone who works at the castle; she can tell them to leave. There was one servant, a young girl who worked with Alyce, who was so scary, Elsie dreaded seeing her. She was probably only a few years older than Elsie, a thin girl, almost like a wraith. She had long, straggly grey hair – unusual in a girl so young. Alyce said it was because of the evil she had seen; she said that demons visited the girl whilst she slept. It gave Elsie the shivers like nothing else. Whenever she saw the girl – she cannot even her name – she would feel almost physically sick. If she had had the power to tell that girl to leave the castle; she would have. Elsie shudders, and a sigh from Hardy pulls her from her reverie.

“A party?” “Why not?” Hardy shrugs and Elsie grins; he obviously cannot think of a good reason not to, and neither can she. Her step parents are dead and the fairies of Allaire are free from terror. “More than a party,” she says, warming to her idea, and enjoying the fact that she’s annoying Hardy. “A festival. A huge celebratory extravaganza.” Hardy chokes on the pie and Elsie laughs. Maybe his mother’s cooking will kill him after all. “An extravaganza?” There’s barely disguised laughter in Gwenna’s voice, and Elsie grins at her. “Yes. An extravaganza. The whole of Allaire will party on the same day. We’ll have a feast, and players, musicians, maybe a joust. The entire Kingdom will enjoy a celebration in the name of freedom. And we’ll celebrate the same day every single year as a reminder of the freedom we gained. It’ll be our own independence day. Freedom from terror and abuse. How can that not be a good idea?” She looks at Hardy because she knows there’s no way he can complain about it. “That’s a good idea.” Elsie can tell it cost him to say so and laughs. “It’ll take some organising, though.” “You like organising people,” Elsie says, waving her fork at him, “and you have nothing better to do.” Elsie knows that will aggravate him, but she turns to Gwenna who looks excited. “We should top off the celebration with your coronation.”

“That’s a brilliant idea. Yes!” Again, Hardy cannot argue without looking awkward for no good reason. He stuffs in another mouthful of food and Elsie knows it’s to stop him blurting out something he might regret. “Gwenna, I’m so glad you’re here. There’s so much to do.” “I’m more than happy to help,” she says, touching Elsie’s hand. “I’m happy to help, too,” Hardy says. “Like you said, I’m good at organising. So freshen up and we’ll go down to the village square and put your step parents wings up on the flags. The fairies need to see it, to believe it.” Elsie shrugs at his change of heart. He’s right. She and Gwenna need to take some spare food to Aster and Bella, but she’s looking forward to putting the clipped wings up for all the fairies to see. There couldn’t be a better reminder for them all; a more obvious case of poetic justice. “Done?” Gwenna nods, and Elsie thanks all the fairies who ed them for their meal. There’s a loud noise as all the fairies stand so they can bow or curtsey to her as she leaves. She smiles. It’s a lot to get used to: her freedom, so many people, the responsibility, being home again, being queen. Her only two regrets are that Isla didn’t get to taste her freedom, and that Meg isn’t by her side to enjoy it. She sacrificed so much and never got to reap the rewards. They have even more food than they did at breakfast time, and Bella eyes it all greedily as they set it down. “I’m starving,” she says, helping herself to a hunk of pie and some ale, followed swiftly by three bread rolls and some meat. “That’s a good sign?” Elsie looks at Aster, who shrugs. “It can be, but it can also be a sign that the body’s sickening for something. She’s ravenous.” “She is right here.” Bella makes a face as though she’s annoyed that they’re

talking about her like she’s not there, but Elsie can tell her principal focus is on the food, not what’s being said. “I know,” Elsie says, sitting beside her on the floor, “but Aster knows best.” “Do I?” “You do. Don’t you? Do you need help?” Aster shrugs, embarrassed. Gwenna tuts and sits beside her, handing her food. Elsie notices for the first time how pale Aster looks, how nervous. “There’s nothing wrong with asking for help, young lady.” Aster looks up at Gwenna, tears springing to her eyes. “I feel stupid. I should know what to do.” “How should you know?” Elsie asks, ing Bella more food. “How many near dead fairies have you helped?” Aster shrugs. “None.” “Exactly. Hardy left Bella for dead; I thought she was dead.” “I just... I feel like the better she gets, the worse I feel.” “She’s leeching your energy.” “Hey!” Bella looks affronted and Aster turns to her quickly. “You can’t help it. It’s what’s meant to happen. My strength gives you sustenance. But I can’t seem to keep my strength up.” Gwenna gestures around the dim little room. “Is it any wonder? Not even a rat could thrive in here.” “Hey!” Bella looks confused, as though she might be offended or should be offended. Elsie grins as she shrugs and turns her attention back to her food.

“I wonder if Alyce might have something that would help you. It doesn’t look like she made it; Lacey hasn’t seen her. But I’ll take you to her rooms, if you like, and you can look around. Bella will be all right for a little bit, and nobody would think it was strange if they found you there. In fact, all her things are your things now, anyway. Now that you’re going to live here at the castle. You do still want to live here, don’t you?” Aster quickly nods and then puts a hand on the wall to steady herself. “Here, eat some more.” Gwenna es her some cake and Aster eats it, her expression grateful. “Do you have enough energy? Alyce is bound to have stuff to help you – books and potions too.” Aster stands up slowly. “I’m fine. She might have stuff for me and stuff for Bella. Bella, I might be gone for a bit. Will you be all right?” “I’ll stay for a bit. Elsie, come and get me when it’s time to go to the square with the wings.” They leave Gwenna and Bella and fly through the castle corridors together. “This place is enormous,” Aster says, shaking her head. “I don’t think I’ll ever get my bearings.” “You will. Do you feel any better?” “A little. I was in awe of Alyce. I only met her once.” “Really? Did you come to the castle?” “No, I was in the woods hunting for rare ingredients, and she was foraging too. She had an incredible energy about her. I’m sad that she’s dead. It’s a pity that so many innocent souls had to die.” Elsie nods. She feels exactly the same way. It’s bad enough that innocent fairies

who wanted to help her stop her step parents ed her in the fight and lost their lives, it’s worse, somehow, that the people who worked at the castle and had no idea what was coming were murdered too. “I feel awful about it. I’m glad some were locked up instead; they’re all free now.” “Free but never free,” Aster says. “Free but never free?” “Being locked up changes someone. Being attacked and punished even though they were innocent will have a long lasting effect on them. Hasn’t it done the same to you?” Her voice is soft and Elsie nods. “Do you think I’ll ever get over it?” “You will because you rule the Kingdom now. If you ever feel out of control, you can just decide, make a choice, declare something. Normal people will find it harder. Loss of control, loss of choice is the worst thing to endure. Making choices is part of our identity. I choose to be kind. I choose what to eat for lunch. Or I choose who to spend time with. They took away your choices for six years. Luckily, these servants were only locked up for a night. Some of them might get over it quickly and just be thankful they’re alive. Others will hear the dying men’s cries in their own dreams for many a year.” Elsie covers her face with her hands. “It’s awful. I’m as bad as my step parents.” Aster touches her back, patting her gently. “You’re nothing like them; you didn’t lock them up.” “I didn’t refuse to allow them to be locked up though.” “ that each time you have a choice to make, a judgement to make, and you’ll be just fine. Honestly. The servants will be glad we locked them up when so many others were killed, but they will always envy the free fairy; the fairy who fought at your side.” “Nothing is ever simple, is it?”

“Never.” “Here.” Elsie stops outside a heavy wooden door and pushes it open. Thank goodness it’s not locked; they would have to go hunting for Hardy to get the keys. They step inside, Elsie explaining the layout of Alyce’s rooms to Aster. “So Alyce had an entire wing of rooms – she was deemed so important to the castle... I wonder if she helped my step parents. I never saw her again after they locked me up.” Elsie shakes her head; she can’t keep living in the past. “But she was important. So she wasn’t answerable to my parents, not really. She had a lot of freedom. She kept everyone safe and well and protected the castle from-” She stops and spins around. “She did nothing. My mother died. Then my father died. Then my step parents abused everyone. She was meant to protect everyone.” “A wise woman, a healer, isn’t a magician, Elsie. She wouldn’t have been able to keep your parent alive, if they were ill. And I don’t think a healer would be any match for your step parents, no matter how many protections they put on the castle or the Kingdom as a whole. Alyce was probably heartbroken and helpless.” “You think?” “I know. A healer wants to heal. A healer wants to help. A wise woman in charge of the entire castle would have been ruined by what happened here. It would have gone against everything she wanted to do and everything she felt was important. Working here would have been her life’s work. This evil would have broken her.” “I feel bad now.” “It’s easy to judge Elsie, especially when you haven’t seen her for so long, but I promise you, if she did this job, then it was because it was more than a job, more than a vocation even, it was part of her, like the colour of her eyes or the colour of her hair.” “You’re so wise, how?” Aster laughs and blushes.

“I’m not wise.” “You are. I always assume the worst, but you always assume the best.” “Bronwen taught me to think the best of people, for sure. I don’t always find it easy.” “Easier than I do.” “Our past informs our present, that’s why. You suspect people because of what happened to you. Nothing terrible happened to me.” “Your parents abandoned you.” Aster laughs softly. “But I don’t that, so I choose to believe that they loved me. I’ll never know any different, so why torture myself? You’ve been betrayed by people you love – your step mother and Hardy. But things will get better. They have to. You’re queen now.” Elsie kicks at a stool and then sits down. “Look around, you’ll know what’s useful for you and Bella. You can help yourself. Alyce has a room at the back, where she slept and washed. It’ll need clearing and cleaning, but we can get that done.” “I’m fine to stay with Bella for now, anyway. She still needs me.” “Have a look.” Aster wanders around, looking at books and ingredients, tinctures and potions. She looks mesmerised as she runs her fingers along a long row of jars on a shelf and puts several things on the table next to Elsie. Elsie barely notices; her mind is full. Full of too many emotions to even work through. Aster would probably be the one to talk through her thoughts with, but she has enough to worry about with Bella. Elsie also knows Gwenna would talk to her and make her feel better about everything, just like Meg would have if she was still here.

But maybe it’s time to rely on herself. Let go of her grief and bitterness at losing her parents, let go of her anger at being locked up for so long, let go of her regret that the innocent servants were murdered or locked up, let go of all of it. It’s not like worrying is helping her. Looking forward, she has enough to worry about; more than enough to worry about. She should be happy now and at peace. She has her coronation to think about, her festival of freedom to organise, and right now, her step parents wings to display for all the fairies to see how they got what was coming to them. “Elsie?” Something in Aster’s voice makes Elsie rush to find her. “I’m in Alyce’s room.” There’s a strange edge to Aster’s voice, and Elsie flits over, knocking over a jar of something or other as she flies past. She stops to scoop the gross, dried beetles back into the jar and then flies into Alyce’s private room. Anybody might wander around her work rooms; she kept a lot of simple medicines in plain sight in case anybody needed them, but her private rooms were out of bounds. Elsie has never been in there before. There’s a desk, a wardrobe, a chair and a bed. And in the bed is a withered and wrinkled, shrivelled up shell of a woman. She turns to Aster, a question and pure horror etched into her expression, trying not to let her repulsion translate into a scream or worse, vomit. Aster closes her eyes and then reaches out for the woman’s hand. There’s a slight moan. “Elsie, she’s alive.” Elsie moves closer to the bed, even though every part of her is screaming at her not to. “Aster, is it...?”

Aster nods. “Alyce.”

8

Elsie looks horrified and sickened, and Aster looks the same way. “I’ve seen nothing like it.” Alyce is a woman no longer; she’s a husk. A withered and wrinkled, grey and hollow-looking shell. “How is she still alive?” Elsie whispers, not sure if Alyce can hear her, not wanting to be rude. Aster takes Alyce’s hand. “Her skin doesn’t feel like skin anymore. It feels like paper or wood. I don’t know how she’s alive, it doesn’t seem possible.” “Can you help her?” “I think so.” Aster places both her hands on Alyce’s chest. “She’s barely breathing. I don’t know what’s happened to her. It doesn’t seem like old age or disease... it feels like...” She trails off, her eyes full of fear. “What?” Elsie asks, fear filling her up. She hasn’t known Aster long, but she’s never seen her looking so scared and helpless. “Like evil. Like dark magic. Like a curse.” Elsie shudders from head to toe. “Aster, do you think Alyce was cursed so she couldn’t stop my step parents?” “Maybe. I don’t know, but she needs help. I can’t believe she’s not dead already.” “Shall I leave you here? Is it safe?” Aster closes her eyes.

“Yes, there’s no threat here now. Alyce isn’t a threat.” “I have to go.” Elsie feels torn. She wants to stay and Aster, but she needs to go to the village square with Hardy. She has a feeling that if he can’t find her, he’ll go anyway and take all the glory of her step parent’s death as his own. She can’t let him do that. “Go. I’ll be fine. I know what might work. Healing a natural malady is different to healing an inflicted one. I know what to try. I’ll spend time here and I’ll check on Bella too.” “Aster, I feel bad. You still need strength of your own.” “I’ll be fine. I’ve spotted a really potent tonic on my way through the work room. I’ll grab that and be as good as new. Really.” “I’ll check on you as soon as we come back.” Aster pauses and nods at Elsie. “Go.” Reluctantly Elsie leaves her and flies down to the stables. If she’s right, Hardy won’t be wasting too much time trying to find her; he’ll be preparing to go without her. He looks delighted to see her, and Elsie has to hide her emotions. She’s getting better at making her face a mask so Hardy can’t read the disgust she feels for him. As soon as she has the fealty of her army, she plans to lock him up. She’s not quite there yet, and she’s astute enough to accept it. “I was just going to come looking for you,” Hardy says, tightening the reins on the horse and then patting it. “Saved you a job,” she says, keeping her voice light. “Have you got their wings?” Even as she asks, she can see them, tied up and ready to go. “And poles?” She spots them too and shakes her head. He really could do it all without her. “I’ve got everything ready, and a horse for you.” A small fairy boy leads a horse out of the stables, and es the rein to her,

bowing as he does so. “This was my mother’s horse,” she says, running her hand along the horse’s mane. “I her, the silvery colour, but-” She shakes her head. “This must be my mother’s horse’s foal. Her markings are slightly different. She’s so pretty.” “I’m glad you like her. Are you ready to go?” “I just need five minutes. Gwenna needed a drink, so I came to get more ale before we go.” Hardy rolls his eyes, but laughs too. “Oh.” She turns back to him and touches his arm. “How did you get on with the prisoners?” “All done. They all have fresh, clean clothes, clean bodies, no beards, shaved heads. The flies and the lice are all gone. They’ve had food and ale and probably need a little medical attention, but none of them are at death’s door. They can wait. The dungeon is being cleaned and for now they’re all tied up in the end stable. Heavily guarded, of course.” “Thank you. I appreciate it.” She doesn’t wait for his reply, but flies away from him and back inside the castle. She doesn’t want to go anywhere without Gwenna; not that Gwenna could save her if Hardy tried to hurt her – or get someone else to hurt her – but she wants someone by her side who she can trust. And she wants to check that Bella’s all right without Aster for a little bit. And she wants to look a little less dishevelled than she currently looks when she sees her new subjects. For some of them it will be the first time she’s met them since she became their queen and she wants to make a good impression. She feels shallow worrying about what she looks like when Hardy wants her dead, and there’s so many other things – more important things – to worry about, but she has to be honest with herself. She wants to look like a beautiful and regal queen – just like her mother always did.

“Gwenna!” she calls out for her as she locks the door behind her. “All all right?” Gwenna looks worried. “All fine. How quickly can you make me look queenly?” Gwenna laughs. “Fairly quickly.” Bella shuffles out of the secret room, a scornful expression on her face. “Bella, you shouldn’t be up.” Elsie rushes to her side and helps her over to a chair. “I’m fine. Just can’t believe that in the middle of this war, you want to look pretty.” “Ignore her,” Gwenna says, setting Elsie down on a stool, and pulling a brush through her hair. “I will,” Elsie says, wincing as Gwenna brushes her hair far more briskly than Meg ever did. “She’s obviously feeling better if the snark is back.” Bella laughs. “I don’t know what you mean. But I do feel better.” “I’m glad. Aster won’t be long. She’ll fill you in, Bella, and I’ll tell you on the way to the stables, Gwenna.” Gwenna stands Elsie up and pulls off her dress, quickly replacing it with another one. She es her a crown from the treasury. “You should wear this too. Make sure everyone who sees you knows who you are.” “Queen.” Bella grins and Elsie laughs. She places the crown on her head and shivers. “It feels strange.” Gwenna and Bella are both staring at her, and Elsie frowns.

“What?” “You look so beautiful,” Gwenna says, wiping a tear. “Very queenly.” “Very,” Bella says. Elsie shakes her head, feeling awkward with their compliments. Being queen still doesn’t sit comfortably with her. Not yet. “Bella, you need to hide again. We need to go.” “Good luck. I can’t wait until I’m free. I’ll spit on those wings.” “Bella!” Gwenna sounds as shocked as she looks. Bella tuts. “Really? They murdered and maimed hundreds of thousands of fairies. But you’re offended that I might spit?” “It’s just not very ladylike, that’s all.” “I’m not very ladylike,” Bella says, walking away from them and back into her secret room. They laugh and lock the door to Elsie’s room, flying through the corridors. “What were you going to tell me?” Gwenna asks, her voice quiet. Elsie looks around before answering; she knows how many nooks and crannies there are at the castle to hide in and eavesdrop. “We found Alyce. Aster thinks she’s been cursed. She looks-” Elsie shivers and closes her eyes, blocking out the image of Alyce’s body; so unlike a human body. “I can’t even describe her. She looks like she should be dead.” “But she’s not. How did they miss her last night?” “She was in her bed, in her bedroom, which is through her work room. Maybe nobody got that far, or maybe they did, and they assumed she was already dead or that she was some sort of dark creature. Honestly, she doesn’t even look human.”

“And Aster’s with her?” “I know. I was worried about leaving her, but she assured me it was safe.” Gwenna shrugs. “She knows best. She’s so good, isn’t she?” “Yes, and yes. She’s good at what she does, but she’s also just good, you know? I don’t think she has a nasty bone in her body.” “I think you’re right. Here we go.” They turn the corner and face Hardy and five of his men. They have a horse ready for Gwenna, and Elsie is a little surprised that he waited for her. He jumps down and bows to her before taking her hand and helping her onto her horse. Elsie nods and smiles at him. It’s all for show, of course. When they are in company, he will be the courtier. When he’s alone, he knows he’s a murdering pig. She composes herself and lets one of Hardy’s men lead the way. She knows the Kingdom so well and so much of it is familiar, but there are parts where she feels lost still. They arrive at the square and Hardy did a magnificent job of spreading the word because it’s jam- packed full of fairies. A cheer goes up when they see her, with bows, curtseys and calls of ‘long live the queen’. Elsie waves and smiles and feels real joy flow through her body. This is what it’s all about. She can’t get so caught up in her worries about Hardy that she loses sight of the big picture. The big picture is this: what she came back to Allaire for. To save the fairies and make things right. She’s done it. It doesn’t matter that she needed help, of course she needed help. She can deal with Hardy if she continues to take strength from these people. These fairies who are putting their trust and their hope in her. She will build a

better future for them and together with Aster’s skill they will fix the fairies who have been clipped. Nothing can bring back the dead fairies, but they can mend everything else. She’s determined to do it. She stays atop her horse and calls out. “Thank you! Thank you for coming today and giving me some of your time. My step parents are dead! The king and queen are dead.” The applause is deafening and the calls of ‘long live the queen’ go on and on until Elsie is laughing. She holds up her hands. “They begged for their lives and they begged for their wings.” Another cheer. “But they got exactly what they deserved.” More applause. “As I cut through my step mother’s wings and Hardy cut through my step father’s wings, I saw the faces of every man, woman and child in Allaire. I saw the agony, and the abuse inflicted on the innocent, and I was glad to clip them.” She lets the applause go on and doesn’t cut it short. When it tapers out, she calls out. “Their wings will be displayed here for all time. Let them serve as a reminder that evil never wins, that atrocities will be paid for and that justice will be served.” The fairies are almost hoarse from screaming and shouting. “I killed both my step parents with my own hands, and now I use these hands to help you. Let’s work together to build a better Allaire, a stronger Allaire, a Kingdom where we all thrive, where every fairy gets the choices and chances they deserve.” She is beaming as the crowd goes wild. They are cheering, stamping their feet, and many of them are crying. Just howling with grief and relief that the abuse

has finally ended. Elsie jumps off her horse and unties her step mother’s wings from the wagon. She holds them up to Hardy, who ties them to a pole. The men help him get the pole into the ground. Then they do the same with her step father’s wings. Watching the two pairs of wings, so pretty, so grotesque, fluttering in the wind is strange. There’s a hush of quiet and the silence is thick. Elsie feels so much pride that she could cry. She doesn’t; she thinks of Meg and how happy she would be; she thinks of her parents and how impressed they’d be with whom she’s become despite what she’s been through, and she thinks of the two little fairies who were clipped. Carys from the caves and the little girl who lost her ribbon down at the dock. She keeps her composure and remains dignified and regal. These fairies will come to love her and rely on her, she wants them to so much and she will do everything she can to make them trust her, make them love her. She will give them everything and work with them to make things better. An old lady shuffles up to her and reaches for her hand. “I can die happy now because of you.” Elsie doesn’t know what to say and smiles. “Please don’t die.” “I only stayed alive to make sure the ones I love were safe. Now they are.” “But now you must stay alive to watch them thrive, to watch Allaire thrive. Where nothing grew, flowers and food will bloom. Where the enchanted creatures once roamed, they will roam again. Stay alive for the hope of what’s coming.” The old lady stands a little straighter and coughs.

“Maybe I will beautiful queen, maybe I will.” She reaches up to pat Elsie’s face and Elsie touches her hand, feeling the strength of strangers connecting over a cause that matters to both of them. The atmosphere is one of celebration and she can’t help but smile as the fairies dance and fly around, as she watches the fairies soar and swoop – especially the younger ones. She spots a tiny fairy watching, an expression of pure envy on her face, and kneels down beside her. She tucks an arm around her, and as she suspected, her wings are gone. She’s torn between feeling sick with fury at what her step parents condoned and filled with grief for this poor little girl. The fairy turns to her and smiles. “I’m Mariah. And it’s okay. You don’t need to be sad for me. I love watching my friends fly. Thank you for giving them the freedom to do it again.” “I promise you; you’ll fly one day too Mariah.” She shakes her head, her long dark hair fluttering like her wings would have if they hadn’t been so cruelly clipped. “Nobody can do it. I know Hardy and Calista have been trying.” “I know someone who can,” Elsie whispers, feeling such joy at being able to give this child hope. Mariah’s eyes grow wide. Elsie nods. “I’ve seen her do it.” “Really?” Elsie nods again and Mariah whoops and laughs and jumps, before flinging her arms around her and Elsie can feel the little girl’s tears through her dress. Mariah kisses her cheek and then curtseys prettily before rushing off to her parents. Elsie watches them listen to their daughter, then turn to her, a question in their expression. She nods quickly, wanting to reassure them that Mariah is telling them the truth. They hug and laugh and smile and she turns to look at the clipped wings blowing in the breeze, satisfaction filling her from top to toe.

She scans the crowd looking for Gwenna and sees her talking to a few fairies she recognises from the troupe. This is what she hopes the festival of freedom, as she’s calling it in her head, will be like. Fairies freely moving around the Kingdom, mixing and talking and laughing. And her coronation at the end. A prickle of unease fills her and she wonders if Hardy is glaring at her and thinking bad thoughts. She turns to look for him, but he’s head to head with Malachi. She feels strange, like she’s in a bubble suddenly. The crowd is too loud and there are too many people close to her, pressing down on her. She feels panicky and jittery, and a scream jolts her. She wonders for a brief second if it’s her own voice, but when she looks up, she sees it isn’t. She closes her eyes because she can’t believe what she’s seeing. She knows him immediately because of his strange eyes, one blue, one brown. He’s rushing at her with a hammer in his hand, hellbent on doing her damage. She cannot move; fear paralyses her. It roots her feet firmly to the ground and stiffens her wings. He’s getting closer and she still can’t move. His beard is gone and his head is shaved clean, but those eyes are as piercing as they were in the dungeon. He’s still screaming, and he’s still running at her, hammer aloft, and she still can’t move. The fairies are screaming and shouting and in the panic she can hear the fear in their voices; this is exactly what she wanted to stop. She needs her people to be safe. She spins to one side, and he follows her. She flits up, and he throws the hammer. It misses, just. Hardy yells and crashes into him, raining blows down on his face and mouth, rendering him helpless and speechless. Gwenna swoops in and gathers Elsie in her arms, flying her up to sit on her horse, giving her some space and some fresh air. The crowd is calm again, so

quickly. Hardy clearly has things under control and they are smiling and chatting again in seconds, drama forgotten, or fodder for a good story down at the tavern or over the garden fence later on. The man who attacked Elsie is motionless, his face a bloody pulp, and she feels ill; because of how badly Hardy has beaten him, but also because she recognises him from the dungeon. He’s a prisoner, and if he’s free, it’s because someone freed him. And she knows exactly who. “Long live the queen,” somebody yells, and a cheer goes up. “And the king!” A fairy grabs Hardy and lifts him onto his shoulders and the crowd go wild; cheering even louder for Hardy than they did for her. Elsie feels cold. Sick. Betrayed.

9

Elsie cannot wait to get back to the castle, back to her room, back to safety and lock the door firmly behind her, but she cannot leave. Duty trumps her own feelings here, and she needs to stay. Besides, if she left there would be nothing stopping Hardy from lording it over everyone. Long live the king indeed. She feels physically sick just thinking about the way he killed Bella and had Meg killed with barely a thought, and he’s here laughing and joking with the fairies as though he’s their saviour. He said it himself that without her, the true heir of Allaire, nobody was ready to take the leap required and attack the castle and the king and queen within it. He had needed her as much as she had needed him. Her toes are curling with fury and fear. He let the prisoner out to kill her, no doubt in her mind. He’s also beaten him unconscious so he cannot be a witness to that fact. And yet he saved her; was that part of his plan? Get her killed eventually, but in the meantime rescue her a few times so he can look like the hero. She frowns and Gwenna touches her arm, raising her eyebrows at her. She gets the warning; her mask has slipped. She’s letting her anger and fear control her. She smiles and announces to the crowd she’s needed back at the castle and that there will be further information about the festival of freedom as soon as possible. She rides away without checking that Gwenna is following, although she knows she will be, and without checking if Hardy is coming; she knows he won’t be. He will work the crowd for as long as he is able and although she knows she shouldn’t let him; she can’t stay. Three guards follow them though, and Elsie knows she’s safe for a while, at

least. Hardy is playing the hero and he wouldn’t miss out on the opportunity to do it again – especially if the calls for him as king continue. She shakes her head and tears spring to her eyes because as she thinks the well-worn phrase – over my dead body – she has a shudder knowing that it’s highly likely exactly what Hardy is planning. Maybe she isn’t safe with him or without him. Truthfully, she knows she will never be safe again. He knows she was in the dungeon; he knows she saw the prisoners, and yet he still used one of them to attack her. He had no way of knowing if Elsie had seen that man or spoken to him and he was certainly memorable, and he still used him. Was that the point? By using him to attack her, he was sending her a warning. He wanted her to know that it was him behind the attack. “I need to lie down,” she tells the guards as soon as they arrive by the stables. She slides off her horse and drops the reins without waiting for Gwenna. “Elsie!” Gwenna calls, but Elsie doesn’t slow down. Gwenna catches up with her, breathless. “I can’t stop,” Elsie says, not even looking at her. They fly as quickly as possible to Elsie’s room and it’s only when they’re inside and the door is locked that Elsie turns to Gwenna, her expression saying it all. She’s exhausted, overwhelmed and completely and utterly terrified. Gwenna hugs her and Elsie cries. Bella comes out of the secret room followed by Aster. “What’s happened? What did Hardy do?” Elsie wipes her eyes.

“Tried to have me killed. Ans saved my life.” “No!” Bella and Aster exclaim at the same time. Gwenna nods and they all take seats. This is serious. “Tell them,” Elsie says. She needs to compose herself. Gwenna takes a deep breath and tells the story. Elsie can’t help but interject though and Gwenna laughs. “Do you want to tell it?” “No.” She pauses. “Yes. I’m scared. It was all going well, everyone was so happy and I felt like I’d done what I came back to do. My step parents are dead and everyone is free. I felt proud. Then this man attacks me.” “But Hardy stopped him?” Bella checks. “Yes, but I recognised him from the dungeon. And Hardy had no way of knowing that I wouldn’t which makes me think he didn’t care. He sent this man to attack me, and he didn’t care if I knew it. What can I do? Everyone loves him – they’re shouting long live the king.” “Long live the king?” Bella looks disgusted. “Right? And what can I do? Accuse him of planting this man to attack me? I’d sound crazy. If I accused him of killing you, nobody would believe me. Honestly, even with me saying it and you confirming it Bella, they wouldn’t believe it. I’m stuck.” Aster frowns, kneading her hands together. “That feels like a big step; him letting that man attack you and risking you recognising him. It feels like a message.” “It does, doesn’t it? And I don’t know what to do. The people loved me, but they loved him just as much. They know him and trust him, and they have no idea what he’s really like. If I told them I honestly think they wouldn’t believe me.”

“So we’re stuck?” Gwenna sounds as frustrated as they all feel. “I need to think. If he’s playing games, maybe we need to play them too.” Bella laughs. “I’ve got it. I’ve actually got it.” “Go on.” “I’m better, aren’t I, Aster?” She looks to her for confirmation, but Aster shakes her head. “No, Bella, you can’t fight him yet.” “Not fight him. Haunt him.” She emphasises the word ‘haunt’ and they all grin. “I like it,” Elsie says, “but to what end?” “Just to annoy him, mess with his mind.” Bella bangs her fist on the table. “I hate him.” “I think it might work,” Aster says. “Hardy has a lot of self control. He murdered Bella; he still believes that, and yet he has no sense of guilt – that we can see. He planned Meg’s murder, despite knowing what she meant to you, and happily comforted you, despite being responsible for your grief. If we can crack that controlled demeanour then maybe he’ll slip up in front of other people.” “Maybe. It feels too subtle.” “What if Bella ‘haunts’ him, subtly, just to aggravate him, and then we bring her out during your coronation? Maybe it will be enough to tip him over the edge.” “We can think. I like it, but we need more. We need to all think; I cannot let him win. Ooh, how’s Alyce?” Aster nods. “Um, come and see.” “I’m not going out.” “You don’t need to.”

Aster leads them through to the secret room and Elsie and Gwenna shake their heads; she’s obviously been busy. There are three beds. One for Bella, one for Aster in the middle, and Alyce – or the body that once belonged to Alyce – is on the third. “How did you manage all this?” “There aren’t many people here, so I went on a hunt. I found a store room in the attic, full of... well, everything. Beds, linen, dressers, chests of drawers, trunks, lanterns, candles, blankets, pillows, chairs.” She gestures at the secret room. “Everything.” She has transformed the room. As well as the three beds in one corner, there’s a makeshift lounge in the other. There are chairs and a table, dressers and a trunk. She has all her medicines and herbs laid out on another table. “How did you carry it all on your own?” “I’m ridiculously strong. And I made a lot of trips.” Aster is beaming and Elsie hugs her. Hardy might want to kill her – and he might want her to know it – but she has good people on her team. “It’s amazing.” “It’ll do for now. Bella is much better, but she still has a lot of bruising and I still need her to rest.” She glares pointedly at Bella, who scowls, but then grins, perching on her bed. “If she needs to stay hidden, then at least it’s a bit more comfortable.” “And Alyce?” “Well, she’s alive and definitely cursed. I have no way of knowing what sort of curse; some of them leave markers, but this one didn’t. Not that I can see, anyway. But I have got fluid into her and some medicine and I don’t know Elsie. What do you think? But I think she looks a little better?” Aster looks hopeful and Elsie moves closer to Alyce to check and is pleasantly surprised.

“Oh yes, she does. Definitely. You’re so clever, Aster; I thought she was dead for sure.” “Me too. But I think she might be all right. We’ll see; I have to try.” “Scared the life out of me when she brought her in,” Bella says, peering at Alyce, but not willing to get too close. “Don’t be rude,” Aster says, frowning. Bella laughs. “You’re too nice.” “There’s no such thing.” Bella laughs again. Elsie smiles at her; who would have thought she’d end up on the same team as this snarky, sulky girl? Gwenna touches her arm. “We need to go to the great hall; people will expect you.” “I don’t want to. Can’t I eat here?” “You can... but do you want to leave Hardy to all the glory. This is your first day as queen of the Kingdom, Elsie. Don’t let him win.” “I don’t feel safe.” Bella snorts. “You’re not safe. None of us are while he’s strutting around. Go to the hall. I might make my first appearance as Bella the ghost.” “I don’t know.” Aster looks wary. “I’m fine. I’ll just fly past the window, super quick. He might not even see me.” “I’ll make sure he does,” Elsie says. “How?”

“I’ll send Gwenna to the kitchen to ask Maud for extra bread rolls or something. When she goes out of the great hall, she’ll tell you – I know all the hiding places – then you fly past the window and I’ll make sure he’s looking.” “Brilliant.” Aster still looks concerned, and Bella takes her hand. “I promise I’ll be safe and careful. You’ve worked so hard to heal me, I promise I don’t take it for granted.” Aster blushes and they all smile; none of them used to such sweet sentiments coming from Bella. “We’ll bring back plenty of food for you.” “Does Hardy ask why you’re taking so much food away?” “No, he’s never even noticed.” “He’s so wrapped up in himself.” They all laugh. It feels good to band together against him, but Elsie knows she cannot rest now. He showed his true colours to her today, and it was a challenge. He knows she won’t confront him, and he knows she won’t be believed if she tries to raise the alarm. The only thing he doesn’t know is that she already knows what he’s like. He can try to exert control over her by scaring her, but she’s well past that. She’s petrified of him, and rightly so. She knows he’s a murderer, and she knows there are more bad things she doesn’t know about him. Only someone who’s known him all his life might know the full extent of his atrocities. Like his mother – who’d never stray from his side. She gasps. “Malachi.” “What about him?”

“I bet he knows what Hardy is really like. I wonder if he’d ever spill his secrets.” Bella shrugs. “There’ve always been tight, but I always felt sorry for him. Hardy always took his ideas and ran with them. Malachi got no glory. Their fathers worked together to start this whole rebellion, but Malachi never rose as high as Hardy. Hardy wouldn’t let him.” “It might be worth trying to talk to him, see if he lets anything slip.” “Aster could flirt with him.” Aster raises her hands in protest. “No, thank you. I don’t flirt.” “You don’t have to flirt, just talk.” Aster shakes her head again. “No, thank you. It would be duplicitous and I wouldn’t like it. I feel bad enough hiding in here, and I can only do it because I’m saving lives. We don’t know that manipulating Malachi would help at all.” She folds her arms across her chest. “We won’t make you do anything you’re not comfortable with,” Elsie says. “I ire your morals.” “I don’t have morals, but I can’t go out,” Bella says grinning. “You have morals,” Gwenna says, swatting Bella on her arm. Bella shakes her head and Gwenna laughs. “Maybe not as many as Aster, but don’t put yourself down, Bella. Look at what you’re doing here; helping Elsie out despite what Hardy’s done to you.” “Helping Elsie because it’s what I want to do. I promise you I’m extremely self serving.” This time they all laugh.

“I think you’re too hard on yourself,” Elsie says. “I’ve had to be,” Bella says. “Maybe you can stop now,” Aster suggests. “You’re among friends now, you can let your walls down.” Bella scuffs her toes along the floor, unable to look up and Elsie wonders if they’ve pushed her too far, but when she looks up, her eyes are full of unshed tears and Elsie realises that she’s touched. “You are among friends.” Bella busies herself pouring a drink and they all let it rest. “Let’s go.” “All right. Bella, do you the door exactly opposite the great hall?” Bella nods. “Above that there’s an alcove, covered by a dark curtain. One of my favourite places to hide when I was little. You should be able to hide up there easily.” “Just don’t be seen,” Gwenna warns her and hands a room key to Aster. “This is spare, lock up when Bella leaves.” Aster nods and Gwenna takes Elsie’s arm and leads her out of the secret room, and into her room proper. “Ready?” Elsie shakes herself out, wriggling her hands and feet and twisting her neck around. “You look like you’re preparing for a fight.” “I am in a way.” “I suppose you are. I never thought we’d end up in this situation. To go from the threat of your step parents to the threat of Hardy seems so unfair. It’s such a

shame.” “That is the biggest understatement I have ever heard.” “I know. I can’t put it into words. It seems so unbelievable. If only people knew what he was really like. When I think of Meg, I still can’t believe what he did. Nobody would believe it.” “Lots of people warned me about him, but I don’t think any of them thought it was this; that he’d kill me or anybody else. Just that he was power hungry, and he’d try to manipulate me to get more control, maybe even pretend to love me so he might be king. He’s not even doing that anymore. He wants me to know what his true colours are – that’s why he sent the prisoner to attack me – and he knows I can’t do a thing about it.” Gwenna frowns. “He’s a terrible man.” “He is that.” They walk into the great hall, and the people rise, cheer, bow and curtsey. Elsie smiles; she can’t not enjoy it, however on edge she is. Hardy is already sitting next to her throne. She smiles at him. She will not show him she fears him and she will pretend to be oblivious to his games. But she hopes he dies of fright when he sees Bella fly past the window. “Are you all right?” Hardy asks as she takes her seat. “After that awful attack.” “I am, thank you. Thank you for saving me.” “I recognised him,” Hardy says. “From the dungeon. When I got back to the stables to check I was right. I counted them and one was missing. None of the guards could tell me who or why, so I clipped all their ears. I’m so sorry; I feel responsible, even though I know I’m not.” Elsie is so glad that she’s not eating or drinking, or she’d have spat it out all over him. She can hardly believe the gall of him. She knows if she suggested that the guards lost their heads for their ineptitude, he’d go along with it. Hell, he’d probably swing the axe himself.

Maud beams as she brings over the first load of dishes to their table. She looks happy. “I’ve never cooked so much nor eaten so much,” she says and pats her stomach. Then she lowers her voice. “Am I doing all right?” Hardy tuts and shakes his head, but Elsie melts at her worrying and nods. “You’re doing a marvellous job. Your cooking is delicious and you’re doing a superb job at feeding so many of us.” Maud grins and chuckles as she heads out of the hall. “Gwenna, would you mind going to ask Maud for extra rolls tonight, I’m pretty hungry.” Gwenna nods and follows Maud from the hall. Elsie waits a beat and then turns to Hardy, making sure her mask is in place. “It’s a beautiful evening, look.” She points at the window and Hardy turns to look. The timing couldn’t be better. As they both turn to the window, Bella flies past, swooping and turning in the air. Elsie picks up a forkful of food and smiles.

10

Hardy turns to look at her, his face white and his eyes wide. Elsie puts the food in her mouth, so she has something to do. She cannot crack now. She swallows quickly. “Are you all right?” Hardy shakes his head and points. His hand is actually shaking. Inside Elsie is delighted; her face remains expressionless. “Hardy? What’s wrong?” He shudders and looks back at the window. Bella is long gone, hopefully back inside her room with Aster. “Did you just... did you... I just.” He is stammering and shaking his head; he looks quite sick. “Hardy. You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” He pushes back his chair, and without another word flies out of the hall. Elsie grins but covers her mouth with her drink. She tries to look concerned. She can’t follow him; she won’t follow him, but she doesn’t want a report going back to him that she looks happy at his obvious upset. Gwenna sits back down, an innocent expression on her face. She picks up her drink. “He just barrelled past me. I’m guessing it worked?” Elsie grins and keeps her head turned so only Gwenna can see her. “It was perfect timing. And I know it’s silly, but it was amazing. I told him he looked like he’d seen a ghost.”

“You didn’t!” “I did.” They both laugh. “He also told me he recognised the man who attacked me and when he got back to the stables, a prisoner had escaped.” “Ooh, he’s so slippery.” “I know. I hate him.” “I know. I do too. I wish I’d seen his face.” “Oh, Gwenna, it was so funny. His hand was shaking, and he was stuttering. It worked so well. I can’t wait to tell Bella.” Gwenna pokes her in the side; Maud is walking towards them with a platter of bread rolls. “I’ll bake extra tomorrow now I know how much you like them.” “Maud, I like everything you cook.” “Where’s Hardy?” “He took off. I don’t think he’s very well. He looked quite sick. Maybe someone can check on him.” Maud frowns. “I’ll check on him after everyone’s eaten. I hope he’s not coming down with anything. It’s been a busy few days.” “It has.” Elsie keeps a straight face but as soon as Maud leaves the hall she dissolves into giggles. “Elsie,” Gwenna warns her, but she’s laughing as well. They enjoy the rest of their meal, eating all the courses Maud and her kitchen

helpers bring in, and chatting. Elsie feels great. For the first time since she found out Hardy’s true colours, she feels like she’s ahead of the game. Maybe just a little bit, but it’s something; it’s giving her confidence. They gather up as much food and drink as they can manage and take it back for Bella and Aster and maybe even Alyce, if she’s well enough. Door locked, they congregate in the secret room. Bella is flying with excitement, hopping from foot to foot, waiting for them to tell her. “Well?” Elsie laughs, and Gwenna takes a seat. “Bella – it was amazing.” Bella lets out a whoop. “Really?” “Yes. I pointed to the window at the exact right time. He looked up at the exact right time. He saw you and he was shaking.” “Really.” “Shaking! His hand was shaking, and he was stammering.” “Yes!” Bella sits down, but she can’t keep still. “I know it’s a tiny thing, but it feels amazing. Like the smallest bit of revenge, but it is sweet. Imagine how good it’ll feel when I kill him.” “Bella!” Aster frowns at her but Bella shrugs. “Aster. I love you, and I appreciate everything you’ve done for me, and I think we’ll be lifelong friends, but don’t for a minute think when it comes out about him, when the truth of what he’s like comes out and people find out what he did to me, that I won’t kill him.”

Aster opens her mouth to argue, but Bella puts her hand up. “No, Aster. The dungeon is too good for him. Exile is too good for him. Really murder is too good for him. I should torture him for infinity. But I’ll settle for killing him. He dies by my hand.” She turns to Elsie to check. “He dies by my hand.” Elsie nods. Even though she’d love to end his life given all he’s done and how manipulative he’s been to her, she knows this is for Bella. “He dies by your hand.” Bella sits back and folds her arms over her chest, a look of pure satisfaction on her face. Aster tuts. “I know what you think, Aster, but it’s the only thing keeping me going. I can still see the look in his eyes when he killed me. He loved it. He didn’t hesitate, he didn’t worry, he enjoyed it. And I can’t wait to get him back for it.” Aster busies herself with Alyce, changing the subject. “She’s better again. Her breathing is much less shallow, and rather than just pouring liquid down her throat, she’s looking for more. When I pull the cup away, she’s moving towards it. It’s a good sign. Her heart is beating stronger than it was. I think she looks more human too. What do you all think?” Bella goes to her side and tucks an arm around her. “I think you’re amazing. Please don’t be cross with me. I’d hate you to think badly of me. I have to kill Hardy. And I think Alyce looks much less creepy than she did when you brought her here.” “Bella!” Bella laughs. “I’m getting used to you shouting at me now, Aster.” Elsie looks at Alyce. “Definitely better, Aster. I wonder how long she’s been like this for.”

Aster shrugs. “I’d usually say a long time, just because of the damage that’s been done to her, but I’ve been looking through her workshop and a lot of her potions and tonics are works in progress, nothing is dusty or unused. She can’t have been like this for long at all.” Elsie feels relief flood through her. When she asked Aster how long Alyce might have been in this state, she had a flashback of her voyage across the seas, when Meg handed her the seasickness tonics from Alyce. “Meg had tonics from Alyce before we left to cross the sea.” “So maybe a week,” Aster says. “That helps, thanks Elsie. But then she wasn’t attacked to keep her out of the way while your step parents wreaked havoc. This was done to her since then.” “She still might not have worked with my step parents. , everyone at the castle was under a duress of sorts.” “They were,” Gwenna says. “I know it from the things Meg would say. They might have been glad to be safe, but most of them were sickened by what they had to see and endure. Your step parents weren’t kind to their servants; they weren’t good people to work for.” “So why was she cursed now? And by who?” None of them have an answer. Aster soaks small pieces of bread in water and then puts them in Alyce’s mouth. They can see her swallow. “Keep doing what you’re doing, maybe she’ll be able to tell us herself.” “Who would have access to such a terrible curse, though?” Aster shrugs. “I could make a dark curse easily enough, with the knowledge I have of magic and medicine, but I never would.” She adds the last bit in and Elsie laughs; as though any of them have any doubts about her kindness and integrity. “So anyone with a knowledge of healing, magic and herbs?” “Pretty much. They’d have to be powerful. I can’t see Bronwen being able to;

she’s not as advanced as me. Maybe Calista...” “Probably Calista, she’s in cahoots with Hardy,” Bella says, piling her plate with food. “Why though? I don’t understand why anyone would hurt her.” Aster eats some bread. “I could do with some milk. I could soak the bread for Alyce in it. It would be better than water.” “I can get you milk,” Elsie says, standing up. “Do you think it’s safe?” “I think it’s safe to go from here to the kitchen.” “I’ll come with you,” Gwenna says, rising from her chair and then wincing, holding onto her stomach. “Sit down,” Elsie hunkers beside her. “Aster?” “I’m fine, I’m fine.” Gwenna smiles. “Honestly, just a busy day.” Aster brings her over a tonic. “Here, drink this.” “I’m fine.” “It can’t hurt. Drink.” “I’ll get milk. Do we need anything else?” They don’t. Elsie locks them in, tucking the key in her pocket, smiling when she touches the little bag full of her special things. She doesn’t feel so alone when she thinks about Meg and Dayle and captain Tom. She flies quickly, taking a shortcut to the kitchen, echoes of her past coming back to her as she moves through the familiar corridors. She can hear Isla’s laughter, smell her mother’s perfume, feel her father’s powerful arms carrying her. She’s glad to be home and when Hardy is taken care of, she knows she’ll

feel even better. A long and successful reign lies ahead of her; she just knows it. She turns the corner and cries out; there’s a fairy standing there, a nasty smile on his face and a knife in his hand. “I was looking for you,” he says, sneering at her. She screams and flits away, heading back the way she came, determined to get away from him. “No, you don’t.” He flies after her, and he’s quick. Panic makes her nervous, and she flies the wrong way, up a long flight of stairs to one of the towers. If the door at the top is locked, she’s in trouble. She can feel him close behind her and she flies faster. If she can just get to the top and through the door, she’ll be all right; the stairs are too narrow for her to him and go back down. Up is her only option. And the door is locked. She faces him, fear and anger in her expression. “Let me go.” “Not a chance.” “Who sent you?” “Not telling.” “I’m the queen. You can’t hurt me.” “Who’s going to stop me?” He takes a step towards her, and she freezes, finding it hard to swallow or breathe.

The knife is sharp and shiny, the handle dark and wooden. She has no idea why she’s even noticing these things; she’s about to die. “Please.” She closes her eyes. She won’t beg for her life. If Hardy sent this man to kill her – and she knows he did; nobody else would wish her harm – she won’t give him the satisfaction of knowing she begged and pleaded and cried. She will be strong and regal and brave. She slips her hands in her pocket. She will... She opens her eyes. “Kill me.” Using her one hand, she loosens the little bag in her pocket. He hesitates. She needs to keep him distracted. “I mean it. Kill me. I will not beg and I will not cry. I know who sent you. You tell him I know all about him and I know what he’s done. I know who he’s killed. And I’m not the only one, so do it. Kill me – the truth will still get out.” “Who did he kill?” She laughs. Some assassin. He looks genuinely intrigued. “Not telling.” She repeats his words back to him, running her fingers over Dayle’s ribbon and then holding Meg’s letter opener in her hand. She’ll only have one shot at this. He has a knife, and he’s bound to be more schooled in using it than she is. He steps towards her. She takes a deep breath and closes her eyes for a second. He lifts his arm, knife glinting. She takes her hand out of her pocket, weapon ready. She hopes it’s a weapon. She hopes she can stop him. She has to. Channelling Dayle and Bella and Norah she launches herself at him, screaming

as loud as she can to throw him off. She aims the point of the letter opener at the hollow of his throat. If she doesn’t kill him, he will kill her. It always comes back to that; kill or be killed. She has no plans to die today and let Hardy take over her Kingdom. With a fury she has never felt before, she stabs him, pushing the letter opener into his skin and twisting it. The blood pours, and the disbelief fills his eyes. She smacks his hand, causing him to drop the knife, which she grabs hold of. Before she can change her mind, she stabs him in the heart. Then she drops to the floor and sobs. Her hands are shaking; her entire body is shaking. She has never felt so scared and elated at the same time. She’s happy she’s alive, but she can’t believe she had to kill somebody. She was happy to kill her step parents, but she thought that was it. She cannot believe Hardy has made her kill again. She looks at the dead fairy and is glad; she cannot feel regret for killing him, even though she feels regret at having to kill him. She tries to stand but can’t; her legs crumple beneath her. She knows that everyone will be worried about her; it shouldn’t take her this long to get milk. They’ll think she’s chatting to Maud for a while, but then they’ll worry. She has to get back before Gwenna thinks to look for her, or Bella, but she hasn’t the strength to stand. The man’s blood is congealing, and she feels sick looking at him. She leaves his bloody knife in his heart but takes Meg’s letter opener from his neck. He doesn’t get to keep it. She wipes it on his tunic and then turns to fly down the stairs, bumping straight into Norah. “Elsie, are you all right? You’re covered in blood. What’s-” She looks past Elsie at the dead fairy and gasps. “What happened? Did you kill him?”

Elsie drops to the floor, relief that someone else is with her making her fall apart. “Elsie, talk to me.” “He tried to kill me.” Her voice is flat. “I had to kill him.” “Why did he try to kill you? Didn’t he know who you are?” Elsie shrugs and closes her eyes. “Let me help you, let me get Hardy.” Her eyes fly open and she grabs Norah’s arm. “No!” “What? You don’t want my help? Elsie, I think you’re in shock. Let me get Hardy.” Norah turns to leave, and Elsie grabs her again. “Norah, no. You can’t get Hardy.” “Why? He needs to know if the castle isn’t safe. We need more guards; we need to find out who this man is and who sent him and-” “Hardy sent him.” Norah drops beside her. “No, Elsie. Not Hardy. Hardy will help. Come on, you’re in shock.” Elsie rubs her face, forgetting that her hands are bloody. “I’m not in shock, Norah. I’m really not. Hardy killed Meg.” Norah interrupts her. “Clippers killed Meg.” “Because Hardy told them to. Or paid them to. Or bribed them to.” “Elsie.” Norah looks full of pity for her and Elsie feels angry.

“Norah. I heard him tell Bella that he did it. I heard him. I’m not in shock. I’m not crazy. I heard him.” “Bella’s dead.” “Norah. Come with me.” She takes hold of Norah, not gently, and pulls her down the stairs and along the corridor with her. She unlocks the door to her room and takes Norah inside. Then she moves the trunk and marches her into the secret room. She points at Bella, who jumps up from her seat before wincing. “Now tell me I’m in shock,” Elsie says, glaring at Norah. “Elsie! What’s happened?” Gwenna asks. Norah drops into a chair, her face ashen. Aster rushes to Elsie’s side. “Are you hurt? You’re covered in blood.” “Did you lock the door?” Gwenna asks, then goes to lock it when Elsie shakes her head. “What’s going on?” Bella says. Elsie takes a deep breath. “I’m fine. I got attacked.” “Again?” Gwenna exclaims. “Again?” Norah looks confused. Aster pours them all some ale and drops tonic into each one. Elsie takes her drink and downs it. Aster es her a jug of water and a washcloth. “Your face is a little bloody. And your hands. It’s not warm, sorry.”

Elsie shrugs and sets about cleaning the blood off her face. “I thought you were dead,” Norah says, her voice a mere whisper, looking at Bella with confusion on her face. “Hardy killed me. Hardy still thinks he killed me. Elsie, who attacked you? Was it Hardy?” Elsie shakes her head, no. “I don’t know. I didn’t recognise him; he had a knife.” Gwenna swoops down beside her and takes her in her arms. “How did you get away? How did you kill him?” Elsie es Gwenna Meg’s letter opener. “I used this.” Gwenna takes it, running a finger along the length of it. “I this.” “I wanted something of Meg’s. I keep it with me, in a little bag in my pocket.” “And you killed him?” Bella looks proud. Aster looks pained. “I didn’t want to. He was right in front of me with his knife. I’d be dead if it wasn’t for Meg.” “She was always looking after you,” Gwenna says, laughing and crying at the same time. “And Hardy did this?” Norah still looks shocked. “None of us believed it at first, either,” Aster says. Bella snorts. “I did.” “I was there when he killed Bella – or thought he killed Bella. He itted to getting Meg killed.” “Then you’re not safe, Elsie, you need to-”

“What? Leave? Arrest him.” Norah is open mouthed. “She can’t do either,” Bella says, kicking at a chair, before holding her hands up in apology to Aster who glares at her. Norah nods and takes a small dagger from her waistband. “Then I won’t leave your side. I’ll make sure you’re safe, queen.”

11

Elsie grins at her and Bella claps her on the back. Aster es her a cake and Gwenna kisses the top of her head. “Thank you.” Elsie doesn’t know what else to say. She’s been feeling so unsafe and needs protection, especially after what just happened. “It’s fine. I always knew he was a bad egg.” “No, you didn’t,” Bella laughs. “You fell under his spell just like the rest of us. He’s a handsome snake.” Norah blushes. “I didn’t think he was a murderer, no, but...” She trails off at their smiling faces and shrugs. “Fine, I was half in love with him like the rest of you.” They all laugh and share out the remaining food. Elsie is starving after her near death experience and takes extra. Killing has shaken her. She knows she had to do it; he would have killed her if she hadn’t. But it still feels odd. “So two questions. What are we going to do? And what’s that?” Norah points at Alyce. “The second question is easier to answer,” Aster says, going over to Alyce and feeding her more bread and water. “I forgot the milk,” Elsie says, a look of dismay on her face. “I think we can forgive you.” Bella laughs and turns to Norah. “Elsie went to get milk but forgot it after she was attacked. Are you all right, Norah? You look a little bit...” They all turn to Norah and Bella’s right, she doesn’t look herself. She looks pale and frightened. “Don’t fear Alyce,” Aster says. “She’s looking better than she was and I’m

hoping she’ll look even better tomorrow.” Norah shakes her head and pushes her chair back. “I’m fine, it’s not that, I mean her, I just-” “She’s had a shock,” Gwenna says, putting an arm around her. “You need fresh air. We can take a walk outside. Let Elsie rest.” Norah nods and waits by the door. Bella raises her eyebrows at Elsie, who shrugs. She doesn’t know why Norah is acting strangely, and she doesn’t really care. If Norah will stay with her when she walks to the great hall and back, she’ll feel safer, and in the meantime, she just feels shivery and shaky. “You did good,” Bella whispers, checking that Aster can’t hear her. “I can’t believe I did it,” Elsie says, and it’s true. She’s grown up a lot since they let her out of her prison. “You had to do it. Don’t lose it now.” Aster s them with a small potion for Elsie. “I know she had to do it,” she says, giving Bella a pointed look. “I know you have to kill sometimes. I know life isn’t some perfect thing where everyone gets on and everyone is kind. I’m not that naïve.” Bella looks embarrassed. “I’m sorry. I know you don’t like it.” “Most people don’t like it. Besides, I’m a healer. My life’s work is making people better, not hurting them. But I’m pragmatic, too. I won’t revel in destruction, but I could never blame Elsie for anything she’s had to do.” “What about me? Do you blame me?” Aster sits down and rolls her eyes at Elsie before turning to Bella. “I don’t blame you either.” She places her hand on Bella’s. “I know how good

you are at fighting, and I know you never pick fights for no reason. And I know why you want to kill Hardy. I really understand. Despite our differences, I think we’re good friends, aren’t we?” Bella beams and throws a piece of bread in the air, catching it in her mouth. Aster laughs and takes a seat next to Alyce again. “I feel better knowing Norah will be by your side,” Bella says, still chewing. “Me too. She’s feisty.” “She is. I wonder what rattled her though.” “Probably finding out that perfect Hardy isn’t quite so perfect.” “Tell me about it. I was so in love with him. I thought we’d get married for sure.” Elsie blushes. She can’t forget that as soon as Bella split up with Hardy, he was very quickly kissing her instead. It makes her feel sick now when she thinks of his lips on hers, his arms around her. Bella swigs some ale. “He’s put me off men for life!” Elsie laughs. “He could do that to you. He makes me feel sick.” “I loved him so much.” Bella is sad and silent for a minute and then grabs more food. Elsie knows exactly how she feels. He made Elsie feel so special and loved and looked after in such a short amount of time. Bella must have been deeply in love with him after being a couple with him for so long. “It’s worse for you,” Elsie says. “Knowing how easily he killed you even though you’d been in love for so long.” “We were in love. It’s why I’m so angry with him, and why I have to be the one to kill him. He killed me so easily, so quickly. It didn’t faze him one bit.”

They are all quiet, the only sound Alyce’s moans. “At least the haunting worked,” Bella says, throwing more bread in the air. She misses this time and Aster picks it up off the floor and puts it on the table. “Thank you.” Bella grins at her. Aster laughs. “You’re welcome, messy.” “I’m not messy.” “You are. Your shoes are over there. Your jacket’s over there. You didn’t bother making your bed after you got out of it.” “I’m convalescing.” “Really?” Bella laughs, and Aster shakes her head and turns to Elsie. “What’s next? Do we really have this festival thing with your coronation at the end? Or should we try to do the coronation sooner? Make it official.” “I don’t think it will matter to Hardy.” Bella looks at her. “You’re in danger whether or not you’re officially a queen. We have to stop him.” “We can’t. You’re not well enough and I-” “I could kill him in his sleep.” “Bella, that’s cowardly.” “It’s not, Aster. You’ll tell me I’m not well enough to fight him properly, but he can’t keep attacking Elsie. What if he succeeds?” “He’s moving into Maud’s now. She’s going to stay here.” “I could easily fly there and kill him in his sleep.” Elsie closes her eyes. Should she say yes to Bella? She really wants to. It would be quicker and easier than a huge confrontation and a big fight. I could do it

tonight. She would sleep easily then. “I think we need to see what Gwenna thinks.” “You don’t need her permission, or anybody else’s. He killed Meg. You should stop him before he kills you.” Bella sits back, arms folded. “You know I’m right.” “You are. Why bother haunting him and messing around. We don’t even need to kill him in his sleep.” “She can’t fight.” “No need to fight. We go and find him. I arrest him. We lock him up. We-” “And you think he’ll come quietly? Be a good little prisoner? He won’t. He’s too slippery. You need to do what he would do. He’d be sneaky and sly. I’ll kill him in his sleep.” Elsie stands up, knocking her chair over, rubbing her face. “I don’t know what to do.” “You do. You’re just scared to do it.” “Bella! That’s not fair.” Aster takes Elsie’s hand, giving her strength and peace. “Elsie. It’s a huge decision and you don’t have to make it right away.” She puts a hand up to stop Bella arguing. “I know we have to do something. That’s twice in one day Hardy has tried to kill you. But you can take a minute to think. You’re safe here and we can help you. Gwenna and Norah will help you. You don’t have to do any of this alone.” Elsie sits again and closes her eyes. It has to be right to stop Hardy. There’s no question – he killed Bella, and he killed Meg, and he’s trying to kill her. She knows he won’t come quietly. She doesn’t have the army to arrest him and contain him. Does that mean her only option is to kill him in his sleep? Maybe.

But then what? How do they explain his death? Does she really need to explain it? Probably. Everybody loves him. His mother will wonder where he is. She’ll want justice for him and punishment for his murderer. “I don’t know what to do. I know I’m in the right. And killing him would be so easy. But then what? What if there’s an uprising? What if the fairies are cross that I killed him?” “What if they are?” “Bella. You know the reason I didn’t want to make a move right away. The reasons still stand. Hardy is beloved. Nobody will believe bad of him. And nobody is loyal to me yet. Things aren’t settled enough.” “Will they ever be settled enough? As long as there’s a throne won’t there always be someone trying to steal it? It’s a game.” “I don’t know, Bella.” She throws her arms up in the air. “I know nothing about the game of thrones, but I know I’m in a precarious position. I don’t feel like I can do it.” “Do what?” Gwenna s them without Norah but with milk. She es it to Aster. “Is Norah all right?” “Yes – she’ll be back later. She’s gone to see her family, and then she’ll come and stay for a bit so she can keep you safe.” “She’s so sweet. Was she all right after you left?” “Fine. I think it was just a shock. Seeing Bella when she thought she was dead.” Bella makes a face. “Anyway,” Gwenna sits, putting her feet up on the chair opposite her, “what can’t you do Elsie?”

Elsie closes her eyes. “Bella wants to kill Hardy in his sleep, and I don’t think we should.” Gwenna is quiet. They all look at her. “I think she’s right.” “Really?” “Really?” Aster sits opposite Gwenna. “Really?” Bella punches the air. “Yes!” “It’s up to Elsie. But I can see the merit in it. It’s quick. It’s clean. Nobody will know.” “We’ll all know.” Aster looks troubled. Elsie feels the same way. “Doesn’t that make us cowards?” “I think it makes us sensible. We can’t go head to head with him in a public battle. Bella’s not fit enough for it, and I think he’s so loved by everyone; he’s done so much for everyone, people will have a hard time believing it.” “Even when they see Bella is alive?” Gwenna nods. “I think so. If I told you something bad about someone you know and love, you would have a hard time believing it. If I told you something bad about a stranger – which Elsie technically is to most everyone in the Kingdom – it would be easy to believe. She has no track record. What if nobody is loyal to her? What if they choose to believe Hardy? What if they say it’s some sort of trick or I don’t even know? But he’s tried to kill you twice now, Elsie, and even with Norah by your side, he might be successful. Then what?” “Exactly. Let me do it. I’m strong enough to kill someone in their sleep. We’ll wait until the middle of the night. I’ll go by myself. You won’t even be implicated at all. I’ll kill him. Then we’ll decide what to do next. Blame it on some random outlaws or I’ll say I did it because he tried to kill me. Everyone

knows I’m dead, so if they see me, they’ll know something was up.” “I don’t think we should say you did it.” Aster clears her throat. “Nobody’s seen me. I’ll say I’ve been with Bella because someone injured her in the battle. We need not say who did it. I can give her an alibi, if anybody questions her.” Bella grins and reaches for her hand. “Thank you. So I can do it? Am I well enough?” “You’re well enough to stab someone. You’re not well enough to fight.” “Elsie?” They are all looking at her, and she doesn’t know what to say. Is it cowardly? Is it too easy? Does it even matter? Isn’t she queen now, can’t she do as she pleases? But isn’t that what her step parents thought, isn’t that what they did, isn’t that why she killed them? She tries to make sense of her emotions and her objections and her reasons, but it’s difficult. This is one of those big decisions that Meg talked about. Doing the right thing and making the right choice. The right thing is to punish Hardy. The wrong way to do it is to murder him in his sleep. She knows it and they all know it. Bella just hates him for trying to kill her. And Gwenna just hates him for killing Meg, and she hates him for everything. It’s frustrating to be queen, but to be so helpless that murdering a man while he sleeps seems like the only option. “I can’t do it.” “Elsie!” Bella bangs her head on the table, groaning. “It’s not right. You all know it’s not. Not really. But I know what we can do.” “What? him a knife and invite him to use it?” Elsie sighs. “Bella. Be fair.”

“He killed me, Elsie. He left me for dead. If you hadn’t been there, I would be dead. Aster wouldn’t have been able to save me. I want to hurt him. I want to kill him. He’s evil. And he’s tried to kill you. I’m not just saying all this for myself.” “I’m the queen. I have to do what’s right.” Bella sits back, arms folded, expression incredulous. “Go on then. Tell us what you’re going to do, queen.” Her voice is dripping with sarcasm and Elsie closes her eyes. “I don’t appreciate that, for a start.” Bella makes a face but says nothing. “I am going to...” Her mind is racing. What is she going to do? What should a queen do? What would her mother have done? Or Meg? Or Dayle? She laughs; each one would have reacted differently to this situation because each one of them is different, was different. Her mother wouldn’t have had to worry because she had an army and a Kingdom of people who loved her. Meg would have been calm and sensible and measured and fair and kind. Dayle would slice his head off and then use his head as a ball. There’s a knock at the door and they all jump; they’ve been so focussed on Elsie and what she might say. “Leave it,” Bella says. “She can’t leave it, it’s probably Norah.” Gwenna tuts and goes into Elsie’s room with her, pulling the trunk across to block the secret door. Elsie unlocks and opens the door. It’s not Norah; it’s Hardy. He takes her in his arms and hugs her fiercely. “I heard what happened.” She untangles herself from him. “You did?” “Yes. Norah told me. You must have been so scared. I’ve got extra guards

patrolling. Did you recognise him? I’ve seen the body. I don’t know who he is. I’m so proud of you for killing him. My mother’s making a feast for supper. I’ve got musicians ready to play. We need to celebrate tonight.” Elsie smiles; she has no idea what to say. A bit of her wants to call him out and tell him she knows what he’s done and what he’s trying to do to her, but another bit of her feels sick. Her stomach is churning because she’s so close to him and she cannot get any words to come. “Oh, and there’s a man here to see you. Says he was a friend of your fathers, but I don’t know, he’s dressed like some sort of general. I won’t let you be alone with him.” Elsie bites her lip, so she doesn’t laugh in his face and is grateful for Gwenna squeezing her arm. “He’s in the small throne room.” “We’ll meet him,” Gwenna speaks for her and Elsie nods. Hardy leads the way and Elsie follows, feeling numb. As she walks behind him, she imagines kicking him or hitting him or attacking him, but she knows she won’t and then she feels terrible. What sort of queen is she? She’s spineless and stupid and helpless. She’s an embarrassment. But then she looks at his powerful arms, his rippling muscles, the dagger at his side, and she knows she can do nothing against him. Hardy opens the door to the small throne room. “I’ll stay by the door.” She nods. This means she’ll have privacy to talk to this man, whoever he is. She doesn’t any of her father’s friends. She was so young when he died. And in the middle of this drama, with Bella being so cross with her and her having no idea what to do next, she doesn’t want to waste her time with royal niceties. The man has his back to her, but as she sits opposite him, she smiles.

He’s dressed like a general, sword at his side, grin on his face. He looks completely different to the two times she’s met him previously, but as soon as she looks in his eyes she recognises him. Smelly Jim. He stands up and bows to her. “James Millard, your majesty. Delighted to meet you.”

12

“D elighted to meet you too,” Elsie says, feeling her lips twitch but not wanting to give it away that she knows who he is. She’s so sure; could she be wrong? “I’ve come straight from the docks by way of a tavern, though I sat for a minute or two on a bench with a lovely young woman.” Elsie grins at him. It’s definitely Smelly Jim. “It’s lovely to meet you. Did you know my father well?” “Not well at all, but I know another man who would love to help his new queen.” Elsie’s smile falters, because now he’s lost her. She understands why he would pretend that he knew her father as a way to gain entrance to the castle and in order to meet her. But she’s not sure what he means now. “I don’t follow you.” “I have a gift for you, queen. From a young man who’s very fond of you and wants to help your cause.” “A gift?” She shrugs. She needs to get used to this; she supposes. There will be plenty of visitors and guests from all over the Kingdom and beyond who want to curry favour with the queen by sending presents. She doesn’t mind, but she feels a bit let down. Why would Smelly Jim go through this whole pretence just to bring her a trinket from some man? And she doesn’t know any young men who might be fond of her or otherwise. “A gift. A special gift.” Elsie nods. “I’m happy to receive a gift. May I know the name of the young man

before I accept it?” She holds out her hand for whatever he has for her and he laughs; a deep belly laugh. “My queen. It’s not a gift I can easily fit into my pocket. You must step outside the castle.” Outside? She feels a little prickle of unease. Is this one of Hardy’s tricks? She knows from Smelly Jim himself that he works for one side and then the other. Would he have any qualms about tricking her? Hardy isn’t looking at them. He seems oblivious. “Outside? I need to go outside? What sort of gift has me exerting an effort to receive it?” Smelly Jim laughs again and reaches out a hand, sure she’ll come with him. Strangely, she trusts him and allows him to lead her outside. Hardy frowns. “Where are you going?” “Outside.” “The queen has a gift,” Gwenna says, shrugging at Hardy when he raises his eyebrows in a question. The four of them troop through the castle and outside. Elsie takes Smelly Jim’s hand, and he walks her down the steps. There’s nothing there. She looks at him, confusion clear in her expression. He holds a finger up and cocks his head to the side. “Just a second.” He seems to be listening, though to what she doesn’t know.

“There. Can you hear that?” She shakes her head. This is a pretty rubbish present. She’s cold and annoyed. Hardy has a smug expression on his face. “Now.” Smelly Jim points, and Elsie sees them at the same time she s the noise they are making. Around the corner, and it is quite the sight, hundreds and hundreds of horses thunder toward them, galloping along with soldiers dressed in livery sat upon them. One horse is leading and as it comes closer to them Elsie still isn’t quite sure what it’s all about. She doesn’t recognise the rider when he stops in front of her, jumps off his horse and drops to his knee in an elaborate bow. Elsie looks at Smelly Jim, who laughs. “Let me introduce Finneas to you, queen. Finneas is one of the finest soldiers this Kingdom has ever known. He has been across the seas, sent away by your step parents to ensure peace between Allaire and the other fairy Kingdoms. There is, of course, nothing but peace between Allaire and the other fairy Kingdoms, so Finneas and his army have been idle. But they are back to serve their queen.” Finneas straightens up. “Queen. I’m delighted to be back in Allaire, and my thousand-strong army is delighted too. We serve you; we would die for you. Each of us is sworn in fealty to the crown.” He bows again, and Elsie feels a shudder of pleasure run through her. This is exactly what she needs. An army of her own. An army who hasn’t been in Allaire to fall in love with Hardy and his endeavours with the rebellion. “Are you happy with your gift, queen?” Elsie is beaming and goes to shake hands with Finneas. “I’m overwhelmed and I’m not really sure what to say. Who gave me this gift?

Who do I thank for such a wonderful thing?” Smelly Jim grins and gently shoves her with his hip. “Finneas tell the queen.” “Certainly Sir.” Finneas salutes and nods his head at Elsie. “I was sent to you by my cousin. Captain Tom.” “Tom!” Elsie breaks out into the biggest grin and tears spring to her eyes. “Tom sent you?” “He did. He thought a new queen in a Kingdom where she has few allies could always do with some more.” “She has allies,” Hardy says, stepping forward, his face a picture of aggression. “She could always do with more,” Smelly Jim says, turning away from him and leading Elsie down to the men on their horses. There are so many she cannot even see the end of them. The ones she es bow their heads and salute to her. “I don’t know what to say.” “Say nothing. Tom wanted to help you. You made quite the impression on him. And me. I rarely serve anybody except myself, Elsie, but it felt good to help you.” “Thank you. This means everything. You don’t know what this means to me.” “I have a feeling.” He takes her hand and kisses it before walking back to Finneas. “Finneas, my boy, I leave you in charge. You answer only to the queen. Only.” Finneas nods. “I know I’ll see you again,” Smelly Jim says before sauntering away from the

castle and down to the woods. Elsie turns to Finneas and smiles, feeling herself blush a little bit. He’s almost as handsome as his cousin Tom. “Queen, we have supplies and tents and will manage ourselves. If you need us, just bring me the word. We are here to serve.” Elsie grins at him and nods. “I will have a job for you. I just need to clear my head a little bit and consider my next steps.” She turns to Gwenna and Hardy. Hardy is still glowering, but Gwenna, she can tell, is finding it hard to keep a straight face. “I don’t know where they’re all going to sleep and there’s no way my mother can feed all of them. What did he say – thousands of them – that’s not fair to expect my mother to do all that extra work.” “They’ll sleep in their tents in my field. And if I want your mother to feed them, then she will.” Elsie spins and flies back inside the castle, refusing to look at him, lest her sudden bravery disappear as quickly as it came. Gwenna is by her side, but neither of them speaks until they are safely inside Elsie’s room, and then they both squeal. “What?” Bella and Aster come out of the secret room. “You won’t believe this.” “What?” Elsie squeals and hugs Gwenna and then Bella and then Aster. They’re all laughing, caught up in her excitement, when there’s a gentle knock at the door. “It’s me, Norah.” They open the door and usher her inside, before locking it again. They sit in the main room for a change.

“What did I miss?” Norah asks. “None of you could even guess,” Elsie says, just beaming. “Tell us.” Bella sounds impatient now and Elsie laughs. “All right. Norah, Hardy came to tell me there was a visitor here to see me, someone who knew my father.” “Really? Did you him?” Elsie keeps Smelly Jim’s actual identity to herself. “I recognised him. And he told me someone had a gift for me. And I’m a new queen so I thought maybe he was sent here like some sort of diplomat, maybe from across the seas, maybe even from Alwen – you know, the man they meant me to marry. I thought he might have brought jewels or produce, or I don’t even know. But it was amazing.” “Amazing,” Gwenna says, laughing at the curious expressions on their faces. “So what was it? Something pretty?” Bella is bored already. “He tells me we have to go outside for the gift, which I thought was pretty rude, really.” “Being such a precious queen, I suppose?” Bella rolls her eyes and Elsie laughs. “So we go outside and then an enormous army of fairies, all riding horses and dressed in livery, come thundering toward us. An army as a gift for me from...” She trails off; she’s really enjoying this. Bella isn’t bored anymore. “From captain Tom.” “Captain Tom?” “The captain of the ship that was taking me across the seas. The captain that turned around and brought me home. The captain who has given me an army of my own. A thousand strong, Bella, imagine that. And none of them, not a single one, has any loyalty to Hardy. They’ve been away for years, keeping the peace

between Allaire and the other fairy Kingdoms.” Elsie sits back and folds her arms, the smuggest expression on her face. “And now they’re yours?” Bella asks and gives a whoop, jumping out of her chair and flying up to the ceiling before hovering gently back down. “And now they’re mine. Sworn to be loyal to me and do as I bid.” “Wow.” Aster looks impressed but nervous. Norah is wide eyed. “And she answered Hardy back about his mum.” “Did you really?” Norah’s voice is a squeak now. “I did. I was scared, but I did.” “What did you say? What did you say?” Bella is ridiculously excited and Elsie can’t help but laugh. “He told me there’s no way I should expect his mother to cook for all these extra people, and I said, she will if I tell her to.” Bella crows and Aster gasps. “Elsie!” “What? I would never be rude to Maud; she’s lovely. And Finneas – he’s the soldier in charge – actually told me they have tents and supplies, so I don’t think they need much off us, but I wanted to annoy Hardy.” “Outstanding. It was outstanding,” Gwenna says, rubbing her belly. “All right?” Aster asks. Gwenna nods. “I just need rest. There’s so much drama here, I’m not getting much peace.” “And Hardy’s organised a feast tonight with musicians and everything to

celebrate the wings going up in the village square.” “Now we can celebrate my new army,” Elsie says. “At least that’s what I plan to do.” “And then?” “And then, first thing tomorrow, I plan to use my new army to arrest and contain Hardy until we can give him a proper trial.” “Until I can kill him, you mean?” Bella says, holding a hand up to Aster before she says anything. Elsie laughs. “I promise when the time comes to do the deed, you get to do it. But isn’t it lovely that you don’t have to do it while he sleeps,” “While he sleeps?” Norah asks. “Bella wanted to kill Hardy in his sleep tonight. But she doesn’t need to now.” Bella makes a face, and Elsie ignores her. “Gwenna, I want to look beautiful tonight. Can you help me?” “You don’t need much help, but yes I will. How’s Alyce, Aster?” Elsie notices Norah stiffen. “She’s good. Definitely better. She opened her eyes earlier.” “I should go,” Norah says. “Maybe you don’t need me now, you have an army.” “I’ll always need you,” Elsie says, smiling at her. “But if you want to go and get ready for the feast, I’ll be safe enough in here.” Norah doesn’t hesitate and Gwenna locks her out. “She’s a skittish little thing sometimes, isn’t she?” Elsie nods. “Yes. I think she has too much energy and not enough to do to burn it off. Maybe!”

“Can I come down to the hall tonight,” Aster asks. “I think I can leave Bella alone.” “Without me?” Bella looks hurt. “I don’t have to, I just haven’t been down there yet, and I think it’ll be beautiful. And fun.” “It will be,” Bella says, pouting. “I’ll be fine. Me and Alyce will have a shindig of our own.” Aster laughs and gives her a playful shove, but Bella is still glowering. “It won’t be long, Bella, and you’ll be free of this hiding place.” “I know. I just like having someone here with me. It’s not fair. Stupid Hardy.” She kicks the chair. Aster reaches for Bella, touches her arm. “I’ll stay.” “No, don’t do me any favours.” “I’m not. You’re grumpy and ungrateful and I’m only staying because I’m too nice. And I’m a healer, and if you keep being miserable, you might never get better.” Elsie laughs. “Stop bickering. Aster, you’re welcome to come – you don’t have to pander to grumpy pants. Bella – you only have one more night to wait and then Hardy will be locked up and you’ll be free.” “Why wait?” “Why wait for what?” “Why wait until tomorrow to lock him up? You’ve got an army. Why not do it now? Then we can all celebrate.” Elsie hesitates for only a second. Tom sending an army at the exact time she needs it, is a miracle she can’t ignore. “You’re right. Why wait?”

“There’s no good reason to wait. The dungeon is empty and nice and clean. Waiting for a new prisoner.” Elsie laughs. “I feel sick, but you’re right. I’m going to get Finneas and a few dozen of his men. There’s nothing Hardy will be able to do. Bella, you need to come with us. Then if anybody tries to stop me, I have you there.” “You still don’t have the fealty of the Kingdom, Elsie. Is this reckless?” Aster looks nervous. “I think it’s the right thing to do. Finneas turning up here with an army has to be a sign. And if people want to take Hardy’s side, they can. I have back up now. I have an army. And I’ll have all of you by my side. Is it time, Gwenna?” Gwenna nods. “I’m scared too, Aster. But we’re on the right side here. Whatever people think of him, Bella is living proof of what he’s done and what he’s capable of. We can’t let him get away with it any longer.” “But the fairies...” Aster is close to tears. “If the fairies want to take Hardy’s side, they won’t be able to. He’ll be in the dungeon. If they don’t want to believe Bella they won’t have to, but if they try to up rise, if they try to fight against Elsie, then she’ll have an army at her side. It’s what we were missing.” “I’m ready.” Elsie straightens her crown. Gwenna stands beside her. Bella s them. Aster hesitates. “I’d like to stay with Alyce, if I can. I don’t think you need me.” “We don’t. As long as you’re all right by yourself.” “I’ll be fine.” She hugs Bella and kisses her cheek. “You’re still not fully better. You can’t fight. You can’t exert yourself.” “I won’t. I’ll be calm.”

“Let’s go to Finneas.” “Where are they?” “In the field, setting up their tents.” “Is this madness?” “I don’t think so.” “Wait!” Aster brings them each a small pink vial full of clear liquid. “This is something I’ve been working on. It’s a protective spell. In liquid form. It should help to keep you safe.” “A protective spell?” Aster nods. “I brought a bunch of Alyce’s stuff over – her spell books and a load of ingredients. It’s a simple spell, if you know what to do.” “You have magic in you?” Bella looks fascinated. “A little. Bronwen always says it’s why I’m such an excellent healer. Because I have a little bit of help.” “Alyce must have a lot; she has hundreds of potions and different spells.” “I still can’t figure out who cursed her.” “We’ll probably never know. And it doesn’t really matter. I’m fixing her. And learning from her.” Aster looks excited. “Imagine how much she’ll be able to teach me when she’s better.” They all open the little vials and drink down their potions. “Be safe,” Aster says, closing her eyes. Elsie feels the liquid, cold as ice, travel through her body, making her tingle. “This feels strange.” “It will help. Go.”

Gwenna locks the door behind them and Elsie, Gwenna and Bella make their way through the castle. Norah s them. “I’m ready for the feast.” “You’ll have to wait. We’re going to arrest Hardy and lock him up for what he did to Meg and what he tried to do to Bella.” Norah looks surprised but recovers quickly. “Awesome. Let’s go!” The four of them fly through the corridors, away from the great hall and toward the back of the castle. The fewer people they encounter, the better. They need to get Finneas and fill him in on the situation, and they need to find Hardy before he escapes or makes Elsie look like she’s crazy. And Elsie cannot wait to see the look on his face when he sees Bella properly. Her ‘ghost’ frightened the life out of him. This will tip him right over the edge, right before they lock him up in the dingy and dank dungeon. The next time he sees daylight will be the day she orders his death. And then Bella will enjoy the ultimate revenge. Elsie shivers. This is turning into the best day of her life.

13

Luck is on their side ; they make it to the field and don’t run into anybody on the way. The soldiers are setting up their tents already, feeding their horses and themselves; it’s easy to see the military precision they work with. There are so many men that Elsie cannot see Finneas. She asks the first soldier she reaches if he can find him for her. In less than a minute, Finneas is by her side. He bows and Bella nudges Elsie with her elbow. Elsie ignores her. Finneas stands straight and serious. “Do you need me, queen?” “I do. I have a man, and I need him arrested.” Finneas nods. “Done.” He turns and whistles, and an older man flies quickly to his side. Finneas gives him orders and then turns to Elsie. “Anything I need to know?” “Yes, he murdered-” Finneas holds his hand up. “Forgive me. I don’t mean to be rude, but I don’t need your reasons. You need not justify yourself to me. I’m yours to command. Is there anything I need to know about this man? Will he fight dirty? Will he have a weapon?” Elsie feels stupid and she can feel the heat creeping up her neck to her face. “Of course. Yes – he’ll have a weapon. He was here when I first met you earlier.

I don’t know if you him.” “I only noticed you, queen.” Elsie feels her blush spread. “All right, well, um, yes; he’ll have a sword and he might fight back. He won’t be expecting this at all. He might try to sweet talk his way out of it, or he might try to fight. He is beloved in the Kingdom, so he might call for help. I’m not sure what would happen then.” “Your army will step in. Do you have a jail?” “We have a dungeon and it’s locked so he won’t be able to escape. It’s full of metal cages.” Finneas nods. “Give me three minutes.” Everything he says and the way he moves is so controlled and so precise. Bella nudges Elsie again. “This is awesome. This is the kind of army I want to be a part of. A proper army – not Hardy’s bunch of ragamuffins.” Elsie laughs and then clears her throat when Finneas comes back and stands in front of her. “Take us to him.” Elsie leads the way away from the field and toward the castle. Finneas has twelve men flying behind him, in perfect formation, perfectly synchronised. She doesn’t actually know where Hardy is. She’s guessing the stables, maybe the great hall or the kitchen, but she’s not sure. “I’m not sure where he is...” She trails off, feeling a bit ridiculous. What sort of queen rallies an army to arrest a man when she doesn’t even know where he is? She shoots an awkward look at Bella, who shrugs. They didn’t think to find him

first. “I know where he is,” Norah says, coming to Elsie’s side. “When I came to you, he was in the great hall. He said he’d be there a while.” Elsie hugs her and changes direction, calling for Finneas to follow her. Without missing a beat, the soldiers pivot and fall behind Finneas. They are causing quite the commotion and more and more fairies are following them, trailing behind them and alongside them, furious whispers wondering what’s going on. A few of them spot Bella and seem confused. Elsie feels sick and excited in equal measure. She’s sure none of them can guess what they are actually getting ready to do. She hopes it goes smoothly. She pushes open the doors to the great hall harder than she thought, and she jumps when they bang against the wall. Everybody looks up and they all pause. She can see Hardy and Malachi, the musicians and a few other fairies she recognises from the caves. Hardy walks toward her, his expression curious. “What’s going on?” Then he spots Bella. Elsie can see the colour drain from his face, his eyes turn from amused to panicked, his expression from calm if confused to afraid. Elsie can tell he wants to fly away, but the door is blocked. She looks at Finneas. “This is him.” Finneas whistles and four of his men fly forward and overpower Hardy. They have him gagged and bound in seconds. Elsie can’t help but be impressed, but also a little underwhelmed. It was too easy. “What’s going on?” Malachi walks towards her with his hands up, placatory. He does a double take when he sees Bella and shakes his head. He actually rubs his eyes.

“Bella?” Bella nods. “Good to see you, Mal. Good to see you, Hardy.” She emphasises his name and he winces. He cannot answer her, but Elsie can see his eyes are tortured. “Why have these men got Hardy? Elsie?” “Malachi, I’m sorry, but Hardy killed Bella.” Malachi laughs and gestures at Bella. “How could he have killed her? She’s right here.” Bella lifts her top up, just enough to save her dignity, but show off the wounds where Hardy stabbed her. She raises her voice so all the curious fairies can hear her. “Hardy tried to kill me. He thought he had killed me. He stabbed me and left me for dead. Elsie found me. Aster – from the troupe – healed me.” Hardy is shaking his head, struggling desperately, but the soldiers hold on to him even harder. He whimpers. “Really? Hardy?” Malachi turns to his cousin, even though he can’t reply. “He killed me because I’d found out something about him. I found out he killed Meg. Elsie’s Meg.” “The clippers killed her. This is a lie,” someone yells from the crowd. Elsie shouts out, fury filling her. “Hardy killed Meg. I was there when he tried to kill Bella. I heard him tell her he killed Meg. This man is a murderer.” The crowd is quiet, muttering among themselves, but nobody is sticking up for Hardy, nobody is voicing a concern or a protest. “My army will lock him up and he will face a trial. I believe he is guilty of one murder, and guilty of an attempted murder.” Elsie takes Bella’s hand. “I know you all love this man, but none of you can justify this. None of you can condone

it. And none of you can forgive it.” “Hardy!” Maud bustles into the room, face red, chest heaving and then drops to the floor in front of him. She spins around to confront Elsie. “What is this? After all he’s done for you and for this Kingdom, you just tie him up like a dog. Unhand him.” She screams the final two words at the soldiers and they don’t even blink. Elsie steps towards her, but Maud holds up a hand. “Queen or not, don’t come any closer to me.” Finneas goes to grab her, but Elsie shakes her head. “How could you?” She is crying now, trying to pull the soldiers away from Hardy. “Maud!” Maud turns to Elsie, but her expression is defiant. “What?” “I heard him tell Bella that he killed Meg. I watched him stab Bella. If I hadn’t taken her to Aster, she’d be dead. Hardy did this.” “No!” “Look.” Bella pulls her top up again, but Maud refuses to look. She’s staring instead at Hardy, pleading with the soldiers to free him. Elsie pulls on her sleeve and Maud shakes her off, lifting her arm and catching Elsie in the face. Finneas whistles and two guards grab hold of Maud, pulling her arms behind her. “Let her go.”

The soldiers do as she tells them immediately, without hesitation. “Maud. I know you don’t want to hear this, of course you don’t. But you need to look at Bella and you need to listen to her.” “She’s bitter because he dumped her. And you’re bitter because everyone in the Kingdom loves him so much. They’d take him over you any day of the week, and you’re just jealous.” Elsie takes Maud’s hand and stands her in front of Bella. “Look.” Maud looks at Bella’s wounds and then at Elsie, and then at Hardy. “I don’t believe you. My boy would never do this. She probably did it to herself.” “Maud. I don’t want to lock you up with him.” “Well, you’ll have to.” Maud spits on the floor and Elsie nods at Finneas. Despite her struggling and swearing and kicking, they quickly gag and bind Maud, and then Elsie takes them to the dungeon. Nobody stops them, but Elsie can see that many of the fairies seem unsure and confused and fearful even. She knows she had to do it; Hardy didn’t deserve to be free. But now she’s scared. Some fairies seem openly hostile as she es them, and she can feel a real rumble of anger in the crowd. “Bella, get me Malachi.” Bella nods and flies back to the great hall. Elsie speaks to the crowd that has followed them to the dungeon, while Finneas and his men take Hardy and Maud inside.

“I know you all know Hardy better than you know me. And I couldn’t have done what I did, stopping my step parents, without his help. But I am telling you the truth. He killed Bella. He wanted to stop her telling me the truth about Meg. Meg was the kindest person I know. A lot of you knew Meg. He itted to Bella that he had her killed, right before he stabbed Bella and left her for dead. I can imagine you don’t want to believe it, and I can imagine that it feels unreal, but look at me.” She holds up her hands. “I’m your queen, anyway. I’m the true heir to the throne of Allaire. What reason would I have to lie to you? Why would I say Hardy had done something so terrible if he hadn’t?” Nobody answers, and she closes her eyes for a second. She can only hope she’s winning them over; she doesn’t want a mutiny on her hands. “I know Bella can be awkward and snarky, and maybe you’d think she had a good reason to lie about Hardy because they weren’t together anymore.” Bella flies back to Elsie’s side, with Malachi, who looks miserable. “Bella show them again.” Bella dutifully lifts her top again. “Look at her, really look. Don’t look with the eyes of someone who thinks Hardy is their only hope, or re playing with him as a child, or is half in love with him.” A few of the female fairies have the grace to blush and look away. “But really look. Look at her like a stranger would look and think about who did this to her. Bella didn’t do this. Bella has no reason to lie, and neither do I. I am the rightful queen of Allaire and I would be even without Hardy. I’m the rightful queen, even if you don’t like me. But I would never pretend that somebody had done this if they hadn’t. What would be the point?” Nobody can answer her and she hopes it’s because they recognise what she’s saying as the truth and not that they are secretly plotting on how they can get Hardy and his mother out of the dungeon. The crowd disperses, still muttering and still not completely content, and Elsie sits on the steps. Malachi sits next to her.

“I think you should let Maud out, She’s not a young woman.” “I think you’re right. I think she’ll go mad though.” “She might.” He shrugs. “She will, but you can’t leave her in there. It’s not right.” “What about Hardy?” Malachi closes his eyes, and Elsie gives him a moment. “I love my cousin. I have always loved him. He’s family. And I know his flaws. I didn’t know his crimes, but I know what he’s capable of.” “So you’re not surprised?” Malachi sighs and shrugs. “I’m not surprised. I hate to say it, but I’m not. He’s a great man with a brilliant mind, but...” “But?” “It was never enough for him. He wanted everything. He had to win every fight. He had to kill every clipper. Every idea had to be his. Do you know the plans of the castle you saw in the war room?” Elsie nods. She re being impressed with them. “It took me forever to draw them. We had spies in the castle and they would bring me back descriptions of each area, each room, where the doors were, where the windows were, how big they were in relation to other things. The fireplaces, the corridors, some secret rooms, though I’m sure not all of them.” Elsie puts a finger to her lips. She won’t tell him he’s right. She likes him. He has a very different energy to his cousin. “I laboured over those plans. And Hardy took all the credit. He wouldn’t come out and say he drew them, but he never corrected people when they assumed he had drawn them.”

“I’m sorry.” Elsie doesn’t know what else to say. Malachi shrugs and stretches. “I made my peace with it a long time ago. It might be cold in his shadow, but it was never lonely, you know. I rode on his coattails, I suppose, and I’d rather have been beside him than anywhere else.” Elsie can feel the sadness he’s feeling, but maybe something else. Relief? “So with all the love you have for him, why aren’t you defending him or asking me to release him?” “Because he doesn’t deserve it. I know he did what you say he did. And however good you are, however much good stuff you do – and he’s done so much for this Kingdom – that doesn’t give you a free . He doesn’t get to kill people. That’s not all right.” “And you’ll help me?” He looks at her, eyebrows raised. “Malachi, I need you to help me. If the fairies can see you, not so much taking my side, but not going against my decision here, then it will help. I don’t want a mutiny or an uprising or a rebellion. I want to rule in peace. I want to mend the things my step parents broke. I can’t do that if I’m worried about Hardy and his followers trying to thwart me.” “I can speak up. I know he did it; I could see it in his eyes when you confronted him. He’s never been called out before for anything. We have never held him able, and he’s never had to answer to anybody but himself. I guess that’s too much power.” “I guess. I feel sad though. I was falling in love with him.” Elsie hears Bella snort from behind them and turns to her. “Bella, you know it’s true; it’s why you hated me so much. And you were under

his spell once, you’re in no position to judge.” “I’m not judging, not really. Thanks Malachi. It’s good to have you on our side.” Malachi stands up and nods at them all. “What about Maud?” “I’ll give her a little time to cool off,” Elsie says. “And then I’ll have her brought to the throne room. She’s welcome to leave the castle and go home, but she’s not welcome to make trouble.” “I’m not sure how you’ll stop her,” Malachi says. “He’s the apple of her eye. He’s everything to her.” “He’s also a murdering git,” Bella says, making Malachi laugh. “That too.” He flies off, shoulders hunched, and Elsie feels her heart go out to him. He seems so decent and good. The opposite of Hardy in every way. “Now what?” Gwenna asks. “Now we go to the feast. It might be more subdued than we were planning, but what else can we do. We’ve got what we wanted.” Finneas whistles and several soldiers fly over to him, faces serious, backs straight. “My men will guard them until you tell them otherwise.” “Thank you.” Finneas salutes and flies away. Elsie, Gwenna, Bella and Norah fly back to Elsie’s room to fetch Aster. There’s no need for any of them to stay hidden away now, and if they are all together, it’s more likely they’ll be safe. Aster is pacing the floor inside Elsie’s room. They can all see her relief when she sees them. She sinks into the chair.

“Thank goodness. All all right?” Elsie nods. “Hardy and his mother are locked in the dungeon.” “Maud too?” “Yes, she flipped out a bit. She won’t be in there for long; I’ll let her go home. She needed to cool down though.” “She did,” Gwenna agrees, taking a seat. “So?” Aster looks at them all expectantly. Bella sits down opposite her. “It was a bit rubbish, really. Elsie’s army is so efficient. We walked in the hall. She pointed him out and boom, bound and gagged and out of the way.” “Really?” “Yes. It was so easy for them. We couldn’t have done it as well in a million years. But it was an anticlimax. I was hoping for a little bit of bloodshed.” “Really?” Bella shrugs. “I’m only telling the truth.” “She’s right,” Elsie says, sitting down and putting her crown on the table, rubbing at her head. “It was easy. Too easy, really.” Gwenna laughs. “Not everything is supposed to be difficult. Hardy is an evil man. Now he’s locked up in the dungeon.” “Let’s celebrate,” Bella says. Elsie nods but feels unsure. It’s what she wanted to happen and what had to happen, but she feels weird. Maybe she’s just used to nothing going her way. Maybe things will be easy from now on. “You’re all right. And Aster, you get to us in the great hall.”

“And me.” Bella jumps up. “And you.” “All of us. Together.”

14

There’s a loud moan and crash from the secret room and they all rush in. “Alyce!” Alyce is on the floor, several of Aster’s potions and ingredients on the floor with her; glass and liquid everywhere, and just one heck of a mess. “She must have woken up properly and tried to stand. I didn’t even think.” Aster is crying as she tries to scoop Alyce off the floor. She’s still so tiny and so frail. “Norah help me.” Norah looks horrified but does as Aster asks her, because Gwenna gives her a little push. They place her on the bed, but she won’t lay still. She’s babbling and dribbling. Norah ducks behind Gwenna. Elsie and Bella pick up what they can from the floor, being careful not to cut themselves. Aster perches next to Alyce, holding her in her arms, as much to comfort her as to stop her falling again. “Help me,” Gwenna says to Norah. They grab a load of extra pillows and blankets and make up a bed on the floor for her. Aster carries her over by herself and sits her on the bed. Alyce is crying, but her eyes are open, and she’s obviously able to move. Despite the fright of her falling, these are good signs.

“Has she done any damage to herself?” Aster shrugs, still looking sad, and checks her over. She moves her arms and legs and feels around to see if there are any injuries or sore points. “I think she’s all right.” “She’s lucky. But we can’t leave her.” “I can give her something to help her sleep,” Aster says. “If it’s not all over the floor.” She roots around the bottles still on the table and finds what she’s looking for. “I’ll meet you in the hall,” Norah says, edging towards the door. “We won’t be long,” Bella says. Alyce sits up and points at Norah, her face breaking into a beautiful smile. She looks so much like her old self that Elsie gasps. This woman who seems so far from human looked after her throughout her childhood. If she or Isla had a cut or a scrape, they were sent to see Alyce. If they found some poisonous leaves and broke out in a rash, they were sent to see Alyce. If they had a fever or a bad head or the pox, Alyce looked after them. “Alyce?” Elsie goes to her side, hoping she might recognise her, but her watery eyes are fixed on Norah. “Betsie. Little Betsie.” Norah tries to smile and shrugs. “She thinks you’re someone else,” Aster says. “Don’t be frightened.” Norah looks frightened, and Aster takes pity on her. “Go, we’ll look after her.” “Betsie!” Alyce calls after her, but Norah is gone. “Little Betsie.” She’s sobbing now, and Aster hugs her again. “I wonder who Betsie is.” “No idea, but I’m so glad she’s feeling better. Well done, Aster.”

Aster beams and blushes and gives Alyce the tonic, which will help her sleep. “Do you think she’ll be all right?” Aster asks, looking at her charge with worry in her expression. “She will. We’ll give her a minute for it to work.” “I think I should let Maud out before the feast.” Bella laughs. “She will not cook for you now. You’ll need someone new to make magic in the kitchen instead.” “I’m not bothered by that and you know it. The dungeon is no place for her.” “You’re right. It’s cruel to lock someone up with Hardy.” Aster shoves Bella. “Always with the jokes. I think it’s the right thing to do, Elsie. She won’t take your side; you already know that.” “You shouldn’t go alone, just in case she tries to knock you out with her rolling pin.” Bella puts her hands up at Aster’s expression. “That’s not even a joke – she could do actual damage with one.” “Bella will you come? I know you’re still not a hundred percent, but maybe she’ll listen to you. She’s known you a long time.” “And never liked me. But yes, I reckon I can ward off a rolling pin if I need to.” They fly quickly to the dungeon. Elsie isn’t looking forward to this and wants to get it over with. She has already seen how angry Maud can be, but she’s hoping she’ll have calmed down by now. “Stay here.” Bella makes a face but sits on the wall, and the soldiers let Elsie into the dungeon. She takes a lantern off the wall and looks around. Hardy is in one cage, still gagged and bound, though he tries to move when he sees her and falls over. She refuses to look at him, though she can still hear him shuffling and banging. She sits on the floor right in front of Maud’s cage. They

have given her a chair so she would be more comfortable, and she’s perched on it, a miserable look on her face. “I can’t believe you locked me up,” she says to Elsie without looking at her. “You gave me no choice.” “There’s always a choice. Always.” Elsie takes a breath and clears her throat, but Maud talks before she can. “There’s always a choice, Elsie. When my husband died, I knew what had happened.” She turns to look at her now. “I know what Hardy did. But I loved him, anyway. I looked forward and not back. I loved him instead of blaming him.” “And that’s good. You’re his mother, you should love him.” Maud scoffs. “I know he did what you say he did.” “You do? You were pretty adamant earlier that I was lying, and Bella was lying.” “What else could I say? In front of all those people. I had to defend him. But I know better than anyone what he’s about. Mothers always know. Even if we don’t want to it it. We know our children better than anyone. Don’t we watch them grow? Don’t we love and nurture them, usually at our own expense? I know Hardy.” Elsie stays quiet. She is glad Maud isn’t angry anymore; she seems resigned. “And so you think I’ve done the right thing?” Maud nods and looks her right in the eye. “Queen, you did the only thing. Now let me out, don’t I have a feast to finish off.” “Oh no, I don’t expect you to stay here, I don’t expect you to-”

“Didn’t I tell you this is the happiest I have ever been? That kitchen is mine. Now you might have to lock my boy up, and I will ask you to spare his life, if not his freedom, but I won’t let you take that kitchen off me.” Elsie laughs and shakes her head. This isn’t how she was expecting this conversation to go. She assumed Maud would rally with anger and fury and have to be escorted away from the castle, never to return. “You can let me out. I don’t have my rolling pin to hit you with, and even if I did, I wouldn’t. I’m done with him.” “Really?” Maud nods, crying but not wiping her tears away. “I forgave him once for murder; I can’t do it again.” Elsie calls for the soldiers, and one of them unlocks the door. Maud steps hesitantly out and Elsie opens her arms out and hugs her. Neither of them looks at Hardy. They go their separate ways; Maud to the kitchen and Elsie to gather her friends. “Give me an hour,” Maud says. “I’ve got some catching up to do.” Elsie laughs and flies back to her room full of peace. Maybe her reign will go a little smoother now. Bella raises her eyebrows but says nothing and they fly quickly back to Elsie’s room to tell the others. She shuts the door behind her and they both take a seat. “You won’t believe what just happened with Maud.” It’s only after she speaks that she takes in the scene before her. Finneas is standing there with two of his soldiers. Each of the soldiers is holding one man. And each of those men, she recognises.

She looks at Gwenna; she knows immediately that Gwenna knows who they are. She looks distraught but also more hostile than she’s ever seen her look. She doesn’t even look at Hardy like that. Aster just looks nervous, she’s wringing her hands and frowning. There’s no sign of Norah. Finneas has captured the clippers who killed Meg. Looking at them, their dirty faces and muscular bodies brings it all back to her. The argument with Meg. The tragic end to the night. “We caught these men trying to flee the castle,” Finneas says, bowing to Elsie. “It seemed suspicious. Most fairies are fleeing here now, not the other way around. Allaire has never been so safe. We grabbed them and interrogated them, nicely. Quickly they spilled the truth. I’m sorry, queen.” Elsie smiles at him and reaches for Gwenna’s hand. She lost her best friend and the only person who had cared for her in years, but Gwenna lost her sister. That has to be worse. Unlike her relationship with Isla, which was non existent at the time of her death, Meg and Gwenna were always close. Best friends and sisters. She looks at Gwenna’s slowly blooming belly; another reason to hate Hardy and these men. Meg died before Gwenna could even tell her about her wonderful news. The child will grow up, not just without their aunt, but without the love and wisdom she would have given them; she would have enriched their life beyond measure, but the two men before her stole that possibility. Meg never got to love or live with her freedom. They stole all the things that make a long and happy life from her. Elsie is seething with anger. She wonders what Meg’s life cost Hardy. “I don’t even have to ask you if you were the men who attacked and killed Meg. I your faces better than I what my own parents look like. Your faces fill my nightmares.” The two men look at the floor. Neither of them looks as smug as they did that night, and for that Elsie is grateful. Her fury would reach uncontrollable levels if she saw that same smugness today, the despicable gloating. She squeezes Gwenna’s hand.

Gwenna nods. “They die. I don’t even want to see it.” “I do!” Bella says, reaching for her ever-present dagger. “I’ll do it.” “No need,” Finneas says and Bella slumps back into her seat. “I need to know,” Gwenna says staring coldly at them, “what did Hardy say to you about my sister.” The two men still don’t look up. Finneas clips them both under the chin, forcing them to look up. “Look at the lady when she’s talking to you.” They look up, reluctantly. Elsie isn’t sure if she can see remorse in their expressions; does it even matter if she can? Can you do terrible things and be forgiven if you’re sorry? Or should you have the moral com to know what’s wrong and not do it in the first place? No amount of remorse or regret can bring Meg back, and no amount of apologies can make her devastating death less devastating. That only one of them did the deed itself is neither here nor there to her. These two men are guilty of so much more than murder. They are guilty of ending an innocent life. Life without Meg is something Elsie never thought she’d have to endure, and seeing them again is making her feel ill. Gwenna straightens up and stares at the two men. They want to look away, but every time their attention wanders, Finneas raises a hand to hit them, and they glance back at Gwenna. “Did Hardy tell you she deserved to die? Did he say she was a bad person? Or did you know she was honest and good and kind when you killed her?” Neither speak and Finneas hits them both on the back of their heads this time. “Answer the lady. Did you think Meg was a good person, did you know that when you killed her?” One of them answers, his voice nothing more than a mumble.

“Speak up!” Finneas yells at him. “We knew she was a good person. Hardy said so.” “What did he say? Tell me what your exact instructions were. How did you know which one to kill?” “Gwenna.” Elsie pulls on her sleeve. She’s not sure they need this information; it feels like picking at a scab. It already hurts that Meg is dead. They need not know the exact details. “No,” Gwenna says. “It haunts me. I need to know.” Elsie sits back; she can’t argue; it’s not her place. “Tell me what Hardy said to you.” The same man answers. “He told us he had a job for us. Something easy. A way to make money.” Gwenna takes a sharp breath. Elsie knew they’d have been paid something; it stands to reason. Few people would kill for the pleasure of it; there had to be a reward for them. “Go on.” “He told us he needed someone killed. He told us we had to dress as clippers. He brought us the uniform.” “From his spy in the castle,” Bella says, her fists clenched. Just a word from Finneas and she’d attack, Elsie can tell. Maybe not even a word, just a nod would do it. Aster puts her hand on Bella’s back. “He told us where to be and at what time. He said he’d make sure she was out in the street. We didn’t wait long.” “And then you killed her?” The two men look at the floor again.

Finneas nods at Elsie. “Shall I take them away and kill them?” Elsie nods, but looks to Gwenna to check she’s happy for them to go. Gwenna is crying, and Elsie rubs her back, smoothing her hair. “Take them away.” “Wait!” Gwenna stands in front of the two men and slaps each of them across the face. They don’t make a sound. “There isn’t a punishment suitable for the two of you. Meg was innocent. Meg sacrificed her life for Elsie’s safety. Meg-” She breaks into sobs and Elsie sits her down, nodding to Finneas to take them away and kill them. Bella is itching to follow them, Elsie can tell, but Aster keeps a hand on her back. “I thought I’d feel better,” Gwenna says, rubbing her eyes raw. “I wanted to hurt them so much and I thought I’d feel better.” “You don’t?” “I feel worse. I feel sick. I feel like I’ll never be happy again. Then I feel worried about my baby. Aster, can I hurt my baby by thinking so many sad thoughts?” Aster quickly shakes her head. “Your baby is fine, Gwenna. And nothing can make you feel better about Meg; only time, maybe. Those men don’t deserve your attention. They were Hardy’s puppets.” “We will feel happy again,” Bella says, scowling. “Even if it’s just to annoy Hardy.” They can’t help but laugh at that, and the mood lightens a little bit.

“I’ll check on Alyce and I’ll get you a potion, Gwenna. It should help.” “Can I stay here?” Gwenna asks. “I don’t want to face everybody.” “You can, of course,” Elsie says. “But you shouldn’t,” Bella adds. Gwenna looks at her. “Gwenna, nothing can undo what’s done. But Hardy shouldn’t get to win. He chose to kill Meg – in fact he paid somebody else to do it because he was too much of a coward to do it himself – to hurt Elsie, to isolate her so he could manipulate her. He doesn’t get to win. If you stay here because you’re sad, and I know why you’re sad, it makes sense that you’re sad, but then Hardy wins. Don’t give him any pleasure in what he’s done. Stay with us. We can be strong together. We can do anything together.” “She’s right, Gwenna. Don’t stay by yourself and be sad. At least if you’re sad in the great hall, you’re sad with us.” “Come on, Gwenna.” Gwenna is still crying, but nods, and takes the drink Aster offers her. “Let’s go to the hall together and eat together and listen to some lovely music together. We’ll never forget Meg, but we won’t let Hardy win.” They are a sombre bunch as they fly to the great hall. They a few fairies who are smiling and laughing, and it’s a stark reminder that life goes on. The world keeps turning. And we can feel happy, even after grief; sometimes even while we grieve. The world is full of contradictions and nothing is set in stone. Elsie looks at Bella. Who would have guessed that they might be friends, on the same side as each other? She looks at Gwenna. She never thought Gwenna would leave the troupe to take over from Meg. Aster is turning from a shy and bashful healer into a powerful witch before their very eyes. Life changes. And thank goodness it does because when it’s hard it’s so hard that you can imagine you’ll never get through the day. And when it’s sad, it’s so sad

you can feel sure you’ll never laugh again. And if you’re broken hearted, you’re sure you’ll hurt forever. Life changes and people change, and circumstances change. Elsie walks into the great hall feeling like maybe it will all be all right. Maybe with Gwenna beside her and Bella beside her and Aster beside her and Norah beside her and Finneas and his army beside her and even Maud accepting the way things are and what’s happened with Hardy, maybe she can stop worrying. Maybe everything is going to work out and she can relax and enjoy being queen.

15

The great hall is full , and the atmosphere is light. Nobody seems hostile, and already the food and drink are flowing. Maud comes over and curtseys to Elsie before serving her and her table. Elsie can see the fairies watch with interest how Maud reacts to her, and then a further lightening of the mood when they can see Hardy’s mother is clearly accepting of the situation. “I’ve made extra rolls,” Maud says, putting the platter in front of Elsie. “And can I ask once again, with huge respect, will you spare my son’s life?” Elsie knows the answer is no, but she doesn’t want to antagonise Maud; not when things are going so well. “I know you love him, Maud, and I promise I’ll think about it.” Bella coughs, and Elsie shoots her a warning glare. Maud nods and bows her head and bustles back to the kitchen. “Bella!” “What – I had to cough.” “You didn’t. I don’t need you spluttering beside me. I will not let Hardy live, of course I’m won’t. He doesn’t deserve it and I’m not that stupid, but I need to be careful.” “Why?” “I don’t want to upset Maud – for the other fairies to see that she’s all right with me will go a long way in convincing them they can be all right with me, but also I don’t want him to become a martyr.”

“I never thought of that,” Aster says. “It doesn’t hurt to tread lightly, Bella, especially now we have Finneas and his army to back up any decisions Elsie makes.” Bella shoves some food in her mouth, so she doesn’t have to answer and back down. Gwenna pats Elsie’s hand. “You did the right thing. You always do.” Elsie smiles and tucks into her food. “I always try to think what Meg would do.” “Really?” “Yes. And when we were on the ship, pirates attacked us-” “No!” This from Bella, who looks half horrified and half impressed. Elsie laughs. “Yes. The most famous pirate of all attacked us.” “No way. You’re so lucky.” Bella looks thrilled at the idea. “Lucky?” Aster looks confused, as does Gwenna. Elsie laughs. “Turns out we were lucky. Her brother worked on our ship – which she didn’t know – and when she saw him, she untied me and Meg and then helped us find safe age through the West woods to the troupe.” “You’re joking. She had you tied up?” “Who?” “Dayle.”

“No!” Gwenna knows the name, but Aster still looks confused. “Who is Dayle?” “The most murderous and powerful and fabulous pirate there ever was,” Bella says. “I can’t believe she attacked your ship, and you lived to tell the tale.” She turns to Aster. “Dayle is from Allaire and she left when she was young – I think her father was cruel – and she took to the seas. Well, she took over the seas. She’s a legend.” “Have you met her?” Aster looks unconvinced that Dayle is a good thing. “I wish.” Bella pops a piece of meat into her mouth, a sad look of regret on her face. “You wish you’d met a murderous pirate?” Aster is clearly confused. “She’s not as murderous as she likes to make out,” Elsie says. “She’s not?” Bella looks horrified. “Don’t break Bella’s heart, Elsie.” Elsie laughs. “Bella, she’s very murderous.” Bella grins. “But she’s also brave and gorgeous and confident. So, Gwenna, as well as asking myself what Meg would do, if I need to feel unstoppable, I also ask what would Dayle do.” “Wow. Maybe one day kids will ask, what would Bella do?” Aster chokes on her drink, and Elsie laughs, patting her back. Bella shoves Aster with her elbow. “They might ask that.”

“They might, they really might,” Aster laughs and takes another drink. They are enjoying themselves and so are the other fairies. “May we play?” The leader of the band of musicians asks Elsie, bowing to her. “Please. That would be lovely.” “I still can’t believe you met Dayle.” Bella’s expression is full of wonder. “I still can’t believe you aspire to be a murderous pirate,” Aster says. “It’s all right for you,” Bella says. “Look how good you are at healing and magic and potions. People will you. Nobody will me when I die. If Hardy had killed me, who would have cared.” “I would.” “Me too.” “Don’t say that Bella.” “Hey, sorry I’m late. What did I miss?” Norah s them on the top table, up on the dais. She looks a little bit flushed. “Are you all right?” “I was flying and lost track of time, so I rushed back. Food looks lovely.” Norah fills her plate. “Did I miss anything? How was Maud?” “Maud was fine. She accepts that Hardy was in the wrong and she doesn’t want to leave.” Norah looks surprised. “You thought she would leave?” “Yes, definitely.” She smears butter over her bread. “But it’s good that she’s all

right with it. I mean, he is her only son, but-” “But what? You think she’s pretending to be all right?” Bella is immediately suspicious. “You think she’s planning something?” Norah shrugs. “I just think it’s strange. Even if he did terrible things; he’s still her son.” “Even if. He did!” “I know. That’s what I meant. But I would want my mother to stand by me, I suppose.” Elsie frowns. “I suppose.” Bella grabs a piece of meat. “I’m glad she’s happy to stay. Nobody cooks like this woman.” They all laugh, but Elsie feels unsettled. Is Maud only pretending that she’s happy with the situation? Is she planning a coup? She looks at Norah, eating her food and chatting happily away. She’s a fabulous fighter, and she’s fierce and capable and kind, but she’s young, younger than Elsie, and Elsie is going to assume she’s overreacting here and reading something into Maud’s behaviour that isn’t there. Parents should love their children unconditionally, but nobody would expect Maud to stand by Hardy when there’s so much proof about what he did. She takes a few deep breaths and looks around the room at her subjects – will that ever feel normal to her? It’s all right. Some are eating, some are chatting, some are laughing. There seem to be a few more serious conversations going on, but she can’t always assume it’s trouble in the making. She’ll end up making herself ill if she sees the bad in every situation. Her people are content. The ale is flowing and Maud is bringing in a seemingly never ending supply of food – meat, bread, pies and so many cakes. The musicians are playing, not too loud, and everything is good. She can see

Finneas at the door and several of his men spaced out both inside and out through the window. She feels safe. Apart from Norah giving her a little wobble, she feels safe. She feels like a queen; like she has everything under control. It’s a pleasant feeling. She watches Maud laugh and joke with a table full of fairies and feels sad. She’s a bit brash and a bit loud, but she’s sure she has a kind heart. She happily took her and Meg in when Hardy brought them to her house. She was a perfect hostess. Maybe some of her views are old fashioned – like assuming girls can’t fight and thinking Elsie would be happy to be a figurehead while letting the grownups rule on her behalf, but she’s a good woman. It’ll be hard to tell her that Hardy will have to die. But she’ll do it gently and kindly. She cannot keep him locked up. The temptation will always be there for someone who doesn’t like her but does like him, to let him out and usurp her. She can’t allow that to happen and she doesn’t want to live with the risk of it and the fear of it hanging over her head. He will die. But he can die quietly. She won’t make a big announcement. There isn’t the need. She might not even bother seeing him again; she might just give Finneas the order. But for tonight, she needs to forget about him. He might think she’ll keep him alive. She loved him, even if it was only for a short while. He might think she’s too sentimental or too young or too incapable of ruling properly. Let him think it. Let him have a good night’s sleep dreaming of her leniency. She won’t think of him again until the morning, and then she will tell Maud and Finneas of her decision. Poor Maud. She catches Elsie watching her and waves. Elsie lifts her hand in greeting, knowing the other fairies will see it It’s a good thing. She only hopes that Maud’s acceptance of her and her ruling

continues when she knows that Hardy will die. “All right?” Gwenna nudges Elsie. “Yes. Just thinking.” “Brooding?” “A little. I’m all right now.” “Good. I think it’ll be all right. It seems like it will be.” “I think so too.” And it seems that way. The music is still playing, and fairies are dancing, pulling their friends up to dance with them, having a great time. There’s plenty of food, but Maud’s kitchen helpers clear and clean it away and pile it all on just one table. Bella reaches over to touch Elsie’s arm. “It’s pretty incredible to see, right?” Elsie nods. “I suppose.” “You suppose? Just days ago, this place was a death trap to any fairy who ventured here. In truth, nobody would. There isn’t a fairy in Allaire who would have been foolish enough to come here. And now look.” They all look, and Elsie’s eyes fill with tears. It’s an amazing thing that they’ve done. It’s a shame that it had to be done with Hardy’s help; but she won’t let that tarnish what they’ve achieved. Every single fairy dancing, talking, laughing and celebrating their freedom is safe. The clippers are all dead. There’s nobody that will hurt them or attack them. She can’t wait to get the Kingdom back to its former glory. It’ll be a lot of work, but she’s determined. And she can’t wait to get Aster fixing the clipped wings,

growing them back and making all the fairies whole again. That will be the most wonderful gift she can give to Allaire, and she’s so pleased and proud to know Aster. “Am I allowed to dance?” Norah asks Elsie and Elsie laughs. “Of course. You don’t need my permission to dance.” “Anyone want to me?” The rest of them shake their heads no, but they smile as Norah takes to the floor. She dances like she does everything else; quickly and full of restless energy. “I hate dancing,” Bella says, watching the dancing fairies with a frown on her face. “I never know what to do with my arms, and my wings always get in the way and I always feel a bit stupid.” “Self conscious,” Aster says nodding her head. “I’m the same. I feel too self conscious to dance.” “I love it,” Gwenna says, and Elsie re her dancing with Meg the first time she ever met her. “But I don’t have the energy now. This baby is tiring me out.” “I haven’t danced since they let me out of my prison.” “Do you want to dance now?” Elsie shakes her head. “No. Maybe once I’ve watched people do it for long enough. But I have no idea what to do.” “You just move. Let the music guide you,” Gwenna says. Bella shakes her head. “I always look like I’m having some sort of fit.” They all laugh, then Elsie turns to Bella, her face serious. “Will you come with me?” “Where?”

“I want to go to my prison, the room they held me in.” “Why?” Gwenna looks worried. “Just to let the past go, I think,” Elsie says. “This is my home now, but when I just said I haven’t danced since they let me out of my prison, my stomach churned at the words. I don’t like it.” “I’ll come with you,” Bella says, touching her dagger automatically. “Be careful,” Gwenna says. “Shall we come?” Elsie hesitates, but then nods. “I think we should all stick together. It’s probably safer.” “I hate that,” Bella says. “Hardy murders people and then we have to worry about our safety. Don’t forget that I get to kill him.” Elsie had forgotten; she was planning to get Finneas to do it, but it’s only fair that Bella does. Dead is dead, whoever does it. They leave Norah dancing; she’s less at risk than any of them having spent less time with them; she’s probably not seen as part of their group. “I feel sick,” Elsie says, leading the way. “Me too,” Gwenna says. “It wasn’t a horrible room, because I had Meg. I got used to it in the end. I never fought against it or rallied for my freedom. When I was locked up, I didn’t even really understand what was happening to me. And my step father was a horrible man, so I wasn’t sad to stop seeing him and spending time with him. At least I was safe in prison.” “Because of Meg,” Gwenna says, and Elsie nods. “I often wonder if the plan was to kill me and Isla. To maybe starve us or just kill us. I still can’t believe that Meg saved me.” “She’d have done anything for you. She’d be proud to see you on your throne.”

The door isn’t locked and Elsie pushes it open. Aster es her a lantern from the wall outside. Elsie steps inside and shivers. The others follow her in. The room is bare. “They must have emptied it out after we left,” she says. “My bed was here, and Meg’s here. A table and two chairs.” She points at various places around the room. Bella looks outside. “And you never went outside.” “Not a breath of fresh air for six years.” Aster hugs her and Elsie smiles. “I’m all right. It wasn’t as bad as it could have been.” “It seems bleak.” “It was. That’s a good word for it. There was no colour and no comfort. We had one blanket each and one pillow. It wasn’t cosy. I was always hungry.” “They didn’t feed you?” “They did. We had my step parents leftovers. Or bread and water. Maud’s food is like heaven to me now.” “I bet. I’m so sorry you went through something so sad when you were so young.” Elsie shrugs; her step parents were the only ones to blame. And they’re dead. By her hand. She won’t ever allow herself to regret that, not after what they did to her and all the other fairies in Allaire. “Don’t be sorry. I was safe and happy with Meg. I just never thought my life would play out like this. I can’t believe I’m queen.”

“I can. You’ll be wonderful,” Aster says, ing Bella by the window. “Thank you. I’ll try – I know that. I’ll try to do my best and I’ll try to do what’s right.” “And if you don’t,” Bella says, “you’ll have us to answer to.” They all laugh. “Seriously; we’ll be your council. You don’t need anyone of Hardy’s helping you.” “I was thinking of asking Malachi.” “That’s a good idea,” Aster says. “He’ll be a good link to all the fairies who still hold some loyalty to Hardy. I think he’s a good man.” “I think so. We’ll see, anyway. I feel better with Finneas here.” “I’m sure you do. He’s handsome.” “Bella! No, I don’t have a good track record for choosing men. I’m young; I can wait.” “Good idea. We don’t need a coronation and a wedding.” Gwenna grins at Elsie and gestures to the door. “Are you ready to go?” “I think so.” “Ghosts laid to rest?” Aster asks her leaving the room. “I think so. It feels strange being back in here and able to walk in or out freely. I can almost hear the door slamming shut, the lock clunking.” “Echoes of times gone by,” Gwenna says. “It must be strange but shake it off. You’re the queen now. Hardy is locked up. Maud is on your side. You have an army of more men than you’ll ever need, and I think the fairies will be all right. They’ll see the good things you do – all the plans you have for helping Allaire to thrive again – and they’ll see that you have all our best interests at heart.” “I do.” “We know it. And so will everyone else. And the people who are honest will

it to themselves that they knew how arrogant and self serving Hardy could be; it was in his nature and nobody ever tempered it.” “So dangerous,” Gwenna says rubbing her belly. “You’ll all have to help me keep this little one in check.” “Absolutely. Let’s go. Shall we go back to the great hall?” Elsie shakes her head. “No, I’m done. I’m tired and need sleep. I need a clear head to talk to Maud tomorrow.” “And to let me kill Hardy.” “Bella, stop. She already said you could.” Aster frowns at Bella, but Bella shrugs. “I won’t stop reminding her until it’s done. I have ghosts to lay to rest too. And it’s important for me to look him in his eyes and then punish him.” “Punish him for murdering you by murdering him?” Elsie spins around. “Don’t start a whole ethical debate, please, Aster. I know how peacefully you want to live, but not everybody deserves it. I won’t be sorry to see the end of him, same as I wasn’t sorry to see the end of my step parents.” “I have to tell you what I think.” “You do – and all of you always should. Don’t pander to me because I’m your queen. If I’m wrong, tell me I’m wrong.” “Oh, I will,” Bella says and they all laugh and head back to Elsie’s room.

16

They fly quickly along , and as they leave the prison room behind, Elsie feels herself get lighter. The past is in the past and it’s time to look forward. Shape her reign how she sees fit and ensure her legacy is the one that’s ed. In time, hopefully, the evil her step parents did will be forgotten. Gwenna goes to unlock the door, but it pushes open. “I locked it.” “Careful,” Bella goes inside first, but then Aster rushes past her and heads straight for the secret room to check on Alyce. “Bella!” She yells and they all go running through to see why. Bella grabs her dagger; Elsie cries out and Gwenna gasps and drops into a chair. “How? I locked the door; I definitely locked it.” They had all seen Gwenna lock the door. There’s no question someone has broken into the room. Aster is on her knees next to Alyce’s dead body, desperately trying to help her or heal her. Bella is pulling at her and gets her away from Alyce. Despite the blood all over her hands, Bella pulls Aster into her and refuses to let go. “Aster, she’s gone, she’s gone, she’s gone.” Aster is sobbing and struggling. “I need to help her. I’m a healer.” They can all see it’s too late to help her.

“Why would anyone do this?” Elsie is crying more for Aster than Alyce’s death. She was already so close to death when they found her. She touches Aster’s shoulder. “Aster. There’s nothing you could have done to stop this, and there’s nothing you can do to help her.” Bella, still holding on to Aster, drops to the floor, letting her rally against her. “I have to help. It’s all I know to do.” Bella holds onto her shoulders, forcing her to look at her. “Aster. If there was anything that could be done, you’d be the only one who could do it. But look at her.” “I don’t want to.” “Then take my word for it. She’s gone.” Gwenna takes a spare blanket and with Elsie’s help, lays Alyce straight on the makeshift bed and covers her over. The amount of blood is obscene. They cover it for Alyce’s sake and Aster’s. Elsie nods at Bella and Bella lets Aster go. Aster sits up straight, but she’s still crying. Elsie knows how much this will hurt her; she’s a healer, but she’s also a gentle soul. “She was getting better,” Aster says. “She cried when she fell earlier; she would have felt this. Whoever killed her would have hurt her. I can’t stand to think of it.” “Then don’t. Honestly, Aster, take your own advice and don’t think of it. Take a tonic and we’ll move our beds and you can sleep. There’s nothing we can do. We can’t change what happened.” “My heart hurts.”

It’s such an appropriate description of how grief feels that they all fall into silence. “Who did it? How did they get in?” Aster is leaning against Bella, still sitting on the floor, so Bella talks over the top of her head. Elsie sits beside Gwenna. “I suppose there are many keys to my room,” Elsie says. “I didn’t sleep in here for the last six years, so I don’t know. Maybe there’s a bunch of keys for every room in the castle or a skeleton key that opens them all. I have no idea.” “I’m so sick of this,” Gwenna says, rubbing her face. “Me too,” Aster says, before closing her eyes, probably trying to block it all out, Elsie thinks. She wishes she could do the same; just run away, but she can’t. She’s queen now; if someone isn’t safe in her castle, then it’s up to her to figure out why not and to fix it. “Why would anybody want to kill a defenceless old lady?” Bella blows out a deep breath. “The only person I can think of is whoever cursed her in the first place. Maybe they realised that she’s alive, and they came back to finish her off.” “Nobody would know she was here, though. Only us.” “And Norah.” “Norah wouldn’t kill an old lady.” “She had a weird reaction to her, though.” “Probably because she called her Betty or Betsie or whatever she called her. I know you want to heal everyone, Aster, but she was pretty scary. Especially to a young girl like Norah.” “Maybe it was someone looking for me?” Elsie suggests, suddenly panicking that they might come back.

“We’ll never know,” Aster says. “And we shouldn’t try to understand such a twisted and evil soul. We don’t want to dwell on the kind of monster who could do this.” “She’s right. Let’s move the beds out. We’ll deal with it in the morning. We’ll make sure the door is locked. Maybe put something against it so nobody can get in.” “I think we should fetch Norah from the great hall. It’s not safe here.” “It’s not safe for anyone then. Do we lock everyone inside with us?” Elsie raises her hands in a defeated gesture. “I don’t know. I don’t know what to say.” They pull the beds out of the secret room. The busy work giving them all something to do and something to take their minds off the upset they have seen tonight. They bring everything out except for Alyce’s bed and the makeshift bed where her body is lying. Elsie pushes the trunk over the door and then sits on her bed. “Isn’t this how it goes. All is going well and smoothly and seems fine and just as you relax everything goes wrong; everything’s upside down.” “I suppose things are sent to try us, but some of these things feel a little much,” Bella says, running her hands through her hair and shaking out her wings. “Am I going to get Norah, or not?” “Yes,” Elsie answers. “I’d feel better. We can’t look after everybody, but I’d feel better.” Bella nods and leaves the room. “Do you think monsters walk among us, Gwenna?” Aster looks so sad at her question that Gwenna flies over to her side and hugs her. “I don’t think monsters, but I think we all have the capacity to do bad things.”

“Really?” “If pushed or provoked or in the defence of someone who we loved or someone who was defenceless, yes. But true evil? I hope it’s a very rare thing.” “What about the clippers who killed Meg?” “I don’t think they were monsters. Not really. I think they were probably happy to earn some extra money, so maybe poor and down on their luck. They knew Hardy, and maybe they idolised him. When he asked them to do a job for him, they probably couldn’t believe their luck.” “And Hardy?” Gwenna sighs. “Not a monster. Not in the proper sense. Arrogant and power hungry and narcissistic, but not a monster.” “Elsie’s step parents?” Gwenna sighs even harder. “Aster, I don’t know, lovely. Can we stop thinking about it now? I’m tired and my head hurts and I don’t want to have to talk about monsters or believe in them even. I want to believe in the good in the world.” “Even when we can’t see it?” Aster is feeling so despondent that nothing any of them say will help her. Gwenna kisses the top of her head and hugs her, letting her cry. Elsie watches the door, waiting for Bella and Norah. Are there monsters? Was there a monster in this room tonight? It would seem so. Could anyone with a kind heart or a good soul murder an old woman like this. Alyce wouldn’t have been able to defend herself in the slightest. It was certainly a coward who did it. Was Hardy a monster? Maybe. To kill Meg and then comfort Elsie over the loss of her was a different level of disgusting if you stopped to think about it. Murdering Bella when they had once been lovers was cold, to say the least.

She’s just sickened by it all. Not that long ago she was flying with Meg and captain Tom and the ship’s crew, laughing and spinning through the air without a care in the world, and now she’s stuck in a nightmare where people murder helpless old women. She wants to wake up. She wants to live in a Kingdom filled with love and kindness, where old women are helped by their neighbours and not murdered while they sleep. “It’s me,” Bella calls out and Gwenna lets her in. Norah follows behind, her eyes red from crying. “Bella told me about Alyce. I’m sorry.” None of them know what to say to her in reply; they’re all too sad and too shocked and sickened by what’s happened to Alyce. Aster is still crying. Bella sits beside her, and Norah sits on the other side. The atmosphere is sad. The mood of the entire evening lost. The triumph over Hardy being locked away and the subsequent relief that there was no push back from the fairies who favour him so much is all forgotten. All any of them can see is Alyce’s blood and Aster’s anguish. Elsie is worried about her. She’s so young and already bears such a responsibility because she can heal so well. The burden of learning to mend wings and then being told she would need to do it for every fairy in the Kingdom who has been clipped is such an enormous responsibility; and in her excitement, Elsie didn’t stop to think it might be too much for her. Same when she found Bella half dead. She didn’t stop to ask herself if it was too much to ask; she just asked Aster and expected it to be done. When they found Alyce the same thing happened. The assumption of Aster’s help and expertise. And she knew how drained she was since looking after Bella. Healing takes her strength from her and leaves her weakened. And yet Elsie kept asking. Poor Aster. She needs rest and recuperation; not just from the physical tiredness Elsie knows she’s feeling, but from the emotional trauma she’s been through.

Looking at her now snuggled up by Bella, she looks awful, pale and drained and terribly thin. She’s shaking. Elsie fetches a blanket and drapes it over her. “I can’t think of a single thing to lighten the mood.” “You’re a queen, not the court fool,” Bella says, her tone droll as always. “I know I’m not the fool, though sometimes in this brief reign I feel like one.” “Don’t feel foolish,” Gwenna says, wincing as she shifts position, rubbing her belly. “I do.” “Well, don’t. Nothing can ever go to plan all the time; we know that’s not how it works. We lived through the lowest of lows when your step parents ruled, and although Alyce’s death is horrific, things are better.” “You have an army now,” Bella points out. “And we have Alyce’s spell books and ingredients and potions. I’m learning a lot from her.” Aster finishes on a sob and Bella pats her arm. “Hardy is locked up,” Norah says, “and Maud is all right with that. Although I’m sure someone said she was going home to sleep tonight. Something about picking up some more things and bringing them back with her tomorrow.” “I’m so glad she stayed. And not just because she’s a marvellous cook.” Elsie shoots Bella a look and she just laughs and shakes her head. “But because it shows everyone that what I did with Hardy was right.” “It does. It’s a mark in your favour.” “Exactly.” “And.” Gwenna can’t help but laugh. “She’s a damn good cook. Those little honey cakes...” “Ooh, have you tried the ones with the sugar dusted on the top?” “Or the ones soaked in lemon?”

“Or ale?” They fall silent again, all ing Alyce at the same time. “I still don’t know why anyone would hurt her. She’s hardly a threat.” “Please, can we...” Aster can’t finish her plea, but they all know she wants to change the subject. “Of course. I’ve got an idea,” Bella says, shifting so Aster is leaning on the wall instead of her. “There’s no sleep in any of us at the moment. Why don’t me and Norah head down to the kitchen and grab us some snacks?” “A midnight feast?” Gwenna asks, her eyes lighting up. “I’ll go,” Norah says, jumping up. “You stay with Elsie, in case. I can handle myself.” Bella shrugs; it’s true. “Bring as much as you can.” “There should be baskets in the pantry,” Elsie says, her mouth watering suddenly. “And bring extra cakes. And some flagons of ale.” Norah salutes and then laughs and they all settle back to wait for her, lost in their own thoughts. All Elsie can think about is how lucky she is to have these women on her side. If she had to do any of this alone; well, she knows she couldn’t. She’d have run away by now, or handed power to Hardy simply because she didn’t know what else to do. Gwenna is a proper grown up and Elsie feels more confident knowing she can ask her anything, and she’ll give a sensible and measured answer. She’s clever and kind and known and well liked by almost every fairy in the Kingdom. Bella is the friend she never thought she’d have; the older, cooler, edgier girl who you wish would notice you and like you. She’s endlessly sassy and sulky and sarcastic, but Elsie can see from the way she’s taking Aster under her wing she’s also kind and loyal and the best friend you could hope for.

Aster is special. She can heal like nothing Elsie has ever known or even heard a whisper about. It’s as though she’s from another time or place; she’s wise beyond her years and capable of probably even more than she knows or believes. With access to Alyce’s teachings on magic and healing; there're no limits to how far she’ll go. Elsie feels proud to know her. And Norah. Hopefully bringing plenty of cakes for them; she’s young and fizzing with energy. She sees no danger and never stops moving. Her energy is infectious and, hopefully, as she grows up a bit, she’ll become more and more loyal to Elsie. “Deep in thought,” Bella says, breaking Elsie’s reverie. “I am.” “Not still worrying?” Elsie feels a strange sort of peace settle over her; despite the tumultuous day she suddenly feels very calm and satisfied and she knows it’s because of the people she can see; the love and strength and she has surrounding her. She feels like it will all be all right. “The opposite, actually, I feel all right.” “Good.” Gwenna pats her hand. “Worrying solves nothing. On the other hand,” she says as the door pushes open and Norah flies into the room laden with goodies, “eating solves everything.” They all laugh and help Norah put the food on the table. She’s brought cold meats, pies, pastries and puddings; two baskets full to the brim of food and a flagon under each arm. “You did well,” Aster smiles for the first time since they found Alyce. “I saw it all, and I was famished, even though it wasn’t long ago we ate. It must have been the dancing,” Norah says, unpacking the last bits of food onto the table. The food is divine, and it’s the perfect way to occupy their minds.

As she eats, Elsie can see Aster relaxing slightly. She can also see her drink a tonic, encouraged by Bella. How often does the healer ignore their own ills? Too busy looking after everybody else to look after themselves. She’ll need to watch Aster carefully to make sure she doesn’t burn out. She’s so precious and valuable to the Kingdom. “Cake!” Bella dives in and grabs one of each flavour. “Ooh, iced ones as well. Keep Maud happy, Elsie, make it the sole aim of your entire reign. Forget everybody else; just worry about Maud.” Everybody laughs, and Bella continues, clearly enjoying lightening the mood. “I mean it. Forget helping the Kingdom to thrive – give Maud a pay rise. Don’t worry about your subjects – just make Maud cook extra cakes that you can give out on Sundays. Keep Maud happy has to be your motto. Promise?” Elsie grins and nods, expression as serious as she can manage. “Promise! Now before you eat all the cake, me an ale soaked one.” Bella es it over, and Elsie tucks in, closing her eyes at the deliciousness of it. “Now a lemon one,” she says, hunting through the pile of cakes for the right one. “This pie is gorgeous,” Gwenna says, nibbling the outside. “Baby likes pie. In fact, baby agrees with Bella; Maud is the new priority for all of us. If Maud is happy, we are happy.” “We have to make sure baby is happy,” Elsie says, “so we’ll definitely keep Maud happy. Those little pastry things with the meat folded in are genius.” “Yes!” Bella lifts one off the platter and eats it whole. “Divine,” she says, mouth full, crumbs falling everywhere. “Thank you, Bella,” Elsie says quietly to her. Bella shrugs. “Norah went to get it.”

“But it was your idea. It was what we all needed. It’s what Aster needed.” “I worry about her.” “I can see that you do. She’ll be fine with you on her side.” “I hope so. She’s more delicate than she’d have you believe.” “I’ll look after Maud and you look after Aster.” “Deal.” They shake hands and laugh, before grabbing more food and stuffing it down. It’s the end to the day they all need.

17

They need to get another bed for Norah, so they strip Alyce’s old bed and make it with fresh bedding after bringing it into the main room. There’s plenty of space for them all. Gwenna sleeps by the window in case she needs fresh air; she keeps getting flushes. They dot the other four beds around, giving the room the feel of a dormitory. They demolished all the food Norah brought up and then slowly, one by one, called it a night. Elsie is the last to go to sleep. She can hear the steady breathing of her friends and it makes her feel better. She’s drifting off when Norah tugs her arm. “I’m going to get a drink; do you need anything?” Half asleep, Elsie shakes her head. “Be careful.” Norah nods and slips out of the room. Elsie hears it lock behind her and then she is sleeping. “Elsie!” It’s Norah tugging her arm again. Elsie shrugs her off. “I don’t want anything.” “Elsie. Wake up.” “I’m fine. I’m not thirsty.” Norah pulls her arm again, forcing her to sit up. Elsie rubs her eyes. “Elsie, I need your help. Now.” “What’s happened?” Norah pulls her to her feet and es her a cloak and shoes.

“Let me wake the others.” Elsie reaches down and pulls on her shoes, puts the heavy cloak on over her nightdress. Norah’s voice is quiet but urgent; she’s on the verge of tears. “We don’t have time. Elsie, please!” Norah takes her hand and pulls her toward the door. “Norah, wait.” “We don’t have time.” Norah pulls her outside of the room and then speaks a little louder. Elsie is still confuddled with sleep. “Elsie, it’s Maud. When I went to the kitchen for a drink a fairy grabbed me. Maud’s not well. She’s at home.” Elsie is suddenly wide awake. “Let me wake Aster; she’ll know what to do.” “No, she’s exhausted and miserable about Alyce. We can bring Maud here; there are fairies there to help us. Aster can deal with her in the morning.” “Why the urgency?” “It’s Maud. You can’t let people think you don’t care about her. Not after what’s happened to Hardy. Come on, you don’t want to seem callous.” Elsie lets herself be pulled along by Norah. They fly quickly and the night is eerily still and so dark she can barely see in front of her. “If only she’d stayed at the castle,” Norah says, tugging Elsie along. “I can fly without you pulling me, Norah. I know you’re scared but-” Elsie yanks her arm away and shakes it out. Norah was rough in her panic, her fingers biting into her skin. “Nearly there.” Norah leads the way, even though Elsie re it. They fly through the street where Meg was killed; Elsie shudders. Maud’s house is ahead, a single lantern burning in one room.

“Can she fly, do you think?” Norah shrugs. “I’m not sure. Come on.” Norah pushes the front door open and Elsie steps inside, feeling a strange rush of anxiety as Norah shuts the door behind them. She ushers Elsie into the front room to see Maud and Elsie stumbles into the gloomy room. She looks back at Norah, distress and confusion in her expression. She turns to flee and opens her mouth to scream, but Hardy clamps a hand over her mouth and shoves her into a chair. “Be quiet, Elsie; people are sleeping.” Norah shuts the door and leans against it. Hardy ruffles her hair, and she smiles shyly at him. “Thank you, little one.” “You’re welcome. It was easy, like you said.” Elsie shakes her head. Hardy has taken his hand off her mouth so she can speak, but she doesn’t know what to say. She’s completely and utterly wrong footed, still half asleep and not sure if she’s dreaming. How is Hardy here? Why is Norah with him? “Where’s Maud?” Her voice comes out all squeaky and Hardy laughs. “She’s fast asleep in the castle, I imagine.” “She’s not ill?” “Oh, Elsie, wake up. Maud isn’t here. Norah lied. Norah lied to get you here. My men killed the soldiers who were guarding me and helped me escape. Probably around the time you were enjoying your little midnight feast with Norah.” “How did they kill the soldiers?” “Various methods, a few throats were slit, a few hearts were stabbed.” “I meant...” Elsie trails off; she feels sick and stupid. Why didn’t she wake

Bella? She glares at Norah; because Norah woke her up and rushed her away while she was half asleep and confused. “Norah?” The pain is clear in her voice and Norah giggles. Hardy sits on the chair opposite her. “Norah is my cousin. On my mother’s side. She would never be disloyal, unlike my mother. I knew I could rely on Norah. She fetched a drug from Calista which stopped the soldiers from being in the fine form they usually are, and my men stormed in. It was easy. Just like getting you here was easy. You’re far too naïve to run a Kingdom, Elsie; far too stupid to be in charge.” Elsie closes her eyes; she cannot even argue with him. What could she say? Everything is upside down again. “Are you going to kill me?” Hardy nods. “Eventually.” “Eventually?” “Yes!” He yells at her, kneeling in front of her so he’s shouting in her face. “I don’t like to be rushed. I don’t like to be locked up, Elsie. I don’t like my mother abandoning me, and I want to do what I want, when I want. So eventually.” He sits back in the seat opposite her and raises an eyebrow. “Is that all right with you?” She nods, frightened by his outburst and frightened by her situation. Her thoughts are scrambling, and she cannot get a clear head to think of anything she can do. Hardy is here with her. Norah is still leaning against the door. Nobody knows where she is. It’s the middle of the night. Nobody is going to come to her rescue. She’s stuck. At Hardy’s mercy. She closes her eyes, feeling the bile rising in her throat; she knows he has no

mercy. She has seen it in action twice; once when he had Meg killed and again when he killed Bella. Her eyes fly open; he knows Bella is alive, Norah will have told him. “Norah? Have you told Hardy everything?” Norah nods, a small smile on her face. Hardy grins. “I told you that nobody would be loyal to you, Elsie. Nobody knows you like they know me. Nobody loves you like they love me. Norah told me that Bella’s alive.” He shakes his head in disbelief. “Either I did a rubbish job of killing her, or Aster is that good.” “Both,” Elsie mutters and then cries out when Hardy slaps her cheek. “I’ve been wanting to do that for such a long time.” Elsie bites her lip. He wants to rattle her and she won’t let him. He wants her to argue and fight and battle and rally against him, but she won’t. She cannot think of anything to do except sit and let him rant. At least for now. “I’m impressed you killed the fairy I sent to attack you – not the prisoner. He was a message, really. I wanted to mess with you. I didn’t even know if you’d seen him in the dungeon, but I thought it might make you paranoid. And I wanted to rescue you from him. Make myself the hero. Oh, Elsie, you really are the most boring and helpless and insipid fairy I’ve ever met.” She bites her lip again; she won’t let him goad her. “Would Isla have made a better queen?” She stares at him. “I suppose you’ve guessed by now that I got her killed as well. I just keep picking off all the people you love, don’t I?” “Your spy in the castle. Who was it?” “My little Betsie here. I know Alyce, the mad witch, almost blew her cover.”

“Norah worked in the castle?” Norah nods, and Hardy gestures at her to speak. “I slipped into the castle in livery and pretended to work there. Nobody ever questioned me. I was one of Alyce’s favourites.” “Until we cursed her.” “It was you?” “Of course. Calista is an evil witch, always has been. Alyce has been her sworn enemy for years. Some ancient argument. I’m sure Calista can’t even what it was about. Anyway, a long time ago I promised her that when we stormed the castle, we’d curse Alyce. She’s been patiently waiting, but she thoroughly enjoyed.” “That’s disgusting.” He shrugs. “Maybe, but she’s dead now, so what does it matter?” Elsie shrugs; he’s right: nothing matters now. Hardy is free, and he has her as his prisoner, and she cannot think of any way out of the situation she’s in. “Why kill Meg and Bella and me? Why this need for absolute power, Hardy?” “You want to understand me before I kill you?” She shrugs. “Why not?” She has nothing better to do. Maybe if she keeps him talking, the answer will come to her; the escape plan she’s so desperately scrambling for in her head. She won’t show him she’s panicking; finding it hard to breathe, feeling so sick, feeling as though somebody is sitting on her chest, it’s that hard to breathe. He stretches out his arms and folds them behind his head. “I’m not a wicked man, Elsie. I know the evidence says something different, but I’m not. If I saw a child being hurt, I’d stop it. If I saw any type of cruelty or unfairness or injustice, I’d have a burning need to set it right. I’ve spent a long

time doing good things in the Kingdom. The only people I have ever hurt are clippers. I don’t kill people who disagree with me, and I don’t kill for some sick thrill or desire. I don’t have weird childhood issues.” She doesn’t answer him when he pauses. She can think of nothing to say. “When you came back, Elsie, I was so excited. Finally, the spark I needed was mine. I knew you were young, and I hoped I could manipulate you. Then you would rule, but I would be in charge. It’s what I wanted. I could have fallen in love with you if I’d let myself. But you just wouldn’t be used. You had your own ideas and your own desires when it came to being queen, to coming back in the first place.” “I didn’t come back to be queen. I came back to put things right.” “I believe you. But it still changed everything. I have tried for years to get this rebellion moving, and though I told you I was glad to see you because I wouldn’t be accepted as king, it wasn’t true. It might have taken a while, but the fairies would have come around. I can be persuasive.” She knows that much is true. He’s handsome and bright, clever and capable, and he’s spent years laying the groundwork with the fairies, making sure they trust him and see him as the answer to all their problems. “So I got in the way?” He nods, rubbing his face. “Absolutely. As much as I needed you to spark the rebellion, to really give the idea legs, to finally tip those fairies who were unsure of helping me, over the edge, you were also the rightful heir to the throne. I was pretty sure I would kill you even then.” “Really?” Elsie feels sick. All the times he sweet talked her, kissed her and held her, he was imagining killing her so he could rule Allaire without her. “I even considered playing along for longer, getting you to fall in love with me – you were close right? Before you found out about Meg – and marrying you and then killing you or locking you up. I’d have been the rightful king then, only through marriage, but it would have made it easier for my enemies to accept

me.” “You have enemies?” She’s not sure why she’s surprised. Everyone she has met seems to love him, but she was warned about him more than once. “Everyone has enemies. There will always be someone who hates you, even if it isn’t justified. Even if you can’t see a good reason; they will. They will justify hating you because of something you said or something you did or the way you made them feel.” “I suppose.” She hates how much sense he talks. And she just wants to live. She’s too young to die. “It’s true. Even the nicest person in the world, the person who only does good and never does harm will make some people feel inferior because of how perfect they are. That would give the right sort of person a justified excuse for hating them. Most people don’t act on their hate. My enemies have never tried to thwart me; they just quietly seethe about me and my successes. I see them, pretending to be pleased when I do something good. Imagine being the kind of person who resents someone for making the children of Allaire safe and happy. Beggars belief, right?” He beggars belief. He has no idea what he sounds like. Whining that people don’t fall at his feet for all the good he does when he’s planning to murder her so he can be in charge. He doesn’t wait for her to answer. He enjoys listening to the sound of his own voice. Elsie lets him blather on, while she thinks of something, anything, she might do to escape. Should she appeal to Norah? She’s only young, and obviously in awe of Hardy. Elsie can’t believe she betrayed her. She thought Norah was on her side. She really did. She shakes her head. Norah won’t even look at her. There’s a window. Could she fly at it, smash it open, get cut to ribbons by the glass and try to escape that way? She knows Hardy would be on her in a minute.

He’s bigger than her and stronger than her and faster than her. It really is helpless. She tunes back into him. “... I suppose I became impatient. I couldn’t be bothered to woo you; I couldn’t imagine the drudgery of spending the rest of my life with you.” That stings. “So I decided to get rid of you. I stepped in when the prisoner attacked you; I wanted to make sure the fairies all saw how much I cared about you. But the second attacker? I thought he’d kill you. Then when Norah told me you knew I was responsible for Meg’s death and that Bella was alive – damn her, she’s stubborn – it just cemented it. If you hadn’t arrested me last night, I had another attack planned for today. He wouldn’t have failed. Damn you.” She laughs. “You really were desperate to kill me?” “I know it doesn’t sound like a big deal to you, but to me, it’s the only option. I want to rule, and I want to be in charge, and I’ve been waiting so long to do it, that I can’t let you live.” “Then let me go. I’ll go across the seas, adopt a new identity.” She hates herself for begging him; she hates that he has all the power, but she wants to live. If she cannot live and rule; she wants to live. “I could never trust you to stay away. I considered it.” “Then consider it again. I have done nothing wrong except be born to rule. I have done nothing wrong except come home to fix the evil my step parents were doing. I have done nothing wrong, but you’ll kill me?” “Meg had done nothing wrong, and I killed her. I knew it would make you more susceptible to my suggestions and my guidance; I knew how lost you’d be without her. Alyce had done nothing wrong, and I killed her.” He grins, head on the side, and then laughs, a genuine belly laugh.

She swallows down sick. He’s lost his mind; that’s the truth of it. He’s a mad man. She will never know what tipped him over the edge, but he’s lost all sense of normality. He cannot see how bad he is; he cannot see the wrong in his actions. Killing innocent people to him is as simple as removing an obstacle in his way; he doesn’t think of the life he is extinguishing. He only thinks of what he wants and what he needs to do to get it. He has lost his morals and his way. And she doesn’t think she can help him find his way back. She closes her eyes.

18

“N orah, I need you to go back to the castle now. I need you to be fast asleep in your bed when they realise Elsie is missing.” Elsie opens her eyes. “When they see I’m missing the first place they’ll look is the prison. They’ll find the dead guards and they’ll see that you’re missing and they’ll know. You won’t get away with it. You might have overpowered some soldiers with drugs, but when they come looking for me, you won’t win.” “I know I don’t always get it right, Elsie, but I wasn’t stupid enough to have the guards killed right outside the dungeon. No, they were drugged, then led away, as docile as lambs, then my men swapped clothes with them, and then they were murdered. My men are now guarding the empty dungeon.” “Finneas will know they aren’t his men and they’ll know you’re missing. They’ll know it’s you straight away.” He grins, looking sickeningly handsome. “At first light, or thereabouts, the guards will swap duty. The soldiers who have slept will take over from the soldiers who are awake. Just before they do, my men will let me slip back into my dungeon, Elsie, like a good boy. When they find you missing; they’ll find me locked up where you left me. Nobody will link me to your disappearance. They’ll assume you ran away.” Elsie is open mouthed with shock. It’s such a good idea, and she is trying hard to see the hole in the plan, the flaw that will get him caught. But she can’t. She closes her eyes, desperate to think; he’s so damn clever. “They’ll find the dead soldiers. Then they’ll know.” She folds her arms across her chest.

“Already burned, Elsie. All the evidence is gone.” She is crying now. “Then they’ll search the village. They’ll find me here.” “You won’t be here, Elsie.” “Then where will I be?” “You’ll be dead, of course.” She shakes her head. It’s a brilliant plan. “Please don’t kill me. Let me go. Let me run away. I won’t come back. I won’t cause trouble for you. If you want to rule so badly, do it.” He shakes his head, the smallest bit of regret clear in his expression. Does he really feel bad? “Norah go. Thank you, little one.” He hugs her and kisses the top of her head and she grins. She doesn’t look sorry in the slightest. She slips out of the room, and then it’s just the two of them. “Please Hardy. You don’t have to be a monster. The man I met when I first came here; the one who helped the children and played with them and made sure they were happy and wanted so much for them to grow up free of the fear of abuse. Where is he?” “He’s here, Elsie. He’s always been here. I want the children to grow up free, and I want all of us to be free. Nobody should live under such tyranny.” “Nobody should be ruled by a murderer, Hardy. It’s what you are. You might dress it up as wanting the power to do all the good things, but the truth is you’re a killer and you must enjoy it. The power of life and death must thrill you. And you can tell yourself it’s not who you are; it’s only so you can rule, but answer me this: once you rule, will you be able to stop? If someone disagrees with you

or angers you, will you kill them?” He doesn’t answer. “I know the answer and so do you, so you can tell yourself anything you like, but the truth of it is you’re exactly the same as my step parents. You wanted them off the throne – the terrible and cruel murderers who attacked and killed innocent people – and you want to put yourself in their place. Hardy – the murderer who attacks and kills innocent people. I can’t see the difference. Can you?” He stands up and paces the small room; she’s rattled him, and she’s not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing. “I do good things. I hid the children so they wouldn’t be hurt.” “You killed Meg.” “I fed the men who couldn’t work because they had been clipped and left crippled by the pain and agony and infections.” “You tried to kill Bella.” “I made sure people had money and food and somewhere to hide.” “You killed Alyce.” “I gave people hope, Elsie.” His voice cracks and he drops into a chair. “Hope is everything, Elsie. And I gave it to them. On the bleakest of days they had something to look forward to. I sold them the idea of a free Allaire. I’m nothing like your step parents.” “You’re exactly like them. You’re going to kill me.” “Shut up!” He screams the words at her, then sits with his head in his hands, looking at the floor. She is quiet; she doesn’t want to push him past the point of no return. She doesn’t want him so angry that he kills her on the spot. She wants to change his mind, but she knows she won’t be able to, even as she’s talking to him, she can see the brilliance of his plan and she knows he won’t change his mind. Why

would he? He’s getting everything he wants. “Even if they can’t tie you to my disappearance, you won’t be able to rule after what you did to Bella. Nobody will trust you. They won’t see that I’m missing and come to offer you the throne, Hardy. You’re delusional.” He lifts his head and for the first time he looks sad; sorry, even. “I know they won’t. Not straight away. But I’ll be patient. They’ll need my help. I know the most people; I know the most stuff. I know everyone and I can get things done. You don’t like me, but you have to it that I’m good.” She shrugs. Sadly, he’s right; it’s crossed her mind more than once that she wishes he wasn’t murderous, that he was normal, and that was because he was a good player to have on your team. “So you’ll kill me hoping one day you might, just might, be needed?” He nods. “And you could have had power and greatness and prestige just by being my right hand man. You wouldn’t have needed to pretend to love me. Don’t you see? I needed help, and I was happy to have it. I would have looked to you for help automatically.” “It would never have been enough.” It hits her then that he really is a maniac. He really is that power hungry that being a right hand man would never be enough for him. Being number one, through any means, is the only thing that he’ll accept. “What about Bella? Is she safe?” “I’ll probably exile her.” She laughs. “You really think they’ll find me missing and turn to you?” He nods.

“What about Gwenna? Or Ool from the troupe? Of Malachi.” “Malachi!” “Why not?” Elsie asks. “He’s as well known as you. He was part of everything you did. People might turn to him.” “He’s spineless. He never once pushed back against me. No matter how much I took the glory from under his nose.” “Maybe it’s his time. If I was a fairy and my queen was dead, I wouldn’t be looking for the help and advice of a murderer.” “They will.” “They won’t. You’re not that good, Hardy. You’re not that important. I know nobody ever told you the truth before, but I will. And you’re going to kill me, so I have nothing to lose. There’s no gain from me telling you the truth.” “It’s not true.” “Hardy. You might think you’re this genius who gets things done. You might think you’re the saviour of every fairy in Allaire. But all the manoeuvres and machinations and orchestrations change nothing. You’re unstable. You’re a murderer. And the Kingdom is as likely to turn to you to lead them through these tumultuous times as they are to turn to Norah.” “You’re wrong.” “I’m not. I’m the first person in your entire life that’s telling you the truth. I won’t bend to you; there’s no point. You’ve been so loved and so indulged that you think you’re some kind of god, so important to the fairies in Allaire that they’ll overlook your flaws. They aren’t flaws; you’re a murderer. A common murderer. And it started with your father.” He flies across the short space between them and slaps her face; hard. She refuses to cry out. She’s getting to him. There’s no point to it, of course, aggravating him won’t change his mind about killing her, but if she’s going to die, she might as well enjoy her last moments. And she is enjoying riling him.

She’s enjoying the colour rising in his cheeks. The way his fists are clenched. The tension in his frame. “Don’t talk to me about my father. You know nothing about it.” “I do. I know you had to get the glory instead of taking orders; you wouldn’t even listen to your own father and it got him killed. You can hit me as many times as you like; it won’t change what you did. He must have been so disappointed in you.” “He wasn’t. He was proud. He loved me. He knew what I was capable of.” “And you still got him killed?” “It wasn’t my fault. Nobody blamed me.” “Of course they did. But they’ve got you on such a pedestal, nobody dared tell you. Maybe if they had told you, you wouldn’t have grown into such a monster. If they had tempered your desire to be in charge of everyone and everything, constantly pushing yourself forward, regardless of who got trampled, maybe it would have been different.” “They didn’t blame me. They knew it was an accident.” “Was it though? Weren’t you secretly glad to get him out of the way? Wasn’t his death the last obstacle out of your way? With him gone, it was easy to push your uncle out of the way, wasn’t it? And with your uncle out of the way, it was easy to manipulate Malachi, wasn’t it?” She leans forward. Her death warrant is already signed and so she’s really enjoying herself now. “So was it an accident, Hardy? Or was it a choice you made? Maybe Meg wasn’t the first murder? Maybe it was your father? With him out of the way, you can’t deny that your life got better.” He stares at her, tears rolling down his face. “I’m glad this is your last night alive, Elsie. You don’t deserve to live.”

“Because I told you the truth. Because I’m not fawning all over you? Because I was lucky enough to learn the truth about you before it was too late. I’d rather die than live in a world with you. You can tell yourself all the lies you want, Hardy, but the truth is: you are a monster. And you’re the worst kind of monster, because you won’t even it it to yourself. You’re such a coward you can’t even accept your true nature. You can’t accept yourself for who you are. You’re in denial. And that makes you a pathetic monster. A weak and cowardly monster. Not a monster at all. A joke.” He lifts his hand to strike her again when the door slams open. It’s Norah, ashen faced and out of breath. Hardy turns to her. “What?” Norah holds her hand up, catching her breath. Hardy takes her by the shoulders and shakes her. “What? Why are you back?” “It’s all gone wrong.” “How?” Elsie leans forward, feeling a surge of hope rush through her. Norah is crying. “Bella woke up and found Elsie and me missing. She thought we were maybe just getting a drink or, I don’t know, but she went looking for us. She couldn’t find us and came to wake Aster and Gwenna. But I was back in the room by then.” “What did you tell her?” “I said I had been looking for Elsie as well.” “Did she believe you?” “I think so. It was pretty chaotic after that.”

“Tell me.” Elsie can see the tension his fury is giving him. His entire body is taut; even his wings. “Gwenna was crying and saying she wouldn’t run away. Aster was calmer and said even if she would run away, she wouldn’t run away in her nightclothes.” “Damn you, Norah. You should have got her dressed.” “I couldn’t. I had to get her out of there.” “You should have thought.” “I couldn’t give her the chance to wake the others. You said-” He slaps her face, cutting off her words. Norah drops to the floor, sobbing. “Do they know I’m missing?” Norah looks up at him, her face a picture of misery. She nods. “Damn it.” Elsie wants to plead for her freedom but bites her lip. He has nothing to lose now; she has to be clever. Despite her very real and very extreme fear; she has to be one step ahead. They know she’s missing, and they know Hardy has escaped. If she can keep him here, chances are they’ll find them quickly. Finneas will have his army sweeping the villages by now, and Maud’s house is an obvious place to search. “Hardy.” He turns to her, hand up, and she flinches and ducks away from him. He drops his hands to his side. “What?” “, I am still the queen.”

He humphs. “Tell me something I don’t know.” She rolls her eyes. “I am queen. When Finneas and his army come, I can demand leniency. I’ll give you what your mother asked me for – your life and your freedom. I’ll exile you from Allaire and you can start again somewhere else. I will forgive your crimes.” “I don’t need you to forgive me. You’re nothing to me.” “Maybe not. But I am the queen. And I’m recognised by every fairy in Allaire as their queen by now. And you are a murderer.” He shakes his head and grabs hold of her. “Please don’t kill me, Hardy. Give up. Give yourself up. I promise you I won’t let anyone hurt you.” “I don’t need you to protect me.” “Hardy.” He explodes then, knocking her to the floor and pulling at his hair. “I can’t think straight when you talk. Shut up. Norah, did anyone follow you here?” Norah looks up, her face blotchy from crying. Elsie can’t help but think how pathetic she looks. She feels sad for her. It’s so easy when you’re young and impressionable to pick the wrong side. That’s all she’s done; seen familial loyalty as more important than listening to her own heart, her own instincts. This choice or that; it seems so simple. But Norah picked the wrong path and she’ll die for it. “Nobody followed me. I was careful.” She sniffs. “You’re sure?” Norah nods. “We need to go.” Norah stands up.

“Not you!” He spits the words at her. “You can stay here and accept whatever punishment they decide is appropriate for you. Don’t bother pleading for your life, Norah, it’s not worth it.” Norah grabs his arms. “Take me with you Hardy, please don’t leave me.” Norah is hysterical, and Hardy takes hold of her shoulders, shaking her and shouting at her. Elsie takes advantage of his attention being elsewhere and takes a step toward the open door. Neither of them is paying her any attention. Norah is screaming and crying and begging Hardy not to leave her. She has hold of his sleeves, tearing the fabric; she’s so desperate not to let go of him. Elsie takes another step. If they can fight for another minute or two, she can escape. She just needs a minute or two. She just needs a chance. Finneas and his men can’t be far away. They’ll all be searching for her; not just the soldiers, but her friends. They must be close by now. She knows they’ll start at the castle and work their way outwards. She won’t have to get far, and she should be safe. Just outside the front door will be enough. She closes her eyes for a second, just long enough to get her courage together. She thinks about Meg and she thinks about Dayle and she thinks about Hardy. There is no choice. If she stays here, he will kill her, or kidnap her. If she flies out the door, she’ll at least be giving herself a shot. She’ll be refusing to go down without a fight. She’ll be backing herself and acting like a queen. The type of queen she knows she wants to be, strong, capable, fearless and feisty. A warrior queen and not a weak and defenceless queen who always needs somebody else to protect her or fight her battles for her or bail her out of a dangerous situation. She wants to be a queen her parents would have been proud of; her sister would have been proud of, and Meg would have been proud of. She wants to be a queen the fairies of Allaire are happy to bow down to and are proud to call their own. She wants to earn their love and loyalty and keep it, and she won’t do that by snivelling in the corner of a room waiting for Hardy to decide what her fate is. She has to decide. She has to move. If she doesn’t, she will be as helpless as she was when she was locked up at ten

years old. She will be a prisoner again, and she can’t do it. She can’t be locked up again or dead. Neither choice is all right with her. She makes her move.

19

And she gets just two steps outside of the door, and he stops her. “I’m not letting you go.” He takes hold of her and drags her back inside. “Please Hardy, just let me go.” He yanks her in and slams the front door. “Norah!” Norah flies out of the front room to greet them, expression hopeful. Elsie shakes her head; she really is loyal to him. Despite how horrible he’s been to her; all Norah wants is Hardy’s approval. All Elsie wants is her freedom. She tries to shake him off, but his grip on her is too tight. “I’m not letting you go, forget it. Norah, new plan. I’m taking Elsie, you know where.” He stares at her pointedly when he says those three words and then she nods, clearly understanding his meaning. “I need you to bring us supplies. Clothes. Food.” “I’ll do it. I’ll do anything you need me to.” “I know.” He ruffles her hair again, only being nice now because he needs something from her. “Be careful. Make sure you’re never followed.” Elsie feels sick; he’s going to take her and kill her. “What are you going to do with me?” “I don’t know. Let’s go. Norah me that scarf.”

She es him a pale blue scarf that was hanging on the coat hooks in the hall. He quickly ties it around Elsie’s mouth so she cannot scream. He takes her arm and flies outside. “Norah. Be careful.” He adjusts his grip, fingers digging even harder into her skin and flies straight up, where they are less likely to run into Finneas or any of his soldiers. Elsie closes her eyes. At this point, she knows it’s not even worth trying to struggle or escape. He will only hurt her harder. But she feels a glimmer of hope. She’s alive. His plan to kill her and go back to the dungeon before anyone noticed he was gone is over. The new plan means she’s alive – at least for now. He must know he can’t rule Allaire anymore, not after this, so maybe she can convince him to let her go. She can only hope. Her other hope is that she’ll spot a soldier or Finneas or one of her friends or anyone, really. She keeps her eyes open now, scanning the sky and the land below. She cannot scream but if she sees somebody she plans to struggle, buck and writhe; hopefully shocking Hardy enough, so he drops her. In the meantime, she keeps completely still and compliant. They fly above the forest, weaving this way and that, Hardy looking over his shoulder constantly, fear making him jumpy. He lands near the caves, and she wonders if that’s where he plans to hide out. She hopes so. People will think to look for her at the caves and at Elwin’s Peak, if he takes her there. They will search everywhere for her; she knows they will. She just has to stay alive long enough. He unties the scarf from her mouth and then tightly binds their arms together. Her heart sinks. Was she naïve to hope she could just fly away from him? They duck inside the cave, and she stumbles, trying to keep up with him. “Come on.” He growls the words and she shivers, biting her lip. All of his plans have gone awry. He’s angrier than she thought. And desperate. She needs to stay calm and not aggravate him. If she can keep a cool head,

there’s a chance she can escape. “Hardy!” The call has them both stopping in their tracks. Elsie recognises Malachi’s voice, and obviously Hardy does too. “Shut up,” he says to her, and she does. “Hardy I know you’re here. It’s only me. Talk to me.” Hardy hesitates and Elsie isn’t sure if he wants to hide, but then he flies back the way they came. “Malachi.” “Hardy. Everyone is searching for you. And the queen. Let me take her back.” Hardy shakes his head. “No. No way.” “Why not? Everyone knows you’ve escaped and everyone knows you’ve got her and everyone is looking for both of you. The soldiers have orders from Finneas; if they see you, they kill you. Hardy, I can let you go. Quick, before any of them get here. I’ll say that I found Elsie, and you were gone. Elsie will back me up.” Elsie rushes in, relief flooding her entire body and making her legs buckle slightly. “Yes, I’ll say the same Hardy. Let me go and fly away. You can make a life for yourself somewhere else.” “My life is here.” He closes his eyes and drops to the floor, pulling Elsie down with him. Elsie allows herself to breathe; surely, he’s taking Malachi’s advice seriously. Surely he’ll recognise that his only hope now is giving her up and leaving. Malachi sits on the other side of him.

“Come on, cousin. Run away. I don’t want you to die.” “Only cowards run away, Malachi.” “That’s not true and you know it. You’ve gone too far. Nobody would put you on the throne now, even if Elsie wasn’t around.” Hardy looks sad. “Everybody knows what I did?” He sounds like a child. Malachi nods. “Everybody knows Hardy. It’s over.” “And my mother hates me?” “She doesn’t hate you. She begged Elsie for your life.” He drops his head, staring at his feet. Elsie doesn’t dare to move, not even a slight shift; she doesn’t want to break this connection Malachi has with him. “She loves you, Hardy. I love you. And if you leave Elsie here and go across the sea, we can you. We can make a new life. Nobody will know of your crimes. What do you say?” Hardy says nothing and the tension cranks up a notch. Elsie can feel tears slipping down her cheeks; but she’s determined not to make a sound. She just wants to live. She wants to laugh. And she wants to dance. And she wants her freedom after so long without it. She wants to fix Allaire and make all the fairies lives better. She wants to see Gwenna’s baby born. “Did anyone follow you here?” Hardy looks up at Malachi. Elsie looks too. “No.”

Elsie believes him. He’s giving Hardy the time he needs to consider his options. She just needs him to come to the realisation – as she has – that he has no option. His rebellion of one is over. Or two, if she counts Norah. Bloody Norah. She still cannot believe how duplicitous she is. She’s certainly a good liar and plays a good part. Trained well by Hardy, there’s no doubt. She cannot stand this silence; this waiting. She wants to scream at him, and hammer blows down on him. Truthfully, if she had any way of doing so, she’d see him dead. “Come on, Hardy. I can only protect you for so long. Let her go. Leave. Come on!” For the first time there’s a hint of anger and frustration in Malachi’s voice, and Elsie feels sick. She doesn’t want to anger or provoke Hardy. He’s got to be on a knife edge. He had such grand plans, and really, his plan was brilliant. Thank goodness Bella woke up. It could have ended so differently. “Hardy talk to me.” “Malachi. I can’t stand to look at you; I don’t want to talk to you. Where’s the guts and glory? Where’s the going down in flames? I can’t just give up now. I can’t just surrender and run away.” “So what? What’s your plan? I can’t let you take her, not now I’ve found her. You know that.” Hardy laughs; a sharp laugh with no humour in it at all. “You can’t let me? Cousin, what would you do to stop me? What have you ever done to stop me? Every time I took credit for your ideas or your actions, did you ever once call me out on it?” “This is different. The entire Kingdom is hunting for you and for her. She’s the

queen.” Hardy shrugs. “I know the plan was to rule, the hope was to rule, Hardy, I know you. I know it’s what you’ve always wanted. Such a deep desire you never even voiced it to me – but I knew. You can’t rule now. Not here. Run away. It’s the only hope you’ve got.” “And if I say no? If I refuse to give her to you?” Malachi closes his eyes. “Well, I’m hoping we don’t get to that point.” “And if we do?” “Damn you, Hardy. Stop playing games. Don’t you get it? It’s over. You cannot be king in this Kingdom. This Kingdom does not want you. Everybody knows what you’re really like now and what you’ve done. We all know you killed Meg and Bella and Alyce, whoever the hell she is. It’s done. You’re done.” Malachi gets up and holds his hand out to Elsie. She doesn’t make a move. “Untie her and let me take her. I’m done caring about you. If you want to leave, leave. If you want to stay and get killed, stay. Just let me go with Elsie.” He’s tapping his feet, his impatience clear. Hardy stands up and Elsie has to too. “I’m sorry how this turned out,” Hardy says. “Do you when we were small boys, and we’d play those games and make those plans. We thought we’d be soldiers once, .” Malachi nods, and Elsie can see the regret in his eyes. “You were like a brother to me,” Hardy says, fiddling with the scarf that binds him and Elsie together. Elsie dares not look at him. Thank goodness for Malachi. “And you to me,” Malachi says. “I love you Hardy. It’s why I’m here. I couldn’t

stand the thought of a soldier finding you and killing you on sight. You’re too good a man to die like this. It’s not worth it.” “We always thought it was. I still the first time our fathers told us about the rebellion. Do you ?” Malachi nods, and Elsie feels a bittersweet pang at this tender moment between the two. She really doesn’t care where he goes or whose life he ruins next; just as long as it’s not hers. “That day is etched in my memory, Malachi. Two brothers telling their sons all about their life’s work and inviting them to them. I felt so grown up knowing the things they did, the action they were taking, the revenge they were doling out. It was so thrilling.” “I . Do you need my help?” Malachi gestures at the scarf, still tying Hardy and Elsie together. Hardy shakes his head. “No, I’ve got it. I never thought it would end like this.” “Me neither, but you’re doing the right thing. You know you are.” “I know. As soon as I saw you, I knew. I’m sorry.” Malachi shrugs. “I can forgive you anything, you know that. And I promise you, this will all blow over. Elsie will rule and we’ll be living somewhere else. You pick. Any of the fairy Kingdoms will do. Your mother can’t wait either, though she’ll miss cooking at the castle.” Hardy laughs and then in one deft move he grabs his dagger from his boot and leaps towards Malachi, pulling Elsie along with him. He stabs him twice in quick succession, once in the heart and once in the throat. Malachi drops to the floor, surprise and anguish etched onto his features.

Hardy hunkers beside him. “Can you forgive me this?” He stabs him one more time, though there’s no need. Elsie can see he’s dead. The blood and the life draining out of him quickly; his eyes glassy, his blood pooling. Hardy stands up and sighs. “That was hard.”

20

Elsie sobs and covers her mouth with her hand. Malachi is dead. Her saviour is dead. And her hope is gone. Hardy turns his back on his dead cousin, whistling a jaunty tune, and pulling Elsie along with him. She wants to fight and scream and cry and rally against him, but she knows it’s useless. He will not soften because she is scared. He will not change his mind. Malachi just gave him the perfect end to this awful mess. Run away and let Elsie go free, but his mind is so skewed now; he cannot see what to do next. He cannot rule Allaire now, and he cannot have his freedom if he’s ever caught. This path is as destructive to him as it is to her. She was so close. She really thought Malachi was convincing him. The talk of their childhood together as boys and their common purpose with the rebellion. The hope that Hardy might let her go and leave Allaire. It’s all crushed. Her hopes are as dead as Malachi. Alyce. Meg. She doesn’t dare ask him what his plan is; what he plans to do with himself or her; she doesn’t want to know the answer. Once again her life is in someone else’s hands and she can’t do a thing about it. She can channel Meg or Bella or Dayle and it wouldn’t make a difference. She’s bound to this man by a scarf and by the fact that he holds her life in his hands. If he wants to kill her – just like he killed Malachi – he’ll do it in a heartbeat. If he deigns to let her live; it’ll only be while it suits him. She’s not even useful to him now. And he doesn’t love her like he loved Malachi.

As soon as he realises this; she’s dead. It’s only because he’s panicking and scrambling and lacking any clarity on what to do next that she’s still alive. And she knows it. And she also knows there’s nothing she can do. They are flying deeper and deeper into the caves, before taking a turn Elsie doesn’t . The further in they fly, the more hopeless and despondent she can feel herself getting. “Hardy!” He stares at her, almost as though he’d forgotten she was with him. “What?” “Where are you taking me? Why are you taking me? Just let me go or kill me.” She lifts her arms, causing his arm to jerk. “There’s no point dragging me around with you. It’s over. If you’re leaving Allaire, kill me first. Why torture me, why prolong my misery?” She’s not sure why she’s trying to reason with someone who has so obviously lost all grasp on normality and reason, but she feels helpless and she hates it. “Where are you taking me and why? You had a lifeline; Malachi gave you a way out. Why didn’t you take it?” “I don’t want him telling me what to do, or you, or anyone else. I don’t need anybody else’s help or advice.” They’re going around in circles. “If you didn’t need the way out that he gave you, why not? What are you planning to do with me? When will you kill me, Hardy? I can’t stand this. I don’t want to come with you. I won’t.” He laughs.

“As though you have a choice, Elsie. You might be queen, but I’m in charge here.” “In charge of what? You cannot rule Allaire. Nobody wants you. Why do you need me? I don’t understand.” “You will.” He whistles again, leading her further through the caves, on a downward slope now. The walls are wet and she can smell the sea. “Are you going to drown me?” He ignores her. “Stab me. Strangle me. Hardy!” He refuses to answer, and she shakes her head. Shackled to him, she has no choice but to follow him along, and then they reach a cove. The cave opens out to a small strip of sand and the sea; the water lapping gently, echoing around the cave walls. It’s dark but beginning to get light. Is this her last night on earth? He won’t answer her, and he won’t look at her. And she’s feeling sick of his games. She plonks herself down on the sand, feeling the damp seep through her cloak almost immediately, and pulls at the scarf until she loosens it enough to yank it off her arm and free herself from him. “I’m done. I’m not going anywhere with you. I’m not. Just kill me here. Let the waves take my body.” He hunkers down in front of her and she can see the gleam of insanity in his eyes. “Elsie, I’m not leaving you.” “So what are you doing with me? Killing me?”

“New plan.” She feels a rush of hope. Will he leave her here and go? “What plan? Are you leaving?” “I am.” “And you will not kill me?” “Not yet.” She feels a chill at his words. “You haven’t figured it out yet, so I’ll help you. I need you, Elsie, for now. Norah will bring us supplies and I will use you, ransom you to get what I want.” “What do you want?” “The throne.” “The throne? They won’t give it to you.” He’s lost it; he’s completely lost his grip on reality. “They will give me every single thing I demand because I have their queen as hostage.” Elsie doesn’t dare point out that as a hostage she’s a pretty poor option. So few people in the Kingdom care about her, there’s no guarantee that his idea will work. There will be fairies in the Kingdom who don’t even know she is queen yet. But what is the point in reasoning with insanity? What is the use of pointing out the obvious flaws in his plan? If it keeps her alive for a day, an hour or even a minute longer, she will go along with him. She watches him pace along the edge of the water, his shoes and tros getting

wet, even though he’s oblivious to it, and vows to go along with his delusion. She will play along; play the part of the frightened hostage and the second she sees an opportunity to kill him or fly away, she will do it. This man will not end her life. She will not allow it.

Author’s Note

To keep reading the series, click this link to buy . Or buy direct, for less, from my website: www.gemmaperfect.com . Thank you - I have to write this in the back of every book I publish, because I really do thank you. Thank you for choosing one of my stories to read and taking the time to read it. Thank you for allowing me to do the job I dreamed of doing as a little girl. Thank you!