Page 92 of The Hocus Pocus Handbook

I should have woken Kerboros or addressed the night of passion we shared. Now it feels more like a dream than something that actually happened. But I had a note waiting from Zeph, and they specified I should come alone. That worries me on some level, but I still emerge into a private courtyard, where the meeting is supposed to take place.

A fountain carved from sunstone occupies the center of the plaza. Glittering crystals adorn the sides, and the water cascades from the top, forming miniature waterfalls as it spills down the obelisk into the shallow basin at the bottom. Red and copper tiles create an abstract pattern beneath the shining surface. Smooth brown flagstones create a path suitable for pacing around the rim.

Greenery grows wild up the walls, muffling any sounds from the palace proper, and the vines are dotted with blooms. The landscaping is perfect, all the flowers chosen in complementary hues—starting with yellow, blushing to orange, deepening to red—and each plant occupies the right amount of space, neither too wide, nor too tall.

Perfection makes me nervous. As I gaze into the water, it ripples, and then a liquid, bubbling voice reaches me. “Thea! I finally found you.”

“Nerys.” I kneel on the stones, delighted beyond measure to hear her voice.

“I did eventually hear the whispers you sent, and I passed a message to your dad. I couldn’t dispatch help, but I did send word as the others asked. How are you, my girl?”

“Worried, but bearing up. What news can you share? Is my dad safe?”

“He’s traveling to you as we speak. Or might be there already, as it’s been a while since the river reported the last sighting.”

Relief sparkles through me. “You’re the best.”

“I can’t linger. This is an intrusion, and I don’t want to add to your troubles. Be safe.”

The fountain stills and returns to its original state. Nerys has gone.

And Zeph is late. On my fifth circuit of the fountain, I remember a spell my dad wrote for me; it’s been too long since I’ve seen him. If Nerys is right, and she usually is, he’s traveling right now. He might need a helping hand to get here safely. I get out the right crystals and hold them to my heart, whispering to the water.

“I miss you so much, Da. With all the unrest, I need you to be safe. And frankly, I need you here with me, the sooner, the better.”

A musical tone sounds, and I turn to see Zeph slipping past a wind chime hung on the eaves near the door. “I’m sorry for the delay. There were a few complications to resolve.”

“What’s going on?” I demand.

“Before I answer, there’s someone who desperately wants to greet you.” They step aside, revealing…

My dad. He looks exhausted and more than a bit frazzled. Though Nerys gave me the news, I stare, unable to believe that my luck has finally turned. No more traps, no more sabotage. Hunters didn’t cut him down on the road; Liskaal didn’t lock him up in the dungeon. Da trusted me to keep myself safe. He remained at Miremorel as promised, and then he came at the hour of my greatest need. My dad never lets me down. Once I process the fact that he’s really here, I rush right at him. He hugs me so tight that my ribs cave a bit, but I hug him back just as hard.

“I doubt my spell had anything to do with this, as I just cast it, but I’m so happy to see you.”

“Now, hearing that’s made me the happiest person alive, indeed it has, my gem.” With gentle hands, he brushes my hair back and pats my cheek.

Zeph smiles. “What’s important is that you’re together…and out of Winter’s grasp. And that’s what I need to talk to you two about.”

I perch on the edge of the fountain, still cuddled up to my dad. “I’m listening.”

“First, let me secure the site,” they say.

Their unwillingness to speak freely or divulge information makes me think they might actually have a plan, but I can’t fathom what it is. The only thing I’m certain about is that they’re desperate to escape marital ties to me. Not that I mind because Zeph gets on my nerves without even trying. I watch as they cast a spell that creates a blue shimmer, encasing us in a soundproof barrier.

“Satisfied now, are you?” Da wants to know.

“What if I said I could depose Lord Liskaal without a single soldier raising a weapon?” they ask.

I make scoffing sound. “It sounds too good to be true.”

“Then answer this first: Do you enjoy formal status in the House of Winter? Either of you?” Zeph seems to be holding their breath, as if everything hinges on our reply.

I glance at my dad because while I’ve always been a nonentity, tolerated but not embraced, I can’t be sure of his situation.

“Why do you need to know?” Da asks.

“This isn’t the time to be cagey,” Zeph says in an impatient tone. “The quorum starts soon, and if I fail, there are no second chances. Not for any of us.”