Page 99 of The Hocus Pocus Handbook

I haven’t thought about this; I never imagined I would be so fortunate. But I shall not let this moment pass or permit this blessing to slip from my grasp. Still hand in hand, I walk with Thea, feeling the weight of the collective eyes fixed on us.

“You first,” she whispers.

We are surrounded by people. But my focus narrows to Thea’s smile, her sparkling eyes. I can only speak the truth and hope it’s enough.

“I will always see you. I will always listen to you. I will always believe you. I promise that I will disagree with you when you’re wrong but with gentleness, never in anger. I will protect you with my last breath, and I will heed your counsel because you are a kind and brilliant person. I love you with my entire soul, and I promise to be there when you need me. Will you take me as yours?”

“I will,” Thea breathes.

I kiss both her hands in a courtly gesture, hoping she can tell how happy I am. “Your turn,” I murmur, beneath the thunderous applause.

When the room quiets, she inhales deeply. “Some people picture how this moment will go, and I never did, likely because I was too busy causing trouble.” She pauses for the ripple of surprised laughter. “But even if I’d imagined my wedding, it could never compare to the reality of surviving the darkest days with the perfect partner by my side. Over time, you earned my trust and never once let me down.

“In turn, I promise to wreak havoc on your enemies—in the silliest ways imaginable—and I promise to make you laugh when you’re in the doldrums. I promise to pull you into bed at the least provocation and make you wonder a thousand times a day what in the world I’m thinking. I promise to keep the mystery alive and never explain anything until the last moment. And most importantly, I promise to love you until I die. Still want to be mine?”

She startles a laugh out of me, and I answer with the chuckle caught in my throat. “Yes. More than anything. It could only ever be you.”

Lady Mirralee applauds, rising to motion at everyone else. “Citizens of Autumn and assembled guests, please join me in welcoming the Lord and Lady of Winter.”

All around us, fae surge to their feet, applauding with joyous abandon. Someone starts calling for a speech or a toast. The demand becomes overwhelming, but for once, I have something to say.

A nearby waiter places a glass in my hand, and I raise it, indicating that I’m about to cooperate. The hall hushes, eager to learn what sort of ruler has taken power in Winter. I smile slightly, considering how outraged my father would be over what I’m about to do.

But my brother? Geraint wouldn’t be able to stop smiling.

“Earlier, I said I don’t want this responsibility. Before, all I wanted was to disappear—to be left alone to focus on my art.” It’s the first time I’ve acknowledged that particular passion in public. “Now that I have the freedom to do as I wish? I refute the strangling levels of control my cousin embraced. I intend to convene a ruling council in Winter. I’ll discuss issues with them, and we’ll determine the best course via consensus. I plan to appoint representatives from all classes of wild fae.

“Our system is stagnant. This is the wild fae’s home too, and they deserve a voice. I shall see that there is a fair distribution of power. Not only is it more equitable, but it also grants me the chance to be with the people I love. So don’t be startled if I spend more time creating beautiful things than imposing my will. Nobody asked how I intend to handle this responsibility, and so I believe I am free to do as I see fit within my territory.”

“Macha’s tits,” Rosa says loudly into the silence. “It’ll be absolute chaos. I love everything about this.”

Thea rises up to kiss me in front of the whole of fae society, both high and wild. When she pulls back, she grins at me. “Chaos, hmm? This is indisputable proof that you’ve married the right person. That’s basically my middle name.”

The other rulers confer quietly, and then Lord Sorren rises with honey wine in hand. “We shall observe this democratic experiment with great interest.”

Pell is grinning with a glee that seems borderline deranged. “Oh! I’ve never been so entertained. I want a council too! I know, I can do the lottery idea.” Immediately, they signal to staff and ask for paper, pen, and ink.

I feel mildly concerned for the people of Springtide, but it won’t be worse. I hope.

Lady Mirralee rises as well. “Now that all official matters are attended to, let the festival begin!”

45

A Spell for Festivity and Fireworks

We have come to the end of the handbook, my gem, and since this is the grand finale, I offer you a spell to celebrate the happiest of times. When the greatest of good things happens to you, there should be a way to mark the occasion. Well, I say if it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing big and loud and proud, which is what I’ve always taught you. Take up space. Speak your truth. Put dancing pookas made of fire in the sky. (Yes, you can do that with this spell, and why not?) Go wild. You only live once, and I want you to eat everything you desire at the table of life, leave nothing untasted, no wine unsavored.

With this spell, your will is paramount. But we’ve been working on your focus and your belief that you have a full right to use fae magic. Even if you weren’t born here, you’re everything beautiful and glorious about this realm. You can create flowers of fire or pookas made of light or images that move and glow and speak and melt into something else entirely. The limit is only your confidence and your imagination. I believe—even if you don’t—that you can do magic without these rituals. Because the truth is, the magic comes from you, my jewel. The metals and gems and herbs may aid focus or channeling, but if you’ll pardon my trickery, they can do nothing without you.

That’s the last lesson left for me to impart. You are enough. You’re perfect as you are, even in your imperfections, and you are loved. Use this working well, my precious daughter.

This one is best cast at the moment of your greatest joy. You’ll require:

A reason to celebrate

I hope that I’m present when you cast this for the first time. I’d love to perform the spell with you and see what wondrous, mythic scenes we create. To cast this spell, simply imagine what you want to appear, and be as specific as possible. Envision the colors, the effects, whether there’s sparkle or glow, streaks of light or popping embers. And then release your vision into the world.

The best illusions begin in your mind’s eye, and then you share them—on the ceiling, on a wall, or in the sky, wherever you’re celebrating. I can’t wait to see what beauty is born from someone as wonderful as you, my jewel. My work is complete, but yours is just beginning. Whether you have adventures or settle down, all that is yet to be written. I will be proud of you, whatever path you choose.