Page 7 of Fae Games

“Then perhaps you should join them,” Prince Caulden’s voice was tight. “She’s your fated mate.”

“As is Salix.” Prince Rory crossed the courtyard, his hands fisted in the pockets of his black pants.

Prince Caulden turned his head. “You and I both know she’s like a sister.”

“Then you’ll understand why I would like a word with Unity,” said Prince Rory.

My throat dried. The last thing I needed right now were more hostilities. I liked them both, and it would be torture if I had to choose between them.

“Your Highnesses,” said a voice from the direction of the tower.

Mistress Ellyllon stood in the middle of the courtyard with her arms crossed. “Unity needs to rest before the trials restart.”

I choked on air. “What?”

The headmistress sighed. “There are still five Fated and only four princes. His Majesty has decided to take over the trials with the assistance of the dukes and duchesses.”

My lips parted, huffing out the contents of my lungs. “The dukes will fix things so their daughters win.”

The headmistress raised an indigo shoulder. “If fate decides you the winner, there’s nothing to worry about.”

Defeat, ominous and heavy, slumped my spine. I didn’t need magic to predict the upcoming bloodbath. And I didn’t need seer powers to know the blood would be mine.

“I’ll help as much as I can,” said Prince Caulden.

“As will I,” added Prince Rory.

“Thanks,” I said with a shaky smile. “But I’d better return to the dorm and catch some rest.”

“Sweet dreams,” they both said.

I pulled down the door handle. “Same to you.”

The moment I entered the remedial building’s stone entrance hall, Mr. Whittaker stepped out of the classroom, surrounded by my classmates.

“Unity!” He rushed forward and grabbed my shoulder. “Are you hurt?”

Everyone piled around me, firing so many questions that I couldn’t make out their words. Students jerked from left to right, as Flora pushed her way to the front.

“What are they going to do about Helen?”

I told them what her father had said about the stones only working on the new moon, and the hallway went silent.

Flora turned to Mr. Whittaker. “Isn’t the Dark Fae Prison located on the Calf of Man?”

“It is.” He scratched his head. “Why don’t we go upstairs, and we can talk about this over a cup of tea.”

I rubbed my dry throat, and my stomach rumbled. When was the last time I had eaten? Beans on toast last night? The entire day was a blur. Right now, I needed a drink and something to eat.

* * *

There were enough seats in the remedial common room to accommodate all the students if they took up the dining space and sofas. I sat at one of the tables with Flora and Mr. Whittaker, munching on toast with chocolate and hazelnut spread.

Nobody asked about the Duchess of Nevermore, and I guessed that was because our teacher had explained the kind of dark magic used to steal a faerie’s magical core, and I was relieved not to bring up the subject.

Flora turned to Mr. Whittaker. “Why can’t the Duke of Nevermore take some guards down in a coach to the Calf of Fae and rescue Helen?”

“Does everyone know about the Otherworld?” he asked.