Page 70 of Fae Games

“Where are we going?” I asked.

“To the font of the Spring Court.” He wrapped a strong arm around my back, securing me to his front. “The place I go to recharge my magic. I think there’s something there that you need to see.”

Chapter 18

Passing the academy wards in Prince Bradwell’s arms was painless, and we traveled over woodland, over lakes and over frost-covered peaks to the east of the island, away from the setting sun.

A few birds flew close by, including an owl and a peculiar looking albatross that Prince Bradwell explained worked for Queen Titania, but nobody bothered us throughout the journey.

“What do you mean by a font?” I wanted to wrap my legs around his hips, but the skirt of my gossamer dress didn’t allow for much movement.

“Each type of magic on the Isle of Fae has a source,” he replied. “The Winter Court magic is high in the north up in a frozen cave somewhere, there’s a hot spring close to the academy that connects to Summer Court magic, and the Autumn Court’s font is somewhere in the Justice Forest.”

“And the Spring Court?” I asked.

“Hold on tight, and I’ll give you a tour.” His wings sliced through the air like a sword, and a gust of warm wind propelled us over the mountaintops.

Tightening my hold around Prince Bradwell’s neck, I glanced down at the scenery. The pointed tops of pine trees jutted out to us like dagger-tips, but they soon gave way to trees with a rounded canopy. As we progressed across the land, the foliage became more and more sparse until we flew over what looked like a graveyard of skeletal trees.

An unpleasant shudder traveled up my spine. “What’s this place?”

“The border,” he replied.

I was about to ask for more information when a faint floral scent curled around my senses, and I glanced down to find pale buds shining like beads of gold in the light of the setting sun.

“Is this Spring Court territory?” I asked.

“We’re getting close.” He spread his wings wide, and we glided through the air.

With each passing moment, the buds grew larger until the trees bloomed with blossoms of pink and white and violet. By now, the sun dipped behind the mountaintops on the west. The moon slipped out behind the clouds, bathing us and the trees beneath in a mix of orange and silvery lights.

My heart quickened, and my breaths became shallow with excitement. A mix of warm and cool air swirled around us as though the weather couldn’t decide whether it wanted to be winter or spring.

“This is gorgeous,” I said.

Prince Bradwell swooped down toward the treetops. “Wait until we reach our destination. ”

As he descended through the branches, I squeezed my eyes shut, expecting them to tear at my clothes and flesh. Instead, petals caressed the exposed parts of my skin, and a floral cherry scent filled my nostrils, making me open my eyes again.

We flew under the canopy of giant trees that lined a vast pathway strewn with pink petals from where the blossoms overhead had fallen. Light streamed through the tiny flowers, making the space brighter than it had been outside. Sweat slicked the palms of my hands, which threatened to slip off Prince Bradwell’s neck. I had no idea something as breathtaking as this place existed on the island.

“Is this it?” I whispered.

Prince Bradwell chuckled. “This is just the boulevard. Where we’re going is straight ahead.”

At the end of the tree-lined passage stood a four-story palace consisting of four spired towers on each corner and smaller ones at the side of its entranceway. It was probably white, but the light diffusing through the blossoms turned the building a shimmering pink. While it wasn’t anywhere as vast as the academy building, it would probably house fifty families.

“Who lives over there?” I asked.

“No one until I rule my court,” he replied. “But we’re going to what’s at the bottom of the garden.

My heart thrummed an excited beat, and I pressed a kiss on Prince Bradwell’s cheek. “Thanks for taking me out of the academy.”

“No one will come after us here,” he replied. “Not even Her Majesty.”

“Why?”

“Her power isn’t aligned with seasonal magic.”