Falling For Fire

by Talia Jager

  “I do,” she responded loudly.

  I turned toward my sister and opened the box Lumi was holding. From it, I pulled a small snowflake crown. As I turned back toward Kailani, she caught sight of the crown, and her breath started to quicken.

  “It is cause for great celebration when a vessel finds her way home,” I said, placing the crown on her head, and then continued, “So welcome home, Princess Kailani, welcome home.”

  The crowd once again broke into cheers. My sister and brother stepped to the railing and began waving. Tannon stood next to them with a stoic look on his face. He was in guard mode.

  I bumped my hip with Kailani’s. “Come on, wave! We will be back inside in a couple minutes.”

  She leaned over and softly said, “I’d roll my eyes right now, but I don’t want to get thrown into a jail cell.”

  Laughing, I said, “Just wave.”

  She held up her hand and put a big grin on her face. “Smile for the cameras, right?”

  “That’s right,” I joked.

  “What’s up with your name? Aurora?”

  “My full name.”

  “You never mentioned that.”

  “I didn’t remember it. My mother asked me whether I wanted to go by Rory or Aurora, and I picked Rory. The only time anyone calls me Aurora is for formal things like this, and well, Sorin calls me Aurora. The way he says my name…” My voice trailed off.

  “I’ve never seen you swoon before.”

  “I didn’t have anyone to swoon over. Sorin is the love of my life.”

  “Where did Burkheart come from?”

  “I have no idea.” I put down my hand, and we started inside. “My parents must have come up with it. I guess it would have been stupid not to have a last name.”

  “True.”

  A few of the staff walked up and introduced themselves to Kailani. I walked with Lumi and Neige back into the castle when suddenly my sister wrapped her arms around me. “You’re going to be a wonderful queen.”

  “Thank you, Lumi.”

  “You’re welcome, Rory.”

  Neige took my hand and said, “We need to fix the castle.”

  I knelt down next to him and answered, “We sure do, and we’re going to do that right away.”

  Neige’s eyes widened, and he pointed. I turned to look, fearing that someone was attacking, but instead Keir rounded the corner. He smiled when he saw me, looked over his shoulder, and said something to someone behind him. My heart quickened, knowing it must be Sorin.

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Sorin

  Back in Faerhaven, I breathed deeply. I ripped off the shoes on my feet and dug my toes into the earth. There was an incredible pain that brought tears to my eyes. “So much pain…” I murmured. Turning toward Nyella, whose legs had returned to those of a goat, I said, “Aurora?”

  Jastra stepped in between us. “We must return to Summer Land and have the coronation. You need to address the fae and then we can get you two together.”

  Looking around Jastra at Nyella again, I asked, “Do you know if she’s returned yet?” Satyrs had a better sense of smell than faeries did, so I was hoping she’d be able to tell if Aurora had already passed through.

  Nyella looked around and commented, “I don’t think so.”

  As much as I wanted to wait there for her, I knew they were right. I had a kingdom to heal. The three of us headed home.

  As we approached the tree line, Jastra let out a whistle. Suddenly, guards emerged from trees and other places they were hiding. They bowed and made a path for us to walk through. Once we passed, they took their positions again.

  “The village is surrounded by guards and knights. We haven’t seen Iron Fae in a couple of weeks, but we know it’s only a matter of time,” Jastra said in a low voice.

  We turned the corner and I stopped in my tracks. I hardly recognized the half-castle that stood before me. There were pieces missing from the left side, towers completely crumbled. Trees were burned, the ground scorched, and there were no faeries around.

  “Where is everyone?”

  “Hiding.”

  At the bottom of the castle steps, Nyella turned and said, “I will let the rest of my kind know that you’ve returned.”

  “Thank you.”

  I followed Jastra into the castle to the grand room. “Wait here,” he said and disappeared back out the door.

  Walking up to the three stairs to the thrones, I ran my hand over my mother’s seat. She had ruled from this very spot for as long as I could remember. Now it was mine. It was my turn to rule and I was ready to make things right.

  The door opened. “King Sorin!” Keir walked in, bowed, and then closed the space between us. Shaking my hand, he said, “It is good to see you.”

  I pulled him into a hug and said, “You too. Guess it’s been years for you. Seems like just yesterday to me.”

  Keir glanced away. “I’m sorry, Sorin. Sorry you had to go through that and for your loss.”

  “I’m sorry for your loss as well.”

  Keir centered his father’s necklace that had been passed on to him. “Thank you.”

  “I guess that makes you my High Knight.”

  “It does.”

  “Do you know if Aurora’s back yet?”

  “I don’t know. We don’t talk to the other Seasons anymore, especially Winter. Eira has not been easy on any of us. With your parents gone, she’s been trying to attack us.”

  “For what reason?”

  “Power?” he guessed. “The girl is not right in the head.”

  “After the coronation, I need to see Aurora.”

  “With the lands in battle with each other, that’s near impossible,” Keir said.

  “Do you really think she’ll let that continue the minute she sets foot in her kingdom?”

  He smiled. “No. Not Rory. It’s been so long since we had hope.”

  “Well, I’m home now and things are going to change. Do you know where my brother and sister are?”

  “Follow me.” Keir led me down the back stairs and through some old tunnels. “We hid them underground. Marin has stepped into caretaker role. Daisy even helped with Skye’s studies.”

  My eyebrows arched. “Daisy? Really?”

  “Yes.”

  Reaching a wooden door at the end of one tunnel, Keir opened it and we stepped inside.

  Marin, Dune, and Skye were in the room. Dune looked up first and jumped to his feet. “Brother!”

  After a quick hug, I stood back and looked at him. “You’ve grown.”

  “I’m glad you’re back. I tried to be a leader to our fae, but I’m not the rightful owner of that title. They’re scared and I’m just not as strong as you are.”

  “Sure you are, Dune. You’ve gotten them this far. I’m sorry I wasn’t here. I’m sorry my actions caused all of this. I hope you can forgive me.”

  Dune sighed. “I was upset for a while, especially when the fighting broke out, but the more I thought about what Mother had done and how they wouldn’t even listen, the madder at them I became. Keir and I talked and after hearing more about your love for her, I wasn’t so upset anymore. I tried talking to our parents, but they still wouldn’t listen. Once Father and Mother were gone, I listened to Cahir and fought back, but that didn’t do any good. Soon he was dead too.” Dune glanced at Keir. “I like to fight, but I’m not so good at the strategy part.”

  “You did great, Dune. I’m proud of you. You kept Skye safe.”

  “Marin is to thank for that.” He glanced over at her.

  “Thank you, Marin.”

  “It was my pleasure, Your Majesty.”

  My eyes met Skye’s and I walked over to her. “Hey, Skye.”

  She looked back down at her doll and didn’t say anything.

  “You’ve gotten so big. You’re a lady now.”

  She peeked up at me, but still remained quiet.

  “Do you remember me?”

  “You left,” she whispered.
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br />   “I didn’t want to.”

  Her lip trembled.

  “I’m sorry, Skye. It wasn’t my choice. I would never have chosen to leave you. Please forgive me.”

  She looked up again, tears filling her big blue eyes, and said, “It’s been scary. Mother and Father are gone and you weren’t here and I…” She hiccupped.

  “I’m here now, Skye.” I pulled her into an embrace. “I’m here and I’m not going anywhere. We’re going to fight back and win and then we’re going to make things better.”

  “Mother said it was Rory’s fault. Is that true?” she asked.

  “Rory and I fell in love, Skye. Do you think that’s a bad thing?”

  She shook her head. “No.”

  “Me either, but some faeries did, and that’s why we were punished.”

  “I like Rory.”

  “Me too.”

  “Will we see her again?”

  I nodded. “Very soon. Are you ready to get out of here?”

  Her eyes lit up and she smiled. “Yes!”

  “Marin, can you take Skye and get her dressed up for the coronation?”

  “Yes, Your Majesty.”

  The five of us left the hidden room and went up to our chambers to get ready. My bed looked like someone had slept in it and I imagined it had been Skye. Poor kid needed some loving and stability in her life now. I had no doubt that Aurora would be a great influence for her.

  I could hear the horns blowing, announcing my return and the upcoming coronation.

  I dressed in nice pants, a white shirt, and red vest and met Keir and Jastra in the grand hall. “Who will be swearing me in?”

  “I guess that would be me,” Keir said. “I’m the High Knight now and the advisor is dead.”

  “Fine with me. Do you know what to say?”

  “Yes.”

  Dune and Skye joined us and we walked outside. The large crowd gathered quieted down. Keir addressed the fae. “We are here today to welcome home our king.

  “Do you, Sorin, solemnly swear to govern the fae of Summer Land to the best of your ability?”

  “I do.”

  “Will you pledge to lead them in the best way possible?”

  “I will.”

  “Do you promise to serve justice and show mercy?”

  “I do.”

  Keir placed a golden crown with rhinestones on my head, turned to the crowd, and said, “King Sorin.”

  There were some cheers, not as many as I had imagined when growing up, but I didn’t let that upset me. I understood why not all of them trusted me or were happy with me. I could only hope that would change soon.

  Waving Dune and Skye to my side, we faced the fae. “I am glad to be reunited with my family. Together we will work on bringing our kingdom back into its glory. My first act as king is to put an end to this war between Seasons. It is finished! We will make amends with the others and face the Iron Fae united.”

  Whispers circulated.

  “My fellow fae, please do not hold back. Let me know what you think so I can address concerns.”

  The fae exchanged glances as if they didn’t know whether or not I was serious. Then someone said, “You haven’t been here in two years. You have no idea what has happened.”

  “I’ve been filled in.”

  “Will you still be with the Winter queen?” another voice called out.

  “I hope so.” My arms yearned to hold her.

  “Even after her sister destroyed us?”

  “They might share the same blood, but Eira isn’t Aurora’s sister. I’m sure Aurora is just as appalled as we are.”

  “So we’re just supposed to get along now?”

  “Yes. Please help me make this work.” I hoped they would see my side of things.

  “You’re going to uphold laws? You broke them.”

  “I understand your point, but that law needed to be changed.”

  “So any laws we don’t like, we can just change them?” a different faerie challenged.

  “Well, no—” I mashed my lips together. “I’m sorry if I let you down. I fell in love and it happened to be with a Winter faerie. Love shouldn’t have boundaries.” I took a deep breath. “If there are laws that anyone here wants to discuss, then let’s do that. Let’s hold a meeting where we can all talk about these laws and see which ones need to be examined.”

  The fae were exchanging looks again. I hoped they’d hurry up so I could see Aurora. I didn’t want to just up and leave, but I couldn’t wait to hold her.

  “Do I have your support?” I asked.

  “You have mine,” Coral shouted out.

  “And mine.” Theros stepped forward.

  Soon the majority of the crowd was nodding and pledging their support.

  A guard strolled up to Keir and whispered something in his ear.

  “What is it?” I asked.

  “A carriage from Winter was discovered trying to enter our land.”

  “Was Aurora on it?”

  We looked at the guard, who shook his head and said, “No, but he claims he was sent by her to take you there.”

  “Allow them through,” I ordered and turned back to the crowd. “I’m going to make a plan and see about making our kingdom great again.”

  I stood with Keir and Dune after the crowd started to disperse.

  “Your Majesty?” a familiar voice said.

  I turned to find Daisy standing in front of me. She curtsied.

  “Daisy! How are you?”

  “I know you have a million things going on, but do you have a minute?”

  “Of course.” I led her to a quiet spot.

  “I was under a lot of stress from my mother as well as yours. I knew you didn’t love me and I didn’t love you. I wished I could have done what made me happy and not what was expected of me, but I wanted to please our mothers, so I agreed to marry you. I convinced myself that in time we would love each other. And then you were caught with the Winter princess. I felt betrayed and I really didn’t have the right to. I was embarrassed, though, and I lashed out at you. For that, I’m sorry.”

  “There’s no need for you to apologize,” I said.

  “I’m not done.”

  “Sorry,” I mumbled.

  Daisy continued, “I think you were crazy—brave, but crazy—for falling for a Winter faerie. I get it now though. When you have someone who makes you that happy, there’s nothing you wouldn’t do for them and nothing you wouldn’t do to be with them.”

  Smiling, I asked, “Who can’t you live without, Daisy?”

  A big grin broke out on her face and she looked over at one of our scouts. “Junot. We’ve always liked each other and danced around our feelings for a long time, because of what my parents and the queen expected from me. It wasn’t until you were banished that we could explore our feelings.”

  Laughing, I said, “Glad to have helped out.”

  Daisy’s cheeks turned pink. “I didn’t mean to make light of what happened.”

  “I know. I’m just teasing.”

  “I wanted to let you know I have no hard feelings and I wish you the best.”

  “Thank you, Daisy. Junot is a good faerie. You’ll have a good life together. I’m glad you found each other.”

  “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. Oh, and thank you for helping with Skye.”

  “It was no trouble.”

  “After everything has settled down, I hope you’ll consider being in charge of Skye’s studies. Make sure she’s on track with her bending and schooling. I know she would still enjoy you being a part of her life.”

  “I would really like that.”

  “Good. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to check on that little munchkin and my brother.”

  Daisy curtsied and hurried to Junot, who embraced her.

  Joining Keir and Dune again, I said, “Keir, Dune, I’d like you both to accompany me when the carriage arrives. Skye?” Then turning to my sister, I asked, “Do you want to go to Winter?�
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  “Yes!” She lit up.

  “Do you think it’s safe?” Dune asked.

  “Yes. Ending the war would be Aurora’s first task as well.”

  “How can you be sure it’s not a trap from the sister?” Dune questioned.

  He had a point there. And I realized as king I needed to stay sharp. “Do we have a truth stone?”

  “Yes.”

  “Could you get it for me please?”

  Keir disappeared and came back holding the blue stone.

  “Who is next in line to be left in charge here?” I asked.

  “Jastra.”

  We walked over to Jastra. “Please keep watch on the kingdom while I am gone.”

  “Yes, Your Majesty.”

  We descended what was left of the steps just as the Winter carriage turned the corner and headed our way. Most of the fae stopped and stared. Some placed their hands on their swords as a precaution. The carriage came to a stop and Kitto stepped down and bowed.

  “Your Majesty, the Winter queen requests you presence.”

  “Please forgive me, Kitto. I would like you to hold the truth stone while I verify what you just said.”

  “Do you think I’m lying?”

  “I think Eira is capable of anything.”

  “She is.” He held out his hands and I placed the stone in them.

  “Who sent you?”

  “Queen Aurora of Summer Land.”

  I breathed a sigh of relief. “Let’s go then.” I climbed aboard the carriage followed by Dune, Skye, and Keir.

  The trip was long, but I used it to catch up with those riding with me. Skye fell asleep leaning against me. As we neared the Winter castle, my anxiety increased. I wouldn’t feel calm until my eyes rested on her and I knew for sure Aurora was really okay. When the carriage stopped, I scooped Skye up and followed Kitto in the side entrance.

  As we turned the corner and my eyes rested on Aurora, my heart leapt.

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  Aurora

  I looked down at my brother. “Stay with Lumi.”

  “Okay.”

  I started to speed-walk down the corridor. I was almost to the point of lightly running, lifting my gown slightly so I didn’t trip in my excitement.