Faebound Rhapsody

by Amy J. Wenglar

  Ah, there we go. Good ol’ Christoph.

  “Thanks, Chris,” I say with a tight smile. “Always a pleasure.”

  “I must return to the Council,” he says, and to my surprise, he leans in and places a swift, chaste kiss on my cheek. Alexander’s body grows rigid behind me as he snakes an arm around my waist. “Good luck, Miss Kelly.” His eyes flick up to Alexander and then to Colin. “And best of luck to the two of you. We will meet again, I am sure.”

  “Unfortunately,” Alexander grumbles.

  With a brief nod and a tight smile, Chris turns and speeds off into the night, leaving nothing but a flurry of dead leaves in his wake. I turn to Colin next.

  “Colin, please be careful in Berlin. You look tired...like you need a vacation, not another top-secret mission,” I say. “Is Jo going with you?”

  Colin looks surprised. “No. No, she…”

  “Doesn’t know you’re going?” I arch an eyebrow.

  “It’s better that way,” he says with an awkward laugh. “You know how she is. One glimpse of the Grey Goose, and she’ll be gone forever.” He places a hand on my shoulder, a strange sadness clouding over the sparkle in his eyes. “Good luck, Sophe.”

  Alexander nods toward the Cadillac, and I can’t help but notice the tears welling up in his eyes.

  “Go,” he says with a weak smile. “Your junky chariot awaits.”

  6

  I toss my suitcase in the back of the Cadillac and climb into the passenger side, careful not to destroy the pristine white leather with my ridiculously scratchy dress. The interior is immaculate.

  “I thought witches used brooms,” I joke as I settle back into my seat.

  It may be a stupid, super-cliche joke, but it’s a joke I must make. I may never get another opportunity. Plus, I need to do everything I can to keep from completely falling apart over everything that’s happened today.

  “An old-wives’ tale,” scoffs Fiona. “Modern witches travel by car. The make and model are up to the witch.” She gives the dash a loving pat. “I prefer the 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz, of course.” Of course. “Play your cards right, and you’ll have one of your choosing, too.”

  “Except I’m not a witch,” I say with a shrug.

  “No, you’re a Fae Princess. You’re royalty.”

  “Let’s not get crazy,” I mutter, hunkering in my seat. “I came from the ghetto, Fiona. I’m accidentally royal. I didn’t come from some special, magnificent bloodline.”

  She glances over her shoulder as she backs out of the driveway.

  “Sophia, you must stop living in denial and learn to accept yourself as you are. We all have flaws. We all have things about ourselves and our magic we’d like to change,” she says.

  “It’s not denial per se,” I explain. “It’s easy for me to admit now that I have some magical ability, but I am not a witch. I am a Changeling. I am half-Fae. My birth mother was Fae, and my father was—“

  “Yes, Sophia, we know all about you,” Fiona says, winking at me.

  “Okay, well, I don’t want you all to be disappointed when you realize I don’t have what you’re looking for.”

  She sighs, frustrated.

  “I think it will help to be around people… around women who can lift you up.” Fiona gives me a sympathetic glance. “You’ve had nothing but supernatural men tearing you down since you started this journey, haven’t you?”

  Fiona’s already calling it like she sees it, and I’ve only known her a few minutes.

  “I don’t want to make excuses for my lack of magic and low supernatural-self-esteem, but yeah. You’re right,” I admit. “Is it that obvious?”

  “It’s that obvious.” She rolls her eyes. “We’ve been trying to enroll you in our Academy every year since you were fourteen.”

  “Fourteen?” I exclaim. “Are you serious?”

  “Your mother refused us every time.” She throws the beastly car into gear, and it lurches forward in response. I gasp, wondering about the safety of Fiona’s Cadillac. “Now hold on. Takeoff can be a little rough in these older, junkier cars,” she says with a teasing glimpse. “We’ll be airborne in no time.”

  “Airborne?” I grip the edges of my seat, forgetting my mother for a moment. “You’re joking.”

  “It is a perfectly safe way to travel,” says Fiona with a casual shrug as she reaches down to fiddle with a knob on the dash. “These cars didn’t originally have heating or air conditioning, but they do now, thanks to the laws of magic.” She flashes a sly grin. “How are you, Sophia? Warm? Cold?”

  “Besides terrified of your flying car? I’m… good right now, thanks,” I say, frowning. “But, shouldn’t we put the top up if we’re going to be… uh, flying?”

  “And miss the view? Not a chance,” she says, cackling with laughter, like a genuine witch.

  She floors it, sending the tires squealing as the car leaps forward again, levitating a few inches off the ground before sailing through the air. My stomach roils in protest as the car rises and falls and then rises and falls again.

  I wish that the supernaturals could all come to some sort of agreement on a mode of travel. My stomach makes another flying leap up into my throat as the car plummets once again.

  “There we go,” Fiona says, beaming at me. “We should be through the worst of it now.”

  Once we level out so we are flying through the clouds high above the city, I relax and loosen my death grip on the seats.

  “So, tell me more about these invitations,” I say, peering out over the side of the car. Fiona wasn’t kidding. The view certainly is incredible. “You’ve really been sending them since I was fourteen? You guys don’t give up, do you?”

  “Oh, no, Sophia. We don’t give up on our students, especially those who are as gifted as you are.”

  “I’m amazed I’ve muddled through as well as I have,” I snort.

  “As are we,” she says, chuckling. “Perhaps you will teach us a thing or two.”

  “I don’t know about that,” I say. “It would’ve saved everyone a load of trouble had I received a more formal education so I’d understand what I was doing.”

  “Yes, we hoped that once you left home for college, we could get in touch with you,” she continues. “You see, once a witch is of-age, we believe she is free to make her own decisions concerning her magical future. But, by the time we sent out the next invitation, you were under the vampire’s protection. And we found ourselves, once again, blocked from you.”

  “What?” I shout, my blood boiling even more. If we weren’t flying around in a vintage red Cadillac, I’d punch Christoph von Drauchenberg in the face. “Can you people just call a girl on the phone? Had I known—“

  “We only send out invitations during the Summer Solstice. Academy policy.”

  “Well, that’s a dumb policy,” I say, crossing my arms over my chest. “Especially since I just got an invitation, and it’s the middle of March.”

  She shrugs.

  “After what you’ve accomplished so far on your own, we do not consider you a student in the traditional sense of the word. So, the headmistress decided a formal invitation was no longer required.”

  “I still don’t understand why a school for witches would want me. Sure, I can hear this… Four, or whatever they’re called, talking to me, but is that really so special?”

  “First, yes, it is very special. Second, the Academy is not only for witches, but also warlocks, druids, mages, and anyone else with a flair for magic. There are different chapters, of course,” she explains. “Colin MacLeod, for example. He studied with the druid chapter, but we all work together for the same common goal.”

  “Common goal? Which is what?”

  “The town of Nevermoor, along with its prestigious academy, exists to protect the Fae interests in the earth realm. Our realm is bound to theirs. One could not exist without the other. And since this earth-realm didn’t originate with magic, it was up to the Fae to provide it for us. They gifted ou
r magic to us at birth in exchange for our service to them. So, I guess it’s fair to say that Nevermoor is this realm’s version of Faerie. A Fae Embassy, if you will.” She laughs a little at her joke.

  “Huh,” I say, amazed. “So, what you’re saying is that every witch, warlock, druid, and mage received their magic when they were born in exchange for service to the Fae? It wasn’t something they were born with?”

  “Yes, we all serve the Fae. Some at a higher capacity than others. Some, like Atticus Drake, break away from their covens and go rogue, choosing to use their power for evil rather than good.”

  “Ah, the good ol’ Evil-Druid cliche,” I say.

  “And some, like you, go from being unmagical to Fae Royalty overnight.” Fiona smiles. “But, lucky for you, Nevermoor Academy is… well, it’s a lot more elite than some other institutions of magical learning. Not everyone who applies is accepted. You will receive only the best education.”

  “Pays to be picky, I suppose,” I sigh as I gaze out the window at a passing plane right above the car. “Does everyone intermingle at the school? Like one big supernatural melting pot?”

  “Sort of. Each faction, so to speak, has a unique brand of magic, so they are in different wings of the school,” she explains. “But everyone comes together for sporting events and other social activities.”

  “Different brands of magic?” I ask. “I suppose I already understood there were differences, of course, but never thought much about it.”

  “Druids connect with the earth. They are stronger with the alchemical side of things while their use of magic is more subtle. Witches and warlocks use flashier, showier magic, and love to use it every chance they get. And mages… they’re the wise ones. They’re the teachers among us. The Seers. They understand magic, but are older and don’t prefer to use their magic, but teach it to the younger generations instead.”

  Fiona pauses, glancing at me to make sure I’m keeping up.

  “We have a lot of respect for each other,” she continues. “Though the druids are a little testy sometimes. They have their own ways of doing things and because they’re so similar to the Fae, they clash more with them.”

  She looks at me like I should know what she’s talking about.

  “Well, you know how pesky those druids can be,” I say, laughing.

  Silence settles between us. As I stare out at the clouds, I try to wrap my head around all of this extra information. I should be excited. I’m a Fae Princess. It’s a big deal. But I can’t quite shake the feeling that I don’t belong here. That this has all been a mistake. And that at any moment, the other shoe will drop, sending the world crashing down around me.

  “So, what will I learn at this Academy?” I ask after a few minutes.

  “Well, let’s see. I’m not entirely sure what they have planned for you. But you will first receive an evaluation, which all incoming students receive.” Fiona rolls her eyes. “Kind of silly since we already know you are magical. If you can reunite the Four and get those girls to play nice with each other, then you’re in a different league altogether.” She sighs. I may have my work cut out for me with this reunification process and whatever it entails. “Anyway, after the evaluation, you’ll get a crash course in all things Fae. History, culture, laws, arts, and of course magic. All of it. And you will be groomed for your role as a Seelie Princess.”

  “To prove I’m worthy enough, I suppose,” I whisper.

  “It’s true. The Fae expect a lot from their rulers,” Fiona says, matter-of-factly. “Not all of them are keen on the idea of a Changeling Princess. You must be strong. Confident. Comfortable with your magic. Your subjects will not tolerate weakness.”

  “Yes, Horace has said as much already.”

  I don’t tell her about my own reservations. My own doubts. I’m not even sure I want to be a Seelie Princess.

  Probably should’ve thought that through before you bound yourself to Alexander.

  “After the war is over, you will make a wonderful princess, Sophia. And just think. Someday, you’ll be queen.”

  Once the war is over?

  “But, I thought… I thought I could help in this war. You know? Help my prince bring down Atticus Drake? My husband and I? Side by side?”

  I swipe at the air with my hand, pretending to karate-chop Atticus Drake in the head. Fiona tries to hide her smile.

  “War is an ugly thing, Sophia. It is no place for you or for any of us. They will only call on us in this realm only if they need us.”

  I feel a surprising pang of disappointment.

  “We are needed,” I argue, feeling somewhat slighted. “You didn’t see the vampire attack. You weren’t there. Our assistance was definitely needed there. Plus, how can I be sure they’re going to find Greg? Who will fight for the Gregs out there, anyway? Someone has to fight for them.”

  “Calm down, Sophia,” Fiona says. “I’ve been around a very, very long time. I know that the Fae prefer to handle their own wars. Again, they will only call on us if necessary.” She frowns. “It’s nothing to be offended about.”

  “Well, what am I doing?” I ask, trying to keep my voice down. “I’m going to sit around… and what? Balance books on my head while learning how to speak like a princess?”

  I may have doubts and insecurities about my magic and everything that waits for me in this mysterious town of Nevermoor. But I’d like to think I’m working toward more than simply sitting on some Faerie throne and looking pretty.

  “You will learn to summon the power of the Four, and you will hone this power until it comes naturally to you. You will restore the balance in both the earth-realm and in Faerie. Bonus points if you can do that while balancing books on your head.” Fiona’s eyes sparkle with amusement. “Don’t you see? Your magic will repair the damage done to this world and to Faerie.” I frown, confused. “Sophia, just because you aren’t diving headfirst into battle doesn’t make you any less useful.” She smiles and holds up a finger. “We can’t all be warriors.”

  “I suppose so,” I say, chewing my lip. “I don’t know… I just thought…”

  “You got a taste of power in Berlin. And despite your doubt and your hesitation with what lies before you in Nevermoor, you’re experiencing the lure of that power, aren’t you?” Fiona laughs. “Welcome to your life of magic, Sophia.” She winks at me. “Keeping it all in check? Maintaining a proper magic-life balance? It’s a struggle for all of us, I assure you. Which is why only certain supernaturals are chosen to serve the Fae and why we teach new Students of Magic year after year.”

  “I see,” is all I can say.

  Despite worrying that I will be an immense disappointment to Alexander, to the Four, and to every single supernatural in Nevermoor, I miss the power I had in Berlin. It was a blessing and a curse. It’s not something I want coursing through me for the rest of my life, but I’d like to use it while I can. Before I ask Alexander to remove it and let me rule beside him as an Unmagical.

  “He won’t go for that,” Fiona whispers. “Auberon will never let you give up your magic and rule, powerless, by his side.”

  “What? Can you hear my thoughts, too?” I curse under my breath. Apparently, my private thoughts are no longer private.

  “Yes, and those kinds of thoughts are dangerous ones, Sophia,” Fiona warns. “You mustn’t think like that.” She shudders, and I fear I’ve committed a major magical faux pas.

  “Why?” I counter. “Alexander is modern. He wants to usher in this new era for us. Why must I be magical in order to be a good ruler?”

  Fiona presses her lips together, and I can tell she’s very uncomfortable with what I’ve suggested..

  “Being bound to a Fae Prince comes with certain expectations…” She gives me a warning glance. “Just… try to relax,” she says with a reassuring smile. “You will get through this. I realize it’s a lot to take in and a bit overwhelming. But I promise you will love Nevermoor and all its quirky inhabitants. They’ve heard so much about you.”
>
  I just hope I can live up to the hype they’ve built up about me.

  “Yeah, well, I still think you still could’ve saved everyone all a lot of time and effort by picking up the phone and calling me.”

  “Perhaps,” Fiona says with a shrug. “But, as is typical with overprotective parents and manipulative, but well-meaning lovers, fate snatched the upper hand, stepped in and brought you straight to us. We knew you were safe at that point, and we thought we had a firm hold on you… until your unexpected detour to Berlin. It threw everyone off, even Esmeralda.”

  Ah yes. Esmeralda. Of course she would be involved.

  “Yeah, I know what you mean. It threw me for a bit of a loop, too,” I admit.

  “To be honest, Sophia, we were shocked that with no formal magical training, you broke Auberon’s curse, restored him to power, and lived to tell about it.” She glances at me. “You are more powerful than you realize.”

  “Like I said, I’ve mastered the art of muddling through things,” I mutter. “But let’s just jump back to Esmeralda for a second… The bookshop owner? Is she one of you?”

  “She isn’t just one of us,” says Fiona. “She’s the headmistress of the Academy.”

  Oo-oo-f course she is.

  “You know, Fiona, if there’s one thing I’ve learned since venturing into this supernatural world, it’s that nothing is ever as it seems,” I say. “I knew there was something strange about Esmeralda the moment I met her. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but I suspected there was more to her than meets the eye.”

  “You would be right,” laughs Fiona. “She’s more of a figurehead at the Academy now. She prefers to spend her time on the West Coast, managing her bookshop and handling the new recruits out there.”

  “I see.”

  “But don’t be surprised if she rolls out the red carpet for you.”

  I sink further down in my seat, feeling the pressure mounting between my eyes once again. I want to go in and do what I need to do, but then I want to relinquish this magic and go home. Sighing, I turn to peek out the side of the car but see nothing but wisps of clouds below the car. We’re so high up, I can’t even see the ground. In the distance, I see the blinking lights of an airplane cruising at about the same altitude and speed as Fiona.