Seren washed their hands and their little secret and dropped the towel down the chute. Feeling more in control of their emotions, they went back to their room.

“You are back!” Cried a sprite as it flew up in front of them.

“I am.” Seren said. “Did you find something?”

“Yes, come!” The sprite flew to the closet and Seren followed. Kneeling beside the nest that was quickly becoming as big as they were.

“Wow, this nest has nearly doubled in size since this morning.” Seren said, trying not to sound too worried.

“Yes, we collected some more wayward sprites in the forests.” Said a sprite. “Our family is growing.”

“I see.” Seren nodded.

“Serenity.” The Waterbearer appeared from the nest. “We have heard from our sisters in the forests and eaves. They have news for us.”

“Good. What news is that?” Seren asked.

“The fae are kidnapping the children to make into children of their own.” The Waterbearer said. “You must be careful. You will be a very prized target.”

“What? Why?” Seren asked.

“You are an exceptional fae.” The Waterbearer said. “You will be a trophy of sorts for the Fae Queen.” Seren grimaced.

“Gross. But noted. Is there any way to stop this?” Seren asked.

“Yes. By cutting off the entry to the fae realm they will not be able to return.” The Waterbearer said.

“That sounds easy enough.” Seren said. “I figure out where they are coming from and I close it. Next question though, how do I bring back the others?”

“The others?” The Waterbearer asked.

“The others who were kidnapped. I can’t leave them there.” Seren said. Thinking about their cousin. How easy it would be to leave him to his fate. But they also thought about how he was coming around to being something pleasant. “I mean I can. But I don’t want to.”

“That is very strange.” The Waterbearer said. “If that is truly what you intend, then give us some time.”

“Do we have time to spare?” Seren asked.

“Unfortunately time is of the essence. But if you want to go into the fae realm, then it is important.” The Waterbearer said. “We will work hard and fast but it will still take some time.”

“All right.” Seren said they were exhausted all over again. “Great to hear. I’m going to close the closet so I can change and get some sleep.”

“Pleasant night to you, Serenity.” The Waterbearer said. Then she returned to her nest and the other sprites looked at Seren distrustfully but nodded to them in respect and went inside the nest as well. Seren closed the closet doors but left them open a crack. They got into clean night clothes and hit their bed hard. The sun wasn’t down and it wasn’t even dinner time, but they were exhausted and very done with the day.

They lay in bed, not sleeping yet just laying and watching the window in misery. Birds flew by. Cat’s hung out on sills and rooftops. People moved behind glass windows. Life went on. They ignored the knock on their door.

“Hey I thought maybe you’d want to go out for dinner tonight?” Eric asked, opening the door a crack.

Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

“I’m not really hungry.” Seren said.

“You haven’t eaten all day. Or yesterday.” Eric said. “Are you feeling alright? Does your stomach feel queasy?” Eric came in and felt Seren’s forehead.

“No,” Seren said. Moving his hand away. Seren felt their stomach arguing with them. “Maybe I am a little hungry. What are we getting?”

“Whatever you want.” Eric said. “Just name it.” Seren thought about it.

“I kinda want sushi. Or orange chicken and fried rice.” Seren said. “Kalyani makes really good shrimp fried rice.”

“I fired her.” Eric said. “But we can get sushi, I know a place.” Seren turned over.

“What? Why?” Seren asked.

“Because she was supposed to keep an eye on you and she didn’t.” Eric said sternly. Then he sighed. “I do trust you. You can have the run of this town, go wherever you want and do whatever but not while the fae are hunting.”

“Okay.” Seren said. “Eric. I understand you’re worried about me. But what if there was a way to stop the fae? And I was the only one who knew? Wouldn’t it be my responsibility to do the right thing and stop them?”

“No. It’s the guard’s. If you have something that needs to be said, you can tell the people in charge and they will do the right thing. You’re a child.” Eric said. Clearly getting frustrated but trying to stay patient.

“Yeah. But I don’t feel like one.” Seren said. “I’m growing up and becoming an adult. But I’m a child? It’s confusing.” Eric was silent. The thought process clearly trying to make sense behind his eyes but not getting anywhere.

“I don’t have an answer.” He said finally. “I think it’s a normal part of growing up to feel that way, if that’s any small consolation.”

The doorbell rang and Eric glared into the middle distance.

“Let’s hope this fae nonsense is over with soon so Monica comes back.” He said standing up. The doorbell chimed again. “Impatient, let’s hope it’s something important.” Eric left and Seren sighed and got out of bed. Their curiosity getting the better of them. They wanted to know who would bother coming around so late, and if it was their aunt then they wanted to see the drama that unfolded.

Seren wandered down the stairs, disappointed as they heard the door shut.

“Who was it?” Seren asked, leaning on the banister.

“Urgent from the palace. Get dressed, we’ve been summoned.” Eric said.

“What? Why?” Seren asked.

“I don’t know but the carriage is waiting.” Eric said. Seren nodded and went up stairs. Digging through their dressers for something that seemed proper for a visit to the palace. They dressed quickly and ran back down the stairs to Eric who was waiting. He had a letter that he was reading.

“What’s that?” Seren asked as they ran to the closet and grabbed their shoes.

“The letter that came with it. You sent a letter to the Queen?” Eric asked.

“Yeah, Kyi had the idea. It was supposed to be helpful.” Seren said, “You don't think I’m in trouble for it do you?”

“No, I don’t think so. But it seems the Queen has an interest in the sprites you mentioned…” Eric paused and looked at Seren. “What sprites?”

“Uh,” Seren froze. “When I went out the gates I found a sprites nest that had been ripped apart. I didn’t mention it before cause I didn’t think about it.”

“Mhm.” Eric said slowly.

“Ready!” Seren yelled and threw open the door to avoid any more of the conversation. Eric followed, turning out the lights and locking the door. The footman opened the door to the carriage as Seren neared and bowed to them, which Seren politely returned before stepping up into the carriage. Eric followed after and the footman shut the door and picked up the footstool and a minute later the carriage began to move.

“Serenity.” Eric broke the silence and Seren felt their cheeks flush. “I want you to tell me everything you wrote in your letter.” Seren shuffled uncomfortably. But began to explain the letter. Going on long tributaries in a way of defending their choices. They finished as the carriage entered the steamworks.

“I see.” Eric nodded. But he stayed silent which made Seren feel even more guilty. They watched the buildings of the nobles and wealthiest of the kingdom pass by. Stopping out front of the palace steps. The footman stepped down from the back and put the stool down and then opened the carriage door. Seren was the first out followed by Eric. The pair walked up the steps, with Eric keeping a hand hovering by their shoulder. Though Seren couldn’t tell if it was in support or in discipline.

At the top of the palace stairs the staff of the palace led them through the halls and stairs to a grand set of double doors. The staff announced Seren’s presence and then doors opened and Seren was ushered in.

In the large study was the King, the Queen, and the young heir apparent. On the table was an elegant tea set with several plates of little snack-like foods. Once the doors closed the royals turned to Seren and Eric and the queen’s already pale face went paler and they dropped the tea cup and saucer in their hands. The dishes shattering on the ground and splashing tea everywhere.