I dreaded what might happen if Maya told Riona about our scheme. At worst she would ruin it out of spite. At best, if my sister helped, she would steal Maya’s attention at every turn. Either way, the secret of Jennifer Diaz’s true condition would come out. No possibility I foresaw favored any of us.

But a bleak future is better than no future at all, I reminded myself as I slipped my mirror into my belt pouch. I opened the door to my family’s quarters, half-thinking I’d have to help Father mitigate another one of Mother’s frantic episodes. Something entirely different met me.

Mother yelped and tugged a fur blanket over her. It only exposed her bare shoulders. Yet she’d had on a dressing gown when I left. Where had it gone?

“Mamai, what are you doing?” I glanced around at the empty room. Mother seemed to be the only occupant. “Where is Father?”

Deep, throaty laughter rumbled from underneath the furs covering the bed. It resembled a voice I knew very well: Father’s.

Nausea churned my stomach and heat flooded my cheeks as the implication of my parents’ positions dawned on me. They had always slept in separate wings of the estate. We ate dinners and attended feast days together for tradition’s sake. As far as I knew, they hadn’t lain with each other since before my birth.

“I told you to stay quiet.” Mother uncovered Father’s head and swatted his shoulder.

“He’s grown enough to figure out what we’re up to.” Father peeked out and beamed, his pupils rounded circles that consumed his irises.

“Do you remember who we are?” I gulped, wondering at the answer. Father wouldn’t take advantage of Mother during one of her fits, would he?

“Little swan, I was the one who dragged your insolent father into my bed. He’s done nothing but follow orders until now.” Even as she scolded him, a coy grin curved her lips. “He’s due for a little punishment while my mind is still clear.”

“You can wait in the hall a bit longer, can’t you?” Father waved me toward the door.

“I…I suppose I can.” My mouth went dry. I’d taken plenty of others to my own bed and never felt bashful beholding nudity unless it was distracting. My parents were a different matter.

“Remember to scream if trouble finds you,” Father added.

“What if trouble finds the two of you?” I asked, unsure whether I wanted an answer.

“If I should yell, you’ll know it’s serious,” Mother said. “Should Midir call out, everything is fine.”

“Excuse me, I may have to retch.” I crept out, shuddering as I went.

Their mutual laughter rang out behind me before fading into a different set of noises. I distracted myself from eavesdropping by practicing various meditation exercises Aengus had taught me. Despite my childish revulsion at seeing my parents like that, I couldn’t help the bittersweet satisfaction that came with it. Mother showed her mischievous side and Father bordered on boisterous. Where had that family unity been when I was born and Father helped to place the Key’s curse on me? Why couldn’t they have reconciled sooner so I might’ve known more of those moments?

My thoughts wandered to visions of what might have been. It proved far more pleasant than dwelling on the daunting reality that loomed before me.

* * *

Finvarra’s planning prowess and his efficient household made his impromptu gala ready within a matter of three days (as opposed to Uncle Bodb who took at least a week to prepare for small scale celebrations). He spent another two days sending invitations to all the lords, ladies, and underlings of Tir Na Nog. Father reinforced our room with extra defensive wards, and left for long stretches of time as he assisted in the preparations.

Mother hadn’t tried to attack me again while we were alone. She cried over her plight when she believed she was a human queen in my father’s custody. Panic overcame her when she forgot where we were and that she wasn’t an Aos Si any longer. There were short periods where she became herself again, with full awareness of who I was. When we talked, she danced around from subject to subject, but started to speak more fondly of Father when he came up.

Before the celebration, Mother and I had readied ourselves and talked while we waited for Father to fetch us.

“Midir’s still more somber than I remember, but he’s trying to be sweet.” Mother sat on the edge of her bed and fiddled with a fold of her skirt as if it were a square of fabric she embroidered. “It’s a relief we haven’t had to endure anymore of those dinners. I’ve never liked nor trusted Finvarra, but his lecherous nature makes him easier to sway in this body. It’s only difficult resisting his magic without your father around to counteract it.”

“I understand.” I leaned back on the wall I stood near. The cold stone pressing against my neck helped clear my weary mind. “Una’s flirtations border on obnoxious. She tries to force them on me. A part of her even seems to enjoy my squirming.”

“Your resistance does seem to fuel her desire.” Mother clenched fingers in her gown. “I don’t mean to imply you should surrender to her. Be careful to avoid giving her opportunities to corner you. Stay near the family.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” I’d be sure to follow her advice for most of the night. For the rest of it, I required solitary subterfuge and stealth.

Maya and I kept our plan for the Cauldron simple and solid. I had given my accomplice a dreamwalking draught to take earlier. Once I spent sufficient time socializing, I would retire early from the festivities to “tend my gardens.” That excuse didn’t stop me from sneaking to the Cauldron’s chamber on the way. Maya would meet me there in her spectral form, then take the Cauldron from its pedestal while I created the portal to send it to Bri Leith. From there I had to follow her, bury our prize among my flowers, and await someone to escort me back to Father.

But first I had to face my relatives, all of whom planned to attend Finvarra’s feast. Convincing the entire Dagda’s Brood none of them needed to watch over me would prove the most challenging part of my ploy.

Father came through the door in all his gold finery. He held his hand out for Mother with another brilliant smile. “Lady-Wife, shall we?”

Mother returned the gesture with a fond curve of her mouth, though it didn’t reach the corners of her eyes. She didn’t seem unhappy as she crossed the room and locked arms with Father, but her eagerness had diminished since their reconciliation.

I joined my parents, and we left Cruachan’s empty halls together. Outside, Finvarra had altered the sky so it cast a bright summer sun over his plentiful fields, and a balmy breeze whipped through the rolling hills. The heat had enough bite that I craved Aunt Brigid’s autumn trees or Aengus’ crisp spring forests. The celebration sprawled across all of the sloping knolls surrounding the fortress. One area had horses corralled and ready to race, while another hosted a small tourney inside a roped-off arena. The dancing was already in full sway around a pair of musicians with a drum and a harp.

A chunk of the guests already in attendance clustered around the long wooden dining table. Each hulking platter had a theme, a color, a unique design that coincided with the variety of foods upon them. Meats, cheeses, fruits, breads, pastries, jams, colorful wines. A few exotic Roman dishes had even found their way to the table. Uncle Bodb had never matched such a display in all his centuries of rule. Finvarra certainly proved himself the master of the Dagda’s Cauldron.

Father led Mother and I to a trio of seats to the right of Finvarra’s, placing us as the host’s honored guests. I took mine beside Mother and sampled different cheeses and breads. Since Maya was the only one taking the dreamwalking draught this time, I could have my fill. Eating might help provide the extra energy I needed to transport the Cauldron later.

“Is this seat taken?” Aunt Brigid lurked behind me. I hadn’t sensed her coming among the sea of various powers gathered around the field.

“No, not at all.” I slid the chair to my left, away from the table, and waved her toward it. “It feels like an eternity since I saw you last, beloved aunt.”

“Oh yes.” She sat and brought me into her arms, squeezing tight. “Without you and Etain to take up my time, I’ve caught up on my affairs at Cill Dara. But there’s nothing else to do!”

“Hmm?” Mother leaned forward to see around me better, and her eyebrows furrowed. “You’re…I know you, don’t I?”

“I’ve only been your caregiver for the last few decades,” my aunt said, good humor and cheer in her voice rather than bitterness that Mother misplaced her identity. “Brigid, your sister by marriage. You seem well, lass. Are these strapping lords doing right by you?”

“The boy is hardly strapping, but he’s done well in bringing Etain back to herself,” Father said, offering me a small grin. Something odd made his eyes shine as he spoke of me. I’d seen the same look on Aengus when I completed a difficult spell or arranged an intricate set of wards. Was that…pride? “I’m still learning to navigate her many moods.”

“You’re handling me well enough, Lord-Husband. Give yourself due credit.” Mother’s cheeks turned faint pink as she praised him. She seemed almost smitten, certainly more cheerful than before. Had I misread her?

This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Mother’s shoulders spasmed the next moment. She clawed at my leg under the table. Panic flashed through her face for a fraction of a moment before her genteel mask shrouded it.

I squeezed her hand, offering her mine as an anchor while she needed it.

Father patted Mother’s shoulder as he shifted his attention back to Brigid. “Would you mind having a look at Daire? He coughed as if he caught a fever a week ago. He has also been winded after using his glamour, even though he’s slept more than ever.”

“You should examine Father, instead. He’s been fussing over me like a mother hen.” I wrinkled my nose at Father as embarrassed heat flooded my face. If he worked in league with Bodb to see that the Key died with me, why reveal my condition to Brigid? She alone of his siblings seemed oblivious to the Key’s curse, and would be the most likely to protest if she knew. Or was Aunt Brigid complicit after all, and Father wanted her to check the curse’s progress?

“Fussing is a parent’s way of showing they care.” Brigid patted my chest, an innocent enough gesture until her fingers glowed brighter.

“I don’t need you to check after my health.” Sweat broke out along my neck as I swatted my aunt’s hand. “I’m capable of taking care of it myself.”

“I will immobilize you if I have to,” Brigid warned. “Stay still and let me see to you.”

I heaved a dramatic sigh and slouched against my chair. Any spoiled prince not getting his way would do the same. If any of them suspected I knew, one would tell the others and then Bodb would lock me away like he’d tried to do with Riona.

Brigid’s hot power poured through my chest, seeping under my own with a bizarre tingling sensation that stung as much as it comforted. I squirmed against the invasion as it surrounded my core where the Key lay dormant.

My aunt’s mouth went from curious concern to a grave frown. She turned a few of the strands of my hair over between her fingers. The silver streaks had spread since Maya first discovered them. While I’d dispersed them among my naturally pale braids, they winked brighter in the sunlight. Why couldn’t Finvarra have hosted his event at night?

“Fetch Bodb and Aengus straightaway,” Brigid barked at Father.

“What?” I didn’t fake the panic that raced through my veins. “Why do you need them?”

“Something is wrong with you, and the Key’s energy blocks me from sussing out the cause.” Brigid had a growling edge to her voice and the same protective heat radiated off of her as when she had taken me to rescue Riona.

Father nodded to his older sister and strode away toward the tournament ring. On his way, he threw a spark of light in the air in the shape of a swallow and sent it flying toward the dancers. It took him a matter of minutes to return with our current High King in tow.

“Make this quick.” Bodb tugged at his beard and scowled. “I have the next match.”

“Is something the matter?” Aengus strolled up to the table, even quicker than his siblings, and quirked his head to one side. “Is it time for another family meeting already?”

“Daire seems to be sick with something. The Key is blocking me somehow.” Aunt Brigid pointed her ire toward her recently arrived brothers. “Bodb, your power controls it. Tell it to move out of the way so I can treat him.”

“I don’t feel unwell at the moment,” I said, mustering the strongest protest I could with all four of the Dagda’s Brood crowded around me like the main attraction at a traveling show. “You should go back to enjoying the feast. This will draw unwanted attention.”

Aunt Brigid turned her stern glare my way. My jaw clamped shut of its own accord.

“What’s the matter?” Mother leaned over, hovering beside Brigid with her mouth pursed. “Are my attendant’s humors amiss? Should we call a physician?”

“I’m a wise woman and a physician, m’lady,” Aunt Brigid said, not even blinking at Mother’s sudden shift in persona. “I will be enough for him. I only need some insight from these associates of mine.”

“Do try.” Mother rubbed my forearm. “He’s most valuable and has proven crucial to me these past few days.”

Bodb glanced to Father. “Why don’t you take your guest for a round of dancing?”

“Keep a watch on him for me, will you Brigid?” Father did as he was bid and offered his hand to Mother. “Would you agree to a dance, m’lady?”

“Such a kind gesture from a handsome suitor such as you, sir.” Mother’s cheeks turned a delicate pink as she took his arm. “I’m sure my Father won’t mind me spending one song with you…”

“Maybe even two,” Father said as he escorted Mother toward the music and the players.

“Well?” Aunt Brigid dropped her voice lower as she addressed Bodb again. “I assume you sent them away to avoid Etain having a fit about what you’ll do to her son.”

“It’s more to spare her and Midir the unfortunate reality of their union.” Bodb gave me a fleeting glance of pity as he squeezed my shoulder. “I cannot make the Key stop interfering with his power. Aengus made it, and tampering with it could very well kill the boy. As far as the cause of the condition you speak of…I see nothing amiss.”

“Then ale has blinded you.” My aunt thrust her finger at my silver hair, then to the dark undersides of my eyes. “These are signs of aging and fatigue. This boy has never shown either before. Something is wrong.”

“Have you thought it could be his Mother’s blood catching up with him?” Bodb offered.

“None of our other half-bloods ever aged unless they had contact with the mortal realm,” Brigid said.

“The Key links him to the mortal realm,” Uncle Aengus said as he moved to my side beside Brigid. “Bodb’s thought is sound.”

“Can’t you reverse it?” Aunt Brigid scooted aside, gesturing for Aengus to take her place. “You’re the only one who knows the intricacies of how it works. I’m aware you three swore an oath not to reveal them, but surely it didn’t forbid you from working on it alone.”

“I suppose I can meet with him in private and examine it then.” Aengus squinted across my torso as if looking through my skin and tissue.

“I’ll stay well enough until after Father returns home from campaigning, right?” A bit of pleading slipped into my voice as I addressed my mentor. “No need to look at it anytime soon. I’ve been managing myself fine, really.”

The three of them looked down at me, each with their own puzzled expressions.

“Your condition could be serious if left to fester,” Brigid said, all matronly concern.

“You seem very calm about this, Little Daire.” Bodb’s mustache turned down as he frowned. “Untroubled even.”

“I am troubled to my core, Uncle. I don’t want what Aunt Brigid describes growing worse. I like my youth. I would like to keep it.” I let the genuine panic I felt color my voice as my words came out in a rush. I wiped my sweating palms on my dress tunic. Yet what other reason did I have for wanting to wait, besides taking the Cauldron? “But Mother has been better. The time we’ve had together has helped her. Even being with Father is doing her good. She’s remarked he’s acted more like himself, and I have never seen this side of him before. Once Father becomes High King, all of that will change.”

“A fair point.” Uncle Aengus patted my back. “Very well. We’ll meet right before the Samhain feast, and try to make something of this condition.”

“I’d like that.” I offered my uncle a thankful smile.

“Worry not, fair sister.” Aengus bowed low to Aunt Brigid, furling out his cloak in his dramatic fashion. “I assure you he’ll live until then, and I’ll keep an eye on him in the meantime. Agreed?”

“I suppose.” Aunt Brigid rearranged some of my hair, better blending the blonde strands with the silver ones. Her glamour flowed into my head, and what gray strands I noticed disappeared. “There. That should help preserve your vanity in the meantime, and keep Etain from becoming concerned.”

“I’m glad you’re finally seeing sense when it comes to your father, my boy.” Bodb clapped me on my shoulder. “He has always cared far more than he shows. It’s about time you began to see it.”

I winced at the force of his well-meaning blow and followed it with a yawn. “All this excitement has been enough stimulation for one night. I’ll retire for the evening.”

“So early?” Aengus pouted at me and pointed off toward the dancers. Mother and Father twirled among them. Mother, at least, looked to be laughing as Father lifted her off the ground and hopped alongside her. “I was about to drag you out there to find us a couple companions for the night. Connacht has hearty stock, if you catch my meaning.”

“In light of Aunt Brigid’s recent discovery, I’d rather conserve my energy.” I stood from my chair, my plate of food hardly touched save for the few bites I’d managed before my family swarmed me. “Something like a nap or light work in the gardens. I’ve been visiting there most nights to keep them presentable.”

“I’ll take you back to your quarters,” Aunt Brigid offered as she too rose from her seat. “Finvarra’s style is a bit too festive for me.”

“Allow me.” Uncle Aengus cut between me and my aunt. “It’s been too long since me and Daire spent any quality time together.”

A wave of weariness swept over me, so much I had to hold the seat of the nearest chair to keep balance. It slipped away as quickly as it came.

Maya fell asleep.

“Whichever of you it is, do keep up.” I turned on my heel and strode toward Finvarra’s massive fortress. Anticipation made my heart pound harder in my chest. An unknown time limit had begun. I only had as long as Maya dreamed to find her, create a portal for the Cauldron, and bury it. I’d have to lose whichever doting relative followed along behind me before those precious moments ran out.

* * *

Aengus had won against Aunt Brigid in guiding me back to my family’s guest quarters in Cruachan. It was a further trek than I liked and would stall me in meeting Maya. My favorite uncle seemed to dance alongside me when I compared his easy stride to my stiff one. “I hope you don’t see Brigid’s portent as too dire,” he said as we went. “She does tend to exaggerate things because of her motherly nature.”

“Everything should work out by the election.” I glanced over, checking his sure expression for any hints. “Right?”

“I’ll make sure of it.” Aengus’ relaxed grin gave nothing away.

We came to the door, and Aengus tapped the proper spell combination on it. The latch came open and it swung wide for me. Blood wards kept anyone but my direct family from entering, yet anyone could exit if they pleased.

“What will you do from here?” Aengus asked. “The nap or the garden tending?”

“Now that I’m here, I’m not feeling so tired anymore.” Which was technically true without Maya’s fatigue influencing me.

“Why don’t I join you?” Aengus leaned against the door frame with an excited glint in his lavender eyes. “I could help lighten the load on you, since your magic seems to be weaker than before.”

“Don’t spoil your night on my account.” While I had more trust in him and Brigid than Bodb and Father, I still didn’t want to risk bringing either of them in on my plan. Part of my hesitation was preserving my pride and wanting to prove that I could save myself by my own power. More of it was common sense, that drawing them in might trigger some vow they had made to report their knowledge to Bodb. “You had such grand plans to find someone to entertain, didn’t you?”

“There will always be bed partners in Tir Na Nog.”

“And there is still time for us to spend together.” It bit my lip, my words bordering on rude. I didn’t want to offend him, but his prolonged presence posed too much risk. My mirror pulsed in my belt pouch. I glanced down to it. That was Maya. Had she already made it to the Cauldron room?

“Who is that?” Aengus’ eyebrows went up as he quirked his head to one side, much like the birds he so often transformed into.

“Someone.” My cheeks filled with heat at the hinting quality in his voice.

“Did you part from the feast early because of a clandestine meeting with a certain changeling?”

My heart stopped for that solid moment, and I froze in place.

“Midir mentioned how you’ve been seeing her more often with very little information to report.” Aengus tapped his chin. “And that would also explain why Riona appeared as if she were going to attack you. You are taking after Midir, aren’t you?”

“In what way do you mean?” My heart started again as I caught up with his conclusion about my suspicious behavior. My knees trembled, and I nearly collapsed from relief.

“You want what you shouldn’t have.” Aengus offered me a sympathetic smile and pulled me into a hug. “I won’t stop you because it works to our favor. Just be careful, will you?”

“I will.” I blinked as I returned his embrace with a loose one of my own. “As careful as I know how to be.”

“Do better not getting caught this time.” Aengus parted from me and swished away. “I taught you better than that!”

I waited until he disappeared from the hall, let the door to my quarters swing shut, then ran the opposite direction toward the Cauldron’s holding room.