Contrary to my expectations of a dungeon-like setting, we found ourselves walking into a breathtaking garden. The beauty of the place was almost surreal, with an array of unique flowers surrounding us. From classic roses to an imposingly large plant resembling a giant Venus flytrap, the diversity of flora was astounding.

Amid this enchanting garden, Purrlyn was seated on a bench, seemingly alone. However, my brief time in the Fey realm had taught me to look beyond appearances. I approached her, waving casually while my eyes discreetly scanned the area for any signs of hidden company or surprises. The Fey world was full of unexpected twists, and I had learned to remain vigilant, especially in seemingly tranquil settings like this.

Purrlyn rose to greet me, a smile on her face, her eyes briefly flicking towards a tree. I glanced in the same direction, seeing no one, but I didn't doubt someone was there. I knew to trust her instincts over my own.

"Good evening, sister. I was expecting something more like a dungeon, or at least a pretty room," I said, half-joking.

She responded with a light-hearted tone, "Ah, no need for that." She then lifted her arms, revealing the iron shackles binding her wrists. As the shackles slid down, her skin sizzled, and I could see the ringed burns marking her wrists. She winced slightly. "Ah, yes, Iron. Something for you to be wary of, little sister." She lowered her arms, the sizzling sound ceasing as the cuffs settled back on her burned skin.

I took a seat on a bench across from her. "Can you explain what's going on? I've just been talking with Adrian, and I'm not sure who to believe anymore."

Purrlyn let out a weary sigh before sitting back down. "Yes, even I'm not fully aware of all the games being played here. I only learned about this theatrical ruse this morning. But I can't say I'm surprised."

Her admission caught me off guard. "You weren't surprised?" I asked, a hint of skepticism in my voice. She simply shook her head, which only deepened my suspicions. "Purrlyn, have you been keeping something from me?"

I saw a hint of resignation in Purrlyn's posture, and my heart sank at the implication. "Always, little sister, but not in the way you might think. None of this—none of it—is meant to harm you. You've just been unwittingly caught up in a conflict that's been brewing for a long time."

As I leaned back, trying to piece together the puzzle, the situation seemed increasingly complex. Queen Titania's ambition to unite the Summer and Winter courts appeared noble, aiming to integrate them under one rule. However, the inherent nature of the Fey, resistant to domination, complicated matters. On Winter's side, the struggle was to maintain relevance, especially with our Queen absent. From the pieces I was assembling, it seemed the Cheshires, my family, had been the glue holding everything together, but now, even that was beginning to come apart.

"Purrlyn, no more secrets. They accused you of betrayal," I said softly, my voice tinged with both concern and a plea for honesty. The Purrlyn I had come to know embodied the fiery spirit of the Winter Fey – fierce and outspoken. Yet now, she seemed diminished, a shadow of her former self.

She hesitated, her eyes still avoiding mine. "It's a long story, one I'd rather not share with prying ears," she murmured, casting a wary glance towards the tree. "We'll talk about it another time, little sister, I promise." Her words carried the weight of a solemn vow, and I felt the binding nature of her promise in the cool breeze that passed between us.

Resolved, I shared my decision. "I've made up my mind. Adrian and I will represent our people to the Mankin. We're going to prevent a war, but I sense there's more at play. Can you offer any insight?"

Purrlyn's reaction was one of alarm. "You should reconsider! The Mankin are not to be trusted. Their words are often deceptive. Please, stay here where it's safe!" Her voice rose in urgency, almost pleading.

Looking directly into her eyes, I saw genuine fear and distrust

– emotions that spoke volumes of an untold history with the Mankin. "If Adrian and I can retrieve the staff, you'll be spared. I don't really see any other option," I told her, trying to reassure her with a confident smile.

"NO, NO, NO, NO!" Purrlyn repeated. She seemed to lose her composure trying to pull out her claws. I saw her struggle with the pain caused by the iron cuffs, her attempt to unleash her claws halted by their sizzling touch. She collapsed, overcome with sobs. I knelt down beside Purrlyn.

In this strange world, I had felt like a pawn, manipulated and disregarded, even by those I was expected to consider family. Adrian and Tiger, my closest friends, seemed different now, altered in ways I couldn't fully comprehend. But Purrlyn – she had been my anchor, the one constant amidst the chaos. She had approached me with an openness that I hadn't found in anyone else here. Her honesty and stability had been my solace in a realm where I often felt lost and alone. She mattered to me, and I was determined to protect her.

If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

I gently placed a hand on her shoulder, offering comfort. I knew she would be mortified at breaking down in front of others, but I couldn't let her suffer alone. I couldn't stop the news of her vulnerability from spreading, but I wouldn't allow anyone to witness her pain and take pleasure in it. Glancing towards the tree she had indicated earlier, I trusted her judgment that we were being observed, ready to shield her from any further intrusion or mockery.

I began to reach down into myself, searching for my Fey Nature. Initially, I felt a void, a frustrating emptiness. Yet, driven by my frustration and anger, I demanded it to respond. For a brief moment, there was nothing, but then I felt it – a raging torrent of flame, more intense than anything I had summoned before. My earrings attached to my freshly pierced ears, began to pulse, synchronizing with the flow of energy and my heartbeat. A glow enveloped me, signaling the awakening of my power.

My eyes remained locked on the tree, and with newfound authority, I commanded, "Leave us." At my words, the roots of the tree violently ripped from the ground, twisting and breaking as the earth churned. The ground shook at the force of the endeavor. The being hidden within, now revealed in its true form, bowed respectfully before retreating.

A brief sense of triumph filled me, but my instincts told me another unseen presence lingered. I looked beyond Purrlyn, feeling a presence not behind, but elsewhere. A strange sensation tingled at my back, and I began to weave strands of my newfound power in that direction. "I insist," I uttered softly, my voice carrying the weight of my burgeoning Fey authority.

The hidden figure responded, their voice tinged with a sense of duty, "I mean no disrespect. Lady Sunbloom has ordered me to not leave her unattended." Before they could finish, I unleashed a surge of raw, unfiltered power directly at them. Lacking finesse, it was a simple yet forceful blast of energy, propelled by my will. The power hit an invisible barrier, confirming the presence of the individual I was targeting. Despite their resistance, I persisted, pushing against what felt like an immovable object with my unstoppable force.

Suddenly, another voice interrupted the tense standoff. "That is enough, you two." Irritated yet curious, I turned to find my father standing there. With a casual wave of his hand, he effortlessly twisted and halted my surge of power. The unseen barrier shattered, not dissipating my power, but effectively blocking my access to it.

Father then addressed the hidden figure. "She is not unattended. Do you not see my daughter is present?" His words carried a subtle rebuke, asserting his authority while subtly reminding them of my status and their oversight.

The figure acknowledged my father's presence with a respectful, "My lord," before vanishing as subtly as they had appeared. Relieved, I turned to face my father, instinctively beginning to stand for a curtsy, but he gestured for me to remain seated. "No, little one. This is a family affair, none of that now. Please."

His gentle request surprised me, but I complied, kneeling back beside Purrlyn, who seemed lost in her own world. "Sister, I know you're afraid, and I wish I understood why," I said softly, taking a deep breath before wrapping her in a hug. The iron of her shackles burned against my skin, but I didn't let go.

"Alex! Back away!" Father's voice was urgent. As soon as I touched the iron, a gulf opened between me and my Fey nature, cutting me off from the power I had just wielded. My skin seared with pain, but my resolve held firm.

"This time, Purrlyn, you need to rely on me. I promise I'll get you through this," I assured her, feeling the weight of my promise lock into place. It was a bold vow, but one I fully intended to honor. Releasing her, I saw a mixture of fear, sorrow, and a faint glimmer of hope in her eyes.

Impulsively, I removed one of my earrings and placed it in her hand. Though unsure of its potential effect, it felt like the right gesture. Father watched the exchange, his eyes flicking between the earring and me, but I made it clear I wasn't open to discussing it. It was a small token, perhaps, but it symbolized my commitment and connection to Purrlyn.

"Father, I need your help," I declared, turning to face him firmly. I stood tall, neither bowing nor curtsying. This request came not from Alex but as Lady Cheshire of the Fey. Daughter of the Cheshire Cat, High Noble of House Winter.

He met my gaze, his shoulders easing slightly. "Finally" he murmured.

"I'm about to leave, and Purrlyn will be at Summer's mercy. This cannot stand; we need to protect her. Or are you actually convinced that Summer is our safest bet?" I challenged, holding his stare.

Barnaby Cheshire, my father, looked back at me, a surprising trace of pride flickering in his eyes. "Alex Cheshire, today you shine as the jewel, pearl, diamond of my heart. No, I no longer believe Summer is our way forward. However, I am bound by oath not to oppose Queen Titania until our own Queen returns. Until that moment, my hands are tied."

"Even to protect your daughter?" I asked, shocked and angry.

"Even then. I made a deal in a dark hour, child. One that has cost me dearly but has ensured the survival of my family," his voice was quiet but deep. Then, suddenly, it perked back up. "I cannot act, but you might be able to. Be wary, cautious, alert. What you speak of may well plant the seeds of war, child." The infamous smile of the Cheshire Cat crossed his face.

I felt my own smile mirror his. I wasn't sure who to believe, but I was certain of my sister's trust, the most steadfast thing in my world. Adrian and Tiger were close seconds, but after my talk with Adrian, I felt more distant than before. The world seemed intent on taking them from me, and if it meant igniting a war within the courts to save them, then so be it.