A Captive of Wing and Feather A Retelling of Swan Lake - Melanie Cellier Page 0,46

we were only steps behind Ash, so it was impossible to pull Audrey aside. The baker exclaimed over her return, and insisted she eat one of the cakes he had brought—a task she accepted with great enthusiasm. He also showed great interest in the inner workings of the Keep, asking her a number of questions.

When she had answered them, he confessed his interest was not without selfish motive.

“I have some news,” he said, “and have been hoping I’m the first to bring it to you.” He looked hopefully at Wren as he spoke, and she drifted nearer, curiosity on her face.

“Lord Leander is to host a party at his Keep!” he announced, once she reached his side. “Can you imagine? And all of Brylee is invited.”

“So he really means to do it? I’m astonished,” Cora said.

“You had heard of his intention?” Ash looked a little crestfallen. “I have to admit, it took me utterly by surprise. Who could have imagined such a thing after so many years?” He straightened slightly, a proud smile on his face. “But that is not all. His servants have finally appeared again—or at least a couple of them—and are busy procuring supplies for the event. And guess who has been asked to bake the cakes? It will be an enormous order.”

“Oh, Ash! How wonderful.” Wren laid a hand on his arm. “And such a compliment since they must have a chef of their own.”

“No doubt she will be otherwise occupied with the savory dishes.” Ash couldn’t hide the pleasure in his voice at Wren’s praise. “I’m to attend the castle in three days with samples for us to discuss the menu.”

“Three days? That’s quick,” said Cora.

“Well the party is to be in only a week. I imagine they must be in a flurry of preparations up there, it’s no wonder they had to turn to Brylee for supplies. It’s to be in honor of Your Highness, of course.” Ash bowed his head in Gabe’s direction, and the prince nodded in return.

Although he was taking it in stride now, the baker had looked nearly as surprised to find the crown prince here at the haven as he had been to find Audrey returned.

“His servants seem to have recovered from their illness rather swiftly,” Cora said in an aside to the two of us.

“Indeed.” Gabe’s voice was unusually serious.

I glanced up at him quickly. What was he thinking? That such haste on Leander’s part—after so many years without hosting so much as a simple reception—seemed ominous?

Because I was certainly thinking that.

After all our efforts to gain entry to the Keep, in one week, we were all to be invited through the front gate. And yet, I felt nothing but dread.

Chapter 14

Clearly news of the party had filtered into the haven from multiple sources because while Ash hadn’t left the kitchen, the children soon came streaming in en masse, exclaiming about it and begging to be allowed to go. Even Selena and Frank abandoned their dignity to join the pleading.

Cora, however, announced that as far as the haven was concerned, it was an event for adults only. After that, it took the combined efforts of Wren, Audrey, and myself to soothe and placate the devastated children. But I didn’t once waver and consider speaking to Cora on their behalf. I didn’t want children anywhere near Leander.

It wasn’t until after the children had been consoled with Ash’s cakes that we were able to herd them all back into the large room designated for their schooling. Wren remained behind with them and, after three escape attempts, managed to keep Juniper with her as well.

In the chaos, I caught both Gabe and Audrey’s attention, gesturing for them to extricate themselves and follow me. I led the way to an empty room I had recently cleaned out after the departure of its resident. When Gabe closed the door behind him, we all took a moment to simply breathe and enjoy the calm and quiet.

But our minds inevitably turned to the various problems confronting us, Gabe and Audrey speaking at the same time.

“We sent the swans on a scouting mission, and they say they can lead us to the wolves.”

“I don’t like the sound of this party.” Audrey cut herself off and blinked at Gabe. “The wolves? You really want to go looking for them?”

“We have to,” said Gabe. “I cannot leave wolves rampaging around my kingdom attacking people. Especially not when such behavior is so far outside their usual ways. Something has