are present.”
Was that why Brea had only had a few outbursts here in the palace? Back in the human realm, she’d constantly felt on the brink of losing control.
“But then…”
Neeve must have sensed what she meant to ask, because she answered. “Your magic must be quite powerful with the few times you’ve been able to use it.”
Brea shook her head to clear it. This wasn’t why she’d come. “Tell me the truth. The warning in the caramel sauce was you.”
Neeve nodded.
“Lochlan said I could trust you, but I don’t know if I can believe what he says. Everyone is lying to me.”
Neeve met her gaze. “Lochlan O’Shea does not lie. He’s a lot of things, but when he speaks, you can believe him.”
“And his brother?”
“That’s more complicated.”
“I’m supposed to marry him.”
“You can’t,” Neeve whispered before collecting herself. “There’s so much you don’t know, but I can’t be the one to tell you when I only know bits.”
“I can’t stay here, can I?” Not when they’d lied to her and tried to trap her. Her aunt seemed kind and caring, but now Brea realized she didn’t know her at all.
Neeve shook her head. “It’s not safe for you.”
“I have nowhere else to go.” She wanted to go back to Myles, but a jail cell waited for her in the human world.
“You do.” Neeve gripped her arms. “There is one place in this world you’ll be safe.” She implored Brea to believe her with her eyes. “You need to get to Eldur.”
Brea backed away from her. Eldur. The fire kingdom with an evil queen and most-probably dragons. “I can’t go to Eldur.”
“You must. Do not believe what you have been told. The beauty of Fargelsi is a trick meant to make the beholder trust in their safety. There is no safety to be had here for anyone. We are all trapped, but you have a chance to be free. You must take it. For all of us.”
“What do you mean you’re trapped? Can’t you come with me?”
She shook her head, her eyes shining. “We don’t have time to explain. There is a pathway through the marshes of the Southern Vatlands. I can take you only part of the way before I must return to the palace. The marshes lead across the border into Eldur where a contingent of the Fire Queen’s soldiers stand guard.”
“Why are they in the Vatlands? I thought those were neutral zones.”
“They’re there for the rare occasion I can get people out of Gelsi. Only those without full Fargelsi blood can cross the borders and the Eldurians protect them. You must navigate the marshes until you reach their camp. With them, you will be safe.”
“When do we leave?”
Neeve offered her a sad smile. “Tonight. You will leave the farewell dinner for Iskalt early, claiming you are ill. I’ll attend to you. Lord Griffin is away from the palace at present, so this gives us an opportunity. I’ll put together some food for you and procure a horse to get you to the Vatlands. You cannot pack anything else.”
Brea breathed heavily as she tried to calm her racing heart. “I’m scared, Neeve.”
Neeve’s expression softened, and she put a hand on each of Brea’s shoulders. “You are a human girl traversing these strange fae times. If you were not scared, I would think Fargelsi is where you truly belonged.”
“What does that mean?”
“That being scared will keep you safe. Here in this court of never-ending spring and beauty, we live in a perpetually emotionless state. Everything is for show. You aren’t one of them, Brea. I knew that the moment I first met you.”
“That doesn’t make me feel any better, you know.” Not on the eve of fleeing from the place she’d wanted to call home.
Neeve smiled. “Just remember—at dinner, don’t eat any of the sauces. No matter how untaught your power is, you will need the full strength of it in the marshes.” She opened the door, gave Brea one final encouraging look, and slipped out.
Brea leaned her head back against the wall. How had everything gotten so messed up in such a short period of time?
Oh right… the man she’d thought she was falling in love with lied to her about the death of the only true friend she’d ever had.
She glanced at the door Neeve disappeared through.
Until now.
The maid would probably deny it, but no one risked themselves for someone else unless they cared.
Lifting her eyes to the dark stone ceiling of the cool storage room, she sighed. “I