He held me tighter. Ill always come back for you, he murmured, sounding so unlike himself that I pulled back and looked at him. For a moment, his green eyes were intense, and I caught my breath at the emotion smoldering within. Then he smirked, and the effect was ruined.
I was suddenly aware of Ash leaning against a pillar, watching us with an unreadable expression. Blood streaked his face, splattering the white flowers beneath him, and his sword dangled limply from his grasp.
Puck followed my gaze, and his grin grew wider. Hey, Prince, he greeted, word is youre a traitor to the Winter Court. Youve got the entire wyldwood in an uproarthey say you tried to kill Rowan after he caught you escaping with the princess. Clearly, Ive missed a few things.
News travels fast, Ash replied wearily. He started to rake a bloody hand through his hair, then thought better of it, dropping it to his side. Its been an interesting morning.
To say the least. Puck gazed around at the bodies of the wiremen and wrinkled his nose. What the hell are those things?
Iron fey, I said. Ive seen them before. They were in the throne room with Tertius when he stole the scepter.
The Scepter of the Seasons? Puck looked at me aghast. Oh, man. So thats where the war rumors are coming from. Winter really is going to attack Summer. He glared at Ash. So, were at war. Perfect. Shall we save time and kill each other now, or did you want to wait until later?
Dont start, Goodfellow. Ash matched Pucks glare. I didnt want this. And I have no time for a fight. He sighed, deliberately avoiding my gaze. In fact, now that youre here, you can do us both a favor. I want you to take Meghan back to the Summer Court.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Partings and Memories
Thats it? Puck asked, as I stared at Ash, unable to believe what Id just heard. He still wasnt looking and me, and Puck rattled on without noticing. Take her back to Court? Thats easy. I was going to do that anyway, whether you liked it or not. Comes with the whole rescue thing, you know
What are you talking about? I yelled, making Puck jump. The hell with going back to Summer! We need to get the scepter back from the Iron fey! Its the only way to stop the war.
Im aware of that. Ash finally met my eyes, and his gaze was cold. But this is Winters problem. Retrieving the scepter is my responsibility. I want you to return to your own court, Meghan. Youll be safer there. You cant help me this time. Go home.
Hurt and betrayal stabbed me in the chest. You were going to dump me on Oberon all along, werent you? I spit at him. You liar. I thought we were going after the scepter together.
I never told you that.
Puck glanced from me to Ash and back again, looking confused. Erm, so youre saying you dont want to go back home? he asked me. I glared at him, and he shrugged. Wow, so that totally makes the whole rescue plan a wash. You wanna throw me a bone here, Princess? I feel somewhat out of the loop.
We have to go after the scepter, I told Puck, hoping he would back me on this. Ash cant do it by himself. We can help
No, you cant, Ash broke in. Not this time. Youd be no use to me, Meghan, not with your magic sealed He caught himself, looking guilty, and Pucks eyes narrowed.
Sealed? Puck stepped forward threateningly. You put a binding on her?
I didnt. Ash stared him down, defiant. Mab did. When she first came to Winter. Mab was afraid her power would be too great, so she sealed her magic to protect the Court.
I remembered the wall I kept hitting whenever I tried using more than the simplest glamour, and my temper flared. How dare she! And you knew, I accused Ash. You knew about the seal, and you didnt bother telling me?
Ash shrugged, unrepentant. Mab ordered us not to. Besides, what difference would it make? I cant do anything about it.
I turned to Puck, who glowered at the prince as though he might attack him right then. Can you break it?
Puck shook his head. Sorry, Princess. Only Mab, or someone of equal power, can remove a binding once its been placed. That makes your choices Oberon, or Mab herself.
All the more reason that you should return to Summer. Ash pushed himself off the pillar, wincing. Behind him, the column was smeared with red.
Where are you going? I asked, suddenly afraid that he would walk out that door and not return.
He sheathed his sword without looking at me. Theres a spring a few yards behind this tower, he replied, walking slowly toward the door. I sensed he was trying hard not to limp. Unless either of you object, Im going to bathe.
But youre coming back, right?
He sighed. Im not going anywhere tonight, he promised, and swept a hand toward a far wall. Theres a trunk with blankets and supplies in that corner. Make yourselves comfortable. I think were all going to be spending the night here.
The trunk held several quilts, a few canteens, a quiver of arrows, and a bottle of dark wine I didnt recognize and immediately left alone. Puck went hunting for firewood and came back with an armful, plus a branch bearing strange blue fruits he swore were safe to eat. Together, we cleared away flowers to make the campfire, though I felt a stab of guilt every time I yanked one up. They were quite beautiful, the petals so thin and delicate they were almost transparent.
Youre awfully quiet, Princess, Puck said as he arranged the firewood into a tepee. His slanted green eyes shot me a knowing look. In fact, you havent said a word since his royal iciness left. Whats wrong?
Oh. I cast about for an excuse. No way was I telling Puck about my feelings for Ash. Hed probably challenge him to a duel the moment he walked through the door. IumIm just weirded out, you know, with all those wiremen bodies around. Its kinda creepy, like they might come to life and attack us while were sleeping.
He rolled his eyes. You and your zombie obsession. Ive never understood your fascination with horror movies, especially when they freak you out so much.
They dont freak me out, I said, grateful for the change of subject.
Riiiight, you just sleep with your light on to scare away roaches.
His comment made me smile. Not because he was right, but because it reminded me of another time, a simpler time, when all I had to worry about was homework and school and keeping up with the latest movie trends. When Robbie Goodfell and I could sit on the couch with a huge tub of popcorn and watch a marathon of Friday the 13th movies until the sun came up.
I wondered how much Id missed in the time Id been gone.
When I didnt answer, Puck snorted and shook his head. Fine. Watch this. And he made a quick gesture with his hand. The air shimmered, and the twisted corpses lying around the room turned into piles of branches. Better?
I nodded, though I knew it was only an illusion. The dead fey were still there, beneath the faery glamour. Out of sight, out of mind didnt quite work for me, but at least it kept Puck from asking too many hard questions.
For a little while, anyway. So, Princess, he began, once a cheerful fire crackled in the center of the room. I didnt know how hed started it, but Id learned not to question such things, in case it turned out to be an illusion and I only thought I was getting warm. It seems Ive missed a lot since Ive been gone. Tell me everything.
I gulped. Everything?
Sure! He sat down on a quilt, leaning back comfortably. Like, did you find Machina? Did you ever get your brother back?
Oh. I relaxed a bit and sat down beside him. Yeah. Ethan is safe. Hes home, and that stupid changeling is gone for good.
What about Machina?
I bit my lip. Hes dead.
Puck mustve noticed the change in my voice, for he sat up and put his arm around my shoulders, pulling me close. I leaned into him, feeling his warmth, taking comfort in his nearness. Im sick of this place, I whispered, feeling like a little kid, as my eyes burned and the world went fuzzy. I want to go home.
Puck was silent for a moment, just holding me as I leaned against him, fighting back tears. You know, he said finally, I dont have to take you back to the Summer Court. If you want, I can take you back to your world. If you really want to go home.
Would Oberon let me go?
I dont see why not. Your magic has been sealed off. Youd be like an ordinary high school student again. Mab wouldnt consider you a threat anymore, so the Unseelie would probably leave you alone.
My heart leaped. Home. Could I really go home? Back to Mom and Luke and Ethan, back to school and summer jobs and a normal life? I missed that, more than I realized. I felt a bit guilty for ditching the plan to get the scepter back, but screw it. Ash didnt want me around. My contract with him was over, and Id paid my dues to the Unseelie Court. Our deal said nothing about me staying in Winter.
What about you? I asked, looking up at Puck. Werent you ordered to bring me back to Summer? Wont you get in trouble?
Oh, Im in hot water already. Puck grinned cheerfully. I wasnt even supposed to let you go after the Iron King, remember? Oberon will skin me alive for that one, so I really cant dig myself any deeper.
His tone was light, but I closed my eyes, guilt tearing at me. It seemed everyone I cared about was getting hurt, risking so much, just to protect me. I was tired of it; I wished I had my magic back, so that I could protect them in return.
Why? I whispered. Why do you hang around? You and Ash couldve died today.
Pucks heartbeat sped up under my fingers. His voice, when it came, was very soft, almost a whisper. I wouldve thought youdve figured that out by now.
I looked up and found our faces inches apart. Twilight had deepened the room to shadow, though the carpet of flowers glowed brighter than ever. Firelight danced within Pucks eyes as we stared at each other. Though he still wore a tiny, lopsided smile, there was no mistaking the emotion on his face.
I stopped breathing. A tiny part of me, somewhere deep inside, was rejoicing at this newest revelation, though I think, deep down, Id always suspected. Puck loves me, it whispered, thrilled. Hes in love with me. I knew it. I knew it all along.
Youre kind of blind, you know? Puck whispered, smiling to soften his words. I wouldnt defy Oberon for just anyone. But, for you He leaned forward, touching his forehead to mine. Id come back from the dead for you.