If it was even really my home. Veda's father didn't give me the answers I wanted but even after the hours of flight I still didn't know how to put words to the questions I needed to ask. Or maybe I really wasn't ready to hear the truth.
"Looks like will be camping here tonight, girl."
I pet her beak and she cooed softly as she lowered herself closer to the ground and pulled her wings in close. I lay on the dusty ground and stared up at the sky and its speckling of stars. Home lay just below me, and the truth lived at a temple on the highest of peaks, but I sat stuck in the middle, terrified of either option. As I closed my eyes, the stars smeared and I wondered if somewhere up there Veda was looking at them and thinking of me.
7
26th May
“Did Dad kidnap you when he was cursed the first time, Mom? Oh, and did someone abandon me on your doorstep as a baby? Just wanted to check. Okay. Thanks.”
I shook my head. No. Not like that. I had to ease in to the concept gently. If I came at her like a firing squad she’d never tell me the truth. She’d probably just get defensive and shut herself up in her library. Maybe Griswold knew? He’d been around the castle the longest out of anyone, I’m sure he knew things that he’d been sworn to keep quiet in exchange for a notable position.
Alizeh landed with effortless grace in the front courtyard of the castle just beyond the gates of the city. Seamlessly, she slid in between the gardens and the fountains. An impressive talent for a bird her size. Guards immediately flanked her, not like they would be any match for a creature of her size although they were paid to try.
“Stand down,” I called as I dismounted Alizeh and stroked the feathers near her beak.
Each of the guards dropped to one knee, their heads bowed. I approached the closest guard, a well-decorated soldier, and he rose to his feet, his head still tilted toward the ground.
“Send someone to the stables and get something for my friend to eat.”
He nodded. “Yes, sir.”
“And tell them, she is not to be harmed or mishandled in any way. She may also come and go as she pleases. This bird is a guest in our kingdom and should be treated as such. Understood?”
He nodded again. “Yes, sir. Permission to address His Majesty?”
“Of course, speak freely.”
He finally dared to look at me, the heaviness of my position weighing down between my shoulders. “The queen has been looking for you, sir. She has been worried.”
“I’ll see to her right away. Thank you.”
I gave Alizeh’s wings one last stroke. “Take care of yourself.”
Alizeh clucked and nuzzled her beak against my chest. I leaned into her. “And take care of Veda too.”
Straightening my hair and tugging my shirt into place, I let out a deep breath and headed toward the castle. Time for the truth.
As I approached, the castle doors flung open, the locks thundering as they unbolted and the hinges squealing to let me through. Mom rushed into the courtyard, nearly barreling over me in her haste, a row of guards parading behind her. Slim pants covered her legs, her hair pulled tight behind her head in a thick braid. Odd. She didn’t even wander around the castle without at least a casual dress. Something had happened.
“Fallon.” Her glare widened, eyes dark and watery from crying, and then she flung herself at me squeezing her arms tight around my chest until I could barely breathe. “Where have you been?”
I studied the row of guards and dropped my voice. “I’ve been up in the mountains. But I really need to talk to you.”
“Not right now. Your father—” her eyes welled up and tears streamed down her scarlet face, “He’s escaped. I left to get him something to eat and when I returned, he was gone.”
“Are you sure? Maybe he’s just hiding inside.” I darted around her, scanning the foyer just beyond the doors.
She grabbed my arm. “He’s not in there. We’ve searched the entire castle. He’s gone.”
Adrenaline flooded my veins. The words of Veda’s father rushed at me again. He didn’t know my father like I did. Didn’t know how he’d changed if he was ever the devil Edwin believed he’d been. But what if there was some truth to his story? What would that mean if he were set free? I pulled out of Mom’s grip and grabbed the back of my head, pacing across the impeccable tile work of the courtyard.
“And it’s worse,” she continued, “he isn’t himself anymore. The curse has taken over completely and I don’t know if he’ll listen to me anymore.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I didn’t know where you were. And we’ll discuss that later, but right now I have to find him. Stay here in case he comes back.”
“Are you kidding? I can’t just wait here. I’m coming with you.”
“Thank you, Fallon.” The shadow of a smile crossed her lips and died. “Griswold.”
The old man rushed out the open castle door to my mother’s side. “Yes, my queen.”
“Keep watch in case the king returns. He may simply be lost and then try to find his way back.”
“Of course, madam.”
She pointed at a group of
