The two stepped into a small circle made of white mushrooms. Melanie stayed still, eyes never leaving Auriela’s, while the world around them transformed. They didn’t move, but beams of light circled around them in a vast array of colors. Auriela grabbed onto Melanie and shouted, but it fell on deaf ears. Gusts of wind swirled dandelions and clovers around them, which got stuck in Auriela’s hair. Soon, the lights stopped spinning and the two girls found themselves in a forest, similar to the one prior.

Except despite the trees the sunlight shone through in great amounts, speckling the grass filled with flowers, mushrooms, and clovers. These trees were of vibrant colors, swaying to an invisible breeze, dancing in tune with the faint sound of bells. The small stream now flowed purple, sparkling as if glitter was thrown in.

Auriela grabbed tighter onto her friend. “What just happened?”

“Don’t be so scared. No one can hurt you as long as you stay with me.”

“Where are we?” 

The girl looked exasperated, “I told you: my home. This is where I live.”

“Where do you live, Melanie?” her breath shook.

Eyes squinting she said, “The fae realm, of course.”

Auriela’s face paled and  she muttered a weak, “What?”

“Don’t worry, I’ll take you back home before dark. C’mon,” she pulled the girl along.

Auriela stood firm, though.

“What?”

“Melanie. We are in the fae realm.”

She laughed, “I would hope so.”

“But it’s dangerous here!”

“Do you think I’m dangerous, then?” she said, her voice flat.

Auriela paused for a second, “Why would you be dangerous?”

“You said it yourself, we are in the fae realm. I am a fae. Does that make me dangerous?”

“You haven’t given a reason for me to be scared of you,” her voice grew low. 

“So then, will you follow me?”

Hesitantly, Auriela nodded before following her fae friend.

The bark on the trees around her appeared smooth—unlike anything she had ever seen before. The leaves seemed to glow, illuminating the world around her in multicolored light. Ever so often a small insect resembling a dragon would fly by her face and disappear into the bush, or maybe they just disappeared in the air. Small animals that at first glance - resemble ones from back home - but at a closer look their fur was sharp and their eyes amphibious. What Auriela thought was a common jackrabbit actually had webbed feet and a forked tongue. Melanie made sure to keep Auriela close whenever the native creatures got a bit too curious. Sometimes Auriela would hear sweet singing and soft bells in the distance, causing her to waver off the path before Melanie would pull her back.

Soon the forest opened up to a hill full of thick grass and flowers. In the distance, houses floated on islands of dirt and rock, the same level as the mountains around them. Giant birds and whale-like creatures flew through the air, occasionally calling out to their group. It was the most beautiful sight.

“This place can’t be the fae realm, Melanie, you must be mistaken.”

“How so? I assure you, I know my own home.”

She dropped the other’s hand and gestured to the sky. “Look! Everything here is remarkable. This can’t possibly be the dark and dangerous place my mother had warned me about.”

Gregarious laughter filled the air, “Looks can be deceiving, you know. My home is beautiful but not all are as kind as I am. Just like your castle⸺beautiful brick walls contain soldiers armed with swords and explosives.”

“I see…” Auriela’s gaze shifted to the flowers beneath her feet.

“Hey,” Melanie reached out towards the girl, “do not worry. I told you I would keep you safe. I keep my word.”

“I am not worried about this place, but what you said about my castle.”

“Am I wrong?”

She paused, “My parents are good people, and so are the soldiers. Sometimes battle makes you do things one would rather not do.”

“Auriela,” Melanie sighed, “do you know what your soldiers do during battle?”

“Of course I do, they fight with their swords and protect our people,” she said in a harsh tone.

“Have you ever seen it with your own eyes?”

The two girls stared at each other. Auriela kept fumbling over her words, twirling her fingers in her long hair and trying to think of what to say. 

“I have met the soldiers, they have known me since I was born. They are kind people, Melanie. Do not disrespect my family,” she said firmly.

Melanie gritted her teeth, “I do not wish to upset you… Shall we continue on with our journey?”

Auriela nodded before taking her hand again. “Wait, Melanie!”

“What? Is something wrong?” she starts to look around for any danger.

“How are we supposed to get off the cliff?”

Melanie shifted her eyes before dropping Auriela’s hand. “I can get us across, just… don’t be scared of what you see. I won’t hurt you.”

Auriela licked her lips. Looking into Melanie’s eyes she tries to distinguish any meaning behind her words. She took a step back and nodded. 

Then Melanie began to transform. She shrugged her shawl off and took a deep breath before the air around her started to quiver, like heat waves off of hot metal. The more Auriela blinked the more Melanie changed. Her ears grew long and curled off at the ends, pupils dilating and appearing more like the rabbit from earlier. Fingers elongated, growing thin webbing, keratin nails turning into thick, dark, claws. Her skin appeared to have scales covering it, pointing out towards her elbows, as well as tinting to a gray tone. But the most prominent thing was her wings: large bat-like wings that had a blue sheen just like her hair. Sharp points curved off at the tops of her wings, which framed her being. Even her clothing had shifted. What was before a filthy patchwork dress is now a hand-sewn halter and long skirt.

“...Auriela?”

She hadn’t even realized, her mouth hung agape while no sound came out for many moments. “I⸺wow. I’ve never seen a fae before.”

“Nonsense, unless your eyes were to be closed since we first met you have seen me nearly every day.”

She laughed, “What I mean is I haven’t seen a fae’s true form before. I’ve only read about them in the books at home.”

Melanie smiled. “Well, am I everything you ever hoped for?”

She felt her face burn red. “What do you mean?”

“You mentioned that your parents have told you about my kind. Am I mistaken, or have you not wondered what a fae would look like?”

“It would be a lie to say I’ve never been tempted…” her voice trailed off.

Melanie stepped closer. “Is this okay?”

“Why would it not be?” her head shot up. 

“Weren’t you scared to be here before?” Melanie said, leaning in closer.

Auriela pondered the question and whispered, “Yes. I am still scared, I think. But you said you will keep me safe, and so I trust you.”

“You think?”

“I… am unsure how I feel. You have proven false the ideas that I have read about and been taught for years,” she took a deep breath, “I believed the fae realm to be dark, dirty, and full of evil. I believed fae to be ugly blood-sucking killers.”

“So I am not an, as you say, ‘ugly blood-sucking killer?’”

“No!” her face flushed, “you are not ugly, nor a killer.”

“Ah, so I’m a mere blood-sucker then,” she teased.

Auriela grew frustrated, “You…”

“...Yes?”

“I feel safe around you, Melanie,” she exasperated.

For once, Melanie went silent. Her cheeks flushed and she turned her head to the cliff’s edge. “I appreciate that,” she stuttered, “let’s go now.”

“How? It’s a cliff.”

“I have wings. Just hold on tight.”

Melanie grabbed her shawl before tying it around Auriela’s neck. She guided the blonde’s arms to lock around her own neck before wrapping her arms around the other’s back. She flapped her wings, causing the flowers to be ripped from the ground and hair to fly all over. Melanie jumped off of the cliff, hearing Auriela scream and dig her painted nails into the scales of her skin. The girl’s crown poked the fae’s chin, and her dress’s boning hit her knees. Still, Melanie kept flying without saying a word.

Soon the two landed near a cottage. To their left was a small pond filled with strange creatures that would jump out, and fly a bit, before diving back into the water. Odd-colored and shaped plants were planted all around, mostly near the front door. Despite the interesting and bizarre nature of everything around them, the cottage radiated a feeling of nostalgia. A feeling of home. With the sun beginning to set above the horizon, a warm glow peeked through the windows and blinds.

“This,” Melanie set the girl down, “is my home.”

“It is lovely,” she caught her breath, “I understand now why you wanted to show it to me,” Auriela cautiously walked around, admiring the wildlife around her. 

Melanie eagerly opened the front door. “Please, come inside. There is more to see.”

Inside, wooden furniture and handmade rugs filled up the space. Different plants were growing from the walls and ceiling, some acting as a natural lamp with their glowing in the dark. The cottage was quaint, just big enough for a couple of people. The main part of it all was in the center of the main room: a hearth glowing bright with exuberating warmth. Auriela couldn’t take her eyes off it. Near the hearth was a spinning wheel, lavender-colored yarn attached to it, and the spindle.

“Do you like it?”

Auriela approached the hearth and put her hands out. “Splendid. Just like the one in our main tea room.”

“I’m most glad you like it,” she paused, “would you like some tea? I can’t promise it’s like the one you have back home, but feel free to try it,” Melanie smiled once more, allowing her sharp teeth to poke out.

“I appreciate the offer, but I must pass. Perhaps the next time I visit we can share a pot, though.”

Melanie sighed and looked toward the window. “We shall do that then. Next time.”

“Although I will admit, I am quite tired. I usually don’t journey to different realms,” she laughed, sitting on a woven chair. 

“It isn’t the most common activity,” Melanie teased, “but it is getting dark, no wonder you’re tired.”

“Getting dark?” Auriela snapped her head to the window, only to see the sun dipping down, “oh dear, Melanie I must go home now. I’ve been gone the whole day.”

The girl’s lips pursed. “I wish there was more time in the day for us to spend together, but I gave you my word. I shall take you home then. Follow me.”

Once outside, Melanie leads the other near a large tree at the back of the cottage. It towers over everything around it, the sturdy trunk double the length of both the girls combined. Melanie pushed Auriela back before putting her hand on the tree bark. Through the cracks, a bright yellow-green light shined through. The wood peeled back, separated to form a gateway where the light swirled together.

“You go first.”

Auriela held onto her dress and closed her eyes before walking inside. 

On the other side of the tree is her home forest. Nothing has changed since. The stream is still running blue and the mushroom circle she stepped out of is still there. The sun has started lowering in the sky, signifying she made it just in time. Melanie stepped out of the still-spinning portal, this time in the same common-girl form as before.

“I will accompany you home. The trees can be confusing if you’ve never lived with them before,” Melanie grabbed her hand and quickly went through the forest. She was right, the trees all blended together to Auriela. 

They reached the back fence where they had departed before. Auriela paused before turning around and throwing her arms over Melanie’s shoulders. She held on tight, allowing Melanie to relax into the hug and reciprocate. Auriela parted and then slipped through the bars like she did earlier that day, and whispered a “see you tomorrow” before running off to her home. Oddly, there were more guards posted than usual. Five instead of two is a large difference, maybe something had gone wrong in the few hours she wasn’t here. One guard spotted her, freezing before yelling her name and running up to her. Quickly, the other guards followed and shouted for more backup.

“Auriela! You’re back! Are you safe, here, let’s get you inside,” he crouched down to quickly check over and see no dirt or scrapes.

“I was only gone for a few hours, I apologize if I worried you all.” 

“Princess,” the main guard said, “you have been missing for a week.”

Her limbs went numb, “What?”

“She’s disorientated, perhaps a spell was placed upon her.”

“We must get her to the doctor, hurry!”

She felt herself being picked up in a carry before the guards ran inside. 

People continued to shout around her. She was laid on a cotton bed, some pillows behind her head, and a thin sheet laid on her. Both doctors, nurses, maids, and guards alike crowded around her bed, eyes wide and eyebrows furrowed. A thermometer was stuck in her mouth while another person took her pulse. Some maid even started to feed her bread and soup, gently dabbing away any residue around her mouth. Suddenly, everyone cleared when a loud shout echoed.

“Where is my daughter!” her mother screamed.

Auriela sat up, “Mother?”

Her mother and father ran up to her, tending to the nonexistent wounds as the doctors had just been doing.

“My poor dear, we had been searching for you. You left without a trace,” the queen kissed her forehead.

“I’m sorry…” 

She grabbed her hand, “It’s not your fault. Whoever took you from here shall be punished accordingly.” 

Auriela felt the hair on the back of her neck stand up.

“Sunshine,” her father said, “please tell us what happened.”

She felt a fire inside her chest. “I…”

Everyone drew close to her again.

“Yes dear, spit it out,” her father said.

“I…” she fiddled with the sheet, “well…”

Her mother sighed, “Auriela please.”

“I don’t remember!”

No one spoke for a bit. Her mother and father made eye contact before looking away. A few of the doctors started to cry. The king stood up and turned to look at the wall. He grabbed his chin as if feeling his beard would help the situation. 

“Doctor,” her mother started, “why can’t my daughter remember what happened? Tell me why.”

One doctor stepped forward, “My queen, well, it can be complicated. Memories and the brain are, well, complex.”

“What do you mean complicated?”

She stuttered, “Experiencing such a large trauma can cause the brain to, well, forget.”

“Well can she remember?” the king turned around, now focused on the doctor too.

“It’s… hard to say.”

“Well then,” her father began, “you will find out how to fix this. And then we will punish whoever took my only child away from me,” he walked away without another word. 

Her mother sighed before standing up, “Come, love. Let’s bring you to your room.”

Auriela nodded. She avoided eye contact, staring only at the ground. Everyone else stared at her, though. The halls hadn’t changed. Large paintings of landscapes and their long family line were hung up in every room and hallway. The floors are polished and clean, and the windows have no marks on them. A staircase leads to Auriela’s wing of the castle, containing her bedroom, bathroom, and study. Inside her room is the same as she had left it: closet open, makeup and brush scattered on the vanity, and her books on the table. The fireplace has been put out and the bed made, though. 

“You can have some time to yourself. I’ll send your maid to fetch you for dinner,” her mom left the room and closed the door, leaving Auriela all alone. As soon as she sat on her bed, the fluffy warm sheets beckoned her in. Even though she was only gone for a few hours, it did feel like forever since she had slept in her own bed. Throwing off her shoes, not even bothering to change into night clothes, she fell asleep.

Dinnertime came quicker than expected. Auriela woke to a loud knocking at her door, a maid no doubt trying to wake her up. 

“I’m awake!” she yelled.

“Dinner is ready, princess. I shall wait here and accompany you there.”

“Very well. Give me a moment,” she said before slowly getting out of bed. The sun had fully set now, just barely peeking out. Auriela decided to quickly tidy up her hair before opening the door.

“Ready, princess?” the maid asked.

Auriela nodded and they started walking.

The long chestnut dining table had been set up extravagantly. All of her favorite foods were on the table: bœuf bourguignon, cassoulet, onion soup, and many cheeses and loaves of bread as well. One would think a ball was being held that day. Her mother and father were seated at the table, him at the head and her on his right. Auriela sat down across from her mother. Her plate had already been filled, and cups filled with water and raspberry lemonade. 

Her father spoke, “I’m so glad you’re back. We had the chefs make all of your favorite foods, I assume it is to your liking?”

She glanced around the table, everything smelled wonderful. “Yes, father. I’m very pleased. Thank you.”

“Splendid. Let us enjoy a feast,” he waved to the servants to leave the room.

It was odd, the servants usually stay in the room during dinner. Auriela cocked an eyebrow over to her father, who shook his head and ate his beef. 

Her mother didn’t say anything for a bit. No one did. They’ve never had silent meals, always talking about politics in the nearby towns and kingdoms, trades, and how Auriela’s classes are going. She decided to ignore it, instead focusing on how good the food tasted. The chefs outdid themselves that day, all of the meat was perfectly cooked and tender. She finished her plate quicker than ever before. Soon most of the food was gone and dessert was brought out: tarte tatin. Beautiful caramel, fruits, and puff pastry. 

“So,” her mother swallows, “how are you feeling, dear?”

Auriela sat up straighter. “I’m doing well. Especially after sleeping in my own bed.”

“Yes, I’m sure you must have been so uncomfortable before escaping,” she put down her fork.

“How did you escape, Auriela? The guards say they found you in the gardens…” her father said.

Auriela’s eyes shifted between her parents. “Um…”

“I just find it peculiar, dear. You disappeared from the gardens and suddenly reappeared a week later, in the same place,” he continued on, “and with no injuries and not even a speck of dirt on your dress. It’s like you weren’t gone at all.”

Her hands started to sweat. The tarte tatin didn’t seem appetizing anymore. “Well, I don’t really remember, father.”

He stroked his beard. “You say that, yet I see the way you avoid eye contact, and how you are shifting in your seat right now. You can fool the doctors, the guards, and the maids. But you cannot fool your father.”

Auriela looked over to her mother for help, but she continued to stare at her half-eaten dessert as if nothing was happening. It was two against one.

“Daughter,” he leaned over, “tell me what happened.”

“I don’t⸺”

“Don’t lie to me and say you forgot, we’ve already gotten past that.”

She bit her lip and whispered, “Just please don’t be mad at me.”

He leaned back, voice wavering, “Auriela… I love you, you’re my only child. I could never be mad at you.”

She took a deep breath. “I met a girl my age, some time ago by the gardens…” Auriela explained everything, from how she met Melanie to her slipping through the bars, and how they got to and from the fae realm. With each word her parents' faces contorted, displaying such a range of emotions Auriela couldn’t pin one down. At some point, her mother started to cry. Her father remained silent, knuckles white, grabbing onto his fork like it was the only thing keeping him sane.

He finally spoke, “You… befriended a fae girl?”

“She is very kind to me, father,” she tried to keep her voice level.

“She is a fae, Aruiela! Haven’t we taught you that fae are not to be trusted? How daft must you be, girl.”

“Stephan!” her mother yelled, “she is your daughter!”

“No daughter of mine will convene with the fae,” he slammed his fist onto the table.

Auriela flinched, “But Melanie is different! She cares for me⸺”

“Fae do not care, Auriela. They only wish to kidnap you and keep you as a prisoner, forever indebted to them,” he pinched his brow, “you cannot possibly think this thing is like us humans.”

Her voice went soft, “But she helped me to fly, father. She’s beautiful…”

Both king and queen froze, eyeing each other and then their daughter. 

Her mother spoke, “Dear, what are you saying?”

“I’m saying you were wrong. She is the most beautiful person⸺”

“Not a person,” her father said.

“⸺Most beautiful person I’ve ever seen,” Auriela stated firmly, lips quivering.

Her father gritted his teeth before standing up. “I see. We shall talk tomorrow,” and he left the room, leaving a tearful queen and a shaking princess.

Her mother stuttered, “Auriela, you can’t possibly love a fae you just met, much less a girl you just met. You know this.”

“You say that, but the past weeks I have spent with her and the burning in my chest says otherwise.”

“You do not understand⸺”

“No, you do not understand. You do not understand what true love feels like, your and father’s marriage was arranged, and you had no room for true love.”

The queen sighed. “It had to be done, for the sake of the kingdom. You know this, dear. I now love your father dearly, and he loves me.”

“Is that what is to be expected of me too, then? Married off to some nobleman, only hoping we will love each other in years to come, is that what you have planned for me?”

She avoided her gaze, voice quivering, “Yes. We do have some… suitors for you.”

“I see,” Auriela stands, “I shall be in my room then.”

“But, it’s for your own good!”

“You don’t know what’s good for me! How long would I have been kept in the dark about this? How long have I been kept in the dark, mother?”

Tears streamed down her face and her voice broke, “Since you turned thirteen we have been looking. We planned to introduce you to them in the next few years, hoping you would fall in love with them on your own accord.”

“You act like that would solve the issue.”

“I love you, dear,” she cried.

Auriela looked at her mother through tearful eyes. She turned around and left the dining table before going back to her room.

She and her mother had always gotten along. It’s not like they hadn’t fought before, but nothing so serious as this. Before her biggest worries were her tea being cold and not having the sequel of her favorite book in her private library. Now it was her personal relationships, which used to be of nominal importance, but since she met Melanie she couldn’t have helped herself from the yearning to know more. Thinking back to when she first saw the girl, the burning of her chest and how warm she felt just being near her. And now, how her mother and father reacted. Maybe deep down Auriela knew it was a bad idea. Eventually, she would marry a nobleman, have many heirs, and rule a kingdom just as her family had for generations. Maybe she should have been more careful.

She didn't even realize she arrived at her room until she walked into her door. 

It didn’t hit her until she got dressed in her night clothes. She brushed through her hair, took off the makeup, dress, and shoes, and lay in bed. And she sobbed. Her parents wanted to punish Melanie, and there was nothing she could do about it. Her head throbbed the more she cried, clutching her pillows like a lifeline. Once sobs turned to sniffles and yawns she felt the heaviness of her body. She had never been so tired. Auriela turned to a dry pillow, took deep breaths, and fell asleep.

She awoke to faint screaming. 

Quickly she looked out the window and saw her father commanding a group of soldiers on horses. All were dressed head to toe in iron chainmail and leather, her father appearing similarly but with his signature crown and cape. Impulsively, she threw herself out of bed before running down the stairs, through the halls, and out the door to the courtyard. Over her heavy breathing, she heard her father shouting some more, pointing toward the nearby village and sending the soldiers off.

“Father!” she puffed, “what is happening?”

He turned, face red and voice hoarse, “We are scavenging the land to find the wretched fae you spoke of.”

She froze in place. “She’s done no harm!”

“Your mother told me what you said last night, Auriela. I know what must be done. Go back inside.”

“But⸺”

“Go, Auriela. And do not leave the castle,” with that he knocked his horse and they galloped off to follow the groups of soldiers.

Auriela fell to her knees. Her chest heaved from running, and all she wanted to do was cry and scream until her lungs gave out. The sun hadn’t risen, and the ground was still wet below her. A chill shook through her body. Her father resorted to violence, her mother preferred to ignore everything. Auriela was stuck in between. Shall she run after her father, try to reason with his temper? Or perhaps she could find her mother and figure out a way to persuade her emotions. Weighing her options she decided that both would take too long, and every moment she took stalling gave a bigger chance for Melanie to be found. Auriela gathered her nightdress and ran toward the south gardens. 

The roses were the same bright white, thorns shining with dew. If it were a regular day she would have taken the time to admire each flower, dip her feet into each pond, and twirl around her favorite garden. But she was at the mercy of time, so she ran to the back fence as she had done every day for weeks, and slipped through the bars as she had done yesterday. The grass was cold beneath her bare feet, she had forgotten her shoes.

“Melanie!” she yelled, but no response was heard. She yelled again, and another time until her throat dried and her voice was shrill.

“Princess! What are you doing?” turning around Auriela saw a few guards running after her from the castle. Her time had run out. 

Her feet started moving before she could process it. Weaving between the trees, dodging low-hanging branches and curved roots, she tried to find the small clearing from before. At some point, she had made a wrong turn somewhere because she found herself at the edge of the forest, near a village. Soldiers on horses slowly walked through the paths, interrogating citizens with their swords. She watched, crouched behind bushes, as someone aimed a funnel activated by some liquid and coal, spewing blazing flames all over someone’s house. Auriela felt time slow⸺as if she were watching a play. The straw roof caught flame immediately, burning so quickly it caved in. The wooden posts and walls started to turn to charcoal and ash. She felt the heat on her face from behind the bush, eyebrows nearly singeing off. Shifting her eyes over to the person who held the funnel, she saw a familiar cape and beard.

“Father,” she whispered.

“Auriela,” a hand on her shoulder startled her, causing her to lose balance and fall on her butt. Looking up, her eyes focused on a patchwork dress.

“Melanie!” she clumsily stood up and grabbed onto her friend’s arms, “I’m so glad you’re okay. This is all my fault.”

“No, you could not have controlled any of this. Your heart is pure, Auriela, you only wished the best for everyone.”

“My family they⸺I thought…” her voice broke.

Melanie hovered her hands before hugging Auriela, letting the princess sob on her shoulder while rubbing soothing motions over her back. She hummed a low tune, a sound like a whale’s song until Auriela’s breathing evened out. They stood like that for a short while, hidden from the monstrosity happening just feet away.

“I really should thank⸺”

“Don’t,” Melanie interrupted her, “please, do not thank me. Not right now, until you are safe.”

She gave a questioning look, “What do you mean? You’re the one they’re after.”

Melanie shook her head, “No. They are upset at me, but they take their anger out on you and the citizens,” she swallowed, “if they were to find you in the middle of this, or with me…”

Auriela nodded curtly. 

“Auriela, will you trust me once more?” she laid out her hand, palm up.

She looked at the hand, and then back toward the village and her castle. Biting her lip she looked Melanie in the eyes and took her hand. Immediately after Melanie closed her hand around the other’s and tugged her along through the forest. The sun had just started to rise, beaming through open branches and casting shadows around them. Wind whipped her hair all around, with no crown or bobbins to hold it in place. Finally, she was brought to the familiar clearing once again. The stream still ran blue, white mushrooms still formed a circle, and the two still held each other’s hands. All was quiet.

Auriela stepped forward first but Melanie stayed put.

“What’s wrong?” 

Melanie’s voice was quiet, “If you go with me, you will not be able to return here.”

“But what about the tree?”

“Physically, it would be possible. Yet, you will never be able to return here as their princess. They will see this as a betrayal, Auriela.”

She rubbed her arms. “But they love me, they wouldn’t…”

“They love to control you.”

She looked up, eyes wide. She thought back to how they never let her talk to anyone of any lower stature, telling her that they were oafs who she shouldn’t waste her time with. Or how she never even saw the villages outside the castle, any interactions with their people were done quickly and begrudgingly. They chose her classes, her clothes, and how she put up her hair and did her makeup. Even down to who she danced with at balls. Her parents had always given her everything without question⸺everything except a choice.

But Melanie was giving her a choice.

“What will happen if I go with you?”

“You could live with me, or live by yourself,” then she whispered, “or someone else…”

Auriela looked back to her castle. “What will happen if I stay here?”

Melanie followed her eyes. “I cannot say with certainty, but if I were to guess I would say they would force you to marry and never let you leave again,” she paused, “but you would still have your family and your kingdom.”

“You’re wrong.”

“What?”

“I would have my bed and my food, but I have already lost my family the moment I mentioned you,” she whispered, “I never had a kingdom to start.”

Melanie’s voice wavered, “What are you saying?”

“I will join you in the fae realm. I will live with you, Melanie,” she firmly stated.

Auriela’s blue eyes shined bright and she laid her hand out, palm facing up. Both girls' heartbeats were rapid, pounding through their chests as if they would pop out. No sound was heard around them, it was as if they were the only two alive for miles.

“Let us go then,” she took her hand.

With a smile Auriela stepped into the mushroom circle, letting the wind encircle her and Melanie. This time, the chaos was welcomed. Lights flowed around them with various flowers and clovers. Their eyes never left each other’s face, not allowing anything to tear them apart. Once the wind settled they stepped out, and Melanie quickly adjusted to her natural form. Hand in hand, they continued on back to their now shared home. The cottage was the same as before. Sun now just over the horizon, they walked into their home. Along the way they engaged in small conversations; they talked about remodeling the cottage for Auriela and how she could adjust to non-royal life. She knew she would miss her pampered lifestyle, but an excitement burned deep in her chest. 

“Melanie,” Auriela started, “how about that tea now?”

She nodded. “A wonderful idea.”

Melanie brought out one of her many ornate tea sets and set a small table. She boiled the black tea in silence, but the atmosphere was not awkward. The hearth crackled occasionally, burning brightly as if it were never put out. Auriela sat down and ran her fingers through her hair, trying to brush out the knots. In her rush, she forgot to brush her hair. 

“Allow me,” Melanie grabbed a hand-carved brush, “the tea is still hot. Be careful.”

“Thank you,” she said, taking a small sip of the tea.

Melanie hesitated.

“I’m aware of what it means to eat or drink here. I do not intend to leave anytime soon,” she looked over her shoulder.

“Auriela, may I tell you a secret?”

Her voice went quiet, “You may.”

Melanie leaned down and whispered in the other’s ear. Her voice was deep, and to anyone else, it sounded like gibberish. Auriela understood immediately: it was Melanie’s true name. They now had complete control over each other.

“Thank you,” she said.

Melanie’s eyes sparkled and resumed brushing her hair.

“I have a small request…”

“Yes?” 

Auriela looked over to the window, “Can we plant some white roses?”

Melanie beamed. “I think that’s a splendid idea.”