When Bastian arrived at the breakfast table, he had to push down a surge of irritation that hit him the moment he saw Peregrine. She had suffered no injuries he could see, but the elf looked downright browbeaten and exhausted. The possessive frustration he felt on her behalf was concerning, but he could still control it, and - he told himself - get used to it.

  She was otherwise fine, and gave him a soft reassuring smile when he took the seat beside hers.

  “Good morning,” He said, resisting the urge to reach out and cover the hand that rested on her chair’s arm. Her maid, Lish, was hovering nearby and frowning at them in a very chaperone supervisory air.

  Leaving her alone with her father had been the right thing to do, he knew, but it hadn’t been easy. Peregrine deserved the chance to talk to her family and explain things without him hovering. He could see how much her father cared for her, and knew he wouldn't let her off without a thorough talking to. It being born out of worry made it manageable.

  Bastian knew what that was like from his own youth, when his mother gave him an earful for whatever mischief he'd found himself caught in. She wasn’t here any longer, but the memories remained.

  “Good morning.” Peregrine replied, motioning for Lish to fill Bastian’s cup. “How did you sleep?”

  The maid stepped forward and poured out the last of a drink that smelled like ground cinnamon, sugar, cocoa, and something he couldn’t place.

  It was rich, earthy, and full bodied. He added a spoonful of honey from a nearby jar, and a dash of cold creamy almond water, and contemplated the drink while he answered, “Very well. The room had the most amazing carvings, and I stenciled a few for my collection. The lighting was spectacular, and I am thinking of using the layout in one of my-our? rooms back home. May I ask what this is?” He looked up from his drink to see Peregrine clearly upset and hurried to add, “It’s delicious, I’ve just never had anything like it before.”

  "Lish," Peregrine ignored his question and turned on her maid, "Can you go get me some more peach jelly for my bread?"

  The maid shot a look between the two of them, her eyes hovering over Bastian twice as long, before leaving to do as she was asked.

  As soon as Lish was through the door, Peregrine asked him. “What carvings were in your room?”

  “Oak leaves, and acorns.” Bastian said, noting his fiancé's displeasure. “What's wrong? I feel like I’m missing something.”

  “You shouldn't have been given the Acorn Suite. It's meant for undesirable guests.” Peregrine admitted.

  Bastian reached over to squeeze her hand. “I am an undesirable guest, remember?”

  “No.” She said, looking him straight in the eye with purpose. “You are my soon-to-be husband, and you should be treated better.”

  “I liked the room,” Bastian said. “And don’t go getting upset at Lish - she wasn’t the one who decided where to put me.”

  “She probably knew though.” Peregrine argued, “And could’ve told me.”

  “Still–” Bastian cut himself off as the hallway door opened and Count Valin swept in, looking like he’d aged a decade overnight by the frown lines etched on his face. Malory wasn’t far behind. Bastian wondered where the capybara had gotten to.

  A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  “No time to finish breakfast,” He announced. “We’ve been summoned by Her Majesty.”

  …

  Bastian thought the Fern’s lands were further afield of the Royal Palace, but they arrived at the grove of maple trees in under an hour. Peregrine and her father took their family carriage, Lish and Malory driving. Bastian, after seeing how tight the fit would be, had offered to ride.

  What awaited him was not the horse he had journeyed with before. No. What awaited Bastian was the Fern Hind - a domesticated monster that was a popular mount among the elven nobility.

  The magical deer was larger than an elk without including the antlers. It’s white fur was marked with black patterns, and it had long fangs that could drink the blood of its prey.

  Winston was a beauty, and he and Bastian got along well after Bastian took off his greaves. Sure, his tibia was now an easy target, but the knight commander was willing to sacrifice his shins for a chance to ride the sprightly creature.

  The group were met with three royal guards and a palace attendant at the barrier of maple leaves where the palace met a forest of redwood trees. The attendant took control of their train while everyone dismounted to follow the guard.

  “They stopped us outside the palace?” Count Valin started to frost, but regained control and put on a neutral face. “That was a choice.”

  Supposedly, the Prime Minister wasn’t used to the treatment that Bastian and Their Royal Highness could expect. Another thing that Bastian would be reporting to Rowen upon his return. He had a lot to report so far.

  “Lish,” Peregrine whispered to the maid at her side, “See if you can’t find Magenta and find out what is happening.”

  Lish nodded solemnly.

  Bastian had no idea who Magenta was, and he didn’t ask, simply offering Peregrine his arm and following the count. According to Peregrine, her mother was working in the palace as a clothier for the queen. Hopefully, they’d have a chance to meet.

  About twenty maple in, they came to the main stair, leading up into the enchanted treetop palace.

  “Prime Minister,” An elf in long red robes met them at the top of the stairs. His hair was black and pulled back into a half up-do, showing off his striking eyebrows. “The Grand Pontiff will see you on Life’s Bridge.”

  “Mandrake,” Count Valin frowned, “Business with His Holiness can wait –”

  “I’m afraid it must be now,” Duke Mandrake stated, sweeping a hand to the hallway on the right.

  The count looked ready to argue again, but clenched his hands together and answered, “Then lead the way for us.”

  “The others are to see Her Majesty.” Duke Mandrake pointed to Bastian’s left, “You may see them again after their audience with the crown.”

  “I see what you are doing, Mandrake,” Valin walked up the last three steps to the landing, turning his head to glower at the duke. “And I will remember this.”

  “Did you know,” Duke Mandrake replied, “That your daughter was seen at Glade’s on the eve of her journey north?” the elf leaned in closer, “because Her Majesty does not. I am not your enemy, Valin.”

  At that, the duke turned to Peregrine, who had gone unnaturally pale at the elf's words. Bastian instinctively drew his fiancé closer. “And Countess Fern, next time you bet on outshooting someone by one point– you should only beat them by one point. It leaves unpleasant loopholes in an oath.”

  Peregrine didn’t shrink under the older elf’s advice, replying simply, “I will take your words under advisement, Your Grace.”

  “Good,” Duke Mandrake put a hand on Count Valin’s shoulder, “Now, let us be off.”

  Count Valin looked ready to start a revolt right then and there, but stood aside for Bastian and Peregrine to follow the duke down the long hallway on the left. His future father-in-law was still staring after them until they rounded the corner and he was out of sight.

  Bastian noted that Lish was nowhere to be seen.