“You had no thoughts of going after the fae before that night?” The king asked. Seren shook their head no.

  “And you had salt in your bag because you forgot to put it away after shopping?” The queen asked. Seren nodded yes.The king and queen looked at each other. The queen handed the heir to the king and advanced toward Seren. They felt Eric’s hand on their shoulder protectively.

  “Are you sure that’s the story?” The queen asked, Seren could feel the queen prodding the edge of their mind. Seren kept their wall strong and the queen stepped back. “You have no idea what you’ve done.”

  “I have a good idea.” Seren said. “I saved all the kids that were missing. I took on the fae head-on and closed the door so they can’t come back right away.”

  “There are worse things than the fae.” The queen said. “Things that now know about you and will seek you out. On the fae queen’s behalf and otherwise.” Seren looked at the queen’s grave face. Wondering what could possibly be worse than the fae. Could possibly be scarier than the queen.

  “If I am one of the barriers that stops the fae queen from hurting this city, then I will meet whatever she can throw at me.” Seren said resolutely.

  “It’s not going to come to that.” Eric said. “The king and queen now have a better understanding and they will do better to protect this city.” The royal pair glared at him and he glared right back.

  “Whether they do or not, I’m still here.” Seren said. “And I’ll do what I can.”

  “We appreciate that.” The king said. “We’ll summon you again if we have any further questions.”

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  “Please try to stay out of trouble.” The queen said. “Leave the fae alone, please.”

  “I will do my best.” Seren said.

  “You’re dismissed. And Serenity.” The king said, giving Seren pause. The king looked at the queen and back to them. “Well done.” Seren kept the smile off their face until they had left the room. They looked up at Eric who gave them a little side hug.

  “Let’s try and have a quiet summer?” He asked as they were escorted from the palace.

  “Gosh, I hope so.” Seren sighed. “I’m still exhausted.” Eric chuckled and let Seren get into the carriage before following after. It jolted to a start and thus began the ride home.

  “Eric?” Seren asked.

  “Mm?”

  “I think I’d be okay with being just a kid for a little bit.” Seren said.

  “Happy to hear it,” Eric said, “Let’s have a nice quiet summer.”

  ***

  The Fae Queen paced alongside her reflecting pool. Her rage building as she looked into it. The reflection had gold within it, but she couldn’t unsee the ring and the gold it offered. Such a pathetic piece but what value it had! She couldn’t forget it. She needed it. She needed it! SHE NEEDED IT!

  The Queen turned with a flourish. That child. They had it. She needed it. The Queen left her treasury. There were ways to make that insolent child give up that wonderful ring. She went through her spotless palace, every guard standing to attention when she passed. But she didn’t notice them at all. She was too busy looking at her hand, looking where she wanted to wear her new ring. She took a diamond encrusted gold ring off her ring finger and tossed it aside carelessly. It was the perfect place for her new prize.

  Down the palace steps and far below ground level, down into the darkest place within the realm. Treasures weren’t the only collection the Queen had. Her collection of nightmares was her second favorite and she knew them all. Including the perfect one for her newest nuisance. In the darkest corner, the Queen faced the dark cage. The misery coming from it was so dense the bars of the cage were obscured.

  “I have a little treat for you,” The Queen sang to the creature. It didn’t seem to move in any way but the Queen knew she had it’s attention.

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