Celeste looked at Malum and realized just how close they were. Her cheek flushed red instantly.
"He's yours?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Yes," Malum replied, a soft smile tugging at his lips. "His name is Cornelius, and… I think he likes you." His heart felt a peace he hadn't experienced in years, and it reflected in the gentle curve of his lips.
Celeste's smile felt like sunlight breaking through clouds. She reached down to rub Cornelius's head, and the horse shook his mane, as if affirming her presence.
"You know," Malum said, watching them, "he never lets anyone touch him except me. And today… it's different."
Suddenly, Malum mounted his horse with practiced ease, stretching his hand toward her.
"Give me your hand," he said. "I'm taking you back to the fairy realm."
Celeste hesitated for a heartbeat, then handed him her basket. Malum secured it in front of him and extended his hand again. This time, she grasped it firmly. Her heart raced as she climbed onto the horse, a first for her, but Malum steadied her effortlessly.
He tied her basket to the horse's side with a rope he had ready.
"Hold on tight," he instructed.
Celeste wrapped her arms around him, careful not to squeeze too hard. Malum cracked the rope against the horse's neck, and with a sudden surge, they were off. Cornelius galloped faster than she could imagine, passing through the barrier in a shimmer of light. The wind whipped past her, tugging at her hair and dress, and Celeste dared not look up.
In what felt like moments, the horse skidded to a halt. Celeste looked up, surprised, they were already at Haven Lake. Somehow, Malum knew exactly where to go.
She slid off the horse carefully, collecting her basket.
"Thanks for healing my arm today," Malum said suddenly. He looked startled by his own words, as if they had slipped out without permission.
Celeste only smiled.
"I'm Malum Bloodsworth, by the way," he added after a pause.
"Celeste Brookleaf," she replied softly, stroking Cornelius's mane again. She turned slightly to look at him, and for a few moments, Malum studied her face. Then, with a final glance, he and Cornelius vanished back into the forest.
Celeste sighed deeply and made her way toward the fairy palace. As usual, Faye was waiting outside.
"Omg, Celeste! I thought something had happened to you!" Faye exclaimed, visibly relieved.
Celeste smiled faintly.
"You're requested at the palace hall," Faye added, dropping the bombshell. Celeste's eyes widened, but she simply nodded.
Together, they walked to the palace hall, the basket by her side. Guards lined the path, opening the massive doors as they approached. Celeste closed her eyes briefly, her heart hammering in her chest, then opened them to behold the grand hall.
The palace hall was breathtaking. Sunlight streamed through high, arched windows, glinting off the crystal chandeliers that hung like frozen waterfalls. The floor was polished white marble veined with gold, reflecting the soft light like liquid. Golden vines, studded with luminous flowers, climbed the walls, and the air smelled faintly of jasmine and honeysuckle. At the center, three thrones stood. The middle throne, larger than the others, was carved from a single piece of pearlescent wood entwined with flowering vines, and atop it sat Queen Faeloria, the ruler of the fairy realm. She was breathtaking, long blonde hair cascading over her shoulders, blue eyes calm and sharp, a crown woven from vines adorned with delicate petals resting atop her head.
To her left sat Princess Ophelia, her expression slightly pouty, and to the Queen's right, an empty throne meant for the king. Normally, King Evandor would be there, but he was absent today.
Celeste and Faye approached, bowing low.
"Your Majesty Queen Faeloria, Princess Ophelia," they said in unison, standing after their bow.
Queen Faeloria nodded but did not smile.
"Why are you late?" Ophelia asked, her voice tinged with annoyance.
"Ophelia!" Queen Faeloria's reprimand was gentle but firm.
Ophelia pouted further, clearly unamused.
"I heard she sent you to Haven Lake to gather some moon bloom flowers," Queen Faeloria continued, her voice softer now.
"Yes, my Queen," Celeste replied.