"Greetings, Your Highness," I called out.
All seven of them stopped walking in an almost synchronized movement. The guards, dressed in identical brown and gold uniforms, didn't raise their weapons, but they didn't take their hands off their daggers, bows, or swords, either.
Jack stepped out to stand next to me, but he held his peace and let me talk. I could tell he was maybe an inch away from shifting and starting a fight, so I took his hand and held on, squeezing tightly.
"I received your call through the runes in the well, Tess of the Callahan," the queen said, her voice soft yet somehow carrying clearly from the place across the pool where she stood. "I am Viviette, ruler of the Autumn Court, and I see that you have one of the smallest of mine. Do you ask a boon for her return?"
It took me a second to realize she meant Frazzle.
"Oh, no," I said hastily. "I would never—I mean, of course you can have her. She is free to go whenever she likes. Her wing is bent, though. I hope you can help her."
The queen's face hardened, and the crack of thunder crashed through the air. "Youdareto harm one ofmine?"
Frazzle fluttered up off my shoulder and flew across the pool toward the queen, her hands out in front of her. "No, no, my liege. Tess is my host. She found me when I was already injured and offered me succor, tea, and bread withhoney. Her cat comforted me as well. Tess of the Callahan is my friend."
The dark clouds that had appeared from nowhere instantly dissipated, and I blew out a slow breath filled with massive relief. The queen held out a hand to Frazzle, who stepped gently onto it, and a golden glow surrounded the little faery. An instant later, she'd mended the bent wing.
And then, from somewhere in my explosion-blasted brain, an idea of what to say next popped into my mind.
"Be welcome to my home and hearth, Fair Queen. Whilst you are guest here, I will hold to all laws of hospitality. I will bring no harm to you and yours, while you avail yourself of the same."
The shock on the queen's face warmed my devious little heart and, next to me, Jack whistled beneath his breath. "Nice trick, Tess," he murmured. "Now she is bound by guest law and can't harm anyone here during this visit."
I appreciated it, but I didn't want this encounter only to be filled with trickery and threats. I held out a hand and beckoned.
"My home isn't fancy, but if you have time, you are very welcome to come inside and have some pie with me. Maybe we can talk about … everything?"
Her guards immediately started muttering, probably warning her off. I didn't look dangerous, but they clearly knew who Jack was.
"Your guards are welcome too," I called out, surprising everyone, including Jack, if his quick intake of air was any sign. "Maybe leave all the weapons outside? My kitchen isn't very large. Or I could bring dessert out here, if you prefer to be outdoors."
After a few moments of intense discussion, the queen waved a hand in an imperious gesture and crossed the pool toward us. And when I say "crossed the pool," I mean just that: she floated up and over the pool, across the lawn, and up to the porch. Two of her guard raced around the pool to accompany her, but they left their visible weapons with the other four.
I wasn't foolish enough to believe they'd divested themselves ofallweapons, but it was a beginning.
"Do you like apples?" I asked the queen, who was even more beautiful close up.
She smiled, and it was as radiant as the sun rising over the ocean. If this was glamour, she could teach a master class.
"Wow," I whispered. And then the full force of her power hit me, and I cried out in pain. My head was surely splitting in two.
Before Jack could stop her or even protest, the queen put her delicate hands on my cheeks. They felt so cool and gentle on my hot, painful face that I closed my eyes in relief.
"Be well, Tess of the Callahan, and be relieved of your painful sensitivity to my magic," she murmured. A wave of cool energy washed through me, from my head to my toes, and the pain blissfully, magically, miraculously vanished.
My eyes flew open. "Thank you so much! Will it, I mean, I don't mean to sound ungrateful, I'm just asking about the parameters, but—"
"You are forevermore cured of this affliction." Her beautiful golden eyes laughed at me, but not unkindly.
My whole body felt wobbly with relief. "Thank you so very much. I—"
This time, she laughed out loud. If Frazzle's laugh was like silver bells, the queen's laugh was an entire orchestra. "Never thank the Fae, child. The tiger should have taught you better. And you owe me no thanks. Consider it a boon for helping one of mine."
I smiled. "Frazzle is welcome anytime too. My cat and I loved having her here."
"Frazzle? I think I must hear this tale."
"Yes. Please. Come in."
