Rose Garcia - Fae Away

T hrough the thin trees, between the bark and brush, I could see the shimmers hovering over Torch Lake. The mysterious, glowing orbs that provided a gateway from the faerie realm to the human realm were a rare sight to behold. No one was allowed a viewing without permission. Even then, such access was rarely granted. Even for me.

We should not be here, Celyse, Jaid whispered.

A palace guard and my best friend since we were little, Jaid reluctantly indulged my foolish pursuits, including my requests to access the area, showing me unguarded paths to the lake. Not that I asked too often. But Mother and Father were away on official business of Strong Haven, as they almost always were as the High King and High Queen of Faevenly, and my twin sister Malena and I were left alone for a few days with our minder, Maid Rell. After finishing our morning lessons, Malena retreated inside for a nap while I sought out adventure. And there was nothing more exciting than the shimmers.

Oh please, Jaid. I rolled my eyes at the tall, slender, silver-haired, violet-eyed fae. Even though his allegiance to duty was boring, I most certainly did not want him to get in trouble. I lifted my skirt and pulled out the black onyx knife I kept strapped to my thigh. I pressed it to his neck. If we should be caught out here, you may tell everyone I held you at knife point.

He swatted my hand away. Come now, Celyse. You know I am rising in the ranks. If discovered out here with you, violating my directives, I could lose my position. His gaze scanned the area. Besides, you know full well unauthorized lake visits are on the rise. It is not safe. Then he muttered under his breath, As if anyone would believe you could best me with a knife.

Although I knew Jaid was right, I did not think a quick visit would be dangerous. I could handle myself. Plus, I had him with me. I put the knife back in its place, then lowered myself on the ground and placed my head on my hands, as if settling in to watch a play or performance.

Let me have a few moments, and then we can leave.

After a long pause, Jaid sighed, like I knew he would, then joined me on the lush grass. What are you even looking for? He waved his hand about. There are sentinels posted along the perimeter, as usual. The shimmers are floating along the water, as usual. There is grass, there is sky, there are trees. Everything is the same.

You see nothing, Jaid, I mumbled, keeping my gaze on the glowing orbs in the distance. I, on the other hand, see magic and beauty and possibility. I had always been curious about the human realm, and often dreamed of going there so I could see and experience the things Maid Rell had taught me and Malena in our lessons.

You are impossible, Celyse.

I shrugged as I kept my gaze on the lake. Perhaps I am. But what is wrong with wanting to see another world where people watch moving picture stories on giant white screens? Travel the skies in oversized jet-propelled airplanes, and the seas on floating ships as big as villages? Villages, Jaid! Do you not wonder about the human realm?

I do not. And you would do well to banish those fancies. Humans are our enemy, Celyse. As a princess of Faevenly, you should not forget it.

I threw him a curious look. You do not want to know what pizza tastes like?