flight and that sunflower looked an awfully high climb. In the past, he never doubted himself. There was no point starting it now. He forced his wings to move. It was similar to moving fingers or toes in synchrony. Just the thought sent his wings into motion and his feet lifted off the ground. There was a slight sting in his back but nothing he couldn’t handle. His eyes remained on the yellow petal edge, and it slowly inched closer. Sweat began to bead his forehead. His hands clenched into fists and a throbbing began in his temple. He surpassed even his high expectations and passed the flower. Pushing harder and flying higher, he finally reached the thin transparent barrier that separated the two worlds. Thame landed on the surface in a patch of three leaf clovers. Blood rushed through his veins as his quick breath began to ease. “Impressive.” Mord spoke from beneath the willow tree. His blond hair loose and the ends curled without restraint. Thame nodded, his back stiff from disuse. However, his feet were steady as he shuffled forward and sat beside him. That took more out of him than he would ever admit. “Looks like cold weather is on its way.” He glanced at the muddled blue sky. Winter was always mild here but the group of gray clouds did give off an ominous feel. “I like the snow. It’s easier to track.” It always made the hum of the distant ocean muffled and enhanced the natural sounds around them. “Where’s Brielle? She’d love this view.” The sun began to fall toward the horizon. “Home. I just came here to think.” He turned toward Thame. “I’m trying to convince King Carrick that we need to take more drastic measures. The queen is not yet with child.” “What measures?” “We can’t wait for the women to stumble upon us. We should go out, gather those that can see us and return them here. They could have a wonderful life here with us.” Mord shook his head in disgust. “We’re dying out and the King is only thinking with his heart.” Thame frowned. “I think when the time is right, we will find our female match.” “That’s not good enough.” His voice rose then his shoulder slouched as if he was defeated in a major battle. “How long will we have to wait? Five years or twenty or one hundred?” “I don’t think it will be that long. Finding the Queen has started a chain reaction, it seems.” “What do you mean?” Thame hesitated. He was not the sharing type but it would be known soon enough. “I found my female, I think.” “The woman that saved you?” Thame squinted. “How are you aware of that?” “Wick gossips like a woman.” Thame snorted. Wick did indeed. “First the king, now me, I do believe soon the others will follow.” “...and what of Brielle and me? Or Flance and Bray?” “That I do not know.” Would their connection become stronger when the others began to mate? Would anything help them create a child? “Nothing but time will tell.” Mord shook his head, looking as lost as a child in the forest. “I must return...” Thame simply nodded and watched the fairy fly down and out of sight. Mord was taking the whole kingdom on his shoulders. No wonder the man was stressed and ignoring Brielle. Once things settled down with Breena, he’d address that issue. Brielle was like a sister to him and her unhappiness dulled her glow. He wanted her as happy as she could possibly be. She deserved it. There was a swift blur of blue and Thame knew it was Whisper but on instinct, he extracted the sword from his hip. It was the best move he ever made. “Watch your back!” The words were deep and growly. While Whisper leapt into the surrounding forest, a troll charged its hideous hide toward him. He was about to find out if revenge was sweet.
Chapter Eight
Thame’s sword clashed with the blood-crusted blade of the troll. Dark flecks sprinkled the ground from the impact. It hissed with its fangs bared. He showed his