Magnus cleared his throat, and the children stopped to look at him. He pointed, and Kari realized that there was now a new addition to the Royal Gardens. The witches had been very busy.
Magnus had them create a playground. Every piece of play equipment imaginable had been created for the children. There were teeter-totters, swing sets, monkey bars, and a carousel. For the older children there were multiple courts to choose from including a foursquare, a basketball, and a badminton court.
Magnus worked with Adriel and a lot of the other warriors to ensure that each child was watched over carefully. Declan wrapped his arm around her shoulders and steered her off to the right. They followed a tiny brook and moved deeper into the forest. "This is impossible," she whispered, looking around. She was almost afraid that if she spoke too loud, the magic would end.
"No, not impossible when you combine the magical efforts of hundreds of witches over hundreds of years, each one adding something different."
"What about Nigel and Neil?" she teased.
Declan smiled. "Who do you think recommended the playground?"
She stopped dead in her tracks. "I thought Magnus had that ordered."
Declan shook his head. "He ordered it built, but he didn't think of it. When the twins learned that Magnus and Adriel were planning a field trip in the Royal Gardens, they came up with the playground idea for the kids. They knew the children wouldn't be entertained for long with only plants to amuse them. Of course, Magnus agreed. He told them it was a brilliant idea. Evidently the twins were very involved in taking care of children when they lived in Storm Keep. They grew up in an orphanage, so they understood the way the children think, plus they are youngest here besides Bethy, Meryn, Stefan, and your Avery."
"Where exactly are you taking me Declan?"
He smiled. "We're on our way to Grandma's house, better be careful that a lion doesn't come along and huff and puff and blow you."
Kari laughed at his mangled version of Grimm's Fairy Tales. His face lit up at her laughter. "It's someplace private where we can get to know each other better."
"You still have not been cleared by the doctor yet," she teased.
"I'll take my chances," he whispered, nipping at her neck. They walked until they reached the top of a long stone staircase. She looked down; at the bottom of the stairs was an open meadow with tall, sweet smelling grasses and beyond that more open space.
"One of the witches Magnus called in about a century ago used their magic to simulate the sky complete with clouds. I've heard that if you lay in the field, you can pick out different shapes. Wait here for a second. The orchard's about a quarter-mile away. I was thinking we could snag a few apples for a snack before lunch while looking up at the clouds."
"I think that sounds perfect."
"I'll be right back." He pulled her hand to his lips and kissed her gently.
"Hurry back." Kari wrapped her arms around her waist, hugging herself. She'd never been so happy in her entire life. Of course, work was ridiculously busy, and she had a feeling that Prince Magnus in the long run would be a challenge that she would never quite master. But wasn't that what you're supposed to do? Find something to dedicate your life to? Work that would be satisfying and rewarding? What could be better than helping the Prince of her people?
Out of nowhere, she felt a cold breeze. She rubbed her arms, looking around. The plants around her were still, neither their leaves nor petals swayed. She looked out all around her. It was as if she knew that if she turned fast enough, she would see something--something terrifying.
She griped the handrail as a wave of dizziness swept through her. She shook her head, trying to clear her vision. When she started to turn away from the stairs, another wave hit her; seconds later, she knew she was falling, and there was nothing she could do to stop it.
CHAPTER NINE
"Kari! Kari! Open your eyes, please!"
She felt warm hands on her cheek, and slowly, she tried to blink. When her eyes opened, she saw Declan standing beside her.
"Declan?" she asked, looking around. She was no longer in the Royal Gardens. Instead, she was lying on a firm bed in the fluorescent-lit room of the infirmary. She tried to get up and groaned; her head was pounding.
"You just lie there. You've had quite a spill," Dr. St. John said, walking up on her other side. He flashed a light in her eyes, and she blinked.
"I don't think you have a concussion, mostly thanks to your accelerated healing, but I'm afraid that your arm, being non-critical is still mending."
"Arm?" she looked down, her arm was wrapped tight, and a dull throbbing ache radiated from her wrist. "What happened?" she asked.
"That is what I would like to know," Declan growled. "When I came back, you were at the bottom of the stairs looking broken." He took a deep ragged breath. "I never want to see that again."
She looked beyond Declan to see Avery pale, trembling, and crying softly. "Hey," she whispered. That was all it took. Avery began to sob hysterically. She could only understand about every third or fourth word.
Kari met Warrick's eyes, and for the first time, they had an understanding. They both cared for Avery and wanted him to be happy. She gave him a sour look and then nodded. He very gently wrapped an arm around Avery and scooped him up and into his arms.