“You need to stop smelling like a goat who ran through manure.” Marigold turns to Astrid. “Take the girl down to Summer and get her washed. I’ll have the rest of the staff dust and prep this room.”
“You don’t have to go to so much trouble,” I say. “This is already ten times better than the dungeon cell.”
She waves her hand. “Nonsense. We haven’t had a guest in twenty-five years, and that one didn’t turn out well at all. I haven’t gotten to boss anyone around in ages.”
Before I can ask about the unfortunate guest from twenty-five years ago, Astrid loops her arm through mine. “Lady Rosalina, you are going to adore the hot springs. I know it.”
Hot springs in a castle? I guess I am alittleintrigued. Plus, if I’m going to be here until I can figure out a way to get past the goblins, then learning the layout of the castle is a good idea.
I smile back at Astrid. “Lead the way.”
13
Rosalina
“We’reenteringtheSummerWing,” Astrid says.
But I didn’t need her to tell me. A warm breeze drifts through my hair, and the air feels thicker. Flowers had lined the halls of the Spring Wing, with patches of grass and moss sprouting from the floor. Here, sand seeps out between the stone tiles, shifting beneath my boots. The walls gradually change to a light sandy clay, set with different colored shells. Blue nets and glass bobbles hang from the ceiling, and the tang of salt and sunshine wafts into my nose.
A castle with the magic of all four fae realms… I didn’t know there was one fae realm yesterday, never mind four of them. I have so many questions about this place.
I can’t help touching a wind chime hanging by a window, bark and seashells strung on twine. They ring delicately against the wood, a cheery sound that tingles down my spine.It’s beautiful.
“Almost there.” Astrid wipes a hand across her brow and sweat drips down her face.
“Are you alright?”
“Oh, yes, fine,” she grumbles. “I just don’t know whyhehas to keep it so bloody hot. But I’m from Winter, so what do I know?”
I give her a weak smile as she pushes on a heavy wooden door that leads to a narrow passage. Water drips from gray stone walls, and it’s even hotter than in the hall. Muggy, even. It feels like we’re going downward, perhaps beneath the castle itself. After about five minutes, the passage opens into an enormous cavern.
The floor shifts into soft white sand that leads to a turquoise pool. It’s a freaking enchanted grotto. Rock walls create a maze of bubbling pools, and beyond the misty haze, I spot a waterfall.
“Wow,” I gasp, pretty sure my jaw is on the floor. “How is this possible?”
“Castletree,” Astrid says. “The Fae Queen built it. It has the magic of all the fae realms. Within this hallowed castle, she crafted the most beautiful places from each region.”
“The Fae Queen,” I whisper. “Should I be worried about running into her too?”
“Oh no,” Astrid says. “The Fae Queen hasn’t been seen in the Enchanted Vale for five hundred years.”
“How can you rule a land when you haven’t been around for five centuries?”
“Well, she left a Sworn Protector of the Realms and—” Astrid slams her forehead. “I forgot your clean clothes. You get started, and I’ll run up and get them.”
“Get started?”
“Yes, you can bathe. Wait.” She turns to the expanse of the pool and calls out, “Hello! Is anyone there?” Her high-pitched voice echoes off the far rock cavern. “Okay, we’re all clear. You can leave your clothes over there and I’ll wash them.”
Her nose wrinkles and I’m pretty sure she’d rather burn them than wash them. Not my fault I was chased by goblins. But I follow her gaze to shelves built into the stone wall. They’re full of fluffy white towels, jars of different colored gels, and bars of soap.
I can’t help but let out a girlish squeal. I do want to get this goblin blood off my body.
“Use anything you like, and I’ll be back soon with your fresh clothes.”
“Are you sure?” I ask. “I can run back with you.”
“No, no. Please. Get clean. I insist.”