Chapter 16

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

GA'REK

T he autumn festival is unlike any event I've ever attended.

For one, there aren't any public tortures or executions, which is decidedly in Wild Oak Woods' favor.

There are, however, fire-eaters, who manage not to set the canvas tent on fire, thanks to a bundle of fire-proof enchantments we had Nerissa cook up around their stage. A dryad dances in suspended silks in another entertainment space, mesmerizing and attracting a large crowd. Two bards work the interior of the tent, one with a guitar and one with a fiddle, walking amongst the citizens and those who've driven in for the festival.

Caelan's inn is brimming with out-of-towners, and he's loving the challenge and the ability to bargain to his heart's content.

He's dancing with his lady love, who seems to laugh outrageously at every inane comment he makes as he twirls her.

Tables are set up in the back, festooned with pumpkins and thick pillar candles, fall foliage and a shimmering autumnal spell we managed to convince Nerissa to make as well.

Piper's feast is laid out on the furthest table, under a set of spells of her own that she tinkered with all week to get just right, keeping hot dishes hot and everything at the perfect temperature.

Nearby, a stooped vendor's attracted a crowd of children, who crow in delight as he demonstrates magical toy after toy to them.

Piper's soaking everything in with wide eyes, resplendent in the dress I bought for her. Her hand holds my arm tightly, trembling with either excitement or trepidation or some mix of both.

"When is?—"

An array of brass instruments interrupt and answer my question all at once, and Piper's fingernails dig into my wrist.

There's only one thing to do. I grab her face, lean down, and kiss her until her grip relaxes.

When I pull away, her lids are heavy, her lips swollen.

"What was that for?" she asks, blinking.

"To distract you from whatever was going on up there," I say, gently tapping her forehead.

She laughs, then shakes her head. "I suppose I approve, since it worked. Now I'm only thinking of one thing."

I lean down and inhale her. "I think I know what you're thinking of."

She laughs, and a woman in a cream-colored gown strolls into the tent, several burly guards around her.

"The duchess," Piper hisses, and a ripple goes through the crowd as everyone begins to acknowledge her presence.

"She's so young." Wren appears at Piper's side, frowning. "She can't be more than thirty."

"She looks scared," Piper says, her voice suddenly much stronger. "Come on, Wren, let's go see if we can make her feel at home."

They don't get the chance to.

Every occupant of the town square freezes, the duchess' eyes turning wide with dismay at the same time.

Three figures appear in the middle of the dance floor, and I realize all at once what it is that's drawn us all to Wild Oak Woods.