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The roo ivy that bloomed with impossible flowers Flowers that would never bloom on ivy, or on this continent for that rant exotic beauties tugged at my senses and I stepped forward

Ahead of me a murmur of voices swelled in conversation that stuttered and stopped as I swept by each group of people Testers, those who decided if an ele up in the ranks, Ambassadors from the other three families, Walkers, those ent into the human world to help where they could, and the Shifters--all fell silent as I passed The Planters waved to me, I was one of their own and they were more than a little proud that a princess worked by them in the fields It didn’t matter to them that I eak, or that none of them really wanted to beI smiled at Siroup stole that s with the oldest, Vetch He was a real piece of work and we locked eyes as I drew close He favored his reen-eyed Short and stocky, he thought he was a real ladies’ man, but in truth, the ladies were afraid to say no to the crown prince Next in line for the throne was Belladonna She was five years older thanRich chestnut hair spilled down her shoulders in carefully ers whenever she caught a ht gray eyes was a seriously false advertise every move she made was Keeda, named for a flower Cassava had seen bloos, a dirty blonde that she darkened to be more like Belladonna’s She and her twin sister, Briar, were identical, right down to their hazel eyes Briar, though, eet, where Keeda worked hard to be as difficult as Belladonna

Last born was Raven, who ca like the rest, his blue eyes and jet black hair reuard who’d been on duty with the queen for years No one said anything, but the family knew Raven was as h, he was strong where I eak And his mother would never allow anyone to claim one of her children as a bastard It would be instant banish atKeeda took the point on their attack "Doesn’t she know that she looks like an old lady in that?"

They were dressed in the ht, shiny ination "At least I don’t look like a human’s painted whore"

The roo, drew in a collective breath

"Daughter, how kind of you to join us" My father stood from his throne and I immediately dropped into a curtsey

"Your Majesty," I murmured

Raven came to my side and held out an arm "Sister, may I escort you?"

I placed a hand on his elbow and nodded, grateful Raven and I knee both stood on rocky ground, and he often cas, he and I were the closest

"You look lovely, they are jealous ‘cause they can’t pull off any arace," Raven said as alked the last thirty feet at a slow, sedate pace

"Thank you, Raven" I squeezed his arainst one another, bickering, doing nothing of import Father is happy, which makes me think perhaps he’s found a new mistress, and mother is more violent than usual, which confirms it Also, to be noted, that is the reason she chose not to co cohCassava would only make the reality of my drea to the Spiral I raised an eyebrow and scanned those closest to the throne "Any idea who father ht be able to help with that You see out the truth" Raven sht I scanned the rooain, and saw one face that stood out Rich auburn hair, so dark the red tones were hard to see, caughtwith the burn of new love, and in one glance between her anda child," I gru out our tiht, there in the green dress that er than you and lance between theh slipped out of me "Don’t tell your e if she sees how young he’s gone this time"

"Point taken, and now I ave me a wink, bowed, and leftBasileus still cut a sharp figure, despite his advanced years We didn’t age like the humans At around the thirty-year er than normal lives There were a few in the family who looked old, whichtime indeed And no, you don’t ask how old they are, it’s rude

My father’s tied him, and his body was as firm as those of his Enders Deep brown hair with hints of auburn and a few flecks of silver, that was long enough to be braided, but he left it to flon his back A number of the men tried to emulate it, but couldn’t really pull it off He wore a full beard that was tri off the lines of his face and again, e he was still a h, they hat captivated reen that sory But today I was in luck His new love had softened hiood humor and a relaxation I hadn’t often seen on hiain "Father"