She Survived By Hiding My Asylum

Narcissa twirled the brilliant daffodil in the ray of sunlight. "Beautiful. You are truly my best kept secret, Leopold."

I bowed, knowing she survived by hiding my asylum in the Fae realm. Narissa kept my refuge secret so Maebh didn't enslave me. In exchange I created blown glass flowers for her to enchant and exchange at court for favors.

The glass blossoms chimed as Narcissa gathered the glittering bouquet, leaving one delicate violet behind. I reached for it.

"Don't touch. It has a powerful transfer spell, and I think you are not ready to take my place in court intrigue." She laughed as I shoved my hands in my pockets.

Once she left the birdsong abruptly ceased, and a fox-faced Fae materialized from the shadows. It plucked the remaining bloom, and gave me a cruel sneer. "The queen has sent for you."

Of course, Maebh knew I was in her realm.

I followed him to court but stopped before entering to ask, "Should I carry the offending flower?"

He tossed it with a wicked chuckle and opened the doors. Guards immediately dragged him before the queen as I joined a scowling Narcissa. When she saw the violet, her eyes narrowed.

The fox-faced Fae kneeling at Maebh's feet wore my face and I his. I whispered, "Powerful transfer spell, indeed. How angry will Maebh be when he cannot produce flowers for her as I did for you?"

Naricssa smirked. "You play a dangerous game, Leopold."

"The very reason I'm in exile?"

Photo manipulated, original by Nick Fewings