Page 108 of Of Curses and Courtship

Being thrilled about life was difficult when my stepmother was sapping the energy from me. It’s not necessarily Emyr who made my spark return; it is that I amfree. Watching the wind whip through Emyr’s striking hair makes me feel especially liberated. He sits across from me, farther away than I would like, and I can’t help but smile.

“How much longer will it be?” I ask. “You know how I am during carriage rides.”

He smiles mischievously and looks away. “Don’t fret, my love. This one won’t be long at all.”

I already know Emyr will tell me nothing. He has beensurprisingly quiet since we departed, telling me only that he has a surprise for me.

Tibalt still joins us, but he’s driving the carriage now, no longer seated by our side. There’s comfort in having him around. While I don’t blame Emyr for running, I won’t be foolish enough to forget that he ran when we were in danger. Tibalt, on the other hand, was confident in the face of a curse.

“It’s just up this way.” Emyr is antsy, shifting in his seat, and I can’t understand why.

We enter a perfectly normal town, and the carriage stops outside an unassuming shop, one without a sign, but otherwise it’s an ordinary place, made of brown wood. The darkened windows are the most mysterious thing about it.

I lift a brow at Emyr. “What is it? More books?”

He scoffs. “There’s more to me than books.”

“I’ve yet to see proof of that.” I smile slyly as I slide from the carriage, taking Tibalt’s offered hand.

“Patience.” Emyr runs from the carriage and meets me on the other side, quickly replacing Tibalt’s hand with his own and leading me into the shop.

The inside is not what I expected. Despite Emyr’s claims, I imagined I would find books or the trinkets that are scattered around his bedchamber. What greets me is nothing like what I expected.

Tall, silver mirrors surround the shop, each with a different story. Some are filled with blue sparkling liquid, with no story to tell. Others show moving imagery—a field of daisies, or a bustling town.

“Are these… portals?” I breathe.

I’ve seen Isa use her portal magic a few times, and even stepped through a portal myself, but being in a roomfullof sparkling magic is awe-inspiring. The magic pulls at my heart, urging me to climb inside.

“Yes,” Emyr says. “But this isn’t our final destination.”

“I can learn to make these?” I turn to face him, my heart thumping erratically. There would be nothing more freeing than escaping whenever and wherever I please.

“This form of magic takes years of practice and an abundance of energy, but yes.” He touches a stray tendril of my hair and tucks it behind my pointed ear. “You can learn. Would you like to go somewhere with me today?”

“Yes.” After a moment of consideration, I add, “Will Tibalt join us?”

“Of course. I never go anywhere without him.”

That’s untrue. Even now, I think of when Emyr ran away from us—and the fear that gripped me after. He was without Tibalt then. Anything could have happened.

But it didn’t. That’s what I must focus on.

“He would die without me,” Tibalt drones.

“I’m well aware.” I laugh along with Tibalt.

Emyr doesn’t. His expression is unmoving as he scurries off to speak to an employee, presumably setting up a portal for us. A large mirror, bigger than even Tibalt, is rolled to the middle of the shop.

I tilt my chin, my lips parting as I take in the sight.

The mirror holds a city of purple-winged fae and a large, sparkling white palace with the moon etched in stone. A feeling of home settles over me. Gentle. Comforting. Safe.

This must be the Moon Palace.

Emyr takes my hand and tugs me to the portal, saying nothing as we enter. Tibalt follows behind us, but even his presence does little to calm the anxiety and eagerness rushing through me. My stomach rolls, my body light and tingling, as we’re spat out into the city.

Traveling by portal is easier now than it was before.