Page 144 of The Other Side

“We both tried.” Oliver put his hand on her shoulder.

Drum got it then. It wasn’t that they hated him, they simply couldn’t bear the reminder of what they’d done.

“As you grew older,” Oliver continued, “it would have become obvious you weren’t fae. We could have used our magic to compensate for a time but eventually everyone would know. Neighbours would have questioned why our son was so hopeless at magic. The Court would likely have ordered your return sooner or later. We thought we were doing the kind thing, giving you back to your world.”

Kind? They had no idea of the damage they’d done. Drum felt something inside him begin to splinter.

“You know what the strange thing is?” Drum said. “For years I tried so hard to make you happy. But I was always too loud, too annoying, too much.” He gave a bitter laugh. “Children always think it’s their fault they’re not loved. It wasn’t my fault.”

Drum felt something inside him finally settle. Not heal exactly. But a part of him was at peace. He’d come here believing there had to be some hidden reason, perhaps some faery law, a terrible mistake… He’d never wondered if guilt had haunted them because he hadn’t known that he’d taken someone’s place, that he was a changeling. These people had simply put themselves first. And if time were turned back, they’d do the same again.

“Do you know where our real son is?” Delfin asked.

Drum turned his back and walked away. He didn’t know but let them wonder if he did.

He’d almost reached Leaf when he felt the tap on his shoulder. He turned to see Oliver. No sign of Delfin.

“I did do something for you,” Oliver said quietly. “Not much but I hoped it would be enough. My knife. I let you take it. Your blood-oath with Osian wouldn’t have worked without it.”

Drum gaped at him. Oliver smiled briefly and walked away.

Oh my God.

Drum was drinking tea with Osian’s mother when Osian came back. Drum looked at him carefully, checking he was okay, and Osian smiled.

“All is well, mo cheann álainn. Would you like to go for a walk?”

“I’d love that.”

“Do you want to come, Captain?”

The dog lifted his head, then dropped it back on the foot of Osian’s mother. All three of them laughed. Captain too, probably.

Osian took Drum’s hand in his as they walked away from the house. “Do you remember the way to our treehouse?”

“My feet seem to.”

“We’re heading the right way.”

“How did your day go?”

“The Queen smiled when she saw what I’d brought over. You were right. Better not just to bring flowers but also treats from the mortal world. Even better, that flower I was working on had bloomed. It was remarkable. Like a huge golden sun and the Queen loved it.”

“Good. Any mention of Belem?”

“Not from the Queen but I was told by one of the gardeners that he was still in the shadow halls, still making excuses for his behaviour. Until he truly repents and is believed, that’s where he’ll stay. She has a new consort. I have a feeling Belem will never be allowed out.”

“Good.” Drum moved to the left. “It’s over here.”

Osian laughed. “It is.”

It was hard to see, hidden by leafy branches but Drum knew it was there.

“And here’s the ladder.” Osian disappeared into the undergrowth and returned carrying what had once been a ladder but had long since surrendered to rot. One rung crumbled away in his hand. “Oops.”

“Er… after you,” Drum said.

Osian snorted. “Coward.”