The training field was quiet now, with the exception of leaves rustling occasionally with the gentle breeze. Aeris and I sat on the grass, soaking in the sun as the tension from Nivara’s test finally started to wane. My hand was still tingling from where I had touched the crystal. Its reaction lingered at the forefront of my mind.


    I was still trying to process everything that had just happened.


    Aeris playfully nudged me with her shoulder, breaking me from my train of thought. “You’re quiet. I imagine you have about a hundred questions.”


    I let out a stifled chuckle and cracked a smile. “A hundred might be an understatement.”


    She laughed, tucking a stray strand of her silver hair behind her pointed ear. “Well, lucky for you, I’m feeling generous. Ask away.”


    I considered where to start. There was so much I didn’t understand, but something she had mentioned about Nivara had stuck with me. “The Fey Courts. You said Nirvara was part of the Winter Court. What exactly are they?”


    Aeris leaned back on her elbows, gazing up at the clear blue sky. “The Fey are divided into four great courts - Winter, Summer, Spring and Autumn. Each of them has an assigned role. Winter, for example, is the military force. Their domains are specialised for destruction and war, most of the soldiers are from the Winter Court. They’re disciplined, formidable, and honestly a bit scary.”


    I nodded. Aeris sounded like she was reading from a textbook. But I could imagine if Nivara lost her cool she could be terrifying. “What about the others then?”


    “Summer,” Aeris continued, “is the court of vitality and growth. They focus on healing, support and agriculture. Their domains usually focus on regeneration and renewal. Spring is a bit tricky, literally. They’re unpredictable because they specialise in trickery and illusions. And Autumn…” she took a moment to breathe. “They are keepers of knowledge, foresight and the arcane. You’ll find most of the renowned spellcasters and scholars are from the Autumn Court.”


    It was a lot to take in, but the way Aeris explained it made sense. Everything here was tied to nature and maintaining balance. “So, which court do you belong to?”


    Aeris let out a smug grin. “None.”


    I glanced at her in surprise. “None? But your parents are royalty, aren’t they?”


    She nodded and smiled. “Yes, but the Monarchy sits above the courts. We maintain the balance by overseeing all of them equally.”


    That explained a lot and theoretically it made sense to have a central element to pin the courts together. Together they all worked in harmony. I then recalled our first encounter, how Aeris continued to give the impression that she had been forced into a role she didn’t want. “So what do you do then? As the princess, who would rather be out in the wilderness.”


    Her expression became more thoughtful. “My parents want me to stay in the palace, learning about court politics, diplomacy, that sort of thing. “ She let out a defeated sigh, playing with a blade of grass absentmindedly. “Honestly I don’t want to be trapped in a cage. I want to get out there and see the world beyond here. I want to experience things for myself, not hear about them in boring council meetings.”


    I understood that feeling all too well. “I guess we’re similar in that way,” I admitted. “I spent my whole life in Briar’s Hollow, doing the same thing day in and day out. I wanted something more, something exciting.”


    Aeris grinned at me. “And now you’ve got it! A whole lot more than you bargained for though I bet.”


    I chuckled, thinking back to Briar’s Hollow when a thought suddenly hit me. “Edrin! I completely forgot! He’ll be waiting for those herbs, he’s going to think I ran off.”


    Aeris raised a questioning eyebrow. “Well you kind of did…”


    Before I could reply, a figure approached us from the palace gardens. Dressed in deep violet robes adorned with golden leaves. “A messenger…” Aeris muttered under her breath.


    He stopped a few steps away from us, bowing his head slightly towards Aeris. “Lady Aeris. Her Majesty has been informed of the results of the assessment and has requested Caden’s presence in the throne room.”


    My stomach twisted at his words. The Queen wanted to see me already? That couldn’t be good.


    Aeris stood, brushing off her tunic. “Well, no point in keeping grandmother waiting.” She offered me a hand. “Ready to meet the people who decide the fate of our realm?”


    I hesitated before taking her hand, letting her pull me to my feet. “Not really, but I don’t think I have much choice.” She was surprisingly strong.


    Aeris laughed, following the messenger as the two of them led the way back toward the palace.


    The throne room was nothing short of breathtaking. Grand marble pillars lined the hall, etched with golden filigree that shimmered under the dim glow of the floating orbs of light that had magically been suspended in the air. The floor was an intricate mosaic of intertwining vines and symbols that pulsated faintly with magic. At the far end of the hall, raised upon a platform of polished moonstone, sat the throne - a masterwork of silver and twisting branches, the high back inlaid with gemstones that glowed like stars in the night sky.


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    The Queen herself sat in regal poise, her presence commanding yet serene. Her robes shimmered pearlescent with hues of twilight blue and deep violet, shifting like liquid as she moved. Her gaze settled on me. Piercing and unreadable.


    “Caden of Briar’s Hollow,” she spoke, her voice carrying a melody of power and grace. “Welcome. I have heard your assessment produced some… unusual results. I have gathered the court to officially welcome you.” She spoke with a gentle familiarity, as if she had anticipated my results.


    To her sides stood four figures, each radiating their own distinct aura.


    “Lord Valaris, of the Winter Court,” she introduced first, gesturing toward a figure who stood apart from the others. Lord Valaris resembled both lion and man. His dark armour drank the light around him, and though his aura was clearly suppressed, it was still overpowering from this distance, radiating his brutal strength which prickled my instincts.


    “Lady Sylwen, of the Summer Court,” a warm-eyed woman with auburn curls, and robes of emerald nodded in greeting. The air around her was kind, mixed with the unnecessarily long pipe she was smoking.


    “Lord Tavion, of the Spring Court,” a sharp-featured man dressed in flowing green silks smirked, his fingers idly spinning multiple illusions between them.


    “And Lady Valha, of the Autumn Court,” a quiet woman with an oversized pointed hat and violet robes to match, her gaze was unreadable, like she already knew more about me than I did myself.


    The Queen studied me carefully before continuing. “It appears we have much to discuss, you’ve been a guest here for less than a day and you’re already making waves.”


    I could tell where Aeris got her teasing from. I swallowed hard, suddenly aware that whatever had happened may have been bigger than I could have imagined.


    I had never felt so small and out of place.


    The Queen leaned forwards in her throne, her golden eyes catching the light. “Our nations have turned inward, becoming complacent with peace. They have not seen the signs of the coming storm. I would see us all united once more, bound together against the coming threat to the continent.”


    I swallowed, unsure of where she was going with this. “I’m not sure what that has to do with me, Your Majesty.” I could find my nerves getting the better of me, my hands were shaking.


    The Queen continued to watch me, she was already aware of my shortcomings after our first encounter. “You are an outsider to both worlds, you’re not a Fey and you are not involved in the politics of man. Yet you have crossed into the Feywild and found yourself entangled in its fate. I would like to ask something of you, Caden.”


    She rose from her chair, the guards instantly saluting and standing to attention in one synchronised motion. Her presence filled the room, although she didn’t raise her voice, I could feel the power of her words. “Travel to the Duskfang Mountains. Our intelligence suggests that the ruins within the mountain hold answers to the source of the corruption. I ask only for reconnaissance.”


    I could feel Aeris becoming tense beside me, her fingers curling into her palms.


    I let out a stifled laugh, shaking my head in disbelief. “Your Majesty, as you know I’m a farmhand. I may have scored well in your magic test, but I don’t actually know any spells. I’ve never seriously swung a sword, or fired a bow. You’re asking me to march into danger when I can barely defend myself.”


    Lord Tavion chuckled. “A fair point, but hardly an excuse. You have potential, we would hardly be sending you unprepared or alone.”


    Lord Valaris pawed at his mane. He nodded in agreement with Lord Tavion. “We will ensure your protection.”


    Even still, it was an enormous responsibility to place on someone without any suitable skills.


    “Oh just tell the poor boy.” Lady Sylwen interjected, surrounded in an almost obnoxious cloud of pipe smoke.


    The Queen sighed, weighing her words carefully. “Lady Valha has a theory that may prove to provide you answers to your unexplainable power.”


    Lady Valha stood silently, I couldn’t tell if it was a lack of confidence in her theory or another hidden motive. But she seemed unwilling to provide any further explanation. Her unsettling gaze was definitely hiding something, but I couldn’t get a grasp of what.


    Aeris finally spoke, her voice steady. “Caden, I know this is sudden. But this… this could be what we’ve both been looking for. A chance to do something that matters, to be a part of something bigger!” Her golden eyes met mine, filled with hope and pleads.


    I could feel my body trembling, Aeris was right. This is what we both wanted, an adventure. But this wasn’t some storybook tale where the hero knew exactly what to do. This was real. And I wasn’t prepared, how could I be? But what if I said no? What if the ruins held some answers? Would I regret not going? Would I spend the rest of my life wondering what could have been?


    I let out a defeated sigh. “Fine. But only if we’re properly prepared and supplied.”


    I glanced at Aeris, who still looked hopeful for a chance at adventure.


    “And Lady Aeris needs to escort me.” I said firmly as a final term to our agreement. I was definitely out of my element, but even if it turns out to be a bust at least Aeris and I can say we went on an adventure.


    The Queen’s initial smile quickly faded at my addition. She once again weighed her words carefully, no doubt considering Aeris’ parents'' reaction. The rest of the court murmured their disapproval of the idea, but if the Queen cherished her granddaughter''s wishes as I suspected, she would take her thoughts into consideration. And perhaps increase the security and preparedness of the party.


    She slowly nodded her head. “You will receive appropriate training before your department, and you will be equipped with what is needed.”


    Lady Valha continued to study me, her mouth curving into a gentle smile. “May this be the beginning of a new alliance, when the world needs it most.”


    I swallowed hard.


    Adventure, it seemed. Had found me after all.