Page 33 of Rapunzel's Outlaw Orc
“The Magical Fayre in Screaming Woods?” Gregor perks up. “That’s still happening?”
“Of course,” Arya says, bouncing Sofia on her knee. “It’s tradition. And it’s the first time they’re opening the eastern glade in over a century.”
“I heard the glade only opens for love-magic,” Alice says, her eyes twinkling.
“Or chaos-magic,” Verity adds. “Or both.”
Brannock sets the tray down on the table and wraps his arm around my waist. “Sounds like your kind of place, little dryad.”
“It sounds likeourkind of place,” I say, leaning into him. “We can set up a stall.”
“Selling what? Rogue-repellent and sarcastic root balm?”
“Or enchanted pies,” Alice says brightly. “I’m perfecting a love hex in custard form. Totally safe. Probably.”
“Donotbring your hex-pies to the Fayre,” Gordy warns. “Last time you did, an entire bridal party eloped with a group of singing squirrels.”
“They were in love!”
“They wereenchanted!”
“They still send thank-you cards!”
Everyone explodes in laughter. Even Draven smiles—though he quickly masks it behind a piece of bread Dahlia hands him.
“I’m just saying,” Dahlia murmurs to Verity, “I wouldn’t mind a break from royal banquets. Screaming Woods has a charm.”
“You’re staying through the festival then?” I ask.
Dahlia nods. “Draven has agreed to a week of ‘normal life.’ No work. Just forest pies and weird booths and probably a talking mushroom.”
“I know that mushroom,” Brannock says grimly. “Don’t eat it.”
Verity giggles. “We’ll need to prepare Felix for the Fayre.” She scoops up her son and dodges the snakelets to kiss the top of his head. “It’ll be his first.”
“Same for Sofia,” Arya says softly. “She keeps trying to headbutt passing rabbits outside our cabin. I think her ogre DNA is making itself known.”
“She’ll fit right in,” I say, smiling. “Honestly, I don’t think anyone heredoesn’tbelong in this magical place.”
Quiet settles. One of those golden silences that only happens when everyone is…happy.
Safe.
Whole.
It doesn’t last long.
A root from under the picnic table curls up and tries to steal Brannock’s bread.
He swats it. “Oi. That’s mine.”
I glance at him, my heart full.
Six months ago, I was locked in a tower I thought I’d never leave.
Now, I live in a cottage where the bread gets stolen by roots, the fireplace is sometimes sentient, and we host brunch with monsters, witches, and at least one dangerously charming beast.
And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
As Sofia shrieks with joy and chases Felix, Erik, and Shelley around the garden, Gordy pulls out his lute. “One song. Just one. I’m feeling the vibe.”
Alice pinches the bridge of her nose. “Fine. But no hissing solos this time.”
“We make no promises,” Gideon says solemnly.
Brannock kisses the top of my head. “You happy, princess?”
I nod, looking at our friends and taking in the magic, the music, the glittering madness of it all. “With you? Always.”