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" Y ou're awake," Sebastian said with relief then rubbed his arm. "Do you feel all right?"

"Was I sleeping?"

"You went in a trance or something," Coralie said, glancing at Sebastian. "He pulled you back out and we've just been waiting."

"I've never seen a floral nymph go into a trance," Jacques said, tilting his head. "But I suppose whatever works."

"I'm not sure when it happened. I grew the rose bush and then..." He trailed off as the pain in his head settled. "I need to tell you all something before we head back to the castle for the night."

Choosing his words carefully, he explained seeing Veil, his relation to the spirit, and the truth he learned about the king framing Wynter.

There was a long silence until his sisters spoke.

"Poor woman," Luna said as she looked to Theo. "I'm sorry that happened to your birth mother. And I hope you know you're still our brother. It doesn't matter who brought you here."

"Exactly," Coralie said in firm agreement. "I don't care what anyone says. We're a family."

He knew that but hearing them say it added a bit of relief to his conflicted feelings. He looked to Sebastian who was quiet as if turning the information over in his head. Anxiety expanded in his chest as he stayed silent. How could he accept me after Wynter, my mother, did this? His father didn't stay with his Chosen. Will he?

"Her rage certainly makes sense," Oliver said with a sigh. "I might have cursed the kingdom, too. Torture breaks a person."

Are you all right?" Theo asked Sebastian hesitantly. "This was a lot to take in."

"My dad wasn't a soft ruler. He certainly wanted more power, but I never thought he'd be so foolish." He let out a tired sigh. "I don't want Theo's relation to her to be discussed until this is over. Lyle might've killed him on sight if he had known, and I have to imagine others feel the same. I'm unsure what I want to do with this information, but for now, let's head back to the castle and rest."

As they walked back, Theo took Sebastian's hand and lingered behind. "I have something else to tell you. I think you and I need to look through Wynter's things. Veil said I should go with just you."

"We can go look tonight," he said, wringing his hands. "I guess it's time to finally show you the east wing."