Page 45

E very corner of the kingdom was overflowing with pure bliss in the days after. The grey stone that covered the citizen's skin was steadily crumbling off. Likewise, in the place of the brittle twigs each person, was now dotted with unique flowers. Jacques was dotted with white dahlias, and Oliver was wrapped in a red climbing rose.

Sebastian had Lyle, who had sprouted red roses, escorted to the edge of the kingdom by Oliver and Jacques as a crowd gathered to hear his address. Theo was curious why Lyle was needed but he trusted Sebastian's judgment.

"There's some apprehension about whether or not the curse has truly fallen and if we can walk out the kingdom." He turned to Lyle. "Our noble general has offered to test it."

Lyle's eyes widened for a second, but he quickly steeled himself. Without waiting, he closed his eyes and marched forward out the gate. A second passed as the crowd held their breath. Then another. And another. Lyle turned around and smiled at Sebastian as the crowd burst into uproarious cheers.

Sebastian held up a hand to quiet the crowd. "You can all celebrate in a moment. I just have one final thing to say. As you see, the curse has finally lifted. I know many of you have plans to leave Amaryllis. I won't stop you and in fact, I encourage you all to find peace outside of this place. That said, I would try and travel with those who can look out for you in the wilds and be a good leader on your travels." He turned to Lyle again. "I suggest my general, though I am unsure if he will accept."

"Prince Sebastian, may we speak?" Lyle said, quickly stepping forward.

"Of course. I hope you see you all at the ball tonight. Enjoy your afternoon." He gave a nod and stepped away to talk to Lyle.

Theo joined Sebastian's side. "Is everything okay? You sure you want to speak with him?"

"Yes, we're just sharing a quick word. Don't worry."

Lyle cleared his throat. "I'm not worthy of watching over our people. I must suggest you recommend someone else."

"Do you plan to leave?" Sebastian asked.

"I do," he said hesitantly. "I want to see at least some neighboring kingdoms. I plan to move to one."

"Then just offer to let some join you. Lyle, you had many flaws, but your love for our people is undeniable." He took his hand and squeezed it. "I think we both know we're going our separate ways for the foreseeable future. I want to say thank you. For everything. I'm sorry the curse broke what we had, but nymphs live long lives. Perhaps one day if we ever cross paths again, we can rebuild a friendship."

Lyle’s eyes welled with tears as he lifted Sebastian's hand and pressed a kiss to his knuckles. "Goodbye. my prince. I wish you nothing but happiness. And I... I really do hope I can be a good friend to you someday."

"Goodbye, Lyle." He nodded to a small cluster of nymphs already crowding behind Lyle, waiting for him. "Your people need you, general."

Lyle swallowed and turned on his heels, immediately taking charge to talk about their impending travels.

Theo pulled Sebastian closer and kissed his cheek. "You're too nice."

"Maybe I am, but what can I say? I like peace. I don't want to hold onto anger forever." He smiled up at Theo, and the sunlight made his small antlers glitter. "Let's get ready for the ball."

The rest of the day went by in a joyous blur of giggles, music, and celebration.

Slowly nymphs were regaining their connection to the veil and were playfully using their powers. Floral nymphs grew small flowers on the lands, water nymphs splashed each other in the warming river, and fire nymphs melted ice, making ponds to swim in.

When nightfall came, the sky was flush with burning stars. Everyone danced under them wrapped in colorful dresses made of silks and flower petals.

Coralie danced happily with some nymphs in a dress Sebastian gave her. Meanwhile, Luna lay on the lawn among celestial nymphs reading the story of Amaryllis in the sky.

Not wanting to hover over the girls, Theo went looking for Sebastian who slipped away in all the joyful chaos.

In the past, Theo would've needed to search the halls high and low, but now Sebastian's location was obvious. Being able to sense him all the time would take getting used to, but it was useful.

He walked up the hall and the once shriveled peonies and browned peonies were large and puffy. They were glowing bright and shifted slowly from a soft pink to purple to blue and back again.

He entered the suite and passed under wisteria branches overhead and the babbling fountain where Coralie's red koi swam happily with Sebastian's blue ones.

He found Sebastian standing by his bedroom window. He watched the pretty blue birds tucked in the nest for the night.

Periwinkle and light blue corn flowers sprouted through the floorboards and the moonlight poured into the room, making Sebastian's iridescent hair and pearly leaves shined. The blue roses were elegant on his skin.

Feeling Theo's gaze, Sebastian glanced back over his shoulder and flashed a sweet smile. "I thought I felt you coming."

"Not interested in dancing tonight?" Theo asked. He came over and wrapped arms around his waist from behind.

"Not really," he admitted. "I did too many announcements and meetings the past few days. I'm exhausted."

"Then let's stay up here together," he said, happy to have a quiet moment with his prince.

"I hope you know that, despite claiming you for the curse, it's more than that to me. I really see you as my Chosen."

"I know." Theo pressed a kiss to his cheek. When Sebastian was quiet, he tilted his head. "What else is on your mind?"

"Nearly the entire kingdom is making travel plans. It makes sense. This place was a prison for years and they want to explore the world we missed." He looked down and sighed. "I overheard a few conversations and realized I felt envious. I want to leave, too."

"In that case, let's run away." Theo gently lifted his chin. "We'll run wherever you want."

"That'd be selfish."

"So be selfish," he stated with a smile. "Half your kingdom has left already, and more will leave in the morning. I don't see why a handful of people need a king. I'll take you anywhere you want to go in the veil." Theo turned Sebastian to face him. "I'll show you where I grew up in the human world, and when you're ready, I'll build you a home by some hot springs. You get tired of them, and we'll pack up and find you a lake to live by. I'll go anywhere and everywhere with you."

"I like the sound of that."

"So, say yes," he purred, leaning in closer. "Say you'll leave this place with me, Prince Sebastian."

"I'll leave with you." He laughed, his eyes filling with happy tears. "I love you."

"I love you, too." He kissed his head and led Sebastian to the bed. The four tree bedposts that held the curtains were no longer bare. Instead, they were bursting with soft white blossoms that floated down as Theo laid him back on the blankets. "Let me show you how much I adore you."