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Royal messengers had a purpose, sure. They kept the public aware of the happenings of the crown—especially the illiterate population who couldn't read postings. But with their haughty voices and dramatic pauses, Seth could barely restrain himself from strangling them with their own scrolls.

At least in Fablehaven, Seth had never needed to attend one of their announcements. Kendra would debrief him personally instead. But, with the Terrabellian government not always inclined to keep him up to date, Seth had to join the masses and flock to the peacocked messenger currently speaking in the courtyard.

Patton's usual ability to make the masses part for him didn't translate into this situation, and Seth was back to elbowing and squishing to get closer to the soapbox. In case you were wondering—it was not pleasant to be packed with sweaty, grimy people. Just so you know.

"The king has raised the tax on grain! This will make it higher than last year, but, as we all know, this winter is predicted to be harsher." Groans echoed from the crowd, so the man raised his voice. "It's important to retain grain in our mills! Especially with war brewing in the South. We already know that the Sphinx's army has overrun Fablehaven. You don't want that to be us."

"They had it coming!" A man shouted from the crowd. A few har-hars led the messenger to yell for decorum.

Seth bristled. It was easy for him to do so without public censure—no one recognized the prince of Fablehaven. There was only one portrait of him from years and years ago when his mother was still alive. She had been the only one who could persuade him to sit still long enough for the painter to finish the sketch.

He never really looked like royalty either. Sure, his outfit was definitely tailored and higher quality than the average peasant, but his outings required tougher fabric than the silks of the nobles.

However, this didn't mean Seth didn't ever get bombarded by fans on his adventures. But, they were never Seth's fans—they were Patton's. There had been plenty of times Seth had checked the mail and it was just chock full of lovesick letters from Patton's admirers.

"Will the excess grain be distributed back to the peasants at the end of the winter?" The voice from the crowd gained hardy cheers.

"If possible."

The crowd roared back.

Patton put his hand on Seth's shoulder. "Maybe it's time to head on to the market, Seth?"

Seth glanced back at him. "Sure."

The market of the lower town always held the weirdest finds. Last week, Seth and Patton had discovered a pickled pig's eye that would supposedly ward against magic.

Seth had questioned the merchant on the magic defense, and the merchant had replied that swine and magic had an ancient rivalry that spanned decades. It was obviously wrong...but he had paid a pretty penny for it anyway, so he could scare Eve with it.

Her reaction had definitely been worth it.

Now, he hoped to find something just as repulsive to scare Kendra this time. Unfortunately, most of the tables and shops only held clothes and food. No gross pig eyes.

However, a beautiful scarf laid across a wood table caught his eye.

He knew Kendra would like the purple one, so he bought it. After all, he would need to gain back her favorite after he had pranked her.

"Seth!"

Eve's voice interrupted his scarf-related musing. He scanned the crowd, but he wasn't quite tall enough to see over everyone's heads. It was only once she appeared, huffing and puffing in front of him, that he greeted her. "Eve?"

Patton straightened, dusted his coat, and stuck out his hand. "Princess Eve? It's nice to meet you."

"Yeah, nice to meet you too." Eve didn't acknowledge Patton further and grabbed Seth's hand. "Listen, Seth, the guy is here. The one I told you about."

Seth cocked his head. Other people around them were doing so as well. It wasn't often you saw the elusive Princess Eve out in the market.

"The correspondent." Eve tugged at his hand. "Come on, we don't have a moment to waste!"

"Will you be alright, Seth?" Patton asked. His smile was strained. He was not used to being passed over. Poor Patton.

"Yeah, he'll be fine." Eve tugged at his hand.

Seth gave Patton a reassuring smile. It's not like he was about to be dragged to a guillotine or anything. Patton needed to stop worrying. "See you later!"

Eve led him to a back alley full of climbing vines and weedy flagstones.

It wasn't familiar to Seth, but when she began to overturn several of the stones, Seth realized it was another tunnel entrance.

"Go first so I can fix the stones after you."

Seth hopped down and examined the dark path. He stretched his hand to the ceiling and barely scratched the stone. "Wow, I don't even have to crawl in this one."

"Yeah, yeah, I couldn't get my dress dirty in the middle of the day." She walked around him and lifted a candle from the ground. With a match struck against the stone wall, she lit the candle. "The messenger isn't exactly here yet, but my father's scouts spotted his caravan out in the forest. It'll probably be a little while, but that's good. We need to set up very carefully today."

"What's so important about this guy?" Seth pushed some vines out of the way as he walked.

"Well, he's Gavin Rose—the son of the late nobleman, Charlie Rose. Charlie was familiar with dragons and all that, believe it or not, but renounced it to stand with my father when he made the decree against magic and all that. Chuck's dead now."

"What happened to him?"

"Dragon ate him."

"Yikes."

"Yeah, not a good look for the dragons, and it only boosted my father's campaign. Gavin, though, is vehemently against the dragons because of it. Or so he says." Seth knew the look on Eve's face. It was the look that said she was about to rip into someone.

"Why do you say that?"

"Gavin really is the type of guy to side with whatever he thinks will achieve his personal goals." Eve threw him a disgusted look. "He's a couple years older than Garreth and Kendra, and my father had us 'court.' He has this whole charming, innocent persona, but, trust me, the real person is a jerk."

"More yikes."

"He always has the most cutting information, though. That's why we really need to be watching." Eve turned around and locked eyes. Seth hadn't endured such a gaze since Raxtus stared him down. "It is imperative we aren't found out, all right? My father always sends everyone out about halfway through the meeting and that's when Gavin delivers the crucial bit. We need to be there."

"Okay, I understand." Eve seemed very serious. Worried, even, as Seth watched her pick at her nails. "Are you alright?"

Eve stilled. "I'm alright. I'll be alright. I'm just worried about you."

Seth knitted his eyebrows. "Do you think this Gavin guy will bash me or something?"

"Think about it, Seth. Gavin always has the best information, always on the hottest topic. You and your sister are the hottest topics. If Gavin wants to maintain his reputation for earth-shattering messaging, you both are the targets.

"Think hard. Is there any secret Gavin could use against you?"

Oh my, so many. Seth couldn't even count all the bad things Gavin could tell the king.

"No, nothing."

Eve rolled her eyes. "Obviously you do, but I'm glad you're good at keeping them."

Eve smiled and twirled back around, leading them farther down the tunnel.

Man, Seth was not looking forward to the end of his stay in Terrabelle. Eve had become his most genuine friend. That goodbye was going to hurt.

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It wasn't long before Seth found himself nested in a rafter, gazing down at the throne room.

Garreth came rushing in late, panting. "Sorry, father."

Normally, it would be hard to hear at this height, but the acoustics of the room made sound bounce all the way to the ceiling. Which was convenient for the two eavesdroppers crashing the party.

"Lord Rose has requested this meeting be solely him and I. You are dismissed."

A short laugh slipped out of Garreth. "You're kidding."

"Excuse me?"

"Sorry, sir. I'm just tired." Garreth blinked several times before he backed away. "I'll go now."

Eve nudged Seth and lowered her voice. "It must be very important if they're skipping to the secluded confessions."

Not long after Garreth left, Gavin entered. It was too blurry to make out anything important, but Eve assured him there wasn't anything important about how Gavin looked.

"Your majesty. I heard you've granted amnesty to Fablehaven's crown princess and prince."

Eve sucked in a breath.

Seth glanced at her. She had been right. Gavin had information on him and Kendra. What are the chances of it being groundbreaking?

Oh, yeah. Astronomical.

"That is correct."

"I'm sorry to upset that undertaking, but I've found something shocking in my travels."

"Go on."

"Of course, sire. Not only has the princess been committing sorcery, but the prince has also been running amuck with a master of the dark arts."

Seth held his breath. He had been so careful. Even Patton couldn't catch Ronodin most times. How in the world did this guy manage to get dirt on him?

This was so unfair. Magic shouldn't even be a crime. It wasn't even that harmful.

Well, sure, there had been a few almost world-ending events caused by careless magic, but like—mostly he used it to sneak candies from Kendra's stash. Dalgorel needed to lay off.

The anger festering inside him wasn't quite enough to cover the fear sinking its claws into his heart, though. One look at Eve confirmed they shared the same terror.

Her hands were trembling.

Whether she was shaking because she was scared of him or because she was concerned for his safety, either way, he was screwed. His closest friend would want nothing to do with him after her father, like, guillotined him or something.

Seth counted his blessings. At least, the Gavin guy hadn't figured out the whole shadowcharmer thing.

"These are heavy accusations. What proof do you have?"

Yes, Dalgorel. Good job being a critical thinker. Now, just be critical enough that Gavin can't pull out any damning proof.

"The dark arts master told me himself. Bragged about having such a pupil."

That doesn't make sense.

Ronodin would never. He was as tight-lipped as they come. Also, it was just hearsay. Dalgorel, discount it—please.

"The master also confessed that Princess Kendra was favored by the old goddess."

"Who is this master?"

"A unicorn."

Damn it, Ronodin. The next time Seth saw him, his fingers would be around the unicorn's grubby little neck.

"A unicorn has escaped my clutches?"

Gavin chuckled humorlessly. "Sire, it was worse than we thought. So many magical cretins have been living hidden. Including a good portion at Fablehaven."

Dalgorel hummed discontentedly. "So, the rumors were true."

The fear grew in him. Not just for him and his family—but for the entirety of Fablehaven. Newel and Doren. Shiara, the helpful fairy. Even that centaur that acted really snooty. Actually, never mind. Broadhoof deserved to get beat up a little.

If only Patton would finally agree to rough Broadhoof up a bit. It had literally been Seth's only birthday request and Patton had denied, citing honor and virtue. Ugh, morals.

"Indeed. Sire, you know the Sphinx champions the separation of magic and mortals or as he says: 'removing the human impurity from magic.' The reason the Sphinx attacked Fablehaven was to obtain the freak of nature herself, Kendra. Her brother is probably involved as well, so I wouldn't put it past the Sphinx to want to capture him."

Seth frowned. It was incredibly rude the way Gavin spoke of him and his sister, but at least Seth's strategy of staying in the shadows had paid off somewhat. They didn't truly suspect him of sorcery.

"Princess Kendra assured me that she was not the Sphinx's target," King Dalgorel's voice rose in anger. "I do like to be misled."

"Don't stab the messenger." Don't worry, Gavin. If Dalgorel didn't do it, Seth certainly would. "But, sire, the best course of action for you is to align with the Sphinx. I know you do not work with magicals, but your objectives align, at least for a length. The Sphinx wants magic separated from mortals, and you want magic eradicated."

"No." The king slapped his hand down on his armrest and his voice emitted a guttural growl. "I will not work with that unnatural, immortal bastard."

Yes, Dalgorel, Seth thought. Let your rigid hatred of magic help the good side for once.

"Of course, sire. However, to avoid the conflict that will inevitably arise with the Sphinx due to your refuge of the Sorenson siblings, you might find it temporarily necessary to concede to the Sphinx."

Oh, good grief. The Sphinx doesn't make exceptions. Dalgorel is done for, no matter what he decides with the Sphinx.

King Dalgorel stood from his throne. "Is that all?"

"Yes, sire."

"Leave me."

Lord Rose bowed and left. The shut of the door sent tremors through the rafters.

Seth let out his breath. Now, he only had to face Eve. Who may or may not hate him.

Oh! And then find the rest of his party and escape from Terrabelle before Dalgorel, in his infinite stupidity, sends him and Kendra on a silver platter to the Sphinx. Which will undoubtedly end in disaster for everyone.

Seth was so focused on mentally lasering through Dalgorel's head that when the king's eyes snapped to the rafters, Seth's heart soared like a dragon who had just figured out how to fly.

"Eve." The baritone of Dalgorel's voice twisted the terror in Seth's chest to full-on panic.

Eve stared at Seth with wide eyes. Leave, she mouthed. Go to Raxtus.

He stared at her. Leave her? Didn't she hate him?

And what does she mean, Raxtus? Find him? Oh, god. Through the castle?

Eve's eyes were quickly watering. Oh, god, did he do that?

"Eve. I know you're there."

She reached out and pulled him closer to her. He let her. Was this when she would slap him?

Her breath on his ear rooted him to the ground. She whispered to him: "Run."

Her arms quickly wrapped him in a hug, but before he could reciprocate, she was pulling back and shoving him towards the exit.

His last sight of her as he entered the hole in the wall was her turning back to the throne room.

"Yes, father?"

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Seth pushed up the cover that Eve had painstakingly covered just hours earlier. It clanged onto the flagstones and disrupted a squirrel who paused to glare at Seth.

"Sorry."

His heart ran like the time he and Patton were running from a dragon's den. But, here, there was no exhilarating rush as there had been when he escaped the snaps of the dragon's jaw.

Now, there was a deep dread in its place. This might be the end.

But, the space between freedom and the dragon's teeth was always where Seth thrived. He could do this.

He could save his family and himself—and maybe Eve, too.

But, first thing's first.

Raxtus. He has to get to Raxtus.

As far as he knew, the only way to Raxtus was through Eve's room. In the castle.

The treacherous castle crawling with royal guards.

Seth groaned.

At least, there were no tolling bells, which meant no one was looking for him. Yet.

Seth pulled Kendra's scarf out of his satchel and draped it over his head and shoulders.

Sorry, Kendra. It probably wouldn't be the best gift after all this, but, hey, he never found something to scare her with. So all is well.

It might not have been the best disguise, but it did get him into the castle even as the warning bells begin to toll.

However, his luck seemed to run out in the form of footsteps echoing just around his upcoming turn.

Seth threw himself behind a pillar and waited for the guards to pass.

"The lower battalion needs to know that Princess Kendra has been secured. Tell them to focus their search on Prince Seth."

"Yes, sir."

The footsteps came closer and closer, accompanied by a weird, clunking sound.

Seth shadow cloaked himself. Except, he didn't. He couldn't reach his power.

What? What was happening?

Closer and closer. He tucked himself further into the wall.

Why wasn't it working? They were going to see him!

With deep breaths, Seth forwent his shadow attempts and fully pressed himself into the wall behind the pillar.

Deep breaths. The footsteps had arrived.

And stopped.

Schwing! One of the guards drew his sword. Oh, great.

"Move from out behind the pillar. If you do not, I will attack. This is a time of emergency. Suspicious activity will be squandered."

Seth turned around with his hands held high.

"Hey, guys."

"Prince Seth?" In the guard's surprise, his sword faltered.

Seth took the chance, burst out from behind the pillar, and ran down the hallway.

This was not ideal.

"Stop!"

The two guards gave chase, and he glanced behind. Around the belt of one, crystal cuffs clunked. So, that had been the weird noise.

Damn.

Kendra had told him about those. That was why his shadow power had been blocked.

That was not ideal either.

Seth turned a corner, hand braced on a pillar to swing around.

Shouts filled the air. Shouts from behind him, shouts ahead of him, and shouts everywhere really. It was too loud for Seth's liking.

The turn around the corner led him straight into a phalanx of soldiers, and Seth balked.

He could either run straight into the fortified square of soldiers or his two previous pursuers.

One versus twenty-seven? Pshh...easy numbers.

Did he have his sword? No.

But, he had his charming wit and a dagger. So, two killer weapons.

If only it was easy as he told himself.

"Hey, guys," Seth grinned. "What's going on?"

"Prince Seth of Fablehaven." A singular voice emerged from the wall of shields. Which, for the record, if they didn't have the ridiculously overpowered crystals around their waist, the shields couldn't have stopped him. "You are declared a traitor and are out for arrest. Surrender."

"Ah, about that..." Think of something, Seth. This is your chance to prove you're something without Patton. Without your shadowy powers. Just you.

Alright, alright.

Patton's voice prodded him. Go for the weakest front.

Seth charged the two at his back. He whipped out his dagger and parried the guards' long swords with quick, weak blocks. The blocks proved to be unsustainable so Seth threw the dagger at the man's chest.

Blood sputtered onto his face, but Seth quickly wiped it away and ran away. No need to stay and watch. Although, it was a big milestone.

His first unaccompanied stabbing.

Aww, he was really growing up. He should've gotten a drawing for the scrapbook.

But, the move paid off since the soldiers were left spluttering and the phalanx was too dense for the narrowing hallway.

It left him clear for the home stretch.

Eve's tower was close. The stairs taunted him in his sight. If he could just get to those, it was just a test of stamina to the top.

And test his stamina, it did. He took two stairs at a time, lock picked her door, and burst in—huffing and puffing.

He was not ready for the scene that greeted him.

Eve sat on her couch, the chessboard perched on top of her knees, with two guards flanking her.

More guards thundered up the stairs. So, this was it. He was actually trapped.

Eve's mouth fell open and she stood up—but one of the guards outstretched a hand in front of her.

Her eyebrows knitted together, but there was something under her concern. She knew this was going to happen. "Seth."

She didn't need to say anything else. She couldn't say anything else. He was a fugitive now, and she was his last hope if only she maintained her innocence.

The thunder turned to a roar. He was truly done for.

Slowly, he sank to his knees and raised his hands. Surrender.

It was a low point for him.

Eve rushed toward him. The guards reached for her, but they expected the timid, quiet princess the world knew. Not the scheming mastermind he knew her to be.

She threw her arms around him and hugged him tightly. It was different from the hug she had given him in the rafters.

That hug had been to convince him she was fine, that he could leave her.

This hug was to convince her that Seth would be fine. Unfortunately, the possibility of his well-being staying decent was currently taking a free fall.

The guards pulled her off and hooked their arms around her.

"I'm so sorry," she sniffled. "I just wanted to say goodbye."

No one responded to her.

The soldier stepped forward with the intent to cuff him. But, not with crystal shackles. With the regular, steel bracelets.

As much as he tried to suppress it, a smile crept onto his face. He flashed it to Eve.

No crystal cuffs, huh?

They underestimated him.

Once again.

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thank you for reading!

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