The light of the sun dimmed into a subtle red glow. I hadn't moved a muscle, and my feet remained planted firmly on the ground, except now they sunk slightly into moist earth. A gasp had no time to escape my throat before the crashing of waterfalls became replaced with a symphony of life. Distant footfalls, merry chatter, trickling rivers, the melodious sound of a flute tying it all together. The smell of roasting fish and lemon mixed with sweet burning incense, and small patches of sunlight warmed my skin as Basson's hand left mine.
"You can open your eyes."
My guard was up, my muscles drawn taut, but I obeyed reluctantly. Basson took another step back as I spun in a disoriented circle, mouth hanging open.
I stood amongst impossibly giant trees, feeling no different from an ant in a field of tall grass. A clear path stretched in front of me, weaving around the many roots sprouting from the dirt. Vine-covered buildings nuzzled into any available space, and if not for their pointed green roofs and endless rows of wind chimes, would have blended into the scenery completely.
"What is this place?" As I asked the question, I realized those buildings did not just rest on the ground. Hundreds more were high above, built onto the bark of the trees so seamlessly it was like they had always been. Colored lights ran along the tree's surface between them, marking the spiraling railed pathways and illuminating the many people that walked them.
Not people—countless fair folk surrounded us.
"Our first stop! This is the heart of Ishren, where it all started," Basson answered proudly, gesturing for me to start on the path ahead. "The city of Mylobel."
"Mylobel?" The name struck a chord as I took to the path of dirt. "Illithor said I was coming here with Aramel tomorrow."
Basson matched my hesitant steps, and it was clear he was taking care not to lead. "Royal wedding traditions begin with a debut, allowing you to meet the Lords and Overseers of Ishren's many regions, the next step is to acknowledge the people we serve."
I climbed over a thick tree root that blocked our path, rolling my eyes internally at Basson's word choice. Of course he would say he serves his people instead of the other way around. "Meeting all the people of Ishren? Is that even possible?"
"No." Basson laughed. "Ishren is far too vast, and the wedding approaches quickly."
Wedding.
Between Galan's murder attempt and the prince's disinterest—it was easy to forget I was expected to marry very soon. It made my time with Basson even more important. I needed to use it wisely.
"Meeting Mylobel's people will be enough," the king continued, "Our capital city is a perfect representation of Ishren and what we stand for—where every creature and race live in peace."
"Every creature?" I asked.
Wind chimes and bells clattered and rang to my right. I halted as a short, green-skinned man shuffled out of the building closest to me. His beard swept the ground as he walked, and behind him followed a woman who stood so tall she had to crouch to use the same exit. Pearlescent scales covered her exposed skin, and her webbed fingers ended in claws.
Hair rose on the back of my neck as they took notice of us, and I stepped closer to Basson. The king laughed quietly and placed a hand on my head.
"Majesty!" The small green man threw his hands above himself. "The Mother Tree has been blessing me up, down, left and right this fine day!"
"Dear Ost," Basson greeted fondly. "You look well—as do you, Raine."
The fish woman smiled, revealing a set of pointed teeth. Her slitted eyes darted in my direction. "You don't bring your usual shadow this morning, Highness."
