CHAPTER XIV
"A Dress, a Spell, and the Crimson Road Ahead"
Cael reached toward Flash, muttering a quiet incantation, and with a soft shimmer of light, Flash's color shifted — from the enchanted hue he had been cloaked in… back to his true, original self. The moment the transformation completed, Cael placed Flash gently into my hands.
And just like that… it all made sense.
Cael's voice came out in a hushed breath. "That's why… That's why the horse changed color too. Your touch broke the illusion. I thought maybe my powers were weakening — but now…"
He didn't finish.
Because we both already understood.
I looked at him, my heart pounding for reasons I couldn't fully explain. "So your magic is working… just not on me."
He nodded slowly, the tension in his shoulders still present. There was something in his eyes — uncertainty, yes, but also something deeper. Something like fear.
But I wasn't ready to stop. Not now.
I stepped forward, voice firm. "Cael, I need a dress. I don't care why your magic won't work on me — I don't care what the reason is, or what it means. But I need a dress. And I'm not leaving until I have one."
Cael stared at me, startled. "Cel—"
"I mean it," I said sharply, crossing my arms. "You can conjure fire from your palms and speak to birds in ten different languages — but you're telling me you can't make me a dress?"
That hit a nerve.
He let out a breath, frustration sparking in his eyes as he raised his voice — louder than I'd ever heard it before.
"Would you just calm down for a second?!"
The words rang out like a slap in the air.
Everything stilled.
Even the leaves stopped rustling.
I blinked, stunned. "What… did you just say to me?"
Cael's eyes widened. The heat in his voice vanished instantly, replaced by remorse. He ran a hand through his hair and sighed deeply.
"I… I'm sorry," he said, softer this time. "I didn't mean to yell. I just— I'm confused, Cel. I'm confused and a little scared. That's all."
His voice had gone gentle again, careful.
"You're the only one I can't use magic on," he continued. "And instead of helping you, it feels like I'm failing. I didn't know what else to do."
I watched him, my anger slowly softening — not because I forgave him yet, but because I saw the truth in his eyes. He was trying.
Just in his own, complicated, pixie way.
Then, as if a lightbulb lit up in his mind, Cael turned toward Rira — the tiny sprite creature who had long floated quietly near the roses, absorbing everything.
"Rira," he said, kneeling beside her and placing a single rose atop her little head, "would you do me a favor?"
Rira squeaked, glowing faintly with magic, then zipped over to me.
Before I could react, she began circling me — once, twice, three times — spinning gently through the air like a silken thread wrapping itself around my body. Everywhere she twirled, her energy shimmered with soft white light, sparkling like frost and snowflakes.
And then, without warning…
I looked down.
And I was wearing a dress.
Not just any dress — but a gown.
White as moonlight.
Delicate as snowfall.
Soft, flowing fabric draped over me like a second skin, with petals of frost lining the collar and a gentle glow humming from the threads. It felt like being wrapped in serenity. Like wearing peace.
I touched the sleeve slowly, disbelief in my breath. "It's… beautiful."
Cael let out a slow breath of relief, watching me with quiet wonder. "You look like the Queen of Winter herself."
I smiled — just a little — and turned in a slow circle, letting the fabric flow around me.
Chiko gave a tiny cheer, while Flash simply said, "Took you long enough."
Cael chuckled, running a hand through his hair again before turning serious.
"Alright," he said, looking at all of us. "We've wasted enough time. It's time to go — to the Crimson Palace. That's where Princess Carmine will be waiting."
I raised an eyebrow, the corner of my lips tugging upward in playful suspicion. "You sure know a lot about princesses, don't you?"
Cael smirked, unfazed. "Well… everyone has their talents."
"Oh?" I asked, amused. "And yours is… memorizing royal titles?"
He gave a dramatic little bow. "Some people collect coins. I collect names. Kings, queens, princes, princesses — I know them all. You never know when a name might save your life… or help you steal a crown."
Olivia laughed. "You really are impossible, brother."
Cael grinned. "And yet, here we all are — trusting me to lead you into the most heavily guarded palace in Crimson Cove."
I narrowed my eyes. "We're not trusting you, Cael. We're watching you."
He winked. "Even better."
And with that, we gathered our things, climbed onto our horses, and began the ride toward the Crimson Palace — not knowing what waited for us behind its jeweled gates.
But as I adjusted the edge of my white gown, heart still fluttering from the strange spell that hadn't been cast by Cael but still somehow found me…
I realized something.
There was more magic in this world than just spells.
There was trust.
There was patience.
And sometimes… the most powerful magic of all…
Was letting someone else try.
"The Absent Queen and the Journey to Skyland"
After what felt like days of enchantments, arguments, laughter, and revelations — we finally arrived at Crimson Cove's majestic palace. Its towering gates, carved with stories of ancient battles and blossoming roses, opened with a slow, almost ceremonial grace as we approached.
For a moment, we all stood silently — our eyes drawn to the splendor before us.
The Crimson Palace gleamed in hues of ruby and wine-red, its rooftops dipped in gold and its windows tall, framed with vines of real blooming roses. The scent in the air was sweet, thick with petals and pride.
Guards flanked the entrance, their spears raised in unison as we stepped forward — not as wanderers, but as envoys.
We were led through marbled halls that echoed with footsteps and legacy, until finally, we stood before the throne.
But there… sat only one figure.
King Rowan.
He was regal and calm, with salt in his beard and wisdom in his eyes. But there was also a quiet weariness about him, like someone who had weathered many storms — some political, and some… personal.
Caelum stepped forward, bowing respectfully.
"Your Majesty," he began, "we are honored by your welcome. But may I ask — where is Queen Rosy? I had hoped to greet both rulers of Crimson Cove."
The King nodded solemnly, folding his hands before him. "Queen Rosy is not here."
His voice was deep, steady — yet something in the way he spoke felt carefully measured.
"She is away," he added after a pause, "attending a meeting… one that happens regularly. With whom and for what reason — those are matters not shared freely, even within these palace walls."
There was something about the way he said it — not cold, not dismissive, but final.
A mystery cloaked in courtesy.
We didn't press further.
Some truths, I realized, came wrapped in silence — too delicate to speak aloud.
Cael gave a respectful nod. "Of course, Your Majesty. We understand."
With that, we shifted focus.
I stepped forward this time, along with Olivia and Aurelia, and bowed slightly. "We seek your permission to bring Princess Carmine with us. Her presence is important for our journey… and for the balance we hope to restore."
The King looked at us carefully — his gaze moving across each of our faces. I could tell he was measuring not just our words, but our sincerity. After a long moment, he gave a single nod.
"She is yours to guide," he said. "I trust her judgment… and her heart."
Relief washed over us like rain.
Moments later, we were escorted to a private chamber — one full of warmth and light — where Princess Carmine awaited.
She was beautiful in a fierce, quiet way. Her hair was a waterfall of crimson waves, her eyes sharp like garnets, but soft around the edges. Dressed in battle-ready silk with a crystal-pinned cloak, she stood with both elegance and strength — like someone raised among roses… and thorns.
She welcomed us with a graceful nod and a voice that carried both youth and command.
"I've been waiting," she said. "Let me change, and we'll go."
Olivia and Aurelia smiled in unison, already itching to freshen up too.
"We'll join you," Olivia said cheerfully. "Our dresses have had quite the adventure."
The three of them disappeared into the dressing chambers, their laughter trailing like perfume behind them.
Meanwhile, I stood beside Cael at the grand arched window overlooking the gardens. The sky above had begun to change — shifting from gold to a paler, calmer blue.
"Skyland," Cael whispered beside me. "That's where we go next."
I glanced sideways at him. "Are you ready?"
He didn't smile.
But he didn't look afraid either.
"I don't know," he said truthfully. "But I know we can't turn back now."
Aurelia, Olivia, and Carmine returned soon after — all three glowing in new attire that shimmered with elegance and power. And with nothing more to delay us, we stepped outside once more — horses prepared, wings adjusted, hearts steady.
The gates of Crimson Palace opened again.
And this time… we rode forward not as visitors.
But as a united force.
Toward the sky.
Toward the unknown.
Toward Skyland.
To be continued...