He shifted but didn't wake up yet.

She giggled. "The queen," Tiaothin purred, flicking her ears back and forth. "The queen has called for you."

She poked him again.

He slit open one of his eyes. "Hmm?" he asked, still half-asleep

" Puck. " She said softly. '' lets go back. "

She shrugs. ,, Okay. ,, She goes and gets changed into a fresh outfit.

"What?" He mumbled. "Why?"

When they'd first arrived at the palace, the queen regarded Isiea with a predatory smile and dismissed her, saying that she wished to speak to her son alone and would call for her soon. Of course, "soon" was a relative term in Faery. That was also the last time she saw Ash.

" cause I don't want mom or Ethan to think I left again. "

Isiea hadnt really questioned it.

"Okay, then. Let's go."

(Just so you know this is a memory)
The journey through Tir Na Nog was cold, dark, and terrifying. Even with the Winter prince at her side, as well as a kelpie, Faery was still savage and inhospitable, especially to humans. Ash was the perfect bodyguard, dangerous, alert and protective, but he seemed distant at times, distracted. And the farther they went into Winter, the more he drew away, sealing himself off from me and the world. And he wouldn't tell her why.

On the last night of their journey they were attacked. A monstrous wolf, sent by Oberon himself, tracked them down, intent on killing Ash and spiriting Isiea back to the Summer Court. They managed to escape, but Ash was wounded fighting the creature, so they took refuge in an abandoned ice cave to rest and bind his wounds.

She stood up and walked over to the exit, climbing down the ladder.