The city of tents was much larger and sprawling up close. They only had to walk through the Seelie camp to get to the large tent in the middle, though Puck and Ash stayed very close as they navigated the narrow streets. Elegant Summer knights, clad in armor stylized to look like thousands of overlapping leaves, watched them stonily, their eyes never leaving the Winter prince at Claire's side. A pair of sylphs, razor dragonfly wings scraping together, scurried out of their way, staring at Claire with unabashed curiosity. A tethered griffin raised its head and hissed, flaring a colorful mane of feathers. One of its wings had been damaged, and it dragged along the ground as the griffin limped back and forth.

"This place smells like blood," Ash murmured, his eyes darting about the camp. A swamp-green troll hobbled by, one arm burned black and oozing fluid. "Looks like the war isnt going well for us."

"Thats what I like about you, prince. Youre always so cheerful." Puck shook his head, gazing around the camp, and wrinkled his nose. "Although I will say, this place has seen better days. Does anyone feel like theyre about to hurl, or is it just me?"

"It is the iron." Grimalkin picked his way over a puddle, then leaped atop a fallen tree, shaking out his paws. "This close to the false kings realm, his influence is stronger than ever. It will be worse once you are actually within its borders."

Puck snorted. "Doesnt seem like its affecting you much, cat."

"That is because I am smarter than you and prepare for these things."

"Really? How would you prepare for me tossing you into a lake?"

She glances back at the two before looking back at the tent.

At that moment, two Summer knights approached them, their faces haughty and arrogant even as they bowed. "Lady Claire," one said stiffly, after a venomous glare in Ashs direction. "His majesty King Oberon will see you now."

"You go ahead," Grimalkin purred, sitting down on the log. "I have no business with Lord Pointy Ears today. I will not be joining you."

She thanked the two knights before walking into the tent.

Inside of the tent, giant trees stretched above them, tiny pin-pricks of light glimmering through their branches. Will-o-the-wisps danced on the air, swarming around them, laughing. An owl hooted close by, adding depth to the complex illusion surrounding them. If she looked at the trees from the corner of her eyes, not really focusing on them, she could see the cloth walls of the tent and the wooden poles holding them up. But she could also feel the heat from the humid summer night and smell the earthy scents of pine and cedar all around them. As far as illusions went, this one was near perfect.

On two thrones in the center of the clearing, as ancient and imposing as the forest itself, the rulers of the Summer Court waited for them. Oberon was dressed for battle in a suit of mail that glittered emerald-gold under the illusionary stars. A dappled cape rippled behind him, and his antlered crown cast clawed shadows over the forest floor. Tall, lean, and elegant, his long silver hair braided down his back and a sword at his side, the Erlking watched them approach with alien green eyes that betrayed no emotion, even when they flickered to Ash and Puck, standing beside Claire, and dismissed them just as quickly.

Titania sat beside him, and her expression was much easier to read. The faery queen radiated hate, not just for Claire, but for the Winter prince, as well. She even stabbed a disdainful glare at Puck, but the brunt of her loathing was directed at Claire and Ash.

She stood in front of the two, silent.

"You have come," Oberon said, making the ground tremble. "Welcome home, daughter."

She said nothing, waiting for him to tell her what he needed her to do.

Oberon raised an eyebrow at her silence, but that was the only outward sign of surprise. "I take it you found the terms of our contract acceptable?" he continued, his voice low and soothing. "We will raise your exile, and the exile of Robin Goodfellow, in return for your service in destroying the Iron King. I believe that is a fair bargain. Now..." Oberon turned to Puck, as if the matter were already settled. "Tell me what you have learned about the Iron fey in the time of your exile. You disobeyed my direct orders when you left Faery and went after the girl--it must have been very important."

She stepped back, waiting for Puck to reply.