I opened my eyes and I my jaw dropped to the floor when I took in my surroundings. I did it, I am in the Nevernever.

I looked to my left, trees; to my right, more trees. What the hell had I been thinking? That I would just come here and Dad would be there waiting for me with his arms open? Who knew how big was this... forest? Which way did I have to go?

Okay, don't panic, step by step you'll have to get somewhere eventually.

I started walking straight ahead, keeping a careful eye on the trees. This was the fey world, one never knows what could be lurking in the shadows ready to jump at me and rip my head off. Okay, I knew I was probably being overly paranoid but man that I was scared! My little bravado moment... gone. Reality was sinking in.

I stopped in my tracks when I heard a noise near. Gulp. I took the kitchen knives from my backpack, fortunately I had made sure they were sharp enought to kick someone's ass, and took a defensive stance.

"Who's there?" I asked trying to keep my voice stable.

No answer.

I continued walking, but keeping a wary eye over my shoulder. I was sure I was being followed.

What have I gotten myself into?

It was getting dark, and if I didn't want to be the dinner of some scary creature then I should hurry and find some place to hide.

I came to a stop again when the woods were no longer made of... wood. They glinted, they seemed to be made of... iron? Can't be

Dad had told me about the Iron Realm, I had believed him but actually seeing it was another thing. The Iron Queen was my father's best friend, maybe she could help me find him. I felt a weight lift from me, now I had some sense of as where to go.

"Who are you?" asked someone sharply beside me. That's when I noticed the sword that was pressed to my neck.

Crap.

"That's none of your business" I replied taking a few steps back.

"It is. You are in the Iron Realm, why are you here? Who are you?" The man repeated.

My arms ached to lift the knives to his throat but I kept them at my sides. Maybe this guy could help me. He didn't look as menacing as I thought Fey would be. In fact, he looked quite human, but his pointed ears and flawless features gave him away.

He kept the sword aimed at me. "My name is Summer. I need to speak to the Queen." I said, unfazed.

He eyed me suspiciously. "Did Oberon send you?"

Of course he would assume I belonged to the Summer Court. "No, I came her on my own. Please, it's important"

He sighed. "Okay, but if you try something, I'll kill you"

"Way to be kind to visitors" I muttered.

A side of his mouth quirked a little. "I'm Kierran by the way" He added lowering his strange sword.

"Nice to meet you"

Kierran didn't sheathe his weapon, but at least he didn't have it directed at me anymore.

"It's this way"

Kierran had been silent all the way to the castle, I didn't mind, I was too busy looking at everything. A lot of creatures passed by us and always stopped to bow to Kierran before continuing their path. Some threw interested glances at me, and it made my skin crawl.

When we finally got to it, another human-like faery greeted us, but he was all... iron. I looked at Kierran from the corner of my eye, he was gorgeous, but he wasn't iron, he had normal skin like me, I wondered what his skin would feel like...

What the hell?

"She is here to speak to the Queen, Glitch" said Kierran. Glitch nodded and motioned for me to follow him.

Kierran trailed in silence behind us. They guided me down a long corridor buzzing with activity. I tried not to stare at every creature that passed by us, but it was hard not to.

We reached a circular room with a imponent throne in which a blond-haired girl dressed in jeans and a t-shirt was seated.

I grinned, it was just as my father had described her. I also noticed her knight, Prince Ash from the Winter Court. He was very good-looking, he and Kierran were quite alike...

Then it hit me. I examined Kierran's face and then Ash's.

"You're the prince?"I whispered accusingly.

"Yep."

"You could've told me that"

"I didn't want to."

This was the Iron Prince, son of the legendary Iron Queen and her knight, Prince Ash from the Winter Court.

Glitch indicated me to step forward. I did, so as Kierran.

"Mother."

Meghan frowned at him. "You shouldn't have been wandering around the wyldwood on your own Kierran, how many times I've told you?"

Ash just lookes at him as if saying: I told you buddy.

I coughed and the rulers of the Iron Realm turned their attention to me. Meghan widened her eyes and looked at Ash who mouthed: "I know"

"My name is Summer. I'm half fey, daughter of Robin Goodfellow. I'm here because I need to find my father"

The Queen gasped. "It's dangerous for you to be here. You were alone out there?"

"She was with me" stepped in Kierran.

I glared at him. "Sure, when you were pointing me with a sword"

Ash shook his head with a smirk.

"Will you help me?" I asked.

"Tomorrow is Elysium at the Summer court, we could take you there but... it's too dangerous, with the Winter there too..." said Ash.

"Please... my mother is dead... I don't plan on staying, I just need to see him"

Meghan and Ash exchanged a look.

"Why don't you stay here for the night and tomorrow morning we'll tell you, okay?" offered Meghan.

Good enough. "Okay" I nodded.

Meghan smiled at me and hopped off her throne. "Come, I'll show you your room"