The next morning, Kendra found herself roaming the bustling streets of Aldera, as the fairy queen had informed her she was to stay one more day. There were colorful shops every which way, sweet aromas in the air, and little Fae children running around. It was, well, magical. Bracken, of course, makes her try all of his favorites, including cream puffs (with strawberries), fairy floss (straight sugar), and pixie sticks (more sugar). At that, she concluded that the prince must have several sweet teeth instead of just one.

What surprised Kendra the most was the familiarity he shared with his people. He stopped to talk with most of the shop owners, and the children ran around his feet, some bringing him things and some even climbing on top of him, asking for piggy-back rides.

"Help me!" he'd shout at her dramatically, arm outstretched, making the kids giggle. All she would do was laugh with them.

After visiting pretty much every shop, Bracken bought them sandwiches and told her, "I have a surprise for you."

"For me?" she asked, eyes wide.

He looked around mockingly, "I don't see anyone else it could be for." She smiled at that. She smiled a lot around him lately.

"We're in a crowd full of people," she pointed out.

"We are?!" He looked around in bewilderment. "I thought we were still in the library," he joked.

"Feels like it," Kendra expressed.

"Yeah, especially with your nose always in a book," he teased.

"Hey! I haven't picked up a book since we got here," she responded playfully.

"We've only been here for an hour," the prince remarked.

Crossing her arms in fake annoyance, she grumbled, "Look who knows how to tell time."

He laughed at that, and the princess dropped her act, smiling. She liked his laugh. She was starting to like him.

Kendra then noticed that Bracken was leading them away from the town and into the wilderness. "Where are we going?"

"I said it's a surprise," he said with a chuckle, "But I guess I should make sure you can swim. You can swim, right?"

She poked his side as she said, "Well now you've ruined the surprise, silly."

He jumped away from her, yelping in surprise. "I had to make sure!" he exclaimed, batting her hand away. The betrothed pair both laughed and continued bantering until they made it to the lake, where they splashed in place of teasing. Kendra was liking Bracken more and more by the hour.

Seth's POV

After Fablehaven's entire population had been healed, Seth decided he would finally confront Gavin about the argument he overheard. He hoped he wouldn't get mad about the eavesdropping or ask too many questions about how he stayed unseen. He ended up finding the guy at the castle entrance.

Gavin called Seth over. "H-hey Seth! H-have y-you seen K-kendra around?"

"Sorry dude, she's in Aldera right now, but I think she'll be back today," he informed. "Actually, I've been meaning to talk to you. I overheard you arguing with someone in an alley. What was that about? It sounded serious and I'm just worried."

His eyes widened for a second before he schooled his expression. "W-why is K-kendra in Aldera? And w-what were y-you doing d-down there?" he interrogated, though Seth couldn't take him fully serious with that stutter, especially not after hearing him without it. Though he wouldn't bring it up, he thought the boy was faking it for some reason.

"Uh, I think you should ask Kendra herself why she's in Aldera," he replied nervously. "And I was down there because I was handing out cures, I figured the healers didn't want to go down the more dangerous paths of the market. You haven't answered my question by the way," he pointed out, narrowing his eyes in suspicion.

Gavin sighed. "If you m-must know, I suspect R-ronodin for creating the p-plague. But d-don't tell anyone! I d-don't have enough p-proof and you know how powerful Ronodin is and w-what he will d-do if he gets angry."

Seth held in a gasp. "Are you sure Ronodin did it? Despite dealing with contraband I don't think he's a bad guy, you know?"

The stutter-faker crossed his arms. "C-can you think of a b-better explanation?"

The prince squirmed under Gavin's gaze. Something about the dude was off. "Well, no, but I don't think we can jump to conclusions, which I guess you're looking for proof but," he sighed. "It's just a lot to take in, you know?"

Gavin's expression softened. "I know, th-that's why I w-was hesitant to t-tell you. B-but, hey, can you k-keep this from Kendra? I d-don't want her t-to worry."

The shadowcharmer was definitely gonna tell his sister. But not to make her worry. Just because he didn't trust the guy.

"Sure, buddy, it's our little secret," he winked. Gavin grumbled something about 'buddy' then walked away from the castle. What a weird dude, Seth thought.

Bracken's POV

The next day, he and Kendra were finally allowed to go to Fablehaven. He was worried about his cousin, but Kendra seemed excited to be going back home. When they arrived, Bracken was stretching after the long ride when he noticed her little brother waiting at the gates. He approached them and 'escorted' them inside.

"Kendra! You're back!" he hugged her. "I have something important to tell you."

"What is it?" she asked in a worried tone. Bracken placed his hand on the small of her back, trying to comfort her. He felt her stiffen, then relax at his touch, and she didn't move away from it. He nearly smiled at the bridge he saw forming between them.

Seth then noticed Bracken, his eyes narrowing. "It can wait," he decided.

Kendra waved it off. "Oh he's harmless. Just tell me, Seth."

The young prince was unsure, but after a nod of encouragement from his sister he started, "So basically I overheard Gavin and Ronodin arguing about something, mentioning the cure and stuff. The weirdest part? Gavin didn't stutter. Anyways. I obviously confronted Gavin about it, and he said that he suspected Ronodin of creating the plague, which I think is a little out there but-"

The betrothed pair shared a look.

"What," Seth asked, noticing them.

Bracken was the one to speak up. "We found evidence of Dark Fae creating this type of plague. I believe Ronodin is the only one powerful enough to do so but," he was quick to add, "I don't believe he would have meant any harm by it. Hearing this, though, is unsettling. If you tell me where I can find Ronodin, I should like to speak with him."

Seth barked a laugh at that. "No offense, but I don't think Ronodin would talk to you, sparkles," he said with a smirk.

"He would if he's my cousin," the Fae prince revealed.

"You're- what?! You're cousins?"

"Well you see, my dad," Bracken pointed to himself, "and his dad, are brothers-"

"Ha. Very funny dude."

"Anywaysss," Kendra drawled, getting the princes' attention, "I wanted to give Bracken a tour of Fablehaven, so if you could save your bickering for later, that would be great."

The silver-haired Fae smiled at that, while Seth just folded his arms. "Hey, I thought you hated this dude. What happened?"

"He's not as bad as we thought," Kendra replied quietly. Those words filled Bracken with warmth and widened his smile.

"And you aren't as bad as I thought either," he joked softly.

Seth just looked between the two in confusion. "Okayyy, well, nice talk, I'll catch you guys later, just make sure you come and see me before you show Bracken his rooms. I wanna, uh, talk again. Bye!"

His brow furrowed in confusion. "What was that about?"

Kendra laughed lightly, saying, "That means we need to be very careful when entering your room."

"Why, may I ask?" he questioned in a lilting voice.

"I guess we'll just have to wait and see," she replied sweetly, a too-big smile plastered on her beautiful face.

"Should I be worried?" he asked with a laugh while heading for the market.

"Yes," she confirmed in that overly sweet tone, beaming up at him.

The prince laughed again, as he often found himself doing around her.

Bracken was in the square buying some flowers for Kendra when it was announced to the people that they were betrothed. Gasps could be heard throughout the stalls, and the prince squirmed where he stood. They really did not like him here, and it seemed like they loved their princess. He could see why, as she radiated kindness. Not to mention that they all tried giving her things for free, which he laughed at while she politely declined.

During the chaos, a woman walked by him and did a double-take of his ears, then at Kendra, then back at him, mouth agape. His face reddened, and he wished to be anywhere else. Noticing this, the princess grabbed his hand and gently pulled them away from the crowd.

"Now would be a good time to find Ronodin, don't you think?" she offered, giving a comforting smile, walking towards what looked like a tavern. He was grateful, and he tried showing it to her, smiling and lacing their fingers together. Her face turned the shade of the bouquet in her hand. It was adorable.

"Seth said Ronodin frequents this place," she explained as they walked in, "you go find him, I'll get us something to eat, okay?" She squeezed his hand and asked him to hold the flowers for her before pulling away. Bracken had to resist the urge to chase after her, to not let go of her. When he first discovered her identity he would have said it was pathetic. Now…

He found Ronodin in a dark corner, and he could see his cousin perk up at the sight of him. The Dark Fae gestured for him to have a seat, and he took up the offer, placing the flowers on the table.

"Are those for me?" asked Ronodin, batting his eyelashes.

Bracken laughed. "You wish, Ronny."

"What brings you to Fablehaven, Bracky?" he asked, smiling at the old nickname.

"Didn't you hear? I'm betrothed to the princess."

He gasped, clutching his pearls. "No."

"Yes."

"For why?" (for those who have watched kid vampir on tiktok) (elite stuff)

"To cure the plague, of course. Mother thought I was too irresponsible for my age and took the opportunity to punish me," he said wryly. The prince searched the bar for Kendra, and found her at the counter. They met eyes and she waved a little, smiling. He couldn't help the upward tug on his lips as he saw her.

Ronodin raised his brow at the interaction. "Looks like it's not the punishment she thought it'd be," he teased.

"Oh shut up, Ron,"(pronounced Roan, as in Roan-uh-din) he muttered. "Anyways, I needed to talk to you."

His brow went up again. "About what?"

"Some people believe you caused the plague. I've been defending you, but I would like the full story," he explained, biting his lip, bracing for his cousin's reaction.

Ronodin's face grew somber. "Bracken, I messed up," he said dejectedly, bowing his head. Then he popped back up to add, "But I didn't have any ill intentions behind it! This dragon named Gavin commissioned it from me, claimed he wanted to use it to develop cures for sickness in Wyrmroost. I don't know how it spread, but I knew what it was when it befell the kingdom, yet I had no way to stop it, and I'm not exactly on good terms with your mother. Then, after you guys came flying in with the cure, Gavin came back to me screaming at me for it not holding strong. It's not like I could have reported him, for I was the one who sold it. Even though I didn't spread it I feel horrible, Bracken. So many people died, and it's my fault," he exasperated, putting his head in his hands, and running his fingers through his hair.

"It's not your fault, Ronny, it's Gavin's," the prince reassured. "Though it is interesting to know that he's a dragon. Kendra, his friend, never mentioned it. But Seth did mention him 'not stuttering' when arguing with you, which I assume is something he normally does around the siblings," Bracken divulged, scratching an itch on the back of his neck. He saw Kendra walking towards the two Fae, food in hand.

Ronodin tilted his head while confirming, "He's never stuttered in my presence before. Do we think he's faking it?"

"Oh definitely."

"Does Kendra think so?" She walked up to the table right as Bracken answered with a shrug.

"Do I think what?" she asked cheerily, placing the food on the table before holding her hand out to Ronodin, "Nice to meet you, by the way."

His cousin shook it before answering her question. "Do you think your dragon friend Gavin fakes his stutter?"

She fell too quickly into her seat at his reply. "I-I didn't know he was a dragon," she revealed, shocked. "Did he not stutter around you?"

"Not once," he said, taking some of Bracken's food and popping it into his mouth.

"But why would he fake a stutter? Or keep his identity from me?" Kendra wondered.

The prince laughed dryly. "Maybe because you're a beautiful princess that he wants to please."

"A beautiful princess with power," Ronodin added. "Makes me wonder why you weren't able to sense he was a dragon."

"What do you mean?" the betrothed asked simultaneously, Kendra with horror in her eyes and Bracken with curiosity.

"Can't you sense it, Bracken? I sensed it off her brother first, as I've spent some time with him," he lowered his voice, "I suspect they're human-born Fae. Seth a shadowcharmer and Kendra a fairykind," he said matter-of-factly, rapping a knuckle on the table.

"And who are you, to spill all of my secrets?" Kendra said incredulously, eyes wide and afraid. Kendra was Fae and hated him nonetheless. Had hated him. He hoped. At least now he had an answer to why she was so interested in that topic.

Bracken placed his hand atop hers to remind her she wasn't alone in this. "As a royal, and therefore powerful Fae, I can read minds. There, now it's not only your secrets being shared," he smiled at her weakly, at the confession he just gave.

Though he quickly added, "I've never read your mind. I find it immoral to do it without permission, I just thought you should know." The princess smiled at him, as if she were grateful for directing the attention away.

"Well, now that that's out of the way, let's eat," Ronny suggested, taking Bracken's food once more. The 'couple' laughed at that, and Kendra responded by pushing her plate closer to Bracken to share. He thanked her, and the three Fae enjoyed a nice, albeit small (thanks, Ronny), dinner together.

The two Light Fae, as he could call them now, walked back up to the palace, Gavin's betrayal and Seth's prank forgotten. In fact, he forgot to tell her about Gavin at all and decided not to ruin the night for her.

Kendra showed him where he would be staying, which was conveniently just a door down from her room. But as he got close to the entrance, the princess stopped in place and urged him on. The action stirred up something he knew he had forgotten, but he shrugged it off and opened the door anyway.

He was then covered head to toe in purple glitter.

He heard Kendra cackling behind him while Seth burst out of his room.

"NO I missed it!" he whined, then started laughing uncontrollably with his sister. Bracken couldn't help but laugh too, as he was sure he looked ridiculous.

"You know what?" he chided. "I really want a hug. You've both been so nice to me. Just, bring it in guys," he said, an innocent grin playing on his features, arms outstretched before he used his Fae speed to latch on to a shrieking Kendra. The prince made sure to hold her as tightly as possible for maximum glitter transfer, nuzzling into her and shaking the glitter out of his hair.

"We'll be sparkly together!" he declared.

"Noo- let- me- go," she screamed between laughs.

"As you wish, my lady." He let go of her as promised, but then pulled more glitter out of his pocket and blew it in her face. The princess hopelessly batted it away from her, still unable to rein in her laughter, while Bracken turned to Seth, a wicked grin appearing among the purple mess.

"Anddd, that's my cue to leave," he announced, whipping around and running to his room, the sparkly prince chasing after him. Unfortunately, Seth made it to safety, and a giggling Bracken and Kendra left for their respective showers.

Kendra's POV

Kendra had spent an hour trying to get that glitter out of her hair before giving up. But when Bracken said she looked pretty with it the next morning she thought it wasn't so bad. After complimenting her, he brought her outside to a full-fledged picnic. Apparently he goaded the kitchens into giving him the supplies, where he set it all up, just for her.

On said picnic, the princess was trying to eat a strawberry, but the wind wouldn't stop blowing hair into the fruit, the juice joining the glitter. She let out a frustrated huff before setting down the berry and attempting to eat something else.

The silver-haired prince watched her struggle, amusement twinkling in his eyes before offering, "I could braid your hair, if you'd like? To get it out of the way?"

She raised an eyebrow. "You know how to braid hair?"

"My sister, Em, hated our stylist and refused to get her hair done because of it. One day, I walked past her room while she was trying to do it herself, tears of frustration lining her eyes. From that day forward, I learned how to braid hair for her, and I had done it for about a year before the old stylist was fired," he elaborated, smiling at the memory.

Kendra held a hand up to her heart. "That's actually, really sweet of you, B."

He was taken aback. "Did you just call me 'B'?"

Pink dusted her cheeks as she defended, "I- it just slipped, I guess."

"Well, if it pleases you I guess I can tolerate being called 'B'," he teased. "Now, are you going to take up my offer or not, darling."

"Now look who's started with the nicknames," she pointed out, a smile gracing her lips. "And yes, that would be nice, thank you."

He scooted towards her at the confirmation and took her hair in his hands. "Is there a specific style you prefer?" he asked softly, his breath tickling her neck.

She suppressed a shiver before replying, "Surprise me."

A comfortable silence fell between them as Bracken expertly wove her hair into an intricate plait. Kendra's eyes fluttered shut at his soothing touch as he worked, nearly falling asleep in the process.

To keep herself awake, she wondered aloud, "What did Ronodin say about the plague? I forgot to ask you."

Bracken took a moment to gather his thoughts, fingers slowing, but not stopping, when he replied, "He revealed that he indeed made the plague, but only for the purpose of creating cures, as that was what it had been commissioned for. Or so he'd been told by Gavin. When the disease spread, he recognized it instantly but could do nothing, for Dark Fae don't have much skill in healing, and Ron isn't on good terms with my mother. And when the cure was administered, Gavin came screaming at Ronodin, asking why it hadn't worked and such. Even though he had no ill intentions, like I suspected, he still feels responsible and looked incredibly disturbed when talking about it. I didn't want to tell you last night, because I know you and Gavin are friends, and I didn't want to ruin anything, but I think he's the one who did it."

Bracken had tied her hair up at the last of his words, and Kendra immediately whirled to look at him. "You think Gavin spread the plague?"

The prince looked nervous as he answered, "Well, it makes sense. I trust my cousin even if he is a bit shady. Plus, this isn't the first time he's lied to you. He never told you he was a dragon, and he's been faking a stutter."

"But you and Ronodin were the ones who told me that. So why should I trust you?" the princess interrogated.

She could see hurt enter his expression at the accusation. "Seth mentioned the stuttering too and.. I thought you did trust me," he trailed off, looking away from her.

Kendra narrowed her eyes. "I thought I did too, until you accused one of my best friends of causing the plague that killed hundreds of people. He doesn't even have a reason to do it!" she exclaimed.

"Well," he proposed in a dangerously calm voice, "why don't you ask him yourself, then?"

"I think I will," she snapped, "for we all know anyone's word is better than a Fae's."

She almost gasped as she said those words. She regretted them instantly, but didn't want to back down, didn't want to accept defeat.

Bracken's face went cold instantly, like his spirit left while a shell remained. "Don't forget, Kendra, you're Fae too. But if you find me so insufferable, I shall leave you be. I'll see to it that we'll only meet when absolutely necessary," he stated, standing up and gathering the food he had brought out, taking apart everything he had set up for her.

"Bracken-," she started.

"Forget it," he interrupted, "I'll gather my things and leave immediately. Don't bother calling a carriage. As a Fae I can fly back, and don't need one."

Tears sprang up in the fairykind's eyes. This was all her fault. She was going to lose him. She was going to lose a friend. She could admit that now, that they were friends. But she did not stop him, in fear of making things worse. Instead, she fled to a balcony where she decided to watch him until he disappeared under the horizon.

Alyssa, Kendra's maid and best friend, found her there. "Your hair looks nice," she complimented, "Who did it for you?" The princess's mouth wobbled at the thought.

She cleared her throat, trying to clear it of emotion before responding. "Bracken did."

As if he were summoned, she saw him take to the skies at that very moment. She realized that she had never seen his wings, had never asked.

Following her gaze, Alyssa spotted him too. "Where is he going?"

Kendra turned away. "Back to Aldera."

Alyssa opened her mouth to probably ask why when a(n agitating, grating) voice sounded behind them. (I can't help the references)

"There y-you are, Kendra! I've b-been looking f-for you everywhere!"

She tried to smile. "Gavin, it's so nice to see you again."

The 'dragon' didn't seem to notice that anything was wrong when he continued, "I've b-been m-meaning to ask you, why Aldera?" He dropped the stutter, his temper heating. "I told you dragons had the capability of healing such things. Why didn't you go to them? They would've given you a better solution." He stalked closer to the princess, and Alyssa casually went in between them, concern alighting on her face.

The fairykind backed away slowly. "I- why do you know so much about dragons, Gavin? And I didn't know much about dragon healing, so Aldera seemed like the better option-"

"The better option?!," he spat, "The better option was being betrothed to ME instead of that sparkly PRICK."

"What are you talking about-," Kendra nearly shouted back.

"Where is he?!" Gavin demanded. "I'll deal with him myself."

The princess steeled herself. "He's not here. I told him to leave because I was defending you. He accused you of spreading the plague and I didn't believe him. I can see that I was wrong, now," she seethed.

That was when Gavin looked beyond the balcony behind her, and lost all reason.

He jumped off the balcony, turning into a massive black dragon as he fell.

And headed straight for the prince.