Journey into the Realm: The Stolen Child (Journey into the Realm Series) by Markelle Grabo Read Free Book Online Page A

crown.
    Hope flared in my chest as the doors opened, but my spirit fell as I noticed Jacqueline joining us instead of the Queen. I wondered why Brielle was stalling. This had been her idea, after all.
    “Jacqueline,” I greeted with a smile as she approached.
    “I’ve heard that you are a natural with a bow and arrow. I learned that your friend Tavis is as well. I’ve brought these for the both of you,” she expressed, handing me a bow and a bag of arrows and giving Tavis an identical set.
    “Thank you,” Tavis said, grinning at the flawless set of weapons in his grasp.
    “You’re welcome,” Jacqueline replied.
    “Thank you so much, Jacqueline,” I said. I was extremely grateful – I had left my own bow and arrows at home.
    “Keep that bow close to you,” she instructed. “You never know what’s out there. You never know when you may need to use it.”
    “I will remember that,” I told her.
    “Ah,” she said, turning at the cacophony of the clanging palace doors, “I see the Queen is here to bid you farewell. Good luck on your journey. Excuse me.” With a final nod, Jacqueline departed into the castle.
    “So you’ve finally decided to show up,” I remarked sarcastically as Brielle positioned herself at my side.
    She sent me a glare that would stop the heart of any elfen who hadn’t witnessed Brielle tipsy and giddy. I knew my Queen far too well to feel intimidated by her. “You know this isn’t easy for me – sending you away like you’re some servant fighting my battles for me.”
    “That’s not what you’re doing. This is my battle just as much as it is yours,” I corrected. “I’m not going to guarantee that everything’s going to turn out for the best. But this is by far our strongest hope of ending the war. So I’m going to leave, and you are going to rule your Realm. And within those duties, there will be no room for guilt or regret.”
    Brielle sighed, the corners of her pale lips twitching with amusement. “You sure know how to make a speech. Something I was never very good at myself….”
    I laughed. “I’ve had to use my convincing skills many times in the past. Practice makes perfect, as they say in the Human Realm,” I remarked.
    “Then maybe one day I’ll get used to the idea of being the Queen,” Brielle said wistfully.
    “You will…,” I trailed off, realizing that we were both stalling now. “I should go.”
    Brielle placed a hand on my elbow. “Wait. There are a few things I need to say before you leave. Do not drink anything or eat any food the fairies offer you. Remember, once fairies touch it, it contains their enchantments. And do not underestimate them. Fairies don’t feel as we do. They don’t care about death as much as we do. And all they do is to please themselves. If it means hurting any one of you, so be it. You must be careful. Unless they are from the rebellion, do not trust them .”
    I nodded and tried to smile, although my sudden fear was nearly overwhelming. “You are a vault of knowledge,” I said lightly.
    She laughed. It was the first real laugh that had escaped her lips since our school days in Aubrey. “I guess so. I’ve done my reading. I want you to be safe.” We hugged each other tightly and failed at keeping our eyes completely dry. Brielle pulled away and smiled through her tears. “When you get back, we are going to party,” she decided. “And this time there won’t be any interruptions. No sister to save, no Element fairies barging in. Just a good time.”
    “I’m looking forward to it,” I said.
    She winked and removed the emerald crown from atop her head. “Here,” she said, handing it to me. “You will need this to cross into the Mermaid Realm. It should return to me once you arrive. At least that’s what I’ve been told by my sources investigating King Vortigern’s plans.”
    “Thanks,” I said, holding the crown gingerly in my hands.
    “Oh, and one last thing.” She reached behind her neck and