Astrid stared at the old fey. "Why do you all keep calling me that?" she whispered, finally finding her voice. "I'm not your princess."
"Hmph," the Elder muttered. "Glad to see Meridia kept her promise, if nothing else."
"Promise?" Astrid echoed.
The Elder ignored her, instead choosing to walk around Astrid and Raiden, inspecting them as if they were cattle for sale. "You're still a bit too young for my taste," she grumbled. "But you'll do, I suppose. Follow me."
They obeyed, though Astrid was feeling more and more uncomfortable with each moment. She was supposed to be getting answers, not more riddles.
The Elder stopped at the side of a sparkling pond with water so clear that Astrid could clearly see the shining quartz floor beneath. "Watch," the Elder said, and waved a hand over t
