The fairy who Dances with Shadows

The Crystal Trials- Sage

I had always been friendly with the princesses. We grew up together. But it was Irisel who caught my eye. She and I shared everything in common. Liora always had her head buried in her herbs and plants, and the pressures of inheritance had never touched her. Myrelle, on the other hand, was a warrior like her father, often training in the palace grounds. But only Irisel understood what I felt.

Having your whole life planned out for you is no easy thing. I was born into power, born to inherit. While it was often women who ruled, it wasn’t always the case. If a Grovewarden had no daughters, a son could take the mantle. My mother had only me—my birth cost her the ability to ever have another. From the moment I could walk, I was groomed to rule Blossomreach and serve the Fairy Queen with honor.

So, we were all friends. When it was announced the queen was seeking suitors for her youngest daughter, I had no intention of joining. My mother made that decision for me. She wanted our house as close to the Queen as possible, and marrying into the royal family was the clearest path. I gave the bare minimum effort. Liora had been gone for years, studying medicine in the Moon Kingdom. When she returned, she was… breathtaking. But my heart was spoken for.

I had spent countless moments with Irisel—putting out one political fire or another, asking for her advice when Blossomreach was in turmoil. So when I saw Liora's eyes drifting toward the vampire, I sighed in relief. My mother couldn’t blame me if Irisel chose another. Dancing with Liora felt no different than dancing with my mother. But dancing with Irisel… it was like the world melted away. For once, it wasn’t about inheritance or duty—it was just us.

I never expected what came next. The queen had roped all three of her daughters into the suitor trial. I had been chosen for fulfilling my duty that night when two of the other candidates stepped way out of line. But I suspect it was Irisel who spoke up for me.

When the queen announced I would now be considered for Irisel, I was over the moon. Of course, I kept my composure.

I guided the other candidates through some of the earlier tasks—initially to ensure I wouldn’t be matched with anyone else if they were to be disqualified. But over time, something shifted. They were genuine, sincere in their affections for Liora and Myrelle. For the first time in my life, I had friends.

When the queen declared her final trial, I knew exactly where Irisel would be: the library.

Even during her free time, she would wander there, buried in tomes from worlds unknown. Love, magic, myth—those stories brought her peace. So I went there, to the Grand Library.

The structure was a marvel—rows of towering bookshelves, filled with ancient scrolls, bound volumes, and rare manuscripts from every realm. Floating in a suspended glass container at the center of the room was my Irisel. Her hands were gently clasped at her chest. Her long lashes kissed her cheeks. Her wings wrapped around her like a silken cocoon.

But this wasn’t ordinary glass. These were Hexcrystals.

There was no door, no keyhole. Hexcrystals vanished only upon the fulfillment of their requirement. I touched its surface—and it zapped me.

A riddle appeared:

“I am taken before you know me.

I am given before you need me.

I am gone before you miss me.

What am I?”

I frowned. Hexcrystals could be tailored by the caster to respond to specific traits. This one required a riddle—meaning it was designed to test intelligence and calm.

If I answered incorrectly, I’d be hexed or cursed. That’s why they were called Hexcrystals. And the queen—she didn’t conjure anything halfway. Her curses could last a lifetime.

I hesitated.

But then I looked at Irisel again, floating so still. I couldn’t walk away. If I left her there, I’d be nothing more than a coward. Unworthy of her love. Unworthy of her hand.

I took a breath and answered aloud, steady and sure:

“Time.”

For a moment, nothing happened.

Then—the crystal cracked. A radiant light flared, and Irisel’s unconscious form floated gently into my arms. She stirred, eyes fluttering open.

“I knew you would come for me,” she whispered, her head resting on my shoulder.

I held her there a moment longer, letting the joy wash over me.

Then, I reached into my pocket and pulled out the ring. The Grovewarden’s Ring of Blossomreach. Ancient. Revered. My mother had given it to me when I departed.

I held it before her. “Will you marry me, Irisel?”

She smiled and nodded. Her strength was not yet fully returned—the Hexcrystal had siphoned her mana to sustain itself.

I carried her toward the throne room, my heart light.

Still, a part of me wondered how the others were faring. I didn’t worry too much about Noctis—he was older, wiser, perhaps even smarter than I. But Vermior? His heart was bold… but his temper?

That was another matter entirely.