Page 66 of Kingdom of Feathers

Are you all right, Wren?

Caleb’s concerned voice sounded in her mind, and a wave of remorse washed over Wren, threatening to drown her. As always, her brother was trying to protect her, but he was the one in danger, and it was her fault.

I just can’t believe how stupid I was, she responded, turning to him where he sat huddled against her on their bench.It was me grabbing his wrist that set him thinking. I don’t know what came over me. I just forgot for a moment that he wasn’t one of us. I thought I could speak into his mind if I was touching him.Her mental voice was bitter.I’m an utter fool.

You’re not a fool, contradicted Caleb patiently.And it’s not your fault. King Basil must be very sharp to figure it out after a month, when no one’s come close in almost six years.

Wren didn’t answer. She knew why Basil had started to see what no one else had. It was partly her fault, in that she’d let him in much more than she had anyone else. But it was also just the way Basil was. Unlike almost everybody else, he’d never been hesitant to spend time in her company, even when she was with her strange pet swans. And he’d really looked at her, so unflinchingly that it made her feel seen in a way she’d almost forgotten was possible.

Loneliness welled up within her, and she closed her eyes, furious with herself.

Wren?Caleb had clearly sensed her shift in mood.

I’m so selfish, Caleb,she whispered into his mind.

Don’t you dare ever call yourself selfish again.The anger in Caleb’s voice made Wren’s eyes fly open, and she stared at him, confused.You are the least selfish person I have ever met, Wren, he added.

His tone was perfectly serious, but Wren rolled her eyes.That’s ridiculous.

It isn’t. I doubt one person in a hundred could do what you’ve done for us, and probably fewer than that would be willing to try.His voice softened slightly, and he stretched his neck up to lay his head on her shoulder.Wren, you said something a while ago that made me think you don’t understand what you mean to us all. We’re not protective of you because we’re worried your safety will affect ours. We’re protective of you because you’re incredible, and we’re so grateful for everything you’ve sacrificed for us.

It’s true.

Wren felt the touch of a wing before she heard the new voice in her mind. Clearly Averett had been listening to Caleb’s words from nearby, even if he hadn’t been able to understand Wren’s replies.

She was so stunned by the affirmation from the usually critical Averett, she couldn’t think of anything to say.

Even Conan knows the sacrifices you make for us,Averett continued,even if he’s not likely to thank you to your face. If I’m honest, I didn’t think you had a hope of making it when we were first cursed, but you proved me wrong a long time ago. We all think you’re incredible—not to mention you’re our little sister—and we’d never let anyone hurt you if we could help it.

Wren bit her lip, trying to hold back tears at the unexpected compliment. Her brothers’ approval meant more to her than they’d ever know, and she could hardly believe that was how they saw her.

Lyall waddled up alongside Averett, laying one webbed foot over Wren’s so he could join the conversation. She wasn’t surprised that the other swans had been hovering nearby. With still no idea who had been behind the magical attack that sent her pitching into the pond, her brothers had all been even more protective than usual. Whenever she was outside, she could barely move for the feathers that hemmed her in on all sides.

Now we’ve cleared that up, Lyall said briskly, in reference to Averett’s words,can someone explain what triggered all this emotion? Did I hear Caleb saying something about you calling yourself selfish, Wren? Why would you think that?

Wren hugged her shoulders uncomfortably, not really eager to discuss her weakness with her brothers and tarnish their image of her as “incredible”. But all three of them were watching her expectantly, and there was no help for it.

Even though I know how dangerous it is, I have to stop myself every day from seeking Basil out, she explained miserably.

You want to continue your investigation into the source of the enchantress’s power?Averett asked.

Wren shook her head.No, it’s not that.She’d accepted that further investigation with Basil was too risky. Those answers could wait—would have to wait—until the curse was lifted. Then Caleb could take the reins and salvage the mess she’d made of it all. Just two more weeks to last.

I just…She hesitated, trying to figure out how to put into words the sudden return of all her feelings of isolation. She sighed.Your lives are on the line, and all I can think about is how much I miss his company. I’ve obviously been avoiding him since the incident, and I’d forgotten how lonely it is when no one actually wants to speak to me.

She felt small and pathetic saying the words, but at the same time, it was a relief to express her feelings.

I guess I didn’t realize how much his friendship meant to me until I lost it.

There was a moment of silence as her three listeners seemed to struggle for what to say.

King Basil is certainly not what I expected, Averett admitted at last.

A honk drew Wren’s attention to another sleek white form hastening to join the group.

Are you talking about the Entolian?Conan asked, shoving his head into the mass of feathers so that it connected a little painfully with Wren’s knee.Have you finally come to your senses and realized he’s the one who tried to kill you in the pond that day?

Wren frowned at him, but she didn’t even need to come to Basil’s defense.

---