Page 65 of Bianca and the Monsters

My assessment of the queen’s castle can be summed up asdang. The place is moodily ornate and decidedly unfriendly. The dozen turrets practically kiss the misty clouds, the highest one rising well above the others and completely obscured. It’s magnificent—that’s undeniable. Back in my world, tourists would flock to this place, but all I feel is a chill when I look at it. Because as much as I’m staring at it, I’d swear thatitis staring back at me.

“I miss your place, Archie,” I murmur, finally confronting the loss of the sweet castle I never even explored.

But my sudden nostalgia isn’t for the fancy building or the stacks of presents awaiting me. Not the gowns, the jewels, or even all the sexy times. It’s strange to think it, but I miss the simplicity of our beginning.

Welcome to our home. Please stay forever.That’s what Archie said when he first met me. He meant it then. He means it now. His invitation will never be revoked and I’m suddenly glad I haven’t toured Clumberton Castle yet. I would have been inspecting it before, as a visitor, but now, I’ll be greeting every room as my new and forever home…ifit’s still ours at the end of this adventure.

As the noise of the bustling city reaches my ears, I reaffirm my desire tonotbe a city princess. But at least there are no cars, the streets are all cobblestones, the structures are warmly medieval, and while there are many voices and clomping hooves, it’s nothing next to thepost-industrial revolutionworld from which I escaped.

Archie’s gloom hovers around him, paling his lavender skin. “I can’t promise we’ll ever get back there, or that it will still be mine after our interactions with the queen.”

“I know, but we won’t be staying here, no matter what. That inn would be better than this, and maybe we could open a theatre and perform goofy plays to earn our keep.”

Archie is flustered by that idea, while Pennie appears amused. Bastien’s memories of the inn inspire a full-body blush, his sparkling colors illuminating and drawing the attention of the monsters on the street.

I grin at Bastien. “What do you think about taking a walk and letting everyone gawk at us? That should make a statement, shouldn’t it?”

Bastien nods enthusiastically and we both look to Archie and Pennie for guidance, since I am a literal stranger in this strange land of monsters.

“It’s not what a Lady would normally do,” Archie says, “but they’ve never met aLadyquite like you.”

Pennie’s obvious pride soothes me and he assists Bastien in a rapid dismount from the enormous steed.

I glance at my dad, who smiles lopsidedly.

“Making a statement already—that’s my girl.”

“Do you want to stay in the carriage or go for a very public walk?”

He gestures dramatically toward himself. “Me? Avoid the spotlight? I think not.”

Together, we descend the steps and land on the cobblestones, Bastien instantly embracing me.

“This is so exciting,” he gushes in my ear.

I take his hand in mine. “I always thought I would be a terrible model—they have to take themselves seriously and alsoglide—but what do you think about treating this place like our very own runway?”

He bounces in answer.

“Then let’s go.”

Bastien and I, with our hands joined and our different versions of feathers shimmering, turn and stroll through the city. I’m not sure whether to wave or not, but I can’t help it. This is my parade and I’m going to make it memorable. One thing is certain; every eye in the place is on us, the hush like a wave preceding us. Monsters on the main street. Monsters in shops. Monsters in windows in the second-story residences. Everyone watches the spectacle of our arrival.

At first, I enjoy the power, purpose, and silliness of this moment, but we barely make it a block before the harsh truth smacks into my awareness. It’s our audience that provides my needed education, their expressions in particular. Shock appears first. Then wonder, but that doesn’t last. What comes third settles and doesn’t budge. Longing, a deep, endless pit of yearning… forme, or really, what I represent.

They are clearly delighted to behold a Taran, likely for the first time in their lives, but their forlorn gazes remain on me. Gasps echo through the crowd when Archie sets his hand on my shoulder, a protective, possibly possessive, action that causes me to sigh into his touch. Pennie is close, just behind Bastien, while Remy’s knights provide an impressive escort.

Bastien, feeling my growing sorrow, leans closer, his arm around me. I continue walking, knowing this effort still matters, but shame has overtaken my amusement. Following my instincts, I give these city monsters the only gift I can. I look at them. I meet their gazes, seeing them, acknowledging them and their suffering, their silent, gnawing loneliness.

Because there are no women here. Hundreds—possiblythousands—of monsters live in this place and I don’t see a single female—monster or otherwise.

My guilt and embarrassment at my profound cluelessness stings like I’ve annoyed a million wasps. Nico told me about this society and all I thought was how safe I was here, and how nice it was to be special and desired. I didn’t consider the true meaning of a society filled with those unable to find their mates without risking the exact fate that took Nico from us.

It’s not fair… not even slightly.

The queen lost her daughter. She blamed—maybe rightly—the toxic culture and changed this society forever. But how long ago was that? Did every lonely monster staring at me with such desperation deserve this sentence? Why aren’t there other women here? I could name a dozen women who would jump at the chance to experience their own adventures in Monster Land.

“I don’t understand,” I whisper and Archie gives my shoulder a steadying squeeze. “It’s not fair.”

---