‘What is the meaning of this?’ said the king, his voice dripping with outrage. ‘You intrude upon our Revels and demand an audience with the queen? Such boldness in one so young. What do you have to say for yourself?’

This was her moment. Cat knew she couldn’t mess things up. She stood up straight and was about to open her mouth to speak, with she caught sight of Mikey, toying with the hem of the queen’s gown and giggling to himself. For a second, she faltered. He looked so happy. He never looked that happy at home. Jenny too was sitting placidly, smiling up at the queen with a dreamy look. Cat caught Shane’s eye and from the stricken look on his face she knew he had noticed them too.

It’s just this place, she thought to herself. It’s messing with them, making them think they want to stay.

This had to end right now.

‘I–I apologise, um, Your Majesty,’ she stammered. ‘I didn’t mean to be rude, honestly. I only wanted to speak with the queen for a moment. Please.’

For a long time, the fairy rulers said nothing. Their gaze was painful, like looking into the sun, but Cat didn’t look away. Finally, the queen inclined her head the barest amount.

‘Speak,’ she said.

‘Thank you,’ Cat said. ‘My name is Caitriona, and this is Shane. We came here tonight, through great danger, to ask that you give us back our brother and sister.’

The Queen of the Fairies raised a perfectly arched eyebrow, but said nothing.

‘Return your siblings? Child, that is impossible. Did you honestly come here on this most sacred of nights to insult my wife?’ said the king, with indignation.

Cat shook her head. ‘No, Your Majesty. I swear I’m not trying to insult anyone. I just want my little brother back. I … I love him and I will do whatever it takes to bring him home. We know we’re asking for a lot, and we don’t expect you to just give them up, so we want to offer you an exchange.’

‘Go on,’ said the queen, her interest piqued.

‘We’ve brought things of great personal value that we’ll be happy to give you in exchange for Mikey and Jenny’s freedom.’

Cat reached up to take off her necklace only to realise in a moment of horror that there was nothing there.

‘Oh no,’ she said, quietly enough only Shane could hear.

‘What are you doing?’ he whispered. ‘Give her the necklace.’

‘I can’t,’ she said. ‘It’s … it’s gone. I used it to ward off the Dullahan.’

Comprehension dawned on Shane’s face and Cat felt her heart rate speed up. What had she been thinking, throwing her one bargaining chip away like that? Why hadn’t she held onto it? She had gotten them into this mess and now she had no way of getting them out of it.

‘Well?’ said the queen, looking at her expectantly. ‘What would you offer us in place of your brother’s freedom?’