Rule number one in resistance: know your opposition.
And this battle wasn't about strength — it was about logic.
I could handle that. I wasn't an honor student and a librarian for nothing. Riddles are tricky, but they're not impossible. You just breathe, think, and choose carefully.
"Should we practice some riddles?" I asked.
Fredo shook his head. "No. He asks them at random. The best thing we can do is relax and rest."
He casually munched on a handful of bugs. I tried not to gag — failed — and he noticed.
"Sorry. That was rude. Do you want dinner?" he offered politely.
"I'm good," I said, forcing a smile.
While we were still discussing strategy, a voice slid through the quiet.
"What do we have here?"
I turned — and there he was.
The snake.
He always showed up like he'd been summoned by fate… or annoyance.
"Vesper?" I asked.
He smirked. "Good. You recognized me. Seems luck keeps bringing us together."
Before I could answer, Fredo leaped backward, putting as much distance as he could between himself and Vesper. Clearly, snakes terrified him.
"Fredo, where are you going?" I called.
"I'll see you tomorrow! First thing — if you're still alive!" he squeaked, tripping as he ran off.
I sighed.
Vesper circled lazily around me. "That's your future leader? Looks like a coward to me."
"He isn't a coward. You're just terrifying," I said flatly.
Why did this snake always find me? Was he tracking me? Watching me?
Still… he'd helped me — more than once. I had to trust him. At least a little.
"Aren't you scared of me?" he asked quietly. "And why bother with weak beings like that frog?"
"I'm not scared because you promised not to hurt me," I said. "And Fredo isn't weak. You just aren't looking deep enough. I believe in him — the same way I believe in you."
He frowned. "Don't compare me to him."
"Sorry. Did I bruise your ego?" I teased, then stood. "If you're not here to help, please go."
He watched me, thoughtful — softer.
"What do you want me to do?"
"Nothing. Just… don't follow me."
I found shelter in another welcoming tree, veiled in long vines like curtains. Inside, the grass glowed faintly and fireflies flickered, lighting my way. For a moment, it reminded me of Gideon.
The quiet. The gentleness.
I hoped he'd found Theo. I hoped he was safe. I hoped he wouldn't waste his life searching for someone like me. He dodged a bullet by not being able to mate with me. I only wish him happiness.
He deserved a simple love — not this chaos. Stop reminiscing already, Sienna!
The trees wrapped me in calm, and thoughts of riddles drifted through my mind until sleep carried me away.
I woke early and waited. Eventually — finally — Fredo appeared.
"Why are you so late?" I asked.
He looked around nervously. "I've been here. I was just making sure the snake wasn't."
"Why are you so afraid? He won't hurt you."
"Not all snakes," he said carefully, "but many are… unreadable. Be cautious."
Smart frog. He warned without accusing.
We headed toward the swamp.
Floating lilies blanketed the waters. Frogs hummed and flicked into synchronized dives. It was all grand and showy, like a cheap festival meant to impress.
Rocco would hate it — once upon a time. Now he'd probably just roll his eyes. He's modest and humble now. A king I am so proud of, someone who deeply cares and now knows what's more valuable than treasure.
The lilies joined together into a path that led straight to the center, where Machava lounged on an emerald throne.
"Oh, welcome back, Prince Fredo," he croaked smugly. "Ready to surrender your pathetic rebellion? And what's this — you brought me an offering?"
Prince?
Fredo — a prince.
That explained the dignity in his voice.
"Give Esther back," Fredo snapped. "And Shelly isn't an offering. We're here to end your rule."
"Yeah," I said, stepping forward. "We're here to beat you. And honestly? I've seen better kingdoms."
Machava smirked. "Brave words. Are you here to play? Prince Fredo — haven't you learned? Your father failed. You have failed. This is your third — and final — chance."
"I'll win this time," Fredo declared. "With Shelly's help. If we win, you leave Desapo forever — and return Esther."
"And if you lose," Machava replied, eyes gleaming, "your head is mine. And the girl is coming with me."
Fredo tensed. "Leave her out of this!"
I squeezed his shoulder. "It's fine. I believe in you. Esther believes in you. You're stronger than you think."
Then I looked at Machava.
"That a deal."
His grin widened.
"Let the game of riddles begin."