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Fairy DebtGail Carriger

Young adult fantasy short story

Fairy Debt

by Gail Carriger

Book 1 of the Short Stories series

Cups cannot grow the wings that mark an adult fairy because a death promise binds her to a neighboring king. Hoping to fulfill the debt, she enters his castle as the least of its jesters and searches for a way to serve without surrendering herself. Cupcakes, tea daemons, Earth dragons, and unexpected allies turn an intimidating obligation into a lesson about friendship and acceptance. Sweet and whimsical, this very short fantasy suits younger readers and adults seeking fairy-tale comedy, small heroes, gentle magic, and a complete adventure that values courage and kindness more than grandeur.

Paired for this story

Goblin Market Cordial + Honeyed Reading Mead

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At a glance

Know what you're getting into

Spice0 of 5
Suspense2 of 5
Creepy1 of 5
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No surprises at chapter twelve

Content notes

Fantasy danger and violence

Alcohol-Free Pour

Goblin Market Cordial

Pomegranate and blackberry cordial lend a fairy-tale glass to Cups's debt, clever service, and hope of finding her wings.

What you'll need

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How to mix it

  1. Combine the noncarbonated ingredients in a glass or shaker and stir or shake until mixed. Pour over ice, top with any carbonated ingredient, and stir gently.
  2. Garnish: Use a matching citrus wheel, berry, or herb from the recipe when available.
  3. Glassware: Highball glass.
21+

Cocktail Pour · 21+

Honeyed Reading Mead

For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.

For adult readers, traditional honey mead offers a golden, gently celebratory companion to Cups's fairy promise and hope of finally finding her wings.

What you'll need

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Alcohol-shopping links are not shown on children's or young-adult book pages.

How to mix it

  1. Pour into a small wine glass. Serve chilled or at the temperature recommended on your chosen bottle.
  2. Enjoy plain, or add a strip of orange peel if desired.

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