Not mine. My Fae damned soul mate was still edgy.
I barely restrained myself from rubbing my chest.
The rulers and I quieted, nothing more to say to each other.
We observed the filling room, our people now arriving on the outer edges. The light from the flame-decorated chandeliers bounced off of the wooden planks of the domed ceiling, casting a golden glow on everyone in attendance. The balcony that circled above swarmed with prattling elves, some leaning over the railing to watch the events below them with excitement. The musicians sat on their chairs, silent for now, in the adjacent corner to where King Traevon’s throne sat upon a stage—a smaller, less regal chair next to it for his soul mate and an equally small but just as lavish royal throne for his heir. Harried servants bustled about the room as drinks were served to the invited while every available space against the wall was lined with sentries in red.
The party was in full swing.
The three rulers and I perked up at the commotion nearby.
King Traevon’s voice was muffled behind the door that we stood in front of. “Where in the Fairy is Trixie?”
“She is coming. My prodigy had her hands full with her,” Minnie stated almost too quietly to hear through the thick wood. “And…”
“What?” King Traevon asked, ample trepidation coating his tone. “What has she done this time? This is her first official appearance in our kingdom. She knows better than to—”
“She hasn’t run away. Calm yourself. She should be here at any moment. But she asked for a more…feminine…dress than the one you picked for her. You should prepare yourself.”
No response came from the elf king.
“She looks very beautiful. You must tell her that. She is a grown woman now, and she is proud of it.”
Still, no remark made.
“Traevon…” Minnie warned quietly. “She is bloody nervous about meeting her kingdom. Do not say anything that will make her fear worse.”
Dry,drywords. “She is clothed, right?”
My eyebrows shot up high on my forehead.
She had better damned well be clothed…
I narrowed my gaze at the elves standing within close proximity.
Fuck.Why hadn’t I realized this before?
They were here for her, not just their king.
King Elon rolled his eyes and sighed, drinking heavily from his glass. He whispered under his breath, “Fae help me when I eventually have children.”
Queen Mikko nodded in agreement.
Queen Alora patted at her multi-hued hair, bored.
“Of course, she is clothed,” Minnie stated…hesitantly.
“Fucking Fairy. How bad is it?”
“Her outfit is refined. And stunning. We made a beautiful child together, my love,” Minnie reassured. “Here she comes now.”
“Oh my… Fuck, is that a scarf?” King Traevon rumbled in harsh—quiet—words. “Tell her to change.Now.”
“Not a chance. Comport yourself,” Minnie whispered. Then she spoke louder, pride evident in her every word. “You look beautiful, my Trixie. Are you ready?”
“I think so,” Princess Trixie stated softly—genuine unease shaking her voice. “Father…do you think I look okay?”
I had never heard her as such, my spine unconsciously straightening at the tone. And I wasn’t the only one. All the rulers surrounding me reacted to it, a young voice in need of defending, everyone stiffening. One by one, we scowled at the door the longer King Traevon waited to reassure his child—our protective, royal nature couldn’t be concealed.
