I barely slept all day. My mind swirling with thoughts and possibilities.

‘What may bound Dumarque and Vadas?’

‘What to expect from tonight?’

‘Will be Dumarque present?’

‘Is Vadas for war to begin or he is just trying to answer Allaway’s expectations, to get closer?’

And so on.

I was tired. Waking at sunset I hardly could open my eyes.

I made my way to the kitchen desperately needing some caffeine in my system, but froze in the doorway upon seeing my butler kissing my maid-

“Whoa, guys I’m really happy for you but I don’t want to see this, get a room” I exclaimed covering my eyes for emphasis.

Jocelyn blushed deeply, looking down. But this freaking pup got a knife and threw it in my direction. I moved from its way causing it to pierce the wall, and getting a scream from Jo.

“That’s for not knocking.” He grumbled in a hoarse voice.

“What?! Seriously?! It’s actually my house” I replied retrieving the knife beside my head and throwing it back causing another hole in the wall and another scream. ”So next time, get a room” I continued. Then after soothing Jocelyn a bit explaining that that wasn’t serious we finally ate our breakfast as nothing happened.

I prepared a few hours for the reception. My hair was curled in soft, slightly pink waves, it's upper part braided in complicated models with small black flowers in it, but a little disheveled like I just had some fun in a corner. My long pointed ears had a few pairs of silver earrings each, makeup was lite, but the neckline of my dress…actually what I’m talking about? There is no fucking neckline! My breasts almost fall out of the corset, the last ended at my slim waist accentuating my feminine body lines, from there diaphanous fabric flowed down to the floor in layers showing my legs when I move. It was shimmering and black, thus making my skin appear almost white. So tonight I’m something between a whore and a lady. I’ll instantly pop in a crowd.

I hid a dagger in my corset, growling at my reflection for the last time I headed for the door, it was almost midnight so the guests must start to arrive at the reception.

Jade met me by the entrance.

“Take care, okay?!” concern visible in his eyes.

“Yes daddy, but it’s not my first time,” I replied with a smirk.

“Sky I’m not joking, I’ll be around but everything can happen. Just be careful, please.”

“I’ll try my best. I managed to slide a dagger in my dress.”

He sighed in relief at that. I chuckled at his reaction.

“Tamor sent you this,” he said, giving me a small box. When he opened it there was a layered, silver choker with tiny diamonds. Perfect for the dress. He put it around my neck, giving me an encouraging smile.

We left the house in silence, then parted ways. He was going to backup me from the shadows, just in case.

The mansion was awesome. Elegant, in pale blue and white colors of the palace. The carriage stopped at the welcoming entrance, the columns were decorated with flowers and ivy.

A young elf approached and helped me out. He was wearing a gray uniform, his pointed ears shorter than mine, my fangs longer, which were the only physical difference between our kinds. Light elves’ powers are closer to nature, like help plants grow, healing, summon a bit of water, and so on. Fae on the overhand could control elements, summon things, use telekinesis, etc. But not all at once, even the king has just 3 of them, which was rare. That’s why our community is pretty balanced, a lot of creatures coexist together because we complete each other using skills to improve not destroy, however not all kingdoms are the same.

There are Seelie and Unseelie Courts, not literally Courts of course, more like categories to divide, light, and dark creatures. Usually, they live apart but in our kingdom, there are lots of Unseelie, however, they don't create chaos. They just want a peaceful life despite their nature that they don't even choose at birth.

Even here there are a lot of troubles. For example, a pair is arguing, temper rising and they start throwing their powers it’s a common thing but they’ll be punished for major damage. Yet again, there are not so many that strong creatures.

Usually, houses are warded from any influences except the owner, he also can grant someone permission to use his skills.

I showed my invitation to the butler who was also an elf. He welcomed me announcing aloud my presence. The owner (an elf again) came to salute me with his wife at his hand. It was a new one by the way.

Fairies marry easy. Their vows aren’t supposed to last forever, because they may live like a 1000 years so the vows sound more like ‘till one get tired of another’ or ‘until the one find another fairy to love’, also there may be specified the time 'for 50 years from now' and so on. Not the most beautiful part of being a fairy I know. Although there are exceptions. Even the king is supposed to have one queen and reverse. Most prefer not to marry at all.

We exchanged some courtesies and I continued my way inside. I spotted some of my acquaintances from previous missions as Lylia and socialized a bit to maintain the façade.

From inside the mansion was just as beautiful. Charming candlelight embraced the rooms, making the white, shining marble look warm and welcoming. The furniture was simple yet classy.

So many creatures were invited. From elves to dwarfs, from imps to redcaps. Shapes, fangs, claws, horns, tails, fur, wings. Everything was present here. The colorful world of night.

I was absorbing the beauty, walking around the rooms. Although I was a destroyer, my artistic nature was always present.

After some time I spotted Vadas, and he was glaring at me but soon his gaze softened, he smiled and came my way. My inner voice told me something was off. Vadas reached me just when the music started to play a waltz.

“I recall a promise,” he said taking my hand and kissing it gently.

“I always keep mines” I gave him my best smile, biting my lower lip and exposing a long fang. As expected my mouth immediately caught his attention, a good sign. When he led me to the dance floor my back was targeted by a bunch of jealous gazes, so he was a prize in the high world.

When he put his hands on my waist I stiffened a bit, something was really off. I willed myself to relax, at least Vadas took this change in my body as his merit. When I laid my hands on him I felt his hard muscles under an expensive, gold-green suit. It fitted him perfectly, making him look somehow royal. Actually, Vadas reminded me of those 'prince-charming' from trivial books about princesses. He moved us in perfect circles all over, swaying our bodies under music rhythm. I just followed him obediently as he expected from me when he invited me for this dance, making evident his dominant behavior. We exchanged the usual courtesies.

“What a stroke of luck to own such a beauty tonight” he confessed after some time in between compliments, and that awakened my inner cat that wanted to play a bit with the mouse.

“Oh, but with all due respect, you don’t own me” I gifted him the sweetest smile.

“Just yet.”

“Ha-ha- that is some confidence, don’t you think?”

“Indeed” he responded leaning closer to whisper in my ear “but I do want to own you tonight, sweetheart, I promise I’ll make you beg.” His deep voice sending shivers down my spine and cause my knees to buckle a bit. He loved his effect on me. I felt weak to be tempted like that but what female won’t be after all?

I blushed furiously looking down from his all-knowing smile.

Just then music stopped and we headed off the dance floor.

“I would like to repeat this.” he sighed contently.

“That would be my pleasure,” I replied still blushing.

Just then another pair approached us. Allaway and his mistress I suppose, the last one giving me a look like I stole her dinner. You may picture the minister as a fat little guy, well he was not, he was also a thoroughbred fae and was a tall, brown-haired male looking in his late 20’ with delicate, almost feminine features, and a hungry grin on his face. His cold, blue gaze analyzing me from head to toe and back, if something I thought he was gay. If my will I would kick his balls right now, but I turned to Vadas for support giving him power over my fate. He understood my plea and hold me closer.

“Oh, Lylia, sweetheart, meet Vernon Allaway, the minister of war, and my immediate superior.” He reluctantly made the presentation, with a warning in his tone.

“It is nice to meet you, Lord Allaway.” I recited sweetly.

“The pleasure is mine Miss Lylia” he replied, grinning, making me feel like I bathed in oil. Despite the sensation, I gave my best smile.

“Basil, I am afraid I need to leave you, for now, I think I saw my step-uncle entering the ballroom” I excused myself, accentuating his name to appear more intimate. One look at me and he understood my need to escape.

“Of course, I’ll see you soon for another dance.” he promised, gently kissing my cheek, “Be a good girl, sweetheart” he whispered not so silent in my ear. Before going I took a look at Allaway and saw his eyes darkening. I think I just poke the lion’s nose.