Ordinary

What the HELL

As we emerged from the woods, the path widened and I could see the surrounding area. Neat rows of houses, a huge sports venue off to one side. A smart little city with quaint shops, bustling with activities over the cobblestone streets...and finally a castle. *A freaking castle*. The more we walked, the more anxious I became... waiting for Serenity to turn down one of the adorable streets towards her new home. But as we passed the last of the larger homes, my incredulity grew. She was living in the castle. Just what the f*****g fairy tale was going on here? My inner brat began to pant, *Pack.pack.pack* making my head hurt.

"ReeNee (ReKnee)" I called, using her childhood nickname. "What's going on here?" i stopped moving my feet. Demanding an explanation.

She turned but wouldn't meet my eyes. "Mom," she said, grabbing my arm and pulling harder than I thought she could. " I know this all seems strange. But I will explain tonight at dinner. Is dad not coming then?" she asked, keeping her eyes focused on Dravens' wide back.

"Yeah, baby. You know he wasn't going to go for this. I'm sorry," I said, shaking my head pitifully, but cuffing her under my arm for comfort. Why does my daughter feel as if she's made of steel? Like Kalix. Like Draven. What the hell is going on here?

My expression must have given me away. I don't have a poker face, remember. Not a game player.

"At dinner. I promise. Draven's family is joining us tonight," Serenity piped up excitedly.

To say the room was opulent would be an understatement. Marble, plush carpets, soft lighting, linen fabrics and silks. I wandered in a circle for 20 whole minutes, afraid to touch anything with my muckety muck hands.

I could hear a huge clock in the hallway chime 6pm. Thirty minutes till dinner. I guess I should dress. Serenity told me it would be informal but that I should dress." What the hell does that mean?" my inner brat asked exasperatedly. "I'm going to hell if I know," I shrugged and began searching for a dinner dress that wasn't too fancy.

What was I talking about? I didn't know anything about fancy. Never had that privilege. I pulled out a dark blue summer dress of chiffon and rayon *wrinkle free* my head teased. I shook it out and headed toward the en-suite bathroom.

Solid gold fixings, crown molding and more marble greeted me. This was the most decadent bathroom I'd ever seen. I showered in the huge space that could've held my entire family... then began to dress, 10 minutes to go.

Great. I didn't traditionally wear much makeup. I put on mascara and a little lip stain. Brushed my thick eyebrows, then drifted toward the door.

I yelped when I pulled it open. Kalix was standing there, in a dress coat... with his arm extended for me to take. "May I escort you to dinner, Mrs. Renford?" he asked as a formality. Without his guidance, I most likely wouldn't arrive until the next week. This castle was so big.

And it was a genuine castle. Traditional stone, hard wood doors, a tower with a turret... the whole nine. Someone was indulgent, but it felt old. Ancient. We wound through corridors and hallways, a pleasant silence surrounding us as my eyes scanned continually taking in all the surrounding magic.

I couldn't believe my daughter lived here. Kalix walked us up to double doors, pushing on the ring, they both swung open. I heard someone introduce my name.

Mrs. DeAnne Renford, mother of Luna Serenity.

The dining hall was full of watchful eyes, most smiling... some not.

Kalix placed my arm on his again, and lead me to the back of the room where Serenity, Draven and an unknown man sat on a raised Dias. He held my elbow as I ascended the stairs...then pulled my chair for me. Right next to Serenity. She beamed at me, then sat.

The dinner commenced, servers billowing in from doors along the wall I never noticed on the way in. Calming classical music flitted in the air as I observed the most ridiculous dinner circus I've ever beheld.

The man sitting at Draven's elbow smirked. Coughing into his hand to cover a laugh. I frowned. Then he sniffed the air and growled loudly.

Everyone's bucked eyes flew to his... which were glowing red.

"Mmmmmmate" he rumbled. His salt and pepper beard standing out starkly against his heated skin.

Draven looked down at his plate, his jaw locking in place... but every other eye in the room turned to me.