The She-Wolf in Fae Clothes

Forgettable. Boring. Outsider. These were some of the things used to describe Melody. She was used to it when she was younger, but nowadays, she was seen as someone to look up to. A model fae princess. Growing up as a fairy with unusual white hair and pearlescent wings would cause other fae to look down on her; after all, white was considered the mark of madness and cruelty among them. Lesser known though, was that it was also the mark of a powerful healer and lunar magic wielder. Which is exactly what Melody was. She had spent almost her entire life dedicating her talents and hard work to the people of her kingdom she would eventually rule over with her fiance, Lirael White. Lirael White. What a prince. He and Melody had been betrothed as young children, with them being inseparable as babies, it only made sense to have them planned to be the future rulers of the fae kingdom. The clacking of hooves on cobble acted as a sort of white noise for the princess as she rode to the Ivory Palace. Today was the day of her engagement party, and she was a bit nervous to finally be shown to the other kingdoms alongside Lirael in a regal capacity. She was used to their informal meetings, their secret hideaways together where they would divulge their innermost thoughts and affections to one another through the thin layer of self control they had to maintain, in case prying eyes were watching. But now, she would be allowed to openly show him love and care (in a controlled manner, of course) in front of an audience. After all, this was the same prince who stood up for her every time she faced conflict and hate from other fae, encouraging her to believe in herself and that she wasn't cursed with madness. He was the only fae she could count on to genuinely believe in her, powers or not. "My lady, we've arrived." Her coachman, Oberon spoke quietly from behind the curtain that hid Melody inside the carriage. Oberon was a slightly older fae with graying black hair and sapphire blue eyes, his wings large and resembling that of a luna moth. He spoke only when he had to, and had been a silent guardian for Melody for most of her life, always in the background watching and helping as needed. He was sort of a father figure for her, as she was used to her own biological father being absent due to work. "Thank you, Oberon. Are all the other kings and queens inside the main hall?" Melody fidgetted with her dress uncomfortably, the delicate fabrics and silks feeling a bit stuffy now that they had arrived and she would be expected to put on her best airs of royalty. "No, the last of the guests, the Lycan King, will be arriving soon." Oberon spoke with some disdain in his voice at the mention of the lycan king, Sullivan Black. It was no secret that the other kingdoms had their reservations about the werewolves- their hierarchy rigid, their social workings somewhat toxic, and their devotion to the Moon Goddess somewhat... radical. They were dangerous, easily angered. The complete opposite of the kingdom of fae. Sure, the fae were chaotic and violent when a ruler wasn't present, but when one is present, they are the most organized and cooperative people one could find in all the realms. No fae would find themselves discriminated against for rank in the hierarchy, for every single citizen was considered necessary for a functioning society. At least, that's what Melody had always known. "Is my fiance just going to hide in her carriage? Shall I carry her out here?" The smooth, honey like voice of a man was muffled slightly by the door, but it was unmistakably Lirael's. The door practically flew off the hinges as Melody opened it with excitement, her eyes sparkling with anticipation for what Lirael might look like all dressed up in a suit. He was absolutely gorgeous. His broad shoulders were complimented by his suit, his warm, strong hands hidden by clean white gloves and his hair was simply brushed back by his fingers, the silver strands kept somewhat in place by the golden crown upon his brow. His lips curved into a grin as his onyx black eyes followed Melody's movements as she stepped down from her carriage. His wings shivered a bit, the bright, sun filled orange and yellow hues of his monarch wings barely containing his own excitement upon seeing his promised. Holding his arm out, Melody curtsied, her head bowed low as she then took his arm and the two began to walk side by side up the stairs into the main hall. "You look so handsome tonight, Lirael. I had no idea you could actually take care of yourself." Melody jabbed at him, remembering all the times the prince had worn less than formal clothing to see her. Especially not his crown- Gods forbid anything happen to the royal jewels. "You wound me, Melody. You act as if you've discovered a diamond where only a river worn stone should be." Lirael glanced down at her in mock arrogance, "Unlike you, I can recognize beauty when it's a mile away. Which must be why my heart hasn't calmed in the last half hour." A blush began to rise to Melody's cheeks and she hid it by using her free hand to pull the veil attached to her hair jewelry down over her face. "Then I unfortunately must hide it from you now- after all, it's tradition." The veil was meant as a form of humility and humbleness, to show the people and other kingdoms that the queen was down to earth and just as regular as her citizens- not making her out to be any more special than even the common fae. As the pair continued to make their way up into the main hall, Melody suddenly felt a large, looming presence near them. It stank of pine, a raging river, and death. The air event felt a few degrees colder, tension suddenly so thick it threatened to choke her and fill her lungs. "Ah, Sullivan Black. How wonderful for you to arrive. I'm sorry the ride over was so... complex. It's just to ensure no humans follow you." Lirael subtly pulled Melody closer to his side, seeming a little on edge now that the lycan king had appeared. The large, imposing man eyed the prince and princess with what Melody could have sworn was amusement, his ruby red eyes flecked with gold flashing dangerously in the candlelight. He stooped low in his bow, his long, raven black hair kept back in a low hanging ponytail. Wisps of hair tickled his cheeks and framed his face, and he gingerly took Melody's hand, kissing the back of it. As he did, Melody felt something... strange. Electricity tingled in her fingers and ran up her arm through her body. The intense sensation of connection rang through her ears like a bell tolling her fate. "Good evening, Prince Lirael and Princess Melody. I hope your announcement and entering of the royal courts goes well tonight. It has been far too long since the fae kingdom was active in the affairs of us lesser beings. We could use your... ancient wisdoms and knowledge again." Was this- sarcasm? The reason the fae had stepped out of the affairs of other kingdoms was due to the aggression from the lycans and dragons- feeling as though the trickster magic and cunning of the fae were an insult and danger to them. Anger threatened to rise up inside Melody, but it was calmed quickly by Lirael's gentle tone. "Thank you, your Highness. I hope you enjoy the festivities tonight." "I most certainly will, princeling." With a long drag of his gaze up and down Melody's figure, he turned sharply around and made his way into the main hall of the palace. Feeling somewhat vulnerable and undressed by the king's piercing gaze, she looked to Lirael with an uneasy smile and prepared herself for what she feared would be a long night ahead.