Of Gods & Fey

13-Dahlia

It took a little over an hour, or at least that was what I assumed. Time didn't work quiet the same in our world as it did the mortal realm. When I arrived though I stepped out of the carriage we'd used to get there, Mikas already out and waiting for me and Star soon enough stepping behind me.

Star was excited, I could see it practically written on her face as she looked around. I'd never let her come out to one of these before but maybe for once it was going to be ok. Leaning to the side, I pressed a kiss against the temple of Star's head and let her know she could go and mingle but to be careful and make sure she was kind to everyone she came across.

Star didn't wait at all and said thank you at least three time before she wandered off to see what the ball was all about. Mikas moved up beside me and cleared his throat, grabbing my attention immediately as I looked over at him instead of where Star had just vanished into the crowd.

"So, what's the plan?"

I looked at and raised my brows slowly, glancing away. "Where's the booze?" I asked immediately.

He snorted and shook his head before a voice grabbed the attention of both of us. "What took you so long to get here, pris?"

I looked over at Reno, his crown sitting perfectly on his head. He was for once dressed to the nines, even for a court ball. Tilting my head to take in the sight, I narrowed my eyes some at him. "Are you trying to get yourself a wife or something?"

"I just wanted to make everyone jealous that they can't have this." He grinned and looked towards Mikas. "Mikas, buddy!"

Mikas just stood there staring at him before quickly throwing a punch at him that hit him in the stomach and watching as he doubled over in response. Clearing his throat, Mikas looked around making sure no one saw him and shrugged.

"Sorry, you got too close to my Queen."

"Still a d**k as always." Reno chuckled as he straightened slowly. "So, Dal, they've already started asking about you and how you're not out there trying to get seen already."

"Oh no."

"Oh yes."

"Where's the booze?" I asked him desperately, the panic in my voice evident. "I can't do this sober. I hate these damn things, I hate it here. These people are absolutely insane, Reno."

"You have definitely been in the mortal realm way too long." Reno poked at me. "They're of course just the same as ever!"

"That's the problem." I whined and shook my head, lifting my skirt some so I could briskly walk froward to go find out where they were hiding the booze at so I could get some.

***

"Dahlia."

I lifted my eyes slowly, looking over the goblet that I had been drinking from to see one of the other fey rulers. It was Mab and she was staring me straight in the face, she was the Winter Court Queen and she was obsessed with constantly trying to marry me off to one of her sons. It was something I wish she would just stop already; I was never going to marry into her weird family.

"Hello!" I smiled brightly in turn, trying to just sound and be as friendly as I possibly could with her.

"I hear that you still haven't wed anyone." She pressed immediately, bringing her own goblet to her dark lips. "Two of my boys are still unwed, you'd make a marvelous wife for both of them."

"Unfortunately, I'm really just not looking." I responded with a small shrug to her. "I do appreciate your offers though, I'm sure your sons are amazing."

If I was going to be honest? They were. The boys were great kids, Demetrius was silent but always kind when left alone and her younger son, Aster, he had always been an amazingly kind man. It was hard to believe he was her son, though. He was nothing like her at all. Her eldest son though, Kerwin? He was just like her, though it seemed he vanished and I had to wonder where and why.

Mab paused, pursing her lips as she turned her attention to me and looked me over slowly before her eyes snapped back up and she clicked her tongue. "Do you truly think that anyone can rule an entire court alone, Dahlia? It's selfish. You'll become the laughingstock of the courts; you need to marry."

"Look, Mab," I said as I slowly set my goblet down staring at her. "I appreciate you looking out for me but I do not need any help. I've been doing great without the help and my court is performing flawlessly. I'm not entirely sure the same could be said about some of you."

"You little b***h!" Mab's eyes widened, her hand raising immediately.

As her hand moved to come down to strike me, Mikas stepped in and caught it mid air, staring straight at her. "Excuse me but I will not allow you to lay a hand on my lady," His eyes narrowed menacingly, "She also is currently courting someone, don't worry yourself with the affairs of her love life, please."

Mab just stared at him almost looking appalled by what had happened. Quickly she took a step back from him, nothing else was said as she instead turned and walked off quickly away from both of us. Probably one of the only upsides to having Mikas as a personal Knight was everyone was afraid of him so no one f****d with me when he was near.

"You just lied to her, Mikas." I told him flatly.

"Did I?" He turned his body to look at me, a smirk laying on his lips. "I think I was rather dead on with what I said, Dahlia."

"I..." I stared at him, feeling flustered immediately. "Stop f*****g with me, Mikas!"

"I need to seriously meet this Jude, he must be something. He's managed to make our lovely Queen not want any male Fey and certainly has made you reject the idea of marrying one." He whistled low. "Bit strange after how you were when we were growing up I might add."

"Oh no you don't!" I pointed at him, narrowing my eyes. "We do not talk about younger me, I was a mess, we know this."

"Have it your way, Dahl." He chuckled and shrugged.