Miracle Child

The Raptor Guard

We returned back to the dining room just as desert was being served. The Fae seemed to be thoroughly enjoying their time here, especially since everyone seemed immensely uncomfortable with their presence. I walked in, my head high displaying my crown with pride, and I cherished their reactions like none other. The Fae Prince’s jaw dropped at the sight of me, his utensils clattering to the table when he dropped them. His eyes roamed over me, something hungry in them despite the shock, and I offered him only a cold glance before turning my attention to the other Fae male. The females were both shocked as well, but they hid it quite well, going unnaturally still as they stared at me, but it was the King’s expression that I soaked in happily. He was furious. I could tell by the way the smile slipped entirely off his face and his amethyst eyes darkened as his pupils grew. His face seemed to grow more inhuman, like his wife’s had earlier, and he began to glow with light.

“I feel much better now,” I said as I slouched into my chair again with a smirk, “Red suits me so much better, don’t you think?” I could just imagine how I looked. Lazy, pretentious, and undeniably beautiful. I didn’t know why the Fae king seemed to hate red so much, but I would go out of my way to wear it every single damn day if it got this reaction from him. Vinox, instead of returning to his majesty’s side, remained behind me.

“And such a more difficult packaging should make her unwrapping more work than its worth,” my mother said as she entered the room, “right, King?” She’d played off the dress as more of a conservative option rather than the way it seemed to resemble blood, but I allowed it.

“I happen to enjoy a challenge,” the prince said, and I turned my gaze to him. He obviously took my mother’s words for the truth, completely ignoring any other meaning, but still, somehow, managed to come to the exact wrong conclusion.

“Is your son stupid?” I asked the king suddenly. It was brazen, and every mortal in the room froze. The king, still too upset by my clothing choice to voice anything, just glowered at me, so I turned to the Fae male who, for some unknown reason, believed I wished him to undress me. “If you even attempt to touch me, Prince,” I said sweetly as I scooped up a piece of the chocolate dessert on my plate, “I will remove your manhood and preserve it to display like a trophy in my rooms.” I took the bite of dessert, not even tasting the flavors as I ate it slowly, “Or would the correct term be malehood?”

I turned my eyes, curiously around to each Fae in the room for an answer before glancing at the one behind me. He was already watching me, something like amusement in his eyes, and I raised my eyebrows at him, expectantly. He seemed to consider his answer before finally nodding once. I turned back to the prince to find his staring at me, pale and shocked. I guess the idea that I wouldn’t want him was too much for his little brain to handle.

“I’ve found my appetite has left me,” the King said as he glanced at Vinox over my head, “We will be leaving ahead of schedule,” he continued as he stood. The three Fae seated did the same, and my family followed in suite. I was the only one to remain seated. He shot me a disapproving glance before looking back at the Fae male behind me, “See to it that she gets to Erythium before nightfall.”

My heart leapt with joy and triumph. This was a win. No matter how small and insignificant in the grand scheme of things, I had won. I wouldn’t be returning with the Fae King to be some sort of spectacle he’d show off whenever he arrived. It was a fight to keep my grin hidden, to keep looking bored and uninterested. I didn’t bother getting up to walk them out, and soon, the only people left in the dining room was Vinox and myself.

“Faerie?” I asked, taking to addressing him by that which he hated so thoroughly, “Why does our dear Fae King hate this dress so much?” I asked sweetly as I stood and turned to him.

“Perhaps I would tell you,” he said with a dark look, “if you quit insulting me so, Princess.” I raised my eyebrows at him before a smirk curled my mouth.

“Why would I ever do that?” I asked innocently, “Especially when you do the same?” I pointed out his use of my title so sourly, and he stared at me.

“Durkain, then,” he conceded, and I scowled.

“I have a name,” I said, and he just looked at me. I sighed at him. At least that was better than his mocking “princess.” I looked over him, and I considered calling him by his name, but if he wouldn’t, then I certainly wouldn’t either. “What is your title?” I asked instead, and he looked at me, somewhat approvingly, but mostly surprised.

“I am Commander Vinox of the Raptor Guard."