Ballerina Interrupted

Chapter 16

When she transformed into a butterfly, the caterpillars spoke not of her beauty, but of her weirdness. They wanted her

to change back into what she always had been. But she had wings.

-Dean Jackson

It began as an itch, traveling up and down her spine until it settled in the center of her back. Rose knew she was dreaming and was trying to wake herself up but couldn’t, even when the itch suddenly shifted into igniting fire. Then she began to scream and cry, begging for herself to wake up.

* * * * * * * * * *

Fen’s eyes instantly opened the moment he heard her first whimper. He was by her side in an instant just as she began to moan and cry out in pain.

“Rose,” Fen pulled the covers back and quickly grasped her bare shoulders and that was when he noticed that she was still asleep.

“Rose, it’s okay.” Fen sat down on the edge of her bed and gathered her into his arms, concerned when she still would not wake. “Shhhhh. I’m here Rose. I’m here.” Fen kissed her temple, his heart lurching when she murmured, “It hurts . . .”

“What hurts? Is someone hurting you?” Fen grew enraged at whatever nightmare was plaguing her. Rose didn’t answer him. She released one last small cry before burying her face into his bare chest and heaving a few shaky breaths until they evened out, letting him know that it had passed and she was able to sleep peacefully now.

Not taking any chances, Fen carefully tucked themselves back into her bed, keeping her cradled against him. When his hand smoothed her hair down her back, it paused when it reached the center of her spine.

Frowning, Fen stretched his neck to lean over and look at the spot where his hand was; right where it was scorching hot with sweat making her nighty stick to her skin.

Gingerly lifting the edge of nighty which Fen would complain later about how indecent it was, Fen’s wolf eyes glowed as they took in the fading marks of what looked like the start of a red and black tattoo.

“No . . .” Fen whispered. His thumb tracing the last remnants before the colors disappeared altogether and her porcelain skin remained pristine again. Gently pulling her nighty back down in place even though he thought it was rather pointless since it hardly covered anything, Fen held her tightly to him.

“Don’t worry, I will protect you.” Fen whispered his promise into her hair before closing his eyes and drifting off into a restless sleep filled with worry and anxiety for his Kahmarád.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Rose felt herself smile as she snuggled in closer to whatever she was hugging. As she began to slowly wake, Rose’s hands realized that they weren’t caressing a pillow but bare, warm skin. Her eyes snapped wide open and she let out a small gasp when she found herself nose to nose with a sleeping Fen.

Trying to shift away, Rose was only able to go on her back as Fen’s heavy arm held her trapped under its weight. Staring wide-eyed at the ceiling, Rose tried to breathe and not think of where his arm was resting or the fact that he suddenly was pulling her closer until his nose and lips were nuzzling the length of her neck.

Rose released an involuntary shiver before finally deciding to put a stop to this the only way she knew how. Gingerly grabbing onto his wrist, Rose expertly got up and twisted his arm to his backside in one smooth motion.

Fen released a soft moan.

She sat on him for good measure as she pressed his arm up until she knew he was fully awake when he finally yelped.

“What are you doing in my bed!?” Rose demanded. She tried to remain focused but her eyes kept traveling down his bare back and all the rippling muscles that begged to be touched. Shaking her head, Rose applied more pressure on his arm out of anger.

Fen released a grunt and before she knew it, he had her flipped over so she was on her back, arms held above her head as Fen stared down at her. Then he smiled that wolfish grin as his eyes perused up her form. In her position, her nighty had no choice but to ride up and reveal her underwear and toned stomach.

Rose cleared her throat and glared when his swirling golden eyes met back with hers.

“As much as I wish to enjoy the view, I wish to clear my name and be honest with you.” Fen began, his eyes cooling down to match his tone.

“I heard you last night. You must have been having a nightmare but you sounded in pain so I came in to check on you. You wouldn’t wake up though, so I stayed and held you. That was when you finally stopped crying and seemed to finally be able to rest. Do you remember what you were dreaming of?” he asked, brows knitted in concern.

Rose blinked, seeming to remember feeling a searing hot pain but nothing else. Her mind was in a complete fog. She shook her head. “I don’t remember the dream . . . but I do remember feeling pain at one point.”

Fen nodded as he gently released his hold on her wrists. As he straightened and got up, Rose noted the draw-string pants which hung low on his narrow hips. Her eyes traveled back up to his bare chest, white as snow without a single blemish.

“We best get ready so we can leave and get back to Terrathelle,” Fen stated. Rose mentally shook herself and focused her sights elsewhere as she murmured her agreement.

Just as Fen was about to walk back into his room, he suddenly turned and looked at her with a crooked grin and said, “You can take that nighty back with you. It suits you.” He winked, his form disappearing before Rose could even react.

Making sure their adjoining door was locked, Rose marched straight to the armoire, muttering, “I most certainly will not!”

As she picked out the only decent travel dress from the armoire, Rose could hear Fen laughing. Shaking her head, Rose wrinkled her nose at her reflection provided by the giant mirror attached to one of the armoire’s doors.

It’s not that the dress was ugly. It was quite pretty, if you were going to a tea party or a fancy picnic in the garden. The dress had thin straps that criss-crossed on her backside, making it feel bare. The smooth material, the color of a vibrant sunset, flowed easily down her curves before breaking into identical splits just as it reached her knees.

“Ugh!” Rose groaned at her selection of strappy sandals. Some had dangerous heels which she quickly dismissed. Though Fen was teleporting them back, she knew they had to do some walking and put distance from the Court before he could.

“Guess these will do.” Rose muttered as she shut the armoire with a loud thud and sat down on the stool to put on a pair of gold sandals that strapped around the ankles.

“Now then,” Rose sighed as she got up, a bit surprised to find the entire outfit quite comfortable even if it was impractical. After splashing scented water over her face and arms, Rose tackled her long hair.

“Let me.” Drisana’s voice said from behind her. Rose jumped, heart pounding from being startled at not hearing her approach let alone come in.

Instead of apologizing, Drisana hummed a melody as her fingers expertly wove in and out of her hair until it was in a complicated braid that resembled a Dutch braid.

“There,” Drisana tucked a huge white flower into her right side, just a few inches above her ear. “You’re ready.” she beamed as she swiveled Rose around to take a look at her own work.

“I’m practically going hiking, you know,” Rose muttered as she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

“So?” Drisana placed her hands on her hips. “Doesn’t mean you can’t look pretty,” she sniffed. Not surprising, Lady Drisana was decked out in all blue; a corseted blouse to match her fluffy skirt that came up to her knees where the straps of her sandals began before traveling down her calves and to her ankles. Besides the shoes, Rose could see her as a ballerina.

Her dragon, Eustace, peeked out from her hair, snuggling his chin on top of her shoulder to gaze at Rose.

“Hey buddy!” Fen suddenly appeared behind her and rubbed his hand playfully over the dragon’s head who huffed out a puff of smoke in annoyance. Rose jumped again.

“What’s with you guys and not using doors?” Rose mumbled. Drisana took a step away from Fen, making a face at him as she comforted Eustace.

Fen smiled as he brushed his hair away from his face.

“Hey! Why does he get practical traveling clothes while I get this!” Rose demanded as she pointed at Fen’s clothes which was a sleeveless white shirt with a v-neckline that revealed his muscular chest. His shirt was tucked into his usual style of black pants that were tucked into boots.

At the mention of her own attire, Fen took a slow perusal of her form, starting with her hair, dress, and then the slits that exposed her legs.

“I think you look beautiful,” he murmured appreciatively. “At least I’ll have something beautiful to look at on our journey back.”

Though Rose felt her cheeks flush with heat, she huffed and crossed her arms, ignoring Drisana’s grin and sparkling eyes. Like they were literally sparkling.

“We must have breakfast!” Drisana announced. “Come.” She led the way out, giving Fen and Rose no choice but to follow. Eustace wiggled around until he was facing the back and stuck his tongue out at Fen. Rose couldn’t help it and a giggle slipped out.

Drisana crooned at Eustace as she practically pranced out and led them outside where a table was set up with 3 chairs. Eustace jumped and landed on the table with a thud as he began to help himself to an overflowing fruit bowl.

“Actually, we were just gonna head out.” Fen stated firmly, placing a hand on Rose’s shoulder to stop her from joining Drisana who had already sat down. Though Rose really wanted to leave, her stomach was hungrily eyeing the food on the table before releasing a loud growl. Drisana lifted a brow at Fen who dropped his hand.

Rose practically skipped over to her seat and instantly dug into a croissant that was smeared with purple berries and fluffy white cream. Fen grabbed his chair and placed it closer to Rose before plopping himself down with a huff. He grabbed an apple that Eustace was about to eat and took a big, haughty chomp out of it. Eustace let out a yowl.

“My poor baby!” Drisana snapped her finger and an apple appeared in front of her dragon who purred with delight.

“My, my, what a beautiful sight to see.” King Osiris announced his presence from the bridge before he made his way over to them. A chair materialized out of nowhere and he sat down but not before giving Drisana a fatherly kiss on her offered cheek.

Rose dropped her food and instinctively looked down at her lap. Fen’s hand instantly materialized and gave her knee a reassuring squeeze.

“Do you fear me, child?” The King asked with amusement.

Rose glanced up, caught Drisana’s grin as she licked cream from her lips before finally meeting the King’s gaze. Rose blinked. There was something paternal in his eyes, making Rose feel confused, especially when they seemed to appear glassy as if he was holding back tears or memorizing her face in case he never saw her again.

“No, I am not afraid of you. I just, well, you’re a King and all, so I haven’t really been around royalty say for my, ah, mom, and Drisana here, but I still get nervous.” Rose admitted.

Osiris chuckled. “Well, hopefully we can remedy that with frequent visits. Wouldn’t want you to be a stranger and it would bring great pleasure to Drisana and I if you considered gracing us with your presence now and then.”

Rose didn’t know why but she turned to Fen, her eyes asking if this would be okay. He nodded, eyes never leaving the King’s.

“We’ll not forget your generous invitation,” Fen said, not in the least bit thrilled about the idea. He sounded hesitant and wary. “Once Rose is more familiar with her people and this world. She still needs to undergo more training.”

Osiris nodded understandably. While Fen and Osiris continued to have a conversation with their eyes, Drisana turned to Rose.

“Please do feel welcomed here. If you ever need some girl time or just a place to get away, you are welcome to my palace.” she said with the upmost sincerity. Rose smiled, truly touched and grateful to have at least another friend in this new world. She giggled. Osiris and Fen turned their attentions to her.

“I never thought I’d be able to say that my friend is a faerie,” Rose admitted.

“A pretty cool one too,” Drisana added as she rubbed Eustace’s belly when he climbed onto her lap.

“So you really must leave today?” Osiris directed his question at Rose who was curious as to why there was a hint of sadness in the King’s eyes.

“Yes, we do.” Fen replied for her. “Her trainer was given a timeline and if she doesn’t have Rose properly trained in the basics in, what, 5 more days? She will be executed. So Rose getting back is imperative to this elf if she wishes to keep her life although her life is honestly quite meaningless to me.” Fen sighed with boredom.

Rose punched him in the arm just as her heart began to hammer with anxiety. She had completely forgot about Elénaryl. With her being gone, they had lost a day of training. They needed to get back ASAP.

Osiris and Drisana both had mirrored expressions of curiosity.

“Why was she given such a harsh punishment for that is what it seems to be,” Drisana said.

“She threatened Rose.” Fen said with distaste and anger at the memory. The glass in Osiris’ hand shattered into dust. His eyes glowed hot like the sun.

“Is this true?” He asked Fen.

“Yes.”

“Then you must stay here!” Osiris banged his fist against the table as he half rose from his seat, looking as if he was about to whisk Rose away.

Drisana seemed startled by her father’s outburst as well as Rose.

“As much as I’ve enjoyed my stay here, “Rose began carefully, hoping to soothe the King with her soft tone. “It was a mistake she made and I truly don’t want her blood on my hands. She is a good elf who is determined to make sure they get their homeland back. I can understand why she did not like me as I miserably failed in my tasks but I want to keep trying and I will have to admit that she is the best teacher when it comes to magic.”

Osiris inhaled a few deep breaths until his eyes returned to their normal shade. “But if anything happens, you know you can come here.” He added determinedly.

Rose slowly nodded just as Fen got up and offered her his hand.

“Thank you for the morning meal. We best be on our way.” He bowed to the King, adding softly, “I will protect her.” And with that, he swooped in and hefted Rose into his arms before fast-walking out of there.

With Rose’s protests of being carried growing fainter as they grew further and further away, Drisana turned to her father who remained standing.

“Is something the matter?” she asked, not used to seeing her father this way, especially over an elf. Osiris turned to her as if noticing her for the first time.

“No, nothing is wrong . . .” he studied his daughter. “Perhaps one day I will tell you. For now, leave it be child.” He placed his hand on her shoulder and gently squeezed before walking away.