From the Heart of a Fae

Malik was rubbing his forehead, dreading this evening. Another opening ball. It felt like the last one was yesterday, and yet another year had passed. Pulling on his coat, all the annoyance he had for the evening was swept away when he saw Ludis. She was stunning in a dark tan princess gown, lined with black lace around the skirt, and bodice. Black lace sleeves came to her elbows, off the shoulder. She wore her amethyst drops, a gift from him a few winters past. She wore a black velvet choker, that she had moved her purple rose pendant to. Her hair, now down to her mid back, was curled and arranged around her shoulders. God she was beautiful. How could he have gotten so lucky? Malik leaned forward and kissed her lips, noticing the seductive dark maroon lip color she wore. Her make up made her look mysterious and sexy. Malik himself looked cut in his Navy suit. His hair slicked back from his face; beard freshly trimmed. He wore his beaten gold crown, and the ring of his father. He pulled her close, and whispered,

“Let’s skip the ball, and you do the naked trick again, yea?” Ludis laughed and smacked his arm.

“Come on, everyone is waiting.” They headed for the door, and as they approached it, there was a knock. Ian was outside, and he too, looked trim in a black suit, with a white shirt. His shoes shone in the firelight. His hair was also combed back, and he had shaved clean his normally stubbly appearance. He bowed low, and said-

“I had hoped you would be ready; I did not want to look like a loser, coming alone. So, I decided to be the king’s third wheel.” The group laughed at his joke, and they made their way to the grand ballroom. As they approached the doors that led to the Dias, Kora, Ikalla and Ben stood waiting. Ben wore a gray suit, and Kora had opted for a beautiful sapphire gown, princess style as well with black embroidery around the off the shoulder sleeves and the hem, decorating the bodice. She had chosen a different crown today, one that looked like silver vines, that twined around several emeralds.

Ikalla looked immaculate. She wore a soft yellow dress of silk, that highlighted every curve the woman had. Despite her attempts to hide it with a black silk over robe, she had wide hips and a slender waist, large breasts that strained against the silk, a round lifted bottom and powerful long legs. Her braids had been redone, and Ian’s bracelet was on her wrist. He noticed it was the only jewelry she wore. Small silver cuffs were in random places along her braids. The color of the silk made her skin glow. The sleeves came to her elbows, and the neckline, scooped low, had golden embroidery that winked in the candlelight. Ian’s jaw dropped and you could see Ikalla’s face burning red even under her caramel skin. Her eyes were liquid honey and she scowled at him.

“I am a woman,you know. I can wear dresses.” Kora was covering a smile, the same as Ludis. Ian began to grin.

“Oh, I’m aware, I was just thinking you should do so more often.” Royce heard this as he and Stella approached and laughed. The other men joined him. Stella looked beautiful in a deep maroon gown, cut to hug every curve of her body. There was black embroidery around the deep v neckline, and she had opted for a different crown as well. This was gold, and delicately set with rubies. It had been her mother’s. The couple linked arms, and Ian walked over to Ikalla, and offered her his arm as well. The crowd stood in unison, to bow or be curtsy. He grinned at her reluctance, and they made their way to the opposite entrance, where the Nobility came into the ballroom. Grabbing a table reserved for them nearest the Dias, they watched as each royal couple was announced, and the crowd cheered. The crowd stood in unison, to bow or be curtsy. Malik signaled for all to sit and made his opening speech. Malikspoke of the progress the people have made, and how good the crops were. How we must continue to stay united, working towards the common goal of strength in our nation. Malik spoke of the construction for the port in the south. Ikalla was not listening. She felt how close Ian’s leg was to her, and she felt that heat again, she fanned herself slightly, and saw Ian shifted uncomfortably too, pulling at his collar. Their legs were almost touching under the table. So, it was not just her, the room was unseasonably warm she decided, and relaxed a little. She told herself that the heat was not emanating from Ian, and that the room was just too well heated with all these people in it. Malike concluded his speech, and she was a second behind everyone else to clap, Ian noticed and grinned at her, winking. Her face flamed, and she was thankful that the light in this area of the ballroom was not that great. As the feast commenced, Ian casually shifted his chair a little further from her, and she felt a small stab, even as relief flooded her. She must not be mentally sane since the curse had been broken. The food was served, and they ate quietly at first. Then Ian started in.

“So, about the glaive, why is it important that you forge it yourself? Kora had the one she has now made by the castle blacksmith.” Ian popped a fork full of a slice of steak.

“It is only your first one that you must make yourself, though you can make them all if you choose. The one I have now is not made by me. It was broken when I saved Koraline from her first assassination attempt, when we were 12 years old.” Ian did not look surprised. Ikalla wondered again how much Ian actually knew.

“Who tried to kill Kora at 12? That is such an early age.” Ian wondered, more to himself than Ikalla.

“Her mother.” Ian looked at Ikalla sharply.

“You lie.” Ikalla was offended.

“Never.” she stated stoutly, taking a bite of her own dinner.

“Why?”

“Her mother wanted a son, and never got one. When the king’s second wife gave birth to a healthy son, her jealousy grew. Her anger towards Kora became abusive, and that is how we ended up being raised together. The king had strong ties to my father, and he begged him to care for Kora. So, she came to live with us in our village when she was young. She was … 5 and I was seven at the time.” Ikalla had no idea why she was telling Ian all these things. They just kept coming out. Ian was quiet for quite some time, and Ikalla had assumed he was done speaking to her. She tried not to feel disappointed, men never stuck around her long. She was not a tiny pretty thing like the princesses or Ludis. Or any other nobility for that matter. She felt like a giant, in a stupid costume.

“What is the importance of forging your own glaive the first time?” Ian finally spoke. Ikalla started, forgetting they had been talking about that.

“The failure or success of making it determines if you deserve to learn. If it can hold back one strike from the village chief, then you earn the right to learn.” Ian nodded, seeming to understand now. It was symbolic. Their plates were being cleared away, and the music was starting. Ugh, Ikalla thought, dance time. She was about to excuse herself, to sneak away when a woman approached the table. She was a small thing, pale skinned with fire red hair. She was smiling at Ian and ignored Ikalla completely. She shrugged inwardly; it was not anything new. She often made friends with the men, and at such gatherings she was ignored when they were approached for dances and such.

“Hello Lagertha, wonderful party.” Ian greeted the woman. She smiled at him coyly, and curtsied low. Ikalla found herself wondering what Ian’s official title was, and if he was nobility.

“Hello Ian, I was coming to claim that dance you promised me.” She was batting her eyelashes, and clearly was extremely interested in Ian. Ikalla saw the blush creep up his neck and she looked away, trying to pretend to be as invisible as the woman was pretending, she was.

“Er, I am sorry Leanne, but my friend here is new, and their majesties are occupied. It would be rude of me to leave her to her own devices. Later?” Lagertha frowned prettily if that was even possible. She pouted and asked him to find her when he was less occupied. Ikalla looked Ian over. She knew he was a flirt, and fully expected more of these tonight. She did not want to stick around for them. After the woman had disappeared into the crowd, Ikalla stood up, Ian following her confused.

“Do you want to dance?” Ian almost blurted it out, and Ikalla laughed at him. She knew he was just being polite, and she appreciated the gesture.

“Thank you but no, I am a grown woman. I do not need a babysitter, Ian. Find your little tart and get that dance. I can entertain myself.” Ikalla said, kindly. Ian looked even more confused.

“I didn’t ask out of sympathy, I told her no because I wanted to dance with you.” Ikalla felt like someone had shocked her with lightning. No one ever wanted to dance with her. Worse, she did not know how. It was never expected of her. She was born into a warrior tribe and when she came to the capital, it was as Kora’s bodyguard.

“I … I do not know how to dance. I have never done it.” Ikalla whispered. She was terrified, being a giant and on the dance floor, in this bright get up. She did not want to become a spectacle. Ian sensed her refusal and she felt guilt creep in. His face became passive, and she looked down, not sure how to proceed.

“Please understand, I would not be so hesitant, I just do not want to embarrass myself. I am not exactly the least noticeable person in the room.” Ikalla sounded pleading, and she hated it. She saw Ian’s face change again, and then he smiled again. It was dazzling, that smile. Always like there was mischief afoot. Grabbing two goblets of wine from a passing servant, he handed one to Ikalla and demanded she drink.

“What? Getting drunk is not going to make me a better dancer!” She laughed and downed the cup.

“No, but it’ll make you care less about how bad you are.” Ian laughed at the look of indignation on Ikallas face. He signaled the servant back.

“We’re going to need something stronger, do mind lad? And leave the tray.” The servant set the tray of goblets down and scurried off to do as he bid. Ian handed her another cup.

“I cannot do this. I do not drink! And I have already had one.” Ikalla felt the wine warm in her belly. Her legs felt hot. Ian shoved another cup in her hand, and the drinking began.