Chapter 20

Before the sun had completely set, Naisha came over to our rooms to deliver our clothing for the ceremony, and when she didn’t find Leroy and Monica, she began to worry.

“Perhaps I should go and look for them?”

“Calm down. Leroy and Monica know how important the ceremony is to A’el. They won’t miss it,” I said without looking away from my reflection in the mirror

“Would you stop admiring yourself in the mirror! I have to escort you and Sif to the venue before I go and hunt for those two love birds.”

“Alright, alright, I'm done!” I responded as I followed her out of my room and into the corridor. When I came alongfor her, I said, “A’el picked out some very impressive clothing!”

“Yes she did, but she didn't do it alone you know. I helped her.”

“Yes, I can tell. The colours were most likely her idea while the rest was yours.”

“Not true. Yes, the colours were her idea but so were the cloaks and single gloves. I'm the one who chose the full length cloaks and long boots.”

“Will all the guests be dressed like this?”

“No. Only the special guests of the future queen will be dressed like you.”

“Won't that make us stand out!”

“Thats the idea. It's part of the ceremony. The whole world will know who is in the future queen’s social circle. This will be our first time having all the creatures of Kelor with representatives.”

“All of them? Even the elves?”

“Yes, the oldest daughter of the Elven King will be attending and unlike Leroy and Monica, I'm pretty sure she’ll be early. Regardless, this ceremony will lift the hearts of my kind. For many years we were isolated, even though we knew of the other creatures on Kelor, we never had any strong bonds with them. That is, before the war with the Orcs. But now, we will have a queen with strong ties to all creatures of Kelor.”

It then hit me how much of a responsibility being A’el’s husband would be. Not only would I have to watch over my own people and our own allies but I’d have to do the same for A’el’s kind and their allies. The humans and elves were at peace with the werewolves but I wouldn’t say that we had a strong bond between ourselves and them. And even if that were to happen because of our marriage, would all fairies be alright with the marriage of their Pure-blood Queen to a Half-blood King like me? Perhaps Naisha could shed some light on that matter before we got to Sif’s room.

“Am I correct in assuming that my engagement to A’el is public knowledge?”

“Of course it is! Why would you ask such a silly question?”

“Then what about my status as a half-blood?”

Naisha was quiet for a while before giving me an answer. “I think the whole of Kelor knows about you, Deven. Don't worry about it.”

“Easy for you to say. You don't have a group of fanatics trying to hunt you down.”

“Anyone that wears a crown and sits in a throne will have opposition. You’re not the first to fear for your life before becoming King. Think of A’el! Do you really believe that there are some fairies that don't think she is fit to be queen? That there are some creatures out there in Kelor that wouldn’t want her dead?”

“It is hard to imagine anyone wanting to hurt A’el.”

“That’s because you’re too obsessed with your own little world Prince Deven. Beware! After tonight, the queen’s enemies will become your enemies and the same can be said of the queen.”

“Why would anyone bother going after A’el. I’d understand if my enemies went after the king and queen of my kind to get to me -”

“She’s a target simply because she associates with you. Tonight the whole of Kelly will know who her allies are and there will be no where to hide. If you really care for your friend you’ll be mindful of your actions and words. Any action you take, will have a direct implication on your allies Deven. Never forget that!”

“If that’s the case, shouldn’t I know who A’el’s enemies are? Why keep me in the dark?”

“Everything will be revealed tomorrow. For now just know that you are not the only with a price on your head.”

I couldn’t understand why anyone would want to kill A’el. I didn’t even think it was possible to kill one of the most powerful fairies in Kelor. Whatever their reason for wanting to harm her, I couldn’t just sit by and watch it happen. It was then that I made my resolve to quickly master my transformation, no matter the pain I would go through. If there was anything I could do to protect someone I held dear to me, I would definitely do it.

As we approached the door to Sif’s room we caught sight of Leon and Monica at the other end of the corridor. They seemed to be in no hurry at all.

“You two!” Naisha yelled. “Quit walking leisurely and hurry up. The ceremony is about to start. I promised A’el that I’d make sure that all her friends were early and I will drag you to the venue half dressed if I have to!”

Monica and Leon quickened their strides and seeing that Monica’s room was next to Sif’s, she hastily unlocked her door and slipped into her room. As Leon drew closer, Naisha flicked her wrist and a bolt of lightning danced in her palm. “I’m well aware that your kind can move faster than that.”

As the door to Sif’s room swung open, Leon dashed past us.

“What’s with all the yelling?” Sif asked as she steeped out into the corridor.

For a moment I was speechless. I ever knew that the Viking chief could look so beautiful. Her hair was pulled back but with a few loose strands adorning her forehead and the sides of her face. Her eye makeup, little though it maybe, made her eyes seem brighter and wider. Her white colored earrings complemented the white outer part of her eyes. Her dress revealed her neck which I hadn’t noticed until now. Not that she didn’t have one but that I just never bothered to see it until now. The black long dress had gold embroidery and stretched from their shoulders all the way to the floor. Only the tip of her boot was visible. Her cape exposed her left shoulder but kept the right hidden and her gloves exposed her delicate fingers while covering her palms. Staring at her hands, I found it hard to believe that she had once held an axe.

It took me a while to realize that Naisha had answered her question and that her and Sif were now having a discussion.

“In any case we now need to wait for those two love birds before we depart,” Naisha said.

“Why are we waiting for birds that are in love?” Sif asked. “Will they be used at the queen’s ceremony?”

“What? No. I’m talking about Leon and Monica.”

“Leon and Monica turned into birds because of their love? Why? Wait. Does that mean Deven and A’el will also turn into birds?”

It was my first time seeing the noble handmaiden speechless. It was also my first time to hear her laugh so hard that she had to lean on the wall to keep herself upright. 

Sid turned to me and asked,  “Why is she laughing? And how long do you have until you turn into a bird?”

I couldn't give her an answer as I too needed the wall to support my feet that weren’t doing a good job at holding me upright.