I stared at the dress in Kymra's arms. It was a dark green with more fabric than I'd ever seen and much more decorated with stones and gold embroidery than the ones I'd worn before. Definitely a high-class party dress.

"Going to this party is probably the worst idea I've ever heard in my entire life. I rather get a lobotomy. " I didn't hide my opinion of the whole situation.

I was tired of everything.

I just wanted to go home.

"It's only a couple of hours away," Kymra said. "Just get through the night and then you will be home free."

I bit my lip. "Do I really have to play dress up and pretend like this is all behind us?" I sighed looking heavenward. "I just--I have a bad feeling about this."

Kymra shook her head. "Not to worry, Emmy. Oren and I are also not satisfied with the answers the Magister gave us. We are not giving up."

I took a long shaky breath. "Protect him? I'd hate for something to happen to Damien because he's being too stubborn to listen."

Kymra tried not to laugh and failed. "Come, the sooner we get you into this, the sooner you can leave."

After the morning's meeting ended, Kymra wouldn't leave my side. She'd taken me to the Royal Gardens again and kept me under her watchful eye.

The dread for the evening settled in as the hours flew by.

It looked like a normal garden that hid the colors and wonder of it at night.

I found a small cement bench on the path and sat on it for most of the afternoon. I'd close my eyes and enjoyed the sun and breeze as it picked up.

Kymra didn't say a word. She just stood close by.

I didn't know whose idea it was to keep me out of the room but I was grateful. I was starting to go crazy with the solitude.

Eventually, Kymra cleared her throat and motioned inside. "Lady Emylin, it's time to get ready for the party."

The dress was gorgeous and even made me feel like a princess. The fabric flowed around me as I walked glinting different shades of green depending on how the light would hit it. It hugged me tight but was still comfortable enough to move around in. The front of the dress was dark green and created a sweetheart neckline. The shimmering fabric over it covered my shoulders making it look like my skin was shining. Stones and gold were embroidered along the hem of the dress and short sleeves in a beautiful formation.

Apparently, Leah had picked it out.

Kymra twisted my hair out of my face and pinned it in the back but left it mostly down with a couple of strands of my brown hair in my face. She'd done my make up too with delicate gold and nude colors to accent the dress. She did a great job of hiding my tired eyes and wane skin.

Kymra was in armor, the same silver breastplate I'd seen before with the long dark skirt that billowed as she walked exposing her long beautiful legs.

"Who will be there tonight?" I asked as she escorted me to the ballroom where the party would take place.

"The Guard, and the Court. It should be a very small get together. It's mostly to introduce the future Alteaza to those that will be close to her going forward."

I sighed. "This is a horrible idea. They will know that I'm human."

Kymra flinched. "Yes, quite possibly but the future Queen was adamant about you being there. The King just wants to make her happy."

She probably found out about what Damien told me.

Wanted to stake her claim for the man she was going to marry.

It was going to be a long night.

"I will stay close to you the entire night."

I nodded. "What happened to Oren? Why isn't he the one guarding my room anymore?"

"He's still conducting the investigation, he's very unhappy with the answers he's being given. He also has to set up security for tonight."

The ballroom had massively high ceilings with towering windows and doors that led to a balcony on the other side of the room. The walls were gold and ebony and made the room look cavernous. The room could have easily fit over a hundred people inside of it but presently held close to fifty. A small orchestra sat in the corner of the room with strange instruments, playing haunting melodic music.

Everyone in the room was impeccably dressed and gorgeous as always.

I sighed as I looked around the room. "I don't even know why I even try..."

Kymra shot me a look. "You look stunning, stop it."

I tried to keep myself from rolling my eyes but she noticed. She quietly laughed as she walked past a long table full of refreshments. "Do you want anything to drink? Be careful though, there are some things here you cannot have."

I shook my head. "I think I'll be fine, thanks."

I recognized some of the people there from my limited time in Blackdown Keep. The Guards I'd met before were all there including Oren who kept a watchful eye in the corner of the room. Some of them were standing at attention along the doors of the room and balcony.

As new people arrived, they were announced at the door and then continued their way into a room, eventually mingling among others that were already there.

I stood in the corner, preferring to talk to no one at all, counting down the minutes until I could leave. I wanted to be seen by Leah then duck out as soon as possible.

The problem was that Leah and Damien were nowhere to be found.

It wasn't until later in the evening that they arrived with all of the pomp and circumstance worthy of the King and Queen.

The man that had been introducing everyone as they arrived announced Damien and his future queen. As they made their way into the room, everyone bowed in respect.

Leah was stunning in a black and gold dress with embroidered butterflies and flowers all along it. Damien was in an all black suit with gold embroidered along the shoulders and front.

Leah wore a dazzling smile and looked at Damien adoringly.

Damien looked miserable but not in a way that anyone else could notice. He talked to those around him pleasantly and laughed with everyone else in the group.

I knew him better than most. He was miserable, faking a smile and conversation with those around him as he casually sipped the drink in his hand.

His eyes fell on me as he took a drink and didn't waver. It felt like a vice on my chest.

I turned to Kymra. "You know, I could really use a drink. Do you have any alcohol?"

Kymra nodded and waved her hand, a small glass appearing in it with a clear liquid. "Tequila?"

I laughed. She really did seem to be in tune with what I was feeling. I took it and knocked it back quickly, the liquid burning down my throat.

I coughed as she looked at me with a worried look. "I'm all right," I said through the coughs. "What else do you have?"

Another glass appeared in her hand, this time with a small amount of caramel colored liquid.

"Bourbon?"

I took the glass from her willing hand and threw my head back as I quickly drank the small amount of liquid.

Kymra's eyes widened as I did.

I suddenly realized why.

It burned my mouth and throat much worse than the tequila did. I could feel the fumes from the liquid burn my nostrils and make my head swim.

"You sip bourbon, Emmy!" Kymra was horrified as she watched me cough again, this time much louder.

"Bourbon, Kymra, really?"

I turned to Damien as he appeared behind me in full coughing fit.

He was annoyed but still had the bored expression I'd seen that morning.

She gestured towards me in a panic. "I didn't think she'd drink it like that!"

My stomach turned, my cheeks burned. "I think I'm dying."

Damien sighed. "You're not dying." He gently took my arms and started to lead me to the doors of the balcony. "Come on, let's get some fresh air."

The night was just as chilly as the night before which helped ease my stomach to a degree. I started to feel much better the more time we spent outside on the balcony. We walked to the stone fence overlooking the river and stopped once we reached it, placing my hands on it.

I placed my forehead on the cool stone, trying to find any way to get comfortable.

Damien stood next to me, back against the railing watching intently, arms crossed. "Are you feeling better?"

I nodded slightly. "How can you drink that paint thinner?"

He laughed. "For one thing, you do not take shots of bourbon, it is meant to be enjoyed over a period of time. You are not meant to drink it like a college freshman at her first frat party."

I laughed until I snorted, my head was still dizzy. "For someone who doesn't know much about human college life you sure do know that."

"As if I wouldn't at least look up what college was about when you first started."

I finally felt well enough to pick my head up. "Hmm, that explains why we had a lot of nights watching movies when I first started college."

He shrugged. "Someone had to keep you out of trouble."

I laughed with him watching the quiet river beneath us.

"I'm sorry about what I said."

I looked back at him. The moonlight threw stark shadows across his handsome face.

He threw his head back, moving the hair from his eyes. He shoved his hands in his pockets. "I didn't mean it."

I gave a small smile. "I'm sorry for what I said too. I didn't mean it."

I let out a long breath, blowing a raspberry in a very unladylike way. I pointed back to the ballroom. "I'm sorry if I embarrassed you."

He chuckled. "You couldn't embarrass me if you tried." He paused. "You look beautiful, Em."

I looked back to the party, steps away from where we were standing, worried. "Damien..."

He brushed a hair away from my face and tucked it behind my ear. "I've made it so no one can hear or see us. It's all right."

I shook my head, "No, it's not all right." I took a deep breath. "I'm sorry, Damien. I just don't feel that way about you."

He nodded. "I know. A man can try, though."

I shook my head. "This isn't fair. Not for you or her. You're getting married tomorrow."

He took a deep breath and looked at the sky but said nothing.

I sighed. "Maybe we have to stop hanging out."

He looked at me, the light of the party inside throwing the shadows on his face. "Is that what you want?"

I swallowed. Hard. Without hesitation, I continued, knowing I'd lose my nerve if I overthought it. "I think it's what you deserve, to start making your life with Leah and rule and ... stuff. Whatever it is kings and queens do together."

"Will that make you happy? For me to go away? To lift you of this burden?"

I took a deep breath. "I shouldn't have ever said that. You were never a burden, Damien."

He turned to me and placed his hands on my neck and shoulders. "Emylin, is that what you want? Will that make you happy? Do you want me to stop visiting you?"

I bit my lip. Was that what I wanted? Did I want him to leave my life?

No. Of course not. It was probably something we needed.

"Maybe for a while?" I peeped. "I just - I don't want to come between-"

His lip twitched upward in a small smile. "I understand." He leaned forward and planted a kiss on my forehead then one on my cheek.

I closed my eyes as he did leaning against him, my heart twisted for my friend.

His voice was a small whisper, almost pained. "As you wish."

He left sharply leaving me in the cool night outside on the balcony alone.

I took a breath to collect myself and followed him back into the large ballroom.

Kymra waited by the doors watching the crowd as I made my way back.

I tried to act as naturally as I could as I approached her even though inside I was dying little by little. "Anything happen while I was gone?"

She shook her head, her dark curls bouncing. "No, my lady. It's just as boring as any other high-class party."

She didn't seem to notice the exchange between Damien and I outside.

I let out a long shaky breath, somewhat able to relax.

"How interesting that Damien brought his human pet to the Underworld."

I bristled at the man's words.

I looked at Kymra who seemed visibly distressed.

"You bow before royalty, soldier."

Regardless of her startled expression, she lowered her head towards the man behind me. "Your Royal Highness."

"You too, girl."

Kymra placed a hand on my shoulder. "She is not a subject of the Underworld, she is a guest and does not have to."

He chuckled darkly. "A human should always bow before a fae. Their place is beneath the fae, after all."

Kymra exhaled loudly through her nose with annoyance but said nothing making the man chuckle again.

I turned around to face him.

His dark eyes scanned me.

He was undoubtedly fae with handsome, supernatural features. I wondered if his eyes had any magic in them with the way they held me in place.

His tanned skin hinted some time in the sun unlike Damien.

I felt the need to run away, to flee from him. He oozed danger.

The primitive part of my brain recognized him immediately as a predator and me as a lowly prey.

He was dangerous.

He looked down at me, like I was worth no more than the dirt in his nails.

I felt small, like I really was insignificant.

I felt Kymra tug at my arm and pull me away. "The future queen is calling us. Excuse us, your Royal Highness."

His penetrating eyes never left mine as I moved away. "Enjoy the party, little human."

Leah appeared out of nowhere a glass of wine in her hand. "Emmy!"

Her cheeks were red with excitement, a smile from ear to ear decorated her face. "There you are! We are about to give a toast! Here's your glass."

Kymra looked at the glass questioningly as she handed it to me.

"I know red wine is your favorite so I was able to find one for you!"

I smiled back at her, trying not to seem nervous or give away what had just happened between Damien and I. "Thank you!"

She nodded and smiled. "Gotta go! Don't drink it until the toast, okay?"

I nodded as she walked away but snuck a large gulp anyway, needing a drink more than any other time in my life.

Kymra seemed to laugh under her breath as she watched me.

The crowd suddenly grew quiet as a someone began to clink a glass in his hand. The sound moved through the hushed crowd and everyone turned expectedly to the end of the room where Damien and Leah stood.

It was richly decorated and had two large chairs. It reminded me of the sweetheart table couples usually had at their weddings.

"A toast!" A man excitedly in the crowd shouted as he raised a glass.

Every visitor suddenly had a glass in their hand and raised it high.

"Long live the King!" The same man shouted again.

A new voice broke through the crowd. His voice made goosebumps rise on their own along my arms. "Yes, long live the King."

I dropped the glass in my hand.

I knew that voice.

I knew it.

How could I have forgotten it?

It haunted my nightmares for months.

I watched him as he appeared in the room a long coat over his shoulders. He oozed evil, wore it like a cloak of shadows.

I watched, stunned, as a smile crept his flawless features. He looked at me then at Damien.

How had I forgotten those electric blue eyes?

"Robyn," I breathed, unbelieving.

Robyn smiled and looked at Damien. "The son of the Usurper."

A new pain shot through me like nothing I'd ever felt. I groaned, falling to my knees, cradling my arms around me. It was like fire shooting through me from the middle of my core to my limbs. It burned and rolled through me with intense energy.

Robyn continued to address the crowd. I ignored him, the pure energy coursing through me too much to ignore.

Kymra fell to her knees next to me. "Emmy!"

I groaned. "What's happening to me?"

As sudden as the pain started, it stopped. I was able to finally look at her, no longer focused on the pain that coursed through me just moments before. What was that about?

"Emmy, look at me." Kymra placed her hands on my shoulders and made me look at her. Once we made eye contact, she pulled back as if I'd burned her.

I frowned, she looked so blurry. I grabbed my glasses off my face and took them off. I could see clearly. How?

Kymra was as white as a sheet - like she'd seen a ghost.

My heart raced as she watched me. "Kymra, what is it?"

I moved my hair out of my face and stopped. It was a curtain of pure white strands then silver, catching the light differently as it moved. I watched it perplexed, touching it and pulling. How had my hair suddenly turned white?

A small hand mirror appeared in Kymra's hand. She almost shoved it in my direction and showed it to me.

I didn't recognize the girl in the mirror.

She was stunning.

I touched my face and the girl in the mirror did, too. The eyes were brown but her skin, it was flawless, beautiful like porcelain. The hair was silver like moonlight and framed the face delicately. Lips and cheeks were subtly pink.

I looked like myself but didn't.

Was this really me?

I watched the commotion around me, no one except Kymra seemed to notice.

Kymra grabbed my arm forcefully, pulling me to my feet. "Come on, we're leaving"

"No," Robyn's voice cut through the crowd. I turned to him, knowing he was addressing us. "You will not leave."

Kymra stood frozen in her spot as she stood in front of me.

Robyn gave a toothy grin. "You see, nephew. While you were out searching for your queen, I was quietly grooming mine." His eyes turned to me and he pointed a long pale finger.

All eyes turned to me.

Robyn's smile widened. "The last of the light fae."

Dear readers, this is the last update of the week. I will update again no later than 1/8/21