The Arrow of Midnight

Chapter 15

The day of the ball has finally arrived, and I woke up around noon because my body was exhausted from training the day before. Jaime immediately started fussing over me, running a bath with different types of essential oils, and even went as far as doing my nails for the occasion. My nails were usually kept short and trimmed for training, but she took it upon herself to have one of her friends use his powers to make them grow. A young male that worked in the garden located in the center of the castle, where a large open courtyard bloomed with a variety of flowers. He was a Wood fae with pale skin and round green eyes. He was blessed with the ability to make anything grow, excluding living beings. Therefore, he was usually tending to the flowers that were in bloom year-round in the courtyard. I marveled at his ability as my nails grew almost an entire inch in length before Jaime began to trim them down to a rounded point, leaving about half an inch from the tip of my finger, then painted them a beautiful onyx color to complement my hair. She studied her handiwork for a few seconds before giving it an approving nod. She had become a friend to me, someone I cherished having around.

"This is really not necessary, Jaime," I mused. A smile bloomed on my face as I studied my nails. Even though it was unnecessary, she did a wonderful job, and they looked beautiful.

"Please, you deserve to shine like a falling star tonight. Everyone should marvel at how beautiful their princess is," Jaime countered, and I shifted uneasily in my armchair, still not entirely used to the title.

"I don't really like being the focal point for things like this," I admitted, still studying my nails.

"Don't worry, we'll all be there to support you if you feel overwhelmed."

I gave her an appreciative smile and pulled her into a hug. It made me feel more at ease knowing she'd be around during the ball. She wrapped a slender arm around my neck and gave me a light squeeze before pulling away to prepare everything else that I'll need for the evening. Maddox appeared at my door, smirking at me while I lounged in the armchair in nothing but my bathing gown, now studying the fire beside me.

"Well, isn't this a treat," his voice was soft, but teasing enough for me to roll my eyes and instinctively pull the fabric tighter around my partially exposed chest.

"Snoop," I muttered before giving him a smile as a way of greeting.

"You didn't jump from my sudden appearance. I assume you've been following my instructions?" He leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed in front of his chest, causing the black leather to tug on his biceps.

"Yes, I've been keeping my magic scattered around me, so I felt you coming down the hallway. I do listen sometimes, you know," I smirked at my smart ass comment and he rolled his eyes before giving me a wink and continued down the hall. Out of the two brothers, Maddox was certainly the most handsome, and I found myself biting my lip as I watched him leave. He explained a few days ago that they were fraternal twins.

I was excused from all training today to keep my nails in good shape before tonight, but I did join my mother by the door of the ballroom to see how the setup was going. I was now clad in a casual summer dress. I was about to push past her when she extended a wing in my way.

"No, you can't see it yet," my mother stated with her back to me, and I furrowed my brow.

"But I chose the theme, and I would like to see what it looks like before tonight."

She shot me a grin over her shoulder before Jaime came rushing down the hall to fetch me and led me back to my room. I muttered to myself about how unfair it was and dropped onto the bed when she ushered me back into my room.

"She wants it to be a surprise," Jaime snickered as she prepared a cup of tea.

"But I don't like surprises," I complained, smothering my face with a pillow.