Wings Of Fate

A whole New World

Eugene’s heart sank as he landed in the middle of the wild fairy colony. It was nothing like the peaceful, orderly gardens of his kingdom. This place was chaotic—a crumbling, overgrown hideout full of intimidating fairies lounging on crooked branches, sharpening blades, and cracking jokes that felt dangerous. They looked more like gangsters than magical beings, their wings torn and jagged, faces full of mischievous intent.

Riven gave him a playful nudge. “Welcome to my home, little prince. Don’t be shy.”

Before Eugene could respond, several fairies swooped in around him, their hands grabbing at him like curious children with a new toy.

“Look at him! So pretty,” one sneered, tugging at Eugene’s silk coat.

“Soft too,” another laughed, lifting him off the ground effortlessly.

“Stop it!” Eugene cried, struggling in vain as they passed him between each other like a doll. His wings fluttered in panic, but the wild fairies only laughed harder, spinning him through the air like he was a game.

Riven stood a few steps away, arms crossed, watching with amusement. “Careful, don’t break him,” he called out, laughing along with them. “He’s delicate.”

Eugene’s heart pounded as he twisted and kicked, but the fairies were too strong and wild. They tossed him between them like a ragdoll, hooting with laughter.

After what felt like forever, Riven clapped his hands. “Alright, that’s enough for today.” His tone was light, but there was an edge of command that made the others back off. He grabbed Eugene by the wrist, pulling him away from the rowdy crowd. “You can play with him again tomorrow. The prince is stuck here for now.”

Eugene jerked his hand free from Riven’s grasp, furious and humiliated. His chest heaved as he glared at the taller fairy. “You’re a monster!” he shouted, his voice cracking with rage and hurt. “How dare you treat me like that?”

Riven’s smirk only deepened. “Oh, come on, little prince. It was just a joke.”

Without thinking, Eugene’s hand flew up and slapped Riven across the face. The sound echoed through the clearing, and the wild fairies gasped, their laughter dying instantly.

Riven stood still, blinking in surprise. Then, to everyone’s shock, he chuckled, rubbing his cheek. “Well, well. Your Highness has a bit of fire in him after all.” He gave Eugene a sly grin. “I didn’t think you’d take it that seriously. I’m sorry for messing with you.”

Eugene glared, his anger still simmering. “You’re all horrible,” he hissed. “Don’t ever treat me like a toy again.”

One of the wild fairies awkwardly cleared his throat and stepped forward. “Hey, uh... your highness, we were just having fun. A bit of roughhousing, that’s all. No harm meant.” He gave Eugene a clumsy bow, his crooked wings twitching. “Please forgive us.”

Another fairy chimed in, grinning sheepishly. “Yeah, kiddo—I mean, Your Highness. We didn’t mean anything by it.”

Eugene sighed, folding his arms. “Fine. But don’t think you can get away with this. I’m the crown prince, and if my father finds out what you did…” He narrowed his eyes. “You’ll all lose your ugly wings—and your heads too.”

The fairies exchanged nervous glances, shifting uncomfortably.

Riven snorted, shaking his head in amusement. “You don’t have to call our wings ugly, you know. That’s a bit harsh, even for a prince.”

Eugene tossed his hair back with a huff. “They are ugly. I won’t take it back.” He spread his shimmering wings with a defiant flutter and flew ahead, his chin held high.

Riven watched him go, his lips curling into a bitter smile. “Spoiled little prince,” he muttered under his breath. “Looks like I’ll have to tame him properly.”

With that, Riven launched himself into the air, following after the stubborn crown prince, his dark wings cutting through the night like a storm waiting to break.

As Eugene fluttered ahead with determined flaps of his shimmering wings, Riven called after him with a frustrated groan.

“Hey! Wait for me, Crown Prince! Where do you think you’re going? You don’t even know this place!”

Without turning back, Eugene huffed, “I don’t need directions to get far away from you thugs! You all smell terrible.”

Riven blinked, stunned by the insult. “Excuse me?”

“Yeah,” Eugene continued, his voice dripping with royal disdain. “Don’t you guys take baths here? I feel like I need a shower just to get rid of the rotten egg smell.”

The other wild fairies, hovering nearby, exchanged amused glances, nudging each other.

Riven scoffed, running a hand through his messy hair. “Oh right, the royal bath. What else do you need, Your Highness?”

Eugene, still flying ahead, threw over his shoulder, “Some fresh flowers to get rid of the stench. Honestly, why didn’t you even clean up before dragging me here? Disgusting.”

Riven stared after him, his jaw tightening as the fairies around him burst into quiet snickers. He could feel his patience slipping.

“You son of a…” He cut himself off just in time as Eugene shot him a sharp glare mid-flight, his shiny eyes narrowing dangerously. Riven coughed and forced a sarcastic smile. “I mean—son of the greatest king ever... Please pardon me, Your Highness, for not organizing a welcoming spa day while your kingdom is literally burning to the ground.”

Eugene landed on a rock and sat down dramatically, plucking a wildflower and twirling it between his fingers like he had all the time in the world. “Well, you wouldn’t understand how hard it is to exist as royalty. Do you have any idea how exhausting it is to be a crown prince?”

Riven crossed his arms and tilted his head, his wings twitching with annoyance. “Right,” he muttered dryly. But inside, he was losing his mind.

How does someone so clueless and self-obsessed look that good? Riven thought, watching Eugene’s glossy bangs fall perfectly into place as the prince gave the wildflower an uninterested sniff. He’s more full of himself than his father.

Meanwhile, Eugene gave him a sidelong glance and muttered under his breath, “I’ll need lavender. Lots of it.”

Riven pinched the bridge of his nose, knowing this was going to be a long, long day.

Eugene hopped off the rock and sauntered over to Riven, his wings fluttering slightly as he leaned in and took a deliberate sniff. Riven raised a brow, bewildered by the sudden invasion of personal space.

Eugene pulled back and scrunched his nose, but then gave a half-smile. “You know, one thing I like about you is... you don’t smell as bad as your friends.” He tilted his head thoughtfully. “Your scent is like old wood. Kind of rustic, but... tolerable.”

Riven crossed his arms, trying not to laugh. “Weird way to compliment someone, but thanks, I guess.”

Eugene gave him an innocent, satisfied grin. “Well, I am quite humble and kind for a crown prince. It’s just one of those qualities you’ll learn to appreciate.” He gave Riven a little pat on the arm, as if bestowing a great favor upon him.

Riven snorted. “Humble? Really?”

Eugene ignored the sarcasm and gestured at Riven’s clothes. “Though, if you want my advice, you might want to change that ridiculous outfit. You look like a scarecrow.”

Riven glanced down at his torn vest and loose, weather-beaten pants, chuckling. “Good to know I meet royal fashion standards.”

Eugene gave a mock-serious nod. “You do what you can, but there’s always room for improvement.”

Riven shook his head, biting back a grin. This prince is something else.

“Honestly,” Eugene continued with a playful glint in his eye, “you’re lucky to have me here. I might make you all civilized if you’re not careful.”

Riven chuckled darkly, his wings shifting lazily behind him. “Oh, you have no idea what you’ve signed up for, Your Highness.”

(To be continued)