Never Ever

2

Prince Barthelomio took a few steps towards the girl and took her hand, kissing it

The prince: Welcome to the fae realm, fair lady. My name is Prince Barthelomio Auruel Silverblade. You may call me prince "Romeo"

Ever's mouth quirked up to the side. She'd read about the human world, so this made her laugh

She saw Maya's escourt grin at that

The girl, Maya, blushed, oh she was too perfect. "ROMEO" is a goner. Ever rolled her eyes

Maya: It's nice to meet you your highness. I'm Maya Devins, a mage. Thank you for your kind reception and offered friendship

She tried to curtsey, but he was still clasping her hand

Maya: This is my friend Axel Merrins

She gestured to her escourt and he bowed

Axel: At your service. I'm Miss Devin's bodyguard

He looked towards Ever, and the prince finally woke up to the fact that she was there

Romeo: This is..

He frowned, trying to remember, her, she was familiar, but he couldn't remember who she was

Ever set her mouth in a grim line and bowed. She might've rolled her eyes if they weren't looking

Ever: Ever Nightingale. Pleasure to meet you. I was appointed to be Lady Devin's bodyguard as well

She gave a small bow

Maya: Oh, but there's no need to- you didn't have to

Romeo: It's a custom to assign bodyguards to important guests. One of ours will be more adapted to the dangers here, not that we'll let anything happen to you

Axel: You don't look..

Ever: Like a fae? I know. I was born without the distinctive colorings of one

She continued silently, or the magic..

Romeo: I can assure you, she's fae. Why don't you show them your wings?

He arched a brow

Ever didn't like being reminded she was different by them, so she mostly hid them. A lot of fae did that anyway. Even the prince had his own wings hidden

She had to obey him, so she revealed her wings. They sparkled with the rainbow colors as they appeared

Maya looked awestruck. It was her first time seeing fae wings, Ever was sure she'd think they were nothing when she saw another's

Maya: Wow..

She reached her hand to Ever's wings and Ever flinched. She didn't like being the center of attention. It was never a good thing for her, and they were all looking at her

Ever: This is nothing. You should see the other fae's wings, especially the royal highnesses

Maya turned to the prince, eyes wide: May I?

His chest puffed, he was only happy to oblige

Romeo: Why of course!

He revealed his wings, it was much more dramatic than when Ever did it. The air shimmered and sparkled. His wings were massive and looked sturdy, Gold edged with beautiful sparkling violet and sapphire patterns

He flapped them and a strong gust of wind passed

Maya was struck speechless

Ever sighed and hung her head. This was what her weakness caused. She brought it upon herself, yet it still pained her, seeing the prince enamored by Maya, and her spellbound by him

When she lifted her head she saw Axel looking at her again, a quizzical look gracing his handsome face

Ever averted her gaze

Prince Romeo took Maya's hand and put it on his arm after he finished bragging and she finished admiring. They went on to the castle

Axel was going to walk side by side with Ever, but she told him he should walk in front of the two, and she'd walk behind, to protect them. She really did mean that, but she had another reason. She felt unnerved by his constant gazing at her, it seemed like he wanted to ask questions. Ever didn't want that to happen. He looked at her funny, but he did what she asked without questions

He was quiet, for now. He will get to ask whatever he wanted eventually. That was something he was sure of