Never Ever

3

They reached an inn, where the guests were going to stay for the night

The palace was too far to be reached today and they needed a means of transport

They will have a carraige tomorrow, Ever was certain, for no matter what, the royals won't have their guests walk to the palace, it wouldn't be practical anyway, especially for humans

Maya was given a room, the prince and Axel likewise, but Ever wasn't. Maya frowned at this

Maya: Why weren't you given a room? You can share mine if you want..

Ever sighed, how can anyone hate this saint.. She planned on disliking her, but had a hard time doing so

She gave a small smile that didn't reach her eyes

Ever: I need to guard the rooms so I will not need a room. Staying outside your rooms is safer

Maya wasn't convinced: You can't stay awake all night! We will take shifts

Axel: Miss Ever and I will, you my lady will rest

Maya: But..

Axel shook his head and she clamped her mouth shut

Romeo: They are right fair lady. You are to be guarded. No need to worry about Miss Night.. The fae can go on for days without sleep if needed, but it is nice of you to offer help Axel

Ever mumbled under her breath: It's Nightingale..

Axel heard, he fought to keep his smile from showing

Maya was still disheartened. Ever couldn't stand looking at her like that

Ever smiled, it was more genuine this time: It's very kind of you Lady Maya, but you don't need to worry, just as his highness said, fae can last days without sleep and won't be affected, and if I need help Mr. Merrin has graciously offered to keep guard as well

Maya finally smiled a bit: Alright, good night..

Romeo took her hand and kissed it: Good night fair lady

Axel: Good night Maya

She had instructed him to call her Maya, she didn't like being referred to with lady Devin. It was too prim and proper

Ever: Good night

She watched the prince she was certain before she was in love with, well, maybe it was just a humongous crush, mooning over this little angel. It won't get less painful any time soon. Why was she torturing herself? She should avert her gaze, but she couldn't

She saw Maya blush, her eyelashes fluttering shyly

The exchange took mere seconds, but it felt like hours for Ever

They finally and mercifully left to their rooms, except Axel

He was looking at her again

She was irritated

Axel: You love him, don't you, the prince

It wasn't even a question

Ever: He's the prince, everyone loves him

He gave her a sly smile: You know what I mean

She hoped playing dumb would work, apparently not: Again, he's the prince, every girl in the fae realm is probably in love with him, I bet even some of the other species are

Axel: You are not denying it

Ever: What's the point, you will keep pressing until I admit to what you are obviously so sure of

He was amused by her nonchalant tone, but he could see she was blushing

Axel: So that's why you keep trying to dislike her

Her eyes widened

Axel: It's obvious you know, to anyone who bothers to look, but your prince is really... unobservant.. You know you didn't have to assure her, any other girl in your place wouldn't have done that, you are a kind person

Ever lowered her gaze: I'm not, she's just not an easy person to dislike

He chuckled: No, she isn't

Ever: You should get some rest

He knew she had enough, so he decided to give it a rest for tonight

Axel: Goodnight, Ever

It was weird, only her parents and siblings bothered to call her name, and even then it was a rare enough occasion. Hearing someone else saying it so familiarly. She didn't know how it made her feel

He left her to guard the rooms for a few hours, but a couple of hours before dawn, he returned and insisted she rest a bit. He even offered his room, she blushed but still took him on his offer