Never Ever

7

Ever got back to them, telling them the horses were ready, but she wouldn't look them in the eyes

Romeo and Maya got into the carraige and Ever mounted her horse

Axel stroked his horse's neck then mounted him as well

They rode in silence, if all goes well, they will be reaching the palace by the end of the day

Axel couldn't take it anymore, he had to talk to her, so he approached

Ever: You should go back to the front of the carraige, Mr. Merrin

Axel: It's Axel, and should be fine. I can see the outskirts of town, it's highly unlikely we'd be attacked in broad day light with witnesses around

She sighed and wiped her face with her palm

Axel: Thank you for allowing his highness to tell us your story

Ever: You were bound to know, you'll have less questions like this

Axel: You know you have nothing to be ashamed of

She looked at him: How would you know! For the fae magic is everything, and I am nothing. The daughter of nobles who can't even muster enough magic more than a child..

He was surprised by her outburst

Ever: I don't need your pity. Save it

Axel raked a hand through his hair, but his eyes had a determined look to them: It's not pity.. I respect you, magical ability is something you can't control. Despite getting the short straw there you didn't give up. You worked hard to reach where you are now. I've watched you fight. You're good. If anyhting hearing your story makes you more relatable. I know I have no idea what you must've been through, but I feel I can understand you a bit more

Her mouth formed an adorable "O". He almost smiled, but he checked himself. He wanted to be sure she knew he was serious

Ever: I'm sorry.. And.. Thank you

Her cheeks reddened slightly and she lowered her eyelashes

He cleared his throat: It's alright. Then he went back in front of the carraige

While they were passing through town, Axel observed the other fae. Just like Prince Romeo told them and he thought, all fae had that unusual coloring. What made Ever so different?

By sunset, the palace gates loomed ahead. They reached it and were welcomed

Maya and Axel were told to rest and were led to their rooms, Romeo went to his quarters and Ever disappeared. After they rest for a couple of hours, a bncquet was to be held in the honor of their guests

They gathered into the great hall, there were a lot of Fae, Maya was nervous. Amongst them were two noticeable regal figures, King August and queen May. The king had golden hair and eyes, and the queen had lavender hair and and eyes the color of her son's. The prince had his father's build and his mother's beautiful features, only a masculine version

Maya curtsied and Axel kneeled

Maya: Your Royal highnesses, it's an honor to meet you. Thank you for your gracious welcome and hospitality

King August: Rise. It is an honor to meet you as well Lady Mage. May this be the beginning of a long lasting friendship

He held his hand for her to take, she grasped her palm

Queen May: My! Aren't you a vision! Doesn't she look so beautiful my King, and radiates magic..

Maya blushed, the king smiled and nodded

The king thanked the guests for being there, then they all sat down to eat

A lot of introductions were made, Axel and Maya couldn't keep up with all the names, but they tried

Axel searched the hall for Ever, Maya wondered briefly about her as well, but she was kept busy with conversation

Axel spotted her sitting to a far table. She was sitting with largely built Fae. He guessed them to be soldiers. She was wearing a simple purple gown with long sleeves and golden details in the bodice and her hair was let loose, except a few strands that were held back by a golden clip

He wished he was there near her, instead of here listening to the boring conversations of the courtiers

After everyone finished eating. Axel strode over with Maya in tow. Romeo followed Maya..

They went to talk to Ever, and the soldiers talking to her excused themselves

Just as they were asking eachother about the evening and how they were doing, a group of people approached

Man: Ever, won't you introduce us to you friends?