Never Ever

25

Ever kept smiling after Auden left her

Axel: Did something good happen?

Ever only nodded, but that was enough for him, he only wanted to see her happy

Ever: Where's Maya?

Axel: She's over there with the prince

Ever: Maybe we should join them, or steal her for a bit

Axel gave her a funny look

She sighed: It would look better if you at least joined them, you are both ambassedors of the human mages. I've said this before, until we figure out who was behind the attacks, it would be safer for her not to be too close to his highness, even the ones not participating in this treason would want to end her if those two kept this up

Her gaze flicked to some girls, who were looking daggers at an unassuming Maya

Axel grimaced: Scary..

Ever nodded: I would imagine even humans have people like this, not to forget the girls' families too, a lot of nobles wanted him to marry their daughters..

They approached the group, she conversed with them for a bit, then took her leave, being around the nobles was becoming a bit too much

Maya wanted to follow her and have a break herself

She made her exuses and followed, when she bumped into a tall elegant fae

Maya: Oh! I'm sorry..

Fae, smiling: It's quite alright

The fae had on a shimmering navy gown, her hair was pale gold, almost like a human platinum blonde, but it shined more. Her complexion was pale as marble, her eyes deep crystal blue orbs. Her wings were out in the open interwoven shimmering colors of both her eyes and hair. She looked beautiful and regal, but the smile hadn't reached her eyes. Maya felt a cold shiver run through her, despite the fae's civility.

Maya excused herself and hurried after Ever

Maya: Who's that young woman?

Ever: That's Lady Nerissa Beningham. Are you okay?

Maya nodded: It's just, I hate to say anything against her, especially when I don't even know her, but.. She left a cold feeling within me..

Ever: The Beninghams are very high up in the nobility heirarchy. She was one of the strongest candidates to marry his highness, but you don't have to worry, he had never displayed any interest in her or any particular young lady before you

Maya blushed and Ever grinned from ear to ear, then she decided to let the girl off the hook: And yes, she has never done anything bad that I'd heard of. Her family is known for their cold civility. Not that it's much different from others. Our nobles are not exactly warm people, even though the others would argue the Beninghams being way too cool and collected.. I can't tell if they are suspects though, they have never been too obvious about their opinions about anything..

A few nobles were asking to meet Maya, so Romeo was going to fetch her, when a delicate hand stopped him

Nerissa: Your highness, a moment if you please

Romeo bowed slightly: Lady Nerissa, it's good to see you. You look beautiful tonight

His voice held only civilty..

Nerissa curtsied elegantly: Thank you your highness. You look handsome yourself. May I just say, the lady is really pretty, and oozes magic, she's a  remarkable human, congratulations

She smiled, Romeo became flustered, and didn't know how to take it, her smile was as cold as ever..

Romeo: I would be happy to relay your compliments to lady Devins, but may I ask what you're comgratulating me for?

She only smiled knowingly, and slipped away, her mother had conveniently called her away to converse with the queen

Romeo escourted Maya, followed by Axel to meet the gentlemen. Maya didn't feel comfortable under the scrutinizing gazes of the lot. Most seemed to disagree with the human mages joining the alliance, but they seemed willing to listen. Lord Beningham was amongst these men, he only inquired politely and didn't make his sentimemts about the matter known, yet Maya was still uncomfortable under his cold gaze, so like his daughter's

She was exceedingly happy to be released from that meeting. The party had just ended, and the guests had retired to their rooms

Ever had a room near Maya's. She was about to sleep when she heard a loud scream

It was Maya's voice..