Ever After

☾Chapter Eleven☽

Wyll greeted the two girls at the airship port. The whole ride back to the castle, Aubergine told him all the details about how wonderful Rosenfelle was, while Ever sat in silence watching the houses go by.

When they passed through the large iron gates and pulled in front of the perfectly manicured front lawn, Wyll pulled Ever aside.

"Is everything alright?" He asked, concern spreading across his face.

"I'm fine, Wyll." Ever snapped as she shook off the hold he had on her arm.

Wyll straightened himself and fixed his shirt cuffs.

"You're not usually this... quiet."

Ever snickered, "Maybe because I'm exhausted." She then whined, "Too much politeness is tiring."

A wicked smile spread across her lips as she faced Wyll and laughed.

"And Ever is back ladies and gentlemen." Wyll chuckled.

Aubergine rushed inside the castle, as during the ride here, Wyll had offered lunch.

Ever lingered toward the castle, and Wyll kept the same pace beside her.

"So, I assume you got the artifact?" Wyll asked. Ever dug her hand into her coat pocket and pulled out the carved wood leaf.

"Yes, but..." Ever sighed.

"Did Ever gain a heart?" Wyll poked fun at her pause.

"No." Ever snapped. "I mean, I have a heart...gods, you can be so rude."

Wyll laughed, "Sorry, I've never seen you worked up over something."

"It's the fact that this was given to June by his father, and we have to destroy it." Ever looked down at the artifact in her palm. Wyll placed his hand on her shoulder in comfort.

"I'm sorry that I've made you do this, but you can rest for a while now."

"Why is that?" Ever questioned, "There's still an artifact left."

"Haven and I haven't been able to find it."

"Haven?"

"The oracle." Wyll stated in reply. The name sounded familiar to her, even though this was the first time she had heard it. Maybe he said her name before and she wasn't listening?

"So, what do I do in the mean time? Twiddle my thumbs and hope you guys find out something? Can't I help?" Ever asked.

"You can, but in the meantime-" Wyll paused as they passed by the ballroom. The white French doors were wide open, and inside the castle's staff hurried around, while a man barked orders. "In the meantime, I'm hosting a ball. In honor of Siral's new relations with Rosenfelle."

"You mean the relations I might have just ruined?" Ever clicked her tongue.

"You haven't ruined them, yet." Wyll raised a brow and continued on, "But I was wondering if Lady Ever would be so grateful to make an appearance."

"A ball?" Ever questioned before letting out a harsh laugh, "Count me out, I've had enough manners and gowns in the past few days to last me a life time."

Ever started to walk forward again, towards the dining room.

"Ever. I wanted you to come as a way of saying thank you." Wyll sighed as he caught up with her.

"You know money works too right?" Ever huffed.

"My father also wants to meet you."

Ever stopped dead in her tracks.