Lexie's Choice

Scene 4

TWO NIGHTS LATER, Claire and I lounged in her room, pretending to work on our AP English essays, but neither of us was getting anywhere. I'd had a stressful shift at the coffee shop, and Claire had been stuck baby-sitting the twins all afternoon. We were bleary eyed and lethargic. That is, until Una popped into existence followed by a troupe of her friends carrying two neatly wrapped bundles.

Immediately, my heart pounded. A rush of energy propelled me to my feet. My prom gown! I wanted to rush the faeries and grab the promised gift, but I didn't. I'd heard enough of Claire's trials and tribulations as she learned the ways of Faery to know there would be protocol to be observed.

Sure enough, Claire had barely acknowledged the flower faeries before a stately looking male appeared. Tall, lean, and silver-haired, the male waited for Claire to notice him, though not with good grace. He radiated haughty irritation.

Now, I've known Claire forever, and I can read her like a book. She knew perfectly well the guy was in the room. In fact, I'd bet my right arm and my right leg she knew he was impatient and wanted her attention, but she kept right on praising the flower faeries for their quick work, and thanking Una in particular for bringing us the gowns. Finally, she cut the small talk and glanced at the silver-haired dude.

He stepped forward, took her extended hand, and bowed over it. "My princess," he said, his voice smooth and a little oily. "You're looking lovely today." His gaze slid toward me and then focused on Claire.

"Thank you, Cadmar. May I ask what brings you to the mortal realm?"

Once again, he gazed at me from the corner of his eye before concentrating on Claire. "I have accompanied the flower faeries at King Alberic's command. Is it true that you have commissioned a faery gown for a mortal?"

I held my breath. I knew this had been too good to be true.  The king was going to hold back my prom dress.

"Yes." Claire narrowed her eyes, a wary tone in her voice. "Does my grandsire object to me giving my friend a gift?"

"Not at all, your highness. He simply wishes to be certain you understand the, shall we say, irregularity of the situation."

Something was going on, but I didn't get it. Worse, I'm not sure Claire got it either. Cadmar wasn't exactly smiling, but his attitude had changed. He seemed more relaxed; happier, somehow.

Claire must have sensed the same thing. "Is there something I'm missing, Cadmar? Am I breaking Faery law?"

He inclined his head, making it impossible to see his eyes. "I am not here to instruct you in our law, your highness. Do you accept these gifts from the flower faeries?"

Claire glanced from him to me, and back again. She hesitated, weighing her options. Studying the packages with a wary eye, she bit her lip for a moment. "I don't see why I shouldn't. I asked Una and her friends to make the gowns. They did so happily, and now they have delivered them. Yes. I accept the gowns."

Cadmar clapped, and the flower faeries disappeared. The packages plopped onto the floor at Claire's feet.

"Excellent." He inclined his head, a smug smile lifting his thin lips. "Princess, you will now accompany me to Faery. The High King commands your presence."

"What?" Claire exclaimed. "What's wrong? What did I do?"

"That is not for me to say, your highness. The High King requires your obedience. Now."

He clapped his hands again. He and Claire disappeared.

Alone in her bedroom, I stared at the packages. A couple of minutes ago, I'd been dying to get my hands on them. Now, I stepped around them and left the room. I had no idea what was going on, but I sure hoped my best friend hadn't gotten herself into too much trouble just so I could have an enchanted dress.

*~*~*

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This story is complete! Want to know more about Lexie's BFF, Claire? Read her story in Faery Unexpected - http://www.amazon.com/Faery-Unexpected-Deb-Logan-ebook/dp/B005WUE7Y8/

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