A Fairy Tale

CHAPTER THREE - Evil Intent

Adam took in all the sights. The women were whispering, sighing and swooning. The men were drooling and generally pushing each other away from his glittering group. He was proud of the fact that his friends had made quite a name for themselves in their own right. If ever he becomes an alpha, then he would do well to follow his father's footsteps.

He glided down the aisle with Sheila in his arms. Many speculated about their relationship but she has always been like a sister to him. James and Sheila were his devoted followers and both have proven their worth as wonderful allies. Everyone was in awe at the beauty of the Fae people, especially Sheila who was their Crown Princess but they do not have the sizes like pixies as was depicted in so many movies. They were human like and they have slightly pointed ears, prominent nose and chin. They were very slender but their might makes up for their weaker, physical attributes. One of their more wicked, mystic powers defeated the army of witches who used black magic before.

It was hoped that Sheila would turn out to be Adam's mate but he knew she wasn't. When he woke up on this day of his nineteenth birthday, he had been hoping that what had happened eight years ago was a fluke and that he would open his eyes and be consumed with the mating bond. But he knew that he had not dreamt of that day.

Hair as white as snow
Lips as red as blood
And eyes as black as ebony...

He had travelled back to Cyrae from time to time under the watchful eye of Marcus, just to see if he could get a glimpse of the girl that he had seen on that fateful day. His mind became full of what ifs. He was so conflicted if he should have marked Sheila now that they have to really finalize their plans if he should marry Sheila or remain mateless but he didn't want to plunge in yet. His wolf is telling him that he should wait. He kept telling Adam that it would be soon.

They both stepped forward and made to bow at Alpha Christian.

"Welcome, Fairy Princess Sheila and Crown Prince James. We hope you will enjoy the festivities today." Alpha Christian smiled at them while taking note of their curtsey. He turned to Adam. "Escort them to their seats, son."

Adam nodded in reply. He gestured for his friends to follow him. They greeted guests and friends as they made their way to their designated table. Beta Rowan bowed before Adam and gestured for them to take their seats by the arbor. Once seated, Sheila breathed deeply which made James chuckle.

"Oh my. That was a lot of pressure." She breathed out.

"What is?" Connor asked as he snatched a canape and popped it into his mouth. Sheila scowled.

"You know protocol has never been my thing. I really don't like these dress up things." Sheila gestured at the different species dressed formally and mingling. Kiefer and Kieran exchanged looks. Connor snorted, James smirked, Marcus lifted a brow and Adam smiled. They were all born with privilege but each was aware of the burden behind every title, every action and ever decision. Adam pondered Sheila's words. Soon, each of them will part ways to follow their destined paths but he was still undecided on what to do with his future without his mate.

Food was delivered and everyone ate merrily. They were talking about everything under the sun until a sudden hush covered the dance floor. Adam glanced at the commotion and was shocked at the sight. The Blood Queen regally strutted at the middle of the ballroom. Dressed in sinful red with her white shoulders bare and her curly auburn hair hanging loosely down her back. A few diamonds adorned her arms and the diadem she sparkled. As the coronation ceremony was never acknowledged, the Thistle Crown, the emblem of Cyrae and its symbol of power, was not given to her. A few of the unmated creatures eyed her with interest. Lady Vivian was truly a beauty but the leaders remained silent, their eyes reflecting their disgust.

"Why are you here?" Alpha Christian said in a bored tone. He mindlinked Beta Rowan and prepared his men for a possible chaotic party.

"I am disappointed. Why am I not included in this meeting? I invited you to mine and this is how you repay me." Her liquid venom dripped with every word ahe uttered. Adam instinctively pulled Sheila behind him, his friends making a barrier around them as Vivian approached them.

"Fairy Princess, fare thee well? I would have expected you'd be writhing in pain right now." She chuckled as the wolves growled and the vampires hissed. Kieran and Kiefer were reining their tempers. They witnessed how Sheila was almost killed by an unforseen force and if it weren't for an unknown source, she would have died that night.

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One year ago

Kiefer poked at the small organisms swimming near the riverbank. He and Kieran were showing off their highland kingdom to the young fairy princess. He was busy with dealing with insects that he didn't notice Sheila doubling over in pain. When she screamed in agony, that was when Kieran immediately sprinted towards the princess. Blood spurted from her lips and she winced in pain. Kieran was nowhere in sight so Kiefer tried his own unique healing abilities to ease her pain but she kept on crying. Kiefer was about to scream for help when all of a sudden a hooded figure approached them.

He did not see where the figure came from but it approached them confidently. It lay a hand on Sheila and immediately she fell asleep. The unknown figure breathed a little and shuffled towards Kiefer.

"Bring her home. She was attacked by a powerful witch." The figure whispered quietly. It removed her hood and revealed long white hair. She looked almost the same age as Sheila or younger but more radiant. Kiefer was left there standing awestruck when Kieran wandered their way.

.....................................

That day, the friends became more vigilant in protecting their little charge, even though Sheila is practically more powerful than any magical being combined.

"I think that you need to learn your place." Vivian cackled and with a wave of her hand, icicles formed on top of each of the guests' heads. Instinctively, Adam covered Sheila with his body.

"You have no power over here." Alpha Christian's voice boomed. It echoed powerfully in the crowded room, reducing the icicles into droplets of water. The guests ducked instinctively. But Vivian was unfazed.

"I want all the unmated wolves to attend MY mating ceremony. Fail me, and all of you will perish." Vivian issued her demand before she vanished in a puff of smoke.