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“My apologies, Master Huxley, is it? I did not mean to offend you, especially when you’ve only recently risen to your position,” he declared on purpose, which had many looking at Viktor specifically before they glanced my way—their eyes lingering on the cloak that sat on my shoulders matched with the obvious necklace in view.
“My condolences to Master L’s ascension, but it’s but an honor to meet the new Master of the High Council on such an occasion. Please give my apologies to your Disciple as well for my rudeness and dismissive nature. This is indeed a serious matter, but I’m unaware of why it would be considered treason.”
"You can apologize to my Disciple right now,” Viktor harshly stated as he lifted our joined hands just as Nico let go of my other hand so we could be given the spotlight we deserved. “Willow De Luca, who will be known as Willow Alundra Phoenix, is my appointed Disciple of the High Council.”
The number of gawking individuals that watched in pure shock was nothing compared to seeing the hurt in Aurelia’s eyes—the reminder that she’d failed in getting the position her family had set her up for.
I tried to ignore the way my stomach flipped and tossed in nervousness, but I lifted my head upward as my magic surged to the surface to not only match Viktor’s but rise higher.
The air was so thick that some people began to cough because of how suffocating the atmosphere became, but I didn’t back down as my eyes specifically stared at Prince Alywn and Aurelia in wait.
Aurelia knew exactly what my intentions were, which was why she seemed to comply with my nonverbal demand, her body bending forward in a half bow.
“It’s an honor to meet the new Master and Disciple of the High Council,” Aurelia declared, which forced the other Coven members to bow as well, like it was protocol.
Prince Alywn was next to bow his head in acknowledgment before he spoke. “My utmost apologies for my rudeness. I was completely unaware of this, but please accept my offer of regret.”
"Of course you’re unaware. You never pay attention to anything that happens on the mundane lands unless you’re getting laid.”
The new voice had everyone looking to the source—a little boy standing at the top of the stairs with his arms crossed.
He wore royal attire that reminded me of the 1800s, and yet it was all made in a rich quality silk of gold and teal.
His hair was striking turquoise while his skin was pale and flawless. His eyes that were filled with judgment were an enchanting seafoam green. The only thing that stood out aside from those spheres were the freckles that ran along his nose and cheeks.
"You never pay attention to shit, and it’s rather embarrassing at such a grand celebration. Clearly, your lot of enemies enjoy using your face and magic to deceive the rest of the world about whatever wrongdoings have been conducted yet again, Prince Alywn. Don’t you feel ashamed of being so easily manipulated that a child like myself must come to your aid?”
His sly grin was priceless as he snapped his fingers. Two knights in golden armor that were designed with metallic teal rushed to kneel before the boy until he sat down upon their very shoulders.
They lifted him up with ease, walking down the flight of stairs as if they were gliding through the air. The movement was flawless and gave us a glimpse of how genuine fae interacted in real life.
“Prince Theo,” Prince Alywn greeted and bowed his head even further. "None of us were expecting your arrival.”
“Why? Is it nap time?” he questioned with a huff as he crossed his arms and sat taller while being balanced by the knights, who’d reached the last step of the stairs. "Anyone throughout the realms of Faerie knows of our strong relations with the Phoenix family. It is only right for us to attend the appointing of Queen Elphaba’s first child. I know you probably have a line of women waiting for your return so you can enjoy your frisky lifestyle, and yet you’re here with Miss Aurelia Clementine over there.”
The boy tried to sweetly grin in their direction, but it didn’t reach his eyes at all.
"What trouble has your Coven caused now? It seems they’ve been rather rebellious lately.”
Aurelia said nothing as she simply bowed her head further, which only encouraged the little boy to giggle at the sight.
“Reunions like these remind me of why you mundane shifter hybrids go above and beyond to gain power. The feeling of watching someone submit to you is an addictive sight to see again and again.” He clapped for himself as if he’d achieved such a grand accomplishment before his eyes locked onto mine.
He took me in from head to toe before he seemed surprised.
“Wow,” he gasped and nodded in approval. "You’re like Queen Elphaba’s copy! Your aura is really pretty too. Why are you not a part of the Coven when your magic dramatically surpasses Miss Aurelia Clementine’s?”
I wasn’t expecting the blunt question and the silence stretched through the room as he waited for my answer.
Bria pulled back so I could do this independently, and my mind raced to think of a proper response that wouldn’t make Aurelia actually look bad.
We may be “enemies” but jeez, I ain’t a bitch.
"My focus growing up was on learning and evolving my energy around my father’s empire and pack. It was truly tricky to balance the three, and due to the circumstance revolving around my upbringing, it wasn’t a privilege offered to me.” That wasn’t necessarily a lie when my life really didn’t support me being offered the privilege of being taken seriously in the magic community.
Surely it was understandable now that I was about to claim my birthright.
“That makes sense!” He beamed at my explanation, as if I deserved to receive five stars for participation. “My sister has missed you! She’ll be delighted to see you’re well and prospering.”
