Page 30 of Accidentally Ever After
“Now you,” I said when he paused to assess his work. “Let me paint you too.”
His eyes, already darker than normal, met mine. “That would be… acceptable.”
I laughed at his formal response, the sound bubbling up more freely than usual thanks to the paint’s effects. “Just acceptable? Not traditional for the consort to paint their partner?”
“Traditionally, yes,” he admitted. “But I was not certain you would want to participate to that extent.”
“I want to,” I assured him, taking the pot of paint from his hands. “Show me what to do.”
Under his guidance, I began to trace patterns on his skin, following the natural lines of his body. The paint looked different on him—more luminous, seeming to interact with the pearlescent quality of fairy skin to create depth and dimension I couldn’t achieve on my human form.
“These patterns honor your royal lineage,” he explained as I worked on his chest. “And these—” he guided my hand to create swirling designs along his abdomen, “—celebrate vitality and passion.”
When I reached his wings, he showed me how to apply the paint to the delicate membranes, creating ethereal patterns that caught and refracted light. The contact made him shudder, his wings trembling beneath my touch.
“Sensitive,” I observed with a smile.
“Incredibly so,” he agreed, voice strained. “Especially with the paint enhancing sensation.”
By the time we finished painting each other, we were both in a state of heightened awareness, every brush of skin against skin sending ripples of pleasure through my paint-enhanced nervous system. The patterns on both our bodies glowed softly, creating an otherworldly effect in the dimly lit chamber.
“We should dress for the ceremony,” Caelen said reluctantly, though his eyes suggested he’d rather do anything but.
“Do we have to?” I asked, running a hand down his painted chest, enjoying the way the patterns illuminated more brightly at my touch.
He caught my hand, bringing it to his lips. “The initial ritual is important,” he explained. “It connects the entire realm in celebration. Afterward…” his eyes darkened further, “…we can continue our private observance.”
The festival garments were unlike anything I’d worn before—even by fairy standards. For me, there were loose, flowing pants in midnight blue and an open vest of the same color, leaving most of my chest exposed to show off the painted patterns. Caelen’s outfit was similar but incorporated his wings, with an entirely open back and strategic cutouts that displayed the most elaborate of the painted designs.
“I feel like I’m dressed for a very fancy beach party,” I commented, examining myself in the mirror. The paint glowed through the thin fabric in places, creating an effect that was undeniably beautiful if somewhat revealing.
“You look perfect,” Caelen assured me, his eyes appreciative. “The court will be impressed by your embrace of tradition.”
When Melronna returned to escort us to the festival grounds, her eyes widened at the sight of us. “Your Highness, Consort Morgan, the patterns are exquisite!” She circled me slowly, professional assessment replacing her initial surprise. “I’ve rarely seen such detailed work on a first application, especially on human skin.”
“The prince is a talented artist,” I said, enjoying the way Caelen’s wings fluttered at the praise.
“Indeed,” Melronna agreed. “These patterns will be the envy of the court. We should proceed—the ceremonial lighting begins at moonrise.”
We followed her through the palace corridors, which were unusually empty. “Where is everyone?” I asked.
“Already at the festival grounds,” Caelen explained. “The royal family traditionally arrives last, just before the ceremony begins.”
The “festival grounds” turned out to be the vast gardens behind the palace, transformed beyond recognition. Luminescent flowers that I’d never seen before bloomed along the pathways, their petals slowly opening and closing like breathing things. Gauzy fabrics in jewel tones hung from trees and floating platforms, creating intimate spaces between more open gathering areas. And everywhere, fairies in festival attire similar to ours, their skin adorned with glowing patterns unique to each individual.
As we approached, a hush fell over the gathered crowd. I recognized many of the court nobles, though they looked dramatically different in their festival paint and revealing attire. Even the normally severe Lady Ellaria appeared transformed, her skin covered in crystalline patterns that refracted light like prisms.
King Orion awaited us on a raised dais, his own festival paint reminiscent of Caelen’s but more elaborate, incorporating metallic silvers that gave his patterns a sharp, almost weapon-like appearance. His massive wings were fully extended behind him, a display of power that seemed unnecessary but very on-brand.
“The hour approaches,” the king announced as we took our places beside him. “The stars align for our celebration.”
A group of fairy musicians began to play—those otherworldly instruments creating harmonies that seemed to resonate with the patterns on my skin, making them tingle and glow more brightly. The sensation was pleasant but disorienting, like my body was becoming an instrument itself.
“What’s happening?” I whispered to Caelen, watching as my painted patterns pulsed in time with the music.
“The paint responds to the ceremonial tones,” he explained, his own patterns similarly animated. “It connects all participants, creating a shared experience.”
As the music built in intensity, I became aware of a strange sensation—as if I could feel not just my own body but echoes of others around me. Emotions that weren’t mine washed through me in waves: excitement, anticipation, wonder, desire. A glance at Caelen confirmed he was experiencing something similar, his eyes wide with the shared consciousness.
