Page 45 of Accidentally Ever After
After the formal ritual concluded, the celebration shifted to a more festive atmosphere. Music filled the hall, fairies fromall courts mingled freely, and servants circulated with beverages that glowed and food that sometimes moved on the plate.
“You did beautifully,” I told Caelen when he returned to my side. “Very commanding. Very princely.”
“Did I impress my consort?” he asked with a smile, his hand finding the small of my back in that possessive gesture I’d grown to love.
“Very much so. You might get lucky later.”
His wings fluttered subtly. “Something to look forward to.”
As the evening progressed, I found myself drawn into various diplomatic conversations, many centered around our human-fairy exchange initiative. The program had generated significant interest, especially among the younger generations of fairies who found human culture fascinating.
“Consort Morgan,” Lady Sorcha greeted me, her sunset wings particularly vibrant against her deep green solstice attire. “Your proposal for expanding the cultural exchange to include artistic collaborations is gaining support in the Spring Court. Our craftmasters are particularly intrigued by human ‘technology’ and its creative applications.”
“I’m glad to hear it,” I said sincerely. “There’s so much potential for mutual enrichment.”
“Indeed. Though some still harbor concerns about increased human awareness of our realm.” Her expression grew more serious. “The traditional secrecy has protected us for millennia.”
“Controlled exchange doesn’t mean throwing open the doors,” I assured her. “Just carefully building bridges where both sides benefit.”
“An elegant metaphor,” came a new voice—Lord Faelan, approaching with two goblets of glowing blue liquid. He offered one to me with a slight bow. “Your human perspective continues to refresh our sometimes stagnant discourse.”
I accepted the drink with thanks, noting how Faelan and Sorcha stood slightly closer together than strict formality required. Their alliance, both political and apparently personal, had strengthened over recent months, creating a progressive bloc that increasingly counterbalanced the king’s traditionalist faction.
“Have you had the pleasure of meeting the Winter Court ambassador yet?” Sorcha asked, gesturing subtly toward a tall fairy with wings like frosted glass. “He carries significant influence with their High Council.”
I recognized the diplomatic prompt for what it was. “Not yet. Perhaps you might introduce us?”
The next hour was a carefully choreographed dance of introductions, subtle alliance-building, and diplomatic groundwork for our initiatives. I had become adept at this aspect of court life, learning to navigate the complex undercurrents of fairy politics while maintaining human directness when it served our purposes.
Throughout the evening, I was conscious of Caelen’s presence across the hall, even when we were separated by duties. The bond between us had only strengthened over the months, allowing a constant awareness of each other that transcended ordinary perception. Occasionally our eyes would meet across the crowded space, a private moment of connection amid the ceremonial obligations.
It was during one such moment, as I was concluding a conversation with a Summer Court dignitary, that I noticed a commotion near the main entrance. Heads turned, conversations paused, and a ripple of surprise moved through the gathering.
Lady Ellaria had arrived—fashionably late as was her custom—but it wasn’t her entrance causing the stir. It was hercompanion: a human man, clearly nervous but attempting to match her regal bearing.
“Well,” Lord Faelan murmured beside me, “this is unexpected.”
“She brought a human date?” I asked, not bothering to hide my surprise. Lady Ellaria had been one of the most vocal opponents of human-fairy integration, and certainly no friend to me.
“It appears so,” Sorcha confirmed, her wings fluttering with undisguised interest. “How… progressive of her.”
I watched as Ellaria guided her companion through the crowd, accepting greetings with practiced grace while the human beside her looked increasingly overwhelmed. I recognized the expression all too well—I had worn it myself during my early days at court.
Without consciously deciding to, I found myself moving toward them. Caelen intercepted me halfway, his expression a mixture of amusement and concern.
“Are you planning what I think you’re planning?” he asked quietly.
“He looks like he needs rescuing,” I said simply. “I remember what that feels like.”
His wing brushed against my back in a subtle caress. “Your compassion remains one of your most admirable qualities. Even toward those who haven’t earned it.”
Together, we approached Lady Ellaria and her human guest. Her expression when she saw us approaching was priceless—a complex mixture of disdain, resignation, and what might have been grudging respect.
“Your Highness, Consort Morgan,” she greeted us with a perfect curtsy. “How gracious of you to welcome us personally.”
“Lady Ellaria,” Caelen acknowledged with a slight nod. “We could hardly fail to greet such an… intriguing arrival.”
Her companion bowed awkwardly, clearly having received some hasty coaching in fairy etiquette. “Your Highness,” he managed, his voice steady despite his obvious nervousness. “An honor.”
