So far so good, I'm almost at the bottom with only about half a dozen steps to go when (of course) my dress snags on my heel, sending me forward. (Not a good sign for the night ahead.) Suddenly a strong arm catches me and pulls me close. I breath in the scent of cinnamon and honey, not really my thing honestly but I'm grateful for the save. I look up to see bright hazel green eye's that seem familiar.
"Th-Thanks for the save." I stammer as I quickly compose myself.
Then an idea strikes me. I smile at my savior then quickly dash off to find Trixa. She's by the fountain on the balcony, talking to someone. I come up behind her and clear my throat a little. She turns and smiles, then looks back out over the balcony.
"Father, I have to go, Novas here and it looks important."
"Alright dear, give Nova my best." I hear her father say.
"I will." She waves her hand and I see she had been talking into a vision portal, it dissipates and vanishes.
"Whats up?"She asks.
"I figured it out, I know how to catch him!" I exclaim excitedly.
"Oh my God's this is great! How?"
"Ok, hear me out. I gotta use myself as bait. BUT I wont be in any real danger because you and Darrow and Greyson will be there."I hurriedly explain.
"I don't know Nov, I don't think Darrow's gonna like this."
"On the contrary, I think it's jus' wha' we need tah do." Darrow says as he walks from the shadows.
"I believe tha' Nova has proven she can handle 'erself. I knoh wha' I'm capable of and I knoh I can protect 'er if need beh. But, I also knoh she's stronger than people give 'er credit fer."
My heart warms and sings at his admiration of my strength. I smile at him and feel my cheeks begin to warm when he looks back at me. His smile turns my insides to mush and it takes all of my inner strength to push the lustful thoughts away. I can see he also had lustful thoughts and is disappointed when my fire dies down. I secretly promise to sate his needs later after the mating ritual.
"So how we gonna do this then?" Trixa asked, bringing me back from my naughty thoughts.
"I've gotta put myself in a pretty dangerous situation. It has to look real as well. I was thinking...the cliff?"
"WHAT?! NO!" Trixa exclaims.
"Shhhhh!!" I hiss as I slap my hand over her mouth.
"Trixa, it has to look real! He has to believe I'm in danger, enough so to warrant him to break his cover and save me."
"Nova!" She says as she uncovers her mouth.
"What if someone else tries to save you instead?"
"Like?" I ask.
"Like your fathers guards! You're the princess damnit! People care whether you live of die!"
"That's why we do it in secret. Away from everyone. If this guys really watching me, then he'll be there. He'll save me, then we'll get him. We don't have much longer till the banquet. We have to act now!"
"Fine, BUT, NO CLIFF. I have a better idea. I'm going to escort you away, into the woods. I'll pretend to try and kill you out of a fit of jealous rage. When he tries to stop me, Darrow, Greyson and you can take him."
"And who's gonna protect you?" I ask accusingly.
"I will protect her." Came a hiss like voice from below the balcony.
I jumped and immediately turned to the balcony edge. There, the Shade rose and came to settle next to Trixa, his smoke and shadowy figure melted away and before us stood a tall, handsome man with sharp features, black hair that was shaved on the sides and a bit longer on top and curly to boot, skin that looked to almost glow in the moonlight and a pair of wickedly bright ruby red eye's. His build was that of a warrior, taught lean muscles showed through his tight shirt, his arm came to rest around Trixa's waist. Trixa, who looked slightly flattered and flustered, only stood there blushing. I've never seen her blush like this.
"Ooooookay...Well, someone needs to tell Greyson. If I go I might be overheard by my unwanted shadow. Darrow can you do it?" I looked at him pleadingly.
"Aye, I can." He replied, before turning on his heel and going off to find Greyson.
"Ok, Well...this is it...I guess." I said, apparently to myself, as Trixa was busy staring holes through Valik. Seriously wtf?! Ugh it's gonna be a looooong night.