Out of the corner of my eye I seen lord Claudius lean in and whisper something to prince Draven. A wide wicked smile crept across his face as his eyes twinkled in mischief. They both stared me down as I scurried away from their gazes. It made my skin crawl to a point of itching. I felt a hand slide upon the small of my back as I reached the door. My first initial response it to lash out at the brazen act. I effortlessly spun around and grasp my mysterious invader by the neck . One arm choking his air way and the other locked around the other pinning him in place. A low laughter sprang forth as I realized that it was prince Xavier. " very well done princess I am pressed by you" Prince Xavier I am so sport I apologized countless of times. He only laughed as he rubbed his now sore neck. " warrior princess we have a engagement for tonight" as he offered his arm to me. I was here with Xavier and all I could think of is my mysterious viper who just sparred with me.
"Princess "Xavier said as he offered his arm to me. I blinked out of my apparent haze "oh yes prince Xavier" I gripped his muscular biceps as he guided me out the castle"
Once again The brisk autumn air instantly cooled my heated skin. We walked in silence"was that your first Brazen Banquet? "
"Yes I stammered as I couldn't make eye contact.. was it your first time." I inwardly screamed at my idiotic comment. Of course he had been to a brazen Banquet before . I wanted the earth to open up and swallow me while for that question.
He looked away " I have attended many brazen banquets since the age of thirteen . Unlike yours Ours involved lots of blood and other nightly things". He audibly cleared his throat "The first two brazen banquets Percival and I attended he fainted at sight of blood .." he chuckled "we soon found out after that Percival is severely blood Intolerant. The first vampire ever known to be allergic to blood" . He chuckled trying to liven up the situation. " poor Percival must have been through a lot of ridicule."I stated as my heart wrenched for him.
"Don't feel bad, We all have had our own kind ridicule over the centuries. Draven has been ridiculed for being a bloodthirsty dragon that eats fair maidens and debauchery of innocence"Xavier stated .He frowned as I noticeably winced at the statement I myself had been prejudice toward Draven for that fact alone.
"Where as Rhys has been scorn for being an incubus charm ". Xavier took a deep dreary before continuing."The rumor that killing his wives three days after their marriage. Unfortunately Rhys, never talks any of the brides or their deaths. Doesn't help others see him in a postitive light. "He sighed as he raked his fingers through his hair.
"Being a hybrid prince were not pure blooded fae and not whatever our mother's we're. We don't belong anywhere we're not accepted by either species."He stopped in mid stride catching my hand in his . Staring into my eyes "princess, I'm telling you this because at some point you will be forced to marry one of us. You may experiance ridicule for choosing a hybrid prince instead of one of your own.
"But your pure blooded fae " he pulled his hands away" but at a price !" He stated coldly. Pain etched his features as he looked at anything but at me.I raised my hand and cupped his smooth cheek. He gripped my hand as it lay upon his cheek and for that moment we were silent. " there is a high mortality rate for our kind for child birthing . My mother lost her life just so I could be brought into this world."pain laced his words as he bared his soul to me.
"Xavier, I know for a fact she is and would be proud of the kind,intelligent, and loyal man you have become."I confidently stated as he dropped my hand from his face. He full out hugged me his form shook from sobs. Once the sobs subsided he whispered "thank you for saying that ."
"Why is all the princes unmarried?"I asked I blushed and played nervously with lock of loose hair. Even though the fact Rhys had married no one else married" Xavier perked up at the question" why so interested in our martial status princess ?"
I left go of the strain of hair from my fingers.
"We're all scared of the kings threat.".he changed the subject swiftly"one of us is secretly soul mated but we can't tell who it is" he whispered.
"Can I trust you keep a secret ?" He looked into my eyes as I nodded. " percival hair turned a few days after we arrived. In fae culture our hair turns color after we marry our destined soul mate. It's our bloodline to posses pure snow white hair once we find our mate."
With that said I now realize that Darven is the only prince openly showing his snow white hair. where as the others posses jet black powdered locks . " who is his mate" I ask as jealousy reared its ugly head. For some reason I instantly clinched my fist at the thought. " we don't know but I do know Percival's soul mate "he started with a wicked gleam.
"What's the difference between being mated and Soul mated in fae/elven society?" I naively asked as his eyes twinkled in delight. I have soon found out that Xavier is the wise scholar of the princes. So asking questions and listening is a delight to him.
Their is a profound difference Soul mated and being mated. Being mated is the simplistic physical "chemistry" between a couple. Soul mated on the other hand your soul is merged together. It not just on a physical but an emotional bond .it's said once fully soul bonded you can experience everything your mates feels. Xavier smiled " just imagine being on that level of intimacy with someone". He started as he stared at my necklace with wonder.
Is that a.. I cut him off before he could say " phoenix's heart " he shook his head as he leaned in closer. He examined my pendant closer as a wicked smile crossed his face" I see you have accepted Rhy's gift and that is not the phoenix's heart. It's something else.." he mysteriously stated as I touched the stone upon my chest.
Changing the subject before I could ask more questions concerning the stone. "I have a gift for you also." Xavier joyously stated as he shifted from one foot to the next.
He handed my a ring the opaque jewel " I present to you the" purity ring". Always wear it it will keep you and your heart safe from charming rouges like me ."he cheekily stars as he slipped the ring upon my index finger. It surprisingly fit as if it were made just for me.
"Thank you prince Xavier for the thoughtful gift."i stated as I bowed to him. The happily bowed back. I took his hand as a firework exploded above our heard. " we better go before we miss the festivies" I said. I gripped his hand as we finally arrived to the center of the city ." it's my pleasure to welcome you to the Kilko festival "