The revelation hung in the air like a charged storm, electric and potent.
In the twilight-draped room, Lord Cheshire, my father, sat in stunned silence, his tail, which had been swishing like a conductor's baton, now still.
His eyes, those windows to a soul steeped in mystery and cunning, widened ever so slightly. The words, my declaration of lineage - daughter of Lunaria, the Goddess of dreams, inspirations, and the moon - echoed in the dormant room.
For a fleeting moment, I wondered if I had overstepped and revealed too much. The Fey world was one of intrigue and subtlety, and I was still learning how to navigate it.
I smirked to hide my nerves. "Nothing to say lord Cheshire?"
Suddenly Lord Cheshire's expression transformed. The initial shock melted into a wide, knowing grin, his eyes twinkling with an excitement that was almost childlike.
He rose from his seat with a fluid grace that defied his years and began to dance. It was a dance of jubilation, a swirl of motion that seemed to draw the remaining light of the setting sun into its vortex.
"I knew it!" he exclaimed, his voice a melody of triumph and awe. "I had my suspicions, doubts, insights but this... this is beyond what I dared to imagine!"
He spun around the room, his laughter a melody that seemed to resonate with the very walls of my home.
I watched, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. This man, this enigmatic being who was my father, had always been an enigma.
But now, in this unguarded moment, I saw a glimpse of something pure and unbridled - joy.
It honestly reminded me of the Cheshire cat I grew up with from the old Disney movies. Not the calculating manipulative killer I knew he could be.
As his dance slowed, he approached me, his eyes alight with a hundred unasked questions. "To think, my own daughter, a direct descendent of a Goddess," he mused, more to himself than to me. "It explains so much, Alex, so much. I wonder, what aspect of Lunaria do you embody most?"
I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his question. Was I to be the embodiment of a trait from the Goddess like a kings candidate? The thought made me shiver.
Before I could answer, I held up a hand, seeking a moment of calm. "Father, please," I said, my voice steady. "We have much to discuss, and you owe me a favor, remember? One that binds you to do no harm to me until it's repaid."
Lord Cheshire, my father, nodded solemnly. His face taking on a more serious tone as he settled himself.
"Yes, a fair bargain indeed," he agreed, his playful demeanor giving way to the more familiar, composed Lord of the Winter Court.
"Your safety and wellbeing are my utmost priority."
"They were not before?" I asked. Knowing the answer but attempting to act surprised.
Lord Cheshire waved it off. " Oh now of course I would hold up our bargain my dear daughter. I would adhere to the letter. Now however" his eyes trailed off and he stopped mid sentence.
I waited for a moment but was growing impatient after waiting a minute for an answer. I hated it when the fey would stop or attempt to misdirect a conversation.
As if he never paused suddenly Lord Cheshire continued with a new thought. "Now, onto pressing matters. Adrian will be arriving shortly to escort you to the castle. In a few days, you'll be departing for the land of the mankin."
The mention of the castle caused a knot to form in my stomach. "I don't wish to live in the castle," I stated, my voice firm.
He nodded, a hint of sadness in his eyes. "I understand your reluctance, but for now, it's unavoidable. Your presence there is necessary, not just as a political move but for your safety and the stability of the Fey realm. You are an envoy of the Winter court my daughter. There will be those who wish you harm."
I sighed, knowing he was right, yet feeling a pang of loss for the freedom I so cherished.
"Focus on gathering allies, as we discussed," he advised. "And master your magic. It will be crucial in the days to come."
"Allies, right. Like the hag?" I groaned.
"Precisely!" He beamed. Seeming very proud of himself.
A knock at the door signaled the arrival of my next guests. Lord Cheshire stood, his figure regal and commanding. With a final nod, he disappeared in a flash of shadows and smoke.
I steadied my nerves, smoothing the fabric of my dress, a habit I had been forming as of late.
Opening the door, I was greeted by the sight of Adrian and his entourage, an assembly of Fey nobility and warriors, their eyes upon me expectantly.
They all stood a dozen feet from the door however because standing protectively at the door, was Tiger, my once simple house cat, now a seven-foot-tall taxabi.
Stepping out, I curtsied gracefully, a gesture of respect and acknowledgment since with the other fey here it signaled this as court business, not personal. As I rose, my gaze met Adrian's, a mix of curiosity and admiration in his eyes.
"What brings you here, Lord Adrian?" I asked, my voice laced with a mix of formality and genuine curiosity.
He stepped forward, his presence commanding yet gentle. "I've come to escort you to your new home, Lady Alex," he said, his tone respectful. "There is much to prepare, and little time. The future of our realms may well rest in our hands."
The weight of his words settled upon me, a reminder of the journey ahead. I groaned inwardly. " While I appreciate the gesture I must ask why the company behind you?"
Adrian met my eyes and I could see a sense of pleading in them. "My Lady, I am here to personally escort the envoy of Winter. Nothing short of this is permissible. Please, will you join me?"
I also noticed a slight head nod that I understood instantly. He was asking me to not make a scene. Unaware that I knew of his intended visit. I sighed outwardly. Father did tell me that it would not be something up for discussion.
With a nod, I turned to Tiger, who gave a low, rumbling purr of approval. "Let's begin," I said as I walked forward to join my escort.