A crown is heavy but a king must wear it with grace.
Just Another Fancy Party
Alex knew exactly why I wanted him to come with me to the Fifth King's fancy launch party at all costs. After a few hours of protesting, he finally agreed. I explained to him that it was really necessary. As much as I didn't like parties, Alex believed me.
He had no idea where I got the grand ballroom, but he knew it had something to do with the Blutkaisers. One of them, for sure. He glanced around the room, taking in the scene of opulence and excitement. The ballroom was filled with the cream of the nobility, a horde of vampires, a few dwarves, slightly more fae, dark and light mages, reporters, and professionals. The buzz of anticipation was palpable, each guest eager to catch a glimpse of the Hueless King.
What can I say? I simply charmed everyone. Despite every move and word being carefully orchestrated, it felt effortless and natural. My smile was as artificial as a well-cut diamond, yet it sparkled with a sweetness that felt almost genuine. I dazzled the crowd with my smooth demeanor, endearing humor, and Alex undoubtedly noticed the loving eyes that followed me around, everyone hanging on my every word.
Alex quickly adapted to his role as my liaison with impressive skill. His presence was a steadying influence amidst the whirlwind of guests and the constant ebb and flow of conversation. From the moment we arrived, he became the linchpin of the event, deftly managing introductions and smoothing over any potential hiccups.
As I made my way through the crowd, Alex was ever-present at my side, his role impeccably executed. He moved seamlessly between guests, fielding questions and ensuring everyone's needs were met. When someone sought my attention, he was there to gently redirect them or ease their wait with a polite word. His ability to maintain composure under pressure and handle the various demands of the evening was nothing short of impressive.
He had an innate ability to make people feel valued, whether it was by remembering small details about their previous encounters or by making introductions that felt genuinely thoughtful. His charm wasn't the showy kind but rather a subtle, refined form of grace that helped keep the atmosphere lively and pleasant.
Later in the evening, as I navigated through the throng of guests, I spotted Lilinette standing near the edge of the room. Her presence was both striking and aloof, a contrast to the revelry around her. Deciding to make my way over, I weaved through the crowd with practiced ease.
Throughout the night, Alex maintained a graceful balance between being unobtrusive and indispensable. His efficiency allowed me to focus on charming the crowd without getting bogged down by the minutiae of party logistics. Whenever I glanced his way, he was either guiding guests, addressing queries, or ensuring that the event ran smoothly.
"I didn't expect to see you here. How's your evening going?"
Lilinette turned to face me, her expression polite but unreadable. "Shay. It's been a while."
"Indeed," I said, offering her my most charming smile. "And what a lovely surprise it is to see you here. How's the night treating you?"
She gave a small, almost imperceptible shrug. "It's fine. I'm here out of courtesy. How about you? The evening seems to be going quite well for you."
I chuckled, leaning in slightly. "Oh, you know me. I'm always up for charming a crowd. But tell me, has anything exciting or intriguing happened?"
Lilinette's lips curved into a faint smile. "Nothing out of the ordinary. Just the usual."
I nodded, undeterred. "I'd love to hear more about it sometime. Perhaps we could grab a drink or share a quiet corner away from all this excitement?"
Her smile remained unchanged, though her eyes betrayed a hint of reluctance. "I'll consider it. For now, I prefer to observe."
I straightened up, maintaining my easygoing demeanor. "Fair enough. I'll be back later."
I gave Lilinette a courteous nod before turning my attention back to the crowd. As I mingled with various guests, I could see Alex deftly managing the flow of conversation and making sure everyone felt attended to.
After a while, I spotted an opportunity to make a grand exit from one conversation, and with practiced ease, I made my way toward a quieter corner of the ballroom. As I sipped on a glass of champagne, I let my gaze drift over the crowd, searching for anyone I might have missed or any new faces to charm.
Soon enough, I noticed Lilinette standing alone by a column, her posture relaxed yet detached from the ongoing festivities. I decided to make my way back to her. As I approached, I could see the subtle way she scanned the room, her eyes betraying an awareness of the atmosphere, if not necessarily a fondness for it.
I sauntered up to her, a confident smile playing on my lips. "Back again," I said, making sure my tone was light and conversational. "I wasn't sure if you'd be here when I returned. How's the view from the sidelines?"
She tilted her head slightly, a faint smile touching her lips. "Still observing. The event is… lively."
I chuckled, noting the dryness in her tone. "Lively is one way to put it. I guess it's not everyone's cup of tea. I'd offer you another drink, but I see you're holding a full glass."
"Indeed," she replied, glancing down at her drink. "I'm well supplied for now."
Her eyes met mine, and though she tried to mask her amusement, a small smile played on her lips.
Lilinette's gaze softened, but she remained noncommittal. "It seems you're managing quite well."
"You could say that." I shrugged.
I leaned in slightly, a playful smile tugging at my lips. "I've noticed you're very good at observing. Tell me, do you always keep everyone at arm's length, or is it just me?"
Lilinette's eyes narrowed ever so slightly, though her expression remained mostly neutral. "Maybe I'm just selective about who I let in."
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Selective, huh? I suppose that makes me curious—what would it take to earn a little closer inspection?"
She tilted her head, a faint smirk appearing. "You're certainly persistent."
"Persistence is just one of my many talents," I replied with a wink.
Her gaze softened slightly, though she remained composed. "Then what makes you special?"
I chuckled, leaning back with a relaxed air. "Well, for one, I'm not afraid of a challenge. And for another, I've got a feeling you might enjoy discovering what's behind the façade."
Lilinette considered this for a moment, then shook her head with a soft laugh. "Don't get too confident; I'm not easily impressed."
"I wouldn't have it any other way," I said, giving her a charming grin. "I like a good challenge. Keeps things interesting."
She laughed quietly, shaking her head. "We'll see how interesting it gets."
With that, Lilinette turned her attention back to the crowd.
"Since you're all about observation, tell me—what's the most intriguing thing you've noticed about me so far?"
Linitette answered without looking at me. "That you're full of charm and confidence."
I watched her closely. The way Lilinette handled herself, so effortlessly graceful and yet guarded, only piqued my curiosity further. Her eyes found mine.
"But there's something more," she added, her tone soft but resonant.
I tilted my head, intrigued. "Oh? Do tell."
She took a sip from her glass, her gaze never leaving mine. "It's the way you handle yourself. There's an underlying intensity, a purpose that goes beyond mere conversation. It's as if you're always calculating, always measuring your next move."
I raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise in my expression. "You've been observing me quite closely."
"More than you might realize," Lilinette said, her eyes narrowing slightly. "It's not just about the facade you present. There's something in your demeanor—almost like a hidden fire, a sense of urgency or determination. It's the kind of thing that doesn't easily show itself but is palpable to those who know where to look."
I considered her words, feeling a mixture of curiosity and admiration. "That's quite an astute observation. And?"
Lilinette smiled faintly, her expression a blend of respect and challenge. "There's a depth to you that's not immediately apparent, something that drives you beneath the surface. This something makes you dangerous."
I met her gaze with a newfound seriousness. "You're not wrong. There are things that drive me; things that I would burn the world for."
She tilted her head slightly, her eyes searching mine. "I thought as much," she said, her tone thoughtful. "Because I know your gaze."
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
Her eyes softened slightly, and she leaned in just a bit closer. "It tells me you're driven by more than just ambition or desire. There's a fierce loyalty there, something that can be both a strength and a vulnerability."
I studied her closely, feeling the subtle shift in our dynamic. "True."
"You are a silly king," she said, a hint of a playful smile touching her lips.
I raised an eyebrow. "A silly king?"
"What king is loyal to his subjects?" she asked, her tone a mix of amusement and curiosity.
I chuckled softly, leaning back a little. "The kind who believes that true leadership is about more than just power. It's about responsibility."
Lilinette's smile widened slightly. "A rare breed, then. Most leaders are more concerned with control."
"Maybe so," I agreed, meeting her gaze steadily. "But I've found that loyalty, when it's earned and given freely, is what truly binds people together. It's what makes a court more than just a collection of subjects."
Her eyes searched mine as if trying to gauge the sincerity behind my words. "You speak with conviction. Yet, I wonder if your loyalty is ever tested."
"Constantly," I admitted. "Every day presents new challenges."
Lilinette leaned in a bit closer, her expression thoughtful. "And how do you handle the weight of that loyalty? The burden of responsibility?"
I considered her question carefully. "By remembering why I chose it in the first place."
Her gaze softened, and she seemed to reflect on my words. "I suppose there's a kind of strength in this, even if it comes with its own set of challenges."
I nodded.
Lilinette's smile was more genuine now, and she seemed more relaxed. "You make it sound almost poetic. Perhaps there's more to you than just the role you play."
"Perhaps," I said with a warm smile. "And maybe there's more to you than just the observer you present to the world."
She laughed softly, a sound that felt like a small bridge between us. "Maybe we're both more than we seem."
"I'd like to think so," I replied, leaning in slightly.
With that, the air between us felt lighter, more charged with a sense of potential. I felt Simon's gentle touch on my shoulder, so I closed my eyes.
Mose stirred, lying flat on his bed, blinking. For a few moments, he relished the hazy, dreamlike state and the welcome relaxation in his muscles. Then, as sleep faded, he sat up, rubbing the remnants of slumber from his eyes.
"Morning," he heard a gruffer-than-usual voice.
The dream evaporated as Mose turned to see Rolo sprawled on the floor, absorbed in a book. Rolo didn't glance up, his eyes focused intently on the text as he lay on his stomach, resting his chin on one hand and turning pages with the other. Surrounding him were stacks of books—some closed, others marked or open.
Mose flushed with embarrassment, realizing he'd completely neglected his research.
Hesitant but determined, Mose asked, "Are you hungry? Shall I make you some breakfast?"
Rolo's nod was slow and deliberate, which Mose took as a green light. He retreated to the kitchen, following a well-rehearsed routine. He prepared fried eggs, grating a bit of cheese and sprinkling pepper over them. He sliced some red tomatoes, arranging them neatly on the side. When he turned, he found Rolo at the table. His movements were as graceful and as quiet as a cat's, making Mose wonder how he hadn't noticed his presence earlier.
"What do you remember from yesterday?" Rolo asked, his tone unusually serious.
Mose hesitated, feeling like he was being scrutinized. "I had a strange dream," he finally said. "It was about Shay… He told me something, but it's mostly a blur."
Rolo's half-smile was tinged with mockery, but his eyes were calm as he observed Mose. "A dream? That's interesting. What did he say?"
Moses struggled to recall, frowning as he tried to piece together fragments of his memory. "I remember him saying something about… something being okay, but it's fuzzy."
Rolo's gaze grew more serious. "Yesterday, you awakened."
Moses's face shifted from uncertainty to disbelief. "Impossible."
"That's what I thought at first," Rolo said, his patience surprising for someone usually so brusque. "Shaytan claims you're a Mystbane."
"What?" Mose's voice rose with a hint of panic.
Rolo's sharp look silenced him. "Mystbanes have been around for centuries, though evidence is scant. They're often mistaken for weak mages because they control only a fraction of their magic. They drain magic from others, often without realizing it. There are few proven cases."
Mose's eyes widened. "What does that mean for me?"
Rolo sighed. "Most mages have two types of magic: the natural, wild core, and the tamed magic they've learned to control. Generally, mages access mostly tame magic and can't reach the core, which is stronger and more complex. But because you have little tamed magic, you might be able to access and control magic in your core. Understand?"
Mose hesitated, shaking his head. "I'm not sure I follow."
Rolo's frustration was evident, but he pressed on. "If you can master your wild magic, your spells could be extraordinarily powerful."
Mose's face showed a mix of fear and confusion. He understood the gravity of the situation but struggled with the implications. Rolo's gaze softened slightly, revealing an unexpected empathy beneath his stern exterior. He knew the burden of this revelation was heavy.
"So, what happens now?" Mose asked, his voice trembling slightly.
Rolo's expression was serious but not unkind. "We will do some research."
Rolo sighed deeply. Even though he knew that everything would change after this, it didn't mean he would spare Mose that scornful look. I knew that in his research, Rolo had discovered what I had suspected for some time: that Moses had rare, untapped potential.
If he could master his wild magic, his spells would become exceptionally powerful. At the same time, he could understand why I had hesitated for many years to bring it to the surface.
Mose always smelled of medicine - his body was weak, his health frail. Precisely because he had largely denied himself the magic of others, he was growing weaker. Rolo could certainly imagine what would have happened if he had not awakened soon. And from the look on his face, I thought that was why Rolo didn't really know whether to be angry or grateful.
When I opened my eyes there was a slight smile on my lips. Lil realized the change right away and raised an eyebrow questioning me silently.
"One of my beloved subjects just recovered," I explained. "Mose awakened."
Her eyes widened. "What?"
I nodded, the smile on my lips widening. "He's a Mystbane."
Lilinette's gaze sharpened, a mix of surprise and intrigue flickering in her eyes.
"It changes everything, right?" I said; my light tone in contrast with my words.
Lilinette's expression grew more serious as she absorbed the information. "A Mystbane is no small matter."
"Precisely," I said, nodding. "Moses's awakening means he's not just any mage. His ability to drain and manipulate magic can be incredibly powerful.
She nodded, her brow furrowing. "But how did you know? I couldn't tell."
"What?" I asked mockingly. "Are you jealous that I stole a perfect apprentice?"
Lilinette smirked, though her eyes were still serious. "Hardly. But Mystbane abilities are notoriously difficult to detect. How did you figure it out?"
"He started to ever so subtly drain my life force whenever we met," I explained.
Lilinette's eyes widened in understanding. She knew the implications of this.
Her face grew pale. "Mystbanes... they often don't survive their awakening. Did you—"
I didn't need to answer. Her expression made it clear that she understood the gravity of the situation. The truth hung between us: if Moses was to survive, drastic measures had to be taken.
"You gave him your life force," she said softly, her voice tinged with a mixture of awe and concern.
I nodded, feeling the weight of the admission. "Yes. It was the only way to stabilize him."
For a moment, Lilinette was silent, absorbing the gravity of what I had done. When she spoke again, her tone was softer and more respectful. "That's... incredibly dangerous. You could have died."
"There was no other choice," I said simply. "Mystbanes live short lives. Mose was nearing the end of his."
Lilinette took a step closer, her eyes reflecting a mixture of admiration and concern. She hesitated for a moment, then reached out, her fingers lightly grazing my arm. The touch was brief but reassuring. "Are you... alright?"
I felt the warmth of her touch linger, a silent comfort. "I'll be fine," I assured her. "I just need rest."
She nodded, her fingers tightening slightly on my arm. For a moment, we stood there. The understanding in her gaze, the respect in her touch – it all bridged the gap that had seemed so vast before.
"Thank you," I said quietly, my voice almost a whisper. Her concern meant a lot.
Lilinette's eyes softened, and she gave a small, sincere smile. "You don't have to thank me, Shay."
She took a step back, her hand lingering on my arm for just a moment longer before falling away. "Get some rest then."
I raised an eyebrow, a playful grin spreading across my face. "Is this an invitation to yours?"
Lilinette laughed softly, shaking her head. "Nice try. You need real rest, not more distractions."
I sighed theatrically. "A man can hope, can't he?"
She gave me a genuine smile, the warmth in her eyes making it clear that despite the banter, she truly cared. "Take care of yourself, Shay."
"As you wish," I said, giving her a mock bow. "But don't be surprised if I take you up on that offer someday."
She rolled her eyes, but I could see the hint of a smile playing on her lips. "What offer?"
I straightened up, meeting her gaze with a playful glint in my eyes. "The one where you let me crash at your place."
Lilinette laughed softly, shaking her head. "Keep dreaming, Shay."
I chuckled.
Later that night, Alex was already feeling the weight of his loss when I entered the kitchen, carrying a magnetic board instead of his well-deserved beer. His mood worsened further when he saw the names attached to the board. He let out a heavy sigh. I offered him an encouraging smile, but it didn't quite reach him. Alex, frustrated, stood up and brewed some coffee.
As the coffee brewed, he began to rearrange the names on the magnetic board into small, disorganized groups. Resting his chin on his hand, he mumbled despondently under his breath from time to time. Despite his visceral aversion to the task, he stayed up all night with me, discussing the power dynamics and relationships between the different groups.