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The intoxicating scent of revelry and liquor made me dizzy. The air of merriment and silly laughter made my head throb, nonetheless, among all the delirious smiles and gentry talk what kept me awake was the chilling eyes following my back.

Ah… this feeling…

It’s been too long yet I still can’t get used to it.

These sights filled with scrutiny, as if mocking me to my face, yet also contained restrain, was though annoying but also quite hilarious. I hardly suppressed a chuckle.

I swept my gaze around the hall as Selena kept on going on and on about how Hael was bulling her since I last left while he tried to explain every single one.

There were all kinds of folks present— from lores to tales, myths to legends, both heard and unheard, seen and unseen. All of them, put together in this hall. Some had long ears, some with animal features, while some even had varying skin colours. Even so one of a kind was particularly few— ‘Mortals’, the only kind that was deemed worthless or insignificant when compared to these so-called immortal beings— the faery folk. Yet how fate played me; a place where mortals, though welcomed, but what became of them was unknown yet known, here I was sitting between two of their kind, one a princess while other a general’s son, sipping wine and hearing them complain about each other like little kids.

Sigh~~

I turned my gaze towards the dais when the queen’s eyes met mine. I gulped. Feeling the need to quench my throat, I raised my head and guzzled down a whole glass of wine. Slightly pungent and astringent taste filled my senses as I slammed the glass onto the table.

Both Hael and Selena were shocked.

“What’s wrong?” they asked.

“Nothing. Just my head hurts.”

“Then go back and rest,” Selena said pushing me a glass of water.

But the one who wasn’t the least bit affected were those pair of eyes from the dais.

 “Hmm,” I hummed, still feeling uncomfortable with the unusually obvious staring.

The high queen’s stare bore through my skin. Even though I didn’t turn to her, she just stared, without any expression which was unusual.

Weird.

Though as soon as a blue elf whispered in her ears, her expression changed to that of tricksy as she retreated her focus from me.

“Bring them here. I want to see who has the audacity.”

The hall went silent as the guards entered dragging two handcuffed people by chains. They were chained with iron, which by the looks of it, didn’t affect them in the slightest thus strengthening my reason. Though they do appear exhausted.

Mortals. They’re mortals.

They didn’t lift their heads even once from the door to the dais. But still they seemed rather familiar. Is it because they are the only other humans here in their right minds. Though not for long.

The guards brought them forward, presenting them in front of the throne. With a slight kick to their calves, they were sent to their knees.

“Is that how faery customs treat its guests? My expectations were let down,” he said as he raised his head.

My heartbeat rose as I heard that voice. Maybe it’s because of the audaciousness in those words or maybe it’s the person that’s unnerving.

There he was, kneeling before me, chained and ragged, facing the throne, yet his voice still held that usual pride. I don’t know how he’s able to keep up this noble air around him while talking to the high queen as if on equal grounds. It annoys me yet it’s still unique to him.

Those eyes were the very essence of fatigue but the vigilance in them made the other person stand on their toes.

He, who abandoned me two years ago when I needed him the most. He, who asked me with that annoying smirk on my return, ‘missed me?’ Just how I wished to wipe that smug off his face.

I clenched my fist on the helm of my skirt till it became wrinkled.

Behind him the other head was swaying slightly as if about to fall yet he still managed to hold on.

“Faery customs are known for their treatment for guests not for rabble rousers. As for which one you are receiving, I think you can guess. Who made you slay my people on my land,” fell the queen’s voice in the hushed hall.

What?

Slain?

Oh-oh!!!

He chuckled.

“But I came with the intention to ask for a favour, your highness.”

He came to make a deal.

Faery pacts are infamous for being tricky and one side benefiting. Then what made him risk it to make one.

“Sure, why not. But we’ll talk about it after you’re done.”

Sigh. She is reminding him that no matter what they’re not escaping punishment.

“Oh? Then what are the customs for a rabble rouser?”

He’s disassociating himself from his comrade, taking all the blame, who I can already predict must be John.

“Well, it can be anything. Like getting a few of your scales ripped off, or chopping off a tail. Even skinning of the fur. But since you have none of those, then why don’t we ask a fellow mortal to foretell? What do you think, Rose?”

Everyone’s eyes present turned to me, including his.

The hall went silent once again.

“Rose….?”

His eyes which were once vigilant showed a sense of horror. For once in a long time his reckless smile faltered, albeit for just a second, it did. Though soon returned to his reckless self, yet his gaze examined me like a prey to its predator.

Even if it was an illusion, it sparked an excitement in me. To be in power, to be the decision maker, it’s quite the pleasure.

“Oh? Do you two know each other?”

No-No-No! What am I thinking. I left that place just to stay away from all this.

My heart drum restless.

His eyes met mine as if deciding who will answer. Before he could, I stood up.

I shifted my gaze towards the dais.

Whoever wants this power, can have it, just not me.

“No, I don’t; your highness.”

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