Our horses lower their necks and nibble on the yet green grass underneath. Pebbles clank against their hooves as the animals take a step further, and stop completely.

"It's a small village, hidden in the forest." West's voice is cool, as if he's tutoring me. I nod, apprehensively.

"What is it known for?" I ask, and the man shakes his head.

"Nothing at all. It is nameless. A little settlement, officially for peasants, as you call them,"

"They are peasants," I press on.

"But unofficially, it is a safe haven for those from the Isles, seeking shelter in the human lands,"

"We are quite far from the border. Why are they here? The Fae?" I'm curious by nature, and West's distant gaze peaks my curiosity even further.

"Malachite is a peaceful country, with an interesting history. It calls them, and it is much safer than Kammer." West responds, leading the horse closer to the village.

"That I knew. So, everyone here is Fae, like you? Or like the ones. allegedly, at the Academy?"

He chuckles at my remark. "A bit of both. Hiding as humans was popular back in the day, but now it has become more of an innocent tourist disguise rather than black ops or spying operations."

"That was eight hundred years ago, I'd say it's more than back in the day." I should-whisper as we approach.

This place explodes with life. Small fires burn in the center, with people dancing and drinking around. Some lie on the grass, watching the night sky, in their little private moment. There is little shame. Everyone is wearing transclucent robes or dresses, like the ones I've seen in old books about nymphs. People are dressed way too lightly for autumn, but they do not seem to care. They dance the night away, and if there is any sorrow buried in their hearts, they don't show it. I can only wonder what they truly look like, without the simpleness of human faces and bodies. We are so alike, while the Fae possess so many diffirentiating features. Or at least, that's what the legends say. As I said, no many venture there, unless it's to trade. And traders do not talk to customers about the voyage, as if they're under a nasty spell.

"Why did you bring me here?" I manage, mesmerized by the life I've never experienced before. I can smell the alcohol from here, and the ethereal aura shimmering through the settling mist. Only those with magic in their veins can feel such energy waves - and I'm lucky to feel the Fae's joy through the air that connects us all. They might be different, but they breathe the same air as us, their lungs filling up and giving out used air that the trees consume in turn, to make more fresh air.

One of the reasons my crown shall have the maple leaf. We are similar, in more ways than one, but I fail to see it now. However, looking at West through hooded eyes and noticing how his lips twitch at the sight, that I'll learn more about our similarities soon enough.

"I wanted you to have a glimpse of my people, those who abandon tradition, those who leave their frontieres to live a different life," West's face becomes less rigid, as he scans the people in deep thought. There's a longing in him, if I were to make an assumption.

"Do you envy them?"

My question makes his ears raise a bit. I've never seen them do that. It's cute.

"No, spirits forbid, no." He laughs. "I'm loyal to my employer and the Queen of Fae, and I'm content with my life as it is now."

"Employer being my father,"

"Indeed."

I look around, wishing I could join them. But what would it make of me? I can't be seen here, not without proper introductions and protocol. My hands are tied, as well as my legs and my tongue. Speechless, I am punished to look but never touch.

"What does it make of us, then?" I ask, turning to him. "Employed by the king, loyal to another kingdom. Where does it put us?"

"Us..." He repeats slowly. "I don't know, Nor. I don't know."

"If there was a chance for you to... To belong to Malachite, body and soul, would you take it?" His eyes do not waver, he stares at the burning wood, in the distance. "Would you leave the Isles forever and live here, by my side?"

"You know it can't be done,"

"Once I'm queen-"

"It cannot be done." He raises his voice a bit. "It just can't."

"Do not interrupt me, West." I scowl. "Once I am queen, I will change the rules, I'll appoint you at the highest rank of the royal guard. I'll make you a man free of a contract, so the only thing linking you to the Seagraves would be love."

The man turns around abruptly. "And dishonor tradition and disregard people's opinions? Being a queen does not make you all-powerful, you will have to consider the geo-political situation between the Isles and Malachite in the near future."

"Why are you saying this as if the relations are bad? The Isles stopped most of importing because of internal issues, not because of us."

"The king told you that?" His voice is colder than the upcoming winter. I snarl.

"Yes."

"Then he is a fool."

"Hey! What's wrong with you? I'm laying my heart bare here, and you push me down. My ideas, my dreams-"

West sighs and gets off his stallion. "I am sorry. I forgot my place."

"No more 'not my place' talk, alright? I'm taking in your opinions, but I also want to hear options. You're acting like you don't want to pursue whatever we have going on." I scowl, fighting the urge to join the Fae out of spite. To put myself in danger, forcing West to follow me in the dark of night, and dance around the pyre until my legs hurt. To make him desire what I have to offer. It is cruel, and I'm no such person. But I still want it.

"I want to, but what I want and must do are two different things. I've already overstepped my boundaries. I'm not afraid you'll tell your family, I'm afraid-" he coughs. "I feel you will regret this later, and that would be worse punishment than death."

I don't leave the saddle. I shake my head, lowering my hands. "We put each other in difficult positions, I understand that. I do. Do not speak of duty because I know the rules and the expectations. But why would I care about racists in my country if love will win, either way?"

He raises his eyebrows, his eyes glistening. "That is a bit naive, Nor, but let's hear it. Once you are queen you will break every rule, break the oath, to never touch a lesser person than yourself-"

"I've never given such an oath, it is despicable!" I put my hands on my sides. "Did you take such an oath? Did you forget to mention you're some Fae royal?"

"No, I am not of royal blood. I am, however, the Fae Queen's best shadowguard in a century, and that comes with responsibilities much larger than I am aware of at the moment. I only know that when she calls, I must go back, without a word."

A whiny sound escapes my throat. I stutter, unable to voice whatever is going on in my head.

"I cannot pursue the feelings we have for each other, Nor. I cannot because other than the possibility of you regretting it, I might also disappear one day. Forever." His words sting.

"And do you have a notice? A certain event that could mark your departure? Or could it be right now? Tomorrow? In ten years?" My eyes sting from tears.

"I don't know. But from what I know, I'm here until you are crowned. And then, we will see."

"Great. And you failed to mention that for how many years?"

"We were not supposed to fall in love!" He snaps. "It was not in the contract and the Queen of Honeyed Combs does not know about it. I could not tell you! It would put everything at risk."

"Everything? You're with someone else already?" My eyes widen.

"Of course not!"

"Then what 'everything', huh? Tell me! You are so dark and mysterious, but at some point it started to annoy the hell out of me, Therin."

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

There is a long pause. He seems smaller from the height of the horse.

"You've certainly heard the rumors," I stare blankly at him, waiting for a clear answer. "About Fae and human relationships being frowned upon. In some places it is illegal, because of... old history. Some countries have never forgotten the war, Norella, and Malachite's people seem to agree with the king - Fae mean trouble for humans."

"They are rumors and if people believe them, they are in the wrong."

"Rumors or not, you will be queen on the people, do something unpleasant - they will forgive, announce a relationship with your shadowguard - they will be furious."

"We cannot come to an agreement then," I sigh, turning my horse around. "See you."

"Norella!"

"You don't want to listen. You don't even want to try!" I raise my voice, getting off the saddle. "I will become queen someday and what I do will be good for everyone, not just myself. Being free to love whoever is a human right, and so it is Fae's. For far too long our realms have been in a silent quarrel. I'll put an end to this and even ask for your hand in marriage, if you're such a coward!"

I run to the village's fire and take off my cloak, throwing it on the ground. I slower the pace and walk the streets, taking in the cottages. It's so noisy I cannot hear the sound of my beating heart. But I know it's breaking my ribs apart. I want to turn back, to seek out West and apologize for not taking his feelings into consideration. But I'm drawn to the nightly beauties of such free life. A pair of perfectly human looking citizens approach me and laugh. I laugh with them, and they continue their drunken walk. They're barely standing.

I push forward, the crowd thickening. I'm being pushed side to side, barely breathing. Adrenaline takes over, and I move the people with my elbows, trying to get to the center. The fire is scorching, burning up my face. If West finds me in here, he truly is what he says he is. Best shadowguard in a century. Right. I'm going to believe that for now.

"Then find me and drag me back to the horses, you're so good at your job," I whisper.

In front of me, dancers jump high and clap their hands around the pyre. I join the moving crowd, and soon I'm pushed to the center. A young woman with golden hair pulls me in and hugs me, swirling me around. I laugh openly, and embrace her back.

Do they know me? Do they recognize who swirls beside them? I would have called them undisciplined and lowly, but all I see is drunken ignorance and glee. I cannot hold back a smile, even when the girl lets go of me.

"Enough," I hear in my ear and suddenly I'm back at a clearing. The pyre is now far, and the only light is the moonlight shining over the grass. I shiver at the sudden absence of fire. "Did you drink anything?"

West stands before me, unbothered. I growl and hit him on the chest. "No, I did not even have time to finish one dance, you joy consuming freak of nature,"

That was too harsh, even for someone who is hurt. I bite my tongue, but the words have already escaped. I cannot take them back, as I see the shadowguard's face decompose. I know I made a mistake letting my emotions take a hold on me. Stupid of me to believe he would be easily persuaded to let go of his teachings. I mutter a sorry under my breath and hop on my steed.

My horse breaks into a gallop and we move faster and faster, until tearssting my eyes. But I know not what to blame, the wind or the words I've spoken. He said things that hurt me too. Both were somehow cruel, somehow unjust.Neither were forgiving, neither wanted to accept defeat.

I certainly won't let him leave for the Isles. I won't let go of him so easily. Because I am in love, and I will cherish this feeling forever, because my parents never truly did.

Once at the city gates I realized I could not enter Argenis unnoticed. Not on horseback, nor on foot. I was stupid to run off like I did. I was stupid to run away when we could simply talk. Too late for regrets now. He is nowhere to be seen. I don't feel the cold breeze anymore, but still shiver, missing the hot flames at the village. The skies are full of lights. Beautiful splatters of purple and green paints adorn the black canvas. I look up to the cloudless sky and whisper his name, utterly defeated.

I feel a surge of tremendous guilt when he appears beside me. He is on horseback, breathing hard, as if he did all the running. The stallion seems to be calmer than ever.

"Sorry," I mutter. "I didn't want to insult you. I just feel confused."

"I am sorry too," he lowers his head and whistles to the guards. The gates open, and yet another note is added to my reign's book: leave the gates open at night. "You know I love you."

Goosebumps crawl up my skin and I suddenly feel sickly. Maybe it's the fear, or maybe I caught a cold while running around barely dressed. I realize my cloak has been lost to the village. Whatever. I'll buy a new one tomorrow.

We ride through the city silently. The invisibile cloak is a gentle brush of foreign magic against my skin. As we arrive to the royal avenue, West gets off his horse and signals the guards to open the gates again. They do as ordered, without asking questions.

Once we're in the stables, putting off equipment of our horses, I find courage to speak.

"I'm powerless right now. I can't even leave the castle without your help. But soon I'll make things better, for both of us."

He sighs, avoiding my gaze.

I walk to him, as steadily as I can. I keep my chin high and my fingers wiggling to ease the tension. "West," I say, behind him. He finishes putting the horses back to the enclosure and turns around.

I grab his shoulders. "I want to do something very stupid." I say, trembling evident in my voice.

"No," West shakes his head. His hair never looked as beautiful as tonight. Only now I see how his high cheekbones and pointy ears add his ethereal portrait.

"Why?.. You told me you-"

"That I loved you. Yes. You don't have to do anything about it," his voice is strained. "It's not your issue to fix."

"Issue?.. No, West, it's not a problem!" he stares at me, taking off his coat and putting it on top of mine. I've been shivering ever since we returned. My thanks is barely audible.

"That's how it should be. Me protecting you and you being dismissive about it," His eyes tell a whole different story, and I feel dumb for not understanding where he's coming from. I do now, but all logic is buried under years of mutual friendship. I can't accept his response, and I feel stupid, because in a way, he's saving me a lot of trouble. And yet, I persevere.

"I love you too," I finally choke out. His eyes widen. I study them, waiting for something, anything at all. But West is stoic and unmovable. He just watches me, maybe as terrified as I.

What happened was nothing serious. He was never official about it, and I was scared of overstepping boundaries. It was forbidden and it was fun. Now it becomes serious. The sacred oath be damned. Fae or not, if he was a knight it would have been the same. In the end, royal relationships are always frowned upon, even when you marry strictly for political advatange. Like Mother did, and what did it bring her? Loathing of her current life, I'm sure, even though she tries so well to hide it under a perfect image. People who are perfect hide things that are awful, most of the time. I wonder what she is hiding underneath the gowns and the laughter.

My lips find his and my numb fingers clumsily grab onto his vest. He is cold, as cold as the night. And yet, his heart beats fast. I dare look at him. His expression is painful. His eyes are shut, and brows furrowed. His hands are strained. "I love you, West." I mumble and kiss him again, this time applying more pressure.

He finally kisses me back. It's a slow response. He's testing the waters, as do I. He gently puts his hand on the back of my head, pulling me in. I open my mouth, letting him take over. He breathes out, it's warm against my wet lips. I let out a husky breath, as he pushes me against the stables wall. I gasp.

His knee finds its way between my legs, opening them up, as he caresses my hair. The hairstyle I had is done for, and strands of my black hair fall on my shoulders and chest. He bites my neck, sucking on the tan skin. He does so hungrily, licking it afterwards, leaving me begging for more. I can't contain the fire inside of me, so I pull him in harder. I'm weak compared to him, and yet, he follows. His lips find mine again. This time he bites my lip and lets his tongue wander. It slithers inside, meeting with mine.

He whispers my name and puts his head on my shoulder. I feel hot. The layers of clothing become too much to bear and I take off his coat and mine. I'm left with the blouse and skirt. He takes off his leather vest, keeping the burgundy dress shirt and shadowguards pants, made of black charmeuse and leather. They're soft to the touch.

His breaths become hectic, as he holds me tight. His body is rigid against mine. He holds back, and I feel it. So, I grab his face and look him in the eyes. They used to scare me a little. Now I see the splendor of it. Like a starving beast, I kiss him again, biting his lip. West lifts me up and brings me to the darkest corner of the stables, far from the horses, far from the doors. It smells of firewood here. He throws me into the soft ground and takes off his dress shirt. His body is appealing in more ways than one. His muscles tight, there is an uncanny elegance in the way his chest hovers. His hair is messy and his lips parted. It puts me in a trance, and I feel myself become undone.

He is on top of me, as he rips my blouse in pieces to reveal my corset. It's fine lingerie, something I never wanted anyone to see, not even Mother. They were made for me to wear daily, preparing my body for days in the public light. I got used to the feeling of never having too much air. West's eyes devour me, as he studies every curve of my body. He sits down at my feet and whispers something. There's warmth pouring from around us, even though there's no fire. Magic.

He takes off my skirt, not bothering to undo the laces. I hear a ripping sound and imagine how I'll walk to my chambers after we're done. I laugh, and West stops to look me right in the eyes. "Something funny crossed your mind?"

"Nothing, nothing, keep going," I smirk.

"Are you sure about this?" He dares to ask. I nod - never have been more sure in my life.

He growls and leaps towards me, attacking me with hungry kisses. I stifle a moan as he touches my waist, carefully avoiding my breasts. I grab his hand and put it there. He closes his eyes and grunts in pleasure. His fingers play with them a bit, and once my nipple is touched I cry out his name in disbelief. I never thought it'd feel this good.

"You know..." he starts, his gaze somewhere between worlds. "I put a certain spell. Not only does it keep us warm but... it also isolates the sounds,"

A wicked smile appears on my lips. "You think you can make me scream?"

"I have some experience. My bet's on yes," his fingers find my most intimate part. I gasp, as his cold digits find their way inside. He plays like he's the master of the game – and I, a simple puppet. My eyes roll back, as he hits the spot I've been unaware of. In some ways, the royal education lacks information, but I'm glad to have been a little curious during my teenage years. The royal library doesn't truly have a forbidden section.

I grab his bulge hard but make sure it doesn't hurt. It's West's turn to gasp. I smirk. "Nor..."

"Yeah?"

"Are you scared?" His questions bear more weight than it's supposed to. I quiver under his gaze.

"No. Not when you're here,"

"Good."

He takes off his pants and undergarments, gifting me with a mythical sight. His breath is hot against my skin. My corset is left in a corner, when he pushes himself inside. There's magical energy around us, so strong it tingles my nose. I've never been so close to a man before, and the fact that he's Fae, makes it even more unbelievable. I softly mouth his name, feeling shameless. He whimpers as he approaches his release. He doesn't forget my own, and soon, he's more concentrated on making me obtain pleasure. It tastes better than I imagined. Before the faint explosion of magic, West rumbles my name. Norella sounds so sophisticated on his lips. I adore my name on his lips. I want him to have only this name on his lips, forever.