“I come bearing a dress!” Astrid said, breezing into my room.

“Oh! I’m excited but also nervous!”

“Sorry it took a little longer than I thought it would.” My friend frowned as she lay the package she was carrying down, draping it on the back of the couch. “I had an emergency fitting for a bridal party come up! We had some unfortunate miscommunications that needed fixing and then a house party that I couldn't cancel since it had been scheduled for so long.”

“No, it’s alright! All is well! I’d have just done my best to dress up another one of the dresses if you hadn’t been able to finish it.” I shrugged. I really hadn’t been worried. Maybe I would have stuck out more, but I could only wear the clothes that I had, after all.

“Don’t get me wrong, I still would have brought you something, just not this one. I have lots of already made gowns I could have brought, but I had this specifically in mind for you.” she told me, waving her hand absentmindedly in a way that reminded me a lot of Fen. Must be a family mannerism. I’d have to watch and see if Amilee did it too. “Now, let’s get it on you and see if it needs any tweaking. The way it’s draped might mean it needs some adjustments that I’d only know it needs once it’s actually on you.”

“Alright!” I said. We went into my bedroom, and I stripped down to my chemise, and sat on the sofa as Astrid carefully opened the package she’d brought with her.

“Now, I actually made two dresses.” she told me.

“What? Why’d you do that?”

“They’re identical except for the color. One is pale, pale pink, which I thought you’d like, but then I had a thought about putting you in gold and got obsessed with that idea. So I decided to make two to see which we liked better! You can keep them both though, since they were made with you in mind.”

“Oh, they’re beautiful!” I breathed as she laid out the dresses on the bed. Suddenly, I had the most horrible thought that I’d probably gained weight while I’d been there. Indeed, some of the dresses she’d made me not two weeks ago were a little tighter around the bodice than they had been, though I hadn’t given much thought to it until that point, as they’d still been very comfortable. Given all the delicious, lavish food I was served there, and a sad lack of basically any exercise, I’d almost certainly gained some weight. “I’m, uh, a little worried they won’t fit.”

“Sure they will!”

“I don’t know about how it works for fey people, but I know I’ve probably gained weight since I got here.” I frowned, suddenly very self-conscious.

“Well, I can adjust them as needed, like I said!” she shrugged, seeming not to think much of it.

“I…” I looked down, feeling tears of intense shame welling inexplicably in my eyes, and I wiped hastily at them.

“Mercy, it’s really not a big deal.” her voice was soft. “Our bodies change sizes too. It’s normal.”

“Th-that’s e-easy for a fey person to say!” I half-sobbed, burying my face in my hands as hot tears of embarrassment dripped down my face. “Y-you all a-are gorgeous n-no matter what size!” I thought of Cecily, who was larger than the other fey women I’d seen, but no less breathtaking.

Astrid’s hands gently pulled mine away. “Sweetie, I promise it doesn't matter. I understand that, in your world there’s some obsession with skinny-ness. It’s an unhealthy obsession, because some people just weren’t made for it. Do we want people to be healthy? Yes, of course, but being very small is just not healthy or possible for everyone. And anyways, as long as you're happy, it really doesn't matter.” She pulled out a handkerchief, much like her brother did, and dried my face.

“P-promise?”

“I promise! A few more curves never hurt anyone!” she grinned mischievously. “If the gold dress goes over well, you can wear the pink one to your wedding when you marry my brother!”

“Astrid!” I squeaked, shocked from my tears at the audacity of her suggestion.

“Just a thought!” she giggled, “You’d make each other happy.”

“Oh, he wouldn't want me!” I laughed, wiping the rest of my tears away. Not that it wouldn't be wonderful, but I couldn't, anyways. Even if, by some twist of fate, he would want a potato like me, there would be no point. He didn’t seem preoccupied with s*x, but he’d want it sooner or later. They all always did. But I understood, I was the oddball, not them.

“I think he’d surprise you, Mercy.” Astrid grinned wickedly again, “The real question is if you want him.”

I snorted and rolled my eyes, “God, Astrid, what’s not to want?” I sighed, then shook my head, “But I’m s*x-repulsed, always have been, and I don’t want kids.”

Astrid blinked, then waved her hand. “Oh, well he won’t care about any of that. For a fey person, he’s remarkably uninterested in those things.”

“He’s said as much, just in passing, but, well, they all want that eventually.” I shrugged. “It’s just how things are.”

It was quiet for a few moments.

“Someone hurt you, didn’t they?” she asked softly.

I looked down. “Well, yeah.”

“Tell me about it.” Astrid sat down on the couch beside me.

It was nice to have a girlfriend to tell these things to. For so long I’d only been able to tell Michael about this stuff, since it was so, so personal. But fey people were remarkably blasé about this stuff. It wasn’t so odd to them, nor was it particularly a taboo subject, and that made it easier to talk about.

“Everyone who ever expressed interest." I sighed, shrugging, "I was up-front about it, and most immediately bowed out. It's understandable, but it does make me feel defective. Then there was a couple who stayed in the running, but when I made it clear I wouldn't change my mind, they finally lost interest as well. Then there was one guy in college who I dated for about a year. He insisted that he was okay with it. And even though he insisted that it was okay, he brought it up a lot, saying he thought that if I just tried it, I’d be okay with it, but that it was chill if I didn’t, and other things like that, sort of suggesting that I might change my mind. I finally got angry with him, telling him to stop thinking that I might change my mind, and he didn’t like that. Ultimately, it turned out that he wasn’t okay with it in the end, he’d just convinced himself that he’d wear me down, and that I’d just magically be who he wanted me to be. I told him to hit the road and never looked back. It was what finally made me realize that they might think they’re okay with it, but eventually they all realize they’re not. And it hurts. So it’s better to just not date, for me. Or get involved in that way at all.” I shrugged. “It’s too painful. Reminds me of how broken I am.”

“Oh baby, you’re not broken.” Astrid took my hand, squeezing it. “You’re just not the norm for humans, and that’s okay! I know people just like you, or very similar to you. "

“Fen said something like that, but he didn’t know anyone.” I mumbled.

“Well, given he’s not interested in stuff like that, he doesn't talk about it often. But I’m glad he talked with you about it. It means he’s comfortable with you.”

“I mean, he is. I’m comfortable with him too. We are friends. But just friends. And that’s okay. That’s how it should be. I don't want to get hurt again. Not saying he’d do it purposely, just...well, I’d wind up hurt. And besides, it’s not like that. He doesn't like me like that, anyways.”

Astrid only smiled sadly, squeezing my hand again gently for a brief moment, then she clapped her hands and said, “Well, let’s try these dresses on!”

“I guess.” I sighed, standing and going over to the bed.

Astrid chose the pink dress, and helped me into it. “Let’s go to the mirror before I do the zipper.” she said, and we shuffled over to the mirror.

“Well, it fits as long as it’s not zipped up.” I joked lamely.

“Oh hush.” she laughed as she pulled up the zipper, “See? It fits just fine, even zipped!”

“It does.” I muttered. “It’s a little tighter than I’d like though.”

“Here.” I felt my friend’s magic surge, and the dress immediately loosened. “Better?”

“Much.” I nodded. It barely skimmed my skin, and fit perfectly, now. The petal pink dress had a slightly cowled neckline, but the back dropped away, baring my back to just below my natural waist. It was a bit more skin than I usually showed, but given it was my back rather than my front, it didn't really bother me all that much. The gown was floor-length, and had a slight train, but was still easy enough to move in, given how light the slightly shimmery, gauze-like material was.

“You look absolutely lovely, dear! Pale pink really does suit you. As does this cut. I knew it would!” she laughed, then tilted her head to the side. “I really do want to see you in the gold one. Can we try it too?”

“You’ll need to adjust it too.”

“I know, it’s really no problem.” She helped me out of the pink dress, and we repeated the process with the gold one. “Oh, sweetie!” Astrid giggled as she zipped it up. “Yeah, you gotta wear this one!” She loosened the fit once more with her magic, then stepped back.

“It does look very nice." I muttered, able to see what she meant.

“Mercy, you look like a goddess in this one! I mean, the pink one is very nice, but this one just does it for you!” My friend laughed, then said, “Maybe we should save this one for the wedding.”

“Oh stop it, you!” I protested, feeling my face heat.

“No, you’re right. This one for the ball tomorrow. That’ll convince him to want the wedding.”

“You’re a mess.” I rolled my eyes.

“And if he doesn't, it’ll definitely draw any number of other men’s attention. Some women too, I’m sure.”

The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

“Well, I don’t want attention from anyone. Maybe wearing the pink one would be better.” I chewed my lip anxiously. Trying to get attention was never my intent. Usually I put a lot of effort into avoiding it.

“Nope. It’s gotta be this one.” She shook her head, “You’d run into the same problem with the other one. It looks ridiculously nice as well, you’re just not used to how you look in gold. I think just about anything in gold would look nice on you, given your skin tone and hair and eyes.” she smiled, “You’ve some Mediterranean genes in you, don’t you? Or maybe even Arabic?”

“Italian, I think.”

“Ah, Roman, then, instead of Greek. I was leaning towards Greek goddess, but Roman goddess it is!” she laughed.

“Oh stop!” I rolled my eyes at her again.

“Yes, that’ll work nicely. Here are the shoes.” Astrid helped me into some strappy, low heeled-sandals. “Not too high?”

“No, thank you for that.” I said gratefully. I was awful in heels.

“As far as makeup, I think I’ll tell Rosie to do a dark lip, gold eye shadow and…hmmm...” she pushed my hair over one of my shoulders, “And your hair like that, but with more curls. Oh, and the jewelry.” she pulled out a gold bracelet (much like a tennis bracelet) of tiny, sparkling clear gems, and secured it on my wrist. Then she lifted a circlet of gold onto my head. It had a rayed star pendant that hung down, onto my forehead, with its own clear gem in the middle.

“Oh! A circlet? They’ll think I’m pretending to be a princess!"

“Nah, you’ll see lots of other people wearing circlets and tiaras there. I’ll probably wear one! Although I am a princess, so I’m not sure that counts.” she let her voice trail off.

“I didn’t think about it, but you are a princess, aren’t you?” I smiled at her.

“Yeah, but I don’t care about that.” she waved her hand almost annoyedly. “I care more about my workshop. Although maybe that sounds silly?”

“No! I’m an artist, I get it! I’m more proud that I got a book published than the fact that I have a college degree!” I laughed.

“Yes. It’s a lot like that. There are a lot of princesses, even here in Faerie alone. There aren’t many designers who are sought after like I am.” she said proudly.

“It’s worth being proud of!” I agreed.

“Well, thank you, dear!” Astrid beamed at me.

-

Fen fidgeted with the cuff link on his sleeve.

“Relax, Fen. It’s going to be fine.” Axl’s voice was calm and matter-of-fact. The bodyguard looked very dapper in his own dress suit.

“I’ll relax once it’s gone off without a hitch. I don’t want a repeat of the disaster at Astrid’s house.”

“It won’t happen. We have this place locked down tight. More tightly than usual, actually. Like you requested, no one is allowed to bring their personal servants. They all were very accommodating.”

“Out of sheer curiosity, I’m sure.” The invitations had included the fact that he’d been healed, but hadn’t been specific, since that would have been complicated.

“Out of deference and respect for you, Fen.” Axl shook his head.

The king tugged at his sleeve again, and changed the subject. “It’s nice enough, right?” He meant his suit. “Like, it fits properly and everything?”

“Of course. Don't let Astrid hear you asking stuff like that. She’s the best at what she does.” the valet snorted.

“It's just…I look different.” he muttered, staring at himself in the mirror. Because he did look different. Even a well-cut suit could only make him look slightly less small than he had been before. Now he was almost tall, and certainly broader in the shoulders. He felt enormous and awkward still, but his eyes told him he looked good. Really good, totally incongruous to what he felt.

“Yes, you do. But it’s okay. Would you like me to get Mercy in here to tell you that? You’re more apt to listen to her.” Axl’s eyes flashed slightly mischievously.

Fen felt his face heat slightly. “No, she’s probably still getting ready.”

“But am I right?” his friend pressed gently.

The fey king was quiet for a few moments. “You’re not wrong.” he muttered.

“Good. So long as you realize it too.” Axl glanced at the clock. “I hope she’s not getting ready still, we need to head down. You should go get her, then head down so you’ll have plenty of time. I’ll go do one last sweep and then meet you there.”

Fen sighed. “Alright.” he straightened his jacket and tie one last time, then turned and left the room, with Axl on his heels.

Fen stopped outside Mercy’s door, and his bodyguard continued on towards the ballroom. He took a deep breath, and knocked on the door.

Rose answered, “Oh, hello, sir! I was wondering if you’d be stopping by soon.”

“Is she ready?” Fen asked, stepping in, fidgeting with his cuff again.

“I-I guess.” Mercy’s voice said.

Fen let his eyes go to where she stood, and gave an involuntary wheeze. It felt like someone had kicked him in the chest, and all the air left him at once, thus the wheeze, as he set eyes on her. She looked like a goddess.

An unhappy goddess, though, given how she was frowning as she looked in the mirror. The way she had her arms wrapped around herself told him she felt uncomfortable. The slight tremor he discerned and the wariness in her expression as she studied her reflection further confirmed that she was certainly ill-at-ease, and perhaps even unhappy with how she looked, for some reason.

Something told him to keep any comments about how she looked to himself, at least for the time being.

He managed to keep his voice casual. “We should head down, if you're ready. I see you’re wearing your shoes already, so I’m hopeful.”

“Smart-ass.” She rolled her eyes, but seemed to relax a little.

He went to the mirror and held out his arm to her. “Come on. We want to be down there before everyone else gets there.”

“Alright.” Mercy sighed, finally turning and putting a trembling hand into the crook of his arm.

Fen’s sharp eyes noticed she was wearing the prototype ring. “Oh, don’t wear the ring tonight, or people will be confused when I tell them you can use magic, since they won’t be able to feel it."

“Good point.” she muttered, taking off the ring.

“Here.” Rosie took it, and placed it onto a ring dish on the vanity.

“Will you be down in a bit, Rose?”

“Yes, I just have to slip into my formal dress!"

“Thank you for helping me, Rose.” Mercy said softly.

“Of course, dear!” the housekeeper beamed at her. “Go and try to have fun, alright?”

“I’ll try.” the young woman sounded doubtful.

“We’ll do our best!” Fen patted Mercy’s hand, then steered her out the door. They walked quietly for a little while. “You’re nervous.” he commented mildly.

“Y-yes!” she squeaked.

“It’s alright. I don’t blame you.” the fey king shrugged. “I’ll do what I can to make sure it’s not a bad night. And you’re safe, alright? No one is going to hurt you.”

“I-I don’t doubt that.”

“Good.” he patted her hand again, but left it sitting gently over hers in the crook of his elbow.

It was quiet again for a few moments.

“Fen?”

“Hm?”

“Is…is the d-dress o-okay?” she asked softly, staring hard down at her feet.

“Of course. Astrid is the best at what she does, and this dress is no exception.” he told her, which was the truth. She looked stunning. Not that Mercy wasn’t usually stunning, but the dress just emphasized it, and would make everyone stare. On second thought, he didn’t like the dress, as he’d have to beat people away from her with a stick.

“D-does it l-look a-alright?” Mercy’s voice was now barely a whisper.

“Do you want my honest opinion?”

“Yeah.” she mumbled.

“You look like a goddess, Mercy.” he snorted. “I’ll have to beat anyone remotely attracted to women away with a stick so you can stay comfortable and enjoy yourself. I didn’t say so earlier because I think you feel very uncomfortable and I thought it would upset you if I commented on your appearance in that moment.”

His small friend blinked, looking up at him. Tears filled her eyes. “Y-you say the best things, sometimes.”

“Don't cry! Your makeup will run!" he grimaced a little.

“I-it’s waterproof!” she sniffed, but accepted his handkerchief and dabbed carefully at her eyes. “I-I…I am uncomfortable. I-I don’t see what you and Astrid and Rose see.”

“Well, we’re not lying. You look very, very nice. Alright? Just trust me.”

“I-I’ll try.”

“That’s all you can do is try.” he squeezed her hand gently. “Or I mean, I guess you could just choose to be miserable, but I hope you won’t.”

This drew a snort from her, “I-I’ll try.”

“Astrid and Amilee will be there, and they're your friends. And Rosie, of course.”

“Did the three from the day we had tea at Astrid's house say they’d come?”

“Yes. So those are more familiar faces for you.” he nodded.

“That’ll be nice.”

“Yeah.”

“So, how will the whole thing go? Is there like a schedule of events or anything?”

“No. I’ll greet people at the door. I’d like it if you joined me, but you don’t have to. I know you don’t necessarily do well with people.”

“I want to help, if you need it.” she said quietly. “I can manage.”

“They’ll talk mostly to me, but it’ll make more sense if you’re with me, because they’ll inevitably ask what happened, and having you there to motion at when I’m explaining will help make sense of things.”

“I can definitely stand there to be motioned at.” She nodded, managing a smile.

“Well, they might talk to you a little.”

“I can probably handle it. But remember, I don’t know a lick of Faerie.”

“They won’t expect you to.”

“I guess you’ll tell them I don’t.”

“Well, yeah, but it’s not hard to tell that you’re not originally from here.”

Mercy blinked. “How so?”

“It’s just an air, really.”

“Huh. I don’t know if I could tell if a human was born in Faerie or in my world.”

“That’s alright. I don't think all humans can tell.” he paused, then got them back on topic, “Anyways, after we greet enough of the guests, we’ll have the first dance, and everyone will join in. Then we can dance more, if you want, or we can just relax and enjoy the food and chat.”

“I probably should do more dancing than eating.” Mercy mumbled.

“What do you mean?”

She sighed, “Nothing.”

“Mm, no, that’s not going to cut it. What’s wrong?” he pressed.

"I’ve gained some weight since coming here. Too much good food and not enough exercise.” She sounded dejected.

Fen blinked, “That doesn't matter.”

“Of course you’d say that, you’re fey. Astrid said the same thing.”

“Don’t our opinions count for anything?”

“I guess.” she grumbled reluctantly.

“Then trust us. It doesn't matter here, and it shouldn’t matter back in your world.”

Mercy was quiet. He felt her lean her head against his arm, much to his surprise, and glanced down. “You really do say the best things, sometimes." The young woman murmured.

“I don’t know about that. But I do mean what I say.” he told her, then gently reached out and pressed her head gently into his arm for a brief moment in lieu of a hug at that moment. “You look wonderful. Please don’t be self-conscious. Just try to get through greeting people with me, then enjoy yourself dancing and eating and talking with your friends.”

“I still can’t dance.” Mercy sighed.

“And I said you can stand on my feet. Although you might need to negotiate about that with anyone else who asks you to dance.” Fen rebelled at the idea of her dancing with anyone else, but he couldn't keep her from doing so if she wanted to do it.

“I don’t want to dance with anyone else.” she mumbled, “Can I say no without being rude?”

“Well, not really, but do you want scary dog privilege?”

“What?” she lifted her head, looking confused.

“I can stand around and look menacing, I mean.” he snorted.

Mercy blinked, then giggled. “Yeah, I’d appreciate that. Except you’ll probably want to dance with some competent partners. Would you leave Axl with me to look scary when you do go dance with other people?"

“I mean, I would, if I intended on leaving your side for a moment. I’ll need a big stick to beat your potential suitors off with.” he told her dryly.

“Don’t be ridiculous, Fen.” she rolled her eyes.

They arrived at the doors to the ballroom. “I'll have him stick by you if I dance with anyone else, I promise.” he told her, “Let’s go in. We’ll go to our seats, and you can just chill until people start to arrive.”

“Alright.” she sighed, seeming to steel herself as Fen pushed the ballroom door open, and they entered.