"Just sit back and hold on, but hold on tight. Prepare for the best and the fastest ride. And reach out your hand, and I'll make you mine. Everything, everything's magic."
~Angels and Airwaves, 'Everything's Magic'

~~~

*Saifah's POV*

The palace staff is bustling with the news that the courts will be arriving today for a meeting with the king. I, of course, have been given a list of tasks to complete to ready the palace. Glancing over my shoulder to make sure no one is watching, I send some magic out from my fingertips to dust all the bookshelves in the library.

I grin in satisfaction over not having to strain my lazy ass with cleaning.

"You should be more careful," a voice makes me jump. "You never know who's watching."

"Dad, you scared the hell out of me," I breathe out, placing a hand dramatically over my heart.

My dad grins, adjusting his glasses as he comes to stand by me. "I do mean that, though. You shouldn't be so reckless with your powers."

"What's the big deal? The king has known about our powers ever since we came to live here. Why do we have to hide?"

"Not everyone in the palace is aware of our abilities," he reminds me. "We don't want to attract any unwanted attention."

"Attention? From who?"

My dad grows serious as he clasps his hands behind his back. "There are threats out there who feed on power. If they sense ours, they will come here, and who knows what kind of havoc they will reek. It's best to keep our powers contained, especially around the humans."

I nod my head slowly, still not understanding what kind of threats my dad would be referring to. We've always lived in peace; who would disturb that now?

"Anyway, Tee has informed me that you are to be serving the prince and his guests today," dad states, causing my brows to furrow.

"Me? Isn't Fighter usually assigned to the prince when he has guests?"

My dad shrugs. "All I know is that Tee specifically requested that you attend to them today. So, go back to your room and change out of your dirty clothes," he wrinkles his nose in distaste that I'm still wearing my pajamas from last night. "The guests will be arriving shortly."

I head to my room, which doesn't take much time as my strides are twice as long as anyone else's. I've never minded being tall; it makes it harder for anyone to try and intimidate me. Not that many have actually tried. Generally, I get along well with others.

There is one person, however, that never fails to glare at me like an angry kitten.

His small glares pale in comparison to the bright blush that always graces his cheeks. I may not know him very well yet, but I do know how much I love it whenever he blushes.

With a grin on my face, I shed my clothes and hop into the shower. I clean up rather quickly, not wanting to accidentally be late and get an ear-full from Tee. Once I'm finished getting dressed, I decide to head over to Fighter's room.

His door is wide open as he kneels over, tying his shoes. I lean against the doorframe before clearing my throat. Fighter looks up at me and instantly grins.

"Hey, Sai," he greets me. "How are you?"

I snort. "How am I? Geez, you're in a good mood today. Things are going well with the prince, I assume?"

Fighter's smile slowly widens as a delicate blush dusts his cheeks. "They are. I... I really love him."

Taking a deep breath, I nod my head. "As long as you know what you're doing. I'm happy for you, Fighter."

"Thanks, Sai," Fighter says as he stands up. "Come on, the guests will arrive soon, and I need to get upstairs."

"You didn't hear?" I grab his arm as he heads for the door. "Tee assigned me to the prince and his friends today."

Confusion flits across Fighter's face. "What? Why you?"

I shrug my shoulders. "Dunno. All I know is that I'm supposed to tend to the prince for today. My dad should have your alternative assignment ready."

His shoulders slump slightly as he nods his head. I can't help but feel bad for him, seeing the disappointment written on his face. I'm not sure why Tee would change our assignments, but there's no use in questioning it at this point.

Heading upstairs, I wait in the foyer for the guests to arrive. My dad is already there, since he'll be escorting the members of the court to the conference room. It's not long before the cars pull up and our guests arrive at the palace doors. Two servants open the doors with a courteous bow.

I spot Lord Zon and Lady Hwa Hwa walking in behind their parents, as per usual. Zon's eyes flicker over to me, and I catch the slight blush that rises to his cheeks. Withholding a smirk, I bend at the waist and bow to the guests before leading Zon and Hwa up the stairs to Tutor's room.

The prince is already waiting for his friends outside of his room. He smiles upon seeing them, earning grins from both his friends. But when he sees me, his smile slightly falters.

"Thank you, Saifah," Tutor politely says to me. "If you don't mind my asking... where is Fighter?"

"Tee assigned me to assist you today," I inform him. "If you or your guests need anything, I'll be happy to help."

Zon glances up at me. I look down at him with a small grin, causing him to become flustered as he quickly looks away.

"I see," Tutor murmurs, unable to hide his disappointment. "If that's the case, would you mind getting us some refreshments?"

"Of course, your highness." I quickly bow before heading back downstairs. Upon entering the kitchen, I'm immediately ambushed.

"So?" Fighter pounces. "How did Tutor react to me not helping him today?"

"He seemed sad," I tell him honestly, grabbing some punch from the fridge. I pour it into cups before grabbing a tray of cookies. "Do you think he'll ask Tee about it?"

Fighter shakes his head. "Tutor wouldn't do anything to risk exposing us. Even if it means being left in the dark about a few things. It's not the end of the world, though. We still have our time together at night."

I pretend to gag.

"Please spare me the details of your night life with the prince," I plead as Fighter laughs. "I don't need the mental images."

"Fair enough," he chuckles. "Your dad assigned me to kitchen duty today. Looks like I'll be stuck preparing meals all day."

"Could be worse. He could've assigned you to clean all the bathrooms."

Fighter wrinkles his nose. "On second thought, kitchen duty isn't that bad."

With a laugh, I turn around and head back up the stairs. My foot catches on the last step and I trip, spilling the refreshments on the elegant carpet.

"Shit!" I curse, slapping my hand against my forehead. Before the juice has a chance to stain the carpet, I quickly raise my hand and send magic out. The liquid rises from the carpet and back into the cups, and the cookies float in the air until they're returned to the tray.

"That was close," I sigh to myself.

"What the fuck!" A voice shouts. I whip around to see Zon standing a few yards away, jaw dropped and eyes wide. He stammers as he points to the refreshments. "H-How did— what was.. what??"

Before he can make a scene, I set the tray on the ground and yank Zon into the nearest bathroom.

"What are you doing?!" Zon protests loudly, and I cover his mouth with my hand. His shouts are muffled as he tries to push me away.

"Shh!" I shush him, keeping my hand over his mouth. "I'll take my hand away, but you have to stay quiet. Okay?"

Zon falls silent and he nods. Slowly, I withdraw my hand from his mouth.

"What the hell was that?" He hisses in a whispered tone.

"Uh... what do you think it was?" I question, scratching the back of my neck nervously.

"You— you used some kind of... magic! That sounds stupid to even say out loud, but you did! You used magic!"

"Zon, keep your voice—"

"Do you practice some sort of dark magic?? Are you here to destroy the kingdom??"

"What? No, listen—"

"Does the king know? Does Tutor know? Oh my god, do you have them under your spell? I have to save them, I have to—"

Grabbing the front of his shirt, I pull him forward and slam my lips against his.

There was probably a better way to shut him up, but honestly I can't think of something more fun than this. I expect him to hit and push me away, but to my surprise, he doesn't.

His lips freeze against mine. I don't move, preparing for when he snaps out of it and pushes me away. My eyes widen when his hands grip my shirt at the sides, and he pushes himself up on his toes.

My eyes flutter shut, and I begin to kiss him softly. Even with him standing on his toes, I have to crane my neck downwards to meet him. My hands slide from his shirt to his neck, tilting his head backwards to make the position more comfortable.

The kiss remains slow and delicate as we curiously taste one another. His lips are softer than they appear, like flower petals gently caressing my mouth.

I swipe my tongue along his bottom lip, but he keeps his lips pressed firmly together, denying me access. Sending out a small burst of magic, I make Zon gasp before sliding my tongue into his mouth. Zon moans, the heavenly sound causing me to hold him tighter as I tenderly rub his tongue against mine.

When I pull away, I smile at the way his lips chase mine. I give him one final soft peck before resting my forehead against his.

"Now," I start in a soft tone. "Will you let me explain everything without you interrupting me?"

Still in a daze, Zon nods his head and looks up at me with big, round eyes. Drawing in a deep breath, I tell him about the supernatural world that he's been blind to his entire life.

~~~

Frantic Zon is my favorite lol

They kissed!! Woah!

Also, what's going on with Tee?? Why won't he let Fighter tend to Tutor?

Also x2, I did foreshadowing in this chapter. Did you catch it??

See you next time!
-Gumbie