EVABELLE

It was a bit of a blur after the ceremony. There had been rushed though a small lunch, where they had barely had a chance to speak, then they had been hurried back up to their rooms, for fittings for the reception that night. And that's exactly where Evabelle now found herself, back in her room, alone with a group of fairies that had been flitting around her, taking her measurements and playing with her hair. Normally, getting all prettied up for something made Evabelle happy, but all she had really wanted to do was see Kai and make sure we was okay after that ordeal they had just witnessed.

However, the brunette had to admit these fairies really knew what they were doing. They spread on a sweet scented lotion that made her hands feel softer than they ever had, and had given her shoes, that even as heels were perfectly comfortable and made her feel like Cinderella.

"My, my it's like walking right into the movie, except you're way prettier." Aza stepped into the room, making Evabelle glance up and her mouth drop.

Evabelle's friend, Aza 'Strictly Pants' Kendall, wore a truly stunning dress that worked so perfectly on the small blonde. It was a deep violet frock with silver clusters of glitter that made Evabelle think of stars all around the dress that was short in the front but got longer in the back. Then there was a sheer lavender slip over it that fanned back nearly making a transparent train as it went down to her ankles where what looked like sliver ballet flats rested. Long tight sleeves came to points past her wrists with the continuing theme of silvery trim. It was truly spectacular, the way the material waved around her feet and all the way around.

Looking up at Aza's face and hair revealed the work done there as well. Her short blond hair was smooth and shone dark gold, with a light curl. Her usual braid had been redone, her flower charm still there, but it been pulled back, meeting with an identical braid on the other side of her head. There also seemed to be a bit of glitter in there as well. Then there was the make-up. There wasn't much, just enough to cover her scar from Annihilators and a bit to accentuate her features. Her eyes shone and her skin was smooth. Aza was a true masterpiece.

Evabelle shook her head. "Are you wearing what I think you're wearing or am I dreaming?"

Aza stuck out her tongue and then shook her head dramatically. "I fought them as hard as I could. I thrashed and screamed, but those little fairies wrangled me into it. All against my will." Aza grinned. "Okay, fine I admit I can see a bit of the allure of being all princessy. The fairies really know how to make it work for me. I can still move however I want." Then the small blonde gave a high kick, flashing Evabelle the shorts Aza was wearing underneath the dress.

"But really I can't say much." Aza nodded at Evabelle. "I mean just look at you, Princess Belle. Tell me, where's your beast?"

Evabelle turned back to the long mirror that she had been looking in before her friend had burst in the room. In it, the brunette saw the shimmering golden gown with effortless ruffles adding to the body of the skirt. Then there was the bodice, while hugging Evabelle's frame was loose enough for the girl to breathe comfortably. Soft, dipping sleeves were draped around her shoulders, where a few gentle, yet perfect curls rested as well. Most of her hair was gracefully pulled up out of her face, where a light layer of makeup, gave her a faint glowing look.

"I'm just saying, you're giving Emma Watson a serious run for her money." Aza grinned, from behind her.

"Belle is my favorite Disney princess." Evabelle said softly.

Her friend rolled her eyes. "Gee, I wonder why."

"My mom used to call me Belle."

Aza frowned. "I don't remember her ever calling you that."

"No," Evabelle turned to Aza again. "My...my birth mom."

Aza's eye widened. "You remember her?"

"I remember her voice. I remember her touch. But her face is always faint and blurry to me." Evabelle sighed.

Aza touched Evabelle's arm. "Do you think it's because of your mom?"

Obviously, she wasn't referring to her Anahalian mother.

"I miss her, and I miss Thom." Evabelle took a deep breath. "I know I don't really talk about it, but I really do miss them. Every once and a while, something really reminds me of them, and it's hard to just let it go."

Aza slipped her hand into Evabelle's. "Don't. Don't ever let them go."

Evabelle smiled at her friend. "You don't have to worry about that. What I mean is that it's hard not to worry about them and to just push forward to focus on what's in front of me."

"What made you think of them today?" Aza asked, unconsciously shifting back and forth, making her dress sway.

Evabelle closed her eyes. "A few things, actually. The sunrise, this morning, made me think of some mornings when the three of us would just silently watch the sun come up." She opened her eyes and glanced at Aza again. "You'd sometimes join us too."

The blonde chuckled. "Yeah, but usually that time is just a little too early for this night owl."

The fairy that had been leading Evabelle's fitting, flew back into the room with her maidens, carrying a long, thin ribbon. The little woman's name was Sylvia. She wore a tiny white dress that looked lovely against her long dark hair, she was a true fashion mastermind. Sylvia gestured for Evabelle to lift her arms above her head, forcing Aza to let go and allowing the fairies to wrap the simple, yet elegant ribbon around the girl's waist.

"And the Ceremony actually, also made me think of them, too." Evabelle continued as the fairies worked. "Gem's smile and light as she looked at her brother. She loves him so much, and believes in him so completely. Thom was just like that for me. He was the one who made me enter that poem in that writing contest. He made me feel like I was amazing. He really looked up to me. And then King Lir...You could see the tears in his eyes too, right?" Evabelle lowered her arms as the fairies finished tying the bow in the back. "Kai left his family, with no warning, scaring and hurting his father. You know my mom, Aza. You know that she's no doubt got everyone looking for me. I'm sure I've got to be one of those faces on the back of milk cartons by now. She only wanted to protect me."

Aza, who was now sitting on the bed sighed. "And now you're protecting her."

Evabelle nodded slowly. "Yeah, I know."

There was a silence that was only broken by the light whoosh sounds as the fairies fluttered about, touching up Evabelle's hair and dress. "Do you think Kai's okay?" Evabelle said, changing the subject.

Aza folded her arms. "He better be. I mean he looked okay by the end of that thing. He walked off the stage alright."

"The prince is fine." Sylvia spoke from behind Evabelle's head, where she was tightening the knot in her hair.

The little fairy woman had spoken a few times to Evabelle, but they hadn't really said much. It wasn't as though she had been ignoring Evabelle, but as if she knew that the Anahalian princess needed time to think.

"So you've seen him?" Evabelle asked.

In the mirror, the brunette, saw Sylvia nod. "Yes, he did take a small rest before his fitting. The ceremony did take a little toll on him as I'm sure you noticed. Also he is not used to this sleeping pattern."

It was hard to read the woman's tiny features. She didn't seem upset, or angry about Kai being Heir as far as Evabelle could tell.

"So do you actually live here?" Aza asked. "Are you like servants to the elves or something."

Sylvia gave a small tittering laugh. "Yes, we do live here," she gestured to herself and the other fairies floating around Evabelle. "But we are only servants to God. We help the elves and they help us because we are friends and we care for one another."

"Are most angel borns so close?" Evabelle asked.

"Generally," Sylvia replied.

"But not with Anahalians." Evabelle finished.

Sylvia gave a sigh that sounded like a faint whisper. "Unfortunately, there is a grudge held among Day's children for the angel's firsts."

"As angel's children, or whatever, aren't you supposed to be more forgiving and stuff?" Aza asked.

Sylvia flew to one side of Evabelle's head and began to tuck in a few stray strands that had fallen loose. "Angel's children we may be, but we are also of man. Humans make mistakes, and thus so do we."

Aza frowned. "So, you're saying it's your human part that makes you bad. Well, thanks, you're just like everyone else, viewing us so beneath you."

Sylvia shook her head. "On the contrary, our human part is essential. I know many angel borns who do their best to pretend that there is no human in them, believing they are perfect, but that there is there biggest flaw. To acknowledge we make mistakes is important, so that we may grow and change just like humans. If we were perfect, we would not be able to relate to humans and be there as they need us." The little fairy finished with that side and flew over to check the other. "Notice, the word humanitarian. It means caring, charitable. I believe humans to be innately good, many do fall down dark paths because of free will, but it is free will that brings many to true greatness.

"Granted, it is our humanity, that gives us angel borns the ability to fall, but it also gives us the right to choose to become as great as the angels that created us. Not only that, but it is the humanity that is in the demon borns that is their saving grace."

Aza blinked. "You mean Kai don't you?"

Sylvia paused for a moment and gave Evabelle a strange look in the mirror before quickly turning back and nodding. "He was once an elf of high standing. Day's light was bright in him, but I have heard he once also held a bit too much pride for it. Now, though, he is fallen, a creature of darkness, yet he is not a monster, because he chooses not to be. That human part of him gives him the right to choose to stand with angels."

"So," Aza said slowly. "You believe in him then?"

"I don't believe he is a monster." Sylvia replied.

Evabelle took a brief moment to marvel that this was actually the first full discussion she had shared with any of the fairy race. It was kind of odd that it hadn't happened earlier. There were fairies at Calandra's Sanctuary. They usually flew around the garden at night or in the forest area. They had a thing about shedding light in the darkness.

Suddenly, the memory of her and Lucis flying with them, surrounded by their voices singing and happy, warm glow. The fairies were actually kind of everywhere, but this was the first time she had had such a long meaningful conversation with one.

"Fairies are the angel borns representing love." Evabelle murmured. "So does that mean that all the fairies still care? Do they still care about the Anahalians? Do they hate them like the others or do fairies have the ability to hate?"

Sylvia stopped messing with Evabelle's hair again. "I do believe we might have a different perspective on the situation with your people. Most do their best to look at it from the Anahalians view, to try to do their best to understand. However, that doesn't mean that it is not difficult not to be troubled sometimes. We may be the beings representing love, but that does not mean we don't get upset, become afraid, and make uncalled judgments. Just as I said, we are still part human."

Evabelle was reminded of her father's words. "While we are more angel than most, we still have human in us too. We can still make choices that lead to mistakes." It just proved that no creature on Earth now was perfect, but that that was okay. Humanity gave everyone the chance to choose to be good no matter if you were of the day or night.

"Okay, fairy," Aza stood. "Then do you fear Kai?"

Evabelle whirled on her friend, her tone, getting a little too dark for Evabelle's comfort.

One of the other fairies with wild orange hair and shimmery purple wings zipped up close to Aza's face. "Do not refer to Lady Sylvia in such a manner." The little creature quipped. "She is most kind and good. Do not disrespect her in such a wa--"

Sylvia flew over to the peeved fairy and put a hand on her shoulder, pulling her back. "It is fine, Fia. These girls care a lot about his highness and do not wish do see any more people disregard him as so much of his own have."

Fia sighed and bowed. "Yes, of course."

Sylvia looked up at Aza. "No, I do not fear him."

Aza's eyes widened. Slowly, she nodded and her tense posture relaxed, letting Evabelle breathe easier.

"Okay," Evabelle said after that was settled. "I'm sorry, but I have to ask another question." Sylvia turned. "The ritual. The ritual that destroys vampires. As creatures of life, light, and love, how could any of you condone that awful ritual?"

Aza suddenly nodded, vigorously. "Yeah, I mean how is that a freaking thing you guys tolerate? No, no I mean encourage? How could you people seriously support that?"

Sylvia, for the first time since she had begun talking to them, looked unsettled. "Not all encourage it. Many hate it and wish for it to be made illegal, his majesty, King Lir, included."

"Then why isn't it?" Aza exclaimed.

Sylvia looked down and lost a little bit of height. "Mainly because of the Savages."

"Savages?" Aza repeated.

Evabelle nodded slowly. "After Kai told us the story about how he Turned, I did a bit of deeper research into the whole vampire hierarchy. Remember he told us that only purebloods or those who were Turned can Turn another? Well, those who were Turned by purebloods, like Kai, have a better amount of control than one who was Turned by an already Turned vampire. The further you go down the line, the less control, the bigger the hunger, eventually getting to the point where that's all the creature can think about."

Sylvia nodded. "Yes, precisely. Their thirst is so great, it drives them mad with the pain and unquenchable desire for more. The ritual is still legal as to put those creatures out of their misery."

Aza shook her head. "Well, then just have it legal for them, but that's it. Any higher up the chain it's got to be against the law."

"Freedom of choice." Sylvia murmured. "And as much as you want to believe that Kai is good. Vampires on any level can fall further. As hard as he tries to control himself, there is still a part of him that will forever be in his head now, telling him to just drink a little more, what is one life, then what is two and so on. The Prince's life is forever cursed now to be at war." Sylvia paused. "There is also the fear of damnation." She practically whispered.

Evabelle felt a coldness run down her back. "You mean that whole thing is true?" Aza asked. "About vampires being damned to Hell?"

"Supposedly, but no one knows for certain." Sylvia replied. "No one knows what happens after death, but it is heavily implied. Sun, pure light, kills a vampire, unlike any other demon born, though they are weakened by it. Vampires are the true firstborn creatures of demons, they are the closest to Hell, as it were. The ritual obliterates the soul, essentially scattering it across Oblivion. Many prefer that option of nothingness rather than eternal torment."

At that moment the door to Evabelle's room swung open, making both girls jump. An elf with thick brown spiky hair and a very pointed nose to match his ears stood in the doorway. "If the ladies are ready, I am here to escort them to the ballroom."

* * *

The three of them moved through the hallway and down the stairway in silence, the fairy's words still ringing in their heads. When their guide made a turn down a new hallway that the girls had yet to see, he stopped and turned to face them. "His majesty has ordered me to give you this and have you read it before we reach the reception hall." With that, he discreetly slid out a closed fist to the girls, which Evabelle slowly reached out and took a small, neatly, folded note from him. "Read quickly and silently." The elf gave a quick bow of his head and turned away for the two of them to read it privately.

Aza peaked around Evabelle's shoulder to read the rather short letter.

~

As my son's friends, you have been honored to begin the celebration. Attention will be on you for a time, but I have two of my higher ranked elves to keep an eye on things. When the party has worn for a time, I shall have them gather you to slip away and guide you through the Ciennal Caverns.

-L

~

Evabelle slowly lowered the note. That's right. They were here to discover the traitors supposedly allied with Ravana, the vampire king, who might be working with Averno. "When did my life become so convoluted?" She muttered.

Aza elbowed Evabelle, grinning. "The day you met me, babe. I'm a convolution all to myself."

The beak-nosed elf, who went by Uri, turned back and snatched the paper from Evabelle's hand and quickly tucked it into his pocket. "Now we shall meet up with your partners for the opening dance."

"Oh no," Evabelle bit her lip as Aza and her continued down the hallway. "We didn't really learn any special dance. And..." She glanced down at Aza.

"Do not worry." Was all their elf replied with. "The dance is a basic waltz, and your partners will leading, all you must do is follow."

Aza gave a cold laugh. "Yeah, I ain't much of a follower especially to emo angels."

"You know you'll be dancing with him?" Evabelle raised her eyebrows, a smile creeping onto her face.

Aza gave a huff. "The fairies that dressed me up told me that they know how to coordinate to perfection. They were dressing us up to match our partner. Take a look at me and tell me who I'm going to dance with."

Evabelle glanced over to her again. The deep purple dress was the precise color of someone's eyes that she knew well. "Purple and silver do go together rather nicely." Evabelle said, nonchalantly.

"Hardy har har." Aza grumbled. "You're hilarious." She paused. "You're not upset, are you?"

Evabelle gave her friend a reassuring smile. "No, I'm good."

Aza returned the grin. "And besides I think blue and gold are a better match anyway."

A flush rose into Evabelle's cheeks and she turned away, her heart giving a little flutter at the thought of the pale blonde, lightly wavy hair pulled back from the sky eyes that glowed whenever that rich voice said her name.

Their guiding elf turned the corner and descended more stairs where at the bottom a large ornate door towered over two very well dressed men.

Faux's wild hair, which seemed to be a slightly more intense color of red, had been miraculously tamed, by being combed back, revealing more of his angular face, reminding Evabelle sadly of Tru. The shadows under his cheekbones and along his jaw line seemed more defined, not making him look gaunt, but sharper, and in a way, more mysterious. His tank top and gym shorts had been replaced with a well trimmed tux, that fit nicely on his thin form, giving him a more graceful look too. The fairies, really had a way of highlighting the good properties of others. As they neared, even those green eyes seemed more luminous.

Del, wore a well fitted suit as well. His tie was like a mirror, smooth and silvery, that set off his own eyes which didn't need anything to help draw attention to them. His dark hair was smooth and had a nice shine as it appeared to be combed more to the side, which made Evabelle wonder how the fairies had even gotten close to the Anahalian's precious locks. His long dark lashes brushed his pale cheeks, casting faint shadows around his eyes.

Both guys looked like they should be on the cover of a magazine. They even looked posed with Del leaning effortlessly against a pillar, lightly tugging at the tie around his neck revealing a bit of his sharp collarbone, and Faux running his fingers through his now nice hair, messing it up slightly, but just giving him a kind of hot tousled look.

Neither ones wings were showing, their jackets didn't appear to have slits. Evabelle could guess how happy that was making Del.

At the sound of the three descending the stairs brought both model's attention to girls. Faux's eyes flickered back and forth between the two of them, his mouth parted. He didn't have that teasing look on his face that Evabelle would have expected, just a sort of stunned awe.

Del's eyes first met Evabelle's and the usual ice that floated in there melted. His head, tilted slightly, and lips also fell open a little. There was something sad and almost pained in his expression as he looked at her that confused Evabelle. But then those dark eyes fell to Aza and blinked several times very quickly. He pushed himself off the pillar and stared, his mouth dropping a little wider.

Aza, however didn't even pay him any attention as she reached the bottom of the stairs and smirked up at Faux. "Who knew, even you could be sexy?"

Faux crossed his arms and gave a her a lopsided grin. "Apparently you were the only one who's just seeing it now. I don't know what could have been blinding you this whole time. Did your fairy dressers by chance give you some contact lenses?"

Aza laughed, and Faux shook his head. "But really, ladies, both of you know how to wear a dress."

Evabelle smiled and curtsied. "I've always loved these sort of gowns." She said. "And I have to say that you two look amazing too."

Faux bowed low. "Your majesty tis' too kind." He reached out, taking her hand and brushed his lips across it, much like when he had first introduced himself to her.

Evabelle's and Faux's eyes met briefly, and Evabelle took a deep breath wanting to say something, but Faux released her hand and turned to Aza who gave a scoff. "I didn't expect you to say that, I was expecting more of a: 'Well of course, I look amazing, but I understand you can't say it all the time even though it is true', or something."

Faux laughed. "You know me too well, sweetheart." He looked like he was about to ruffle her hair, but though better of it.

Evabelle sighed and walked over to Del, who was watching her with that same almost sad expression. As she neared, he surprised her by bowing, himself. "Your majesty." He said softly, repeating what Faux had called her.

"It's really weird when you do that." Evabelle mumbled, feeling a little warm.

Del straightened up. "It's been a long time since I've seen you dressed like royalty."

Evabelle blinked, startled. This was the first time he'd referred to the time when they had known each other as children. In fact, it might be the first time that he had acknowledged that they had known one another before at all.

Maus. The word popped into her head again. A little boy with black hair shrouding his face, and hand stuffed into his torn jeans, swirled in Evabelle's mind's eye. "You're so quiet and shy, but then you keep making that squeaking sound whenever I come. You're like a mouse. Maybe that's what I'll have to call you." Evabelle was fairly certain there was more to the memory, there always was, but just then the sound of more clicking on the steps drew her attention to a beautiful elf woman rushing down in a pale green dress with deep rich curls around her small glittery face.

The elf girl stumbled a little as she reached the bottom, but even that somehow seemed graceful. She looked up, beaming at Faux. "My name is Opal Jarri, It is a true honor to be your partner evening, Mr. Seren." She curtsied to him, her cheeks a light shade of pink.

Faux blinked in shock that this beautiful girl was actually talking to him. "Uh...um...Please just call me Faux."

Opal gave a little giggle, the flush on her cheeks darkening.

Faux's eyes widened and his eyebrows slid up so high, Evabelle thought they might just disappear into his hairline.

"I've heard of you, Mr.--Faux, but I didn't expect you to be so umm..." Opal seemed a little breathless, glancing Faux up and down several times the small shy smile growing. "Well, I'm just so glad that I will be dancing with you."

Faux seemed to have lost the ability to form words. His mouth moved, but all that came out was incomprehensible noises, not a sliver of smoothness left in him. "Um...I...guh...wha..." He cleared his throat, running his fingers through his hair again. "I am... happy to dance... too."

To give the two a minute, Aza walked over to Evabelle and Del, not containing her laughter at all, though her hand covered her mouth. "Would you look at that, the flirt gets speechless when he actually gets a girl." Aza snorted.

Del, who was almost grinning too, muttered. "And he didn't even have to try."

The three chuckled for a minute at the red-haired Anahalian's masterful eloquence as he tried to talk to Opal until Del suddenly stopped. "But wait if they're dancing together, don't tell me that means..."

He looked at Aza.

"Hey, I ain't thrilled either." Aza folded her arms, she still hadn't looked at Del since they had descended the stairs.

Del closed his eyes, falling back against the pillar again. "Of course I get the flailing whirlwind of disaster."

Finally Aza did look at Del, with a terrific glare, but was slightly ruined by Aza's own cheeks betraying her. Her gray storm stare scanned Del quickly, whose eyes were luckily still closed, and turned away again. "You've never seen me dance."

Del laughed darkly, his violet irises flashing open again. "I was there, blondey. The night you had your supposed dance off against that other girl. Trust me, this ain't going to end with you riding me and hitting my ass."

Evabelle caught the flash of pain across Aza's eyes at the reminder of CJ, feeling her own twinge for him, but Aza glanced back at Del, managing to contain herself better this time. There was a grim grin on her face. "We'll just see where this night goes."

Uri stepped over again, where he had been waiting on the other side of the arch of the door. "It's time to get into places. You will be entering soon." Then he lined them up by the pair. In the back was Faux and Opal, with her arm looped around his, both of them, still looking a little rosy. In the middle was Del and Aza, begrudgingly doing the same, although they were contrastively paler than usual. And finally, at the front waited Evabelle, alone.

Out of nowhere it seemed, a tall man appeared at Evabelle's side, making her gasp. A long deep rich blue tailcoat with elegant dark gold trim fit perfectly around his shoulders, and a neatly pressed paler gold vest and silk baby blue tie fit over a button down dress-shirt underneath. Velvet high brown boots with dark gray breeches covered his legs. His skin was smooth as porcelain seemed to glow, as he bowed and reached out a pale, slender hand to her. "I'm so sorry to keep you waiting, your Majesty."

Evabelle blinked in surprise. "Kai?" She stared. His white, now ragged hair had been fixed again, combed back away from his face, very much like Faux's. The silver and gold crown circled around his head, shone bright against his pallid complexion, and his eyes, though faded seemed a little brighter that she'd seen lately.

"It is customary to curtsy," The prince murmured, smiling softly.

"Oh!" Evabelle awkwardly complied. "I'm sorry, I just didn't...expect..." You to be the one I was dancing with. Although she probably should have figured. Faux had said that three couples opened the dance with one of them including the heir. They'd also talked about how one of them wouldn't be able to be a part of it, but for some reason Evabelle hadn't figured Lucis would be the one uninvolved.

"They decided to pair us since we were both of royal birth," Kai explained. "I hope you do not mind."

Evabelle shook her head. "No, of course not. It will be an honor to dance with you."

Kai smiled down at her, his eyes almost glowing. That was something really nice to see on Kai's face.

"But I warn you that I haven't had much experience in dancing, so I will have to apologize for all the toe-stepping on, in advance." Evabelle smiled as she wrapped her hand around Kai's arm.

"Don't worry," Kai replied. "I'll lead you through it."

The sharp nosed elf had his pointed ear pressed to the door. "They're introducing you now." Quickly, he ducked away as the great doors were pulled open and a great white light showered onto the three couples.

Evabelle gaped at the vast glass room. It was as though she were stepping into a room made of ice, though it wasn't cold. Everything was clear smooth crystal that seemed to glow. Nicely dressed elves stood around the outside of the circular room, leaving the couples plenty of space. As always, fairies hovered around as well, their glow reflecting off all surfaces of the room, creating a truly dazzling display.

The other creatures from the ceremony didn't appear to be here now. Evabelle did a quick sweep searching for the broad shoulders and blond hair, but didn't catch them.

Kai swept forward with Evabelle doing her best to walk as smoothly and gracefully as him. As the two moved to the middle of the room Evabelle noted the hundreds of eyes on them, and quickly glanced down at her feet and the pearlescent gossamer floor where she just caught sight of a ribbon of gold spiraling through the glass. Kai brought Evabelle to the heart of the room where the gold swirl began, and turned her to face him.

Taking a deep breath she looked up at his kind, patient eyes. The prince slowly guided her hand to rest just below his shoulder and the other in his own hand. Then he respectfully placed his other hand on her back and pulled her a little closer to him. Evabelle breathed out again.

Kai leaned close and whispered. "Just keep your elbow up and follow me. You'll be fine."

Evabelle nodded, raising her elbow a little higher, as he instructed. Then the music started, a sound of unified rosined bows sliding across an orchestra of violins, cellos, and bases. Kai took a step forward and Evabelle a step back. The elf counted softly in her ear. "One, two, three. One, two, three. One, two, three." On one was just a step and the two and three the rose on the balls of their feet. It was slow and Kai's small movements easily guided Evabelle across the room.

"You're a natural." The prince murmured, grinning as he spun Evabelle under his arm.

Evabelle beamed back. "I've always like dancing." She admitted. Once again the memory of a dark garden, lit only by stars until a cascade of fairies circled her and the angel who had taken her there to dance, rose to her mind.

Glancing around to see how the others were doing, she saw that Faux and Opal were dancing very well, but Faux still had that ridiculously stunned look on his face, making Evabelle grin. Del and Aza were somehow managing to not look terribly awkward. Evabelle had been worried about Aza, who also enjoyed dancing, but had no coordination in that particular area. Luckily, this dance wasn't too difficult and Del was obviously leading, which unfortunately was causing Aza to have a rather irritated expression.

Slowly others began to join in on the dance as well. And finally Evabelle looked back to Kai. "This place is really lovely."

Kai nodded, a slightly sad look leaking into his eyes. "It really is."

"Did you really not grow up here, but on another island?"

Kai shook his head. "I lived primarily on the second isle, but explored the others frequently. Then I'd come here on weekends, holidays, and any other special occasions. I knew the castle well."

From over Kai's shoulder, Evabelle saw King Lir step out onto the floor in stunning silver, diamond studded robes and a small child's hand in his, gold hair flowing down the little girl's back. The King beamed down and his daughter and Evabelle couldn't help, but smile too. "What about Gem?"

"She lived here, but loved to slip away to see me." Kai spun Evabelle again.

"Kai," Evabelle whispered, looking away from him for a moment.

"What is it?"

Evabelle took a deep breath. "Why didn't you tell me that you were a prince?"

Kai stared at her. "I told you, it was something that was hard for me to bring up."

"You didn't know I was a princess when we very first met, but once you heard my name, you knew. You knew I was a princess, and you knew that I was struggling with that. I still do." Evabelle looked up into faint gray eyes. "I don't know how a princess is supposed to act. I haven't learned all that you have. You could have told me. You could have helped me."

Kai blinked slowly. "Yes, I...I see what you mean. I'm sorry. I didn't think such a disappointment in royalty should teach someone who was learning."

Evabelle pursed her lips and shook her head. "Gah, we are so frustratingly similar. You realize that don't you?"

Kai smiled, sadly. "We are, aren't we."

"Royals who don't feel worthy, little siblings who believe in us more than we do, not comfortable in social situations." Evabelle sighed.

Kai's hands moved down to Evabelle's waist and lifted her into the air where the music hit a beat. "Ah, you forgot, we're both excellent dancers." Kai replied when Evabelle landed again.

Evabelle laughed. "I'm not going to argue."

The two danced through another song with a quicker beat, Kai easing her through the slightly more complicated moves, which she did luckily get without too much issue. However, by the end, Evabelle was feeling out of breath. A bead of sweat rolled down from her temple. Kai suggested they take a break, which she was about to take him up on it when a new song began, a hauntingly beautiful one with a stunning soprano singing this time, hitting notes that sent shivers down Evabelle's spine. However the words she didn't understand.

Kai blinked in recognition to the melody, though. His smile grew. "I love this song."

"What is it saying?" Evabelle wheezed a little.

Kai closed his eyes for a moment, as the lone violin began to pick up and the singer's voice rose again. "It's a story. A legend, that was born from Specula's mouth, herself."

"The first mage?" Evabelle remembered.

Kai nodded. "It's the story of the phoenix and the dragon." He swayed to the beautiful music. "They're a brother and a sister, who loved each other very much. They both go through terrible things, and shut themselves away. But through each other they're able to face the world again. Together they go into war against a great evil." A piano now joined with the violinist and the singer, and Kai's peaceful expression did Evabelle in.

She sighed and put her hand back on his shoulder. "One more dance won't hurt me."

Kai opened his eyes. "Are you sure? I know you're exhausted."

Evabelle nodded. "No fancy tricks, though. And keep telling me the story. I'm intrigued." The elf prince grinned and took her hand to gently guide her around the room once more. "During the great battle, the darkness gets the upper hand, and the good are losing. Just as the phoenix is killed her hands pull free the sword of fire, and she rises again with her and her brother's power unleashed. The two of them end up turning the tides of the war." Kai's slowly spun Evabelle against him. "Until the dragon sacrifices his own life for the sake of another bird."

"What?" Evabelle shook her head, looking up at him. "That's so sad."

"The phoenix will rise and the dragon will fall." Kai murmured as he spun her out again. "Yes, I suppose the story is really a sad one, but it is still a stunning piece. It's one of the oldest legends. One that is often told to young elves, like one of your fairytales."

"So, it's just an old myth then?" Evabelle asked remembering Specula was also the first Oracle.

Kai shook his head. "Well, not completely. The sword of fire it refers to is a real sword. It's called Solcora. The sword is said to unleash the inner fire of the possessor. It's one of the most powerful and dangerous swords that has ever existed, created by the angel, Daedalro. Because of that power a selfish and foolish Anahalian got hold of it, and his heart and soul were burned from the inside out. After that the sword was placed into a stone, only to be drawn by the one destined to."

Evabelle's eyes narrowed. "Are you sure the sword isn't called Excalibur?"

Kai grinned. "No, but that did just happen to by the name of the Anahalian that sealed the sword away, ordered by the king of the Anahalians at the time. I know you've heard of him."

Evabelle tripped over one of her own heels, but Kai held her steady as she gaped at him. "You're not serious!" She gasped.

"All the magical creatures have legends told by humans because they were passed down from those who actually knew they existed. You knew the terms elf, fairy, and sprite because people knew of them hundreds of years ago. The term Anahalian was lost because they left. There still remains whispers of the others because they're still around. The closest term for Anahalian still around is guardian, or guardian angel. There are stories passed down generation to generation, but as time goes on the stories change and mutate. Humans come up with their own ideas about us too, but there are still a few basic concepts that have remained. Though Anahalians left, there are still bits of their history that have survived in human culture as well, though much has changed just like for the elves and everyone else."

Evabelle shook her head trying to process all this. "That's so cool." She whispered.

Kai chuckled.

The two of them sailed around the floor to the Phoenix and the Dragon until it's end, where Evabelle could truly feel the fall of the dragon like a stab to the heart, as the vampire held the girl in a dip.

Kai pulled her up and thanked her for letting them dance to that one. "But I'm sure you're in definite need of refreshment now."

Evabelle nodded gratefully. The slower dance had helped, but it was still pretty hot in this room with all of these people dancing.

They weaved their way through the crowd of whirling elves and made their way to some stairs along the side of the room that lead up to a second outer ringed floor. It was a level that circled the main room with a railing to look down from above to watch the dance.

Evabelle was relieved to see tables of refreshments once they reached the top of the stairs. The two went over to one of them and Kai poured her a glass of pale orange liquid. She took it gratefully and drank it, surprised by the familiar taste. "Sunkist?" She raised her eyebrows at Kai.

"Not a fan of soda?" He asked as he sipped from a white bubbly drink of his own.

"No, I love soda. I just didn't expect elves to serve it." Evabelle took another sip. It didn't taste exactly like normal Sunkist. There did seem to be a higher quality to it that she couldn't put her finger on. "This stuff is really good, actually."

"We may live on islands away from the world, but that doesn't mean we ignore what the humans have created."

The two drank in silence for a minute. Several thoughts drifted in Evabelle's mind. She wanted to ask about some of the things she'd discussed with Sylvia, but that would only bring the vampire down, and Evabelle had had enough of that. Finally she decided on another thing bothering her. "So, now that you're the Heir, does that mean you won't be coming back with us after all of this?"

Kai slowly lowered the drink from his lips. He'd barely had any of it at all anyway. "My father knows that this war is not just for the Anahalians anymore. This war is against all of us. I got myself involved a long time ago. I don't plan on just sitting back now. I may have to discuss it with my father, but I'm not going to abandon the cause."

Evabelle nodded, feeling a little better. She swallowed. "Yes, I...I'd actually like to discuss some things with him too."

Kai glanced at her, curiously. He opened his mouth, but hushed whispers reached both their ears.

"A vampire. We all just assumed he was dead. But no, he got himself Turned. If that in itself is truly isn't terrible enough, now we will be expected to follow him someday?"

Evabelle turned to see a group of female elves making their way over to the table for drinks. The center one was the one speaking. Her mouth was curled into an expression of disgust. "How are we supposed to follow a monster that already proves his decisions are unwise to follow?"

The dark skinned woman with dark red hair from the ceremony approached the group. She wore a simple pale yellow slip dress that brought out her narrowed light green eyes with tinges of flaxen.

The elf woman, who had been speaking, gave a little bow of her head. "Lady Saya. You knew the prince before he became a beast. Was he such a foolish man then too?"

Saya tilted her head to the side, and the corner of her mouth twitched. "Oh, certainly. He was foolish. He often let his emotions get the best of him. He loved his sister so much that he would often break the rules to sneak into the castle to see her and bring her gifts when he wasn't supposed to. He had foolish dreams of being an elf that lived among humans, so that he could help them always rather than just on occasional healing missions. He had a heart that hurt so much when his mother was killed, and to see nothing done of it, pained him more than he could bear. He was a fool for trying to find justice in her murder." Saya reached the table. "Don't you think?" Her eyes flashed up to Kai's, whose whole body had gone rigid from beside Evabelle.

"Uh..." The elf woman looked thoroughly confused. "That's not what I was..." Then finally she saw that Kai was standing right there. Her face drained of color, and she took a step back into her little entourage. "Prince Kairi! I didn't see y-you there!"

Saya took a drink of the same white fizzy liquid that Kai had gotten. "Obviously," she muttered. "Only fools badmouth people right in front of them. My suggestion, Weiss, is to keep that enormous mouth shut. You don't want to be considered a fool, now do you?" She pushed away from the table and walked passed all of them, keeping her intense gaze fixed forward.

Weiss was now backing up very quickly. "I'm so sorry, your Highness, I uh..." She trailed off, staring at Kai with wide eyes. She never even finished, but just decided to flee to another table with the other women following in close pursuit with Evabelle glaring them down all the way.

"Now that's what I call pathetic." Evabelle muttered.

Kai didn't respond. She turned to him, but he was staring in the opposite direction of the cowardly ladies. His pale eyes followed the form with the root red hair, a slender hand covering his mouth. "Well, she doesn't hate you." Evabelle murmured, trying to draw a reply.

Kai slowly looked back at her, his finger tracing the line of his bottom lip. "That isn't certain." He said softly, his eyes still unfocussed. "I hurt her too."

"That's the thing about love," Evabelle said. "If it's real, it can stand the test of time and mistakes. You really know love when you've screwed up bad and they still defend you."

Kai lowered his hand and gave Evabelle a little smile. "Maybe," he whispered.