Adelaide was right about one thing. The dress did go well with her eyes, like gold and silver. But why did she not feel beautiful in it? She turns to see how the dress made her bottom pop out, through the cracked mirror in the bathroom, and cringes incessantly. It hugged her body nicely around the waist and bosom and fell down to her feet softly and light.

She doesn't know the exact material it was made from, nor did Adelaide elaborate about it when Mira came to pick it up this morning with the coin she took from the blue pouch — but it is made from something similar to silk, very airy, light and cool to her body, allowing her  to not heat up like a furnace inside of it.

She feels a tad bit guilty about taking the coin, but she really had no more money to pay for her dress. And she felt awful about asking Adelaide if she could borrow one again; so she decided to be discreet by hiding the pouch away and taking only a few to pay for this dress. It all involved the Elemental anyway. So she wasn't doing anything extreme she believed.

She sighs and looks back down to her dress again. She loved the material and everything else, but not the way she looked in it. Actually just simply thinking about what she was going to do made her belly rumble and turned her mouth sour as if someone sprayed vinegar inside of it. She places her hand over her mouth feeling the bile surface up and then she gags and kneels down over the privy vomiting her guts out.

Hell, the taste of it was exactly how she felt. Now she had to brush her teeth again. She can feel tears coming down her cheeks as she heaves out more liquid, that looked disgustingly yellow, like her tea this morning. She spits out her saliva, wipes her mouth with paper and makes her way to sit on the pot— all the while closing her eyes and relaxing her lungs.

She breathes away and allows the warm air coming from her open window down the hallway  to wash over face.

"Are you alright child?"

There stood the ever beautiful Grasel. Mira couldn't believe that she was happy to see her standing before her, like a mother coming to the aid of her child. She as usual wore her shawl and looked adoringly down at her, standing at threshold of the bathroom.

Her hair is up in its usual chignon but her eyes looks dull as well as her skin. There was a blue hue in her skin, Mira noticed it long ago; but she never seemed to complain about it.

She sighs and wipes her mouth again before getting up and throwing it in the privy and flushing away. "Aye thank you Grasel."

She rinses her mouth with cool water, expanding her cheeks and gurgling her throat with some mint.

"If you feel ill, then perhaps you shouldn't go."

She takes the towel she used to dry herself after she just bathed and pats herself dry before meeting Grasel's eyes. "I am not ill. Just nervous."

If only she could decline the offer of going in the first place.

Grasel chuckles under her breathe. "Nervous for an event that's not even yours? I find that absurd."

Mira can only smile back folding the towel in the meantime to not give off the sense of her underlying situation and real nervousness. "I heard that some people faint when they met the Elemental for the first time."

Grasel chuckles again not seeming to even glimpse a hint of her distress, before beginning to turn out. "Come let's get you some tea to calm the nerves and to prevent you from fainting."

Mira quickly stumbles to her room laying her towel on the bed to dry, before groaning at herself.

Was she really going to do this? She could run away with Jezio and never come back to make sure he lives. She could have reported this, could have gotten her own assassin crew to protect her or at least tell Grasel. Or someone.

But the mage seemed like a man completely capable of making her life a living hell and targeting those close to her. She couldn't, and wouldn't risk it. Even though she was uncertain that Jezio would do everything to protect himself and fight his was through if there were people hunting him down. Yet here she was, doing the opposite of fighting back.

She places a reassuring hand on her thigh below the dress making sure it is still intact.

She takes in a deep breathe then telling herself that she is not a murderer.

                                                           °°°

After the lovely tea with Grasel and small talk about how many times the thieves broke into their garden to steal their foods  growing out back and how pissed it made Grasel; Mira giggled and proclaimed that as her time to leave.

She sprayed more perfume behind her ears took a deep breathe in and bid farewell to Grasel. It wasn't her cup of tea, Mira was glad she didn't even consider to come in the first place like she thought she was. Their little abode remained decorated in the colours depicting the Elemental — and that was all, the only kind of celebration that would be performed for this event by Grasel.

So Mira remained more relieved that Grasel stayed put in the safest place, probably in the entire Village made by herself.

The sand roads were busy as usual, most Villagers she noticed went on foot to the event. She walks slowly in her shiny sandles passing through the trellis leaving the Beggar Area behind her.

It was satisfying to see how excited the villagers were, in their out of the world outfits. One lady dressed up completely like a peacock, the exact colours in her dress and hat that took up her entire face with the feathers drooping right into it; Mira doesn't know how she could possibly see through that. Then there was another woman that had a plunging neckline with her nipples barely covered. It got her thinking what kind of impression they were trying to make onto the Elemental?

It was her day after all. Could they all possibly fancy her?

Then there were a few that rode carriages spraying sand in the villagers faces' that were on the ground, including herself. She gasps and moves out the way as a carriage practically raced past them causing sand to splatter on her dress. She groans and looks up to see a topless woman sending her a vulgar gesture and laughing wickedly before plopping her wild hair mane back through the window inside the carriage.

Others more cursed at them alongside her but continued walking on. The children especially kept the atmosphere light and exciting with their giggles and gasps at the beautiful dresses that the women wore. Even the men looked handsome in their tuxedo's and tunics and good-fitting breeches.

She looks down to her own dress, sending a prayer of relief that the sand could brush off with her hands and that the dress remained smooth and normal like the way it looked before. She should have brought a coat along instead of a thin shawl that she threw over her shoulders; it could have kept her more safe.

After passing more and more terracotta buildings and more villagers she could finally see the Helhard coming into picture wide open. She had to pause for a moment to believe it at first, because when did she ever see those gates open allowing the Court and the Village to coalesce.

She hears a frightful scream before turning her head to the right to see a young girl in a beautiful dark gown that ran into her friends' arms like they haven't seen each other for an entire year.

It brought a tinge of sadness into her own heart, nearly bringing her to tears. She is also pleased having not seen Adelaide nor Zalaena or else they would drag her with them not caring about her statement that said she was going alone; and she wouldn't resist it.

Mira wraps her arms beneath her shawl— tighter around herself, keeping herself cocooned in her little bubble. She wishes she could run to Jezio and hug him. Tell him to fix this. He would know what to do. He always did.

"Psst."

She briskly whips her head around to the left of her, but only sees more benches, trees and people minding their business, no hint of anyone calling for her. Perhaps it was just someone cat-calling her.

She looks towards all the bungalows; this area being especially busy as expected as more and more people passed through the gate either by foot or by carriage.

Before she could pass through, immediately wincing at the sand getting stuck between her toes in her sandals, she felt a presence. And the instinct that told her not to pass stood strong inside of her.

The eyes that were staring holes into her dress, looks completely lust-stricken when she met them with her own. The mages' son.

She walks slowly toward him not liking the friction of the sand and her sandals rubbing against her skin.

He leans against a wall of a house eyeing her up and down as she approached him, lingering longer on the swell of her thighs. His dark and curious eyes meets hers and then he pushes off the wall.

"Come." His voice sounds hoarse.

She rolls her eyes. "Good evening to you too."

"Its not evening yet, still sundown."

Well he was right. The sun didn't set yet, so the sky looks particularly beautiful with the brushes of orange, blue and pink with no clouds in sight. Even the weather remained neutral — not too hot and not too cold. It could have been the perfect evening, if she had something better planned to do with her evening.

He takes the lead after she didn't reply. Instead of leaving the gates he walked her over to a quieter and more discreet area beneath a tree in the middle of five surrounding homes, looking empty by the looks of the closed curtains and windows.

She follows behind not even bothering to ask him if she could sit to rinse her sandals out by a nearby pond or fountain. Instead she focuses on his body, seeing him move so smooth and fast. He didn't dress up or anything like that, all he wore were leather boots and pants with a tail coat that reached the backs of his knees.

His hair looks curly like the last time she saw them which was at the festival which also sent shivers down her spine, before glancing down to his hands and seeing those rings that chilled her to the bone that evening. She cringes again this time out loud.

"What is that?" He turns around, they already reached the tree and he motions for her to come closer to it.

"Nothing." She replies softly before standing before him and looking into his face wearily.

He grinds his jaws, she sees that tick and runs his hand through his hair. "My father will arrive in a moment, I am just to escort you here."

So it didn't look like he was going to be at the ceremony. Good.

She nods in return and looks around to the small houses that framed the tree, which was probably the best thing that could lend the villagers shade in the hotter days, compared to her house made from iron that fried her and Grasel inside out. She was rather jealous, still wishing to stay in a better place than her home.

She notices through the small fencing that their gardens were dead, barely any growth occurring. Lack of pigment in the flowers, and obviously to those that farmed their own food.

She clears her throat steering her thoughts back to the situation at hand. "When will he be arriving?" Then she raises her chin slightly.

"In a moment."

She stands there awkwardly as he leaned against the tree again studying her until she had enough from his hungry eyes.

"Can you not look at me like that?"

He frowns knitting his brows together. "Like what?"

"Like that. Especially at my thighs."

He smirks before looking around, probably sensing his father or just looking for distraction to not burst out laughing.

"We have some time on our hands you know. Before my father arrives."

It was her turn to frown. "Time for what?"

His eyes locks with hers, the lust and look of desire evident in his eyes again. He motions for her to come closer with his fingers like she was a damn child. And she still obliged him like a damn child.

She reaches him close enough so that there was minimal space between them and she could feel his body trembling, before he brings his warm hands and stinging cold rings onto either side of her face, before bringing his face close to hers, causing her to hold her breathe.

His hair feels soft against her cheek so did his hands, that brushed onto her cheeks drawing her face close to his. He leans down to her height bringing his mouth to her ear, sending even more shivers down her spine as his breathe tickled her ear giving rise to goosebumps as he whispers the next words.

"Don't say anything."

Then he slowly turns his head until his lips were inches from hers, breathing hot air against it before slowly brushing his lips onto hers by going left and then right, never going in to kiss her properly. He was teasing her, keeping her on edge.

She knew this wasn't what she wanted, but just to feel the desire and want in his lips and eyes... It was hard to say no.

He moves away and settles his lips against her throat brushing it lightly against her, feeling like feathers being brushed against her skin. His lips are so soft.

She gasps before closing her eyes letting her head fall to the back of the tree, exposing her neck to him. She then places her hands on either side of his waist drawing him in, until his warm body stood prone against hers; to which he settles both his hands at the back of her head letting it rest on his hands against the tree. She now couldn't feel the hard bark, and just his warm hands digging and most likely causing disarray to her bun that she made twenty times, with two strands framing her face.

He suddenly flips her head to the other side, and this time leaves open - mouthed kisses on the expanse of her throat, causing her eyes to roll to the back of her head. How could this feel so damn good? She couldn't even help herself from letting out soft moans and just letting him have his way with her against the tree.

She then realizes with a shock why he brought her to a tree. He knew he wanted to do this all along. Coincidentally being the place where Crawford would fetch her.

Just as her eyes start opening, and she finally focused on the real situation at hand, his one hand slips out of her hair to drop down to her thigh over her dress as he slowly pulls her dress up and up.

All the whole, he kept kissing her neck. She was beginning to not like the wetness he left behind on her throat, nor the intimacy that they were in.

Once her dress reached her hip, and all the hot air crept onto her leg, he moves his thumb to her inner thigh, trailing his finger against her skin making her feel hot and bothered and annoyed.

Was it possible to hate  and love something  simultaneously?

At the same time he comes to her face and presses his lips hard against hers, drowning out her attempts to stop him.

She removes her hands from his waist, and raises them to tug and curl into his soft locks. Just as his circle her waist lifting her dress up more and and touching her backside. It made her think of Kaleb, but she forces herself to rather focus on his hands and mouth.

His lips is just as she remembered them, a little chill today but firm and soft. Just as she was about to open her mouth more and allow their tongues to tangle — he pulls away.

He immediately straightens her dress and steps away wiping his mouth. The lust gaze still heavily-ladded in his darker eyes.

She frowns suddenly feeling ashamed of her actions once again. She pats her head and pulls her dress down again, even though he already fixed that part for her.

"We will finish this soon Mirabella."

He pockets his hands and starts whistling, leaving her completely stumped and also aroused. The last wave will have to disappear soon. She hoped.

Just then she hears the neighing of horses. She turns her head and from between two of the five bungalows, comes a black and dark emerald carriage into view to stop right before them.

She was more struck at the the unique designs and patterns on the carriage to even acknowledge when Lord Crawford popped out as soon as the carriage came to a halt.

"Greetings dear. You look absolutely ravishing tonight. I am happy you dressed for such an atrocious occasion." Lord Crawford looks the same. Even his clothing hasn't changed one bit. He did always look rather fancy in her opinion; in his dark cloak-like coat, boots and rings. So there wasn't much to change.

"Thank you for bringing her here son. I thought she was about to let this pass."

She tugs her shawl over her shoulders not wanting to say a single word to him nor his son.

"At least she's here and behaved." She snaps her gaze at him, to see his smirking face before running his eyes up and down her figure like he owned her.

She forces herself to not send a disgusted face his way, because a few moments ago she allowed  his hands on her; so this was all her fault to begin with.

"Lets take this meeting inside shall we?"

Lord Crawford shows his white teeth as he opened the carriage door beckoning her to enter. Which she unfortunately did.

                                                         °°°

"You remember the plan correct?"

"Aye."

"Do not under any circumstances abandon this. You will not like the consequences after it."

She rolls her eyes and lifts her chin as a shiver passes down her spine. She looks away from him to gaze out to the fiery fields outside.

   
The trip isn't very long, but with him here it felt like an eternity. She briefly gazed into the carriage when she entered. It is definitely descended from wealth — looking at the rich silk cushions that was the seat and lined the interior walls of the carriage; it is completely onyx as well. Besides the strange disappointment she feels in the pit of her belly at the fact that his son was gone; she is somewhat relieved and shocked at the same time that she could barely keep a hold of her feelings.

But with them both here, she would certainly feel uncomfortable and most likely make a fool out of herself in front of them both. So she was pleased that his son disappeared once again to nowhere.

She made sure to press her knees as far away from Crawfords as possible, as she didn't want to touch a single part of him and also made sure to not meet his eyes for too long.

I am doing this for my brother. I am doing this for my brother. It will be over soon.

Luckily the sunset was extraordinary to look at. With the blue's and pinks with soft tufts of orange blending in beautifully and shone nearly like sequins. It contrasted brilliantly against the fields. The ride is unsteady however, they passed plenty other carriages, leaving curses their way and a few others attempting to out speed them but never did. Those times Mira made sure to hold herself so that she couldn't fall out of the carriage and look worse than she felt once she arrived to Court. She then made it clear that the horses had to be cursed, or mages just like Crawford.

"You are quiet darling. Tell me is it nerves? Or was it something Lucian said?"

She frowns and was about to ask who the hell Lucian was, until it came to her. She finally knows the name of his son.

She still refused to meet his eyes, even though she could feel his sharp gaze burning a hole into the side of her face. Gawking at her like a vulture awaiting its meal.

Suddenly they stopped.

"Oh well, would you look at that. We just passed the gates. How magnificent."

She couldn't have agreed more. The time flew drastically in those few seconds. She didn't have to reply to him either.

Suddenly that tea wanted to surface up as well.