Chapter 44: Chapter 44

Skye had jumped to her feet upon seeing Nicolas and Petrie. She grinned ear to ear, excited to see them on her special day. Nicolas wasn’t supposed to be there for at least a few days, or so Maevis had thought. Petrie’s appearance was even more unusual. He was supposed to have gone back home to his mother and sister.

None of it mattered as Skye practically ran to her new guests. She was shocked to see Petrie in regular clothes. He looked rather fetching in his button down white shirt, black overcoat, and black slacks. His hair was still parted and pulled back the same as before , but he’d evidently washed and combed it. He fidgeted with his collar, clearly uncomfortable being out of his usual highland garb.

Nicolas wore his usual red robes, inciting the name ‘Santa’ numerous times from the guests. From his size and wings, he was obviously a fairy like Maevis. A crowd began to form, but Lucas cut through the noise and clamor by banging on the table. This gave Skye a chance to wade through the people to reach her friends.

“Petrie! Nicolas! I can’t believe ye made it! Is Celestia alright then?” Skye asked with concern etched in her voice.

Petrie smiled nervously before saying; “When I told me mother and sister mostly, what had happened; they made me turn right back around to come and get the permit.. They called me a fool for not gettin’ it before I came home...”

Nicolas beamed at Skye in greeting before saying; “And I saw him on my way here. Celestia will be fine, thanks to you.. I’m happy I didn’t miss all the festivities! Where is Maevis? I must speak to her regarding the sanctuary-Ahh! There, by Tidas..”

The prince had followed after his eager bride with Maevis in tow along side him. He was smiling as he extended his hand to Petrie once he’d caught up, welcoming them both in turn. Tidas then turned around and addressed the crowd of guests.

.....

“I will explain everything once we’ve had a small chat with our friends here. Go back to your gossips until we’re ready, please. I swear it won’t be long.”

The guests dispersed, going back to their tables and plates. The group moved to the main table where Lucas, Lidia, Peggy, and Ralph were already standing. Nicolas and Petrie bowed as Tidas introduced them. Skye’s father eyed the Nomad knowing the truth of what happened in Warrick Forest. Whereas Peggy and Lidia were focused on Nicolas.

Lidia looked at him with awe, while Peggy grinned like a child. She took a step forward and introduced herself, amusing Skye greatly. She’d never seen such a look on her faithful servant before, and it warmed her heart. Nicolas beamed at Peggy before saying; “I already know who you are, sweet Peg. Skye has told me about you, and I am very pleased to finally meet you.”

Nicolas extended his hands while Skye nodded at Peggy. She looked to her lady, then back to Nic before extending her index finger to shake with him. Once finished, Peggy giggled to Skye while flashing her toothy grin and saying; “Santa just shook me finger!”

The act was repeated several times amongst the group before Maevis looked to Nicolas and said; “What did the Queen and King Consort say? Did they grant permission? And how is the lad with you?”

“Calm yourself, Mae. I’ll explain, just give me a moment to catch my breath,” Nicolas replied as he fluttered over and sat in the doll chair meant for Maevis.

Peggy had disappeared for a moment, but returned with another tiny chair and metal thimble for Nicolas. She poured a couple drops of wine in for him before handing it to him. The old fairy smiled and thanked the old woman for her kindness. He looked about as he sipped the wine; irritating Maevis greatly. Loosing her temper slightly, Maevis yelled, “Quit putzing and speak, ye old dodder!”

Nicolas flinched at his old friend’s tone. Looking abashed, as he said; “A-Alright, alright! I just wanted to relax a moment! It’s been a tiring couple of days for an old Fae like me.. Have some pity on this old man.”

Maevis sneered at Nicolas before retorting; “HA! Aye, I’m sure your arse is plenty sore from riding Hugo.. Now get on with it before you stoke my ire.”

At the warning, Nicolas sat up in his chair and began to speak: “Fine! You devil woman.. The Queen has approved the peace talks with Lord Moonstone and the king, so long as Maevis and I are involved. If for any reason, the king or the lord demand to know the exact whereabouts of the sanctuary, we are to break talks. If payment in any form other than gold is requested, we are to break talks immediately. The Fae have more than enough to pay your human taxes and keep our lands. We just need the claim to it. And the promise of a law bestowing punishment on those who would hunt or harm us.”

Lord Moonstone stepped forward before speaking; “I’ll not speak for Magnus, err-the king.. but ye have my support in whatever ye need. I will not need any money; I’ll give it to ye without complaint. I was told of how ye watched over my lass as she grew, and I canna ever repay that debt. But I will spend as many years as I have left in me attemptin’ it.”

The two Fae were taken aback by Skye’s father. They’d never expected Lucas to agree so easily or quickly. Warrick Forest was a decent chunk of the lord’s property. That he was willing to give it away without any negotiating, just for free; was highly unexpected to the two. Maevis fluttered her wings with her excitement as she looked to Nicolas.

‘Humans never cease to surprise me,’ Nicolas thought to himself as he returned Maevis’ glee.

“Alright! Allow me to make a small announcement, then it’s time for fun!” Tidas stated enthusiastically.

The prince held up his glass and lightly tapped it, gaining everyone’s attention before speaking: “Thank you everyone, for your patience. The gentleman fairy’s name is Nicolas, while the lovely lady Fae is called Maevis. They are to accompany me and my bride to see my father about the establishment of Fae kind in the human world; backed by the crown. Lord Moonstone has already granted them the property of Warrick Forest, so spread the word that it is off limits now. Hunting near and around the forest is still allowed. But know this: Anyone caught hunting or hurting any Fae will answer directly to Me. This is the beginning of a brighter, more peaceful Alcon. Let’s show our new friends how far we’ve come!”

The room exploded with clapping and cheers. Maevis and Nicolas’ expressions were filled with sincerity as they thanked Tidas, and waved at the crowds. Some of the comments the guests made about the prince peaked Skye’s interest, so she listened in.

“Leave it to Prince Tidas to defend the little folk!”

“Make sure you tell Lenny not to go into the woods tomorrow! Wouldn’t want ‘Titan Tidas’ coming after him!”

“What idiot would risk that?!”

“Yeah, who would want one of the Pillars coming for them?! Haha!”

“You don’t mess with the strongest man in the kingdom!”

“Skye was baffled by the unfamiliar references to her husband. She knew Tidas was a prince, and in the RMC, but everything they’d said confused her. The only reference to ‘Pillars’ she’d ever heard of referred to the titles given to the strongest three soldiers in Alcon’s military. With that thought, one of the names Ralph mentioned earlier popped into her head: Zas.

About the time Tidas had left, an announcement was made about the Pillars. Skye recalled the name due to the oddity of it. It’d been an unimportant subject to her at the time, so it was all she could recall from the situation. When Skye turned and asked Tidas about the gossip she was hearing, the prince laughed nervously.

After taking a large drink of his wine, Tidas looked Skye in her eyes and said; “Umm.. I can explain all of that, but I’d like to wait until tomorrow, if it’s alright? It involves my... absence. And I’d like to be able to tell you in depth, and answer any questions you have as well.”

The bride thought a moment before nodding in agreement. Skye had many questions for her husband, and their wedding reception wasn’t the proper place for it. Besides; all the lass really wanted was to have a good time. After going through everything she had, especially the past few days, the new princess saw this as her time to let loose.

Skye grinned wickedly at Tidas before saying; “I believe ye owe me a dance, sir.”

The prince smiled broadly at his wife before replying; “I suppose we could.. It’ll move the party along.”

Tidas entwined his fingers in Skye’s. He leaned in close so only she could hear. Even though Maevis and Nicolas were preoccupied chatting, he still didn’t want to risk them hearing him. He brushed his lips against Skye’s hair, making sure to use enough pressure so that she’d feel him against her ear.

Tidas lowered his tone, sounding sultry as he said; “I have a debt to collect.. And I plan on taking all night to do so..”n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Skye’s breathing became heavier as Tidas rubbed the side of his face against her hair and cheek. He gently squeezed her hand as he nuzzled her. In a slow, smooth motion; the prince pulled his face away while lifting his wife’s hand up to his mouth. He left a tiny trail of kisses across her knuckles before looking at her with smoldering eyes.

Skye felt her breath catch in her throat. The intensity in his green eyes made her feel like she wanted to melt. Feeling a little brazen, Skye mimicked her husband. She started from his pinky knuckle, and kissed each one in turn. But once she got to thumb, she barely tilted his hand so she might nip at it. The action had caused Tidas’ eyes to widen in shock and his breath to hitch. Which caused Skye laugh out loud.

‘I know she’s innocent, but I’m starting to wonder..’ Tidas thought as his wife’s actions stirred his desire.

The prince grinned wickedly at his wife again before saying; “Oh sweetheart.. Do you really want to start a teasing contest in front of all these people?”

Skye pretended to contemplate before replying; “I suppose not... As tempting as it is.”

“I swear, woman..” was all Tidas got out before he released his hand from his wife’s, grabbed the sides of her head, and kissed her passionately.

Skye had let a small moan slip when he’d pushed his tongue into her mouth. The sensations he gave her made her head spin more than the alcohol did. She was being careful not to drink too much. She wanted to remember every detail about tonight; even the painful part.

The newlyweds were interrupted with a familiar cough. Peggy stood behind them, tapping her foot out of irritation. She gave an almost mocking smile before saying; “Ack! Wait for yer honeymoon, ye animals! Don’t start neckin’ in front of everyone; show some Propriety!”

Skye and Tidas laughed at the expression of exaggerated shock painted all over Peggy’s face. As Skye looked about, she beamed at the vision of everyone enjoying their wedding. Ralph, Lucas, and Petrie were involved in a discussion of some sort. Lidia had gone to check that the food and refreshments flowed steadily into the banquet room. Maevis and Nic happily sat and chatted as they clinked thimbles, content with the outcome of things.

Tidas stood and offered Skye his hand. The musicians stopped and shifted positions to accommodate the change in music. A single violinist began to glide his bow across the strings of his instrument, signaling that the couple’s dance was about start. Skye placed her hand in her prince’s and smiled excitedly as they headed out onto the floor for their first official dance as a married couple.