[Claude]

Claude bit her lip thoughtfully, "If he is done with Daemon, he might be heading off to sleep. Sooner may be better to ensure that you catch him while he is still awake," she folded her hands tightly, trying to decide how to tackle their next problem, a lie but also a half truth, "If he asks, tell him it was a girls night and we were preparing for the wedding and while we were primping and preening, I convinced you that it was best to apologise and put it all behind you, go into the marriage with a clean slate."

.

Sometimes Claude amazed herself with her brilliance. The lie easily rolling off her tongue as if it were the truth. Being in the court had taught her how to be good at that if nothing else. She grinned at the fae girl, "of course I am no ordinary court lady. That is far too boring. Submit to a male in marriage? No thank you," she laughed as if thinking of an inside joke, "Once upon a time, there was talk of the king betrothing Keenan to me. When Maksim was alive, they wanted him to have the political marriage as he would handle it better than Keenan. They believed I would be able to tame him."

.

"I would apologise to Aleks, his ego is fragile, afterall, he's only been immortal for 10 years and has earned himself the title of the prince's pet. Not an easy title to bear, especially if you are attempting to find your place in the world. Unfortunately for Aleks, that is all the world will see him as if he remains with Kee. Monty, I will handle. He was being a tool, but he is useful, especially if you ever need a discrete guard."

.

[Keenan]

Dragging himself out of the bath, he whimpered. His entire body ached, if it wasn't for his father, he would send for some pain relief. He groaned as he slipped on a black silk undershirt. His skin hurt and he really didn't want to be touched right now. He emptied his own bath, hoping to keep servants away. If anyone touched him right now, he would snap.

.

The shirt was unnecessarily difficult to fasten with complicated laces at the wrists and chest. In his current state, he was not fit to do it up, however he wasn't sure he wanted to try a regular undershirt. Black, to hide any blood that may be spilled when he was starving after shifting. Speaking of that, he needed to send a servant off. He was ravenous.

.

The silk did little to soothe his skin but he had to remain decent, just incase he had any visitors. He wondered if he still smelled of fae. At this point he didn't care. Was it possible to truly wash away the scent of who he was? He was sure going to try.

.

If he was still this tender in the morning, then getting into his stiff and tightly fitted wedding suit was going to be agony. He knew exactly what his tutor would say if he complain. This wouldn't happen if you shifted more regularly and embraced who you are. Not going to happen. He was the one who turned her into a vampire, at her request of course. She mostly wanted to see if it was possible. Could she help Freyja? She'd helped him learn to control it. She wanted to help him wield it too but he refused. He knew one day he wouldn't have a choice but until then he was going to just pretend it wasn't happening.

.

[Aleks]

Aleks flushed a deep red. Unlike the other vampires, he hadn't quite mastered the art of hiding his emotions, often betraying himself. "I just have terrible taste. Like Keenan is hot but also you are all so old," he said with a laugh, "like I am 30 to Keenan's 300. Keenan has never been the most emotionally stable individual," he admited, "A second example of terrible taste is this," he touched a scar on his neck, "Flirted with the wrong guy. Turns out he had a thing with a very jealous vampire and then boom. I'm dead or at least very close to," he was talking too much. He probably should shut up before he said something he would regret but where was the fun in that?

.

Aleks let out a soft sigh running his fingers trhough his short brown hair, "You are a fae bastard, but you give surprisingly good advice." If Faustin was right, maybe he should have his fun as well. He was immortal yet he had accomplished so little. He'd had a significantly shorter life so far than his peers but that didn't mean he couldn't enjoy himself now. He'd spent so long getting over the whole being turned into a vampire thing, that he had forgotten to have a life for himself, to dream and actually have fun that didn't involve getting ridiculously drunk.

.

He laughed as Faustin turned to walk away, "Your quarters are in the opposite direction. I might have to take you up on your offer, although I'm not sure this castle ever gets much easier to navigate," he turned to walk away, before hesitating, "Seriously though Faust, thank you. I needed to hear it today." The real question was if he was going to remember any of it in the morning.

.

{Freyja}

She nodded, "Alright, well I'm off. If allowed, I'd like you to be one of the ladies to help me prepare for the wedding. Not a whole lot of helping...mostly drinking according to my sister in law's wedding." She grinned, standing up to her full height. The princess had to shake off a few nerves and then laughed it off. "Good night, Claude. I really do appreciate you helping me. Off to the lion's den I go..." She said, her voice cracking ever so slightly as she hobbled to the door. Once she had left Claude's room, she shut it gently and started moving as soon as she heard a click.

.

Speedwalking now, she kicked off her shoes and left them in the hall. She had a plan. Would the plan work? Who knows! She really hoped it would. She needed Keenan back on her side. Claude was amazing, not perfect, but absolutely remarkable. But she desperately missed the company of Keenan. The prince who understood. Claude may know what its like to claw her way to the top, but Keenan knew what it was like to be a prince. A misfit prince at that.

.

So she'd play with those strings a bit.

.

When she was finally at the door, she stood for a moment and looked around before she knocked on the door. Twice. Quickly, back to back. "Keenan?" Her voice cracked and she almost winced at the sound. "Can we please... can we talk, Keenan? Just us. Please?" She let her voice cracking that second please. But she hadn't planned this part. She was starting to feel it. The oh no, it's all tomorrow. It made the act a lot more convincing and less of an act. Probably because it wasn't anymore. Freyja needed to actually sit down and have a full conversation with this male.

.

"K-Keenan? I know you're upset with me but your fiance is out in the hall begging you to open the door. We need to talk. Like actually talk and listen to eachother. No yelling or screaming or curses thrown. Just calm and civil." She called to the door, wringing her fingers together anxiously as she waited for his response.

.

She glanced over and caught a maid, human, staring at her sadly. The elderly woman sighed and shook her head, patting her chest as she walked away. What was that? Now there was something hitched in her throat and she knocked three more times. "Keenan!" She said, a bit more urgently. It would be around the castle within minutes now. Just wonderful.

.

{Faust}

Now was his turn to turn a beet red color in the face. "Right, other way. The way of the other is the way to my bedroom." He said, turning on his heel to go the other way. He really needed to stop with all of the alcohol and drinking and spirits. Faust was starting to lose his mind at this point. "Well, I will see you tomorrow after the wedding. I'm sleeping through the ceremony, I've seen the dress already so there goes the peak of excitement so the banquet will be the only thing drawing me out of my room," he said, making his marry way down the (Hopefully) correct hallway.

.

Daemon would have his hide tanned later on, but it wasn't worth risking this awful headache ruining the whole shebang. At the rate he was going, he'd be the objector in the wedding. What news that would be if Father read about it. That was a thought that made him grin broadly. Oh, the sorrows of being the mishap of the family. Someone who is dulled in comparison, but it's only that way so they may shine.

{Claude}

The princess wanted her to join her on her wedding day? No one had ever asked her that before, especially as she wasn't exactly a typical lady, "I would be honoured," she said, still shocked.

She wanted nothing more than to help Freyja find her feet in this world, the cruel court of monsters, she knew the princess appreciated her help but never realised how much she cared about her. It warmed her heart to know that the princess reciprocated her feelings.

.

"Good luck with the Prince. Be gentle especially if he's been spending time with your brother." Daemone was bad news and seriously likely to hurt Keenan. The foolish male just couldn't see it. Literally everyone else could see it, even Aleks was aware. Trusting, innocent, Aleks.

.

.

{Keenan}

It took the servant far too long to bring him the blood. He snatched it before shutting the door in the servants face... the human servant. A very bad idea to have around a starving, moping prince. He greedily finished one glass before pouring himself another. Three glasses in and he was able to sip at a fourth and remain civil.

.

He caught thr scent of a fae at his door. Daemon? Then she knocked and spoke, Freyja. Keenan rolled his eyes. What did the spoiled princess want now? Had she finished destroying and dividing his inner circle? He sipped at the blood, contemplating if he should let her in. On the one hand, he was exhausted and a mess and on the other hand, she was right. They had things to discuss before the wedding.

.

He set the empty glass on the dresser. At least he was feeling less murderous. There was no way he would be able to hold a conversation if he was thinking about feeding the whole time. He was still so sore and exhausted and wanted nothing more than to go to sleep and pretend nothing was happening the following day. Unfortunately life was unfair and it seemed like he really didn't have a choice. The only thing that worried him was if the princess would be able to smell fae.

.

Finally after making her wait for several minutes, he stood and opened the door letting her in. He was a mess, blond hair wet and stuck to his face, lacking his usual care about his appearance. He tucked a few loose strands behind his ears that were thankfully rounded again. He gestured to the loveseat before moving to an arm himself.

.

Of course Freyja had never been in his quarters before, if they were as close as they once were, this meeting would have been scandalous. Unlike Claude's, his room was expansive with plenty of room for the many pieces of furniture. His walls were mostly empty, cover with the occasional art piece and a huge map of the vampire lands. His weaponry was neatly tucked away in a far corner as with his armour. For a prince his room was organised and tidy, just the way he liked it.

.

He leaned back in his chair, "You wished to talk? Anything in particular you wish we discuss before the wedding," he was cold and clinical. It was far easier to be this way than explain everything that had happened, he examined his nails, having broken one earlier, "Daemon wants Cassian's journals. At this point they remain in my possession, however, like all things I would be willing to hand them over for the right price. I have just been unable to decide what I want in exchange. I also enjoy having something over him," he said with a soft laugh.

.

He winced, maybe he should avoid laughing until his muscles have recovered. He immediately switched to a cold expression, hoping that Freyja didn't notice. "You were with Claude earlier. I saw her follow you after my flirting with your older brother seemed to make you ill. I can assure you that nothing happened between us, it's just harmless fun. We just talked," there was nothing accusatory in his tone, it was merely an observation.

.

"You seem to not wish any of my inner circle harm, Monty is an exception but you have to understand that I'd you cannot control your magic, accidents can happen and that I am only worried about the safety of those close to me."

The Princess nodded her thanks as she was let in and she delicately took her seat on the far end of the loveseat. It took every ounce of her overly curious being to not look around and resist the urge to look at everything one piece by one piece. But she was here on important business and he was... well, cold. And distant. And he lead off with the topic of her brother.

.

"If you'll excuse the tone, I don't really care what goes on between you and my brother. I just felt nauseous and needed to leave before you started to wear my dinner. Seriously, my brother has flirted with everyone shamelessly since he learned what the words "crown prince" mean. But I do not want to waste my time talking about my brother... well, brothers. But I, personally, would like to see what's in those journals. I'm not sure I want Daemon to have them. He seems rather set on the one Journal but whatever. I came to talk to you. Not your inner circle or my brothers or the King. You." She gave a hefty sigh before she began again. "Keenan. We are about to be legally bound for life. We cannot continue this absurd feeling towards eachother forever. I'd like to apologize. For my behavior earlier, and I will be apologizing to Aleks... distanced of course, but he still didn't deserve my, um. Childish taking to the

accusation. " She left out Monty on purpose. She'd call him a sad little sidekick until the day she died. Whenever that might be.

.

"But overall, I really miss you. And our talks. Keenan, I haven't been able to sleep for days! Not just because of Cassian but the most ridiculous dreams plague me! There was one the last time I fell asleep about the wedding. For once, everything was going perfectly. Until someone objected. Because I was Fae and they didn't want little hybrids ruling the country. How ridiculous is that? My mind conjuring up nightmares that I should have silenced ages ago. The first night we arrived my mind was sure." That part was no lie. It had been a reoccurring dream. Since the engagement. It stopped for a few nights but then it had returned a few nights ago. Only, ever so slightly changed. Originally it was a beautiful maiden. Now it was Montague. Booing her from the second row, fourth seat.

.

That may or may not play a part in why she didn't want to apologize to him.

.

But the princess sighed, looking up at the male. "I'm not asking for it right away, but this is not going to work if you hate me and I hate you. I just really really miss you. I hate not having someone to talk to who understands. No one else does. Not like you did anyways. My brother's aren't all first born but they all got their first choice. Faust only protects Daemon so Daemon won't die. Rion is a priest so the title would move to him before me and then Rion. You weren't always crown prince. But you know the royal demands that are placed on all the shoulders bearing the same last name."

.

She stood up and gave a slight curtsy. Her throat was sore from trying not to spill her guts and cry and thrash. Self control. It was better for the economy. "But it is getting late and I understand his highness is a very busy man, but I just wanted to apologize before tomorrow. I should've done it earlier but, once again. It's childish, but I was angry. More than angry, but I'll keep it in control in the future. And I'll try to find some tutors for the magic issue so it won't be too big of a problem anymore," She said, Biting her bottom lip. His Highness needed his sleep. And he smelled....off. But that could just be Daemon clinging to him.

The prince smirked, he too understood the advantages that came with being a crown prince. He was surprised that Freyja wanted to see what was in the journals but if they were going to be wed, then he had to trust her. He was unwilling to let her just take them but she could read with his supervision. "They are locked away safe for now. I doubt I will hand them over to Daemon. He doesn't have anything to offer that I would be unable to obtain myself as being crown prince means most things are easily attainable for me. However, I could arrange for you to read it when we return from the tour? Of course all reading will have to be done in my study. I'm not foolish enough to believe that your brother would be above trying to have them stolen."

.

Keenan folded his hands in his lap, the small action causing a twinge of pain. "Aleks would appreciate the apology as do I. I should apologise to you as well princess. My actions have been less than favourable the past few days. There are some things that I need to deal with personally," he sighed softly, "I know you wish to talk about us and I promise that this is my last question about your brother but what magic does Daemon possess? It made me feel... strange," out of control, "I have never felt that way in the presence of a fae before." Out of control so much that he shifted, he'd managed to avoid that since his brother's death. What had caused such a violent reaction, so much so that he was still suffering now?

.

Keenan frowned, why on earth would she miss him? Hell, had anyone ever said that to him before? Not even Aleks. The thing about dreams concerned him. They always believed that dreams meant something especially I'd they were recurring. He dreamt that he would be discovered and although it wasn't public like in the dream, his own brother had tried to kill him.

.

"Many vampires do not take kindly to the idea of a hybrid ruler, nor the idea of a hybrid vampire unless used as a weapon. Maksim was the same. Myself, I believe a person can be determined by the strength of their character and loyalties not species. Most were afraid of an overpowered creature with the strengths from both species, however, they didn't consider the fact that a hybrid would have double the weaknesses." He knew that more than most. He was never supposed to be king. In all honesty, he was surprised that the king hadn't tried to kill him yet, perhaps there was an issue he was unaware of, the king had not sired another heir and so had all his eggs in one basket. If the people found out he was a half breed then they may not be so willing to accept his rule. Especially if he and Freyja ever had children, they would be more fae than vampire and although vampire blood always bred true, there would be a more pronounced fae influence.

.

Keenan gave her a weary look, "I understand the pressure you feelings, more than you could imagine and I know all too well the responsibilities that are placed on the younger more disposable sibling," he said darkly. The king had made his life hell for his entire upbringing because he was more disposable than Maksim. It was always for the betterment of the country or his brother's name but the king rarely ever considered him or his well being when creating plans.

.

He finally met her gaze, "Stay," he said softly, his voice cracking. Her presence was soothing unlike Daemon who set off his magic and drove him nuts. Despite their dramas, she had to be a good influence or Claude would not be talking to her. Talking helped him forget the soreness and he didn't want to be left alone with his thoughts and spiral into a panic. "Please stay. If only for a few more minutes. I apologise for the mess. I've been through it a bit. But I would appreciate your company for the moment."

.

He sat in silence for a few moments. "Being a prince is rather lonely," he admited, if anyone would understand it would be her. "I have missed your company," he missed more than her company, her lack of judgement was refreshing but how would she take the news that her soon to be husband was half fae and had used his magic to trick and slaughter her kind, believing that they were taking in a refugee from the war.

.

"As for the control of magic thing. I can write to Lady Elena. She is and was my tutor for many things but she was fae before being turned into a vampire. She will be able to help. I do owe her a visit, but I have been avoiding her lately," He said sheepishly. Elena had always been able to tell when he had been shifting regularly. She even went to bat for him when the king was going to execute him. He owed her his life and all she asked was that he embrace who he was. Everytime he refused. She had told him not to return unless he was willing to embrace who he truly was. He'd been an ass to Freyja for the last few days, if this was the one thing he could do to help her, then so be it. He would have to swallow his ego for a change, although that may be rather difficult and could possibly destroy his relationships.

.

Keenan knew he had been an ass to Freyja. He of course had his reasons but that didn't excuse his actions. He should know better. Hell even he missed having some one to talk to. He wished to tell her everything, he wanted to be upfront and honest but his father would have his head... although he wouldn't be a problem for too much longer.

.

He stared into space thoughtfully, "wife," he said softly looking at Freyja, "I never thought I would get married. I was never supposed. Bred as a weapon and I was supposed to die as one. Yet fate is strange," he let out a soft sigh, "How are you feeling about tomorrow? Are you still nervous about the whole sharing blood thing? I have done a terrible job preparing you for this and for that I am truly sorry."

.

So far he had been a terrible fiance. He had pretended she didn't exist for days, accused her of being a murderer in front of his whole inner circle and been an alround tool. He had to at least try and do better.

To say she was pleased was an understatement. He had confessed to missing her as well and then proceeded to ask her to stay. To stay. That had to be good news, right? She'd have to remember to visit Aleks as well. Aleks had second her offer, approved of it. So she'd make a move later on. Freyja sat back down slowly, folding her hands in her lap. "Keenan, I'm not sure what you mean about Daemon's powers... he has... flame, I think. He doesn't whip it out to show often. Power ranking highest to least, magic wise, it's Faust, Rion, Daemon, then me. Or we'll, I might be at the top depending on what I can actually do." She said with a shrug. Her head had been pounding earlier. Far too much for her to focus on his scent or anything really. The headache had literally made her vomit.

.

She tilted her head. "How did it make you feel? There's a possibility he might have tried dabbling in dark magic. But that's up there with Murder. Demons are no joke where I'm from. Most people choose life deals," She shivered. "The biggest tell is the scent of rot. My head hurt too much earlier to smell anything." The princess confessed.

.

"And no. I'm not nervous anymore, not really. I'm sure that that will change later on when we actually have to do it. It will give us a chance to see if I'm just a trick show or a weapon." The princess said, looking up at him with a shrug. And for her to see if he'd shift for her. So far he'd already let it slip he'd been bred for a weapon. Perhaps something else was going on. He looked like he had been ran over several times by a six horse carriage. "Keenan? Are you alright?" She moved to reach for him but then put her hand right back into her lap. "If it makes you feel any better, I never wanted to be a wife. Not in this sense, anyways. Being a royal wife is different from a peasant wife. That's why I spent so much time in the countryside. I'd go to Mrs. Thomas's house and she taught me how to cook and clean. But not just that, the overall just... love she put into everything. Her and her husband were almost in their eight hundreds last time I saw them. And in that time they only had two children. Five hundred years apart."

.

She leaned back, smiling as she remembered it all. "Benji was their first son, he went to war. Went missing, no one ever found him. Giulia was their little girl. Only ten last time I went to visit. And she was mute but she was the sweetest thing! See... there, being a wife meant you were the glue of the family. You held down the fort and kept the troops fed and no one wanted to ever make you mad. Here, being a wife means... just being pretty. You plan some formal events and you smile at foreign leaders so you can confirm alliances." She gave a thin lipped smile. "I still can't wrap my head around the fact that in less than twenty four hours I will legally be able to call you husband. It's strange."

.

Freyja smiled, wrinkling her nose. She felt like a child for sure this time. Like she could burst into a fit of giggles or cry. Or both.

.

"But I am serious, Keenan. You look awful. I am sorry, but I don't want to marry someone who looks like a walking corpse. The fae guests would tell the stories for ages to come. How much sleep have you been getting as of late?" She asked.

.

If she hadn't been sleeping well and she hadn't been feeling good and she still looked...presentable. So what was eating at Keenan so much that he looked like death with legs and an attitude problem? Exhaustion embodied.

.

She had to resist the urge to make any sudden movements but she did slightly stiffen. He'd been with Daemon. Claude said that might put him in a vulnerable state. Magic calls to magic so perhaps Daemon's was too much and he just... shifted. And she just happened to walk in afterwards when he was still recuperating from the shifting. She'd heard the halfings talk about the sharp pain. But Keenan only did it every so often.

.

"Keenan... is there something I need to know?" She asked, brushing her knuckle across his forehead. "You're awfully warm, highness." She said, raising her eyebrow in both curiosity and concern.

Dark magic. He knew Daemon was a fae bastards but messing with demons was dangerous. Things he didn't understand that were probably best left alone. Life deals? What even was dark magic? Also why did the fae make such a big deal about murder? Vampires only noticed when it was someone important and rarely was anyone punished. If Maksim had killed him there would have been no repercussions. The king wouldn't have had him arrested, just spun a convincing story about how the fae had managed to infiltrate their court and then no one would have a problem. Some would be happy that he was dead even. He only got in trouble with Maksim as it was his brother, that was more at magical level. Vampires were supposed to protect their kin.

.

He squinted thinking about the feeling around Daemon, "I couldn't smell anything, other than the overwhelming scent of lavender. The male wears more perfumes than me," and Keenan was trying to cover up which species he truly was, "It started as just a fuzzy feeling, like I couldn't think straight but I just brushed it off as attraction. Then I ended up with a splitting headache and it felt like my soul was being ripped into two and he was tearing something out from inside of me. I had excuse myself. Then I came in here and ..." he trailed off, "Not too long after that I bathed and changed," he said simply. He had missed a huge chunk of the story but he couldn't tell Freyja.

.

Her concern for him was worring. He usually tried to avoid everyone for the day following a shift, especially when he left it so long. Years. Probably not the smartest thing he had ever done but him shifting never ended well. If he wanted the throne then he had to maintain the image that he was full vampire. His claim to the throne was the only thing that had kept him alive so far and he was going to cling to that for as long as possible.

.

He smiled when she talked about a simpler life. Sometimes he wished that he could have that kind of choice. To fall in love and marry that person, have children together, biological or adopted and just be happy, without any more death, war or politics. He hated making the tough decisions, more often than not, his hand was forced and it wasn't even what he wished. Duty came before being his own person. "I cannot offer you that kind of life, unless we run away, and trust me I have considered it," he said with a chuckle, "but perhaps we can find our own way to be happy? Light can always be found in the darkest places, even here."

.

Freyja seemed more concerned than ever. He frowned when she said he felt warm. That was bad. If anyone noticed that, they would know, vampires were supposed to be cold to the touch. He hadn't burned up after a shift in a long time and now that she mentioned it, he still felt hot. The shift always made him hot, the transition from a barely alive practically unded creature to something so full of life had that effect. He looked panicked, "hot is not good," he murmured. He should sent a servant for some ice, then he could bring his temperature down. He couldn't risk seeing a healer and he needed to get it under control before the wedding. "It's not a lack of sleep," he admitted, "I am exhausted but vampires don't require huge volumes of sleep anyway," he clenched his hands in his lap, unable to make eye contact.

.

She was about to be his wife. She needed to know. She should know, he knew her secret afterall. They had agreed to honest. Technically if he didn't tell her he wasn't lying, only avoiding the truth. He wanted to tell someone, he wanted to be less alone but his father would kill Aleks and attempt to kill Claude and Monty before finally staking him out in the sun, if he was feeling generous, if he wasn't, well there are fates worse than death.

.

He looked Freyja in the eyes, "I want to tell you. I genuinely do. You should know what you're getting into by marrying me but I'm not sure if I can. My father would kill my inner circle and me for letting it slip, especially if the rest of the castle found out. His greatest shame is only a good thing when he needs a weapon," he said the last sentence bitterly, "Maksim already tried to kill me for it," he said softly, subconsiously touching the scar at his throat.

.

Aleks could never know, he would never look at him the same if he did. Monty would believe he had betrayed them and he didn't know how Claude would react. It's not like he could control it and he had remained in his vampire form every day for 300 years with only occassional shifts, so he had made it clear what species he sided with, not that he really had any choice.

.

If he was being honest, he wanted a hug and to cry. There was so much resting on his shoulders and he was cracking under the pressure. He couldn't talk to his own inner circle about it, they would never understand. They didn't want to, all they wanted to believe was that Freyja was a fae monster that was making him weak. What they didn't know was that he had been weak for a very long time, just better at hiding it.

Freyja pursed her lip, eyebrows fureowing in slight frustration. "He's always been heavy on the perfume. Keeps his wife from knowing too much about his whereabouts. But I don't know." She sighed, sitting back down as the breath huffed out of her lungs. "I'll look into it later, I promise. But I'm seriously worried about you. No matter the creature, you should be getting a decent amount of rest. Rest has many forms whether that's sleep or simply relaxing on the couch. And the bags under your eyes tell me enough. Ring for the maid and ask for cucumber slices and place them over your eyes. It's either that or you're having a full face make-up done." The princess said, tossing a clump of red curls over her bare shouler.

.

"Keenan, I know we'll find happiness in our own ways," no specifics would be mentioned about that. On that note, she stood, her legs protesting the action. At this hour she could have fallen asleep on that loveseat and not have woken until the next morning. She took the few steps towards Keenan and placed her hand on his shoulder.

.

The princess offered a small smile. She didn't have much else to offer. "We should seriously have a sleepover sometime. Wine and chocolate and a really good cry. Don't tell me you don't. Everyone does, goodnight, Keenan," She said, placing a perfectly platonic kiss upon the top of his head before she headed for the door.

.

She would have stayed longer, but she needed to see Aleks and her situation with Keenan could take hours. They were able to talk again and that was all she had been asking for. "You're welcome on my side of the hall at any time, Kee. We miss you over there." She gave a light wave before she made her exit.

.

Freyja waited until she had closed the door behind her before her shoulders sagged significantly. She didn't know which Keenan to believe at this point. The one she took long walks with or the one who threatened Claude's freedom and her life. Two sides of a bipolar coin. All immortals seemed to function the same when it came to that. She wanted the kind Keenan to be the one to step up. That Keenan she could rule Beside. Claude was right. Keenan was her soft spot. He had attached himself like a barnacle. And that's not part of the plan. Perhaps she would have to find someone else to fill that void. But who?

.

Claude was leaving, the rest of the inner circle was off limits, and her brothers were useless in that department. One is only enjoyable when he had booze and the other was... controlling. And a new source of suspicion. And she had no idea where to start looking for her mate. If she even had one.

.

Freyja debated on just going back to her bedroom and sleeping, but... she really needed to apologize to Aleks. He was possibly worse off than Keenan. Young immortals didn't understand how bored the older ones get from time to time so who knows how Aleksander was handling this. She also had to admit, she only now started feeling rather ridiculous. She was barefoot. In her dinner gown. Her hair was frazzled. And she had already visited her fiancé. What would people say about her visiting the lover?

.

Here goes nothing. She knocked twice on the door. "Aleksander. I- we need to talk. Just for a moment, please," She said, using her princess voice as she stood outside the door. Where she was sulking with Keenan. Here, her back was straight and her head was held high. She was perhaps definitely possibly ready for the confrontation.

.

She just hoped the sidekick wasn't along with Aleks.

{Keenan}

He smirked at Freyja, "I look rather pretty with eyeliner, it brings out my eyes," he chuckled softly, "you assume that I am opposed to make up. The vampire party scene is very heavy on the makeup for both genders. I do have some exquiste gold paint around her somewhere, that one truly makess my eyes sparkle," he said with a wink. He spoke with an arrogance that only a prince could have, one he forced himself to maintain.

.

He clenched his teeth to stop himself flinching when she touched his shoulder. He was still on fire. Maybe Freyja was right, rest would help, even if he couldn't shake the feeling etirely. At this rate he would have ideally had a few days to recover in private but things never turned out the way he wanted them to and if he postponed the wedding tour anymore people would become suspicious. Rumours would probably circulate about him and Daemon, neither of them had the ideal reputation and if you put them together, the aristocracy would thrive off the story. He personally didn't mind what people had to say about him buthe was more worried about Freyja and how it would effect her. it would not look good if her new husband was rumoured to be sleeping around only a few days after the wedding.

.

He smiled when she mentioned a sleepover, "I would quite like that Freyja. I may have to avoid the chocolate but even I can appreciate a good few bottles of good wine. You will be my wife so I don't think a sleepover is out of order," he said looking up at.

.

When she kissed the top of his head, he was confused. Not only did she just invite him to spend less time in his room but se had shown him affection. Suspicious. There was nothing romantic about the gesture and it was perfectly platonic but she cared about him. It made absolutely no sense. He had made zero effort lately and yet she was still nice to him. Why?

.

Once she left he followed her orders and called he maid. There was no reason to fight it at this point, he also order some ice to help bring his temperature down. He layed down on his bed, placing the ice on his chest and the cucumber under his eyes. He willed sleep to come. As his temperature cooled he was able to slowly drift off to sleep.

.

.

{Aleks}

After his talk with Faustin he had run into Monty again, who promptly chased him back into his room and told him to go to bed. The bastard had also restricted his access to alcohol for the rest of the night, so instead of drinking himself into an oblivion, he had been crying. Embarassing really but it was all too much. He didn't know what was going on with Kee. That stupid fae girl had driven a wedge between them and he hated it.

.

There was a knock on the door, "Piss off Monty," he snapped. Then she spoke. Instead of Monty it was that spoiled fae princess. How angry would Keenan be if he just told her to piss off? It was tempting, especially after her reaction when she was confronted. At this point he was siding with Monty, perhaps they should have just killed her and saved all of this trouble and he could have Keenan to himself again. Stupid, Stupid fae girl. And what was with Daemon. Keenan was practically eating out of his hand. Freyja vomited and if he was being honest, he wanted to as well. The only fae that was half decent was Faustin.

.

After sitting on the bed for a few minutes, he got up and walked over to the door, opening it a crack. She was stood there and although she looked like a mess, she still seemed ready for the drama. He wiped his eyes so he could look at her properly, "What do you want? Make it quick as I would like to sleep at some point."

Freyja resisted the urge to roll her eyes as the male mistook her for Monty at first. No way her knocking sounded like a clumsy male's. She knew she wasn't that indelicate. Eventually, Aleks popped the door open a Crack to see her standing there. Her brows wrinkled as he wiped his eyes. Had she woken him or was he crying? Both?

.

She clasped her hands in front of her and sighed. "I came to apologize. My behavior was... ridiculous. Absurd. And overall, very childish. I shouldn't have called you names or really yelled or anything. And I know it's either too early or too late for the apology depending on the person, but I needed to say it before it ate me up alive." She looked up at him. "I don't really think you're a scorned lover. I quite admire how you stick by his side after everything and the risks. I'll try to keep my behavior under control from now on."

.

Of course, this would not include rage. She meant towards him. In the sense of belittling him. She had no right to do so. But she would hope for the same from him because he could easily hurt her with his own words if he wished. One phrase. All he had to say was something about her future loveless marriage. Even though both sides were willingly platonic, it's not something that someone wants to hear about the one that they're tied to by law and matching rings.

.

"I don't expect anything right away, but I'd rather put it behind me as quickly as possible and if I want to sleep at all it had to be now," She said, smoothing out a wrinkle on the black gown she still had on. But she was glad she had changed. Visiting a bunch of males in one's nightgown was always a quick way into the maid's gossip. "But I'd like to call a truce of sorts. I'll leave you good alone as long as you leave me be. No, I do not plan on harming any of your precious inner circle. I would never. It was never part of my agenda, because you're a lot of barnacles that I'm quite fond of. Well, most of you anyways." Monty being the only one she hadn't grown attached to. Even Aleks brought something to her table. Entertainment. And a way to make sure Keenan wouldn't slip off the edge. Then again. He was the whole reason he fell off the edge in the first place.

.

But she remained calm, her face slack. Someone of calculations and of good education. Too many tutors to be a complete waste of space.

.

"So, Aleksander. Do we have a deal or are we spending the rest of our lives against eachother?" Because yes. In a way, they were competing for Keenan's attention. Gods above knew the two wouldn't be able to share when the moment was for enjoyment. It was like when someone finally found their significant other and then their attention fully shifted. She felt like the friend who was left behind in the edge but she came after... twas a very confusion process.

.

"If you do accept my offers, I do enjoy sleepovers with chocolates and wine. And the refreshments the guest prefers. Believe it or not, Aleks. I'm not that bad." She said, finally giving him a small smile, clasping her hand behind her now. Touching still seemed to put the other two on edge and she didn't plan on coming into contact with Aleks, it was unnecessary, but perhaps keeping her hands behind her would give him some sort of ease.

.

Although... who ever said she had to touch to use the curse?