{Keenan}

The male scooped his hair back into a neat bun Freyja's request. He watched with interest as she set to work on Faustian's face. Her brush strokes were precise and created a beautiful picture. She was a true artist.

He sat in silence with his thoughts. Mostly grateful that his hands had stopped shaking and he could sit there with a shred of dignity. Something about the silent exchange between Freyja and Faustian told him that the fae knew. His shoulders sagged and he leaned back in the chair far less uptight.

Keenan resisted the urge to snarl at Faustian when he spoke. He had always found the male frustrating but it seemed he was wrong about the fae. He was more than willing to read his thoughts and Aleks' for that matter. He stiffened, "let me make one thing clear. If I find out you have been reading my thoughts or that of my inner circle again, I will stab you and then consider arresting you for treason," he looked at Freyja and muttered an apology but it had to be done.

He almost laughed when Faustian said he'd put the crown couple in danger. This time he actually snarled softly. "I highly doubt any fae will be staking their claim on me, surely your species is not that stupid. But, isn't that slightly barbaric, I'm not an item to be claimed," he said curling his lips, "besides, very few know, although it seems to be spreading faster than I would like. It is at least a small comfort that only have proof. As for putting the crown couple in danger, being with me has put her in danger. Hell my existence puts everyone I care about at risk. My own brother tried to murder me when I found out," he sighed, trying to curb the anger, "Freyja is more than capable of handling things herself. If anything were to happen, she has access to discrete ways out of the castle and there are vampires outside who would help her reach the borders. Even without me. The rebels would be more than happy to send her away just because it would anger my father," he looked at Faustian, significantly calmer, "trust me when I say, I have a plan. I wouldn't let any harm come to Freyja."

Keenan examined his nails while Freyja organised the brushes. Maybe he should paint them at some point. Would black be too edgy? He'd really be leaning into the stereotype there. Eventually he bothered to look back up at Faustian, "believe me when I say I know exactly what the risks are. I even tried to pretend I was a pure blood for years. I just need your word that you won't say anything. Your sister may be able to get out if things go pear shaped but it will be my head they will be calling for and I quite enjoy still having it attached to my shoulders." It killed him to have to appeal to Faustian's good graces but what choice did he have? He couldn't just kill his brother in law. Not only would that start a war but it would upset Freyja.

The war he could live with, they would have likely won the last one but stupid feelings meant he cared about Freyja and wanted her to feel safe at court... at least as safe as you could be around vampires.

He let out a harsh laugh when Faustian said they had to go party as if nothing was happening. "Welcome to my life. It's not exactly easy partying around fae who reek of magic that sets off my own."

He'd said his piece and was more than willing to sit quietly and let Freyja work her magic. He couldn't work out if he felt better or worse. More people knew and the news seemed to be accidentally spreading like wildfire and it terrified him. The brush strokes tickled his cheeks. The fact that Faustian had said a fae may want to claim him, both terrified and infuriated him. He was not some weakling to be claimed. Just because he enjoyed the finer things in life and did not present as masculine as a prince should, did not mean he was defenceless or weak. Hell Faustian made it seem like he was being reckless. He had worked hard to curate this image. Hell he had avoided letting anyone but Aleks ever taste his blood out of fear of being discovered. When Aleks had tried it, they were trialling a drug that made it undetectable. It worked but had the unfortunate side effect of almost killing him.

Snorting when Faustian made it clear that they were married in name only, he appreciated Freyja's response. Sitting still while all this was becoming more and more difficult.

{Keenan}

Keenan shuddered slightly when Faustian said he had made sure the vampire was dead... permanently. He din't know the context so looked to Freyja to clarification. The thought of what had happened to that vampire was enough for him. Vampires could survive serious bloodloss. Sure they may not be the same but they would not die. It was a similar process to what happens when you starve a vampire, just accelerated. To have killed the vampire permanently Faustian would have burned him. Keenan was not religious but he prayed that the vampire was at least unconscious. It wasn't something he would wish upon anyone.

He was able to relax when Faustian left. He sighed when Freyja called him out for his bias. Perhaps he had been a little over protective of Aleks but his point still stood. "I wasn't kidding," he said darkly, "I know in the past I have favoured Aleksander and I won't deny that but we were together and I wished to protect him. The inner circle are mostly unaware of the extent of fae magic. I would like to protect them from it for as long as possible... besides, I am expected to intervene before it turns to murder," He sighed softly, "The thing with Monty and Aleksander was different. Montague deserved it. I love him like a brother but goodness can he be frustrating at times, hell I ripped him a new one today." The thing with Faustian would be easier if the male wasn't so insufferable but that would be impossible. It seemed to be an ingrained part of Faustian's nature.

He managed to sit in silence long enough for Freyja to work. He sat almost unnaturally still as she applied an assortments of powers and gels, one of the benefits of being a vampire. He wondered what the final look would be. Thankfully, for his impatient self she was done. He stood and looked at Freyja before moving over to the mirror. He tried to keep his expression as neutral as possible while it dried but it was amazing. Freyja had a true gift.

He smiled when she sent him off to get changed. He smirked when she told him not to smudge the makeup, "I'm always careful," he said with a wink. Glancing at the clock, he disappeared to get changed in the bathroom.

Keenan was by no means modest so he had no qualms about getting changed in front of people however, he knew Freyja likely didn't feel the same. He ran his fingers over the delicate fabric once more before pulling on the trousers. Removing his shirt was a challenge as he had to be careful not to let it touch his face. He face the same struggle pulling the white shirt on. He fiddled with the laces several times before finally deciding to leave it unlaced. If he suddenly wore something modest to a masquerade ball, people may think something was wrong with him and Freyja did keep his style in mind when designing it. Tucking the shirt into his trousers her moved on to the vest and then the outfit was complete.

He walked out to Freyja, "Does it look how you imagined?"

Grinning when he saw her make up he said, "You look stunning. Seriously. I think you may have to fight off males at the ball," he let out a soft laugh, "I mean I could just threaten people all night if you prefer?" She really did know how to dress for the occasion. Although her design was not nearly as intricate as the one she painted on him or her brother, it still made a statement.

He couldn't decide if it was nerves or if he was just in a hell of a lot of pain but he was still a bit shaky as he sat down. Probably a combination of both. This was a very different look for him and he couldn't help but think it would look better if he shifted and looked more alive. Perhaps one day. Dressing feminine wasn't new to him but the lighter colours were. It made no sense but he was nervous to see how people reacted. He carefully took his hair out of the neat bun and ran a brush through it. Tucking his hair behind his ears, he caught his reflection in the mirror. "Thoughts on me getting my ears pierced?" he asked Freyja almost absentmindedly, "I have been considering it for a while. I need a way to attach more jewellery and I feel like it's a good starter piercing that I can make look masculine enough so that my father doesn't have a fit. I mean I swear the man has something against diamonds, I literally only own plain circlets," he said sounding slightly disappointed, "Like sure the designs are intricate but I still feel they would benefit from some sort of gemstone. It's not like we don't have the funds," he said rolling his eyes. "Question number 2, since we aren't at war, should I paint my nails?"

He was asking vain frivioulous questions but he was mostly trying to distract himself from the thought of having to face the whole court and Faustian again. The news about him and Aleks would have spread by now and he knew many vampires would be vying for the position. He couldn't be sure if the fae would act the same but either way, the thing Faustian had said about a fae claimig him was enough to make him want to lay low. He knew he wouldn't be able to help himself when things came down to it. As much as he complained he really did enjoy the compliments and attention. It was just annoying to have to try and understand what everyone's motivations were and having to determine who was actually genuine.

{Keenan}

Keenan smirked when Freyja said she wouldn't get any attention with him and her brothers around. He raised an eyebrow and said, "not everyone is attracted to males in this castle. I just happened to surround myself with those that are. Other than Claude and Montague of course, I enjoy the attention too much," he shrugged and laughed softly.

He began to relax as Freyja started doing his hair. He thought more about the piercings, "I'm thinking yes to at least one piercing but the nail painting might perpetuate the idea that I'm afraid to get my hands dirty," he said with a sigh. It was a ridiculous rumour if he was being honest. His contributions to the fae war alone showed he wasn't afraid to get his hands dirty. But that was all well hidden, his father letting Maksim claim all the glory. Even without that, his constant dealings with the rougue and rebel vampires should be proof enough. Eventually he said, "I don't have to prove myself to anyone though do I? Although might be impractical to maintain as my father will expect me to return to training now this whole marriage thing is done." He had still be training in his free moments but not as much as he should have. He couldn't afford to be rusty.

The curls Freyja was forming were warm against the skin of his cheeks, almost comforting, if he wasn't so nervous. He of course knew he was stunning but he was more worried about what rumours would spread before he got the chance to correct them. He could see it now, rumours about Aleks leaving him heartbroken or Freyja ruining their relationship. Then the males fighting to be his replacement, ugh and the king, double ugh.

Keenan grinned as Freyja finished applying the flowers, he glanced in the mirror before watching her do her hair. "I think I look rather stunning, if I may say so myself," he grinned, flashing his signature smile into the mirror. He noticed the bite on her neck fading fast, "I knew fae healed fast but so do vampires and it takes us at least three days to heal even to a scarring stage from a bite, especially the first time," he said in amazement.

He admired his reflection one more time before turning to face Freyja. He grinned when she mention piercing his ears later this week. Picking up his mask, he offered Freyja his arm, "Shall we?"

###

They arrived fashionably late. The music was loud and several had already had far too much to drink. A hush fell over the crowd as they entered and Keenan gave his signature smile, full of charm and oozing with male arrogance. The silence was only temporary as the whispers then began. Keenan scanned the crowd and winked at a group of males, one of which actually blushed. He tucked away that information for later.

He caught the whispers as they walked to the dance floor, several shocked faces only fueled his ego. He caught sight of Daemon and he was gratedul that he was in this form afterall. At least he could control his reactions. No sign of Faustian yet but he wasn't actively seeking the male out. He stopped before the dance floor and smiled at Freyja, "I know we are both itching to mingle however, tradition dictates at least one dance," he said gently.

{Montague}

The prince had no right to waltz into the ball seemingly uneffected by the earlier events. He did look slightly paler than usual but that was something very few would pick up one... perhaps he even looked tired. Monty's thoughts didn't linger on the prince for long when he looked Freyja.

She looked like a true queen. Although she may not be one in name yet, she looked powerful and completely stunning and it was not fair. He should not let himeself think like that. Keenan wouldn't care if he flirted with her but she was a fae who could literally murder someone with a single touch. Why was no one slightly concerned.

Montague took a shot of a very strong blue spirit as the waiter went past. If he was going to get through this night, he certainly wasn't going to do it sober.

{Aleksander}

Someone knocked at his door thrice. He made no move to open it as he was still preparing for the ball. He'd spent hours trying to decide on a makeup look for the evening and after spending hours painting a careful galaxy on his face, he fully intended on finishing sticking the tiny rhinestones on, even if he was late to this ball. He finished, cracking a smile when he realised it was Faust waiting, "I'll be ready in one minute, I promise."

He stopped in front of the mirrot, apply the finishing touches including making sure his hair was slicked back as Faustian suggest.

He opened the door and beamed at his fae companion, mask in one hand. "It's nice to see you again."

He closed the door behind him, "Sorry about the wait, I was indecisive and this is look number five," he admitted.

He led them both down the hall to the ballroom, "I doubt anyone will really notice we were late anyway," he said with a shrug.

By the time the arrived, the party was in full swing and they were lucky enough to have missed Keenan and Freyja's dramatic entrance. He plucked two glasses of a familiar blue liquid of a tray and handed on to Faustian. He took a sip and felt the strange warmness flow through him. It tasted the same as the drink Faust had poured him earlier. Why were they serving Fae drinks at a vampire ball? It was very strange.

He look mournfully over at the dancers, usually he would be amongst it all withthe prince, although right now he wasn't sure if he even wanted to, looking at Faust, he muttered, "maybe this was a bad idea."

{Keenan}

Keenan moved with an elegance that only came with being part fae. The dance was slow and controlled and he could tell Freyja was not enjoying it. He laughed when she said the dances were boring, "It's supposed to be elegant and controlled, not boring. Although living so long means that eventually you tire of the fun things so perhaps that is where it stems from."

He led her off te floor as the song changed. To any onlookers, it looked like they spent the dance flirting. He plucked two of the blue drinks off a tray and handed one to Freyja. He looked at it cautiously, especially as she said it was fae. Swirling it once he forced himself to take a sip. Blinking hard he looked at her, "I have many questions, including, why is it so sweet?" he cleared his throught, "My goodness. I do find it amusing that the first thing we import now we have secure trade routes between the countries is a strange blue liquor. My father is a strange mad," he laughed as he finished his drink and a strange warmth filled him. It reminded him of the warm fuzzy feeling he got when he shifted into a fae. It made him feel alive and slightly giddy.

Keenan looked across the floor and made eye contact with his father. Big mistake. He sighed and faced Freyja, "I will be back later, I have to go see my father briefly."

He downed the rest of his drink before grabbing a replacement on his way across the floor. Stopping before the king he gave a small bow. His father was dressed very simply for a masquerade ball but it was clear the male was getting older. His hair was almost white and the way he held himself was becoming weaker. It was a slightly comforting thought if he was being honest. It would not be long and he would be on the throne. He just had to keep his head down a little longer.

The king looked him up and down, "You smell like fae," he said bluntly.
Keenan resisted the urge to roll his eyes, "Yes, my wife is fae and I have spent the day with her and then a few hours with her brother while getting ready for this ball."

The King growled softly, so qietly that only Keenan heard it over the music, "You know what I mean. I assume she knows?" Keenan didn't respond. he just stood staring at the drink in his hand until the king spoke again, "And the rumour about you and your pet?"

Keenan sighed, "You mean lord Aleksander? We are no longer a thing if that is what you are asking. He will remain in my inner circle but we will no longer have any romantic relations."

"Good," the king said firmly, "You know I just want What's best for you Keenan?"

{Montague}

He'd probably had too many of those weird blue drinks. That would explain why he was doing this right? He didn't actually want to go and talk to Freyja. It was most certainly the alcohol talking. (It most definitely was not)

He walked across the floor to where she was stood after Keenan left. He offered her a smile, "I am sorry about how I acted towards you in the past, I will endeavour to do better in the future," he said, his voice full of charm.

He was only apolgising because Keenan told him to. He didn't want to be locked in the dungeon for a week. As Keenan's best friend and general, he had seen the prince lock people up in the past without so much as a second thought so he most certainly believed that Kee was capable of doing it.

The music quickened as another dance began, he smiled at Freyja, "Would you be so kind as to grant me this dance?" (It was still definitely the liquor talking... afterall he had promised Keenan he would be nicer, this was just an extenstion of that. There was no way he wanted to spend time with the murderous fae... okay maybe a little but still.)

{Aleks}

He flushed red as Faustian pointed out that it looked like he had traded princes. Faust was right, he'd broken up with Keenan, headed straight to Faust's chambers and then attended the ball with him. Vampires usually entered the ball with their date. "It's not a good look is it? People believing that I ditched one prince for another but there's nothing I can do about it now is there?"

He flushed red again when Faust grabbed his hand. Why was the males hand so warm? Stupid actually getting to be alive. Faust taking his hand was only leaning into the rumour. The whole castle knew he was Bi, but as far as he had heard Faust was straight so surely they would fend off some of the rumours. They were just friends.

He carefully plucked the blue drink out of Faust's hand, How many of these would it take for him to forget about the events from earlier? It was strong enough for him to widen his eyes. He knocked back the rest of the glass and felt the strange but almost comforting warmth settle over him. If he kept going at this pace, he wouldn't be on his feet for long, but did he really care? Did he want to remember anything from this night?

He laughed when Faust grumbled about the music, "It's deliberate," he said shaking his head, "Vampires dance to show off elegance and strength. I'm surprised you detest it so. Fae have a natural elegance that makes our style look far more spectaculat," he said with a shrug, trying not to think about Keenan. Too late. Nope. He refused to be a sad drunk.

Setting his empty glass down, he winked at Faustian. "Let me show you. The whole palace probably thinks I have a thing for you at this point so who cares. Engage in this part of my culture before you leave. I promise no biting involved," he said with a grin flashing his fangs.

{Montague}

Montague sighed, he was still far too sober for this. "It is as genuine as it gets from me. I rarely apologise but it seems that you mean something to Keenan and he is pissy at the moment so it is in my best interest to not cause anymore drama. Can you blame me for wanting to move on?" He said rolling his eyes.

He knocked back the rest of the drink in his glass before taking her hand. "I am not afraid of you. I am mildly concerned about what you could do to this court especially if your power isn't limited to touch alone. I also know you wouldn't be foolish enough to kill me in cold blood for fear of th repercussions, not only for you but for your people," he said smirking. They would have eventually won the war, that he was confident in.

He led her out onto the dance floor, "Let's call a truce for now. For Keenan's sake if nothing else because he looks exhausted." He siad firmly.

He led her through the first steps of the dance, until they fell into a rhythm together. She looked absolutely stunning as they danced. So full of hope and life but there was also a power in her, every move deliberate. Too bad she was fae.

He laughed when she said that her first dance was too slow. "You know he does that deliberately right? Imperfections are more noticiable if he dances slower so he uses it as an opportunity to show off how refined and practiced his skill is. Plus he has a natural elegance so he looks better in long slow, fluid movements. Ask him about it sometime. I can plan for the battle field but the small courtly details are not my thing at all," he said letting her go into a spin before bringing her back again, "Did Keenan tell you we are visiting my manor on tour. Now it's recovering from the fires, it is a truly beautiful place," he said slightly breathless, his voice full of wonder.

{Keenan}

Keenan was grateful for an excuse to dismiss himself from his father's conversation. There had to be at least a dozen lords fighting over the kings attention. As far as he was concerned they could all have it. THe king of course had ominous parting words, "Just remember Keenan that I will do what ever it takes to protect my kingdom, the people are more important than even you to me."

Keenan had to resist the urge to roll his eyes as he disappeared into the crowd, looking for someone to flirt with and take his mind of the crap with his Father. He noticed Daemon as he weaved amongst the crowd, he was planning to steer clear as he didn't need the itching of magic under his skin. He picked up another drink but sipped at it more casually before some random lord was asking him to dance. Keenan of course accepted the invitation. He enjoyed dancing and the male was a welcome distraction. The vampire was not at all his type. Too much like himself and not in a fun way. He may appreciate his own blonde haired beauty but it didn't mean he found it attractive on others, that was too vain even for him. The male also had the personality of a wet blanket.