It could have been any other day. But no, it had to be today. The one day she worked that week was the one day the prince was coming into town. She knew that Faerous would make her dance like normal. And the second the music started, would be when the prince would check out Faerous' place.

As she predicted, he made her dance. And, also as she predicted, the moment she started, the prince walked in.

She tried to ignore it, but he and all his men were gawking at her. She just kept going.

"Her... I must have her," the prince muttered to his right-hand man.

The man nodded. "That shall be done."

The man walked over to the owner of the inn, Faerous.

"How much for the girl singing right now?"

"She's not fer sale! She's me girl."

"Prince Brit wants her. Prince Brit shall get her. We will offer you a thousand rikas."

Faerous arched an eyebrow. "A thousand? She is the most talented girl here... Not only out here, but in private, too!" He winked. "Two thousand rikas."

Brit's man nodded. "Two thousand it is."

When Midnight stepped off the stage, Faerous greeted her.

"I 'ave good news fer you, m'dear."

"What is it, Fae?" Midnight asked in her soft, sprite voice.

"You are now employed to the prince of the Fey!"

"What? You didn't even ask me!"

"I thought you would be thrilled! Look at him. He is said to be the most handsome of all the faeries!"

Midnight looked at Prince Brit, then back at Faerous.

"How could you do this to me?!? After all I've done for you!" Her voice didn't seem so soft, but still innocent. Sprites were defined in their world as being faeries without wings and are always innocent sounding to cover up their mischievous ways.

"I'm sorry...."

She ran out. Brit looked up and went after her.

"M'lady! Wait!"

She ignored him and kept running. He caught up with her and spun her around.

"M'lady! Why do you run from me?"

"I have no reason not to."

"I am your prince, and future husband!"

Midnight looked at him with an odd look on her face. "Explain, please."

"I told Risho that I wanted you. He thought I meant as a slave, but I meant as a wife."

Midnight shook her head. "I do not love you. I do not want you."

"How can you not want me?"

"I need no one! I want no one! I never have and I never will!"

"I hope I can get you to change your mind... Tomorrow you shall bring all your things to the palace. Next week will be our wedding..."

Midnight pouted as Brit gathered his men and returned to the palace.

"Tomorrow, my love," he said, then left.

Midnight sulked.

**More to come soon…..**