Chapter 7
Oberon sat on his throne of vines and scowled heavily at the assembled courts. He had not been having a good year. His mother had found his sister and brought her here. She had been training and from what his spies told him, her power was second only to their mothers. Oberon couldn't understand it. She had grown up mortal with no powers, how was she so strong? Was it her father's blood or was it something else? Not that it mattered now. She would be presented to the Summer court today and all would see the blundering, graceless mortal for what she was. Unsuitable.
He glanced over at his wife sitting next to him and sighed. She had been difficult to live with since Sarah had come to the underworld, always off plotting something and he wasn't sure if she was on his side or not. Jareth had yet to arrive which had somewhat surprised his step-father, he was usually prompt and spent any early time chatting with his mother. Surely he would be here for the celebration.
A hush fell over the court as a fanfare was sounded signalling the arrival of the Winter Court. Oberon straightened in his chair and noticed his wife turning to stare with deep concentration at the entrance, his step-son slipped into place with a resigned look on his face.
The procession of the UnSeelie entered, led by a Minotaur carrying the royal flag. Behind came two rows of six elven knights, dressed in crimson and black armour. Next came four panthers, representing the shape shifting community. After them Oberon was unsettled to see two couples of vampires, it would seem that Maeve was making a statement as they had never been included in the procession before. Following them was the Queen herself, dressed in a flowing black gown with purple decoration that seemed to float on the wind.
The procession parted ways and Maeve glided forward, 'King Oberon, we thank you for hosting us on this special occasion.'
Oberon inclined his head, 'and we thank you for accepting our offer.
'We would like to take this opportunity to present to the Seelie court our heir apparent,' Maeve positively gloated.
Oberon raised an eyebrow, 'we had expected for the presentation to be tonight at the ball but if this is your wish then so be it.'
The procession behind her which had closed on her arrival at the front parted again and sweeping down between them on the arm of the fiercest fae warrior in bothe courts came Sarah, a vision with her dark hair in loose wild curls with crystals entwined. Nestled on top of her head was a delicate silver tiara. Her locks spilled over creamy exposed shoulders and the corset on her dress seemed to lift her breasts so they were nearly popping out. The royal blue fading into black emphasised her creamy completion and the crystals in her dress and hair twinkled. She looked like the goddess of the night in person and deserved to be worshipped.
Stopping next to her mother, she sank into a curtsey, 'your majesties,' she breathed softly before rising.
Titania leaned forward on her throne, eager to assess the girl who had broken her son's heart.
'I must say, a year in the underworld has done you good sister. You no longer look mortal,' Oberon said, disgust evident on the last word.
'Yes,' Titania interjected, 'you are certainly becoming more Fae. I would have expected a slower process. Mortal to Fae is always a painful process.'
Sarah smirked, 'I hear that it is easier for mortals who have been here before and eaten the food of the Fae.'
Oberon blinked, 'eaten?'
Sarah turned her head and smiled at the crown Prince, 'how nice to see you again Goblin King. Perhaps later you and I can have a chat about how you are governing UnSeelie lands?'
Jareth swallowed, this was not the Sarah he was expecting. He had thought she would still be a scared, sulky and spoilt child, not this strong woman in front of him who clearly had a rather good grasp of the lands and governance of the Fae.
Maeve laughed, 'well this is a lovely family reunion is it not? I however wish to retire to freshen up before the ball tonight. Perhaps you could instruct us as to where our rooms may be?'
Oberon inclined his head, 'naturally. Jareth, perhaps you could…' he trailed off as Titania rose from her seat.
'I will show them,' she announced and without a further word, swept away. Maeve inclined her head to her son and followed the woman.
Sarah smirked, dropped a short curtsey and re-claimed the arm of the warrior before gracefully following her mother.
Oberon sighed and resisted the urge to rub his temples as he felt a headache coming on.
'Father,' Jareth said softly, 'did you expect…'
'No, no I did not. Perhaps we shall have to re-evaluate the situation and see how this can play to our favour.'
Next Chapter: Dancing, Drinking and Revalations
