But your eyes still shined like pretty lights
Sirius, King of the Fae is forced to meet with the neighbouring Humans in order to discuss a treaty. A marriage alliance starts to sound good once he meets one of the servants in their party, Remus Lupin. Fluff.
Sirius sits on his beautiful throne, his fingers stroking against the wood. Flowers bloom and the ivy twists and climbs around it. He's annoyed; reports say that the Humans have already entered the forest—much earlier than anticipated.
His brother walks in and twists his hands, crowns appearing.
Sirius looks between the two. Flowers and gemstones. "Do we show that we have wealth?" he asks. "Or will they try and take it for themselves?"
"Humans are greedy," Regulus agrees. "They invade our woods, they help themselves to our flowers and toadstools and show no respect. As much as I'd like you to wear the jewels to humble them, I fear that they would perhaps want to take those too."
"We can prevent that."
"I want to prevent a war," Regulus insists. "We'll protect our people by making good choices, rather than fighting over precious stones."
Sirius chooses the crown of flowers. It's more elaborate than ever, and he makes a note to speak to Alice about her amazing work.
Copper ruscus is twisted in a circle, with electric blue orchids that he knows Humans have never seen before.
He needs the Humans to realise how powerful the Fey are. This is the first time they've been permitted into his forest—and it is his forest, because the barriers between the Fey realm and the human realm are so weak that they bleed into each other here.
A hundred years ago, Humans were banned from the forest. They came in, causing the Fey to panic and scatter at the invasion, and the Humans—with no regard to the inhabitants—cut down one of the oldest trees.
The forest had been in an uproar at this display of disrespect and disregard to the Fey. The tree had been removed from the Humans, and the man who had led the group had been sentenced at the Fey court. Some—the more regretful of the group—were allowed to leave with explicit instructions to never return.
The tree itself was put to good use. There's power in the oldest trees, so it was fashioned into two beautiful thrones. A shrine was erected, and the pieces that were left were made into runes and amulets to protect and ward off evil.
Sirius' fingers run over the wood as a reminder of the Humans' callousness, when the door opens and his most trusted companion and head of guard, James, enters.
"They will reach the castle soon. Frank is escorting them, and we've got guards stationed i the trees. There are more than expected."
"Bring them straight here," he says, nodding. "I'll have to announce myself, I suppose."
James grins. "Like it's such a terrible thing. You love the sound of your own voice."
"I've been told my voice is like a beautiful song," Sirius sniffs. "The most beautiful sound in all of the realm."
James snickers at this. "I'll meet them at the gate." James quickly leaves.
Sirius adjusts the crown. His fingers shift, and ivy grows around the door and around the pillars. He wants the Humans to be impressed, awed, fearful.
Regulus insists that the Humans can trade with them. Their people are excited. Sirius… well, he wants to keep them out, but this isn't about him. This is what it means to be king—to do the best for the people, no matter his personal feelings.
Sirius looks over the Humans as they enter. Two in charge—the leader and his guard, it seems. Four people follow slightly behind, and two people with their heads bowed standing by the door.
Whilst the pair at the back show respect by bowing their heads, the leader and the others don't, and already Sirius bristles at this show of bad manners.
Regulus stands beside Sirius' throne, clearly annoyed that the Humans are hours early.
Sirius plans to discuss boundaries. Humans get trapped in the fairy rings, not caring that those rings are special places of magic that take hours for the Fey to eat the Fey food and blame his people for causing the temporary madness that follows—because the person craves the food so badly, they can't think of anything else. They don't ask permission for the food, they just help themselves.
Sirius stands and expands his wings, then pulls them gently around his body, curving them around his arms as he does.
"I am Sirius, King of the Fey." Sirius starts. He pauses for the briefest of moments to allow his title to sink in. Perhaps, if they're smart, they will bow before royalty, or show some sort of respect.
The Fey bow or drop to their knees, and he's pleased to see that the Humans by the door are quick to follow suit. It takes a moment before the others do, but the leader and guard remain upright.
"Fey—"
"It's an honour to meet you, Sirius, I'm Lord Cornelius Fudge—" the leader interrupts.
"He is our king and you'll address him as such," Regulus cuts in. Sirius fights a smile. Regulus is clearly just as bothered by the lack of respect.
Fudge fumbles over his apologies, and the Fey straighten from their bows as Sirius sits down on his throne. The rest of the Humans rise, though Sirius notes that the ones in the back don't meet his gaze. This, at least, pleases him. Two Humans are respectful, a few are naive and unknowing and two are extremely rude.
"We have prepared a ball for this evening," Sirius states. "You'll be shown to your rooms to rest, and then we shall meet for lunch."
"We've brought a cook," Fudge says.
"She will be shown to the kitchen after she's visited her room and rested," Sirius replies.
"Yes. I'm sure somewhere as grand as this has servant's quarters."
Sirius frowns and Regulus approaches, his voice a whisper as he explains how Humans treat their servants.
Sirius doesn't like this. The leader was to get the finest room available, but he's quickly changing his mind.
He meets James' gaze and James smirks and nods. The respectful Humans will have the best guest-room, not Fudge.
The food hasn't even been set down before Fudge is talking. He's taken the seat at Sirius' side, which is for the second in command, or Sirius' partner. But Sirius forces himself to stay silent.
"We wish to discuss a marriage alliance."
If Sirius had a drink, he'd have spit it out.
"If it's not too bold of us, I've already hand-picked some people from the kingdom that'd be happy to enter into a union with you." He gestures to the rest of the Humans, and now Sirius understands why so many came along.
It's ridiculous. They think that they could approach the King of the Fey with such an insane request? That the King would marry a human just for an alliance? Do they think that highly of themselves?
Other Fey laugh and giggle, and Sirius looks at the Humans again, quick realising there are less than before.
"Where are the others?" he asks. "The two that stood in the back of the room earlier."
"They eat in the kitchens," Fudge says.
Sirius isn't sure how he can have a treaty between his people and those that would disrespect even their own kind.
He can see Regulus heading to the kitchen to find them. They appear moments later.
Whilst the other Humans are dressed in fine clothes, these people have old and patched clothes. Sirius is angry. His emotions are clear in the way his wings flit about. He meets Alice's gaze.
"Lunch will be delayed briefly." Sirius's voice is cold. He nod at the musicians to play, then leaves, lest he lose his temper.
Through the other doors, he sees Alice guide the pair from the hall. The court is a happy place, a safe place. He'll not have Humans try and bring their social restrictions here.
Sirius has just returned, when the door opens and Alice enters with the two respectful Humans.
The woman is wearing a gown of the softest silk, but when Sirius looks at the man, he can't help but stare. The greens and browns of his clothes are very fitting for him. For a second, the man's gaze moves over to the table, and their eyes lock.
The man looks down quickly, but Sirius is captivated. Amber eyes are not human.
"You can look," Sirius insists. "Your name?"
"Remus Lupin, my King." Remus bows slightly. It's clear that he's not used to being in front of royalty, but Sirius isn't going to hold that against him. He'd really like to hold himself against Remus, though.
"You're not Human?"
"He's just a werewolf." Fudge's tone is enough to make Sirius snap.
"If you want to know what a man's like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals," Sirius hisses. "You've come to my realm and have shown nothing but disrespect for me, my people and our ways and customs. If you think that there is any hope for us to reach an agreement, you will learn quickly."
Fudge goes silent, and Sirius turns his attention to Remus. "Magical beings are more than welcome here," he says softly. "Would you like to try our food? It is more agreeable to those with magic running through them. Sit by me and enjoy what we offer."
Remus moves to sit next to him, and the food is brought out. Music plays and Remus hesitantly reaches for something. Sirius watches him, smiling as Remus takes the first bite.
"Thank you for your generosity," Remus murmurs shyly. "If I may, how did you know I wasn't human?"
"Because I've never once seen a Human as beautiful as you." Sirius keeps his voice soft, because this human looks so nervous. He's even more stunning up close. Maybe this whole marriage alliance isn't a bad idea after all?
Remus' cheeks turn red and Sirius lets his wing brush against Remus' arm, amused at Remus' reactions. Yes, this marriage alliance is a wonderful idea.
"I have reconsidered your proposal," Sirius says to Fudge. "I will marry one of your party."
"Wonderful. Who is it that you've chosen?" Fudge asks.
"Do you wish to marry me?" he asks, turning to Remus. "You'll be happy here—equal. You will be able to run the forests in your magical form—"
"No, I can't run when I'm a wolf. I have to be chained up."
"Why?"
"Because I'm dangerous," Remus blurts out, and Sirius laughs.
"Not to us, my love. We're Fey. We can shift into whatever form we desire. We can run with you."
"But… me? I'm just a servant," Remus murmurs. The other Humans are whispering to themselves now, but the cook looks on in delight. "Mum?" he says, turning to her.
"Your mother will have a home here too. A fine room in this castle. A life of luxury."
"The alliance is between the Fey and Humans," Fudge snaps. "We cannot agree to this."
"Don't, then," Sirius says breezily. "Remus, stay and marry me." He twists his hands, flowers appearing. It's not as grand as his own crown, but Alice has always been the one best suited to the designs and intricacies of these. Amber leaves with soft greens and white flowers start to wind around into a crown. He holds it out.
The Fey all turn silent, watching.
Remus nods, and Sirius grins as he places the crown on Remus' hair, before reaching for Remus' hand and bringing it to his lips.
"As this is now a revered day, the day of my betrothal, I am feeling generous," he says, turning to Fudge. "You will get your alliance. We will discuss that after we've eaten. However, next time you set foot into my forests, you will have spent time learning our customs and face consequences for any disrespect or rudeness you show in the future."
With that, he lifts off his own precious amulet and places it around Remus' neck to protect his love forevermore.