Of Faeries and Foes
Keaira walked down the stone stairs into the banquet hall, not listening as the herald reed off her name and title. At the foot of the stairs the court was assembled. Full court, she noticed.
As soon as her first foot hit the floor, the court bowed low in customary courtesy to the daughter of the King. The King's daughter was not really called a Princess as a customary title, it was usually the heir's wife, and the daughter was called a word similar to Lady, but since in Human terms she was a Princess, if she were to leave to venture out, her title would actually translated into Princess, since there is no human equivalent to her title.
By the time the court had risen from their bows she was seated on the chair next to her mother's throne.
The court went back to their polite conversations, leaving the monarchs a little unintentional privacy.
she started.
Keaira, I hear that Albus Dumbledore has been sending you gifts.
Yes, Papa, we have been friends for a long time, and it was a human holiday. she stole a look at Hasen and saw him looking sheepish.
Keaira, I have a suspicion he is trying to enlist my help in his human wars through you and his friendship.
Papa, really truly, he is a good friend, and he may ask a favor or two, but I ask favors too, like just last year-
You know I am sending an ambassador into the wizarding world, don't you? I am wondering if you have any suggestions, since you are well versed in the workings of the human world.
she started hesitantly, What about sending me?
What? Why would I send my own daughter to the humans, and how can you even suggest it?
Papa I understand more of the situation than most, and I am well versed in more than one human tongue. I have the ability to tell whether or not this is a good choice...
He looked at her, You are too important here.
Important?? I am not the slightest bit important! All I have is a title! I have no responsibilities! she protested.
You don't have responsibilities because you are too irresponsible.
You have never given me a chance! her voice rose slightly, and she was drawing attention from the crowd.
You are too young. His voice was hard.
I was born to change things, or did you forget that. You know what the Elders said! I am destin-
You aren't going, he said, exchanging glances with my mother.
Then this, she pointed to her neck, where a small golden token lay gently against the skin, means nothing to you.
The inscription read, To my Little Dark One, destined for Greatness. It had been given to her by him when she was newborn.
He looked at the pendant, and said, Your own greatness won't be affected by my decision. When you get older-
Older! I am as old as the Headmaster! He is said to be Ancient!!! I believe I am old enough!
I don't, he said, and stood. The court's attention was turned to the sound of his voice Please be seated. He gestured toward the tables on the other side of the room.
He turned to Keaira and spoke firmly, I will hear no more on the subject.
She looked him in the eye and said, Papa, I just wish that sometimes that you would give me a chance before you dismiss me as unimportant.
She stepped of the dais, and walked out of the room, feeling the burn of his eyes on her back.
~@~~@~
She spent the rest of the night in her room, trying to ignore the sting of tears behind her eyelids. She felt as if no one believed she could do any thing right. She wondered why was she so mistrusted by her father. She was supposed to know her, and she had always thought he had, until now. He seemed and alien creature.
Why doesn't he trust me?' she thought bitterly.
She heard a knock on the door.
Leave me be, she called, voice slightly shaky.
The door opened, so she yelled, Get out! I said leave me alone!
Her father walked in the door.
she asked, reaching for something to occupy her hands with and grabbing the vial of perfume she had been sent.
Her father settled himself on the edge of the bed.
What is that, he asked, trying to start up a conversation.
Something Albus gave me for Christmas.
Oh. What is it?
she said, handing the bottle to him.
He opened it and smelled it. His eyebrows lifted, and he corked the bottle.
I am sorry, but I feel necessary to ask, what is the nature of your relationship with this Albus?
If you are asking if he is interested in me as a female, no. We are friends, and humans die so much faster, it would be highly irrational to start a relationship with any human.
He smiled.
My main protest against your going is now your age. You know you look no more than two decades old there. That is an exceptionally young age there, too.
I know, she said. I want to find out if this war he has written about would really threaten us, or even affect us in any way. Her voice was steady, and her father looked her in the eyes for a long moment.
You are ready... I know this. You have taken away my reasons, but you haven't taken away my doubt. I can hold you back except to say, I am afraid it won't turn out well if we go through with this.
Keaira breathed, You are letting me go?
he sighed in defeat.
~@~~@~
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Kata Maxima aka Myrddin Emrys
