A/N: This is so overdue, but thank you all for your views, follows, favorites, and reviews! All this readership has been a big motivator to continue posting. At the end, I've replied to all the past reviews on Part III: Alliance.

Eddie and Lee-Lee Sittin' In a Tree

Saturday, June 4, 2005

"Is this the tree?" Leah asked, practically begging her companions to say 'yes'.

"No."

"Is this the tree?"

"No. Miss Leah we're going to have to ask you to stop pointing out random trees. The portal is very specific and some would find it offensive that you could mistake it for any old common forest tree!" her escort shouted, amber eyes glowering.

Leah flinched away from the fairy. Lady Deirdre was an ethereal beauty, with blemish-free dark skin and a halo of curls adorned with flowers - the perfect picture of a playful, young, and mischievous fairy. Not exactly.

The Cosaint clan had been kind enough to send both a member of the royal guard and a noblewoman escort to accompany Leah and Edward to the realm. The guard, Sonya, a spiky-haired, middle-aged woman with a dignified air, was used to rough weather. She didn't mind the humidity preventing her from flying, or sweating in her formal wear. But someone had failed to inform Lady Deirdre when she eagerly volunteered to assist the Guardian of the Cosaint realm that she'd have to act as human as possible during her time in the human realm. Which meant long car rides and long walks.

Lady Deirdre sighed. "Forgive me, my lady. It has been a stressful day in the realm. A happy one, bless the princess and her betrothed, but a tiring one!"

Leah patted Deirdre's shoulder. "I can imagine."

The noblewoman flinched exaggeratedly. "You're as strong as they say!"

Leah tried not to roll her eyes. "Thanks."

"You're a guest of honor!" Deirdre declared. "How exciting! There will be time for a maid to tidy us up. Is your dress to your liking? If not, we can send for something else."

"Oh, no, that won't be necessary." And she meant it. The tulle bouffant skirt took some time to get used to. When she received it from Echo weeks ago, she was told it was the latest style and everyone would take offence if she wore something else. It reminded her of something she'd seen her mother in in an old photograph. But the spaghetti-strapped, short, poofy dress did show off her legs and it was in her favorite shade of purple. "It's beautiful."

"That's a relief!" Lady Deirdre exclaimed. "I'm the one who chose it, even though Her Highness, bless her, was supposed to do it. It's much the same as mine, but mine is so dull a blue I'll blend into the wallpaper! Do you think I should exchange it for a yellow one? Sonya? Mister Edward?"

The tree could not come too soon. Lady Deirdre instructed Sonya to go in first and for Edward to bring up the rear. "And Leah, take my arm. We don't want any doubt of your distinction. There."

The two ladies headed in, backs straight and chins raised. As the flash of bright light enveloped them, Leah had seconds to make herself over into the proud, skilled fairy woman this world wanted her to be.

The warm light of the portal was replaced by another. The last time Leah and Edward visited the Cosaint realm, they had been entering into a common street through a lower-class village. Their view of the castle was marred by their tunnel entrance. This time around, the enchantment of the little cottages was eclipsed by the sight of the bright glittering castle. Against the backdrop of a blue-black starlit sky, the castle stretched above them, the dozens and dozens of windows lit with an inviting candle glow. Strings of azure lanterns, each shaped like an iris flower wrapped around the castle and lined the walkway. Leah idly thought of city casino hotels. Something told her Lady Deirdre wouldn't be pleased with the comparison. Edward tried to hide his laughter.

The group stood at the very edge, apart from the great crowds surrounding them, their laughter and shouting ringing in her ears. In the distance, cheerful music played, a flute and violin. To Leah's relief, most of the women were dressed in short poofy dresses like hers, though some opted for long floral gowns layered in lace or chiffon or silk peasant dresses. Almost everyone was in pastels, even the men in brown or grey breeches opted for colorful coats.

"So elegant," Leah murmured. The partygoers consisted of the military, the nobles, and the upper classes. But it was surprising to see them in such festive clothes compared to the drab outfits they had worn last winter. "I wouldn't have expected this."

Her companion caught her meaning. "We make all our own clothes. These are all from plants. But even the most stubborn leaf can be made into intricate materials, for an experienced dressmaker."

Leah turned her neck to take in Edward's similar eggshell and lilac ensemble. He blended in easily, and with his good looks, could have passed for one of the nobles. 'You never veer too far from white clothes, do you?'

He half-smiled and mouthed, 'I'm not as messy as some people.'

She huffed and turned to Lady Deirdre who was checking a little notebook, her itinerary jotted down in it. "Sonya, where is the general? He is supposed to greet the guardian outside the palace and escort her in?"

A small yellow bird flitted into the royal guard's open palm. She cradled it close to her ear, then relayed the message to the noblewoman. "My lady, there has been a change. You will take her down the walkway. I assumed you heard."

Lady Deirdre sniffed, mumbled something about stuck-up military men. "Follow me, Miss Leah, Mister Edward."

Sonya's confident gait and sword on her hip altered everyone to clear her path. Lady Deirdre followed closely, her bright smile drawing compliments and awe.

Leah allowed herself to be guided up the palace walkway by Edward. On either side, curious onlookers oohed and awed as the light dawned on the group. Whispers of curiosity, about the elusive guardian, so favored by the queen herself, and the vampire that accompanied her. Cameras flashed. It hadn't slipped her mind that they had some facets of modern technology. Leah tried not to stare back as fairies admired her openly, even more obviously than humans did. Their comments were just as loud, however. How old was she? Eighteen? Too old to properly learn the magic! How pretty she was. Taller than some had guessed. Was she related to Lady Deirdre? Thinner than others had hoped. Did human women eat? Why did she look so severe? She was only grateful Alice had managed to pile her thick hair into one neat updo, crisscrossed with a network of braids and lilacs. And she could be certain of the properness of her silver-mauve dress.

Others were equally mystified with Edward. Women blushed under his gaze. ("He's too young for a beard, even!" a man scoffed. "Like that stubble on your face?" his wife snipped.) More often than not, people trembled and tensed in the presence of a vampire after years of knowing them to be predators. Some glared defiantly back. His golden eyes could not prove his innocence to everyone.

Leah squeezed his arm until he looked at her. 'You have nothing to prove.'

He didn't smile as she expected. Instead his eyes held hers for a long moment, burning with questions she didn't know how to answer, until their entrance forced them to look away.

The grand hall of the castle was as magnificent as she remembered, but she had spent little time in it, seeing as they had been ushered into the throne room, and then brought to the queen's study. Now with fairies flying above their heads, a live orchestra playing sweeping music, and a rainbow of color in the clothes and decorations, Leah was mystified.

Lady Dierdre clapped her hands together. "To your right, my lady, is the ballroom. You two look so perfectly magical. I'm glad lilac suits you both."

Leah gave a sideways glance at Edward. 'This is giving me prom flashbacks.'

"I wouldn't know," he whispered, too low for anyone else's ears.

"A shame," she replied. "I can imagine a tuxedo would suit you better."

"Would you like to find out?" he grinned rakishly.

At the door, Leah was saved from answering. They both knew this sudden change in his demeanor was startling after weeks of vacant stares. He seemed to come back to reality in phrases and smiles, but all day he'd been almost cheerful. She couldn't guess the cause. Perhaps she ought to welcome it all the same. His distance had been difficult.

A floating fairy in grey took two cards from Deirdre. "Lady Deirdre Cornflower," he bellowed in his deep baritone.

The lady sashayed into the ballroom. Behind her, Edward and Leah stood at the top of the staircase. The fairy man announced. "Presenting, Guests of Honor: Miss Leah Clearwater, Guardian of the Cosaint Realm, and Mister Edward Cullen, our Hunter."

"Who knew my so-called 'title' is worth mentioning," Edward mused.

"You may win over some fairies if they know what you're doing for them," Leah noted.

"Perhaps that is Queen Ella's intention. But I'd prefer to keep a low-profile. At least, until the hit is complete."

She smiled. "It seems so far away, yet so close. In less than six months," she mused. Yes, there was no definite date, but Ella had promised them it'd be done by the end of this year.

"This is all that stands between you and your destiny, guardian," he said. "You were always meant for greatness."

Her eyes shifted to the crowd. 'I hope you're right.'

No sooner had they reached the center of the ballroom that the fanfare sounded again. The footman yelled, "Announcing Her Majesty, Ruler of the Cosaint Clan, Protector of the Northwest Realm, Commander of the Well-Wishers, Divine Daughter of the Trees -"

"He's about to run out of air," Leah quipped.

"Queen Ella!"

In a sweep of grass green, the monarch flew downstairs, taking her time to be admired. Her silk dress was embroidered with darker leaves and blue irises with the train trailing several feet behind her. Her blue cape and gold flower crown completed the ensemble.

"She's magnificent," someone whispered.

The fanfare sounded once more, just as grandly as it did for the queen.

"Presenting, Her Royal Highness, Divine Daughter of the Trees, Princess Echo! Presenting, His Royal Highness, Master of the Skies, Crown Prince of the Arlun Clan, Elias the Valiant!"

A hush fell over the crowd as the princess entered the ballroom - her hair piled artfully on top of her head, her pale wings unfurled and translucent, and the white organza of her skirt splitting like flower petals to expose her long legs. Either the sight of the princess in her full beauty astounded them or the man holding her hand.

The prince seemed pleased with their reactions to him and his fiancee. His very presence seemed to suffocate the room. He was bronze-skinned with wavy black hair and a powerful, fit figure. He was also the only other person in full white, as per the fairy custom.

Leah pasted on a grin. Echo had told them of what was expected of her. This union was meant to benefit both the Arlun and the Cosaint clans. That's what she had stressed during their last meeting. Leah tried not to wince at Echo's empty smile as Prince Elias placed a hand on her waist or during the queen's speech praising the engagement. Edward nodded solemnly as she mulled over their friend's predicament, wishing it weren't so, but knowing it couldn't be.

The handsome, though loveless, couple moved to the middle of the room to begin the ball. The queen paired with a duke, and all the other high-ranking nobles lined up. Edward and Leah were meant to join them, as guests of honor.

Leah stood across from her partner in the line of women, ignoring the sinking feeling in her stomach. Troy had taught her these moves weeks ago, but training didn't allow much time for twirling around. Yet with hundreds watching, that inane 'twirling' now seemed too complicated for replication.

The violin started up. She turned to fake a stomach bug when Edward pointed to his temple, so quickly she almost missed it. Look at me, he was saying. Of course. He had every step memorized.

She watched his feet, quick and light, as each line stepped forward, then back. Forward, then back. Each couple circled each other, barely touching, then circled their neighbors. It was almost like square dancing. The thought brought some levity, and she relaxed, focusing on Edward's eyes now. As they weaved in and out of the dancers, she watched his ghost of a smile grow to an unrestrained grin. She was doing just fine.

He held her gaze as they finally met in the middle, his right hand finding her waist, his left clasping her hand. They spun in a slow circle, the cold from his skin a balm to the hot crush of the crowd. Even under the heavy fabric of his suit and her dress, he felt close, impossibly near.

Leah blushed, pinning her mind down before it ran wild, as it never should in his presence.

"Do you like the brocade of this jacket? Your gaze seems quite fixated on it," Edward chuckled, leaning down so she had little choice but to look up.

She cleared her throat. "I was admiring Her Majesty's tiara," she told him, forcing the object into her thoughts.

They parted briefly, trading partners for the next interval. She could not remember for the life of her the earl's name (though Troy, of course, had briefed her) but luckily he was content not to talk. When she returned to Edward, they lightly grasped hands, trailing behind another couple.

"You dance well," he complimented. "Especially for someone that doesn't know the routine."

"Don't tease me," she whispered back. "I have more important things to focus on."

Gallantly, he resisted a joke. After a moment, he said, "This is more pleasant than I thought."

"Dancing with me?"

"Dancing, full stop. I used to, often, with Rosalie or Esme. But now there are hardly any occasions, and when there are, dancing is…"

"Very different, yes," she laughed. Certain images sprung to her mind, and she tried to picture Edward replicating some of the moves she had seen on MTV.

The corner of his mouth twitched. "Don't do that!" he whispered.

"Now you have to do it," she begged. "At least in the hall."

He shook his head. "You would not have lasted long in my day."

"Why?"

"Because," he said, taking her by the waist again. "We are to look very stiff and serious."

"That's not hard." She scowled.

"Not ferocious, dear," he smirked. "Try cold and detached."

"We are too close to each other for detachment," she deadpanned successfully.

He scoffed in mock offense. "Do you wish to not speak to me? That's not very maidenly."

"Tell me what you'd like to discuss."

"I want to comment on the weather tonight," he insisted with a frown.

A true laugh escaped her, causing nearby onlookers to turn in puzzlement.

"And then," he continued, "I'd like to ask you your opinion on the attendees, but tell you mine before you get a chance to share. We will each brag of our close connections and pretend to be impressed with each other. Then I'll ask for your hand for the next two dances."

She tilted her head to the side before shrugging. "I'm sorry, but why should I put up with such a toad of a partner?"

"Because I will tell you," he intoned, pressing closer, if it were even possible, so that his breath tickled the side of her face. "That you are the most dazzling woman in the room and ten minutes is not long enough to be this close to you."

And with grace, he spun her into place and faced her. The music faded and the audience clapped. She could not look away as she curtsied and he bowed, nor as the crowd shifted around them could she move.

Leah turned to look for a familiar face, but the one she caught was not the one she wanted to. The Queen herself approaching.

"My dear girl, you looked fantastic out there!" she practically shouted, her voice full of maternal pride.

Leah couldn't help feeling slightly flattered and soothed. "Thank you, Your Majesty. It is an honor to be invited."

"And it does my heart good to see you taking to your responsibilities so quickly. The princess tells me you are progressing quickly in your lessons."

They walked towards a settee against the wall of the ovular room, directly across from the orchestra.

Leah relaxed, glad to be off her feet. "I feel confident in my abilities so far. I'm so grateful to you for allowing Echo to be my tutor. She really knows her stuff."

The queen liked flattery. "Doesn't she?" She looked across the dance floor, to where Echo was still woodenly gliding with her prince. "She's going to make a fine queen for this realm."

"She's not leaving for Arlun?" Leah ventured.

"Heavens, no. The prince is the youngest of his siblings. He'll be her consort and live here, once the wedding comes, at the end of this year."

"Oh. That's relief."

"You're telling me! My sole heir, gone to the Arlun realm? Ha! Her parents instilled a strong sense of duty and honor in her." Queen Ella grimaced into her teacup. "At least that hasn't changed."

Leah shifted uncomfortably. "May I ask...where is Major Berry tonight? He hasn't visited in a while save for a few messages here and there..."

"Oh, dearest. Don't worry. Surely Echo has told you about his mission? He's doing reconnaissance for you and the Hunter. He'll be back in a few weeks time."

"Is he?" Leah swallowed. "I wish he'd said goodbye. He didn't have to do that. Me and Edward can do whatever needs to be done for the mission to go smoothly."

The queen slammed her cup onto the saucer, the ping echoing, though not a drop of tea spilled. "With all due patience, child, I believe it's under my jurisdiction what is needed and not needed to protect this kingdom." Her face softened, though her eyes remained hard. "Besides, that's part of being a major. Berry knows his place."

The charming smile the queen gave would have slowed the pulse of most. But it set off an unexpected flame of anger in Leah.

Leah stood. "Excuse me."

"Wait. Sit."

Leah did so. "Is there something you need, Your Highness?" she wisped, trying to push the sarcasm from her tone.

The queen exhaled. "I know that certain persons have been made aware of your situation. One of your elders. With the intention of speaking with you about it. What has happened?"

Leah focused on the fine crown atop the queen's head before staring into the matching green eyes. "Nothing, really. He was just trying to look out for me. Make sure I was safe. And I am."

Ella eased a bit. "Alright. I thought so much. I have no ill will towards the man, Billy Black, or any of your tribe. I only hoped that nothing unsavory transpired. You know how humans can be."

"Deceitful, I know," Leah agreed, unsure if she was voicing her own opinion or not.

"Yes," Ella grinned. "Poor things. But it's nice to be sure of your loyalty. Thank you, Leah." She stood. "Keep an eye on the princess for me. We both understand how strong-will she can be."

Leah nodded and turned on her heel.

The next two hours were spent dancing with various fairy men. It seemed the mystery of being both a favorite of the queen and an outsider had piqued the interest of everyone: the old, the young, the married, the single. Handsome men, plain ones. Be he dull or fascinating, talkative or reserved, elegant or unrefined, if he had courage and were in the right place at the right time, the man asked the guardian to dance, and was accepted.

Echo had warned it was in bad form to refuse a man and accept another afterwards ("You will look like a flirt trying to catch a specific man in front of everyone!"). In some ways the princess could be impressively independent and forward-thinking, yet in others unreasonably prim and proper. Especially when tired feet were in mind.

Near the end of the first half of the party, Leah gave out her first refusal. A pity, since the man was a suave Patrick Dempsey look-alike. She resolved to sit down in a corner with a few other women and answer questions about her tribe and reservation, about life in the human world, whether human men were as handsome as fairy men, how annoying it was to not fly everywhere. She was enlightened to the pitfalls of fairy life in turn, of soaked wings, children's chaos of magic, sudden weather changes, and of course, vampires.

"That is, not all, vampires," the small blonde flinched upon realizing her poor word choice. "I only meant - you see fairies are - we fear -"

"Quiet, Morgana," dismissed her mother. "You're embarrassing Miss Leah."

"I'm well aware of the problem, Lady Tegan," Leah agreed. "That is precisely what I was asked to solve. The fairies' lives should not be put to danger every time they enter the human world. I want the same for humans."

"So some of them are bad!" a young countess gasped. "I thought the army might be exaggerating."

"No, you are right. I myself was once prey to a vampire, several years ago." Leah described the story to them, of how she foolishly went for a late-night walk and was rescued by the Cullens.

The ladies gasped.

"So you see," Leah smiled. "There are good and bad people of every species. I have had the privilege of befriending several vampires who value every individual's life as much as you and I do."

"Oh, who couldn't find the value in Mister Edward?" giggled Morgana, along with a few others.

"Tell me about it," Lady Juliette agreed. "He's as graceful as he is handsome."

"And so polite! Not babbling about himself like other men."

"Pity he's only danced three dances. Some ladies would like to be entertained right now," Countess Toadrock sniffed. "At least now he's asking the duchess. I forget her name. Una, do you see her?"

She pointed to the far end where Edward was partnered with a willowy brunette in turquoise. He seemed intent on her every word she whispered. He laughed heartily all of a sudden, louder than he usually did. The duchess smiled, pleased.

As if sensing the heat of her gaze, or more likely, the tenor of her thoughts, his eyes snapped to Leah's corner. She gave a weak smile and a thumbs-up.

"That's Duchess Kasmira!" Una answered. "All the men are wild about her. I wish my hair could curl like that."

"It could," Morgana smirked. "With a strong enough beautification spell."

The women laughed, excepting Leah.

"Poor Mister Edward," Lady Tegan sighed. "If it weren't for the lack of aging, we should have no problem fixing him up before the year's end."

"Suppose he might prefer one of his own kind," contradicted the countess.

"True! As long as we live, who wants to remain young and pretty when your wife is collecting liver spots by the dozen!"

Morgana patted Leah's shoulder. "Lucky you, Miss Leah. Humans aren't so dissimilar. We could throw a young baron in your way if you stick with us long enough."

During the dinner, Leah was both happy and disappointed to be sat at the queen's table. She was able to trade snippets of conversation with Echo, but serious topics could hardly be delved into while Her Majesty sat by them. Soon, however, the conversation became dominated with wedding plans, and everyone was expected to match the enthusiasm for the meal selections and choice of officator.

Prince Elias the Valiant seemed nice enough at least. Echo didn't seem completely disgusted when he touched her, only reluctant and removed. That was the most anyone could expect in such a situation.

A chord sounded throughout the dining room, elegant and sweet. Leah's head swung around, looking for the source. Against the wall, a silvery blue grand piano dominated the space. Leah couldn't believe she had missed the lovely instrument or the man who now sat behind it.

Lost to the music, Edward's head bowed, as if trying to curl into the keys themselves. His fingers slowly glided in their own dance across the board, as if experimenting with the sound.

Satisfied, he quickened the pace, pouring out a melody that at once soothed and distressed. If she were any other guest, she was sure she could find the liveliness in the song pleasant for eating. But she knew the player like she knew herself, and could hear the hints of melancholy, the taste of impatience, the notes of pain following the joyous ones.

She turned to Echo. "Why hasn't he been seated with us?"

The princess followed her gaze. "He asked not to. He said he'd rather play for us. Kind of him, isn't it?"

Leah fiddled with her napkin. "I suppose he can't truly dine anyway."

Echo laughed. "Very polite, Leah."

"I didn't mean it as harsh. I suppose he'll take offense, though," Leah said, making her excuses to the royals before slipping away from the table.

Edward didn't look up as she approached him, instead slowing the song, pulling the sweetest notes from the instrument, tender and gentle, yet bright and hopeful. It was like staring into the ocean at sunrise, peaceful and unnerving.

"Does it get tiring?" she asked, hovering by his shoulder.

"Never." He looked up, his auburn hair wild, and his smile glowing. "This is one of the most quality instruments I've played."

"Play something simple. You're going to have us in tears."

"Of joy or sorrow? I will be content either way." He slid a bit to the side, allowing the song to fade. "Here, sit."

His smooth, cool hands found hers and lightly placed them on the keys. "Every eight beats play this chord."

"Bad idea," she told him. "Really, Edward, I'm rusty."

He squeezed her other hand. "I won't let you get lost. I promise."

And with that, he let his fingers fly over the keys, at first a single bright note that cascaded into luminous melodies. If the last song was sunrise, then this was true dawn. She watched him lose himself, pouring his heart into the music, until he seemed to disappear, leaving only a light that shined so bright it eclipsed all others in the room.

She followed him to wherever he went to inside his head, dutifully adding the bass line where needed, but captivated by the harmonies he created, each more lovely than the last.

What was this song? The longer it went on, the deeper she fell into it, and the farther away the rest of the people, the room, the grandeur. All of it washed away.

This song...

It hurt.

As the music slowed, the pitch lowered and his hands climbed to the left of the keys, ghosting over hers, then sliding under her palm to play the finishing notes.

For the first time, he let go of the instrument. The audience exploded in applause.

"No tears," he assessed, grinning.

But his accompanist was fleeing the room.

Leah leaned her head against the wooden bookshelf. She had once admired the ancient, wearied look to the room when the queen had taken them there half a year ago. It was restful and magical in a quiet way. Almost familiar.

She pointed a finger at the fireplace, sparking a flame in the hearth and channeling her inner turmoil into expanding the flames.

She slapped her forehead. There was no excuse for her idiocy. She had no right to feel what she was feeling now. Surprise. Confusion. Jealously. Anxiety. Joy. Longing. Shame. Did she have no sense of loyalty? Sam was barely in the ground (well, their relationship to be less dramatic), and she was already mooning over someone else.

Someone who was one of the most honest, loyal friends she'd even had. Who offered his support as soon as she told him what was wrong. Who didn't shame her for her anger or envy or pain, but wanted to help her through it. Someone who offered the peace and security she craved and loved others with a steady heart.

Someone she couldn't have.

Someone who was a threat to her life, or at least had been. Someone who would live forever, long after she died. Who had gone a hundred years, met countless interested people, including gorgeous vampires, yet remained single. So why the hell would he want her?

Even if she couldn't have him, would it be so wrong to move on? Could she? Because when she even thought about Sam or Emily her heart still wrenched. It did sting less. She didn't crumble to pieces or wish to punch them in the face (okay, maybe a little). But her love for both of them had meant something, was a part of her, and so was their betrayal. As petty and masochistic as it was, she didn't want anyone to think none of that mattered. She wanted everyone to feel her pain, and not pity her, but suffer until they understood.

Leah punched the armchair. She heard the crack in the structure underneath, but likely it'd be fine. Could she say the same?
"Okay," she breathed, trying to dispel the growing flames in the fireplace which fed happily off of her negative energy. "I'm fine. I'm just a stupid, pathetic, hormonal teenager. When I turn twenty, everything is going to be normal. I'll be able to control myself. I won't latch onto any person that shows me a bit of compassion like a parasite. Freakin' loser."

She sat on the floor, crossing her legs on the plush red carpet and leaning against the armchair. Her silvery dress ballooned around her, making her look and feel like living art. She closed her eyes, basking in the heat instead of fighting against it.

The door opened and slammed shut before she could open her eyes. "Someone's in there," she heard a man mutter and then a woman giggled as their footsteps carried them down the hall. Figures that some things never changed.

Someone knocked on the door.

"Occupied," she snapped.

The door slid open and Edward entered, leaning against the doorframe.

"Oh," she said lamely.

Upon her acquiescence, he shut the door and crossed the room to poke at the fire. "It's pleasant here. Warm. And quiet."

She felt herself give in a little. "That's right. Silent minds."

"Yeah." He paused. "Most of them."

She shifted, unsure if she should stand or sit, stay or leave. "People will be looking for us."

"In a party this large? I doubt it. Not even as guests of honor. I think a few men may be disappointed, but the rest are half-drunk."

She bit the inside of her cheek. "I think the duchess will notice."

"Who?" he questioned, before the face sprung to her mind. He sat in the chair she'd been leaning on. "Oh, that one. The two other women that I asked were shaking in fear half the time. Duchess Kasmira was more pleasant than most. Though I think her husband will rescue her from any boredom."

How stupid she was to make bold assumptions like that. She kept her gaze on the fire in front of them, watching the flames flicker dangerously. She'd never seen so large a fire in person. It was mesmerizing.

"Stop that," he scolded. "You could get hurt."

"I don't mean to. I don't want to. It's normal for magic to be all wonky when you start."

"Should I get Echo? I thought your powers were steadier by now." The panic in his tone only heightened hers.

"They are, I swear. Just - just let me think for awhile, okay?"

"About the mission? Or your meeting with Billy Black today?"

She whirled around, finally facing him. "All of that. And none of that. Please, don't pretend you don't know."

He swallowed, throat bobbing. In pearl and lilac, one hand running through his hair, he looked cool and confident, like a model in a magazine. "I'm sorry. I thought you preferred it that way. I was trying to give you some normalcy."

"No, it's not normal. It can't be." The words spewed from her, not venomous, but something like it. "Other people can figure their stuff out on their own and feel what they want, but around you I can't."

"Leah -"

She shook her head, and darted out of the room. He could've stopped her, so easily, but he didn't. She was only a little relieved.

In the ballroom, Leah marched over to the princess's chair. She ignored the harsh glare Prince Elias sent her when she pulled an exhausted-looking Echo away.

"Your talent is sound, right?" she asked, once they were in the hall.

"Yes." Echo raised an eyebrow. "Though I don't think I like where this is going."

"Help me to silence my mind."

Her eyes dawned with understanding. She looked up the staircase from where Leah had arrived. "Ah. Your vampire."

Leah glared, forgetting why she'd come. "I don't own him, don't say it like that."

"Sorry," Echo relented. She did look tired, so Leah let it go.

"It's getting uncomfortable. Lack of privacy and all."

Echo tilted her head. "Leah , you've known him for so long. Why is…"

Leah shook her head, looking to the ceiling.

'Ah,' Echo thought. 'I'd like a cigarette. None in this damn castle.'

"You and me both." She felt grateful that the fairies telepathic links were silent to any other fairy or curious telepath, of any species. Echo's mental messages would only be heard by her, and no one would be able to read Leah's mind until the end of the conversation. She'd only have to keep this to herself, try very hard to never think of it.

'But…' Echo thought, pressing her lips together. 'I couldn't. It's biological, as much a part of us as blood or veins.'

Leah scowled. She could possibly find her wings, but this was impossible?

'Believe me. I know.'

Leah turned over her shoulder, peeking into the ballroom. Maybe Echo wasn't her only hope.

The other girl grabbed her shoulder. 'Don't go to her. If she suspects there is a falling out, she'll worry.'

"Worry?"

Leah stared at the staircase, allowing her mind to roam freely. She was starting to care less and less about what would worry Her Majesty.

Echo huffed. 'I fear for something. Something you must keep between you and Edward until I can speak to Troy. My grandmother's target...I fear it is a mistake.'

"What?!"

'She swears it is a young vampire. But she mentioned something, one night, about meeting her when she was young, before she was changed. She said she was wicked as a human, but wouldn't tell me more. Perhaps the target is no vampire at all. Grandmother is not above revenge.'

The queen of the fairies...speaking with a future vampire?

'I will try to find out more, but Leah, please. Don't aim to kill.'

Replies:

Guest: Thanks, and here's to many more to come.

brankel1: You're the MVP of leaving reviews! I love it!

sentinel10: Hi, friend! I live for your detailed feedback. I already PM'd you, but still!

Littlestar42: Will Leah shift into a wolf? Damn that'd complicate life. But we shall see ;)

FavFan: Don't worry, Bella will play a minimal role. She'll reappear briefly in Part IV. Also, we finally got our response from the elders. Fingers crossed it all shakes out.

.: Yay, I'm glad!

SF: I hope these idiots get together soon, too.

fanficreader938: Creative? Ooh, thanks. I was trying to add something new to the Leah-centric fics.

TerangaIsGood: Lee and Eddie could both use some wholesome, right?:)