Chapter 19

Morning came to find me curled on my side, staring at Anduin's back in contemplative silence, when he shifted and his shirt revealed some of his back.

His tattoos.

I looked at them, studying them, when I realized that the list of his loves was longer.

Varian Wrynn, Father

Tiffin Wrynn, Mother

Kenlora Whisperwind, Best friend

Bandit, Companion

Jadearra Theron, Everything

My heart burned as I stared at the list, wide eyed and in awe. Every name was done in black ink, but mine was in a deep, rich blue that seemed to glow on his skin.

He never wanted to forget me.

I reached out shaking fingers and traced the name, feeling him wake beneath my fingers.

"I'm here," I whispered, feeling an overwhelming amount of emotion.

"You're here," Anduin whispered, rolling over to face me, and then he realized what I meant.

His eyes widened, and his face pinked somewhat, and his smile grew, "You're there."

I smiled, something that stretched my muscles beyond belief, and I let my fingers trace his face, feeling out the contours of his features, the curve of his bones, the warmth of his skin.

A knock on the door had us separated on either sides of the bed by the time Teir poked her head in, and she nodded.

"Anduin, your father is waiting for you. Final preparations are in order. Go," She held the door open, and he grabbed a neat blue cloth shirt, flashing me one more reassuring smile while buttoning it, before grabbing two boots and leaving the room.

The door closed, and Teir focused on me.

"Are you okay?" She asked, giving me a look of concern, and I shrugged, grief rising again as I thought of mother.

Teir walked across the room and hugged me, letting me lean on her, a simple act of companionship that made her my best friend.

"Now, let's begin the…rigorous process of getting ready for a ball."

She led us into the attached bathing chamber, where servants had just finished drawing hot water.

"Let's begin."

"I swear to every demigod, Jadearra Theron. Get yourself together."

I know I'm not here for the celebrations. I know that. Really, I do.

But I've never been to a ball before.

"Sorry Teir," I mumbled, reining myself in somewhat as she pitter pattered about the room, ebony robes that looked like the void themselves being filled with dagger sheaths and hidden knives.

Teir looked astonishing. Her icy blue hair wrapped around her head in a crown braid, some form of magic allowing ebony glitter to settle in the strands and remain still. Her skin, normally a sickly hue of pale, glowed like the moon due to another spell. Another spell made her eyes warmer, like the southern sea, as opposed to an icy waste.

I could feel the magic radiating off of her-layers of cosmetic spells that fell over her like a cloak.

"Stop staring." She snapped, sheathing a knife in her gaping sleeve.

Her dress-robes? No, it's definitely a dress-was an ominously enchanting garment. Floor length with a train, she dressed like a queen. The top was extremely low cut, falling off both shoulders and secured just above her mid bicep, revealing more magically enhanced skin, as well as the beginnings of two magically perked breasts. The embroidery along the hem of the bodice was sewn with silver thread, with sapphires buried into it. The bodice itself didn't leave much to the imagination at all. Black leather clung to her skin, so dark that it almost hurt to look at-another enchantment. Her sleeves billowed, long flowy things of satin that fell over her hands and made larges gaps between the arms and the cloth-an enchantment hid the weapons strapped to her forearms. The skirt itself was awe inspiring. The ebony cloth that somehow held thousands of dimensions-an excellent seamstress, but no magic here-flowed solemnly from her waist, reaching the floor and spreading beautifully out around her. A long slit in the front revealed to leather clad legs, multiple enchantments hiding the many weapons hidden there as well. I couldn't see her feet-she seemed to float, thanks to yet another enchantment.

"Stop."

I jerked myself out of my trance, looking at her face, and noticing that she held a ritual blade in her hand, engraved in a tongue I didn't know. It was glowing with magic, and little strings of it were seeping back into it.

I realized with a shudder that I had been trying to eat the magic that she was wearing.

"This is how the noblewoman dresses for a ball. I have…above the average amount of enchantments on, for obvious reasons. Now turn around so we can make you match."

I turned to the mirror, embarrassingly naked, and I moved my arms as she slipped a corset around me, grunting as she pulled the laces back with a superhuman strength that left me wheezing.

"Fix."

I blushed, reaching down sheepishly to bring my breasts back up, looking at the floor as I did so.

"I don't dare put enchantments on you-you'd suck them right up."

I nodded, gasping again as she yanked on the laces, and I allowed a wisp of magic to open my lungs wider as she finally tied the laces, and I looked very generously endowed.

She yanked a brush through my hair, yanking harder every time I flinched, until my scalp was numb. Soon, a fluffy mane that was lifting off to the stars was in a thousand directions.

"Bloody elf hair." Teir grumbled, breaking out every manner of tool as she braided and brushed and grumbled.

I watched myself in the mirror as she did so. My hair slowly tamed, until two long, pale braids fell over my shoulders, down to my lap, shining so brightly that the light itself must be housed there.

She moved them behind me, out of my sight, and then yanked me to my feet.

"How did you learn to do this?" I blurted as she was digging through our things, looking for the dress I was to wear.

She stilled, not one piece of fabric daring to shift as she considered her words. After a long moment she said, "I…I used to do this for the maidens of the villages. For money."

I nodded, regretting my question, and she was softer from then on, but not by much.

Time flew by, and soon my face was sculpted-she relented and used some cosmetic magic-and I was adorned with a dress that was startlingly backless.

With a bit of magic, the back of the corset disappeared while still maintaining its form, and I shivered as cold air hit my shoulder blades.

My hair was redone, becoming an almost crown that spiraled about my head, strands pulled out to frame my face.

I felt beautiful.

Teir nodded, seeming to approve, but then she stiffened, nostrils flared as she looked at the door.

"Bathing chamber, go." She shooed me away, closing the door after me, and I floated into her head to watch.

Teir stood with knives in hand, ears stiffened as she listened to the faint footsteps that edged closer, until the doors opened, and Wrathion stood there, looking quite startled.

"Five seconds why I shouldn't kill you." She hissed, and he smiled, looking over to the bathroom door, where my body was concealed.

"So this is Jadearra Theron's personal guard."

I returned to my own mind and opened the door, letting a flicker of magic spark in my fingers.

He inhaled deeply, then grinned, "The rumors are true. The warrior princess became a mage of substantial strength. How intriguing." He said, then his face softened somewhat, startlingly, "It is refreshing to see you well. I came to see your prince after the siege, and he was…distraught."

I nodded, straightening and approaching the dragon as Teir lowered her blades, but she didn't put them away.

"You could've waited to see me at the ball. Like a normal person or…whelp," I said, and he gave me a toothy grin.

"I am unorthodox, after all. With your new…bond," Wrathion studied Teir for a moment, before his red eyes flicked back to me, "I didn't dare come speak with you in mind, lest I be skewered by your other half here."

"A good decision," Teir said, and I huffed a laugh.

"Thank you for your concern, but you can leave now. Good day," I said, and he turned without a word, leaving and shutting the door after him.

"He's creepy." Teir said, and I snorted.

That's an understatement.

She turned to me, holding out an array of knives, "Hide where you can. Powerful or not, you're much more disciplined with physical weapons than conjured ones."

I nodded, sticking blades and sheaths in their hiding places, before Teir deemed me ready to join Anduin and enter the ball.

She opened the door leading us down to the small back entrance we had found before, and then took a right to hook around towards the front, where Kenlora and Anduin waited.

He looked enchanting, golden hair finally cut short again, with some still flopping about his forehead every now and then. He wore royal dress, with the Lion of Stormwind shining proudly on his blue tabard, and his eyes held a wicked light that drew me in immediately.

"You look-."

"Gorgeous-."

"Perfect."

We stumbled over each other, and Kenlora snorted, reaching out and pulling Teir to her, whispering softly into her ear.

The hatch slammed shut, and I rolled my eyes at her antics.

Anduin held out his arm, and I took it as he said softly, "We have to be announced, speak to the card your full title, and it will be written." He handed me a card which had already written:

Anduin Wrynn, Heir to the throne and title of High King of Stormwind and the Alliance, Order C of the Cathedral of light, Disciple of Chi'ji.

I held the card to my lips, cheeks heating as I said, "Jadearra Theron, Heir to the throne and title of Reagent lady of the Thalassian Realm of Quel' Thalas, Military general of the Thalassian Realm, Lady of the Mists and Disciple of Yu'Lon."
My title gets longer with the years.

I looked down to see that it was printed in tiny letters.

"God you hold power," Anduin said, smiling as he took the card back, and I laid my cheek against his arm momentarily, before we were told to form up and prepare to be introduced.

The doors opened with Kenlora and Teir before us, "Introducing Kenlora Whisperwind, heir to the title and mantle of High Priestess of Elune and leader of the Darnassian people, Class B of the Cathedral of Light and Kalimdor Ambassador. Also Introducing Teir Tortheldrin Windrunner, Heir to the throne and title of Dark Lady and the lands of Lordearon."

Teir and Kenlora moved forward, seemingly floating on air, and eyes followed for only a moment, before snapping to us.

"Introducing Anduin Wrynn, Heir to the throne and title of High King of Stormwind and the Alliance, Order C of the Cathedral of light, Disciple of Chi'ji. Also introducing Jadearra Theron, Heir to the throne and title of Reagent Lady of the Thalassian Realm of Quel 'Thalas, Military general of the Thalassian Realm, Lady of the Mists and Disciple of Yu'Lon."

Eyes that followed us this time stayed, and I felt self conscious as Anduin led me across the ballroom. I was not in my element, and this was far from home.

But I will adapt.

"You look stunning, don't think about the eyes," Anduin whispered, and I smiled shakily, eyeing the many people still staring at me.

Once we took our place beside the Thrones-Varian was seated in one, the other merely covered with a shawl and a crown-the announcer spoke again.

"Now the Prince and his shall commence the first dance, and begin the royal celebrations."

Oh god.

I was led out once again to the floor, and I placed one hand gently on his shoulder, the other a death grip on his hand. He gave me a dazzling smile as his hand rested on my waist, and the music started.

The world faded as it kicked off into my favorite tune from the filthy animal, and I laughed aloud as I realized this was planned.

"You little-" I grinned as we launched into fast dancing, other pairs quickly joining in until we were amongst a great room of dancing and festivity.

"I told you it'd be okay," Anduin whispered, and I laughed as we kept on.

I didn't notice any of the stares, nor did I care.

I felt her enter the room.

My expression morphed, and Anduin led us by way of jig to the edge of the floor, where Jaina was waiting.

"You seem to be enjoying yourself." Jaina commented, and I realized that I was out of breath, my face red and my everything somewhat sweaty.

"I am, Lady Proudmoore," and I meant it too. This was lovely.

"Your control is holding wonderfully, and your aura seems fine…I say yes."

Yes.

I can go home.

"After the ball," Anduin whispered, "We cannot leave until later, then yes. We will go to the Court."

I nodded, giving Jaina a look of utmost gratitude, before we launched back into the fray of movement.

Dances changed, and soon we were switching off to other people. I was paired with an older human with a black and grey beard.

"Your ladyship," he said gruffly, and I smiled.

"How do you do, your…?" I ended openly, I don't know his title.

"Genn Greymane, former ruler of Gilneas," he said, and I nodded, recognition hitting.

Then I was switched, again and again and again.

I swear I had danced with half of the room before I returned to Anduin, and his equally sweaty faced agreed.

"Have we danced quite enough?" I asked, my feet aching and my body struggling within the corset.

"I think we have, let me just say goodbye to father, then we can go gather our things." Anduin said, and we danced our way to the thrones.

Varian looked up at our approach, and he sighed resignedly.

"I'm assuming this is goodbye for now, my son?" He asked, and Anduin nodded, looking up at his father lovingly.

I still hated the man on some level, but that hatred has since taken a step back, and was not my priority.

"Be safe," Varian said, and we were off.

Out of the ballroom and into the corridors, I was aching to get out of this gown and run.

I felt a sucking sensation behind my belly button, and suddenly we were in Anduin's chambers.

He looked disoriented for a moment, before he rolled his eyes at my shock.

"Well, we're saving time, go change." Anduin threw a thing of clothes at me and I fled into the bathing chamber before realizing-

"Um, Anduin." I said, my face bright red as I realized I was still in a corset.

"Yeah?" He poked his head in, and he saw my predicament.

"Can you, um…" I gestured to the laces, and suddenly his hands were there, sending little shocks along my skin as he undid the laces, until the corset released me completely, and I gulped in a full breath of air.

Cool air hit my breasts as they returned to their normal state, and I felt Anduin pressed against my back.

I was basically naked here.

His breath ghosted along my neck and shoulder, and I shivered, arousal blossoming in my stomach. His hands were on my waist, hot and firm on the bare skin.

"So beautiful," He whispered, almost silently, and I leaned back into him, thinking of the many scars that criss crossed my body.

We stood there for a few more moments, tension and arousal thick in the air, until we realized what we were doing and the moment broke.

He stepped away, clearing his throat and covering his eyes as I finished folding up the dress and slipping into the clothes Anduin had handed me.

A pair of cloth pants that had to be held up by a belt, a somewhat loose shirt, and his cloak.

He opened his eyes as soon as I brushed past him, and we went about packing quickly, until our things were in two somewhat dense packs.

"Bandit was taken to the court when you were brought here." Anduin said, and I Nodded-I'll get to see him again then, too.

"How are we-?" I stopped as he led me out to a large balcony, where an ebon gryphon waited.

"A gift from the Gilneans, he's the best for long distance," Anduin said, and the gryphon cawed proudly.

Anduin swung into the saddle, and I got up carefully behind him, wrapping my arms around his waist and leaning on him, nerves jangling.

"Your heart is moving like a jackrabbit's." Anduin said, and I hummed.

"I don't like heights," I said, and he nodded.

"We'll fly as low as we can then," but we have to launch high to do it," Anduin said, and I closed my eyes, burying my face into his shoulder.

"UP!"

Air roared past me as we were ripped into the sky, and I couldn't tell if the screaming in my ears was me or the wind.

Then we plateaued, and I risked a glance over his shoulder, and I gasped.

We were taking a circle around Stormwind, which glowed silver in the moonlight, with the lanterns giving it a twinkling effect.

"It's beautiful," I said, and Anduin hummed, the muscle vibrating against my cheek.

"I would love to see Silvermoon at such a ball," Anduin said, and I smiled, resting my chin on his shoulder as the gryphon took us away from the capital city of the Alliance.

I'm going home.

We left the forest covered plains for the burning steppes, and the hot wind scorched my face and made my eyes water. The searing gorge an hour later wasn't much better, but then I was glad I had the cloak.

"Close your eyes, we have to go up," Anduin said, and I squeezed my eyes shut as the angle of the gryphon changed dramatically, and we went straight up, and it got cold fast.

"Welcome to Dun Morogh, Dwarvish capital," Anduin said, and I looked up-oh wow.

Snowy mountains were everywhere, and the air was freezing, my breath puffed, and I felt stiff.

"We'll blast through, and it should be warmer in the wetlands," Anduin said, but my eyes were on the city within the mountain.

I had heard of Ironforge, and how the impenetrable fortress had withstood the first Orcish horde, but to see it was awe inspiring.

But soon we were flying down again, at a not so extremely rate, into the wetlands.

The sun was beginning to rise, its first rays stretching into the sky, and I yawned.

"We're halfway there, hold on," Anduin pushed the gryphon to go faster, and we raced over the Arathi highlands, the sun still making its way off the horizon, and fully rising as

we pushed through the hinterlands.

"The entrance to the realm is close, I can feel it!"

I could feel the magic encasing Quel 'Thalas-ancient wards that called out in recognition.

We got closer, and I yelled out in thick Thalassian, "Open for the Reagent Princess!"

A sliver opened and with a terrifying barrel roll-

I was home.

The Ghostlands were dark and dreary below me, but I could see Eversong, I could see Silvermoon.

The sun was well up already here, and we pushed the gryphon onward.

I heard elves call out in recognition as we flew past, and I grinned maniacally, waving to them and laughing as sweet air filled my lungs.

I'm home.

We got to Eversong, and we flew low, and I yelled out, "Send couriers to the palace, I'm coming home!"

I saw couriers upon Hawkstriders race out from the villages, and I glowed.

I missed my people.

"Lady Theron!"

"On a gryphon!"

"You're home!"

Anduin brought us low again, and I touched hands with the elves that were calling out, giving them bright smiles and a warm laugh as we took off for the palace.

"You're so happy," Anduin said warmly, and I grinned, kissing his shoulder as we flew into Silvermoon.

Citizens looked up, calling out as they recognized me, and I waved.

Then we were landing.

Father was waiting for us-my beautiful father, who I missed-and as the gryphon touched down on the smooth stone, I launched off of it, and into Father's arms.

"Jade, my beautiful girl. You're home," Father's arms came in tight around me, and teary laughter exploded from my chest as I finally got to hug my father again.

"I'm home. I'm alive. I-" I hugged him again, desperate to make up for the months lost.

We finally separated, and Father looked at Anduin hard from where he was holding the gryphon's reins, "Thank you."

A servant was called to take the gryphon to the stables to be fed and watered, and I was aching with need.

"I need to see mother," I said, and Father sighed, a hand through his hair.

"She's asleep currently. I think it'd be best for you and her to speak when she's awake." Father said, and I nodded, a small bubble of grief blossoming in my revelry of homecoming.

"I can see the exhaustion in your face, daughter. Go to your spire and sleep. Bandit awaits." Father said, and I smiled, feeling my fatigue drag at every bone in my

body.

"And you-" Father eyed Anduin with a look that spoke of conflicting respect, gratitude, and hatred, before he sighed, "Keep her happy."

With that, he gave me one last kiss on the forehead, and went back inside.

"Sleep?" I looked at Anduin, who looked so out of his element in my home.

He nodded, and took my hand.

We're home.