Dad blinked several times before seeming able to articulate a word. "Summer?"

Oberon raised an eyebrow."Summer? You named your daughter Summer?" I could no longer hear the music or see the frenetic dances going on, my mind was completely focused on the man before me.

"It was mom's idea" I replied. Oberon smiled pleasantly but it looked strained, fake.

"It's a beautiful name" everyone let out the breath they had been holding, including me. It seemed the King didn't mind me having that name. It was a relief because I liked it.

Kieran's taut muscles relaxed. The hand that was not being clutched by me was gripping the hilt of his sword. I wondered what had put him like that.

"Am I interrupting something? I can't help feeling a little left out" complained a bitter voice.

The Winter Queen came into view scowling at Meghan and Ash's intertwined hands.

"Ah, Mab" exclaimed Oberon "We will join you in a second" He looked at my father and sighed "Don't let her know"

Titania watched me maliciously. "We should keep the half-breed, I'm sure then we wouldn't have so many problems with him" I put on my best poker face and stared unblinkingly at the bitchy Queen. She wasn't going to intimidate me just by calling me a half breed.

"She isn't going anywhere" Meghan stepped in "She's under my protection. Kierran" She nodded at him.

"See you later your Majesties" He pulled me aside and motioned to Dad to follow him.

We walked in silence out of the courtyard, where there were less curious faeries.

I let go of Kierran's support. He looked at me confused. "I need to speak to him alone"

I hadn't seen my father in six years, and this guy made it difficult for me to concentrate on the important stuff.

His jaw tensed. "Okay, I'll be near" He stalked off to the entrance of the palace.

Dad scrathced his forehead. "You must hate me, and Oberon's going to kill me."

"I don't. I'm just really pissed off"

He grinned. "I think I deserve it" Yep, you do.

"Mom's dead" I blurted. His eyes widened and he cursed under his breath.

I didn't know why I had said it just like that, but I wanted him to know. To know I needed him. I needed my father.

"I should've been there for you, I'm sorry" It was the first time I had seen him take something seriously.

"I assume you wouldn't consider coming back, right?" I asked with a hint of hope. I didn't honestly think he would come with me, but it didn't hurt asking.

He lowered his head. "I don't think the boss will let me. But then, I never do what he says..." Dad sighed. "It will be difficult, though. You know because the iron..."

"Oh" I had forgotten that. There were a lot of reasons why him living in the mortal Realm would be a bad idea, each of them popped into my mind at that moment, and the feeling of failure made my heart sink. "it's okay"

Dad pulled me into an embrace. "I'm really sorry, Summer" he chuckled "This is so messed up, I look like a teenager and so do you"

I laughed. "Yeah"

We laughed until my stomach started hurting.

"So, what now?" I asked.

He put an arm over my shoulders "We enjoy the party"

I danced with my father two songs, then Kierran took over.

"Seems like everything is okay"

He spun me around. "Yep" I paid no attention to the curious glances from the faeries around us. "Why are you suddenly so protective? I thought you didn't like me"

He pulled me closer. "Father told me to protect you, that it was important, so that's what I'm doing"

I felt disapointed, for some reason I had thought he truly cared for me at least a little, guess I was wrong. Well, life moves on.

"Good" Was what I said.

A slow song came on and Kierran led. It was hard to be mad at him being so close. This guy was totally messing up with my hormones.

I rested my head on his shoulder and let the music and his arms, guide me.

"You don't like that, do you?" I asked casually.

"What?"

"Being my babysitter"

"I don't -"

"It's okay. I don't mind, I wouldn't either" I felt him sigh but he kept quiet, just singing softly in my ear.

Too soon, the song came to an end, and someone tapped Kierran's shoulder. "Excuse me, Prince, I think it's my turn"

I raised my head. A guy a little shorter than Kierran with sand-colored hair was standing there. And he wanted to dance with me.

Kierran eyed him suspiciously.

"Kierran, it's just a dance" I stepped out of his arms. He frowned.

"C'mon man. She'll be just fine."

The guy put his hands on my hips and we started dancing. "So, you're Summer, aren't ya? Goodfellow's daughter?"

"Wow, news travel fast here" I muttered.

He chuckled "Yes" We swayed around the dance floor for a while.

Someone in the back of my mind was telling me something was off about the whole situation but pushed it back, not wanting to start worrying over nonsenses.

I heard the guy whistle and then I felt a sting on my neck. I brought my hand to it and felt it wet. When I looked at my hand, I saw it was blood.

"What the -"

The world did cartwheels and I lost my balance. The floor wasn't where it was supposed to be, the air was cold, it was freezing me, which was absurd since I was at the Summer Court.

Voices were only beeps to my ears.

"It was a dart!" Was the last thing I understood before drifting off.

Yeah, I know it's kind of fast-paced, one of my problems is that I don't add too much details, I'll try to fix that in the next chapters... and thanks for the reviews. I'm usually doing my homework when I write so that's why I can't really focus but I'll try to do it better now =D