A/N: Just a short chapter, but I've felt like writing something for a while. There is more to come, hopefully!
Standing in her bathroom, Savannah pulled her shirt up, her stele fitted in her other hand comfortably. Setting the tip to her skin, she started to carefully redraw over a Rune that had started to fade, just below her bra. It was a birth control Rune, an important one to keep up every three months, which she never missed.
At a knock in her door, she paused, wondering who it might be. "Come in, it's open," she called out, glancing back to see Steff walk in, closing the door behind her. "Ah, Steff. I hope you've been well since you've been back from your trip."
Steff gave her a smile, walking over closer to the bathroom. "Sorry, I hope I'm not interrupting," Steff replied, watching as Savannah continued to trace over the old Rune. "I have been good, thank you." Watching for a moment longer, she tilted her head to the side as she tried to place it. "That's a birth control Rune, right?"
Savannah made a sound of agreement, making the last stroke, before she let her shirt fall back down again. "Yep. I'm almost surprised you know what it is, considering I doubt you've ever needed one."
Steff blushed lightly, which she found amusing. "I… haven't, no. Not that there's anything wrong with you using it."
"Thought so," Savannah laughed, pointing her stele at her. "Besides, you want kids too much."
Steff didn't deny her words, instead asking, "Do you? Want kids, I mean?"
Considering the question, Savannah gave a slight shrug. "I have too many ambitions for that. I don't plan on slowing down anytime soon and I don't need anything getting in my way." Of course, her parents would be keen for their line to continue, but they also had her brother for that.
The other girl didn't look surprised, and Savannah eyed her for a moment longer. "What's up? Do you need my help with something?"
"No, I…" Steff looked a little unsure of how to broach the subject. "I actually just came to see how you're going. After what you told me about Isaac and all."
Savannah resisted the urge to roll her eyes. She didn't need someone checking up on her. "That's sweet of you, but I can take care of myself, like I said."
"I know you can, but if you need someone to talk to him-…" Steff continued, before Savannah interrupted her.
"I don't. I'm dealing with his obsession in my own way. I don't need a big scene just yet," Savannah said, firmly. "I've told some people in the Clave, and I'll keep an eye on it."
"Oh, okay," Steff replied, hesitating in her questioning. "I get it. It's good if you've told someone else."
Savannah hummed, tucking her stele away and taking a step closer to her. "I appreciate your concern. Really. But I like to do things my way."
Steff nodded, straightening. "Well, if you ever want to talk, just let me know."
"I'll keep that in mind," Savannah agreed, with a brief smile to appease her.
"I'll talk to you later then," Steff replied, returning her smile. "I wasn't planning on interrupting you for too long," she added, before slipping out into the hallway and leaving quietly.
Savannah sighed, tying her hair up. Her strategy regarding Isaac was starting to take place and to spread, but it affected her too. She didn't like the thought of others thinking she needed help, and neither did she like playing some kind of victim.
But she'd do what she needed to do in order to win.
Dressed in what Kellan could now identify as Seelie noble wear, Kellan's hair had been tamed, some of the more unruly curls pinned back from his face. He had also been given a delicate golden crown to wear, which was like small vines snaking around his head. He was to speak at a Seelie celebration, and he was a little nervous, although he had done it once before.
A couple of guards led him to the stage where he took his place. It was an event that different classes of the Seelie were allowed to mingle at, and he was glad to see it was not restricted.
Clearing his throat, he gave a smile, inclining his head. It was best if he looked natural he knew, and didn't let his nerves show. The Queen stood towards the front, covered in a long dress made from golden leaves with a trail flowing behind her. She kept her thoughts hidden as usual, her expression a perfect mask.
"Thank you for joining us today to celebrate this important occasion," he started, his gaze skimming over the crowd. The Court faeries listened intently, likely curious to hear him speak. For once, he did not search for Ethos in the crowd, knowing that he was away on his trip past the Seelie's borders. It was disappointing to not have his support there – liking to have his familiar face in the crowd - but it couldn't be helped.
"Today marks a day in the Seelie's history when we defeated the Unseelie, after they took some of our members hostage," he recounted, from what he'd been told. "While I was not there to bear witness, I am proud of the Seelie fighters who laid down their lives to protect others. They will not be forgotten." A number of faeries in the crowd inclined their heads, in an acknowledgement.
"The Queen and I would like to thank you for your dedication to your Court." A suggested speech had been scripted for him, but he decided to break off from it to add in a personal message. "And I would also like to thank you for your warm welcome. The Seelie constantly surprises and delights me, and I cannot think of anywhere I would prefer to be. I still have much to learn, but I will work to try and be the Prince that you deserve."
To his surprise, there was a cheer from one corner, as some of the lower faeries and other species clapped. They looked happy by his speech, and he inclined his head. "Please, enjoy this event, and I hope to speak to you all soon."
Stepping away and moving to walk off the stage, the faeries returned to their conversations and some musicians started to play their instruments, and he found the Queen had come over to wait for him. "Kellan," she said, a hint of satisfaction to her gaze as she led him off to the side. "You did well for one of your first speeches. I know you will be a natural," she praised, and he blushed lightly, lowering his gaze.
"I still have things to improve on, I know. But my classes are helping," he replied, wanting to give credit to his advisors.
"Of course," she responded smoothly, although her tone changed, just subtly. "I can see you are adored by the lower class," she said, her gaze moving towards where the majority of them stood and chatted. There was a variety of species, from nymphs to pixies and more. "But I must caution you that while they might love you now, love is an emotion that can quickly turn to hate," she said, pointedly. "You need to make sure that they respect you. And sometimes an element of separation is necessary for this."
Kellan looked over at her quickly. "I am not-… I mean…" Sighing, he struggled for what to say. "I want to be a Prince to them all. Not just the higher Court members," he said finally, hoping that he wouldn't offend her.
"And you will be," she acknowledged, pressing a kiss to his cheek, her hand a gentle pressure against his back. Drawing back, she studied him. "It is not easy, I know. But you will continue to grow into your role. You should know I believe that."
He had the feeling she was letting him off for now, although he also gathered that she still had more to say on the subject. "Your belief is important to me," he responded, giving a slight smile in return.
"Good. I must speak to some of the Court members, but feel free to go and mingle," the Queen encouraged, drawing her hand back and taking a step back. "I'm sure they are awaiting your presence."
Giving a slight bow in return, Kellan's guards moved to flank him again, and he moved back towards those gathered, quickly being offered a drink before he was drawn into conversation.