Luminyx was ready to leave the stifling, crowded building the moment she entered and took her rightful place on the platform at the rear wall. The platform was raised so that she had a good view of the stage and its occupants despite her distance from it, but at the moment there was nothing to see. Drab gray concrete walls, a stage devoid of the lowly creature(s) she was seeking, and no Prince Dellywynne to amuse her and make her heart beat a little faster. The Princess swept a half lidded, moss green gaze over the floor’s occupants, studying the pleasing, clashing array of colors that put most rainbows to shame.

Humans were so dull, lifeless, and primitive. How could these beings with their flawed skin and dull eyes be equal to fairies? The answer was so simple… they couldn’t.

Luminyx smoothed the soft golden material of her dress with one pale gold hand, then returned her hands to their folded position in front of her abdomen. She wanted to pat her hair as well, but Princesses didn’t fidget; nor were they concerned that they were anything less the immaculate in appearance. Her midnight blue hair was gathered up and piled on her head in a style strongly resembling drooping leaves; the spun gold streaks in her hair were brought out by the bright material of her dress. She’d outlined her eyes in a vibrant red to match her lips and bring out her green eyes to their full effect.

She was certain that no other fairy there was nearly as striking, with the exception of Prince Dellywynne, who (speak of the devil), was just entering the building at that moment and strode over to take his place beside her on the platform. She studied him subtly beneath half closed eyes in the short amount of time it took him to reach her, then reluctantly turned her gaze to the stage.

“Greetings, Prince Dellywynne,” she said formally, still staring at the stage, but a second later she glanced askance at him with her lips quirked into a sly, impish half-smile. Her moss green eyes held a gleam of mischief.

“Are you finally going to tell me why you’ve decided to come? I’ve come for a servant, but I’m fairly certain you still have yours.” She’d been needling him gently about his reasons for coming since several days before the event, but he’d refused to tell her, arousing her curiosity to greater heights each time he refused.

Her servant, a very strong-minded, rebellious woman, had threatened to tell the Prince and King a few things she’d rather they never found out about. Despite the fact that the King would never believe a servant over his own Daughter, Luminyx still searched for the Fairy of the most ill repute and promptly sold her to him for a ridiculously cheap price, outright admitting that the woman was mentally unstable, but with stern discipline, was still capable of labor.

While she was needling the Prince about his reasons, the auctioneer had been herding humans onto the stage. Luminyx was paying no attention, certain that it would be a long while yet before she found the servant who fitted her needs. But the prince, who had been replying to her, abruptly ceased everything he was doing and stared at the stage in such a manner that Luminyx herself turned to see what caught his attention.

Naturally, she was not pleased with what she saw. The girl being shoved unceremoniously to the front of the stage had dull brown hair and atrociously striped pajamas, although they were passably bright. Despite this, she was attractive enough to catch the Prince’s attention and keep it.

She felt a pang of disappointment, then a small flare of anger. Her lips dropped into the slightest frown, her expression becoming stony and more than a little disdainful as she studied the girl and waited for the bidding to begin. The auctioneer held up one finger and Luminyx’s gaze skirted to the Prince, who had raised his hand. She raised hers also, no doubt eliciting some surprise from Dellywyne.

There was no way she was going to let this girl become his servant. Her feminine instincts insisted to her that she was being threatened and they were almost always right. The number of bidders quickly began to drop as the man held up more fingers and even as he held up a third finger, nearly equal to her current allowance, she kept her hand up. She inwardly cringed as he held up a fourth finger, but her heart lifted as the Prince dropped his hand with obvious disappointment.

At the same time, she felt bad for denying him. But this was for his own good. In time, he would come to see that there was only one woman for him, the one who had stuck by him since the day she had been born, and until that time, Lumi was going to do everything in her power to crush her competition.

“Perhaps next time, Brother,” She said gently, teasingly. She knew better than to throw it in his face or mock him over his loss. Besides, she had lost almost her entire allowance and wouldn’t be able to get that beautiful white mare she’d wanted so badly.

As she turned her gaze back to the stage and the girl on it, Luminyx couldn’t stop a smile of triumph from spreading over her face, wondering what she was going to do with the servant girl now. She could sell her to someone, but… what if she somehow came in contact with the Prince again? No, it was best to keep her where she could keep an eye on her. Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer. A very valuable human saying that had to have originated from fairies.

Intelligent lavender eyes peered around the area, trying to take in everything at once. She was able to ignore for the moment, the rope that tied her tiny frame to her current Master, but that disappeared the instant Kiriel moved ever so slightly.  Resisting the urge to untie the rope around her own waist, the small child instant focused on the human up on a stage.  She was never placed upon a stage to be sold because when the Faeries took over the orphanage, they just forced her into slavery then. Her first owner was a male that forced her to do harsh labor, something no child should ever do. But, it was done and she learned to do it without complaining because anytime she did, a whip found its way to her soft flesh.  At least Kiriel didn’t beat her and the only work that was to be done was picking out clothes, which was not difficult at all!

Poor girl… I wonder what it’d be like to be auctioned off like this. Damn Faeries are going to pay for enslaving us!

Playing a little with the rope before tugging on her purple hair, Lily watched the sale silently.  When it was over, Kiriel started forward and Lily quickly bounded forward, making sure the rope was never pulled taunt.  Weaving in and out of the crowd, she once again thought about attempting to escape, but realized she probably wouldn’t get very far.  It wasn’t long before the two climbed up a few steps and Yuy once again took in whatever was being said, because it although it didn’t matter to her at the moment, it might later on.

“Stupid Faeries.”

The two words were no more than a whisper and she had wandered off as far as the rope would let her, so Lily didn’t know if anyone heard her or not. Part of her didn’t care if they did while the other part didn’t really want to be punished.  Sitting down ‘criss-cross applesauce’, she made sure to appear to be paying attention elsewhere, but was internally wondering why Kiriel was flirting with the Prince and why she appeared to be ridiculing the Princess. Wouldn’t she be chastised for that or were Faeries allowed to scoff at one another? The more she tried to understand, the more difficult it seemed to be.

“Shall I fetch the other girl, ma’am?”

Whispers. Some say they could travel faster then the wind, others say it is just mindless gossip. Yet their kind seemed to glow in it, craved it even more then the humans did. Dellywynne, the Crowned Prince, had arrived unexpectedly. Of course, mostly everyone was aware of his coming, maybe even before he was, for they say the Prince was smitten. With who? They did not know. But you could bet that nickel in your pocket that they were dying to know.

Dellywynne was a rather interesting character, at least the women thought so. Even the humans were fascinated by him for they claimed he looked like a blessed angel from above. Hair as bright as the stars, eyes bluer then the sky and a lingering smell of Lilacs surrounded him. Women clamored to him every chance they got, which was surprisingly often. Yet right now that did not matter.

With graceful steps the man entered the room and a silence took over as everyone watched him. They all knew without hesitation that he would stay near his sister, who was just as gorgeous as he, Luminyx. The dream couple that everyone went on about daily. They all agree'd that it had been predestined for the two to be soul mates yet Dellywynne paid it no mind. With his impish grin, Dellywynne strode right up to his sister and bowed before her as a release of breath went through the room causing the chatter to resume as normal, “Greetings, Prince Dellywynne,” she said before returning the same secret smile, a smile they had shared since they were children.

His response was simple, he laughed a musical laugh. Clenching his stomach as a tear left his right eye. After a moment, the Prince composed himself and smiled at his beautiful sibling. "Come, sister, why so formal?" He took her all in, from her lovely green eyes to the way she sat, regal-like, in her golden dressed that made her hair pop out more. A Princess she was, and her aura screamed it to the world. Blue eyes filled with joy, Dellywynne took his seat next to her and slouched into it with his face falling into his hand. As quickly as the joy came it left, a mild side effect of being a Fairy. Emotions changed quickly and as of late, Dellywynne had become increasingly silent and withdrawn though most people never seemed to notice. It was rare that he was his true form in public yet today had been tiring for him. A moment of silence passed before his sister spoke again, “Are you finally going to tell me why you’ve decided to come? I’ve come for a servant, but I’m fairly certain you still have yours.”

A small grin returned to his handsome face, "You never give up, do you dear Lumi?" Lumi was his pet name for her and he preferred calling her that whether it be a occasion formal or informal. His reason? Eh how could he possibly explain his thoughts without being laughed at? "What if I just wanted to spend some time with my dear sister..." His words trialed off as his eyes caught sight of "her." The human girl.

Intensity surged through his very being as he ate her up, from luxurious brown hair to the way her bright pajamas fit her form but really, he was looking into her eyes. They seemed scared, and lonely yet frighteningly beautiful and... pure. How different, how... intriguing she was to him. Again she struck him with her innocence, her courage. He had been waiting for this day, for them to meet again. With his thoughts gone awry, Dellywynne failed to realize his sister was brooding next to him, he sat up straighter and waited for the bidding to begin. The selling had begun.

On impulse, Dellywynne kept his hand raised. He failed to realize the growing muttering until it was just him... and Lumi. His eyes widened in shock as his sister had a look of determination about her but he felt it best to say nothing and his imp smile returned as it became neck in neck. All eyes were on the competing duo, wondering who would win this... prize.

With a sigh of resignation, the Prince dropped his hand and fell back into his previous relaxed, bored posture. If he continued, not only would it be rude to his sister and their people but it would arose suspicion. “Perhaps next time, Brother,” She teased.

Shaking his head, Dellywynne laughed a heartfelt one, "Now you know as well as I that you will always win my dove." After a moment, his eyes fell again on the girl before a voice called out to them.  “Flesh of mine, I greet you. Prince and Princess.”

"Ah! Cousin, good to see you again." Dellywynne waved to Kiriel, who despite her appearance was a Princess of the Desert Kingdom. “Do you like my new addition, Prince?”  Dellywynne watched as she turned to show off her new ink art, it was quite a sight. The sword suited her personality well, a sharp edge you would not want to be at the end of. "It's marvelous! Maybe one day you  can show me the ways of tattooing?" A harmless flirt between a man and a woman.

 “Miss me?” Daringly she asked.

"With each passing sun and rising moon." Laughing, Dellywynne winked at the girl playfully. "But tell me, how is your dear mother?"  His eyes left the women and fell back on the stage. The young girl was gone and they were bringing someone else out, a wild one.

"Shouldn’t you go get your prize?”

“Shall I fetch the other girl, ma’am?”

A new girl appeared on stage, a wild one at that. Kicking and screaming like an untamable stallion. People throughout the room called out obscenities at this "untrainable" slave and requested real, obedient slaves. But after a while, she just... stopped. Her demeanor was almost threatening and Dellywynne could not help but admire this about her. Her bravery to face a different species head on or was it just foolishness?

The auctioneer was trying desperately to rid himself of her, but she stood there with a smug look. He even resorted to begging, "She just needs someone to show her the way of things out here. The others were weak, but surely there is a Fae out here powerful enough to teach this girl her place in our society." It was rather pathetic really and most Fae's just looked away.The girl called out, "I'm not learning anything!" and continued with her desperate fight against the chains. It was an amusing sight, so amusing that Dellywynne was laughing and tears of joy fell from his eyes again. Standing up, he spoke loudly as the room quieted down, "I will take her from your hands. But whether I'm strong enough to show her the way, I know not. I'm sure she can claw me to death before I can give a command."

A bout of laughter erupted from the crowd as a few maidens cried out their love for the Prince. Wiping sweat from his brow, the auctioneer smiled and shouted, "And so she goes to the Prince Dellywynne! May the Blessed Angels keep watch over him and help him guide this poor soul."

More laughter ensued as the Prince returned his attention to his company, "Shall we be going?"

A tall male Fairy was the one who led Celesse off her stage, allowing her to take one last glance around the room. As her eyes found the stage yet again, a wild and seemingly rabid girl was being held as she through the fit of the century. Sadness and fear for her clutched at Celesse's heart. She knew that with that kind of demeanor, the girl would never find a decent home to serve. Though, being in a kind home did nothing to lessen the weight of being a slave. You still didn't own yourself.

The male led her around a corner and through an unassuming wooden door, which revealed a small, dimly lit room. The only light available came from the sparse torches that lined the cold stone walls. A chill invaded her spine as she looked upon the female standing in the center of the room with her back facing a mirror on the opposing wall. Celesse stumbled forward only to have the woman take two long strides and shove the clothing heap into her arms, giving Celesse a look of pure disgust, with she returned obligingly. This earned her nothing but a quick smack to the face, bringing bitter tears to Celesse's eyes.

The male stepped forward and unbound her shackles, allowing the woman to completely strip Celesse of her pajamas. A bashful blush bloomed across her chest and face as she looked behind her, meeting the male's disgusting stare. Making sure her back was facing him, Celesse hastily donned the soft, silky blue shirt adorned with a rearing unicorn and black pants, finishing off with matching black slipper-shoes.

She looked into the mirror briefly, taking in her appearance. She saw her dark brown hair, her blue-grey eyes, her curvy figure...but she didn't recognize any of it. Her hair didn't seem to shine as bright, her eyes weren't as animated, and her figure was slumped with resignation.

At least the clothes were comfortable.

A cough behind her took her attention off her reflection and made her turn around, expecting to see the lusty male. Instead, an older male with a kind face beckoned for her to come forward. She didn't trust him. Kind face meant nothing when they were on Fairies--they were all malicious tricksters. He was probably scheming against her as he let out another cough, this one breaking her narrow-eyed stare.

Bracing herself, Celesse followed him through the door and around the same corner she had turned before. She stood in the doorway, idly watching the disgusting Fairies mingle, not even noticing that entourage that included her new owner approaching at a brisk pace. She was taken aback when the woman with bright blue hair asked in a sickly sweet voice, "What is your name, dear."

Celesse looked up to meet her eyes, noticing the malice that resided there. ...What a bitch... was the first thought that wandered through her mind. Her nasty smile raised her hackles, instantly making Celesse want to retort with something just as nasty as this woman in front of her. Instead, she took her time answering, looking behind her and accidentally making eye contact with the male with brilliant silver hair and deep blue eyes. She blushed, both in embarrassment and anger. Embarrassment because she had been caught basically ogling him, and anger because she had let herself be taken on by the Fairy's appearance. She had to make sure she contained herself in their presence.

Refocusing her attention on the blue-haired woman, Celesse cleared her throat and responded, "My name is Celesse Marie Jetter. What about you?"

Kiriel wanted to laugh at Lumi, the little miss princess. She was attempting to insult her tattoo’s, something that no desert fae could ever take as an insult, since the tattoo’s showed that they were warriors, not afraid to be in pain, not afraid to mark up the perfect skin that they had been given. Perfect lips curled up, crinkling her cheek to give the girl a set of dimples that, actually, were results of small, unnoticeable scars on both of her cheeks.

“It is okay,” she murmured in a sickly sweet voice, batting her lashes as her fingers curled around the hilt of the sword her tattoo mimicked. “ Only warriors can have tattoo’s, and you’re...Just too...Delicate.” It wasn’t an insult, persay. Since most of the fae she ruled over thought that the castle fae were downright pathetic excuses of flesh…But Kiriel meant it to be one.

As the male came forward, bringing with him the two’s newly bought slaves, Kirel couldn’t help but to smile a predators grin at the Prince’s new toy, head cocking to the side as silver locks caressed her dark cheek. “If you can’t handle her, “ she started out playfully. “I would love to take her off your hands. This one, “ she pointed a elegant finger towards her violet haired slave, “Could use someone to...interact with. And she would survive long in my homeland.”

It was a simple reminder that she was different and wouldn’t always be around – hadn’t always been around, unlike Lumi. Of course the Prince was expected to get tired of her. The girl was no warrior, no one the male could relate to. She was soft, a woman. A… Toy, a proper wife, good for bedding, but no fun. Not like Kiriel.

Kiriel could be a lot of fun and this, sitting around and talking about slaves and politely insulting one another because they were enamored with the prince just wouldn’t do. Arching her back, allowing the curved spine to let out several pops before she sat up once more, she laughed and smacked her lips together in a loud yawn. Crude, yes. “Well, I am wishing to go riding, or something other than this…” A small laugh bubbled forth from this plump lips as she turned black orbs on the two. “Would you, “ there was no mistaking who she was really talking to, “like to join me?”

A swift and unexpected hand extended towards Lily to take a firm yet gentle grip upon her arm as she made to flee. Selphina's eyes rested upon her calmly, displaying nothing but concern and sympathy from within the confines of her hood. The woman had arrived in the area mere moments ago, as usual, with perfect timing.

"My dear, I would advise against running. Such things will only lead to punishment and pain. You would not last long on the run before being captured, be it by someone who would seek out your proper owner, or take you for themselves. There are far worse masters than the royal family, truly, as I am sure you know. I doubt you have even any idea how to return to your own world from this realm, hm?"

Selphina's voice seemed to echo in the auction house, sounding far less human than most fae. Of course, any delusion that she was simply a normal fae would be dispelled the moment that Lily glanced around and saw that the rest of the crowd were frozen, in the middle of sentences, laughter - or in the case of the royal party, surprise.

"To ensure your continued existence, I would advise that you simply keep your head down and follow orders. This is a life unfit for any sentient being, but it is the one you must endure for the time being. There are those amongst my people who disagree with the enslavement of your own, though they are few, they exist. There will come a time when you have your chance, but it is not today, child."

Without a further word, Selphina walked forwards, dragging Lily along behind her as she wove her way through the crowd back to the royal party, where she placed Lily back where she had been standing moments before. "You would do well to play the obedient slave now, my dear. It will earn you - how do you humans say it - 'brownie points' with both your mistress and the Prince if you make no attempt to escape despite the loss of the rope. Though do keep an eye on the Princess - she is a rather unpleasant example of my people, even as they go..."

Not waiting for a response from the young girl, nor replying to any questions, Selphina walked away. Once she was out of sight, after a few moments, the crowd once more resumed activity.

From where she rested just outside, Selphina wiped her brow. She was unused to such direct manipulation of time, and needed several moments to regain composure before she was able to continue. Once she had caught her breath, however, she rounded the corner into the auction house for the second time, and approached the royal party. She paid no mind to Lily whatsoever, her attention instead focused on the Prince and Princess.

"Greetings, your majesties." she said, inclining her head to each in turn, "His royal highness sent me to inquire as to what is keeping you? You know how he worries." she continued, making little effort to hide the wry amusement at her final sentence. The king really was not one to worry, more likely was that he wanted to speak with one or the other of them, or had some ulterior motive for keeping them back at the palace.

Oh really? I’ll show you delicate…

Refusing to give voice to her vicious thoughts, Luminyx tilted her head, her eyes narrowing into displeased, disdainful feline slits as the corners of her mouth turned down slightly. Her expression was downright icy, not to mention haughty, as she stared at Kiriel for a long moment, debating on returning to the insult.
 
However, it wouldn’t do to ruin her public image. Certain people already suspected what she was really like; staring mulishly at her cousin as they traded insults like children was not going to alleviate their doubts. The Princess flashed her cousin a dangerous smile and laughed, loudly, to the crowd appearing as if she was enjoying a particularly hilarious joke. “You may be right, dear cousin. Not every fairy is a warrior, but we all have our own unique… talents.”  

Luminyx said no more as Kiriel turned her attention to the Prince’s newest slave, who seemed more of a handful than Lumi would have wanted to deal with. It was best to break the spirit of those who didn’t have the intelligence to keep their rebelliousness to themselves, but she would be interested to see how the Prince dealt with the insolent girl.

Moss green eyes slid over to the young slave Lily as the rope slipped off of, curious as to what the slave would do. Naturally, Lumi expected her to run. What self respecting sentient being wouldn’t run upon being offered freedom from lifelong enslavement? But the slave remained in place. Why? For the briefest moment, Lumi felt an odd, unreasonable depression settle on her heart like a heavy stone, threatening to choke the breath out of her.

Almost as if she herself were in an invisible, gilded cage. But that was ridiculous. She wasn’t a slave; she was a Princess. She could have whatever she wanted, whenever she wanted, however she wanted. She had power. These arguments failed to remove the feeling, but a second later it was gone, leaving a lingering unpleasantness that Lumi quietly puzzled over, wondering why the slave's refusal to run had set off such a strange emotion.

Luminyx lifted her eyes to the unmistakable presence of Selphina, the one Fae in existence that actually intimidated the stubborn, strong-willed Princess. Something about her, the way she looked at Lumi as if she knew everything about her, saw right through her façade. This Fae was one Lumi tended to go out of her own way to avoid, something her pride would never let her do around anyone else. She stared at the woman as she spoke quietly to the slave, no doubt explaining the idiocy of her attempts to run.

Her relief as Selphina left was sadly short lived; the woman returned a moment later and made a beeline straight for them. Luminyx took a deep, subtle breath and stiffened her spine, her expression serene and calm.  She turned to look at Dellywynne, realizing that for a few moments she had forgotten of him completely. Cold, icy rage surged through her as she noticed the direction he was looking. It was a brutal fight to keep her expression from contorting with rage, but it was a fight she won.

Forcefully imposing upon their staring contest by taking a step forward, Luminyx nodded to the newly dubbed “Celesse”. “Princess Luminyx, but normally I prefer the title to be left off. It’s a pain to say more than once,” She said with a Cheshire grin. The intentionally, playfully evil look on her face would probably have most wondering why she didn’t have fangs.

If there was one thing she knew how to do, it was win people over, make them doubt any hostility or nastiness they may have witnessed from her. Occasionally she slipped, but she was always careful to smooth things over. She glanced briefly at Kiriel, painfully resisting the urge to flash her a triumphant smile, and then turned to Selphina with a gracious smile as the fae woman approached them and greeted them.

“Sometimes we get so involved in our activities that we forget our Father’s paternal worries,” Lumi replied to Selphina’s inquiry, nodding to the woman and to her cousin politely before taking her Brother’s offered hand with a warm smile. “Of course we shall. We’d better hasten to reassure him before he sends out every fairy in the kingdom to search for us,” She chuckled richly as they hurried away.

To think that her slave could have escaped was almost too much for the proud woman to bare. Those fathomless black orbs rested upon the tiny body that stood some distance from her, plump lips almost twithicng down in a frown as she awaited for the girl to run off from her, to be captured and returned – or to be captured and beaten mercilessly. The thought slide Kiriel into a bad mood, and the presence of one of the oldest Fae did little to improve that. Stalking forward a step, the aggressive woman circled strong fingers around Lily’s wrist and tugged her upwards, yanking harshly upon her arm.

“Do not run off, you hear?” 

Of course the warning was too late, but it had burst from the woman’s lips as if it had a mind of it’s own. Kiriel may be a Fae, and may not much like the idea of slavery, but if the girl ran off and got hurt…The thought was unthinkable, horrid. Children, to the desert fae, were sacred. People, things, to be cherished and loved, cuddled and protected. This child, though a slave, would get the same treatment. She didn’t have to do hard chores, she was not beaten, and she was allowed to keep a cat, clothing...Whatever she really wanted.

Perhaps Kiriel was being to soft? “Oh, of course..” She mumbled, innocently, to her cousins as they stalked off to leave her alone. Maybe the distracted tone of Kiriel’s voice would keep the Prince’s mind on her but, actually, that was the furthest thing from Kiriel’ mind at the moment.

What was the woman to do with her slave? A quick shake of the warriors head had silver strands brushing her cheeks and she knelt down, to stare eye to eye with the girl. “I know you do not like this,” a deep breath broke Kiriel’s speech, her nose scrunched upwards. How to explain this to a child? “But I do not want you to run. I will give you what freedom I am allowed, but…” Another pause, a shake of Kiriel’s head.

“You can not run off, I an not allow harm to fall upon you.”

There. That’s all she was getting out of Kiriel.

"Selphina, I trust you can take care of these young ladies?"

Selphina nodded her head with a gentle smile in confirmation of the Prince's request, she would of course take the utmost care of the youths. Turning to Kiriel, Selphina inclined her head questioningly.

"Will you be joining their majesties, Madame Kiriel?" the elder fae queried politely, her eye falling on the three slaves. One appeared practically rabid, biting and pulling at her constraints, angrily determined to escape, or at least cause as much trouble as possible in trying. The other seemed afraid, but quietly so, and had the sparkle of intellect in her eye - this one must be new, Selphina thought. She still had her full wits about her, the flare of desperation had not yet sunk its claws into her common sense - she would be capable of reason. The girl Selphina had caught previously seemed like a rabbit caught in a den of foxes, scared and almost frozen to the spot in terror. She was younger than the other two, Selphina thought, so this was understandable. For a youth, however, she was remarkably controlled - there were no tears, no open shivering, merely a quiet fear.

And really, a slave would be only a fool not to have at least some fear in this environment.

No, Selphina thought that out of the three girls, both Lily and Celesse would be capable enough of discretion. The third, however, this wild child... she would likely be less cooperative. Of course, Selphina would try and reason with her, but she thought it unlikely the practically rabid girl would listen. Some were just beyond help...

Waiting for Kiriel's response, the fae held herself with an air of power and command that radiated through her seemingly subservient mannerisms - she was after all, nought but a tutor and librarian, with no true authority, and yet, she seemed to command more respect than the princess herself. It certainly was a quizzical circumstance, and the thought brought a faint smile to Selphina's lips.

Kiriel eyed the ancient fae, lips twisted downwards somewhat. She didn’t really want to follow her cousins to go see the king- he scared the desert fae. Besides, she didn’t trust the ancient one, although she had no reason to distrust the woman. Perhaps it was the immense amount of power the other had? Who was to know.

Those dark, whiteless, orbs flickered to the side as she controlled herself. “No, no. I shall stay with...them.” Kiriel couldn’t make herself say slaves, it almost felt wrong. But it didn’t much matter to the desert fae. She had one and, if she could convince the Prince to give her another one, she’d have two. They could be good work, be mostly free – and..

Well.

A small smile toyed at the woman’s lips, caramel skin rippling as she arched her back to crack it. “Thank you for asking.” She murmured quietly, choosing not to say the ancients name. Names had power, and Kiriel didn’t wish to upset the being who was more powerful. “But I shall stay. IF you have something you’d like us to do, though…?” She allowed the words to trail off, so that it wouldn’t be seen as offensive if the librarian didn’t have a task for them.

King Tiernan paced his study, crazed thoughts flitting through his mind like a hummingbird jumping from flower to flower. More and more slaves had been revolting...those treacherous beasts needed to learn their place, that was certain. It was not good for his image if no one can control the slugs that were supposed to be serving them. ...Yes. This was a problem. Maybe one Dellywynne could help with. Maybe it was time for for his son to learn of the prophecy...but no. He was not yet old enough. The chosen has not yet arrived...that is, assuming his psychics were not withholding information from him. He would have to make sure this was not happening...if so, a severe punishment would be implemented--one that would make sure this never happened again.

This thought brought a smile to his distorted face. Yes...none of this would ever happen again. He was King. He was the ruler. He was the most important man in both this world and the next. The angels appointed him in his dreams. His power was absolute. He was divine. God himself would bow down to him.

Relaxing slightly, Tiernan stalked over to his oversized chair behind the ornate wooden desk and lowered himself into it, basking in the richness surrounding him. He looked outside, noticing it was getting dark. It must be nearing four in the afternoon...the sun was disappearing behind the buildings already. Dellywnne was late.

That blasted boy...he was so flippant. Why wasn't he more like his father? Brutal and just. Because that is exactly what Tiernan was...brutal and just.

A flash out the window caught the King's eye--Two dragonflies, returning with what was presumably Dellywynne and--if God were so kind--Luminyx. While her brother was unreliable and wishy washy, Luminyx was the exact opposite--trustworthy and faithful. Tiernan could go to her with any problem in the kingdom, and she would always offer sound advice that oftentimes worked. Nevermind the floggings she received for being wrong.

Rising from the chair and striding to the corner of his study, Tiernan lit a small pipe and began puffing quietly to himself. Any second now...Yes. There. A knock at his door. He said from his corner, "Enter, please." The door eased open without a sound--the work of his maintenance team, no doubt. Bless their souls, they were always so hard at work.

Without looking at the door, Tiernan addressed Dellywynne and Luminyx: "Son, daughter. I have recently become aware of a crisis plaguing the city: It seems a certain number of slaves have been acting up, even coming close to attempting murder on their rightful owners. It seems this has to be stopped, do you not agree?" He didn't stop for their answer, but instead continued, "You see, I don't want to risk someone dying. If even one Fairy dies at the hand of their slave, all it will do is ruin the market and make the existing slaves believe they can kill their masters, too. We cannot have this. A riotous and disrespectful slave population is not something we need right now, not with the coming Festival of Angels. I expect you to take care of this, Dellywynne and Lumi. If you do not, you will be punished. That is all, you may leave."

Without even facing them to watch their departure, Tiernan stalked back to his chair and took a seat yet again. His blasted children had better put an end to this situation...he really didn't take much pleasure in beating his flesh and blood.

For a brief moment, hope crossed the young child’s face as the hooded Fae asked her Master if she would be joining the royalty on their trip to the castle or wherever royal people went.  The expression quickly died away when Kiriel declined.  For once she thought she would get a reprieve, and though she wouldn’t run off again, she would be able to talk more freely to Celesse and Hailey.  Chewing a little on her bottom lip, Lily was proud at her ability to hide truly how she was feeling, especially since Selphina appeared to be studying her along with the other two girls.  Talk about feeling like an ant being scrutinized by a giant human with a magnifying glass.  It was just a little unnerving to say the least.  Still, the feeling left just as quickly as it came, and she wondered what was going to happen next.

“Mrr…”

Glancing over to Hailey as she demanded to go back home to her human home, the seven year old couldn’t help but frown heavily.  At least the girl had a home to go back to, or at least it sounded like she did. Unfortunately, for Lily, she was an orphan and even if she did escape, there wasn’t really anywhere for her to go. Perhaps that was why she hadn’t made more attempts to run off.  That didn’t mean she wouldn’t try it again, because being a slave girl, even though she had more privileges than most slaves, wasn’t appealing to her.  The key was to melt into the background, and not make it known that there is unhappiness. Hailey was doing it the wrong way and that probably was going to cost her in the end.  Scooting over to Hailey, Yuy wrinkled her nose a little before handing her one of her bunny hairclips. 

“It sucks, but if you wanna win, you gotta be a secret agent.”

Hoping the girl realized what Lily was talking about, the kid moved back over towards her Master with a slight sigh.   As Kiriel asked the older Fae if there was anything they could do, the purple eyed human snorted softly.  The hell she was going to do labor for someone else. Crossing her arms and glaring up at the two Fae’s, she didn’t even notice when the prince and princess left and frankly didn’t care.  The only thing she vaguely saw was the backside of the silver pumpkin carriage as it disappeared from sight.

“Like hell I’m going to be helping some other Faerie with labor. Nuh uh, isn’t going to happen.