Lost It All

There's a light tapping on the door as I come to. "what?" I sit up stretching as Luna steps in a bundle in her hands.

She gives me a mischievous smile, "How did you sleep?"

"Fine, why?" I ask, taking the bundle from her.

"No reason," she gives me a once-over before bidding me goodbye.

Could he have told her, but why would he. Besides nothing happened beyond a kiss. A kiss that haunted my dreams. With a sigh, I put my boots on and fasten my cloak. There's no use in dwelling here any longer. At least I won't see him anymore, so arrogant. As if summoned he appears before me a sly smile on his stupidly handsome face.

"I have a proposition for you," he says in manner of greeting.

"Whatever it is I'm not interested," I say, picking up the bundle and walking around him.

Within an instant his blocking my path, "but I think you'll like it."

"Why would I, besides I have no reason to help you."

"What of your Prince?"

"What?"

"You're Dark Fay, the Crown Prince is your Prince you should be happy you get to help him."

"You're delusional," I say, trying and failing to push him away. Perhaps my strength has decreased I really should eat more often, "there's no offer you could give that would entice me."

"Assassinate Jonathan and I'll take care of the Princess," he says.

I feel my heartbeat rise, "Why?"

"To which?" he cocks his head to the side studying me.

"The Princess." I try to steady my heartbeat but it's no use why would the Drake Prince want me dead.

"My client didn't specify."

"Bull, you're working for that bastard of a Crown Prince. Don't tell me there's no reason why does he want her dead?'

Zheng looks at me a little too long as if he could read my thoughts. I remember what Master taught me and strengthen my mental shield.

"He doesn't want to marry her, the only way to not start a war is by assassinating her," his violet eyes continue to search for what I don't know.

"Is he afraid she's truly as hideous as they say and won't last the wedding night?" I finally manage to steady my heartbeat but my anger won't quail.

"I don't see why this upsets you," he takes a step forward, "you said you are here to kill her I'm simply helping you do it."

Breath in breath out I tell myself in hopes it calms manic laughter that's building up, "I don't need your help, and why do you want me to kill Jonathan he's no one important."

"The impostor Queen's Consort has been causing problems on the Jade Road. You're a pretty thing I'm sure he'll be happy to follow you to the depths of the Underworld."

"A pretty thing!" I burst out laughing why in the world would he call me that. Even without Elena's curse, my mortal form is as average as it gets.

He seems to remember mortals can't see past the spell my mother cast and nods. Before I can stop him, his hand is on my crown there's a tingly similar to the one, I felt when the Dark King broke my curse. This time my heartbeat raises for a completely different reason. He's undoing my mother's spell. I try to pull away but darkness overtakes me. When I come to, I'm lying on the bead Luna stands over me eyebrows creased with worry.

Zheng sits at the edge of the bead arms crossed and looking annoyed. "Took you long enough," he scoffs.

"What have you done?" I growl almost falling over when launched at him, "who told you to do that?" my head hurts and everything smells and the sounds are too loud.

"The mortal form you were using was to slow and it kept you from healing. The scar from last night is gone now, I did you a favor."

"No one asked you to," I say right before I throw up the remnants of my dinner from last night. Luna places a hand over my shoulder and I flinch away.

"I won't hurt you," she says shooting Zheng a look that could kill, "and you're right he shouldn't have done that but it's too late. Let me use my magic to soothe your senses you still have to go back to the Palace."

I nod giving her approval Luna's magic has a coolness to it. "I have placed a damper over your senses as you adapt it will dissipate," she says running a hand down my back and resting it on the center of my spine another wave of cooling energy hits before I feel any better.

"Thank you," I say, "Luna what time is it?"

"It's noon," she says.

I jump off the bead, "what?"

"Master's magic knocked you out."

"If she hadn't fought it," Zheng says, "it would have been a lot quicker."

"I was supposed to return by morning," I say, wrapping my cloak around me and running out the room. The with my Fay scenes I'm able to detect things I couldn't before. I ignore it all imagining myself a blur I'm inside the secrete passage and down the tunnel leading to my chamber when I remember what I'm wearing and hurry to the secrete chamber.

Realizing I forgot the dress Luna got me I grave one of the many I've collected from previous assignment and pray it still fits. I rush back to my chamber and test my new fay abilities to senses for anyone. When I don't hear or feel anything, I open the secret door and step in. Even though the chamber is still dark I can see everything with more clarity even the specks of dust that blanketed the floor. I seal the secrete passage and fix the drape of the dancing maiden.

There's a knock on the door followed by the voice of a guard, "Princess please open the door her majesty has instructed us to break it down if you don't.

I step close to the door and growl, "do it and see what happens. Tel her majesty I will see her at the ball."

There's a shuffling of feet and then someone's running. I ready in case they break through but then someone speaks, "Anton you're needed in the main hall."

"But…

"At least she spoke it means she's alive," someone else says. I don't relax until I hear them retreat. What rotten luck I have, I strip off the gown I wore yesterday morning and step into the one I took from the secret chamber.

The gown is red with a flowy skirt and too-tight bodice. It seems my chest has grown since I last wore it my breast feel like they'll pop out at any moment. I loosen the straps a bit but that just makes it hang awkwardly almost popping out it is. Luckily my veil is long enough that most of my chest will be covered. I place a simple silver diadem over the crimson veil to keep it in place. I can't have anyone pulling it off especially now that my Fay features are visible. Elena hates the Fay simply for their beauty and slow aging. If she learns her curse was broken, she will be furies.

Tonight, should be interesting, I strap a dagger onto y thigh just in case Zheng is crazy enough to try and assassinate me in the middle of the ball. I fill the tiny incense pendant Master gifted me to mask my scent with lavender and rose then clasp the chain around my neck hiding it under the veil. The veils to short I can see my collarbone. "What if," I call my magic to me and pull on the veil stretching it until it reaches my bellybutton covering my arms. "It'll have to do."

***

I sit alone atop the dais none of the guests hide their curiosity. Looking my way, now and then only looking away when someone approaches them. A familiar scent hits me as Zheng and Luna arrive with a male slightly shorter than Zheng. The Crown Prince of the Dark realm isn't bad looking but he has nothing on Zheng with his violet eyes and broad shoulders. The Prince looks around spotting me he makes his way over ignoring Elena.

He stops before the dais and gives me a dashing smile, "it is a pleasure to meet you," he says. There's a spark of mischief in his hazel eyes, probably thinking he'll be free of me soon.

"I can't say the same," I say, right before Zheng and Luna approach inclining their heads in the slightest.

"You look quite lovely your majesty," Luna says the jewels of her necklace catch on the light reflecting emerald light.

If I speak will she know it's me, not wanting to risk it I just nod. All eyes are on us and for once I enjoy it if only because it making Elena fume. She moves towards us and takes her place on the throne.

Clearing her throat, she speaks, "it is an honor to have you in our home Crown Prince."

The Crown Prince gives her a coquettish smile before responding, "the honor is all mine," he purrs. Even from where I'm seating, I can see Elena's smug smile. Chances are she'll try to fuck him before he leaves these lands.

"Those your Princess not speak," Zheng asks annoying Elena.

"She has her moments," Elena says.

"With that veil how do we it's truly Princess Anastasia?" Zheng asks, "and not some impostor."

Those he knows it's me, I steady my heartbeat and look straight ahead. Could it be Zheng can see through the veil or are the incense not masking my scent?

"How dare you?" Elena loses her composure and I can't help but laugh she turns to me, "it seems something has amused the Princess care to share it with the rest of us."

I stand and walk down the dais stopping on the second to last step. The Prince looks at me through the corner of his eye. But he's not the one I'm bating, "why don't you remove my veil and find out? "I ask Zheng using the cruelest voice I can think of. His face remains blank but I catch his fist curling as if contemplating it.

Thank the Underworld for Luna she breaks the silence that's fallen snapping her finger and ushering a servant with a tray of tiny chocolate cakes over. "What are these?" she asks.

The servant clears his throat and answers, "chocolate cakes with raspberry ganache."

Slowly everyone goes back to eating and drinking. The minstrels start up again I hadn't noticed they stopped playing. Before Zheng can say anything else, I walk past him but not before catching the grin the Prince gives me. It's almost as if he's happy I taunted Zheng.

Courtiers walk past me some give me useless compliments others smile or shy away. A server walks by with a tray of wine I reach over plucking a crystal flute of the tray. Everyone looks at me expecting the veil to come off when I sneak the crystal flute under and drink. Some seem disappointed while others look relieved. Just as I'm about to leave I hear it faintly at first then it grows louder. Urgent howling no one else seems to notice.

Grandmother, I toss the flute to the grown and rush out cutting past servants and courtiers. A guard tries to stop me but I blast him to the side not carrying who sees. I cut through the garden trampling over rosebushes and run until I'm scaling up the walls.

The howling grows louder the closer I get. I didn't know Fay could smell death but I can. Bastian stops howling the moment he spots me I tare the veil off not caring that my Fay features are exposed. The rest of the wolves surround Grandmother's bead. Her hands are folded on her stomach and her eyes are closed.

I fall to my knees and take her weathered hand into my own, "don't leave me," I say.

Her heartbeat's barely there, "all things must end," she whispers her eyes barely open but she smiles when she sees me. "Good, good."

"What?" I ask.

She smiles and tries to pull her hand free. I let go and she reaches out realizing what she wants I lean in.

"Good," her fingers trace my hears, "I miss mine," she says, "this is good. Find your mother's family."

"What do you mean?"

"Queen Lila wasn't your real mother," Grandmother says her breathing becoming shallow, "your real mother died in labor. Lila wanted to use you she was worst then Elena. Find your mother's father."

"How?" I move strands of snowy hair behind her ears. She just closes her eyes and smiles. Her hearts at the edge of stopping I shed tears I didn't realize I was holding in.

Grandmother's hand moves down to my chin, "don't waste your tears. Be happy for me I can finally be with him," she says just as her heart stops. Death brushes past me as if saying I'll come for you soon.

I'm too distracted to hear them approaching but the wolves are already running outside just as Elena's huntsmen show up. A stone breaks through the window followed by a volley of flaming arrows. There's a howl before there's a scream.

One of Elena's huntsmen managed to take BinBin down. My eyes go wide when I see his head next to his body. BaiBai screams changing into her wolf form as she charges at them. I set my grief aside and call my blade to me. A long curving blade appears in my hand I spin around in time to knock the approaching huntsman down.

I move like the wind slicing through my enemies like their nothing more than flies. Elena's nearby I can smell her I'll kill her if it's the last thing I do. Something flies past me and I realize its Don. One of the huntsmen slashed his belly open right before Don ripped off his head.

More blazing arrows rain down on us catching Bastian in the back. BaiBai is being dragged away by three huntsmen. They somehow managed to get chains on her no doubt enchanted by Elena.

I throw my sword at one of the huntsmen using my magic to propel it through the air. It goes through one of the huntsmen's neck plunging itself on the bloodied earth. The beast claws at me asking to be set free and I let it. It feels as if my bones where braking rearranging themselves with the change. I take off after BinBin tackling one of the huntsmen's dragging her towards Elena.

My claw tear through flesh my teeth sinking in bite the huntsmen's head off. An arrow hits my shoulder but I don't feel it. I keep running knocking the second huntsman holding her down. Canines sink into his calf tearing through flesh and bone. The huntsman screams trying to break free he tries to strike me with his ax but I let go in time and it sinks into his remaining leg. My paws crush down on his chest as I take of changing midair, I pull my sword free.

Elena sits atop an ivory horse a triumphant smile on her face. That is until she sees me, "who are you?" she asks.

I bare my canines at her call on the darkness within and blast her off her horse. BaiBai is barely breathing when I reach her. I break the chains binding her and turn in time to see Elena coming at me. A dark wind blows her back and darkness wraps around us. Next thing you know where inside the Nightingale.

"Well that was a close one," the Crown Prince smiles at me looking away when he realizes I'm naked. He takes his cloak off and holds it out I take it and cover BaiBai. I turn and find none of the others are here when I stand to leave my head spins.

"I need…

***

I wake to the sound of grunting when I open my eyes, I find Don's being stitched up by Luna.

"How do you feel?" Zheng asks as I try to stand. He moves to help me when BaiBai starts grunting. She's still unconscious and lies on the cot next to mine. Her breathing is shallow white bandages cover her wrist and throat. The chains must have burned her skin.

"Where are the others?" I ask no one in particular.

"Two are dead and three were taken to the Palace," Zheng says.

"What?" I growl and Don winces.

"Doe and BinBin lost their lives," Don grits out, "Bastian, Jing, and Nan where captured."

"Would you sit still?" Luna glowers, "I can't stitch you up if you keep moving."

"I'll heal," Don says.

"She poisoned you if I don't stitch you up, you'll bleed out."

"I could always bleed internally."

Luna stands mumbling, "ungrateful mutt," before walking over to BaiBai.

I ask, "How is she?"

"Feverish," Luna says, "I'm sorry we couldn't save the others."

"Tell me Elena's dead."

"Unfortunately, she got away it seems Shadows will work for anyone these days," the Crown Prince says. He sits by the window sharpening a blade.

"A Shadow?"

"Yes, a Shadow."

"Why would a Shadow work for a Witch?"

"Elena's a Demon, not a Witch," Zheng says handing me a cup of water.

"You noticed it too hu," the Prince says, "tsk, tsk, tsk when the Elders learn of this they won't be pleased."

"Where are you going?" Zheng asks.

I make it as far as the doorway before he's blocking my path.

"To get the others."

"You can't," he says.

"Why not?"

"She's warded the palace against Fay there's no way in."

I smile, "there's another way."

"Even if there is it's too risky," Zheng argues.

"You forget I was trained to be an assassin when I whore a mortal guise. My powers at that time were dampened and I still managed to survive. I'll be fine."

"She'll be expecting you."

I let out a frustrated growl, "If we don't get them out, she'll eat their hearts and bathe in their blood. Or can you guarantee their safety?"

Zheng's eye twitches, "she'll do what?"

"Elena believes bathing in blood and eating the hearts of the innocent will keep her young. She cursed Anastasia because she was afraid, she'd be prettier than her. Elena wants to be the fairest of them all. Each night pretty maidens are brought to her bathing chamber.

"If their truly lovely she eats their flesh. Even though their Male she'll devour them for their power. So, tell me, great Master can you guarantee she won't kill them?" I turn to find the others gave similar looks of disgust.

"I'm going with you," Don says.

"No," I say, "you need to recover I'll go on my own."

"She's right," Zheng says, "I'll go with her Luna make arrangement to leave this place the moment we return."

The Prince sheaths his blade and stands, "I think I'll be tagging along," he says daring Zheng to argue.

Zheng ignores him and looks at Luna, "if we're not back before sunrise leave and don't look back."

Luna looks torn between arguing and caving in she nods in agreement provably deciding on the later.