Fae

It has been 6 days.

Ive grown used to the area and I can walk around without getting lost.

Kaine visits me everyday to check up on me.

Flashback to the day after the council meeting

I hear a knock on my door.

I exit the kitchen and go to answer it.

Kaine.

"Hello, can I help you?" I ask him.

"Can I talk to you?" He asks.

I nod my head and move to the side letting him enter.

"I cant help but feel hurt that you never gave us your true name. Why?" He tells me.

I lower my head.

I never meant to hurt him.

"Kaine, you must understand. You guys had just taken me away from my only family, my home. I did not know if you were to be trusted or not. A name can mean a lot." I reply.

He nods his head.

"I apologize, I have hurt you and I never meant to." I add.

He gives me a small smile then leaves my chambers.

That was strange.

Flashback over

We haven't spoken of it since.

He does not call me Raven nor does he call me Cora. He calls me princess.

I am a princess but tomorrow, when I turn eighteen, I am to be a queen.

We had gone through it all and made a plan.

Tomorrow I am to remain in my chambers all day. Connan told us that the process of shifting is usually painful for the fae but it will be almost unbearable for me because I will also be breaking through a spell.

Kaine and Connan will be spending the entire day with me tomorrow so that they are there when the shift begins.

Connan can perform spells.

He has been preparing some that will help with the pain.

It is late and I am preparing myself for tomorrow.

I run myself a bath while I try and mentally accept the pain I will be put through tomorrow.

If we knew the exact time I was born it would be easier for us but my gramps never told me.

It's a waiting game.

After my bath, I brush my teeth and braid my hair.

I have been debating on cutting it.

Bringing it to my shoulders. Having hair all the way down to your arse is hard to manage.

I am tired of waiting.

I grab a pair of scissors and cut my braid.

A half hour later, my hair is to my shoulders and the rest of it has been put in the trash bin.

I run my fingers through my short hair. I needed this change.

I put on some black silk pyjama shorts with a matching loose tank top.

I slip into bed hoping I will be able to rest.

I have not been able to sleep properly recently.

The other day, Connan realized my fatigue and gave me some sleeping pills. He told me they also help with night terrors.

My nightmares have been happening every night. I don't know how Connan found out, but I am glad he did. He does not know what they are about.

I have not used them yet but I reach over to the night table and grab one.

I walk to the kitchen and grab myself a glass of water.

I am nervous, but Connan has not given me a reason to doubt his loyalty thus far.

I place the pill on my tongue and down it with one sip of water.

I put the glass on the counter and return to my bedroom.

I slip underneath the covers and shut my eyes.

The darkness quickly came and I fell into a sleep. One without nightmares.

I wake up the next morning at dawn.

That was by far the best sleep I've had ever since I've met Kaine.

I glance at my clock at see that it is 7:00am.

I don't feel anything yet.

I hear a knock at my door and I get up to go answer it.

I open the door and there they both stood.

Connan bows.

"Good morning princess." He says.

I have not been able to stop him from treating me like this.

He tells me he feels disrespectful when treating me like a normal person.

I look at Kaine next and see his eyes are dark.

His usual blue eyes are black.

Is it his dragon?

His eyes are focused on what I'm wearing. My black shorts and tank top.

I forgot that I am not appropriately dressed.

"Forgive me. I am going to go change." I say.

"Be quick, we do not know when your transformation will happen." Kaine says.

I nod my head and rush to my room.

I slip on a bra but keep the tank top. I grab a pair of black leggings and return to them.

They are both sitting on my sofa and I join them.

"So, we've been through this plan a thousand times but would you mind telling it to me again?" I ask them.

"Of course princess. When the shift happens, either me or Kaine will carry you to your bed. It is important that you are as comfortable as possible. I will begin the enchantments to help ease your pain. Kaine will be there to grab you anything you need. Such as water, blankets, anything to bring you more comfort. I warn you princess, it will feel like your body is on fire. The removal process of a spell is extremely painful with is why it is uncommon to place spells on people." Connan tells me.

I nod my head.

I knew all of this already but I have not been able to prepare myself for the change.

"You will have a couple days to grow accustomed to your new form but then we must announce to the fae and dragons that their princess has arrived. That the world has their queen." Kaine adds.

I stay quiet.

Another thing I have not yet mentally accepted. I am to rule all of Therondia.

Will I need a king? Am I going to live in a castle like my parents did?

So many questions with no answers but right now our priority is the shift.

"I noticed you cut your hair." Kaine tells me.

I nod my head.

"I needed a change. It was an impulsive decision but I am glad I did it." I reply.

He nods his head.

"It looks good." He smiles at me.

I return his smile.

Hours have passed and it is now 1 in the afternoon.

The two men have been chatting about business. Malvolion issues.

The place seems perfect I don't understand what issues there could possibly be but everything they speak of seems to be for the future.

It is now 1:13 and I feel my stomach burn.

I let out a gasp and clutch my stomach.

The fire growing every second.

I let out a scream.

"It's happening. Kaine, carry her to her bedroom." Connan says worried.

I felt two strong arms lift me up and carry me bridal style to my bed.

As I'm placed down onto my bed I let out another scream.

Everything burns.

I wish to rip off every single one of my limbs.

I hear Connan start chanting in a language I cannot understand.

Swear drips down my forehead and my body is heating up.

"She's burning up." Kaine tell Connan.

"Grab her a cold cloth. Be quick" He answers.

He resumes his enchantments.

I feel the fire lessen and the pain turn down a notch.

It's still unbearable but it is less gruesome as before.

Kaine returns and places the cloth on my forehead.

"You're doing great princess. The process is only 20 minutes long. You have 15 minutes to go." Kaine whispers to me.

Tears stream down my eyes.

It hurts. It hurts so much.

I grip my bedsheets in my hands and my back arches.

I feel like my organs are being ripped out.

Finally, the pain subsides.

I still feel warm and tingly all over but I can finally relax.

It's over. The pain is over.

The switch has happened.

I am fae.

"Princess, are you able to go run a bath? I recommend using cold water to reduce the heat." Connan mentions.

I cover my heads. Why is he yelling?

I feel my ears. They're pointed.

My gums hurt. I feel my teeth and see they've turn to canines.

"My apologies princess, I forget you are new to this." Connan whispers.

I uncover my ears and look around.

Finally processing what he said, I try and sit up. After many failed attempts and with the help of Kaine, I finally succeed.

I nod my head and slowly stand up.

I feel different.

More aware. I walk slowly but gracefully.

My senses have heightened.

I walk to the bathroom and look at myself.

I have grown. My 5'6 height now 5'8. I finally reach Kaine chin rather than underneath his shoulder.

My hair has grown back.

My long black hair is now it's usual length. Back to my lower back.

I see Kaine standing behind me, looking at me through the mirror.

"You did good princess. I'm proud of you." He tells me.

My heart swells at his words. He is proud.

He touches my arm and I feel tingles erupt.

These are different, stronger even.

His eyes widen and he stares at me.

Confusion makes its way to my face.

"Mate." He growls.