A Father's Blessing

FREYA

Adrien made a telepathic bond just for the two of us and when we weren't spending time together, he was just a few thoughts away.

Meanwhile, the tension between me and my father continued, growing and choking me every single day. The time spent with Adrien was the respite I could get.

I was tired of it, and I wanted my relationship with my father back, but I didn't know how to fix it.

My father regularly visited Adrien's palace for official council meetings. As ruler of the third hell, he had a long-standing seat on the council, which consisted of six rulers of the six parts of the underworld and Adrien who was King. Together, these seven ruled the underworld.

And Adrien had the final say on every matter.

Today, while Father was out, Hella and I, escorted by footmen, visited the town in a carriage to pick up our gowns and masks for the masquerade ball Helena was hosting soon. Hella was allowed to attend this one.

As our carriage rolled creakily into the compound, I could see that Father was already back. He was walking his demon horse to the stables when we arrived, just moments after him.

Father was a tall and handsome man, though not as tall as Adrien, his height was impressive still. He had turned to look when he heard the sounds of horses.

His dark hair was longer than usual and he was badly in need of a trim, but the unusual length fitted him so. The sunlight sifting through his black strands gave him an almost ethereal glow.

Our distinct white hair was passed down from our deceased mother; she had had a head full of snow-white curls as well.

Father did not like the idea of his girls in town alone, and I could make out the frown marring his face from this far.

He continued his walk to the stables even though he was aware of our presence, and I decided that now was the time to talk and fix the situation before it would dissolve into total ruin.

I made Hella go into the house, while I went after my father to the stables.

He was engaged in a conversation with one of the stable hands when I reached him.

“Father…” I called to him as I approached, forcing his attention away from the young boy.

Father dismissed the stable hand and turned to me, his brows crinkling in confusion. “Freya?”

“Let's take a walk, Father,” I suggested, linking my arm with his and leading him away from the stables. He came willingly.

A tense silence existed in the air between us as I led the way into the fields behind the stables.

The green of the trees and grasses against the backdrop of the bright blue sky was beautiful to gaze upon, the picture a stark contrast to the ugliness lingering in our midst.

A warm breeze blew around us, and I inhaled greedily, letting the fresh air wash away the tension between my father and me.

“King Adrien has asked to marry you, little one,”

I turned so fast that I almost had whiplash when he spoke. My father looked torn. “I don't want to give my baby girl to him.” He sighed unhappily.

“I'll be fine, Father. Adrien loves me a lot, he'll keep me safe. I am sure of this, and I have you to watch over me, do I not? It'll be the same as when I'm here, and I'll visit all the time, I promise. Pleasee let me marry him.” My words were rushed and they jumbled into each other.

Father's face softened, “This will make you happy, Freya?” He asked.

“Yes, yes it will.” I bobbed my head up and down eagerly.

He sighed, deep and long. “If Adrien brings you that much happiness, then you have my blessings to marry him.”

I squealed happily and jumped into his arms for a hug. Just like they, my world had been righted. I couldn't wait to share the news with Adrien.

“Thank you so much, Father.” Father patted my back fondly while chuckling. Our hug lingered and I felt the last of the tension that had stayed between us fade into the past.

After a moment, Father set me away from him, holding my shoulders. “Why did you ride into town??” He didn't seem too upset, but his tone was stern.

“Helena gave her permission, we were only there for a moment to pick up our gowns. We didn't even leave the carriage.” I explained.

“You should have sent a maid still.” Father insisted.

“They were swamped with work, Father; I was only trying to help out in any way I could.”

“Always stay within the estate Freya, your sister too.” He warned sternly, to which I nodded.

Nothing could ruin my good mood and I hummed happily as Father and I continued our walk through the fields.

******

The night of the masquerade ball arrived quickly. Helena had worked very hard to put everything in place and I knew it would be a lovely evening.

At sunset, guests began to arrive at our residence. Beautiful carriages dotted the property and an array of finely dressed guests were finding their way to the great hall.

Helena and my father were already in the ballroom, playing their hosting roles, while Hella and I would be arriving later.

As she mostly only did on special occasions, Dalia was dressing me up. My gown was a blue feathery thing with a train. I loved it! It was absolutely beautiful and it suited me perfectly. My mask was also blue and it added an air of intrigue to my look. Dalia was a master at styling my hair and she pinned it down to look good with ease.

Hella's outfit was less dramatic but she looked just as beautiful.

I was excited and couldn't wait for Adrien to see me that evening. The mask would afford him the privacy I knew he wanted.

When the ball was in full swing, Hella and I joined the fray. It was a sea of people, wearing masks of every conceivable design and I could hardly recognize anyone.

Helena outdid herself. The ballroom was transformed into something from a dreamworld. Glass chandeliers bathed the room in a soft glow. Each chandelier holding a myriad of candles, their flames flickering like lightflies, casting interwoven patterns on the marbled floor below.

Adorned in shades of midnight blue and velvet black, the walls were draped in shimmering silks, giving the room an air of elegance and sophistication.

A makeshift stage hosted a group of musicians and the magical notes of the violin, like sighs of longing intertwined with the deep resonance of the cello. They wove a bewitching spell over the guests and added a layer of intrigue to the atmosphere.

The long tables flanking the sides of the room offered an all-you-can-eat buffet, with an array of delicacies ranging from the finest fruits and cheeses to savory pastries. Exquisite centerpieces of roses and lilies adorned each table, their fragrance carrying a breath of freshness into the crowded space.

I located Father and Helena easily and slyly left Hella by their side. Before they could object, I left them to explore. I moved around the hall aimlessly, greeting people as I passed. It wasn't an easy feat to move around in my gown, and Adrien wasn't here yet; I would feel him if he was.

Unlike the ball at the king's palace, this one had several groups of younglings and girls around my age hung in talking groups, their dance cards filling up. No one dared to ask me for a dance and out of habit, I avoided the other girls.

I wandered to the tables and decided to make a plate for myself as I waited for Adrien.

“Lady Freya.. That gown becomes you.” A low voice breathed, taking my attention away from my plate. I remembered his grace and poise and that aura surrounding him. His tall frame was draped in a tailored coat, and his mask hid most of his face, but his piercing green eyes shone through.

“Lord Lucian,” I dropped into a curtsy, “A good evening to you, noble sir.” My white hair was like a beacon alerting everyone of my whereabouts. It brought him to me.

The corners of his lips turned up a little. “A well-bred lady.” His tone was still low. Just then, the musicians started a new song and people milled to the dancefloor in twos.

I observed the man standing before me. I remembered him to be quite attractive and equally dismissive of me. If I hadn't met Adrien, I would have been flattered by his sudden attention.

He stretched an open palm to me, “May I have the honor of a dance, My Lady?”

I did want to dance, it'll be a nice way to pass the time while I waited for my King. So, I accepted the hand Lord Lucian was offering and he led me to the dance floor.

It was a waltzing number so Lord Lucian held me close to him. It was either a tad bit closer than normal, or I was imagining things. The man could dance, though, and he guided me gracefully through the waltz without missing a beat.

“Lady Freya, would it be too forward if I asked to spend more time in your company?” Those green eyes peered down at me as he moved me around the dance floor.

I let a minute pass before answering his question. If I was in such close quarters to Adrien, my thoughts would be scrambled and I wouldn't be able to think a thing. While my mind would be clouded with Adrien, with this man it was clear. His attractiveness did not affect me whatsoever.

“I'm sorry my Lord, but I am engaged to be married.” As I said those words out loud, it seemed all the more real and it brought a happy smile to my face. “I would not be able to indulge you.”

“I figured someone else would have snatched you up by now.” He calmly said. “I should have acted sooner.”

“I'm sure there's a finer lady out there who would be extremely flattered by your attention and would be a better fit for you my Lord,” I replied.

The dance was coming to an end.

I dropped into a deep curtsy and he bowed as the musicians brought the number to an end.

“I doubt it. But I'll be allowed the opportunity to be friends, won't I?” He asked, still in a bow.

“Of course my Lord.”

After the dance, he escorted me back to the table where he met me. He looked the length of me, his gaze almost seeming wistful, before he nodded and left. Lord Lucian did not seem interested in me earlier so I wondered what changed.

Dismissing all thoughts of him, I picked up my plate and continued piling it up with all that I fancied.

“Giving out dances to everyone, now are we?” Adrien's deep voice resonated in my head through our telepathic bond.

So he was here already.

I turned and scanned the hall, not catching sight of him yet. A pang of exhilaration coursed through me as I realized his jealousy.

“Is that jealousy I hear in your voice?” I teased through the bond.

Suddenly, I felt the warmth of a body standing too close behind me.

“You're mine Snow, and I don't like to share,” Adrien whispered into my ears from behind me. The hairs on my body raised on ends and my heart raced inside my chest from his closeness.

“Who said anything about sharing,” I smirked and dropped my plate again, turning to him. No one wanted me to eat tonight.

“Freya Bale,” his jaw was clenched underneath the mask and his eyes burned with a possessive intensity.

“My King,” I curtsied, smiling. I loved the possessiveness emanating from every inch of him.

“You test the limits of my patience every day young lady.” Adrien's voice was laced with exasperation.

“I only aim to please, dear sir.” I grinned beneath my mask. I was enjoying this.

He eyed me with irritation.

“I do not like you dancing with other men Freya.” He said seriously. “That man will lose his limbs. Would that teach you a lesson?”

“Adrien!” I looked around us to see if anyone else heard what he had said but no one seemed to be listening to our conversation. “I'm sorry, it was just a dance to me. I did not mean to upset you.”

His eyes softened under the mask but possessiveness still lurked in their depths. “Let's dance my love.” He said softly.

Adrien led me to the dancefloor and held me close to him. His large hands rested on my waist, claiming ownership and my palms rested on his shoulders. While his jealousy was a little scary, it was also thrilling. Butterflies fluttered in my stomach at the thought of someone wanting me so much.

He regarded me silently and I stared back. The chandelier hanging above the dancefloor bathed us in a soft romantic light as we waltzed, perfectly in sync with each other and the music.

“Freya Bale,” his words resonated through our telepathic bond, and his eyes filled with unwavering devotion.

“I saw you, and I knew you were the light in my dark world, the missing piece that would complete me. Make me the happiest demon and spend the rest of eternity with me, Snow.”

My eyes welled up with tears, and my heart with joy at his words. Did I truly deserve this?

He continued saying, “I have asked before, but I need to hear it again. Marry me, my love.” His lips tugged up in a beautiful smile.

And abandoning all etiquette, I pulled him down to me for a kiss.

“I'll take that as another yes.” He laughed.

“Yes! How could it be anything else?” I said, my eyes leaking a few tears.

I rested happily in his embrace as we danced for the rest of the night, basking in a happy glow and ignorant of the shaking our world was about to take.