MINI STORY: The Fae Queen

“Keep your pants on, Gertie, I’m coming.” Lili groaned as Gertrude pounding on the bathroom door.

“I’m wearing a skirt.” Gertrude replied without humor.

Lili let out a loud sigh as she finished up. She had taken a long bath and then got to work on her hair, curling the silky black-brown strands elegantly. She braided the hair that usually framed her face around the top of her head like a crown. Lili had long ago dismissed her stylists, content with doing her own hair, make up, and picking out her own clothing. Gertie hated it because it meant Lili took twice as long getting ready.

Finally, she left the bathroom, walking past an irritated looking Gertie. She smiled at her widely and then disappeared into the closet.

“You are going to be late for your own party.” Gertie huffed.

“Of course she is, why wouldn’t she be?” A new voice entered the room, causing Lili to freeze.

“Oh my, your highness.” Gertie sounded shocked and, by the time Lili made it out of the closet, she was bowing at the vitstor.

“Please, Gertrude. I haven’t been royalty in a long time.” The woman said, smiling gracefully.

“Mom?” Lili cried before throwing herself across the room.

Luna Marigold was just as beautiful as she was all those years ago when she was a princess inside the fae realm. Her brown hair was lighter with strands of silky gray woven throughout the soft waves and her eyes were warm and soft, the hardness in them had long since gone with the help of her mate and children.

“Happy birthday, Lili.” Marigold cooed, hugging her daughter tightly, “Everyone’s here for you, my darling.”

“Everyone?” Lili pulled away to look at her mother.

“Of course, it’s your 18th birthday. Everyone is hoping to get a look at who your lucky mate is.” Marigold laughed, “Lexi and Gabriel, Levi and Tina, and the kids.” She added,

“I’m almost ready.” Lili said, but it was a lie.

Marigold looked Lili up and down, who was still wearing her bathrobe, and laughed.

“Sure you are.” She shook her head and pushed Lili back into the closet, “What are you wearing?” She asked.

Lili unzipped the garment bag and pulled out the dress she had made for the celebration. Uncle Bayu and the rest of the court had wanted her to wear the traditional gown of a crowned princess coming of age, but she refused. Instead, she had something a little less traditional made. The gown was pitch black and tightly hugged her body down to her hips. The top looked like the feathers of a raven’s outstretched wings, cleverly covering her chest and shoulders while leaving just enough exposed to be considered sexy.

A wide satin ribbon met the feather-like material, falling off her shoulders and criss-crossing over her chest with corset ties. It pulled the material tight against her waist and tight leather sleeves covered her arms. At her hips, the dress fanned out like a cape and her legs were covered in leather pants.

She paired the outfit with red stiletto pumps that matched the lipstick she had painted on her plump lips. Once she was dressed, Lili stood in front of the floor length mirror and admired herself.

“You look stunning.” Marigold smiled, standing behind Lili and resting her hands on her shoulders, “Just like a queen.”

“I think many would disagree.” Lili laughed, thinking about the reaction she was going to get from the elders with this outfit.

“My brave daughter doesn’t need the approval of anyone, or have you gotten soft in your time here?” Marigold asked, cocking one perfectly manicured eyebrow.

“No ma’am.” Lili said, squaring her shoulders and lifting her chin stubbornly.

“That’s my girl.” Marigold squeezed Lili’s shoulders before both women stepped away from the mirror.

“Do you really think I’ll meet my mate today?” Lili asked, fighting back the nervous energy that was suddenly fluttering in her stomach.

“You very well might. What do you feel?” Marigold asked, taking Lili’s hand.

“I feel anxious and like something is about to happen.” Lili answered honestly.

She had fallen asleep very quickly last night but her sleep was anything but restful; they were plagued with ominous dreams. They weren’t quite nightmares but neither were they happy dreams. She saw the shadowy figure of a man who seemed to be weighed down by something, his face clouded by whatever emotional weight he was carrying on his shoulders. Lili felt covered in that weight, drowning in it. She woke up covered in sweat with the weight of an elephant on her chest.

“Just breathe, Lili. It’ll be okay, I promise you. I was afraid of the matebond at first too, but look how well it turned out for me.” Marigold smiled, pulling Lili from the closet.

Marigold was right. Lili had seen how well the matebond had turned out for her parents. Lili’s father, Finn, was the very definition of what a good mate should be. He adored Lili’s mother and fawned over her every day. It was hard not to believe in the matebond after watching the two of them. Still, Lili was anxious and afraid of it. She had seen so many other women give up their lives for their mates, give up their independence and their strength.

“Are you ready?” Marigold asked, pulling Lili from her thoughts.

Lili plastered on a fake smile and nodded. Ready or not, here she comes.