The One - Four Fae for the Princess

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xt to my mother and father. The throne room feels colder than usual, though th

in the room is palpable. My fingers rest on my lap, carefully clasped to avoid betraying any of t

ough to see the glint of amusement in his eyes. The situation isn't lost on him, though he'd never show it openly. He wouldn't say it out

the customs are much different. Here, any slight against

s. River walks with his usual swagger, his chin held too high, his nose in the air, while Brook trails behind with his shoulders sligh

ty always feels like an unnecessary prelude to conversations that should be simpler, but I understand its importance. My

nd steady, "we come before you today with sincere regret

nds folded neatly in front of her,

ver," she adds, her voice softer but no less firm. "It was ne

arents, looking like he's about to crumble under the weight of the apology they're here to offer on his brother's behalf. River is staring ahea

air turns

thority in his voice clear. "You owe t

fixed on the floor, and he begins to speak

ight. It was never my intention for the evening to unfold

Brook didn't do anything wrong. If anything, he saved me from a rather unfortunate situation. I won't let

re's no need for you to apologize. In fact, it is I who should be thanking you, again, for saving my dress la

brother before they settle back on me. A faint twinkle appears in them

d considerably. "Redirecting an entire tray of wine with water magic? That's not an easy fea

ly what I'm referring to, and he doesn't like being called out in front of everyone. He looks like he's on th

I feel a small sense of triumph. Brook's eyes are shining now, a faint smile tugging at his l

abrupt exit has caught them off guard, and they seem at a loss for how to proceed

r," he says, though the words sound holl

her cheeks flushed

sputters, her composure nearly gone. "Please accept

delay the inevitable. As they leave, Brook glances over his shoulder at me, and for a brief moment, our eyes meet. There's a silent gratitude in his

y emptier. The tension that hung in the air has dissipated, rep

p, and I turn to see her giving me a

e truth, Mother," I reply, my tone respectful but firm.

r eyes narrowing slightly. "It is not your place to ge

softening just slightly, "provoking hi

ight, of course, but that doesn't mean I regret it. River needed to

oftly from his seat. I glance at him, surp

warm and teasing. "She's got a point. River is

sharp look, but he me

"I thought it was rather well playe

into a neutral expression. But there's a glimmer in his eyes, too, and the corners of his mouth

"But that doesn't change the fact that we must tread carefully

I'll still speak up if I feel it's necessary. My mother k

now your intentions were good, but we must always think of the

ity to weaken us, and the Oceanans are powerful allies. I won't jeopardize that alliance, but

The world of court politics is delicate, and one wrong move could have lasting consequences. But I also know that we can't ignore what's r