The heavy smell of alcohol lingered in the air, along with the smell of foods and spices of all sorts. Long tables decorated the middle of the ballroom, with different variants of bread, cheeses, fruits, and other mixed goods displayed atop. Today was the prince’s, Simon Riley’s, coronation day. Having been his trusted knight for many years, you had expected him to have you work for him tonight as well, but to your surprise, he gave you the day off to enjoy the events, food, and drinks.

Small talk was never really your thing, especially not when the guests that crowded the floor were all royal folk of sorts. So, having nothing much else to do, you made it your mission to find your soon-to-be king. Pushing through the crowd was no easy task, not when every single faerie was incredibly offended by the slightest brush of human contact, but you managed. You looked around for a couple of minutes, only to find no sign of the prince.

Suddenly, a large, warm hand grasped your arm, pulling you to the side. Being quick on your feet, you spun on your heel, ready to ambush the stranger if needed. But alas, it was exactly who you’d been looking for.

“You frightened me, Prince Riley,” you spoke, raising your voice so your words would be heard over the loud crowd, but the prince stayed silent, having his mind set on taking you aside. The two of you finally stopped to the side, in a lone corner. Simon turned to look at you, his deep brown eyes clashing with yours.

“Have I told you how hideous you look tonight?” Simon asks with a small smile on his lips, crossing his strong arms over his chest, the warmth of his words turned the question into something more like a compliment.

“No,” You say with a sigh, unsure whether to be annoyed or glad that you had found him. “Tell me.”

“I cannot,” he says, then proceeds to flash you one of his annoyingly attractive grins. Sometimes you had to ask yourself how you ended up with such a good friendship with him, being a mortal and whatnot.