Love At First Sight

I stared at my reflection in the full length mirror ahead of me, breathing deeply, mentally preparing myself for what was to come. 

“I’m so proud of you,” My mother smiled at me, coming to stand beside me in the mirror. She looked elegant in a green velvety ball gown. Her red hair fell over her shoulders, reaching just past her chest. Her eyes were shining with barely concealed excitement, a soft green that reminded me of the lush grass in meadows I’d play in as a child. Whilst I’d inherited the shade of her hair, I’d followed my father with liquid golden eyes. However, I was taller than him now, perhaps broader and stronger. They were both proud of me, I’d followed the path they’d laid out before me. I’d been everything they asked for, everything they wanted and more. And now, I was to marry the girl they had chosen for me. 

She was suitable for a prince, suitable to be Queen of the Nevernever once my parents passed on their throne to me. They were thrilled with her. She was beautiful, she came from a higher class background. I was quite fond of her, we got on well but not tremendously well. It was not love at first sight as I’d hoped. But it was convenient. It meant everything to my parents to know their throne would be secure and I would do anything for them. 

Tonight was Esylum. That meant the Winter and Summer Courts would meet as they do every changing of the seasons. Right now, Summer was being recognised as the strongest of the courts, Winter was paying their respects. It was also a time that news could be shared, just like the wedding announcement. 

In the distance, I could hear trumpets being sounded. Most likely announcing the arrival of the winter court. 

“Come on, darling.” My mother pressed a kiss to my cheek “It’s time for us to go.” 

She led me out the door of my chamber, a massive smile still lighting up her face. I followed, trying hard not to come across as nervous, despite feeling it. My mother walked ahead of me the whole way through the pristine, marble hallways of the castle and into the massive ball room. The floors were shining, and in every inch of the room stood fae. Some were dressed all in colour, with tan skin and warm smiles. The others, pale, icy expressions and dressed plainly. These were the winter fae, who surveyed their rivals court with distaste. Winter and summer would never be friends, but Esylum was part of an ancient law that no one dared to break. 

“Oberon, My son,” My fathers voice called me from the top of the stairs that led to the thrones, a spot where one could see everywhere in the ballroom. I jogged up the steps to meet him, my mother following behind me, holding up her dress as she went. 

My father stood talking to a Duke, the father of the woman I was to marry. The Kings smile was a proud one as he looked at me and ruffled my hair, which he still did, much to my protesting that I was much too old for that now. 

“He will make a fine King one day,” My father was saying to the Duke, “Much as your daughter, Titania, will make a wonderful Queen.” 

The duke looked extremely pleased himself “Thank you, my Lord. I believe our children are a match made by the gods.” 

My father laughed then. I knew he was in entire agreement, he was as excited for the marriage as my mother was. 

“Oberon!” A high pitched squeal sounded ahead of me. I watched a head of blonde ringlets running through the crowd and up the steps, only to throw themselves into my arms. Titania then pulled back from the hug, kissing me once on the cheek, clear blue eyes dancing with excitement. She was exquisite to look at and absolutely charming, too. As I said, I cared for her. I did not love her. 

“I’m so excited for the announcement,” She gushed to me “All of my friends are here, they’re just so jealous!” She pointed out a group of girls all dressed similarly to her, all from the same kinds of backgrounds, yet none as outstandingly beautiful. They were all attractive though, thus was the nature of the fae. 

“Why don’t you go enjoy yourself until then?” I suggested to her, apologetically adding “I have to attend to my fathers guests.” 

She pressed another kiss to my cheek, promising to see me later, then she disappeared once more into the crowd. I turned back to my father but he was deep in conversation with a couple of older looking fae and so I decided to scan the ballroom, out of interest. 

I could now see the Winter Queen herself, making her way through the throng of people. Mab looked disgusted to have to share a room with us summer fae. She was a nasty piece of work, as cold as her land in Tir Na Nog. Her skin was so pale she could have been a ghost, with white hair that looked as if the colour had been sapped out of it. She was wearing a long white dress, looking regal and dignified. Either side of her were her winter knights, their faces blank and devoid of any emotion, as was the way of the Winter Fae. Behind her were three girls, the first was the shorter of the three. She had an anxious expression, she bit her lip worriedly and her eyes darted from one side of the room to the other. Her hair was the colour of silver, the top pulled back into a ponytail that fell down her shoulders and down her back. The next girl was the tallest, with white hair just like Mab and the same regal expression. I would have thought she was her successor, just from the way she carried herself. She was calm and collected, watching the summer fae with a predatory expression. However, the last of the girls soaked up the biggest share of my attention. 

Granted, she was beautiful. More so than Mab, perhaps more so than my own betrothed, Titania. But what really captivated me was the look in her eyes as she took in her surroundings. It was like everything to her was bright and wonderful, everything was full of possibility and magical. They sparkled, a sharp green that reminded me of chips of emerald. Curious and intelligent, utterly intriguing and beautiful. Her face was pale, a common trait amongst Winter Fae. Her hair was as black and glossy as a ravens feather, snaking to her hips, clipped back at the sides to reveal her exquisite face. Her mouth was slightly open in amazement, full, pale lips and sparkling teeth. Her body was equally beautiful, as if she had been shaped like clay by the hands of the gods themselves. She wore a black gown that fell to her feet, clinging to her body in all the right places. I couldn’t quite bring myself to take my eyes off of her, I couldn’t stop admiring the elegance of her steps and the awe on her face just warmed me. I’d never seen a Winter fae feel so much. They were so composed, burying any emotion deep inside themselves. She embraced everything. 

She was coming towards me, following after Mab, but barely looking where she was going as she stopped to take in the different fae gathered. She looked at everything as if she’d never seen something quite so captivating in her life. 

Who was she? How had I not come across such a striking creature before? 

Queen Mab approached us, looking as if she had a bad taste in her mouth. 

“Ashton, Vera.” Man acknowledged my parents, but didn’t even look at me. 

“Queen Mab, I hope all is well in Tir Na Nog.” My Father spoke, always respectful.

“Everything is quite all right.” She answered, almost threateningly, not wishing Arcadia the same good will. I was barely listening to the exchange between the leaders, as I was looking behind Mab trying to get a glimpse of the girl behind her. She was not looking at me, she stood, eyes at the floor. I wondered how such a presence could be so submissive. 

“I hear your son is betrothed,” Mab was saying, when I tuned back into the conversation “My daughters will also be finding suitors, shortly.” She turned to the three girls behind her and beckoned them forward, obviously meaning to introduce them. Gesturing to the silver haired one, she said “Myrna, my youngest.” The one that looked most like her, she introduced as Vivian. “And lastly, my heir, Assana.” 

She looked at the girl I’d been watching. Assana, meaning waterfall. I thought it was very fitting. 

“They all seem very promising..” My father was saying, but I barely heard. I was only seeing her. Assana. I felt my heart speeding up as I got a closer look at her. i must have been staring because she looked up at me, blushing. Actually blushing. The only fae I’d known to blush were the summer fae, passionate and emotional. I was so surprised I had to surpress a laugh. 

“Now we’re all here, shall we begin?” Oberon asked Mab, who nodded once, and gesturing that he should go first. 

My father faced the crowd of fae who were chattering excitedly and dancing with one another. “Esylum is about to begin,” His voice boomed, reaching all corners of the ball room, silencing all the fae below us. 

“It is always a pleasure to host an Esylum and to continue the peace between our two courts. I hope for it to continue to last and that our courts may be united against greater enemies that may come.” 

Mab nodded, “As do I, let both courts flourish without conflict.” I didn’t believe for a second that she meant a word. She was a warrior, bloodthirsty and a lover of all conflict. “Now, I believe you have an announcement to make?” 

The King nodded “That, I do. My son Oberon is bethrothed to Titania, the daughter of a much valued member of my court. We are sure she will make a splendid Queen and wife. Titania, would you like to join us?” 

My eyes met my destined wifes across the ballroom, where she and her friends looked as if they would burst with excitement. She made her way through the crowd and up the steps to join me, taking my hand and smiling at me. I smiled back, despite being filled with dread. I loved my parents but i never thought it’d come to me having to choose between their happiness and mine. 

The fae below us cheered, Oberon drew the announcement to an end and the band started up again. The ballroom once more filled with chatter as the dancing began. 

“Come dance with me, my love,” Titania said, eyes sparkling. Her entire life was coming together whilst mine felt as if it were falling apart. I nodded, letting her lead me away, feeling the heavy gazes of my parents on my back. She pulled me to the centre of the ball room, her arms around my shoulders. I put my own hands on her waist, trying not to think to much, just to focus on the music. From behind I could see Mab and her daughters, two of which were obediently waiting at her side, the third looking as if she was thinking of an escape plan. And it was just too much to resist. 

“There’s something I have to do,” I told Titania, “Dance with your friends” I flashed her a reassuring smile, seeing the confused look in her eyes. 

Then I made my way through the crowd, towards Assana, trying to make eye contact with her all the while. When her gaze finally met mine, I grinned at her, beckoning her over, amongst the crowd of dancing fae. She looked surprised, then looked at her mother and sisters. They were deep in conversation, not paying any attention to Assana. Then she walked away, moving towards me. I was just blown away by her, without even knowing her, I felt my breath quicken every time she got closer. She was immensely beautiful, it was absolutely intense. But I knew it wasn’t her beauty that I felt myself intrigued by. I grew up surrounded by beauty, and the weight of it dulled overtime. 

She stood right in front of me, her lips turning up into an incredible smile. “Hello, Oberon” 

I grinned, teasing her “I usually go by, ‘your majesty,’ but that’ll do.” 

She narrowed her eyes at me, but she was smiling, playing along “Then you must call me your highness, as we’re both our parents heirs.” 

“Quite right. How’s the whole ‘the kingdom rests in your hands,’ thing going for you?” I asked her 

“Oh you know, terrifying.” She shook her head and laughed a little “Kind of wish I could avoid my entire fate.” 

“Maybe you can, for tonight?” I suggested to her, unable to help the grin creeping back onto my face 

She looked suspicious “What exactly are you offering me?” 

I held out my hand, waiting for her to take it and stating “An escape,” 

She took my hand and let me lead her onto the dance floor, then i pulled her close to me. the feeling of her body pressed up against mine was sensational, her scent wreathed around me, reminding me of ferns and wet earth. Like the wyldwood, the no mans land of The Nevernever. 

She twisted her arms around the back of my neck, whilst my hands rested on her lower back as we danced. She moved as elegantly as I’d imagined, it was hypnotising. Her lips brushed my neck, making every hair on my body stand on end. I closed my eyes, feeling so right and just wishing everyday could be like this. It didn’t last long though. I heard Titania calling my name, could sense her fighting through the crowd as she searched. 

Assana pulled back from our embrace and locked her eyes onto mine. I was fixed there, completely helpless. Her eyes were so piercing it was as if they saw straight through me. 

“Sounds like your betrothed is looking for you,” She said, smiling sadly 

“I’d prefer she didn’t find me,” I told Assana, taking her hand and leading her away. 

“Oberon!” I think Titania must have spotted me because she sounded furious, but I ignored her, breaking into a run. Assana ran beside me, an exhilirated laugh escaping her lips as we headed out of the door, away from the ball and all our responsibilities.