I never saw Valerie Ezirin. I always imagined her as a vixen, hungry for money and prestige. Many of us that survived the apocalypse probably did, assuming that the girl that led to the end of the world must be made of shadows. She had red eyes and sharp fangs, bearing a twisted smile that charmed even when all knew who she was. But that isn’t anywhere near the true Valerie.

Valerie Ezirin is more like a daisy in the field, vibrant and carefree. Her long brown hair rests in a wave of curls over her thin shoulders while her eyes sparkle green like new spring grass. She’s short and petite, wearing a lavish gown of pale yellow. If I didn’t know any better, I’d never guess she would be capable of taking someone’s life. But she isn’t the only one that grabs my attention.

A girl walks behind her and Dalion wearing the clothes of a maid. Once Dalion and Valerie wander towards Maven, the girl disappears.

Was she Valerie’s personal handmaiden?

When Valerie is next to Maven, Dalion steps back to join me. Valerie bows and says, “Your Majesty, I a-apologize for being late. I hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long.”

“There is no need to apologize or to call me by such titles,” Maven replies when holding out his hand for her to take. She does so hesitantly.

“You look beautiful this evening,” Maven remarks, showing that he keeps his word. He must try to fall in love with his partner, and by doing so, treat them well.

Even if her hand shakes, Valerie smiles at the compliment. “Thank you. Y-You look quite dashing yourself, Your Majesty! I, uh, I mean... Maven.”

“Thank you,” he replies with a tender smile that I can’t tell if it’s real or fake. Then he shifts his gaze to Dalion. “I shall take her off your hands, if that is alright with you.”

I don’t see why he has to ask Dalion for permission when the deal has been struck, but perhaps this is a fairy thing I don’t understand. Regardless, Dalion nods. Valerie walks with Maven to the dance floor. The band plays a simple tune. The pair of them move along to the rhythm. Even as others surround them, the couple isn’t easily missed. Maven towers over everyone, his wings and horns like giant targets, and Valerie blushes so brightly that we could view her from the sky. Even when I know their fates, I can’t help but think they make a lovely couple.

Enough of this. Maven doesn’t recognize me so I have to work on plan two; become one of Valerie’s handmaidens. The girl earlier, where did she go?

“Well, did the Demon King live up to your expectations?” Dalion asks, preventing me from leaving.

“He is nothing like I expected and everything that I expected,” I answer.

“Yeah, I was taken aback when I met him too, but he has treated Valerie well so far.”

“Of course, that’s part of the deal.”

“So it is.” Dalion hums, then faces me to give a low bow as he offers his hand. “Ms. Valmar, would you do me the honor of a dance?”

No, I’ve got work to do, but alas, Dalion got me in. I don’t want to make enemies with him. He may be useful throughout the night, so I force a smile and play embarrassed.

“I fear I’ve never been taught proper etiquette, so I hope a yes is good enough,” I answer, giggling when I take his hand.

“I know little about etiquette as well, but I’ve overheard a few say that, so I thought I’d give it a whirl. I’m glad to know that it worked.”

Dalion guides us to the dance floor. His hand rests on the small of my back, the other takes hold of my hand, holding it at our side. We twist and twirl to the music, getting lost in the sea of bodies around. He peers down at me with a gentle smile, but I can only keep up with so much. My feet fumble through the dance. He laughs when I step all over the end of my dress, nearly sending me toppling over. Dalion narrowly catches me, holding me close, flush against him even after my heel rams into his foot.

“Sorry,” I say far too breathlessly than I’m willing to admit. My cheeks warm with embarrassment. “Did I not mention that I have no idea how to dance?”

“Neither do I,” he admits, guiding us back to dance, but I almost miss the warmth of his arms wrapped around me. “So I’m as much at fault as you.”

“But I’m the one stepping on your toes.”

“I have very sturdy toes.”

I snort. “No need to lie. We don’t have to keep dancing if you’re in pain.”

“I’m fine. It’s worth it,” he whispers, his fingers intertwining with my own. His hand resting on my back sends a shiver down my spine. Some part of me wants to get lost in the pale green of his eyes, while another screams, you don’t have time for this. You have a job to do!

“I’ve never danced among lords and ladies, or even in a field, and do you know what else I haven’t done?” I ask, causing him to tilt his head, curiously. “I’ve never eaten whatever goodies they are offering at the tables.”

Dalion laughs when taking my hand, accompanying me to the refreshment tables. “We have to change that! Their food is almost sinful,” he declares.

“I can’t wait to try.”

But my gaze doesn’t linger on the food, it drifts to the girl that followed Valerie and Dalion earlier. I have to discover if she’s Valerie’s handmaiden. She may have answers to where I can apply for the job, and if not, she may be the one I have to steal the job from.