Mikhailo let out a heavy sigh as he took in the scene before him. The illusion had cleared, and the shadows dissipated. He was greeted by several of his students, including Bradley, who was most likely the ring leader, writhing and seizing on the ground. Their mouths were open as though they were frozen in a screaming state. They were tear stained and their pants soiled. “Your majesty.” His tone was unamused.

“Ooh, we’re using formalities now; you must be quite displeased with me.” Ayden was all too pleased with himself as he shrugged as if to wordlessly say, “They started it, so I merely finished it.” 

“They are children.” Mikhailo scolded.

Ayden grinned in response, there was something knowing dancing in his lips as he spoke, “They are young adults who are well aware that actions have consequences.” He paused as the tone of his voice changed to something mildly haunting: “As their teacher, I am merely teaching them a lesson they won’t forget next time a guest disrupts their comfortable lives.” His eyes drifted toward the tired professor shadowing him.

Mikhailo crossed his arms against his chest like a disappointed authority figure and gave Ayden a pointed stare as if to say, “You are bringing them all to the infirmary yourself.”

Ayden let out a soft chuckle as he dismissively waved his hand, “Yes, yes. You just stand there and look pretty.” He faced back towards the students as he swirled his hands while black smoke emanated from his sleeves, dispersing into the air before all seven students were enveloped, causing them to evaporate into a puff of smoke. Presumably teleported to the medical wing of the academy. A darker way to cast a teleportation spell but as effective.

“I don’t stand anywhere and just look pretty.” Mikhailo growled.

Ayden turned back to look at him and smirked, “If you say so.”

“Why you?” He questioned with sharpness to the two simple words.

Ayden tilted his head in response, “Are you displeased?”

“Highly.”

Ayden laughed, “Careful, that’s offensive.” He clicked his tongue.

“We both know you are far from offended, why would the Unseelie Court send their would-be king as their representative? Isn’t that taking unnecessary risks? You are purposely putting yourself in direct danger.” Mikhailo’s questions were flowing from his lips before he had a second to process and filter them.

Ayden straightened out his neck, and something in his eyes changed as he stared at Mikhailo in response. An arrogance began to flow through his veins at the questions posed to him. “As if I am still the frightened young Fae shrouded by death. Risks?” He scoffed. “I’m not the one at risk, and I never will be again. I made sure of that.” His death-stained fingers twitched with irritation. “But since we are getting personal.” His words had a bite to them: “Where’s Mikhailo?” 

Mikhailo’s eyes widened as his head snapped towards the Unseelie Prince.

“You’re insane.” His tone was tense and almost strained, panic threatening to take hold.

“Don’t insult me with the insinuation that I could not differentiate you from your twin brother, Morrigan.”

As soon as the name left his lips, Mikhailo grabbed Ayden by the collar, electricity striking behind them as a lightning-stricken gateway opened in the shape of a perfectly formed archway. Mikhailo’s eyes and fingers were crackling with bright yellow energy that extended to his fingers. He swiftly forced Ayden backwards as they both portaled away to a place that was presumably more private. This conversation was not intended for the public. Ayden laughed as he let it happen. In that moment, he knew he had made the right decision to be the Unseelie representative. 

“What are you getting at?” Mikhailo shoved Ayden, all formality completely gone.

Ayden’s laugh grew more amusing by the moment as he straightened himself out, satisfied eyes staring at the one who claimed to be Mikhailo. “History may have forgotten about the crown princess, but I haven’t.” His tone turned serious within a split second.

Mikhailo swallowed and rubbed his face. “No one was ever supposed to find out, especially you.” He narrowed his eyes at Ayden.

He smirked with an arrogant chuckle in response, “Get better at magic then.” Magic had nothing to do with how he was able to tell that he wasn’t Mikhailo. They both knew that. 

“I’m more than proficient.” Mikhailo huffed in offense.

Ayden looked around the room that he suddenly found himself in. Quickly realizing they were in Mikhailo’s home. It was an old craftsman and cottage-style home. They were standing in some sort of office and library space. He promptly rested back against the desk he found himself standing in front of. He folded his arms against his chest. This was most enjoyable. He was taking great pleasure in this situation. “So, you assumed his gender? And life.” He said it nonchalantly. It was more of a statement than a question, “How did your brother die?” That was a definite question.

“I always envied my brother, I wanted to be him, I guess I got my wish.” Mikhailo replied as he purposely ignored the question that was asked. He was getting carried away. He stepped towards Ayden, getting close into his personal space. “You cannot tell anyone, Ayden.”

Ayden’s eyes shifted over Mikhailo before they landed on his tense gaze. Mikhailo’s eyebrows were knitted together in anger and frustration. His lip was subtly twitching along with his right eyeball from the sudden stress he found himself under. He was holding his breath. Ayden simply shrugged in response. No words muttered or spoken.

Mikhailo swallowed and took a step back, “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Are you happy?” Ayden questioned before he hummed and shook his head, “Are you more comfortable now?” He asked instead.

Mikhailo was at a loss for words, “You’re still a very strange man.”

“Answer my question, and my lips are sealed.” His voice was stern.

“I...” What did it matter? “I suppose I am.” Mikhailo responded.

“Don’t lie to me.” His tone was dark and annoyed.

Mikhailo sighed, “I have never been more comfortable in life.”

“Calling you Mikhailo will be weird, but I suppose I can manage.” He once again shrugged, but this time it was more of a playful shifting of his shoulders, almost teasing.

“Do not suppose, only do.” Mikhailo pointed at Ayden.

“Yes, my dear prince.” He grinned.