“I’ve heard his teaching methods are a little more unorthodox than Annette expected.” Twila swirled her straw in her glass as she spoke about Ayden. “He brought in the bible.” She added.

She was an astonishingly gorgeous woman. She was heavier set, curvy and thick in all the right places. Her skin a russet, reddish-brown. Cool brown hair with sandy highlights and blue shimmers, in long goddess braids. Her eyes were a soft caramel color, with only her right eye containing the Seelie ring. She was a half Human half Seelie hybrid. She was a gifted wizard who taught herself magic from a young age. In learning magic she eventually found out the truth about her Fae ancestry. Her powerful mind led her to become the arcane history teacher. She was well known and well regarded. She single handedly taught Seelies to more widely accept hybrids. There was still prejudice of course but she was the poster child of the perfect hybrid and the good that they could bring to society. Anyone would be more than lucky to have her.

“Of course they are. Their world is vastly different from ours. They embrace the darkness that we reject.” Mikhailo sighed, “I fear this whole thing is beyond our understanding. Peace doesn’t occur overnight just because you have good intentions. And I’m not sure they are all good.” He frowned.

Twila reached out and placed her hand over Mikhailo’s, squeezing gently. “You don’t have to take the responsibility of this working on your shoulders alone. We are all in this together.”

Mikhailo forced a smile and gently patted her hand over his, “I am afraid that is wishful thinking my love.” He replied as his front door swung open in a burst of energy causing them both to rise to their feet.

“Oh dear, my deepest apologies, I did not know you had company.” Ayden gave a formal bow of apology as he made direct eye contact with Mikhailo. He knew immediately that Ayden was lying. He could feel it—the tension. Ayden was annoyed. He was caught between being impressed and not that Ayden had escaped the command placed upon him in only ten hours, typically it would last for twelve. A small smirk spread across Mikhailo’s lips as he watched the subtle twitching of Ayden’s obviously bruised knees.

“Oh my.” Twila exhaled out and forced a soft chuckle, “I’ve heard you know how to make an entrance.” She smiled.

“I hope that’s not all you’ve heard about me.” He stood tall and smiled.

“All good things.” She assured.

“Pity.”

“It’s getting late.” Mikhailo gently placed his hand on the small of Twila’s back as he led her out. Ayden bowed his head slightly in respect as she stepped past him, his eyes towards the ground. As soon as she was out of range, he gritted his teeth and made his way into his temporary home. His shins throbbing, his knees swollen and painful. It was not lost on him that the half-breed had a rather large sapphire ring on her finger. She was engaged. He could feel his blood boil.

“Was that really necessary?” Mikhailo questioned as he shut the door behind him.

Ayden could feel his heart rate spike momentarily as he turned to face Mikhailo.

“I was on my knees for ten hours.” His voice was bland.

“Hardly an accomplishment for you.” Mikhailo’s words had insinuating tones.

Ayden laughed genuinely, then grinned, “You’re the only person to ever get me on my knees.” His eyes darkened. “You should be proud.”

“I am.” 

“How long have you been engaged?” Ayden suddenly asked, which caught Mikhailo off guard.

“A year.” He folded his arms in discomfort. “My father arranged it.” He added mindlessly.

Ayden’s ears seemed to perk up at the addition. “So, he is alive then?”

Mikhailo cleared his throat and averted eye contact. “Don’t start.”

“Very well.” Ayden gave up easily, which caused Mikhailo to look at him.

Ayden raised his eyebrow and shrugged with a smile, “I learned my lesson.”

“I highly doubt that.” Mikhailo narrowed his eyes.

Ayden made his way towards the front door headed to the hallway, stepping directly into Mikhailo’s space, causing him to hold his breath. Ayden let his eyes roam over the Seelie, purposely being obvious in his actions. “What was that about learning your lesson?” Mikhailo questioned with a soft voice.

“Mmm, I must admit I never was a quick learner; I might need some private tutoring, Professor.” His breath hit Mikhailo’s shoulder, causing goosebumps to form as he passed by and retreated to his room for the remainder of the night. 

Mikhailo let out a heavy exhale of air that had been trapped in his chest. He let himself fall back into the wall behind him as he stared up at the ceiling. He hated the stupid charm that Ayden had about him. The undeniable magnetism. He could deny and protest all he wanted to that he detested the man, but they both knew that was not the case. And that was the biggest problem; they both knew it. He got lost in thoughts about the Unseelie Prince before he suddenly was hit with a wave of realization crashing over him. Twila had caught Ayden’s attention. Mikhailo groaned and rubbed his face in his hands. He should have never brought her to his house; what the hell was he thinking? A thought occurred: did he do it on purpose? Did he want Ayden to see her? To see them together. Something deep inside him wanted Ayden to know that they were together. Something wanted Ayden to figure out that they were engaged to be married. But why? He may have just put her life in danger. His mind wandered to the look on Ayden’s face. The tension in his muscles. The blood was pumping and rushing through his veins. The darkening of his aura—it was all so palpable. Mikhailo could taste his anger, and it was delicious.

“Shit.” Mikhailo muttered with a thickened voice as he pushed of the wall and tried to escape his current line of thinking by locking himself in his bedroom.