"Your Majesty," Amelia muttered as she knelt before the throne on one knee. The floor was cool beneath her, which she strangely found to be quite grounding as she presented herself to the elder Vampire. Queen Eliza, meanwhile, crossed one leg over the other as she stared down at the girl. She was pretty, she thought, with her long blonde hair cascading over her shoulders and her crystal blue eyes. A small beauty mark kissed her skin beneath her left.

   She and Alaric could have had a gorgeous child together. It was a shame her status had to ruin it. 

   "You asked to see me?" she replied, plainly. Why in Percy's name would she want to see the Queen in private, save for the stoic, neglected guard beside her? She wasn't sure if she should be impressed or offended by her boldness. 

   "In light of recent events, Your Majesty," Amelia said, "I have arrived at the assumption that Prince Alaric is currently in search of a new Queen." She looked up to meet her gaze, her eyes the same sage green as the younger Vampire. "Am I also safe to assume that you, Your Majesty, would encourage a sooner appointment on his part?"

   Eliza stared at her for a moment, trying to decide if the girl was ambitious or simply foolish. "Your point is?" she asked, slowly, her tone flat. Amelia's expression, once mostly blank, twisted into a sharp grin before she hid her face again, dipping her head in another bow. 

   "I would like to offer myself as an option," she said matter-of-factly. "In fact, I already am employed here, working in your sector with my father, Thomas Fitton, and I-"

   "I reject," the Queen cut in. Amelia's stomach dropped, and her eyes briefly widened, but she didn't dare to look up, and kept her voice level. 

   "Would you so kindly enlighten me as to... Why?" The Queen barked a laugh, and Amelia flinched.

   "What made you think I would allow a servant and daughter of Elke and Emil Dietz to marry the Vampire Prince?" she asked, feeling a grim smile tugging at her lips. It faded, though, as she watched the girl remain completely still, as if she were a statue stuck in a kneeling pose. 

   "The other workers are not aware of my heritage, and neither is the public, Your M-"

   "Look me in the eyes, girl."

   She slowly picked up her head, face carefully blank, even as she stared into those green eyes again. Even as she glanced over those monstrous wings of hers- much larger than the Prince's- as the left one twitched with impatience. 

   "You are dismissed," Queen Eliza spat. Amelia only blinked for a moment, then stood, eyes now fixed on the ground again, spotless and smooth stone.  

   "My apologies, Your Majesty," she muttered as she turned away for the door, heels clicking and echoing as she walked off. 

   She should have known. 

❦

   Adrian already knew what Ms. Mya was going to talk about. Dread weighed his feet down as he trudged through the market that night to her shop. 

   He checked his pocket watch. Just before nine. 

   He was given a curfew of ten o' clock. He quickened his steps.

   He shivered as he cut through the night, and knocked twice before he heard the rattle of a key, then the jingle of bells as the door came open.

   It was much warmer inside, and light poured out from the back room through an open door, slicing through the shadows that lined the walls. It reflected off of the countless jewels on display, casting specs of colors across the walls like glitter. The woman peeked over her shoulder at the sound of the bells, a steaming mug in hand. 

   "Thanks for stopping by," said Mya as she led him inside and to the back room of the shop. "Wasn't sure when or how I would get to you." He smiled. 

   "'Course. I missed coming here, anyway."

   The back room was a small studio lined with counters and cupboards, a few newer pieces of jewelry here and there for touch-ups or repairs along with several tools and cloths. She did most of her work away from the shop, so it was used more as a small lobby than anything, with the old stools- the kinds that would rock when you sat on them- and the kettle that had been there for longer than anybody knew. 

   "Did something happen?" He folded his arms once he got there, leaning against the doorframe. She grinned, then turned away and pulled open a drawer. "Nothing big. I just wanted to find the chance to hand you these." 

   From there, she produced two bracelets- thin leather bands that wrapped around in something like a loose coil twice, each adorned with a stone bead. One was green, like jade, and the other was blue like sapphire. 

   "I know you said you weren't a fan of gifts, but I couldn't resist. I just finished making these the a few weeks ago," she said, taking his hand slipping the blue one over his wrist. She placed the other in his other hand. 

   "These are stunning, I don't know what to say," he muttered, running a finger over the blue jewel. "Would it be fine if I asked why all of the sudden?" She picked up a steaming mug from the counter and took a long, careful sip. 

   "You know how things have been," she answered, plainly. "I had you and him in mind when I made these." He swallowed, and she grinned, shrugging. "I missed your birthday, anyway. And his, too, apparently." 

   He smiled at the jewels. This would do as a parting gift. "Thank you." She hummed, fiddling with the fabric of her scarf as she took another sip. Her own bracelets gently clattered with the motion.

   "Ever heard of a promise bracelet?"  His brows furrowed. 

   "Yes, but it won't work if I have to leave." She looked over at him, and their eyes met. 

   "It doesn't have to be commitment. You can promise anything, you know, even just as friends," she said, matter-of-factly. 

   He paused, then pocketed the green bracelet. "I'll think about that." She snorted, then walked over. 

   "I saw that smile." She reached up to pinch his cheek. "Don't try to hide it." Adrian rolled his eyes, then waved away her hand through a tiny laugh.

   "But on a serious note, honey," she said, meeting his eyes and sobering save for the ghost of a smile left on her face. "I know things are getting unpredictable right now. You need to talk to me when things get messy, okay? You already worry me enough as you are." He ran a hand through his hair. 

   "I know, and I promise." He held her gaze. "I know you'll be there." 

   "I'm not going anywhere, love." Her smile returned, and she nodded as she went back to the counter, swirling around the contents of her cup. 

   "So, now. Tell me about this girl, Belle."

   "It's a funny story, actually," he said, pocketing the green bracelet. He toyed with it, rubbing his finger against the leather. "It turns out she's Odilon's younger sister. Remember him?"

❊