Chapter Fourteen

I COULDN'T STOP FIDGETING. I grabbed my blue-tipped curls and pulled them over my shoulder, then quickly tossed them back again, only to pull some over my shoulder once more. I constantly ran my hands over the front of my simple yet formal dress, smoothing away all the nonexistent wrinkles in the fabric. My palms felt extra clammy, and my body couldn't decide if it wanted to break out in sweat or tremble with nervous jitters.

"Breathe," Rune said, low enough for my ears only. "You're going to be great."

"I just want to make a good first impression. What if they don't like me?"

"They'll love you," Rune argued. He gently took my hand and wove our fingers together before giving it a reassuring squeeze.

Today was a big deal. The first group of Water Fae were arriving, and I was determined to be there to greet them. I knew I wouldn't be able to personally speak to each and every Water Fae, but I wanted to meet as many as possible. I wanted to learn the names and faces of my people and actually be there for them.

To look suitable for my first official duty as Princess, I'd been fitted in a glittery, long-sleeved silver dress that hugged my curves before flaring out in a lovely, flowing mess of silk at my waist. It was a garment Dallas had run back to the human world to get, because the royal tailor wasn't here yet to make such dresses for me.

Dallas curled my hair before adorning my head with a small, silver tiara. Diamonds and sapphires littered its swirling branches, which peaked in the center with a larger, deeper blue sapphire gem.

Even Rune was dressed up in the Water Fae Official's wardrobe—black slacks, a long-sleeved silver button-up, and an elaborate white and blue fitted tunic. Half of his long hair had been pulled back and tied with a blue ribbon, and when I'd first seen him in the outfit and sporting that half-up, half-down hairstyle, I'd nearly pulled us right back into the privacy of our room. I still couldn't quite meet his eyes with him looking this way, because seeing him this handsome was doing things to me that were far too inappropriate when I was trying to focus on the task at hand.

Rune and I stood side by side on the shore of Morardia, facing the mainland where Water Fae would arrive before coming over to the island. Our team of guards flanked either side of us, both as a security measure but to also be at the ready to help any Water Fae who may need it. Dallas wanted to be by my side, but I'd sent her, Rance, and Imani across the sea to meet the Water Fae at the veil between Ambrolia and the human realm and guide them here safely. Dallas had left me in Jesiah's very capable hands, plus my new best friend.

"They're here."

Speak of the devil.

General Angus Blackwood came up beside me and gestured across the sea at a group of moving specks emerging from the glittering veil.

Angus turned to me and said, "It's probably time for everyone to take their places, Princess."

I didn't miss the way his gray eyes briefly flicked in Rune's direction, nor could I ignore the bitter annoyance it produced in my gut.

Rune turned me to face him, and he cupped my cheeks. "You can do this. Just be yourself. That's all you'll need to do to win them over." He pressed a soft kiss to my lips then a final one to my forehead before moving to his place at the end of the guards line.

As much as I hated it, I also saw the need for our plan. Rune was my partner, but he was still a Fox Fae. Newly arriving Water Fae probably wouldn't react too well if the first face they saw on the shores of their home was a Fox Fae who stood to become their new King.

Before they met Rune or any of the Land Fae here, I wanted to give my people a chance to meet me first. After all, most were likely under the impression that I was a boy since that had been the rumor created to protect me. Having that reality shattered before their eyes was going to be hard enough. Once they saw who I was and realized I only had the best intentions for them, I'd introduce Rune officially at the welcome home gathering we were planning. Until then, he'd remain at the other end of the line of guards that flanked me.

"Remember what we went over," Jesiah coached as he stood before me in the same Official's gear that Rune wore. He pushed on my shoulders and pressed a finger under my chin to tilt it higher. "Shoulders back, head held high, make firm eye contact and maintain it. Speak clearly and slowly without any hint of nerves or worry. You are the Princess. You are their leader. Show them, yes? If you are nervous, they will be nervous. If you tremble, they will fall. Stand strong for them."

I swallowed hard and forced the nerves from my voice like we'd practiced all morning. "I will."

He nodded and moved to his place at my left-hand side with General Blackwood still at my right. The two were there as yet another reminder of who I was and the command I held here. It was meant to reassure those arriving that their leader had truly returned and was ready to lead in whatever way was needed.

When Jesiah moved, I got a clear view of the scene before me. Dallas, Imani, and Rance were already halfway across the ocean with dozens of Water Fae on their makeshift ice float. They were close enough now that I could make out their faces—some staring in awe at me, some marveling at the distant castle with tears in their eyes, others speechless with wide eyes.

There were all different ages, sizes, and colors aboard the float, and in that moment, I felt a tightening in my chest that I couldn't explain. It was like my heart suddenly hurt with this need to be good enough. All these people, all these lives, were looking to me now, and the immense responsibility to care for them and lead them hit me hard. Yet I didn't cower from it. In fact, I felt the urge to embrace it, and as I scanned the faces of these people— my people —I felt my heart swell with tenderness.

I promise. I promise to give each of you the life you deserve.

I readied myself as the group slowed to a crawl, and the tide pulled them to the sandy shore. It was showtime.

Smiling warmly, I held open my arms. "Welcome home, everyone. I know you're all probably confused, overwhelmed, and excited to be back. I wanted to be here to personally welcome you and introduce myself. I am Princess Bria Marina Damaris, daughter to Queen Alesta Damaris and King Khal Damaris."

A sudden wash of pride bled into my bones as I finished my introduction. It was the first time I'd spoken my title, as well as my real full name in conjunction with my parents'. I wasn't sure if saying it would feel unnatural or leave me feeling like a fake, but that couldn't be further from what hit me. Instead, holding my head high, facing all these strangers, and smiling became easier because I was Princess Bria Marina Damaris.

A stout woman stumbled forward in the sand and stuttered, "Prin—Princess? Not Prince?"

"A rumor spread for my safety," I explained. "I sincerely apologize for keeping my identity a secret from everyone. It was to ensure that we could all safely get to this point where we could return home together."

"Princess!" An older man bellowed before falling to his knee with his head bowed in reverence.

I dug my fingernails into my palm to keep from asking the crowd not to bow. My eyes found Jesiah, who gave me a pointed look that threatened endless reprimands and mind-numbing reading assignments should I say anything.

He'd already explained numerous times that bowing was a sign of respect, and for me to dismiss it would be to dismiss the people's respect of me.

As a human, the idea of bowing to an authority figure always made me cringe, but Jesiah was quick to reassure me that bowing didn't have to be a bad thing. It all depended on me and how I ruled. For a leader that the people loved, the bow allowed the citizens to express their thanks and respect in an easy way—it was something they chose to do.

After allowing the people their chance to bow, I said, "Rise. I'd love to see each of you. Could you please tell me your names, where you stayed in the human realm, and what Class of Water Fae you are?"

The group went down the line, filling me in on the details of who they were. The most interesting information was definitely their Water Fae Class. It was during one of my initial studies with Jesiah that I learned Water Fae had two Classes—the Elemental Class and the Creature Class. The Elemental Class were Fae like me and the majority of my guards and officials. We were in tune with the element of water itself. The Creature Class were Water Fae who lived in water, such as Shark Fae, Jellyfish Fae, and Seaweed Fae.

I made sure to engage with each Fae who spoke, smiling and expressing interest in who they were, and while I was supposed to do this for appearance's sake, it was all very real. I was genuinely invested in each person's story, clinging to their every word. These were my people. They were entrusting me with their home and lives, and I felt my connection to them getting stronger with every passing second.

Once all the introductions of the group had been made, I let my eyes scan the crowd. "It's lovely to meet all of you. Thank you for answering my call to return home. I've called you back here with a goal in mind. As soon as all Water Fae have returned home, I'll host a gathering to go over all the details. Until then, focus on getting settled back in here. If there's anything you need, please don't hesitate to ask. The doors to the palace will be open for anyone who needs assistance. I want this to be a smooth and positive transition for everyone."

"Thank you so much, Your Highness," a girl—Vaneera, I believed—gushed.

"That's so kind of you," another citizen—Baldwin—bellowed, staring at me with tears in his eyes.

Now for the hard part , I thought with a sudden sense of dread.

I kept my mask of ease and authority in place as I smiled. "Before you leave, I'd like to explain one last thing. As you get settled in on the island, you may see Land Fae here. If you do, there is no need to fear them or to attack. The Land Fae here are our friends and are considered allies to Water Fae."

The sea of faces before me changed. Several paled, some fell in terror, and others scowled in disdain. Despite the vast physical reactions, no one said a word. There were no demands for answers or an explanation, and I sensed that had something to do with the tiara on my head and the soldiers lined up behind me, not because they trusted me.

Yet.

I knew that would come with time. Just as important though was getting them to trust Land Fae, which made this next move a risky but necessary one.

"To help you move and get settled, I've personally assembled some Fae whom I trust with my life. They'll work together with you to ensure you're safely housed and have everything you could possibly need."

The group in question had been waiting with Rune at the back of the gathered guards, but Mingxia now led that move-in crew down the aisle of guards toward us. It was a small group, but it was full of nothing but warm and friendly souls who could melt the cold hearts of anyone who might harbor ill will toward Land Fae.

Mingxia was in charge and would divvy up tasks to the rest of the group, which consisted of Thomas and Abigail, the Water Fae who'd remained here all this time to maintain the grounds. They followed right behind Mingxia. Trailing behind the older couple was the rest of my hand-selected crew, all of whom I'd instructed to come in their Fae forms.

As soon as the trio of Land Fae came into view, there was a chorus of gasps from the Water Fae.

Before anyone could react or even utter a word, Akira smiled brightly and waved. " Konnichiwa . I'm Akira, and on behalf of the welcome committee, I'd like to say that we're so glad you all made it here safely. I'm thrilled and honored to get the chance to help you guys move back in. We're going to make sure it's a fun day, so let's get started."

I knew seeing the Land Fae would be a shock for the Water Fae, but I felt it was important to be upfront and honest with them. Sure, right now, all they'd see was a Raven Fae, Chameleon Fae, and Fox Fae, but by being near the trio and seeing each for their kind, compassionate, and warm souls, I was confident the Water Fae would no longer simply see a Land Fae but rather they'd see a person . They'd see Akira, Avana, and Ardley for who they were at their core.

"I humbly volunteer to help any and all single gals," Ardley offered, throwing a clawed hand high into the air.

Two girls who looked our age leaned in close to each other and stared wide-eyed at the Fox, who merely smirked and winked at them. Their cheeks pinkened, and they quickly looked away from the handsome Fae.

"Way to break the ice, Ardley," Avana huffed, rolling her eyes. "I apologize for my friend here. He is but a harmless flirt."

Ardley clutched his chest and gazed adoringly at the Chameleon. "Avana. I think that's the nicest thing anyone's ever said about me."

Thomas chuckled. He looked at the assembled Water Fae and hitched a thumb in Ardley's direction. "That one will talk your head off if you let him. If you want to get any real work done today, I suggest you keep this lover boy busy with more handiwork and less interaction."

"Now, Thomas," Ardley taunted, walking over to the old man. Ardley slung his arm around Thomas, who stared blankly at the Fox. "You wound me. I can stay busy with my hands but still find ways to get to know our lovely friends here."

One of the girls let out a sound to which I didn't think anyone could put a name. She ducked her head, but there was no missing her red cheeks and ears or the way she bit her lip.

Ardley truly was a natural. I'd initially been unsure if I should let Ardley be on this team, but I realized now that I'd made the right choice. He had a certain witty and carefree charm about him that made him easy to get along with. His teasing already seemed to be working since a good number of the Water Fae now looked less scared and angry and more bewildered.

Baby steps.

"That's enough of your teasing, Ardley," I chastised.

Ardley straightened and smothered his cheeky grin. He bowed at the waist, dipping his head low. "Yes, Your Highness." He peeked at me through his dark bangs and gave me a wink that only I could see.

I fought to keep from rolling my eyes. Turning my attention back to the Water Fae, I said, "I'm sure you're all eager to get settled. For now, I'll leave you in Mingxia's capable hands, along with the rest of the movers. I look forward to seeing more of you and getting to know you further. Again, I'd like to say, welcome home."

Rune, also in his Fox Fae form, walked from his place in the back of the guard's line to my side. I ignored the expressive reactions from the Water Fae as he offered me his arm. I took it confidently, and we turned, retreating with our guards following close behind us. Jesiah and General Blackwood flanked either side of us. No one spoke until we were completely out of the Water Fae's sight and earshot.

My shoulders immediately slumped, and I took a deep breath. Glancing nervously at Jesiah, I asked, "Well? How do you think it went?"

"No one killed anybody," Jesiah noted with a shrug of his shoulders. "I'd say that's a good sign."

"Does that Fox back there not have a filter?" Angus grumbled.

Rune smirked. "No, he does not."

"You did well, Bria," Jesiah praised, patting me on the shoulder. "You maintained good posture, spoke clearly, and you left no room for argument when you brought up Land Fae, all because of how you said it and the way you held yourself. I'd say you passed your first official test of Being a Princess 101 ."

Chest swelling with a flood of warmth, I asked, "So does that mean I can skip volume three of Royal Policies ?"

Jesiah threw his head back in a deep laugh before suddenly snapping his head back down to meet my eyes with a blank stare. "In your dreams. Nice try, though."