5. Chapter 5

A mbrosia was the perfect distraction to keep me from focusing on the fact that I was actually here in the palace. And my safety net was now gone. Malachi could easily order anyone to accept my presence, but I doubted it would be the same if I wandered around by myself. The thought of doing so made my chest ache, though. I was curious, sure, but I wouldn't be here if he hadn't begged me to stay.

He begged me to stay. Pleaded . I could see the depth of what he felt in his rich brown eyes, could sense it, causing my magic to stir within. It seemed to react to his nearness, more so than anyone else ever had.

To hear him ask me why I'd left…I couldn't comprehend it. Did he truly not know what happened? I'd had to live with it every day of my life, but was it kept hidden from him? It was too much to wrap my head around.

"Okay, mysterious friend of the prince, please tell me I get to make you something special." Ambrosia circled me, and before I knew it, they were undoing the bun in my hair, letting my auburn hair fall below my shoulders, and they let out an excited squeal. "Oooh, you have such lovely hair."

I felt my lips tip up. "Thank you. I don't usually wear it up like that. I like to feel it swish around me."

Their white hair was long on one side with a dramatic undercut. They gave a little shake of their head to let the long side flutter around them. "I completely understand. So, we will be styling your hair down for tonight, then, yes?"

"Yes. I would like that."

They clapped their hands together. "Good. Now, you've been granted total control, which is quite a blessing if you ask me. Not just anyone gets that privilege. But I have a good feeling about you. Do you have any areas you like to highlight or cover? What are your favorite colors? Any particular styles you like?"

"Well, I guess I'll start with my favorite colors: green and purple. I'm pretty comfortable with my body and have no problem showing it off. I like fabric that hugs my form, and I don't mind a feminine flair. I'm not quite sure what is appropriate for this type of crowd, though."

"Let me worry about that part, darling."

They went to their cart, which held the most beautiful fabrics in every color. They rifled through them, tossing some expensive-looking materials aside, making me wince. Before long they had four different bolts laid out on the sofa in Malachi's room, each more luxurious than the last, but my eyes were immediately drawn to a luscious dark green fabric that felt soft as butter.

I rubbed it between my fingers, loving the sensation of it. "I like this one."

Ambrosia smiled widely. "I thought you might. It just so happens I designed the prince's outfit for tonight, and this will complement it beautifully."

I liked the idea of matching him. Maybe it was strange to go from having not seen him or even spoken in twenty years to wearing complementary clothes, but my heart leapt in my chest at the thought.

"There's a story here, I know it." Ambrosia watched me, pulling me back from my wandering thoughts.

"Ah. Yes. It's a complicated one."

Ambrosia tapped my arm. "Aren't they all, darling? But we'll be spending some time together, and we can call it payment for these emergency services."

"Hmm…that sounds fair, I suppose. It wasn't my idea, by the way. Mal, sorry, Prince Malachi insisted." I didn't want them to think that I sought money or power.

"And right he was. Not that I have any doubt you would outshine anyone there simply by being yourself. But a few well-placed stitches and a little pizazz never hurt." Ambrosia winked.

"I happen to buy into the idea of dressing for the part you want, so…yeah, I can absolutely appreciate pizazz ." I released the fabric I'd been absent-mindedly caressing.

"And what part are you hoping to dress for, friend of the prince?" They asked with an impish expression.

"I, well, that's…"

"Complicated?" They supplied.

I let out a sigh. "Exactly." What was I hoping for? Dinner parties with dignitaries wasn't my thing, but I didn't care about any of that. All I cared about was Malachi and the way he looked at me. There was the matter of the charms, of course. I wanted to help ensure he could make it through the ordeal without any new afflictions getting in the way.

Ambrosia positioned me and began measuring every inch of me. "I'm all ears, Florian, and it sounds like you need someone to talk to."

I drew in a deep breath before releasing it. I wasn't sure how much I could say, but surely Malachi trusted this person to leave me with them in his room. "I knew him when we were kids."

Ambrosia's pointed brows arched high. "Oh? Do tell. What was the little prince like?"

I smiled as I thought of him, of being in his room, hiding under the covers with flashlights and whispering long into the night. "He was loyal and fun. We were two peas in a pod, always together. It didn't matter that he was a prince. He was simply my best friend. Malachi was…my whole world."

Ambrosia's eyes rounded and they let out a long, "Awwww."

I cleared my throat as the memories threatened to choke me. "Yes, well, life happens, as it does. This is the first I've seen him in a long time."

They smirked. "And he asked you to be his date for tonight?"

I shrugged. "Yup." The word popped out casually as if it didn't stir up a million feelings inside me.

"This is wonderful. He already can't hide how he looks at you, even while you're wearing such a drab outfit, no offense. But, darling, we are going to dress you up so good that he won't ever want you out of his sight again."

I pursed my lips at the thought, fighting the smile that wanted to break free. Stretching my arms out wide, I simply said, "I'm all yours."

Whatever unease lingered from being in the palace and from preparing to attend an event filled with people who probably wouldn't normally give me the time of day, all drifted away the instant Malachi laid eyes on me. He was speechless, and it wasn't because of a magical frog form in his throat.

We stood for a long moment, neither of us looking away. He looked drop-dead gorgeous in a formal black tuxedo with green accents that simulated the sash he wore for official functions, making him look every bit the king he would be. His dark brown hair was trimmed neat with his tight curls, making my fingers itch with the need to run through them. Malachi's high cheek bones seemed to have a slight glow to them, as if he had been kissed by the sun.

I dipped my head as I held the skirt of my outfit and gave a sort of half curtsy, feeling the need to recognize the regal figure before me. "Your Highness."

Malachi quickly crossed the room and took my hand in his. "Florian, you are truly radiant. I don't have the words to tell you how beautiful you look."

I offered him a soft smile. "I think that says it pretty well. And thank you. You are very handsome, Mal, very kingly. If I were at home, I would be really jealous of me."

"I guess it's good you're here then." His deep brown eyes gleamed as he looked at me.

"It is." I smiled.

Ambrosia clapped their hands together. "Looks like my job here is done."

I turned around and gave them a quick hug. "Thank you. I've never worn anything so lovely."

When I first saw myself in the mirror, I gasped. They had somehow perfectly captured my aesthetic, if my aesthetic had an unlimited budget and the eye for fashion that they did.

It was a dress-pants combo with a corset that sat just under my pecs, cinching in to give me an enticing shape. The sensual green material of the shirt covered my chest but rested off my shoulders. At the bottom of the corset, the top flared out in a peplum puff, revealing my legs beneath in pants that clung to my skin making them feel as if they weren't even there. As the puff went around to the back it lengthened into a train that just brushed against the floor. I looked like I belonged on a prince's arm, while still looking like myself.

Ambrosia tilted my chin up. "I only highlighted what was already there, darling." They gave my cheek a light kiss before turning toward Malachi. "Take good care of this one, Your Highness. I truly hope I get to make more outfits for him in the future."

"Thank you, Ambrosia, I will." He met my gaze over their head, letting me see the sincerity in his eyes.

After the tailor left, I put a hand on my hip. "You sure you want to do this?"

Malachi's head bobbed. "More so now than ever. It would be an honor to have you as my companion tonight."

"You don't even know that much about me. I could go in there and unleash havoc."

He reached up and lifted a few loose stands of my hair that hung down under the crown braid that circled the top of my head. The braid had a gold chain woven through it, making me feel even more elegant. "It would be worth it."

I couldn't stop the smile that stretched my lips or the warmth that filled me. Mal might not be the boy I once loved anymore, but he was all man, and having the kind of attention he gave me endeared me to him in an all new way. "Okay, let's do this."

What I thought was going to be a small dinner party with a group of influential people, turned out to be every politician and person of nobility from this nation and the neighboring ones.

I leaned into Malachi, whispering, "Holy shit! This is a big deal."

He shrugged. "Yes, it is. My official introduction as the soon-to-be king. The next time everyone will gather together like this will be for my coronation. I've been…perhaps a little anxious about it. But I already feel so much better knowing you are here with me."

"I'll be sure to watch for any unusual behavior."

Malachi grabbed my hands, ensuring I had his complete attention. "I appreciate it, but it's more than that, too. It feels right, Flor. Like you came back into my life at exactly the right time."

Maybe I wasn't the only one who felt this pull between us. I blinked rapidly as I felt my eyes grow misty. I gave him a slight nudge on his shoulder. "Cut it out. I don't want to look like a mess when I meet the entire new world."

He gave me a crooked smile and offered his arm. Before walking down the steps into the ballroom, we paused at the top, and the room went quiet, giving me goosebumps. Malachi squeezed my arm reassuringly.

"Please welcome the Crown Prince, Malachi, son of Queen Adira and the late King Frederick, and his companion, Florian of the Purlieu."

With heritage unknown, I was as much of the Purlieu as I was anywhere. I certainly couldn't have been of the maid who had brought me into the palace after finding me outside its doors. In truth, I had been raised by many and none all at once, but the palace had truly been my home before it wasn't. Now to be here again, and in this capacity, it was nearly overwhelming.

My feet stayed frozen in place, until Malachi gave me a gentle tug, guiding me forward. He leaned down and whispered in my ear. "I've got you, Florian."Where he had been nervous before, he seemed to gain confidence here, and now I was the one that needed it. Needed that strength and comfort from him, and he gave it. With each person I was introduced to, and each head that dipped before us, he gave it.

"Lord and Lord Greenley, I thank you both for your making the long trip, it's a pleasure to have you here. I would like to introduce you to Florian, a dear friend of mine."

I knew who the couple were, of course. Most of the names and faces in the room had been seen in many news stories, shows, or articles. I was the only unknown here, and it made people very curious.

The older of the husbands reached out and shook my hand, giving me a salacious grin. "It's lovely to meet you and quite a surprise. My husband and I are often the ones that turn heads at things like this, but all attention is on you tonight, dear. And if it's not too forward, I would just like to say you look stunning."

I caught the side-eye his husband gave him, though he shook my hand and offered a genuine smile. "From the Purlieu? Is that right?"

I knew it was coming. People like the Lords Greenley didn't typically venture out that far. "It is. The forest is mere steps away from my front steps, which I much prefer over the loud city."

"And what is it you do at the…edge of the forest? I hear it can have a rough sort of crowd." The older man shot his husband a look, which the younger Greenley shrugged off with a coy expression.

"You know? I've often felt the same about noblemen," I said with a wink.

The older Lord chuckled. "Yes, I suppose that is true. Forgive my husband, he forgets his manners sometimes."

"Just a different perspective is all, but if you really want to know what I do, I'll tell you." I called them closer with my finger, and they complied, eager for a juicy bit of information. When they were both huddled in front of us, I whispered, "I'm a witch."

I wasn't sure if that was information Malachi wanted known, but I wasn't going to be pitied as the poor boy from the wrong side of town. Whether they believed it or not didn't matter, but I would rather be seen as a mysterious figure than a charity case.

Instead of shock or apprehension, they both laughed, and the older man clapped his hand on my bare shoulder before addressing Malachi. "Hold onto this one, Your Highness. I like him. He's feisty."

Malachi smiled down at me, with a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Thank you, I like him, too."

My magic hummed with pleasure beneath my skin as a million thoughts and words fought to tumble out, but he turned back to the couple before any of them could.

"I hope I can count on you, sirs, for your support in the upcoming transition. I will be needing loyal friends at my side as we move forward." Malachi spoke with such confidence, it was hard to believe he had been an anxious mess over the past few days.

To Malachi, the older Greenley said, "We are looking forward to your coronation and hope that we will see your lovely Florian there as well. You have our loyalty, and we will be honored to serve however we are needed, Your Majesty ."

I might have been the only one to notice Malachi falter slightly at the use of the title that wasn't his yet. He recovered quickly, though. "Thank you, truly."

They both bowed slightly, and we moved on to the next person or couple. With each one, Malachi seemed to have endeared himself to them, and they pledged their devotion to serve him and his leadership. It was remarkable, truly. Despite having discussed the enormity of what was coming in private, in public, he was smooth and bold, a glimpse of the king he would be. I was awe-struck by him. Even if I hadn't known him the way I did, or the way I used to , I probably would have been swayed easily by him. He was…charming.

When we were introduced to an older woman, whose back was hunched, I could feel pain radiate out of her. It was a natural symptom of her age and the wear on her body. It wasn't something I could heal permanently, but I could ease her pain temporarily.

"What a beautiful brooch you have," I said and used it as an excuse to touch her shoulder. I didn't always need physical contact, but in a loud, crowded room, it helped me hone in on my magic when the clatter made it feel rather unfocused.

"Why, thank you. It's an heirloom piece and has been passed down from mother to daughter for generations." As she continued to tell me about its history, I pushed my magic down my arm, through my hand and fingers, into her. Just a light push, but I could see the instant she felt some relief. Her eyes brightened, and she let out a soft sigh.

Stepping back until I was at Malachi's side again, he looked down at me, eyes shining with wonder. I offered the woman a smile. "It was very nice to meet you."

"Thank you. You, as well." She smiled wide, wrinkles crinkling the corners of her eyes.

As we walked away from her, Malachi asked in a hushed tone, "What did you do?"

"Do? I don't know what you mean. I was merely being polite."

"You used your magic on her."

I stopped and tilted my head up to catch his gaze, before giving a slight nod. "I did. How did you know?"

"I felt it. Felt warmth transfer between you."

It was surreal to me that he could sense it, even when I was using it for someone else. I'd never had anyone notice before. "I just softened the edges of her pain. It won't last but will give her some relief for the evening."

Malachi grinned, and he stepped closer, eyes dropping to my lips. He reached up, fingers sliding through the ends of my hair. I thought for a moment he was going to kiss me right then and there, but he seemed to remember himself and where we were. He lowered his hand to his side. "You are incredible."

I returned his smile, feeling just as in wonder as he appeared to be. "Right back at ya."

There were a few others we'd interacted with along the way that I helped as I could. A migraine, arthritis, allergies. Light touches and personal attention. It was all temporary with such brief encounters, but I hoped it would help them be able to enjoy the evening as much as I was.

"Please make your way to the dining area. Dinner is about to begin." After this announcement was made, the guests began filing into the adjoining room where long tables were set up. Each place had a placard with the person's name.

"Seating arrangements is a big undertaking. You have to be aware of any discourse or arguing parties and keep them separated to allow for a peaceful meal," Malachi explained as he led me along the tables toward the end, toward where the queen stood behind her chair at the center of the table. At the sight of her, an ache punched into me. It was one thing to mingle with people of notoriety but an entirely different thing to see her .

My brain was screaming to back out and find somewhere else to sit so I could avoid her. But I couldn't. Not with all eyes watching and waiting for the greeting of the royal mother and son.

He brought me around the table until we stood before her. After all these years, I was face to face with a woman I had once loved and seen as a maternal figure but who abandoned me.

"Mother, you remember Florian, don't you?" Malachi asked. He didn't have any bite to his words, but I could feel him stand a little taller, as if preparing to defend himself, or me, perhaps. I didn't know if he could feel me tense, but I appreciated having him to lean on.

Her eyes swept over to me, and there was a sadness in them as she offered me a rueful smile. She hesitated in her response, so I couldn't help but interject. "Surprised to see me?"

Her eyes darted between us before she lowered her head. "Yes." The queen coughed and straightened once more. "It's a pleasant surprise, though."

That made my brows arch up. "Is it?"

That sad smile was back, but it stretched a little. "Yes, it is. We have much to talk about, but now is not the time or the place. It does make me happy to see you and to see how happy you seem to make my son. I welcome you, Florian of the Purlieu ."

The emphasis was a reminder that we were at an official event with all eyes watching. With a tidal wave of emotions competing for attention, I pushed them all down and kissed her hand, as I knew the situation demanded. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

At that, the queen sat, and everyone followed suit. Malachi was next to her, and I took my seat beside him, my name on a gold and green placard in front of me. It was bizarre, to be sat at the head of the table in a roomful of people who would likely pass me by if they saw me in the capitol. Not that I came to the city often enough to be seen by them.

Course after course of food was brought out, more than I had seen in a lifetime. Surprisingly, everything was either vegetarian or seafood. Not a single roasted pig with an apple in its mouth, or some evil hybrid fowl concoction.

"How are you enjoying the food?" Malachi asked as I popped a buttery, garlic shrimp into my mouth.

"It's fantastic. I guess I was expecting to see a lot more meat dishes and that there wouldn't be much for me to choose from."

"I was informed that the menu was altered from the original plan."

I looked at him in confusion. "It was. Why?"

He smiled sweetly, before lifting my hand to place a kiss on it. "For a special guest."

"Who is it? Did I meet them?"

Malachi chuckled. "You are pretty well acquainted with them."

Disbelief and awe filled me. Did he really mean… "Me?"

"Yes, Florian, you."

"I don't understand, why would they do that? I just showed up today."

"They did it because the chef wanted to make my guest happy." He said it as if he had asked for a fork instead of a spoon, like it was no big deal, not a meal for five hundred people that likely took weeks and weeks of planning.

I grimaced at the thought of the work that went into this meal. "I didn't expect that to happen. I would have been fine picking around things if I needed to."

His hand went to my thigh and gave me a light squeeze. "It's fine, Florian. I believe they had a few different menus ready to go, just in case. And with this as my first official event since the announcement, I'm certain the kitchen team wanted to make a good impression. If it means you get to enjoy everything being served, then they have definitely made a good impression. And before you worry about the waste of it, anything that wasn't used for tonight's dinner will be donated to local organizations that support food-insecure families."

I felt my jaw hang open, completely overwhelmed by the idea of an entire menu being catered to me. It was unreal. But also a good reminder that the man at my side wasn't just anyone. He was about to be king . Actually king. At least some good came out of it though, if it fed others that might not know where their next meal was coming from.

"Well, shit." I muttered in disbelief, causing him to purse his lips in amusement. "I mean, thank you. This is all very nice, but it's also a lot."

"It really means a lot that you are here. There's no one else I'd rather have sitting in your seat."

I bumped my shoulder against his. "Thanks, Mal."

I caught the queen watching us with that sad smile of hers, but I couldn't think about her. Aside from her presence, everything about the night felt like a fairytale, like I was living someone else's life. With Malachi's easy touch beside me, either light squeezes of my hand or arm or my leg beneath the table, the queen drifted away. I felt myself smiling through the rest of the very long dinner.