There was a knock at the door as I was trying to fix a strange piece of hair floating Alfalfa style near the back of my head. I was surprised they had actually knocked. "Come in."

Kheelan entered. Finally, I thought, someone who knows how to knock on a door. I gave him a little spin, a little bit proud of my ensemble. I'd finally chosen a sleeveless deep cream gown with enough layers to drown a small person in. I had no idea how fancy we were meant to go for these things but I decided to pull out all the stops.

"What do you think?"

"Good." He glanced quickly before motioning back to the door. "We should get going."

Grumbling, I picked up my skirts and trudged past him, making sure to elbow him as I went. I don't know why I expected a compliment from him. I'd seen his women skills and I knew he sucked at it. Kheelan caught up to me, taking my hand and linking it through his arm. He slowed the pace, tugging on my arm.

"Take your time. I need to tell you about the procession." He said quietly.

"The what now?"

"Yes, as part of the royal party, we must follow the Queen." He quickly explained the etiquette of royal entrances and all I wanted to do was roll my eyes. Couldn't we just waltz in and start rocking out to some Fae version of Bon Jovi or something?

"Also", he finished. "Eye rolling is out of the question."

I jumped. "Did you just read my thoughts?"

"No," he smiled. "You've been rolling your eyes since I started talking."

"Oh. Well I will try to keep my eyes still when we make our entrance." We were getting close to the main hall and butterflies started to flitter about in my stomach.

"Sorcha is very regretful of her words," Kheelan kept his voice lowered. "She'd like to speak with you tonight to apologise."

The butterflies dropped dead. "No thanks."

"Laila..."

"No. Look I'm sorry but I can't talk to her right now. I know I should, but I've never been good at letting go of things. Just tell her to leave me alone for a while."

Kheelan would have said more but we had entered the main hall and we were surrounded by creatures. Nymphs and brownie were running about, tugging on ladies dresses and fixing hair. In the corner, a vast majority of them were surrounding the Queen. Her dress was white, sparkling in the candlelight and I swear some of the sparkling pieces were actually moving on the dress. It almost looked as though we had dressed to match and I wondered how long it would take to run back and get changed.

Kalen stepped in front of me before I had a chance to turn around, a brownie scurrying after him, trying to clean his boots. "You look beautiful, Laila!"

"Thank you. At least one prince knows how to compliment a lady." I glared pointedly at Kheelan who looked abashed.

"I complimented you."

"You barely looked at me," I snapped. "If you want to keep the girl you better pick up you game." I didn't mention any names but both men knew which girl I was speaking of.

Sorcha stood across the hall with Eva, both looking beautiful in their matching pale blue dresses. Sorcha turned our way and I quickly glanced down at the floor, admiring the mossy carpeting.

Kalen snorted. "Stop gawking, brother. You'll get to dance with her at the party."

Reaching over, I shut Kheelan's mouth. "He's right, lover boy. Keep it in your pants."

The frenzied noise increased as all the creatures started to evacuate the hall. The Queen was obviously ready. She glided to the front doors, standing tall. We fell into silence and Kheelan guided me to stand behind her, with Kalen and other members of the court standing behind us. The doors opened. Drake and his men entered, moving to the back of the line.

In his uniform with his hair swept back, he looked handsome. His blue eyes lingered on me as he strode past and I tried to keep my eyes on the Queen's back. Kheelan tapped my hand, his eyes twinkling and I stomped on his foot. Grunting, he edged away as much as possible to avoid further foot damage.

Silence fell over the room. I was beginning to get impatient. Just how much of an entrance did the Queen want to make? After what felt like a lifetime, she finally took a step forward and we began the long procession down towards the lake. Once we stepped outside, even if I had wanted to talk, I couldn't. The scenery took away my voice.

Small lights bobbed above our heads, creating a path. Over the Queen's shoulder I could see the bright lights of the party ahead of us and the sound of music revelry began to echo around us. Small sprites and pixies flitted about us, their bodies glowing. I was reminded of the picture books I used to read as a child. My father had found them entertaining, the way they had depicted faeries. A lot of the information was surprisingly accurate, but their belief that faeries were kind, loving creatures to humans who stumbled across them – he had found that hilarious.

Before everything had happened, I had always loved those books, wishing that faeries were truly like those pictures. Now, even though I found them just as ridiculous as my father had, I still secretly loved this magical procession. Not that I would ever let them know, of course.

The path started to descend and we arrived at the lake. The party was already in full swing. Faeries of every type were dancing to a beautiful arrangement of music played a group of minstrels standing near the water's edge.

As we approached, the music and merriment ceased. The Queen came to a stop at the base of the crowd and the procession halted. I opened my mouth to ask why we had stopped, and Kheelan squeezed my arm telling me to wait. As one, the crowd bowed low, greeting their Queen. She inclined her head slightly in return and Kheelan squeezed my arm again, stopping the eye roll I was about to instigate. It was hard trying to stop it. I mean, she could have said something to them or given them more than a little nod. They were her subjects after all.

When the Queen resumed walking, everyone immediately resumed their revelry. A path was left open, leading towards an outdoor throne and once again I had to try and stop an eye roll. I could feel the strain on my eyes and knew I was going to do an injury if this procession didn't end soon.

We continued to follow the Queen, up to her throne and only when she had finally taken her seat, did the procession break up and the path vanished. Everyone filled in the empty space and Kheelan guided me towards a small table near the edge of the dance-goers.

"It's over. The rest of the night is ours." He confirmed.

"Oh thank god. Can I roll my eyes now?"

"I would not recommend it."

Kalen and Ambrus soon joined us, along with Eva and Sorcha. Fortunately Eva took the free seat next me though I could feel Sorcha's gaze on me.

"What did you think, Laila?" Eva asked. "I've always loved walking into parties with the Queen. It's beautiful!"

"Yeah, it was okay I guess." I mumbled. It had been pretty cool.

"We should go and dance!" Eva was already on her feet, eager to join the dancers. "Ambrus will you dance with me?"

Ambrus bowed. "It would be my pleasure, Lady Eva. Let's show them how it's done."

Taking Ambrus' hand, they rushed into the crowd. Sorcha immediately stood to shift closer to me and I shot out of my chair. "We should dance too. Kalen, said he would teach me to dance, so let's get to it. Kheelan you can dance with Sorcha."

"What -?" I dragged Kalen after Eva and Ambrus before he could finish his sentence.

Being amongst the dancers was insane. The atmosphere was wild as everyone let their hair down, losing themselves in the music. Kalen immediately hooked me by the waist and spun us into the line of partners dancing around the outer circle.

Within thirty seconds I had already stepped on his feet twice. "You really don't know how to dance!" He laughed. "I thought you were just trying to avoid Sorcha."

"The only dances I know are the Macarena and the moves to Stop right now." I clung tightly to him as we spun fast, my feet barely touching the ground. "I take it Kheelan told you about what happened with Sorcha."

"What about the Spice Girls? And yes he did. I was impressed. I didn't think sweet Sorcha had those sort of words in her."

"Stop right now is the Spice Girls. Ah!" I tripped on my dress and Kalen lifted me off the ground.

"Why don't I just do all the work and you watch the others to see how it works?"

The song was a long one and I tried to focus on the dancers around us, to see what steps I had to learn. It proved to be pointless trying to learn. I was quickly caught up in the infectious atmosphere and I was soon laughing as Kalen spun us faster and faster, the world blurring into array of colours.

When the song finally ended, I was left feeling giddy. I couldn't remember a time I had ever felt so happy. Kalen put me down, smirking. "You're quite the dancer, Laila."

"You're not too bad yourself," I laughed. Turning around, I spotted Eva and Ambrus across the circle. I was about to call out when the crowd shifted, revealing the people next to them.

My smile died.

Drake stood beside his sister, laughing and smiling with a woman hanging off his arm – Lady Isobelle.

"Where did that smile go...?" Kalen followed my gaze across the circle. "Ah. Feeling a bit jealous?"

"No I'm not," I replied hotly. "I just don't like that woman. I thought Drake didn't like her either."

Eva broke off from the small group and rushed me. I stepped on my dress as she crashed into me and if Kalen hadn't been standing behind me we'd both be on the ground.

"I saw you! You looked like you were having fun." She beamed.

"I was. I can't remember the last time I danced." I confessed.

"I can," Kalen interrupted. He grunted as I rammed my elbow into his chest. "Actually I can't. The pain seems to have altered my memories."

Eva suggested getting a drink and I gladly followed her back to our small table. It was vacant and I wondered where Kheelan and Sorcha were. I prayed they didn't do anything stupid in front of the Queen. I noticed a scrawny doctor sitting at a table opposite us.

"Hey, Eva you should ask Quain to dance."

"What?" She laughed, her cheeks colouring. "W-why would I do that?"

"Because he likes you and you should like him." She glanced at him doubtfully and I pressed on. "Quain is a good guy. He might not be killer in the looks department, but he's sweet. You should give him a chance."

"He's never expressed any interest in me though. What if you're wrong?"

I grabbed her hand. "I am not wrong. If I am, then you can ask any favour of me."

"Really? Okay then." She stood up, suddenly nervous.

She walked over to his table and I watched secretly as she asked him to dance. I don't think I've ever seen a man jump so quickly. It surprised Eva as well and she glanced back at me, her face flushed. I motioned her to get out on the dance floor, grinning as Quain nervously guided her towards the new circle of dancers getting ready to start the next dance. I was so busy watching them, I didn't notice the shadow fall over me.

"May I have the next dance?"

Drake stood beside my chair, his hand held out. Him and Isobelle flashed in my mind and I wanted to immediately say he could jam his dance where the sun don't shine. Instead my body moved of its own accord and I was taking his hand and walking into the circle before I could get my tongue to work.

"I don't know how to dance." I immediately said.

"You were dancing before." He moved me into position, one hand resting on my lower back while the other took my hand.

"That's only because –" I bit back a gasp as he pulled me close – "Kalen practically carried me through the whole thing."

The music started to play. Drake guided me around the circle, my feet barely touching the ground. The music was slowly speeding up. Looking around, everyone seemed to be focused on the dancers and I wondered what was up.

"It's a good thing this dance requires a lot of lifting," Drake said quietly. "I will just have to carry you as well."

I audibly gasped this time as he picked me up, our bodies pressed against each other and I tried to get my balance. "What do you mean it requires a lot of lifting?"

"You will see." He spun me around, the movement leaving me dizzy. "Are you enjoying the night?"

"I guess. You looked like you were having a good time with Isobelle before." I tried to look away from him, but being so close it was impossible. All I could see was him.

His blue eyes twinkled knowingly. "She captured me the moment we arrived. If I had been closer to you I would have asked you to save me once more."

"It didn't look like you needed saving."

"On the contrary, I did. She was not the woman I wished to dance with first."

My stomach dropped. "Well tough luck I guess."

"It was –" we spun faster, his hand releasing mine and joining the other at my waist. I grabbed his shoulders, suddenly nervous. "The second dance is just as worthwhile. I hope you aren't afraid of height, Laila."

"Why – argh!"

The song changed and Drake lifted me, throwing me into the air. I shrieked. As one, the men had thrown their partners into the air. The women were laughing and shrieking as they spun, their dresses flowing around them. Some went higher than others. I could see Eva across the circle, having the time of her life. All too soon, we began to fall and heart pounding, I closed my eyes.

Oh god I'm going to die dancing and it's not to the Macarena.

Hands grabbed my waist, spinning me around and my own shot out, grabbing Drake's shoulders. Adrenaline was racing and I hit his shoulder. "You jerk! You should have to me -!"

We were airborne again. It wasn't as scary this time, though my eyes still closed when I started to fall. As soon as I was back in Drake's arms I hit him again. He was laughing. The sound seemed to melt some of my anger and I found myself smiling back.

"It's not funny, Drake."

"I beg to differ."

The dance slowly turned into a competition as each man tried to outdo the other. Women were thrown higher and higher, some ascending the treetops. A troll like man was winning. His partner was a tiny nymph and she flew higher than everyone else each time. The crowd cheered us on. Once again I was laughing and caught up in the dancing. Forgetting myself, I clung to Drake, letting him hold me closer as we spun and flew endlessly.

The song started to slow down and we flew one more time before it came to an end. As soon as it was over, the crowd flooded the circle, congratulating those who had won the little competition.

Reality came crashing back in and as one, Drake and I slowly parted. His hand lingered in mine. My emotions were wild. I didn't know what to do. I knew the logical thing to do was push him away and go back to my table but my legs started stepping towards him –

"Thank you for the dance, Lady Laila." He released my hand and got swallowed by the crowd.

I stood still, letting the crowd swarm around me. My heart was still matching the tempo of the song. It pounded against my rib cage and I took a deep breath, trying to reclaim my sanity. It was just a dance, I told myself. The adrenaline from the dancing has just screwed with my emotions. It's nothing.

I slowly worked my way back to the little table. Kheelan was sitting with Sorcha and Lady Isobelle. The sight of her immediately shook the dream like state that clung to me and I sat down heavily, jarring my elbow on the table.

"You looked like you were having fun," Kheelan passed me a drink. "Lady Isobelle has just brought us some refreshments."

I nodded, taking a large drink of the wine. It sharpened my senses and I took another sip. Sorcha was saying something to Lady Isobelle, but the woman didn't appear to be listening. Her eyes were glazed over, staring over Sorcha's shoulder. Probably had a few too many wines, I thought. She seems like the type to get drunk and fling herself at every guy in the place.

Their images blurred for a moment and I shook my head. The wine was more potent than I remembered. I tried to take a deep breath to clear my head but I couldn't get enough oxygen into my lungs.

Something was wrong.

I grabbed at Kheelan as everything started to spin faster than the dancing.

"What's wrong?" His voice sounded distant.

"I don't know. H-hurts." My tongue felt heavy and numb. I tried to stand and the world vanished.

"Laila!"

Dim lights flickered above my head. Everything was fading quickly. The wine, I thought. Something was wrong with the wine. I tried to open my mouth to tell them, but I could no longer feel my own body. The last thing I heard was 'poisoned'.

That bitch had poisoned me.

I'd read stories of people who could remember things they heard while they were in a coma. Voices drifted in and out of focus as I swam in darkness. Eva crying, Quain calming her, Sorcha murmuring words of support. Kalen and Kheelan's voice I heard the most. Kheelan was often angry, shouting at someone. I had a feeling Kalen was telling me what Kheelan was mad about but I couldn't remember.

I thought of my father. Had my father been involved in things like this? Balls, the dancing, poisoning potential brides? He had never seemed inhuman to me. He had always been loving and attentive. The thought of him once being like some of these people made me miserable.

Not once did I hear Drake's voice. There were so many voices, but none of them were him, and it surprised me how much that hurt. Did he not want to come and visit me? I found myself listening for his voice everyday. Whenever someone spoke, I would strive to listen, to know if it was him. When it wasn't, I stopped listening and continued drifting in my little coma world.

Finally one day I heard him.

"Laila."

I felt my heartbeat quicken.

"Please wake up," he urged. "Come back to me."

It felt guilty and wrong to cling to his words, but I did it anyway. I found strength in them, knowing he was there and I climbed my way out.

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