Lorcán, Azrael learned, was not only the God of Knowledge, but also King of the South Kingdom. He shared his story while showing her the most popular places in the castle. Azrael hung onto every word with the utmost curiosity. They spoke of the royal city, Ifera's birth while walking the grand staircase and the great God of Time as Lorcán showed her the royal library. It truly was a beautiful place and Azrael felt grateful to be invited.

While Lorcán gave Azrael a personal tour of the place he called home, the rest of the castle was busy with preparations. The ball of the year would be held in two weeks and there was no time to waste. Maids raced back and forth with bouquets of colorful flowers while crates of mysterious items were being carried by rather scary looking men.

Azrael jumped right in with the approval from Lorcán and began helping as well. She couldn't resist just getting that little sneak peak of the grand hall before anyone else. Lorcán knew this and who was he to take that fun away?

~~~*~~~

A few days after everyone was settled in, Lorcán called Raden for a meeting. Raden knew this was coming and dreaded every minute that ticked closer.

A servant boy was sent to fetch Raden whether he was willing or not. He luckily went without a fuss. The halls ceased work as Raden appeared for the first time. Rumors were circulating that a celestial had set foot in the castle but no one was able to confirm until now. Hushed whispers and passing glances between groups of huddled workers surrounded Raden as he passed. Raden only rolled his eyes and continued in silence.

A large ornate wooden door loomed in front of Raden. He side eyed the servant boy who peered up at him in boredom. "So am I allowed in or do I have to wait to be called in?"

The servant didn't answer.

"Alright then." Raden took a hold of a cold handle and pushed forward. A spiral staircase welcomed him into what could be his last days on earth. "Here goes nothing." He slowly walked up the staircase until he met heavy curtains blocking the view of what seemed to be an office.

"You may enter whenever you feel ready." Lorcán's voice pierced through the curtains.

Raden pushed through and was met with a chaotic mess. Books and scrolls were haphazardly thrown around the room. Raden was careful to not step on anything that was on the floor. For the library to be in such a perfectly organized arrangement, this place was the complete opposite.

Lorcán was sitting in a large leather chair while pouring over letters. He peered over his spectacles with a slight frown. "Surprised you actually joined me."

"Why did you call me in here," Raden asked in annoyance.

Lorcán walked around his desk. His gaze at the globe sitting on the edge of the desk collecting dust. "What is a death angel doing at my library?"

Raden narrowed his eyes. "You know why."

"This is true." Lorcán turned his full attention to Raden now. His harsh stare filled Raden with anxiety. The one thing Raden made a priority was to never cross paths with the Gods. "I know exactly why you were there, but I thought we could play a nice little game called telling the truth." He crossed his arms. The deep blue of his robe showed nicely in the sunlight that was flooding in through the window. An inquisitive smile played on his lips as he shook his head "I am curious. How did you manage to open the door to the astral plane?"

Raden smiled thinking he was clever. "Plane shift scroll."

Lorcán eyed him carefully as if trying to find the lie in his mind. "You know those are only used for one way travel."

"I do."

"So you were waiting for me to show?"

Raden nodded but still held his smile.

Lorcán shook his head, but to Raden's surprise, he laughed. "You sly bastard." He went back to his seat and gestured for Raden to sit as well. "Does Azrael know this as well?"

"No. I figured you would have shown up at some point and I didn't want to freak her out," Raden explained.

The air in the office lightened and the tension seemed to dissolve. Raden felt his body relax and he began to breathe easy. Lorcán's laugh turned to a small smile as he looked on with admiration.

"So she took the news well?"

Raden furrowed his eyes in confusion. "News?"

That sweet smile vanished and the letter Lorcán was gently placed on the desk. "Don't tell me that you haven't told Azrael."

The words stuck to Raden's throat. No, he hadn't gotten around to that, but he was going to. Just needed the right time. Azrael was in too high of spirits right now to drop something like this on her. Then again what would be the right time?

"Are you going to tell her," Raden croaked out. Somewhere deep inside, he prayed Lorcán would say yes. That if this news came from him it wouldn't hurt so bad.

"It's not my place," Lorcán sighed, "Like many others, I chose to keep my nose out of this war. So why start drama where it's not needed."

And there it was. Just like all the others... he was just like them all. Hiding in his precious castle acting all high and mighty. A coward.

Raden felt his blood boil. "So that's it? I came for your help and this is all I get?"

Lorcán snapped his head quickly towards Raden, catching him off guard. "I've heard a great deal about the tempter and mouth on you, death angels, but I will not be insulted in my own home. You may leave."

"Complete waste of my time," Raden mumbled to himself, but Lorcán heard every bit of it.

"If anyone is wasting precious time it would be you."

Raden whipped around and flames flashed in his eyes as the anger started to bubble up. "Excuse me? Where the fuck do you get off..."

"You would've been better off staying in the field that Azrael found you in," Lorcán said calmly. Raden stood speechless. "The moment you came into her life has been nothing but trouble. She seems like a nice girl from what I have seen. However, you have strung her along and wasted her precious time and on top of that have broken her already fragile heart."

"Now hang on..."

Lorcán stood tall and narrowed his eyes as he pointed a firm finger in Raden's direction. "No! You will listen to what I have to say." Raden took a step back at the sheer force of Lorcán's voice. "Your undying loyalty to Merikh has broken Azrael. That girl loves you and you're either too blind to see that or you've chosen to ignore it."

"You don't understand what Merikh will do to her if I chose her over this war," Raden choked out. "He wants her dead because of her powers but he knows that I won't let that happen if I choose her then he will kill her." After he uses her.

Lorcán let out a frustrated breath. "There are more important things than bloody war. You may not understand that because war is what you were created for." He paused and rubbed his temples for a second. "This may be the last good moment for Azrael and for you. I suggest you be truthful with her now before it's too late."

Raden stood to leave, but before he demanded one thing. "I want my horse back."

"I'll send someone to fetch your horse." Lorcán narrowed his eyes as he stood tall. "Any other demands?"

Raden turned and left without another word. Gods he hated the Gods

~~~*~~~

The masquerade ball was to be held now in about a week and a half, and Azrael still didn't have a dress. She made a mental note to venture down to the city sometime this week. There was still a little money saved over from the festival she could use.

As Azrael began her day early with breakfast, a servant boy came for her. She was to meet Lorcán at the main entrance in twenty minutes. No other explanation was given and the boy soon left. Azrael was quick to finish eating and say her apologies as she rushed out of the small staff kitchen to find the entrance. With the help of one of the butlers, Azrael was led to the entrance and found Lorcán standing in much simpler clothing than that of what he wore to the library.

He gave a warm smile and held out a hand for her. "I'm sorry for the rather short notice but I thought you would like to be fitted today for your dress."

"Oh very much so," Azrael exclaimed and gladly took Lorcán's hand.

He led her through the doors to a beautiful chestnut horse saddled and waiting for them. Lorcán climbed on and turned to offer a hand to Azrael to lift her. As she took his hand, he pulled her up with ease. She was surprised at the lack of struggle but then again, he was a God after all. They made their way down to the city below. The royal city of the southern kingdom. A beautiful place is full of magic and welcoming of all kinds.

Lorcán rode through the city as it was still waking up. Many stopped and greeted them and Lorcán made it a priority to speak with every person who greeted them. Azrael had never seen this kindness before but she was growing to love this city already. With a few more stops to speak with strangers, they finally made it to their destination. It was a rather small seamstress shop situated on the east end of the city away from the hustle and bustle.

"I of course have personal seamstresses but for this to be an important dress..." He looked over at the shop. "This needed the best there was."

Lorcán allowed Azrael in first. The shop wasn't much. A wall of various fabrics and on the other side a large mirror with a small lifted stage for the customer. It was rather dark and Azrael was wondering if they were even open yet.

Her answer would quickly come as a grumpy-looking halfling walked out from the back. "We're not taking in any walk-ins. Now get out."

"Um..."

"Now Festin, that isn't any way to talk to a young lady." Lorcán cut in. He remained his calm warm self, but something in his tone demanded obedience.

Festin looked between the two and walked right back the way he came grumbling about who knows what. Azrael glanced back at Lorcán and he simply nodded. Not even a minute later a tall woman appeared. Her skin was a light blue and her eyes were completely black. She wore a simple pair of navy-blue pants and cream colored tunic. Her inky black hair was tightly woven into a braid to keep from distorting her view. Azrael stood in silence at the strange yet beautiful woman.

"Ah Lorcán, how wonderful to see you," The woman greeted. A soft smile played on her lips and she gave a brief hug to Lorcán before returning her attention to Azrael. "And this young lady is?"

"Azrael," Azrael answered in a soft manner.

The woman held out a hand. "It's nice to meet you. You can call me Maie." Azrael shook her hand and smiled. It wasn't every day you met the fey. "Now what can I do for you today?"

"I am having my yearly masquerade ball and Azrael is my guest. I want her to have the best dress money can buy," Lorcán answered.

"Say no more. Azrael if you'll step up on the stage where we can start." Maie turned to Lorcán. "You can leave us be for now."

Lorcán nodded and assured Azrael he would be close by and left while Maie soon began her magic. Azrael felt the excitement bubbling in her stomach. She was going to a king's ball of all things and having a dress tailored by a fairy. Never in a million a year would she have dreamed this.