｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆

｡･:*:･ﾟ★, "we disowned you for a reason."｡･:*:･ﾟ☆

Octavia

The only way to survive the introductory evening is to distract yourself. Play a game, place a bet, ignore the fact that there's a bunch of old white men leering at you the entire time. Old bastards. Honestly, you'd think they'd never seen a woman before. Though I doubt their mates or wives have let them see for awhile-

"Lovely to see you again, minister." The Queen trills from in front of me at the bottom of the steps to Alfea's main school. The evening light is quickly waning and I can feel my shadows waking up in response to the darkness.

"Queen Luna," The stocky male huffs out, voice gruff and sounding like he needs to cough. Lord Baxter, Minister of Health, funny considering he's so awfully overweight with an obvious drinking problem and at least several heart problems. He's the poster male for bad health.

I tune out the rest of their conversation, choosing to look out at Alfeas' gates and to the track beyond. Helios, this is going to be a long evening. I'm suddenly grateful for Riven's silent support to my side. I can just see him from the corner of my eye, to my left but a step behind me, holding himself with that Dumaris stillness. I wonder if they're aware it's a dead give away of their heritage, the way they can go completely still, the pure embodiment of a predator.

It's hot as hell.

A black sedan pulls into the driveway, the health minister's car having already driven around to the back of school. Where the ministers will no doubt have their entourage slip out and sneak to their private suites for debriefs, plotting and helios know what else.

Stella is walking down the steps towards you. Belial whispers in my ear, doing his best to remain hidden.

Why did she leave her post? I question, concerned, something can't have happened already.

Boytoy. He grumbles

Oh for the love of helios. She's leaving for that little toy? That's it, I've put off investigating him for too long. My attention clearly should have been on my family, not my job.

Find out everything there is to know about him. Report back tonight.

I hear giggles of delight as I watch a few shadows from the males stepping out of the car darken with my magic's presence.

The crunching of gravel alerts me to my twin and Sky's arrival. Stella stands by my right, only a step away while Sky moves from his original position on her left to her mirror Riven on her right. We must make an imposing sight.

I watch with an emotionless expression as the Lord Archon steps towards my mother in greeting, he looks to be in early forties, tanned skin, powerful build and grey-ing hair. Lordship must have aged him. He's Stella's little crush's uncle I believe, it would appear he brought Brandon along to learn about his role. Some of the lords like to bring their heirs with the view that they would inherit their titles.

"Queen Luna," He greets with a polite smile, reaching forward to kiss both of the Queen's cheeks. "It is wonderful to see you again. May I introduce you to my heir Brandon Archon."

"Of course," She murmurs, voice smooth and back straight. Her pink outfit is impeccably worn without a single crease. "I believe you met my daughters at your family's opening season ball."

"I did your majesty." He replies cordially, bending down to kiss her hand in formal greeting.

Queen Luna hums in acknowledgement but turns back to Lord Archon, acting Attorney General though the position has never been a fixed title to inherit. More of a... work your way up the ranks type of law enforcement job. He's not exactly necessary for these meetings but we need to go over sentences for the nymph traffickers. It's best to have a deal in place before their arrest to ensure a smooth trial without bringing in the media. Helios knows the nymphs get bad press and we don't need the racist pricks having a say in their abuser's sentences.

I watch in silence as Brandon and Stella greet each other with a kiss on the cheek and a little grin. They share a few words, too quiet to make out but I can practically feel Sky tense beside them. Jealousy churns in my stomach, he can't still care- Jealousy? Why would I be-

"You must be Octavia." Bentley states with a polite smile, offering his hand out. "Stella has mentioned you."

"Good things I hope." I purr, tone sultry with a dark edge. I will fuck you up boy if you hurt my sister.

His eyes flicker at my tone, I see Stella tense with jealousy at my words but the smart little cookie in front of me knows I mean the words a threat. Bart huffs out a slight chuckle and bends down to kiss the back of my hand with a slight stiffness that amuses me.

I do like when they know their place.

For a second, Branson holds on too long when he stands back up. Riv shuffles behind me, the gravel making a noise that finally captures Benson's attention. He smiles awkwardly and turns back to my sister, offering her his arm to escort her back inside after his uncle. She mercifully accepts with a soft blush.

Tavi... his name is brandon-

don't speak the unworthy boy's name, I snap, Stella can do much better than bart

I sigh and look forwards again, listening to the sound of crunching gravel underneath the red carpet as they leave. I wonder how Musa is doing inside. She's just inside the doorway, directing the minister to the forest courtyard as she scans for trouble. The shadows posted with her haven't reported anything so I'm hoping its all going well.

Dowling, Silva and Irene approach from within the school. Belial states.

Great, more people out here when they should be monitoring some of the most powerful people in the realm on the inside.

"Queen Luna," Dowling states as she moves to stand by my her side, Silva flanking her on her right while Irene moves to stand next to me.

"Headmistress Dowling," Luna replies but there's a hint of irritation in her voice. Interesting.

They remain in silence as we watch a row of three cars approach the gates.

"How are you faring, Riven?" Irene mutters under breath so only we can hear.

"It's not as bad as I thought," He answers with a sigh. "Lots of standing and waiting and being still and-"

Irene and I share a quick glance and smother our giggles.

"It's not funny." Rive whines slowly, keeping as quiet as he can. "I can hardly feel my toes and I don't know what I'm getting in return for my generous act of service."

"Riv wants to be paid." I whisper to Irene.

"Ah" She nods, "Here I was thinking it was because he wanted to be a good friend."

Riven scoffs behind me.

"Not appreciating all the politics, Riven?" Silva murmurs as he moves to stand behind Irene as her mock guard. I see Dowling glance back at him at the movement.

"What politics?" Riven grumbles, "As far as I can tell it's a bunch of old farts showing off."

"Riven," Silva warns as Irene and I share another humorous glance with Irene, "You have been given a rare opportunity here and it does not serve well for your future if you are disrespecting those above you. You may find one of them noticing you in future due to your connection with the royal family. This is an opportunity for you to-"

"Saul." Irene interrupts without looking back at him.

"Yes, love?" He replies instantly and I can practically hear his adoration for her warring with his need to scold Riven.

"Do shut up, the sofa has started to look a little lonely."

I raise a hand to smother my giggles at Silva's shocked pause of silence. For a moment I don't think he's going to reply then,

"Yes, dear." He replies in shock though I detect a bit of playful bitterness.

Irene hums and looks in my direction to gauge my reaction. I'm still holding back my laughter and I can hear Riven trying to do the same. The shapeshifter's perfectly blank face save for a hint of amusement in her eyes merely adds to my struggle.

"Are you quite alright Octavia." The Queen states, it's not a question but rather an order.

"Apologies, my Queen." I murmur, bowing my head slightly in deference.

My smile quickly returns to the polite bland one I've been sporting all evening, I smooth down my dress wishing it had an enchanted warmth charm as the sun sinks from the sky. The three cars have finally pulled up, each one pausing in turn to allow a minister to step out onto the red carpeted path.

I smile politely and greet each one in turn, waiting in place as they are introduced to Silva and Dowling as well now as headmaster and headmistress of the school. Silva has moved to Dowlings side with Irene remaining by mine, only stepping back to stand beside Riven when the ministers begin to greet the Queen. Helios, I wish I could just drift into the background and avoid all of this as well.

The last of the ministers arrive with the minister for justice calling in late and we turn on the Queen's command, Dowling walks a step behind her with Silva and Irene walking a few metres behind them. Riven and I walk a step behind the mated couple, listening to their little quips and arguments. I glance back at Riv, grinning at him after hearing Silva's latest complaint.

"I just don't understand why you want to work one of the few nights we could have had to ourselves." Irene complains with a huff as we reach Alfea's steps.

"Because it's an important political event, we might never get to see it again, and Sky and my specialists are in attendance therefore someone needs to keep them in line." Silva gaps with the air of someone who has already had to explain this argument.

"Our Specialists are competent soldiers and have Dowling to keep them in check and you're going to have to let Sky off the reins at some point." She huffs.

"He's nineteen!" Silva exclaims

"Exactly!" Irene gasps dramatically, "As I recall you were off fighting a war and sleeping with half the girls at Alfea by that age!"

Riven chokes behind me.

"I was not!" Silva snaps indignantly as the two huff and race up the steps into the hall.

"Oh really?" Irene mocks with a glare, old wounds apparently resurfacing.

"Yes! Because the one girl I had eyes for was too busy trying to beat me in every sparring match!"

"I-" Irene stumbles as the large doors bang closed behind us.

"Ha!" Silva mocks in triumph.

Irene pauses, Silva stopping beside her. He grins down at his mate with obvious glee and love but she merely stares back impassively. Slowly, the smile drops off Silva's face. I tense, feeling Riven do the same behind me. Should we leave?

"Babe," Irene states with a dead tone. "You had a crush on me."

Silva gapes like a fish.

"That's so embarrassing." She saunters off into the school, hips swaying with every movement.

"WE'VE BEEN MARRIED FOR OVER A DECADE!" He yells after her, his hands waving in frustration as he leans back slightly and Irene's laughter fills the hallways.

My giggle finally breaks free as the normally stoic headmaster dramatically storms after his mate. Laughter sounds beside me and I turn to face a chuckling Riven. The breath leaves my body as I take in his bright eyes and sharp jaw.

"What?" He murmurs, nodding his chin at me in question.

"Nothing," I whisper, moving towards him to link our pinkies, "You doing okay with this?"

He rolls his eyes. "It's not exactly hard standing behind a beautiful woman-"
"I meant being treated like you are less." My eyes soften when he glances away from me with a tight swallow, "They are ignorant and petty, don't listen-"

"I'm not," He interrupts, face stern but I continue to stare at him expectantly, "It's fine, I promise."

Nodding my head I detach my finger from his and turn back around to stride through the halls. He's lying of course but what can I do? I could cut out their tongues, break every hand that will try and harm my sister and Beatrix tonight, maybe even harm Musa. There's so many things I could do. But there's not much that I can actually do. The girls know what they are risking tonight, it's the risk we all take at meetings like this. Expect some of us don't have guards to keep us safe.

I stride through the corridor, my heels echoing with each movement. They need to fear us, they need to fear me. What I can do and have done. I can play the political game well, I can hunt them through words and royal decrees. I'm even better at hunting them through forests and making them bleed but I need to use a different form of blade tonight.

I need them to fear Riven.

It's the best way to keep us all safe. As a princes I need to be above fights. Although since mother is introducing me as the dark, evil twin I am allowed to have spider's web of intelligence and lies. Stella, however, needs to remain perfect and un-threatening physically which means her threats need to come from the power she holds over her guards. And if we're to survive the next three days which are notorious for assassination attempts, threats, assault and enough alcohol and sleazy men to make a grandma fearful of their touch we're going to need all the power we can get.

Beatrix and I spoke privately and agreed that we would come clean to our inner circle soon, once the battle lines had been drawn tonight. Well as much as we can with the gems, they need to know our plans at least.

I glance at Riven from the corner of my eye. We also agreed it would be best to let him and Sky do what they see fit. We need to see their genuine actions so we can plan accordingly. 

The whole school will be in attendance of this socialising, Dowling insisted since she was technically hosting. So while the students dance and mingle we'll all disappear for dinner and then reappear later. I doubt the partying will stop when they actually brought alcohol and mentioned it was fairy attire, not a fairy dance though. Dowling was very strict about that. It would be a massive safety issue if it was.

Riven and Sky are going to have to prove their worth tonight. So will any other key players. It's just like the spring social season when the ladies make their debut appearances and set the tone of their role. We use this meeting as a way to begin drawing battle lines for the next 2 years. It used to be four but political allegiance has been changing faster and faster as our realms politics change and progresses. Since Riven has been declared as my personal guard and Sky as Stella's they will be monitored by the other guards and advisors to see whether they are just muscle or if they are spies, or advisors, or lovers, or political players themselves.

Sky will not doubt be questioned about his involvement with Erakylon, at least it will only be during the socialising and not the negotiations. However, there are rules and social niceties during the negotiations, debates and briefings. There are no such customs out in society and as such the dance floor.

I hope Silva trained them and warned them well.

It was no doubt the reason he didn't leave them alone here, the reason why Irene wasn't actually pushing to leave and have their own fun. The Silvas will become interesting players. From what I've seen she is one of the most powerful shifters the otherworld has ever seen and the rumours of what Saul accomplished during the war, what he was willing to do for those he is loyal to.... They make formidable opponents.

We need them as allies.

Riven and I pause at the entrance to the courtyard, the music flickers through along with the sounds of voices and dancing. It's one of the larger courtyards left broken after an attack during the war, located in the east wing with two floors. The upper class toffs will be at the top and the riff-raff students will remain at the bottom, invite only to get up there.

I stare at the doors, the guards standing on either side waiting for my signal to open them and announce my entrance. Nothing like being fashionably late. Pulling out my phone I dial my sister's number, as princesses we are to enter together, Beatrix with us. It's time to start the groundworks of allegiances.

There's a text from Musa saying all is well and that she's moved into the courtyard to join her friends before coming up to the top floor connected to the forest dining room that Terra set up for us. I say top floor, the bottom floor is more of the basement left open due to the bombing with the stairs down still intact. These doors will open up onto the top floor, the students had to enter through the outside doors.

"Sorry," Stella calls as she hastily strides towards me, Sky close at her heels.

I raise my brows in question.

"I was talking to a friend?" Stella answers defensively.

I roll my eyes, opening my mouth to comment on that particularly shit lie when,

"I wasn't aware Benson was a friend?" Beatrix drawls as she enters the corridor from one of the sneaky back corridors behind a tapestry.

"Brandon." Stella mutters.

"Where the hell did you just come from?" Riven demands curiously, Beatrix merely waves him off.

"Don't be jealous just because you've been at the school longer than me and still haven't worked out all of its little secrets."

I grin at the two. "Took you long enough, Bea."

"Sorry, we have a problem." I freeze, face turning cold. "The minister of Justice died a week ago, his replacement is to be announced tonight."

"What?" Stella demands, "Why weren't we informed."

"They only just decided the replace-"

I cut Beatrix off, "She means the death. We received no report."

"I am afraid it was a scramble, your highness." A smooth elderly feminie voice interrupts, "My ascension to the potion was preceded by much turmoil among our department, we were not sure who to send the report to."

Silva is giving me an apologetic look as he stands behind an older couple, he must have left Irene to bring them here. I quickly plaster on the princess mask, stepping forward with Stella beside me. My shadows inform that Beatrix and Sky are flanking us as guards, Sky by my right and Beatrix on Stella's left. Riven has apparently stood between Stella and I. What is he doing?

Something's wrong, we can't read them. Belial rushes out.

Some kind of enchantment or magic is blocking us off.

They feel wrong.

Fuck. This got a lot more complicated.

Riven looks like he's going to vomit as he steps forward between my sister and I, walking further into the middle of two sides. I see everyone's confusion and Silva looks like he's about to intervene. What the hell is he doing

"Princess Octavia, Princess Stella, I would like to introduce you to my grandparents. Regina and Carlisle Villarreal." He says, his voice steady, but the look on his face makes me want to reach for Sky's blades and start stabbing. His grandmother stares between us all, face blank but I see the contempt in her eyes when they land on Riven. Carlisle Villarreal just stares at his feet like he'd rather be anywhere else but his grandson's school.

The look his grandmother gives me would make me cringe in shame and fear if I hadn't already endured Rosalind.

Helios, his grandparents. They look young, no more than 60 max, must have had their children young.

"I was under the impression that you had taken over as head of defence and foreign liaisons? We did send a report, I thought it would have landed on your desk." She says, leering at the scant inches of bare skin above my chest. I want to punch her so bad.

"Though I'm sure you must be busy with your schooling and friends." She condescends and I step forward to move in front of Riven.

I hook my pinky through his keeping our hands hidden from view but I'm forced to hide my wince when he tugs away. He leans away from me so I focus my attention on the couple who were watching our interactions like hawks.

"I apologise for the miscommunication," I begin cordially, 'be the bigger person' I whisper to myself, "We would have made further preparations for your announcement."

"That's quite alright dear." She hums gently and steps toward us, Riven tenses beside me. "Shall we go in?"

I stiffen as she takes control of the situation but nod and move away from blocking the door so the couple can get past. Regina strides past me, greeting Stella on the way and I listen to the sounds of the two walking towards the opening doors.

Beatrix is following Stella as guard, Belial states, she and Sky spoke about it.

He's going to stay with Riven,

Sky's worried about whatever shit show is currently going down with Riven's family. Little Shadow adds. So is Silva

Carlisle pause as he steps just past Riven,

"Don't refer to us as your grandparents," he snarls lowly, but I'm standing close enough to hear and I'm sure with the Dumaris enhanced hearing Silva and Sky can too, "we disowned you for a reason."

A/N: What do you think happened with Riven's grandparents?