The End of Innocence: Book 3 of the Kinstone series

We left the hotel and climbed back into the car. The morning air was humid and warm, filled with the fresh smell of summer. Breakfast was nice, still gotta love having tons of choices, rather than just bagels and juice.

We drove back down the same streets we were on the previous night. Though brief, my alone time with Marron was drastically needed. Along the way I caught glimpses of a shadow as it ran through woods and passed by houses. I lean back into my seat, baring a soft grin. Hope you didn’t get too cold last night.

I nestle myself into the seat, even if it was a short drive, it’s still was one with Marron, in a plain, ordinary car. Sometimes I tend to forget the simple pleasures of normal, mundane things.

As the park slowly came into view, I could see that kids were already running around in the fields, with their parents all gathered together. I couldn’t see Rachel or my knights, well not right away at least, but knew they were there.

I did see my friends all huddled together under the same pavilion we gathered around the previous day. Mandy and Henry were both slumped over the table, apparently still tired from the tournament, couldn’t really blame them.

Jenn, Heather, and Alexis were spread out, all talking to each other. We turn into the parking lot, feeling the car jump as it ran over a speed bump. We pull into a spot, with Marron shutting off the car.

I unbuckled and got out, retrieving my bags from the backseat. I toss my backpack over my shoulders and head for Rachel’s car, which sat just a couple cars over.

The driver then exits the car and runs over to me, bowing his head. “Good morning, Young Miss.”

I nod to him, “Morning.” A light humid breeze ruffles my long hair, feeling rather nice as we stood in the shade.

“May I take your suitcase?” he asks.

I roll it over to him, watching as he carefully places it into the trunk. The driver then turns after closing it, “Her Ladyship is not too far from here Young Miss. I was told that upon your arrival to direct you over to her.”

I pan over to see my mother standing some distance off, speaking to Jenn’s parents, with my knights again talking to several other parents. I turn back to the driver, giving him a nod as I then head down the hill.

Rachel looks up, and I could a smile forming on her face. I slowly strolled to her feeling yet another breeze brush passed me. I look up to see Orga and Kateryna giving me short bow.

“Good morning, Your Highness,” greets the both of them.

I stop for a moment, smiling to them, “Morning. Y’all slept all right?”

The couple looks up, yet still peering down at me. “We did, Your Highness,” answers Orga, “although it was admittedly awkward not being nearby.”

Neither had been “clingy” whenever I saw them, but knew they were always close by. So for the first time since I met them, and given how in fact I did meet them, they were slightly out of their element with me not present. But with that said, I really do like having them around. The idea of more people to talk to is always a good one in my opinion.

I glance over to his wife, seeing her hair now pulled back into braid, “Have any plans for the day?” also looking back to him.

She bows slightly, “We wish to accompany you. If you will allow us to.”

I cross my arms for a moment to think. This could be an opportunity for them to see how a modern girl goes about in a major city. I knew for a fact that Rachel more than likely had been informing them about the world.

I look up to them, “Sure, be happy to have ya.”

They bow their heads softly, “Many thanks, Your Highness.” Really need to get used to this while in public.

I smile to them, “Just have some fun and explore a little while we’re here.” The knights both give me another bow. I then realize that they probably don’t understand the modern day concept of “fun”. This is going to really interesting. I nod to them and trot off towards my mother.

“Well good morning my love. I pray you had a good and restful night with your sister?”

I plop myself beside her on the bench, “I did. We talked about a few things as well,” staring down at my necklace. She looks up as Marron walks over, tilting her head.

Marron gave her a nod, “It was about that subject again.”

Rachel lean back and folds her arms, “I see. Any progress then?”

She shrugs, “Way above my paygrade my Lady.”

My mother wraps her arm around me, holding me close to her. I lean in, still recalling the conversation.

“You’ll figure it out my love and I shall be there to help guide you through it,” she says softly. I let out a sigh, just more things to ponder about.

I felt a dark fuzzy mass land on my thigh, peering down to see Fenris staring up at me. I leaned over and hugged the wolf, “Morning Papa Wolf.”

My bonded lets out a soft groan as I rake my fingers through his fur, “Good morning little Aria.”

I nuzzle the top of his head, while stroking his fur, “Think you handle a group of teenagers while out shopping?”

He gives a loud huff, watching as him sit down, “This will be no different than last year or during the winter.” I smirk, pressing my head against his.

I sit up and look up at my mother, “Think I can head off to see them?”

She kisses the side of my head, “Of course love. Everyone hasn’t arrived just yet, so there is still time before the day will start.”

I hop up from the bench, “Seeya in a bit then.”

She smiles, “I’ll see later sweetheart.”

I smile, taking a few steps back from her, and head off to where my friends are at with Fenris in tow.

I see Mandy perk her head up as I draw closer, waving to me. I smirked, waving back. “Morning all.” The group then turns and watches as I sit down beside them.

“Hey babs,” greets Jenn, “sleep all right?”

I plop my chin on my palm, “Yep. You?”

She rolls her shoulders, “Yeah, think I pulled a muscle though.”

I glance over to Henry, “You hanging with us today?”

He quickly throws up his hands, “No way. I’m actually gonna head out with some of the other guys and follow them around. Isn’t there a Dave and Busters around here?”

I lay my head onto my arms, tapping my arm, “If I remember right there should be one a few miles from here. Not sure off the top of my head.” He then pulls out his phone and starts looking for it.

A hand then rest on my shoulder, I panned over to see Alexis smiling to me, “Hey hun.”

I smile, “Hey. Guessing you're with us then?”

She pats my head, “Yep. Gonna shadow you guys with Marron as well. Someone needs to make sure you stay out of trouble.”

I roll my eyes, “That wasn’t my fault and you know it.”

She smirks, “Sure I do, but you did manage to scare off those wannabe vamps, which then ran headfirst into a few people.” I groan, slamming my head into my arms.

Yeah…while I know I said that I thought the vampires in New Orleans were tipped off by Beltrok to harass me, and yet nothing happened. That didn’t exactly prevent the local covens from trying to pick us up, sending in their thralls or as we call “wannabes”. Mostly just a bunch of posers playing vampire.

They tracked us down to Bourbon Street during the last day of the gathering, with a couple hitting on Jenn and Mandy. I stepped in and told them off. They in-turn only ramped up the charm and harassment.

While not fully transforming, I partially did and flared my aura, which caused them to scatter and bolt away, only to be met by Fenris. The wolf further intimidated the group, who fled headlong into a bunch of tourists, knocking them over.

Needless-to-say the aftermath wasn’t pleasant when their master showed up wanting an apology. Rachel of course told him to piss off. He reluctantly left in a huff when confronted by Jenn and Mr. Eckerts along with Fenris, all of whom would’ve gladly torn the bloodsucker apart.

I stare up at her, “Well you don’t have to worry about any vampires here, so there shouldn’t be any problems.”

She leans in and flicks my head, “What’s your point? Still coming with you.”

I smirk, “Ok then. Oh, both of my knights are going to be shadowing us as well. Kateryna I think will be fine, but I’m not so sure about Orga.”

She looks up to see both of them hovering around the pavilion, speaking to each other. “Think they’ll be ok tagging along?”

I shrug, “Not a clue. But should be fun.” She grins, slapping my hand.

We spend the next hours just chatting and catching up, watching as the rest of the Coven slowly trickles in. I then see Miss Elizabeth and her family arrive in the park, with both of her kids dashing down the hill towards their friends. I smile seeing them. Little Susie then turns as she eyes me.

The tiny girl dashes over to us, wrapping her arms around me, “Missed you sissy.”

I grin, hauling the girl into my lap, tickling her nose, “Hey you. Been a good girl for your mommy?” She quickly bobs her head.

I cock mine, raising an eyebrow, “You’re not fibbing me are you?”

She shook her head, “No sissy.” I raise my head, looking unconvinced, but smiles, hugging her tightly.

Her mother then appears under the pavilion, “Well good morning to you all.”

We turn and look to her, “Morning Mrs. Aitchison.”

She walks around the table and smile, “I do hope everyone was able to recover from the tournament. I’ve been talking to the other parents and we all agreed that it was one of the best we had seen in the past decade.”

We all give a mixed set of looks at each other, some good, others not so much. She chuckles, “Oh don’t be that way kids. You all should be proud. In any case, we’re about to start loading up.”

“Yes ma’am,” saying in unison. She smiles and heads back down the hill. We turn to each other rise from the table and follow after her.

We all loaded up into a various cars and headed into the city. Our group traveled around the several boutiques located in the shopping districts.

As predicted, Orga was…slightly out of his element. I couldn’t help but see the poor man wander about a shop confused while watching us scurry about each of the stores and trying different outfits.

I often saw him standing next to Fenris, who equally looks just as bored. Of course the shop owners all gathered around the both of them, presenting various shirts and jackets.

I dragged him over into the dressing room and handed him clothes to try on. He of course looked incredibly handsome with several of the suits he tried on. His wife even complimented her husband on how sharply he looked.

With Fenris, the wolf basically crumbled as the ladies petted him. I laughed seeing my bonded, a proud and noble Uldulvan wolf, turn into a silly little lap dog.

Kateryna I think took to it better. Elves are naturally beautiful and anything she slipped on simply looked ten times better. She even started to laugh and made suggestions to us. Something about this made her feel at ease.

I know that Dewloura had shopping districts much like the modern world, but she seemed more…natural. She quickly became like the group’s den mother, carting us around and even snapping us back into place if we got too out of hand.

I myself became a target for her sharp discipline. It legitimately shocked me to have her call me out whenever I did something stupid, like arguing with the girls over several dresses, which nearly ripped while tugging on them.

She pulled me aside and gave a good tongue-lashing alongside Marron. While taken aback, given how docile and always mindful she is, I still loved how quickly she turned that side off and became just like a mother. I did of course snap back in line, and even garnered the wrath of Orga, who threatened to tell Rachel if I didn’t behave.

While I actually was a pill at times, I loved how both knights finally began to shed their guarded selves and became normal people. But they did revert back to being mindful and dutiful servants, fearing some sort of retribution from either Rachel or me.

Marron told them not to worry as she was grateful for the extra set of firm hands. Fenris would often snarl at me, which sent a shiver up my spine.

With shopping done for the moment, we all retreated to small café for lunch. We didn’t buy all that much, mostly a few outfits and some jewelry; though admittedly, Mandy rushed back to the store she got hers from, instantly regretting buying some of it. Fenris elected to follow after the girl to make sure nothing happened.

I lean back into my chair, watching a baseball game on the TV, the St. Louis Cardinals versus the San Diego Padres. While never that avid of a sports fan in general, I still love watching the Cards play. Jenn also watched with me, being a Cardinals fan herself.

The knights looked on with eager curiosity, seeing the two of us stare at the TV. Neither of us paid them any attention. We just simply were enjoying the game

After lunch we toured around the city, going to a few more shops, but ultimately decided to head to one of the other little parks around the city. I lean onto the table listening to the trio talking about their plans for the upcoming fall semester. All three were going to be high school seniors and looking at numerous colleges to attend.

I slump even more on the table, thinking of how busy they were going to be in only a few short months, meaning less time to just simply hop on the phone and stay up into the wee hours of the morning talking to each other. They even began talking about going to proms. Again I felt lonely.

Since I’m essentially homeschooled, I don’t have to worry about going to proms. Hell, I don’t even sure about what I’ll do after I turn eighteen again. Would I want to try and go to college again? Naturally it would mean just rehashing my old life all over again.

But…no. All I want to do in that moment is to live with my mother on the Estate. Maybe slip into a bit of a sheltered life. Who knows? The girls were only just discussing their plans. I’m just simply there along for the ride.

I roll my head up to see all three of them staring at me, each sharing the same looks of concern and uncertainty. Jenn wraps her arm around me, pulling me into her. This was soon followed by Mandy and Heather, both finding a spot and holding me close to them.

Jenn’s hand squeezes and stroked my shoulder, “You’ve got that same look you did the first night we met you. You’re feeling like the outsider while listening to us drone on about the coming year. I bet your worrying about what you’re going to do when you get older right?”

I bury my head into the side of her chest, staring off into the distance. “Thought so. You have to seriously be the most insecure girl I have ever met. But,” leaning in closer, “that’s one of things we love about you. It means you’re honest.”

Arms soon tighten around me. I peer up to see Mandy and Heather both smiling warmly to me.

“Hey, don’t worry about the future,” peering into the brunet’s eyes. “Hell, just forget about it. When it comes, it’ll come. Just never forget that we’ll always be here for you.”

Heather pressed her head into the back of mine, “Plus we aren’t just high school friends. We belong to the same coven, which means we will never drift apart from each other. Like it or not girl, you’re stuck with us for life.”

A lump grows in the back of my throat, threatening to force its way up and me crying like a baby. I stared into their eyes, fighting back the tears swelling in my eyes. The trio then huddles around me, each holding me close. “You guys are the absolute best friends someone like me could ever want.”

All three girls smile, each holding me even tighter.

“As I told you on that first night babs,” says Jenn turning my head, “you are one of us. Forever.” Her words, those very same reassuring while also truthful words sank deep into my mind.

The revelation that I was now a part of their lives as much they were a part of mine. The dam holding back my tears finally broke as I buried my face into her chest and cried bitterly. Tears poured onto the shirt, feeling her grip tightening even more.

“Crap… here I am trying to sound all mature and stuff only to end up making you cry.” This forces a chuckle from under the flowing tears.

Jenn grins, “Ah, the famous laugh of our girl. I’ve heard many a tale of how it can light up any darkness.”

I let out another laugh, trying to wipe away tears from my cheeks. “I really need to grow up don’t I?” looking up them.

Mandy hugs me close, resting her head onto my shoulder, “You do, but not right now. Believe it or not, we kinda like seeing the little kid in you from time to time.”

I grin, shaking my head. My fingers clung tightly to them, forgetting the world around us even existed.

I then looked down to see Heather kneeling in front and holding my hands tightly, “Plus, you still have to introduce us to that hunk of a guy you fell in love with,” winking to me.

My cheeks then burn hotly as my eyes grew into melons. “H-Heather!”

She then bursts into a hearty laugh, leaning up and hugging me.

I lower my head, shaking it, “You guys are nuts you know that?”

All three girls laugh, still holding me tightly.

I peer up to see Marron leaning against the wall and giving a simple, reassuring smile and then mouthed something to me. “Know that I will always be here for you Baby Ahri.”

I took a few short breaths, smiling at my big sister, leaning my head into my friends.

Adjacent to her stand my knights; each giving me a soft bow with their heads. They were the newest factor in my now crazy life, indicating the latest facet to it all. They also represented a past I never knew about and a possible future that I had no idea if I were ever to take hold of.

My eyes close for a moment, trying to push away my doubts and uncertainties. My future could wait. Just let me enjoy my present.

The hours grew late and we had to fall back to the where the day started. We offloaded from the car and headed to wherever our parents had parked. We dropped off our purchases and head back into the park itself.

Rachel was sitting around with several other parents, again talking to them. She turns and sees me heading for her, baring a soft smile, “Well hello my darling, did you have a good time today?”

I plop myself beside her, “I did, only to have yet another life crisis drop into my lap.”

Her eyes then bulge, “Were you attacked?”

I smirk, laying my head onto the table, “No…not that kind of crisis. Another kind.”

Her eyebrow rises, only to then reel back, “Oh. That kind of crisis.”

I eye her, “No…the other kind Rachel.”

She takes a moment to think before grinning and pulling me into her. Her arms hold me close, stroking me, “We’ll figure something out my love. You’re still just a young girl whose path is unclear.”

I bury my face into her side, listening to her heart thumping against her chest. She rests her chin onto the top of my head, combing her fingers through my hair.

My mother then begins to hum softly, rocking us gently. “Sweet…sweet child of mine.”

I let out a giggle, now hearing the song play out in my mind.

She look up to see Orga, Kateryna, and Fenris all appear at the table, with my bonded slipping under, resting his head into my lap. My tiny fingers dig into his fur, feeling a soft chill roll across the tips.

“I pray your time with my daughter was…enlightening?” I hear her ask.

The elf leans over and strokes my hair, “Her Highness and friends proved to be quite the handful if not unruly for children.”

I lean back, gazing into her shimmering emerald eyes.

She smiles, “But I do believe to have gained a somewhat deeper understanding of the child. If not needing to be disciplined on occasion.”

Rachel swoons a grin, “Oh I see,” peering to me, “got yourself into some mischief didn’t you?”

I grumble, “Just fought over a dress with Mandy.”

Rachel chuckles, “You would do that sweetheart,” then looking to the elf’s husband, “and what of you master knight? I hope you didn’t grow too overly bored watching teenage girls muddle around a shop.”

I peer around Kateryna, seeing him squirm a little. “I…dare not say my Lady, in fear of upsetting Her Highness.”

I smirk, looking over at him, “Yeah…he was bored. Even Fenris stood beside him outside the shops. I had to drag him inside, with the girls picking out outfits from him.”

My mother’s grin grows broader, “Did they now?”

I giggled louder, still remembering Mandy shoving Orga into the dressing rooms, arms full of different clothing to try on. Aside from the near complete meltdown, the day was a lot of fun. But it wasn’t over just yet.

My mother leans over and kisses my temple, “We should get you back to the hotel so you might get cleaned up for the evening. The parents and I have a lovely place for you and children to party.”

I smirked, “Nothing too cheesy right?”

She lets out a scoffing huff, looking to me as if offended, “Never. It’s a lovely little bistro with a dancefloor.”

I giggle, “Ok.” She then gives me another squeeze before the two of us stand from the table.

The second night of the gathering is always the most sought after part of the three days. No parents, apart from a few chaperones, good food, and hours of dancing and partying. It was also a semi-formal event, so we dressed for the occasion.

This was also only meant for those of us 7th grade and up. This often angered the younger kids, who along with the tournament, couldn’t wait to grow up.

We still had to worry about embarrassing the Coven, so we would often attempt to not do anything too outrageous. That did happen a couple years ago when the Coven held the summer gathering in Chicago. A few of the older boys decided that it’d be a good idea to get drunk and turn the river shades of purple with glowing sculptures growing out of the water.

This all of course happened while Rachel and I were on the other side of the world, and didn’t learn about it until the following year. I heard that Miriam was so furious that Mount St. Helens was nothing more than a science fair exhibit. Needless-to-say that little screw-up meant that the kids couldn’t go out alone anymore.

As we head for the parking lot, I see Alexis slamming down the trunk of her rental. I break from my group and run over to her. “Hey, you ok?”

She spins around and leans against her car, folding her arms, “Yeah I’m fine…ok not really.”

I sit beside her, “What’s wrong?”

She combs her fingers along her scalp, “My parents want me to join them with the rest of the adults. Saying that with me no longer being one of children, should start participating with adults and what they do.”

I look up at her, “So you’re not coming then?”

She lightly hits the trunk, “Oh, I’m coming with you guys. Just pisses me off that they’re trying to push me into being one of them so quickly.”

I leaned over into her, “You will have to be at some point.”

Alexis quickly wraps her arm around me, “I know hun…I know. I already told them that I won’t formally join until I graduate from college. So until then, you’re gonna have to deal with me.”

I giggle, hugging her tightly, “See you at the restaurant then.”

She ruffles my hair, “Seeya there kiddo.”

I smile, slipping out from under and back over to where Rachel and the other were.

“Everything all right my love?”

I turn back towards Alexis, watching her slip into her car and slowly pulling away. “Yeah, just saw a friend who needed some help.”

My mother looks up, seeing Alexis’ car leave, “I see,” then placing her hand onto my shoulder, “we should go love.”

I bob my head, and slipped into the car, finding my seat. The door then closes after she climbs in. I look back out onto the slowly emptying park. The car lurches forward, finally taking us away.

The hotel where Rachel and the knights were staying at is nice and elegant, more upscale than the one I spent the previous night at with Marron. It sort of makes me miss it already. It is definitely bigger but nothing over-the-top. We climb out and retrieve my suitcase.

I feel my phone buzz from within my backpack. I sling around my bag and pull it out, seeing a text from Marron.

Hey sweetie. Just letting you know that I’ll see you at the bistro. See you then.

My lips curl into the grin, quickly stuffing the phone back into my bag and head inside.

A short elevator ride later, we walked down the hall towards the room. Rachel pulled out her key card and slides it into the lock, opening the door. I step in and glance around the room, seeing couches and chairs strewn about. It wasn’t like the previous hotels I’ve stayed out with her, but definitely had a nice charm.

“You’re sleeping with me tonight sweetheart, so our room is over here.”

I look over, watched her heading over to different side of the common area. I turned back to see Orga and Kateryna stepping into their room. I figured they were again going to join me and act as chaperones for the rest of the children. I let out a sigh and headed over to her.

I hoist my suitcase onto a chair and open it, pulling out my travel bag. My mother had already disappeared into the bathroom, hearing the shower running from the other side of the door. Hanging next to it was the dress we bought from the shop back in Austin.

I plop myself onto the bed and kick off my socks and shoes. I lean back onto the bed, letting my feet hang off of it, feeling the cool air soothe my tired feet. I crane my head back over to the dress.

I am still pissed that the first real day I got to spend with my mother was ruined. Oh, nearly getting strangled to death would surely put a damper on any mood. I still wanted to have that, just the two of us, away from the Estate and the rest of the world. There still had been no word of who was behind the attack, even Arcturus and Master Titalos had come up with nothing.

I roll my head and stare up at the ceiling, watching as the fan spins around. Its constant motion could put anyone sleep in the blink of an eye. But I could quite fall asleep just yet. Rest my eyes maybe, but not full-on take a nap.

Yeah…maybe just close them for a moment. It really couldn’t hurt just to close them for a moment.

Before I knew it, they were in fact shut. The bed felt too comfortable, too inviting. I bore a soft smile, feeling heavy as I lie there.

Before I did actually fall asleep, I hear the door opening. I pan over to see Rachel stepping out of the bathroom, body and hair wrapped in towels.

She looks up at me, “The shower is all yours sweetheart.”

I sit up on the bed and hop off, quickly stripping out of my clothes and tossing them over to my suitcase, gently levitating onto it. My mother shakes her head, “Just hurry up my love. We can’t be late.”

I hurry inside and flip on the shower.

The hot water felt really good against my body, seeing it bead down my skin. I pull my hair into the streaming water, raking my fingers through the long strands, while pouring shampoo into it.

For once I am glad that I didn’t transform into a kitsune, given how relaxed I was. Having to deal with eight long furry tails would be an absolute nightmare, and I have precious little time to boot.

I swiftly rinse out my hair and scrub myself clean, finally shutting off the water and hopping out. I grab a towel and dry myself off. I pull out my drying brush and raked through my hair. Once done I stashed it away and opened my makeup kit. As much as I hate makeup, I still only applied a little blush to my cheeks.

Taking one last look at myself in the mirror, I glanced over to see my panties lying by my kit along with a strapless bra. I slip each of them on and head back out into bedroom.

Rachel was sitting by the vanity, dressed in a long black silken dress, applying a light layer of lipstick. I turn and remove the dress from the hanger, pulling it over my head. My arms weren’t able to reach back to pull up the zipper, groaning in frustration.

A hand soon brushes mine away, hearing the zipper move up my spine. I look up to see my mother smiling down at me. I give her a soft smile, “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome sweetheart.”

I hop back over to the bed and slide my feet into the shoes which had been laid out for me. I quickly clicked the straps over my feet, wiggling my toes. I stand back up and walk over to the mirror, staring at myself. Given how hot and humid the night is going to be, I elected to leave my hair as is. My mother then steps into view, standing right behind me.

A massive grin adorns her face, “You look marvelous my dear.”

I lean back into her, “Thanks.”

It really wasn’t often that I dressed up for anything. Most of my time was typically spent just living out my life on the Estate and only venturing out on the rare occasion. So it really was special to get all dolled up for an evening.

My necklace dangles over my clavicle, with its ice-blue crystal shimmering against my skin. A smirk then wrests from me.

She wraps her arms around my shoulders, “What is running through that little head of yours?”

I roll the crystal between my fingers, “Just thinking that it’s been two years since we first went to Japan.”

She holds me tightly to her body, “You’re right,” smiling, “that trip was rather eventful for the both of us.”

I take a long deep breath, “Yeah…it was.”

A kiss is then planted onto my cheek, “We should go sweetheart. I don’t want either of us to be late.”

I giggle, “Right.”

She quickly releases me, and I scurry over to my suitcase and pull out a small purse, quickly transferring a few essentials from my backpack into it. I drape the thin strap over my shoulder, seeing Rachel already heading for the door. I hustle after her, closing door behind us as we exit the bedroom.

Kateryna and Orga were both waiting for us in the living room, with Fenris resting by the window. The elf is dressed in a long flowing dress that I’d expect to see Arwen wearing, with her husband adorning a full shaded red and black three-piece suit. Something told me that Sebastian had a hand in selecting the outfit. Both quickly stood up and walk over to me.

“You look wonderful Your Highness,” said Orga speaking softly, and with a gentle smile. “Simple yet elegant, truly befitting a princess.”

I face instantly flushed a deep red, looking away, “Th-thank you.”

Kateryna leans in, folding her hands in front of her, “Your mother has informed us that there shall be dancing during your portion of the night. Will this be similar to a ball?”

A grin stretches on my face, “Not exactly. I probably should warn you about the music that you’ll be hearing. It can get…loud.”

She leans back and crosses her arms. I ought to have let them listen to some modern music, and then the shock a surprise of what was to come wouldn’t be as bad. I give a nervous laugh, not knowing what to expect.

I feel a furred head brushing against my leg, peering down to see Fenris, also wearing a suit collar, complete with bowtie. I grin, “You choose to wear that?”

The wolf sits down and scratches his neck, just below the collar, “I thought it to be appropriate.”

I kneel down, straightening it, “When we go to the winter festival, I might find a tuxedo collar for you.” The wolf’s tail swishes softly on it the tiled floor.

My mother then claps her hands, “We should really be off. I’m certain that everyone is waiting for us.”

I rose back to my feet and adjusted the strap of my purse, “Then as my dad used to say, ‘let’s beat the feet.’” heading for the door. When I reached it, I turn to see all four of them staring at me with confused looks on their faces.

I roll my eyes, opening the door, “It means let’s get going.”

They all gave a collective “Oh.”

I shook my head, sighing. I really need to teach them my old family sayings, heading out the door and down the hallway.