The Dark Fairy King
Chapter 49: Night Time

Chapter 49: Night Time

Chapter 22: Night Time

It was night when we finally returned to the palace.

The royal dining table was set, a lavish spread waiting for us. The air was thick with the aroma of spiced chili chicken, sweet pastries, and something sharp—like lemons and fried oil. The plates overflowed with everything from purple eggs, sticky candies, and cupcakes slathered in pink icing, to beheaded venomous snakes simmered in rich broth, and crispy scorpion stingers drizzled with lemon juice.

"Come, sit with us," Scarlette said warmly, pulling Lumera in by the arm.

"Lumera’s jaw dropped, eyes widening as she took in the feast. ’Is this what you guys eat every day?’ she gasped, her voice tinged with disbelief."

Without waiting for permission, she darted around the table like an unruly child, poking the food, sniffing plates, even peering under serving lids like she might uncover some hidden treasure.

"Look at that!" she pointed, her eyes sparkling at the fried scorpion stinger.

"Watch your child, Scarlette," I teased, unable to stop my laughter. The clink of cutlery and the warm hum of chatter—it felt like home.

"Lumera... come sit," Scarlette called again, still laughing.

Lumera spun to face me, pouting.

"Your Majesty, I am not a child."

"Then why are you not using your utensils?" I raised a brow, amused. "Didn’t they teach you that in Fairy School? Oh wait—they’ll probably cover that next year."

Scarlette giggled, nearly doubling over.

"All right, all right now," she said between breaths. "Just eat to your heart’s content. We’ve had a long day."

I smiled at her quietly. There was something about this moment—about her—that made me pause.

Would this be the kind of mother she’d be, if she ever chose that life?

So gentle, so patient.

For someone so powerful, so feared by our enemies, Scarlette could be impossibly soft.

A ripple of something—fear, maybe?—passed through me.

I couldn’t protect them from everything. But I would try.

Scarlette’s laughter pulled me back.

"Lumera! You’re getting icing in your hair!"

I slurped noisily from my bowl of venomous snake stew, the broth’s spicy heat curling up my throat. I nearly choked when I realized something.

"Guards," I called, waving a hand. "Where is Juniper? Has my precious Kitsune eaten?"

One of the guards pointed to the end of the table where Juniper sat comfortably beside Lumera, purring.

"Oh, there you are, little fox!" Lumera squealed, offering the Kitsune a scorpion stinger.

"You want this?"

Juniper rose onto her hind legs, sniffing the stinger curiously. The two of them—caught in a strange but genuine moment of connection.

"Let her," Scarlette’s voice softened beside me.

"It’s strange that Juniper’s taken a liking to Lumera, isn’t it?" I mused.

"Yeah, it is," Scarlette smiled. "Lumera’s rough around the edges, but she’s... kind of adorable. Like the little sister I never had."

"I was going to say sour candy," I grinned. "Tart on the outside, but there’s a sweet core in there somewhere."

Scarlette giggled, but her expression turned thoughtful.

"Was this supposed to be her life? Before we stepped in?"

"You mean in the old world?"

"Yeah."

I reached for her hand, the warmth of her palm grounding me.

"Well, we can right our wrongs, Scar. Lumera might have a second chance here. And we have a second chance to protect her."

Scarlette’s smile turned sly.

"Oh, I’m going to do more than just protect her."

"Should I be worried?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Yes," she teased. "Never let your guard down. Your words, remember?"

Crap. She was using my words against me.

"Scar..." I called, but she ignored me, turning to Lumera instead.

"Hey! You’re going to make Juniper chonky!"

"Juniper?" Lumera asked, puzzled. "That’s her name?"

"Yes," Scarlette replied.

"Juni for short," I added.

"But why does this fox have nine tails?" Lumera asked, genuinely curious.

"It’s a Kitsune," I explained. "Beings of wisdom and intelligence."

"How regal," Lumera said, clearly impressed.

"Don’t worry, they’ll cover that in kindergarten next year," I teased.

Scarlette burst out laughing.

"Ignore him. Veravos is being a diva again."

"I am not a diva," I said, feigning offense.

Just then, a guard approached to inform me that Lumera’s room was ready.

"Alright then. My Queen, My King," Lumera stood up and gave a playful bow. "I look forward to working with you both in the council, but this fairy is tired. I’m going to head home now."

Scarlette gently withdrew her hand.

"Something wrong, my Queen?" Lumera asked, a little taken aback.

"Quite the contrary," Scarlette explained. "We’ve prepared a room for you here in the palace—with heavy surveillance, for your safety."

"Oh? I can’t go home?" Lumera asked.

"We’re worried the Anti-Magic Mages might return for you," Scarlette continued. "You’ll stay here for now."

"If you insist," Lumera sighed. "But I hope it meets my standards."

I gasped. This Lumera... what standards do you have? We’re talking about your safety and you want luxury? Unbelievable

We left the dining hall and walked with Lumera to her room.

The candlelight in the hallway flickered as Lumera passed, as if the palace itself held its breath around her.

Lumera’s eyes opened in wonder.

"Is this the tour around the palace?" She asked Scarlette.

But Scarlette just grinned.

"No Lumera, it is too late for that." I begrudgingly replied.

She pouted.

Soon we reached her room.

Before I could speak again, Lumera ran in like an excited child practically squealing over everything.

"What?! You guys have gold silk sheets?" she exclaimed, rushing to touch the couch. "Look at these precious sequins!"

"I guess it meets your standards?" I asked, mockingly.

"Yes! Yes! Yes! A million times yes!" she squealed in delight.

"Oh my goodness, Your Majesties, you shouldn’t have!" she gushed.

I rolled my eyes. Scarlette laughed.

"What a country bumpkin," I muttered under my breath.

"Be nice, Ver..." Scarlette chided softly. "Don’t you think it’s like we’re reading her mind?"

"You think?" I grumbled, though I couldn’t hide my grin, and we laughed together.

"Alright, Your Majesties. I need my peace now," Lumera chimed. "Go to sleep too."

Then she shooed us. Yes, she used her hands to wave us away like we were pigeons sitting on her windowsill.

I didn’t know whether to punish her, laugh at her, or scold her.

The guards stared in horror.

Why?

Because not a single person has ever done that to me and lived to tell the tale.

Because Lumera is impossible, and we owe her.

Because I wanted what was best for her—and hated her at the same time.

"Let her be," Scarlette called gently as she pulled me away.

"At least she’s safe here."

"And that’s all that matters, apparently," I said begrudgingly.

Lumera. That big baby.