“Announcing King Dason Millian and his Queen Lusia and Princess Angelica.” One of the servants called out. There was a trumpet fanfare as Angelica’s parents walked out, her mother’s hand resting lightly on her father’s.

She followed just after them, enjoying the way her braided hair felt on her neck. Her mother had styled it lovingly over the past hour and Angelica was very happy with the result.

“The Heir, Harry Chaser.”

Dusty came through the doors after her. She did not turn around until she had reached the end of the carpeted aisle. He was dressed up in a dark blue suit that made his hair shine. The two archangels followed just after him, though they expected no announcement.

“The Seraph.”

The Seraph was even more impressive. While the outfit he wore was the Choir’s uniform, it had clearly been altered for grander occasions such as these. The yellow trim shimmered as if made from gold, and even the white had a faint glimmer to it. His sash was trimmed with gems that sparkled in the light, and his hair had been piled into a neat bun on his head.

With the announcements over, the party began in earnest. She took a drink from one of the servants walking by and sipped the fruity drink. A crowd of people had almost instantly surrounded Dusty. Though his face held no smile, he did not seem to be upset by those around him. Archangel Saleah stood closely at his shoulder, watching the faces around him. Archangel Zedekiah stood farther away, beyond the edge of the crowd surrounding the Heir.

Angelica wandered closer to where the dancing was taking place. As the music played, should could not help but think of the demon and his solo violin. How lightly the notes had always played across her mind and urged her to sway or dance along with them. If I hadn’t been a prisoner… she thought crossly.

“Princess Angelica, it is good to see you again.”

She turned to see Kenneth standing next to her. A smile flowered on her face.

“It’s good to see you again as well, Master Kenneth.”

“I was so sorry to hear of your dreadful experience.”

“It was very trying.”

“You were the prisoner of a demon, as was the Heir?”

“Yes, I was.” Angelica said, leaving Dusty out. He had refused the idea on several occasions that he was a prisoner in any way, but she was not sure how she could possibly explain the circumstances. He didn’t treat me like a prisoner either. “Would you like to dance?”

“I’m afraid I am still saddle sore from the trip. My apologies, Princess.”

“That’s fine.” He was speaking so formally. Angelica tried to catch his blue eyes, but he turned to survey the room.

“Such a lovely party, and I am certain you are the most beautiful lady here.”

Angelica smiled, but still his eyes did no more than shift over her.

“Excuse me, Princess Angelica.”

A servant had come up beside her. She did not recognize her face.

“I have come to inform you that an acquaintance is in the lower garden, and wishes to speak with you.”

“An acquaintance?” Angelica puzzled for a moment. “Thank you, you are dismissed.” She turned back to Kenneth. “I’m sorry to have to leave so soon.”

“It is not a problem.” Kenneth bowed. “I eagerly await your return.”

Angelica made her way out of the crowded room to the halls. A few servants were rushing back and forth, but none paid her any attention. She headed toward the gardens when she heard footsteps behind her. They paused as she did, and she turned to see Archangel Zedekiah behind her.

“What…are you doing, Your Mercy?”

“Following you.”

“Following me? Why?”

“I was told to do so.”

“By Dusty?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“He did not tell me.”

She did not have the authority to order an angel away, especially not when that meant overriding the Heir. So Angelica simply turned and continued on her way. She would have to talk to Dusty later about what he was thinking sending one of his bodyguards after her.

She walked into the darkness of the lower garden. Night had long since fallen and the moon was not even half full. She was suddenly glad for the angel at her back since she was unarmed. There was movement in front of her and a figure came out of the bushes. She only caught a glimpse of the face before a white streak blurred past her.

“Zedekiah! Stop!” she called out just as two swords clashed against each other. Angelica rushed forward.

“Jasper…” she threw her arms around the man’s neck.

“Princess!” he protested.

“Angie…”

She pulled back to see Penelope standing several feet away. Her beautiful blonde hair had been cut cruelly short and her clothes were ill fitting and filthy.

“Nell…” she flung herself at her older sister, tears streaming down her face. “I knew you weren’t dead. I knew it, but I had to stay. I wanted to find you. But Jasper was with you, and I had to stay here for Dusty.”

Penelope held her tight, running her hands through her hair. “It’s alright Angie. I’m here…” When Angelica had composed herself she pulled back to see that her sister had been crying as well.

“You cut your hair off…”

“It was too distinguishing.” Penelope grinned sheepishly. “Plus it’s safer on the road for boys.”

“But you’re okay.”

“As are you. Can we trust your guard to not go running off to tattle on me while we catch up?” Penelope was looking at Zedekiah who had resheathed his sword and was now standing next to a wary-looking Jasper.

“My orders currently are to protect Princess Angelica,” the Archangel replied.

“Well good.” Nell smiled, still holding her sister’s hand in hers and leading her back to a bench. With a quick spell, a ball of light appeared just over her head, making it slightly easier to see. “I want to hear about what happened to you after you were taken away.”

“It’s kind of complicated…” Angelica looked over at the angel.

“Princess…the very thought of being away from you for so long is tugging at my heartstrings. Please pardon my intrusion but…” he stopped short as he came around the corner. “Princess Penelope…”

“Kenneth…don’t-”

“The Princess is here.” He called out loudly. “Quickly, someone come. Princess Penelope is here.”

Nell jumped to her feet, holding out her hand to Jasper who grabbed it swiftly. They turned to run, but already guards came up in front of them, blocking off escape.

“Arrest the traitor, Jasper.” One of the guards ordered. “Keep him away from the Princesses.”

“Don’t hurt him. He’s done nothing wrong.” Nell shouted, but her voice was ignored in the confusion. She was knocked back and Angelica ran to her. There were shouts all around until a pair of strong arms pulled her and Nell backward. She looked up to see Zedekiah flare his wings, which sent those around him scrambling.

“Please, don’t let them hurt Jasper.”

The angel did not hesitate to reach out his hand. “From the South.” He commanded quietly, and the wind swirled through the guards, knocking them back from Jasper. Nell reached out again and the former guard came to her, clasping her hand tightly as the guards righted themselves.

“I will escort you to the King.” Archangel Zedekiah said. “It will be his decision what should be done.”