Unspoken Tension

As they gathered in the tranquil setting of the botanical garden the next day, a sense of urgency filled the air. Everyone was in a state of panic, bombarding Crystal with questions about the upcoming performance.

"Crystal, the clock is ticking. What about our next course of action!" Marina exclaimed, her voice tinged with worry.

Crystal took a deep breath, trying to calm their nerves. "Relax, everyone," she said, her voice steady. "I have an idea. We will come up with a song for this."

Ambrose raised an eyebrow, a hint of skepticism in his voice. "We are departing for the Fae Kingdom this evening, and you shall accompany me as my esteemed guests. However, I must express my concern regarding our ability to compose a song within such a limited timeframe. How do you propose we overcome this challenge?"

Crystal's eyes sparkled with determination. "Trust me, Your Highness. I may not have much experience with magic and all, but I know plenty of songs from Earth. I can draw inspiration from them and create something original."

The others exchanged glances, unsure if Crystal could deliver on her promise. However, her unwavering confidence began to ease their worries.

Marina leaned closer, a hint of curiosity in her voice. "However, I must inquire about the feasibility of creating both the lyrics and melody within such a constrained time frame?"

Crystal smiled, a flicker of excitement in her eyes. "That's the beauty of inspiration, Marina. It strikes when you least expect it. Let's immerse ourselves in this moment, embrace the atmosphere of the botanical garden, and let the melodies find their way to us. We'll create something extraordinary together."

The other three looked at each other, somehow impressed that it was Crytal's first time, she was speaking so eloquently.

Aurelius nodded, a glimmer of hope in his expression. "I believe in you, Crystal. Let us proceed with determination and give it our utmost endeavor."

With renewed determination, they found a quiet spot amidst the lush greenery, ready to let their creativity flow and create a heartfelt song that would leave a lasting impression at the King's birthday banquet.

...

As they soared through the air, the sky darkened around them, casting an air of mystery over their journey. They had crossed the portal and were now mending their journey to the Fae Palace.

Marina and Ambrose, using their skills, conjured wings once again for Crystal but this time, Crystal's senses were not overwhelmed with excitement, allowing her to notice the sophistication of Ambrose's wings.

His wings, a striking shade of red-orange, possessed a unique allure. Each feather glowed with a vibrant hue, as if reflecting the colors of a blazing sunset. Crystal couldn't help but be drawn to their beauty, her gaze fixated on their hidden magnificence.

She pondered the reason behind Ambrose's decision to keep them concealed from others, a question that also lingered in the minds of Aurelius and Marina.

The trio shared a mutual curiosity, wondering why Ambrose chose to hide his wings despite the absence of the crescent moon shadow mentioned in the prophecy or even any similarity. They understood that if Ambrose had revealed his wings during the flight technique class, others might not have jumped to the assumption that he was the cursed one.

However, respect for Ambrose's privacy held them back from directly asking him about his wings. They recognized that there was a personal reason behind his choice, and it was not their place to pry. Instead, they silently acknowledged the enigma surrounding Ambrose's wings, their unasked questions remaining unspoken as they continued their flight.

Their journey carried them closer to the grandeur of the Fae Palace, their wings effortlessly guiding them through the night sky. Crystal's focus shifted from Ambrose's wings to the task at hand.

...

As they approached the Fae Palace, the majestic figure of the Fae King awaited them. Standing beside him were several fae courtiers, adorned in ethereal attire that shimmered with hints of luxury. Each courtier possessed a different appearance, their features reflecting the essence of their respective fae lineage.

The Fae King, an ice fae, stood tall and commanding. His appearance mirrored the enchantment of winter itself. His hair, a cascade of silvery-white, glistened under the moonlight, and his eyes held a glacial depth that seemed to penetrate one's soul. Adorned in a regal ensemble, his robes boasted intricate designs resembling frost patterns, while his crown sparkled with icy gemstones as if he had frozen them himself, reflecting the captivating allure of the winter element.

Despite his regal appearance, the Fae King exhibited an ageless grace, appearing no older than the four young faeries who stood before him. Ambrose, positioned at the forefront of their group, commenced the fae greeting, intertwining his fingers and gently touching his forehead twice, this time, however, a unique ritual unfolded. Ambrose, Marina, and Aurelius gracefully bent one knee to the ground, a gesture of reverence reserved for exceptional occasions.

Crystal, sensing the significance of the moment, followed suit, lowering herself to the ground alongside her friends. They remained in this position as the Fae King approached Ambrose, standing before him.

With a tender smile, the Fae King extended his hand, lifting Ambrose from his kneeling position and drawing him into an affectionate embrace.

Crystal observed the interaction, a mixture of warmth and melancholy spreading through her. At that moment, she sensed the profound yearning of a father's love emanating from the Fae King, but her smile waned as she noticed the discomfort that clouded Aurelius's mind. It was evident that he detested this embrace, despising his father's presence and the moment they shared.

Worry engulfed Crystal, questioning whether her idea of singing a song had inadvertently stirred up trouble for Ambrose.

As the Fae King withdrew from the embrace, he gestured for the other three to rise and greeted them with a warm smile, his eyes filled with anticipation. "My dear guests, I extend my heartfelt welcome to all of you. You are honored in my palace as the esteemed companions of my beloved son."

They bowed their heads in gratitude, acknowledging the Fae King's words. There was a sense of anticipation in the air as they stood before him, each carrying their own thoughts.

A silence fell upon them as the Fae King's gaze focused on Ambrose. His smile widened, and he spoke with a father's pride in his voice. "Ambrose, my son, I have received a letter from Headmistress Selinofoto, informing me of the performance you will grace us with. I know it will be a spectacle unlike any other."

Ambrose remained silent, his demeanor giving away a subtle uneasiness in his aura that only Crystal could see. The Fae King continued to gaze at him, his eyes filled with adoration and unwavering support but Crystal knew that his heart slightly ached looking at the stone face of his son.

With a polite nod, the Fae King addressed their group as a whole. "I bid you all goodnight. Rest well, my honored guests. Your forthcoming performance fills me with great anticipation, and I eagerly look forward to witnessing your talents on display."