Howl was in a bit of a predicament.

  He had been minding his own business in the Peridot Ballroom, where the wedding reception would take place, when suddenly the door slammed open and Prince Basil stormed in.

  The ballroom was a great dome of green tinged glass built into a marble frame. The floor beneath was polished peridot, and the pink and white accents he’d chosen matched perfectly with his sister and her partner. The peonies were enchanted to keep fresh, and each bundle was connected by a long white ribbon that draped artfully down eight hooks from the green peridot chandelier in the center of the dome.

  Howl couldn’t do anything about the small patio doors that circled the ballroom, but he had created a barrier between himself and the front door- since assassins pretending to be palace staff had already entered through there twice, hoping that he would be taken off guard.

  He hadn't, which is why he was still alive. But after that, Howl had pulled over a trellis and hung all the thick ribbons on it to keep them from wrinkling, and begged the guards to enchant the thing with extra protection. They used [Obfuscate] and [Alarm]. So far he’d held off two assassins today, ducking behind the frame and putting up a wind barrier until Roger the palace guard came to save him.

  So it was that he’d been perfectly hidden when the prince threw open the main doors and marched into the room, yelling, “Stop following me, Lucial.”

  “I’ll stop following you when you stop running away,” a warm voice teased. A human walked in after the fox prince, wearing a long embroidered white tunic favored by the Empire.

  Basil turned on the human. “I don’t care what Madame Potts’ said - this isn’t going to work. We’re not going to work.”

  Lucial stopped an arm's length from the fox. “I’m willing to try.”

  Basil broke, his shoulders sinking as he dropped his face into his hands. “Don’t say that. You were supposed to be the charming one; irresponsible and fun and fleeting.”

  Lucial smiled at his lover. “You think I’m charming?”

  Basil looked up at the human accusingly, “See. That is exactly what I’m talking about.”

  “You can’t convince me to leave with compliments, Basil.” Lucial said, amusement clear. Howl wondered if he should be hearing this, and if there was a way he could quietly exit through the nearest patio door without interrupting the pair. They weren’t attacking or setting off the barrier defenses... so Roger wouldn't know to come and save him this time.

  “You’re distracting.” Basil countered, “And I’m too busy for distractions right now.”

  “Overthrowing Their Royal Highness and stealing the throne, I know,” Lucial pointed at his own chest. “I could help.”

  Yep. Howl should not be overhearing this. Time to panic.

  Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

  “You can help by going home.” Basil snapped.

  “We both know I’m not going anywhere.” Lucial said softly, his heart bare for anyone to see. “Not without you.”

  Basil turned around, facing away from the man. “You have a life, back in the Empire. A home and family and your tapestries–”

  “I have an empty bed waiting for me, and a broken heart.” Lucial stated. “Don’t push me away anymore Basil. I’m not going to let anything come between us. Not your succession, or my sister’s orders – nothing means more to me than you.”

  “She’ll burn it all.” Basil whispered. “You know she will.”

  “Then I’ll weave more tapestries.” Lucial said, finally taking that last step and wrapping his arms around Basil from behind, leaning his chin onto the fox’s shoulder. “Of us, and our Happily Ever After.”

  Basil was being worn down, Howl could tell. The fox sighed and leaned back into Lucial. “What am I supposed to do with you?”

  “Love me.” Lucial kissed Basil’s cheek and held the fox tighter.

  Howl covered his eyes and crouched behind the table full of flowers, his ears burning. He definitely shouldn’t be hearing this. When he looked up longingly at the nearest patio door - someone was standing there.

  An extremely tall fae woman waved at Howl, a happy smile on her face. Before she could say anything, Howl was on his feet again, index finger to his lips. She was partially obscured by Howl’s work station, and there was the faintest chance that her silent entrance went unnoticed.

  The only thing worse than overhearing a love confession was getting caught overhearing a love confession.

  Howl checked over his shoulder at the princes, only to look away again when he saw the two kissing in a heated embrace.

  They really hadn’t noticed the intruder... The intruder who ignored the lovers entirely and was marching over to Howl.

  Luckily, she hadn’t spoken. Howl eyed the open patio door behind her with longing, but knew he wasn’t a stealth class in the slightest.

  For lack of a better solution, Howl put his finger to his lips again, and then pointed to the passionate couple, then sat down on the floor. He patted the spot beside him and almost sighed when the fae accepted his request and sat down too. Despite Howl being her clear target, he never felt any danger from the fae, and had no idea why.

  It was probably a Skill or a Perk to lure him into a false sense of security. Either way, she sat with him and waited in silence. They only had to wait for ten minutes, before the royal couple decided to take their kissing elsewhere. And Howl thanked the gods for that.

  The second the door was closed behind them, Howl let out a groan.

  The fae chuckled. “That was tense. How long were they here?”

  Howl dragged a hand down his face. “Enough that I’m going to be late getting these ribbons up.”

  “I’m afraid you won't be putting up any more ribbons,” The fae stood and offered Howl a hand up. “I'm Kiki. I’ve been sent to fetch you. The Sumbrian Delegation has arrived - and Countess Peregrine needs you.”

  “Oh, barkrot.” Howl cursed, abandoning everything and heading for the patio door, “Why didn’t you say so!”

  Kiki stepped up beside him, the fae raising an eyebrow at the young elf. “You indicated that I should remain silent.”

  Howl had done just that, and couldn’t fault her. “True. Where are they now?”

  Kiki simply shrugged. “I was only told to fetch you. But I would assume they are where the delegation is meant to go when they arrive?”

  “Good point,” Howl pivoted in the garden, heading towards the ambassador’s wing.

  Peregrine was standing in the wide entry on the main floor, speaking quietly with Lish. She greeted Howl with a welcome smile that let him know everything was all right.

  “Howl!” Peregrine waved him over. “You’re just in time. I’ve shown Oakley’s men to their rooms, but I need someone to make sure the earl finds his way after the council meeting. Could you take over for me? I have to head home.”

  “Of course– wait,” Howl’s mind raced to keep up with exactly what she’d said, and then righteous indignation took over. “They did not.”

  Peregrine nodded, her perfect mask broke and a soft smile played across her lips, showing how much she appreciated his worry for her. “They sent Lord Geoffrey’s father to oversee the wedding.”

  Barkrot was too tame a curse, but Howl used it anyway.