Page 18 of Valpar

Starla turned and continued to lead me to the closet.

This was just a ball. It was one night. Surely one night wouldn’t change everything…would it?

Simon shook his head and bleated, his steps following with mine as he walked to the closet. “Hey, aren’t you going to make me a dress? That’s what Cinderella’s fairy godmother did.”

Starla put her hand on her hip and stared back at me. “Fuck. You're serious, right now? You aren't short on dresses here and you are already in the damn palace.”

Oops, bad word.

Starla put her hand on the rack. “Now, you get in here and let me dress you in something pretty.”

My face flushed after being reprimanded, and I let her choose a dress for me.

“You look absolutely stunning!” my fairy godmother gushed, her voice filled with excitement, as we stood on the enchanting balcony overlooking the dazzling ballroom. Soft, golden lights bathed the room, which cast a warm glow over the opulent chandelier that hung low, creating an elegant but also a fast-paced party, the way they would twinkle slow and fast. The sweet scent of desserts and flowers wafted through the air, adding to the magical atmosphere. From our hidden vantage point, we could observe the grandeur of the ball without being seen.

I could see fae, fairies, shifters, a few vampires, and even my aunt and uncle dancing on the floor, swaying to the music. It was a ball that surpassed any dream that I could think of and my eyes roamed over everything.

I could stay on the balcony and watch, and be perfectly happy up here, but my fairy godmother wasn’t happy with that. She was very much wanting me to go down and mingle.

“I-I thank you.” I pulled down the dress she decorated me in, feeling shy.

It was blue silk. It looked like nothing more than a short nightgown slip, but it covered more than most of what all the other fae and fairies were wearing. I wore my wings, still too shy to let everyone know I was human.

I was sure they could smell human on me, but with all the fae wine and orc ale, I hoped I would blend in at least a little.

“You are the only human at the ball,” my fairy godmother pointed out.

Well, crumbs!

“Why don’t you take the wings off?” My fairy godmother offered. “Humans are a delicacy and I’m sure you will meet a male for the night?”

My face turned red, and I shook my head. My wings were a crutch, like a handbag you needed to carry, even if you didn’t need it. I just had to have them to hold on to.

“Suit yourself. You don’t need them, though. You should be proud of who you are, Calliope. You’re stunning, and your personality is just perfect for him. I’ll have to stay close and watch this one.” She chuckled.

I tilted my head, and when I turned to face her, she was gone.

My mouth dropped open and Simon bleated at me, his head stuck in between the spindles of the balcony.

Stuck!

I’m gonna saw off his horns. That is just what I’m gonna do.

I tilted his head, trying to pull him out. He yelled again, and I could feel him panic. “Hang on a second, I’m coming.” Simon would calm down when he saw me. With his head on the other side of the banister, I knew I was going to have to climb over.

I took off my shoes and lifted my leg over the golden, vine-woven balcony. It wasn’t the prettiest sight leaping over, but I was able to get in front of him. “Okay, Simon. You have to calm down.” His beady eyes saw me, and he stopped pushing on the rods holding his head. “Now, I’m gonna move your head.” He stopped moving, and I managed to move his head to maneuver his horns and pushed him free.

He bleated a ‘thank you,’ as I heard a shout from a guard my fairy godmother had put to sleep earlier so we could sneak past. “Hey, what are you doing!?”

Crumbs and cheese, I was in trouble.

Simon bleated loudly and charged at the guard. I watched intently, giggling, still holding on to the handrail, when another guard was suddenly at my side said, “Here, let me help…”

As he startled me, a high-pitched yip of a scream escaped my lips. In my panic, I released my grip on the gleaming gold medal, causing it to slip from my fingers. With a sudden jolt, I fell backward into the bustling crowd.

Chapter Six

Valpar

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