Chapter Text
Black Sapphire fixed a crystal comb into his bun, pulling back his bangs before stepping into view of a mirror. A pretty faerie lady stared back, mimicking him as he smoothed his skirt.
Deceit is just so versatile.
Candy Apple pulled on his skirt, stomping her mary janes. “It’s not fair you get to wear a pretty faerie dress and lie to everyone while I’m stuck building props ,” she huffed. Black Sapphire’s gaze tore from the mirror to ruffle Candy Apple’s hair. “You know why. Most people don’t want ten-year olds walking alone in unfamiliar places.”
“Shadow Milk isn’t most people! He should encourage me to be the one to infiltrate the kingdom! Or—” she paused, “that’s not the right word. Not care? Whatever!”
“Of course.”
“It’s only because Shadow Milk likes you better…”
“Yep.”
“Are you trying to make me mad? Listen to me!”
“Mhm,” he hummed, not listening whatsoever.
“ Augh , I’m done with you!” she fumed. “Leave me alone!”
“You’re the one who came into my room,” he pointed out. Candy Apple blew raspberries at him, crossing her arms. “You’re free to leave any time.”
“You’re so annoying, Saph.”
He gasped. “I’m hurt , Candy Apple. You’d say that to an innocent faerie? A pure, kindhearted faerie?” he continued, flapping his wings for dramatic affect.
“It’s a good thing you aren’t a faerie then.” Candy Apple turns to leave. “By the way, the corset goes under your clothes, not over them.”
He sighed. Damn it—this is what he gets for disguising himself as a girl.
As a child, Black Sapphire had heard of the faerie kingdom. Whispers, tall tales, theories. Yet, even with Shadow Milk’s description, he wasn’t prepared for the beauty inside its walls. Pale trees with drooping blossoms, lakes and streams surrounded by all kinds of flora. But the most beautiful of all? The city. Towering buildings with intricate, ornate architecture. It was a sea of pale colors and shimmering jewels. The rich aroma of food flooded through the square, and a warm press of bodies surrounded him in contrast with the cool, misty air.
He almost felt bad about their fate.
Black Sapphire slid through the crowd, snatching a wallet before slipping into an alley. He rifled through it’s contents, taking all the cash before tossing it into the crowd. He placed the money in his purse, smoothing out his dress and slipping back into the masses.
To his right were crowded stalls, his left a warm, inviting bakery. It wouldn’t hurt to orient himself to the kingdom first, would it?
Black Sapphire walked delicately into the bakery, his heels clicking against the stones as he stepped to the back of the line. Candy Apple would like food, probably, but he himself would only get a drink. As the line dwindled, Black Sapphire stood straighter, getting further into character. A kind little faerie.
“What would you like to order?” the worker asked. Black Sapphire cleared his throat, speaking in a higher register.
“A berry cheesecake and glowberry refresher, please.”
He internally cringed—he sounded more epicene than like an actual lady. Curse his vocal versatility. The worker didn’t seem to notice though, nodding and telling him the total.
Black Sapphire paid and went to wait by the counter, inspecting his nails. Maybe he’d go to the flower shop—ask about their meanings before dropping a few names. Spread some rumours.
Soon enough his order was called, and he was sat in a booth, resting against the window. Black Sapphire stared out, watching as the faeries passed. Some wore plain, colored clothes, others grey, but one cookie caught his eye. The morning sun splayed across the cookie, shining in his pale blue eyes and giving his hair a soft shimmer. Black Sapphire’s chest tightened at the sight. His features felt otherworldly— distinctly fae. The cookie wore a white outfit, pressed and polished, reminiscent of a knight. Speaking of knights, the faerie was even built like one, with a broad chest and firm arms. From head to toe, the cookie was handsome. Attractive. Magnetic. Alluring, even. He wished he could—Black Sapphire should stop.
It’s a random faerie. A faerie ! Who he was staring at through a window. Black Sapphire glued his eyes back to his drink, slowly taking a sip. The cookie was a beautiful, beautiful faerie. His cheeks warmed.
How embarrassing. Who even likes faeries anyways? Not him. They’re annoying, too kind, and too strict. Quickly, he downs his refresher, speed walking out the bakery and into the streets of the faerie kingdom.
Black Sapphire's eyes wander around the open shops, scanning the area. Some faeries stood outside of shops, advertising products. Others flew around, sometimes with food in hand. There was a bright shop, almost out of place. Flowers were pasted in the windows and plants seemed to be spilling out the doors. He wonders what flowers the faerie likes—no he isn’t. He’s thinking about deceit, and evil, and spreading rumors or whatever.
Black Sapphire heads inside and buys a white tulip. Not for any particular reason, he just felt like it. Totally.
Afterwards, he spends a few more hours wandering around the streets. A few lies about Elder Faerie and Pure Vanilla here and there. Still, his mind circles back to a certain faerie.
Shadow Milk would not approve.