A girl born of magic and starlight, draped in silks and cottons, extended her arms as she danced below the night’s sky. The silver moon hung low, a whisper of the gods passing through each gleam and shimmer. Stitches of starlight painted the tips of her fingers, and she released her magic like an exhale as she gave thanks to her patron goddess, Flora. The one all things nature come, including nymphs like her.

Her dark hair glimmered in the pale moonlight as she twirled, and a smile found its way to her painted lips. Dancing to nothing other than the sounds of nature, the chirping of birds, the creaking of trees, the rustling wind, and flowing rivers, she moved to their rhythm. Once the clouds came to cover the silver moon, denying the earth its light, Adara dipped into a bow.

“You are perfect,” she spun around once she heard his voice. Like a god descended and taken human form, Nikolai, the crown prince, stood paces away from her.

His wings hung low on his back, draping over the lush lawn. They were a mix of swirls and translucence like most fairy wings, but drifting further down, they grew thick and dark like those of dragons. His two Orders meshed together to create the beauty Adara loved to stare at. He often kept his wings hidden, but when he let them out, she always took her time to admire them.

A smile slid onto her lips, and she felt her cheeks warm. “How long have you been here?” The question came out as her eyes found their way to the grass below; the blades softly caressing her bare feet.

“Long enough to watch your dance,” he replied, his voice was as soft and gentle as the night’s breeze. She lifted her gaze back to him, the half-shaded silver moon cast half of his face in darkness, and the other shining like the beautiful stars in the sky. The soft smile on the edge of his lips, along with the first step toward her, made her stumble back, clearing her throat.

“Your Highness,” she bowed her head before turning away to leave.

“Adara,” he took her hand, and she sucked in a sharp breath.

“Nikolai,” his name fell from her lips like a want so desperate only to be crushed by the overwhelming voice of her mind. A twinge set at his brows, and his nostrils flared as if drinking in the way she said his name.

“Please do not leave,” he whispered, his thumb brushing the back of her hand. His honey brown eyes were shining in the moon’s light as they pleaded in earnest. She sucked in a breath and swallowed, her heart tugging her closer and closer to him, but her mind knew she needed to pull away.

“Nikolai.” When she said his name again, his lips dipped into a frown. It was rejection that they both knew they needed to grant one another. “You cannot stay.”

She let her hand fall from his and watched as his lips pursed, and he stepped away from her, resignation written so painfully on his face. “Have a good night, Lady De Clare.”

She nodded and bowed once more, “As do you, Your Highness.” She watched as he turned away from her and walked back to his home, to his castle, and far away from her forest. Her heart heavy and filled with dread, she forced herself to turn away from his disappearing silhouette, casting her gaze to the silver moon once more.

If she could have endless wishes in this world, it still would not be enough to grant her heart’s desire.

A day later, while wandering in the forest, a branch fell from high atop a tree, knocking Adara on her head. Albeit small, she still soothed the spot, her gaze drifting high into the foliage. “Melody, I know you are there,” a sigh drifted from her lips as the sunny sky shone a wonderful glimmer onto the forest. Her dress, while soiled with dirt and greenery, looked just as beautiful as it would without it. It was as if she belonged within the forest itself.

The tree directly next to her creaked as Melody shifted down the tree, her body small and agile. “How did you know?” She stood next to Adara, her head bowed as if she was sad that Adara discovered her, like perhaps it was a game of hide and Adara found her quicker than she would have liked.

“I have noticed you from the beginning, Mel. You have followed me all the way from the Mother Tree, have you not?”

Melody’s mouth rounded, and so did her eyes. “How? I was sneaky!”

A laugh escaped Adara, “Not sneaky enough, dear. Now tell me, why did you follow me? Were you interested in more magic practice?”

At that, little Melody made up her face as she shook her head, “No. I was hoping you would see that pretty prince again.”

At that, Adara’s head snapped to her, her mouth parting slightly in shock. “How did you–?! You followed me then, too?!” The accusation fell from Adara’s mouth before she could rein it in, and her cheeks flamed.

Melody’s berry-reddened lips stretched into a guilty smile, “Sorry. But the other girls told me they saw the crown prince coming through while they practiced their magic. I…just wanted to see him. Everyone knows how powerful he is to have two Orders. I did not mean to intrude, ‘Dara, I promise.”

Adara sighed as she chuckled and ruffled the young girl’s hair. “All is well, Mel. I just…the prince rattles me sometimes.”

At the smallest bit of information, like a fairy to sparkly dust, her eyes glimmered. “Why?” Adara immediately shook her head, cutting off any more of her curiosity.

The elder nymph placed her hands on her hips as she “Do you not have magic to practice, young girl?”

Melody’s eyes widened, and she ran off, disappearing further into the forest, back to their home. Adara let a sigh tumble from her lips as her mind swirled with thoughts of him. “Worrying often kills the soul.”

Adara spun around to face her patron goddess, Flora, herself. Although she did not look quite like a goddess might have, dressed in gardening pants stained with dirt and cuts on her arms. Her dark hair stuck out at odd parts as she tried to tame it back.

“Flora,” she went to bow and stopped herself as she recalled how many times she told her not to. “How long? Forgive me,” she hung her head in shame.

Flora rested a comforting hand on her shoulder, “You know you cannot have him, Adara. He was never meant to be yours. For that, I am truly sorry. He needs to focus on his kingdom, his future bride, and you need to focus on this forest. The family you have made here, the children you have housed.”

“I know, I know. I just…I care for him, Flo.”

“I know you do.” Her voice was not just in agreement; she understood. Perhaps all too well how that feels. “That is why you must stay away.”

Adara nodded, and although her heart preened and squeezed in protest, she knew it was all for the best. They could never be, they would never be.