The reception felt like something out of legend.
Tables woven from living wood stretched across the terraces of the Fairy Village, overflowing with food that had no business existing together in one place.
Roasted meats from Solmere.
Delicate pastries from elven kitchens.
Spiced dishes brought through distant trade routes.
And then there were the fairy delicacies.
Golden nectar.
Glowing fruits.
Tiny cakes that somehow changed flavors halfway through eating them.
And two drinks that flowed endlessly through the celebration.
Pixie Mead.
And Fairy Cider.
Music filled the village. Lights danced among the branches. Thousands of fairies mingled with hundreds of visitors from Solmere.
And near the center of it all stood Jax Darquebane.
Newly married.
Again.
Twice.
And apparently—
King of the Fairies.
He held a drink in one hand.
Around his neck hung a chain.
Attached to the chain was a crown.
A very small crown.
Jax looked down at it.
Then at Pixelle.
"I'm not wearing this."
Pixelle glanced at him.
"You already are."
"This is around my neck."
"Because it doesn't fit your head."
"Exactly."
"They're making you another one."
"Tell them to stop."
"No."
"Pixelle."
"Jax."
"I don't need a crown."
"You're the King."
"Apparently."
Pixelle smiled.
"Therefore, you need a crown."
Jax lifted the tiny crown hanging from his neck.
"I have one."
"That is my ceremonial crown."
"Then why am I wearing it?"
"Because you are the King."
Jax stared at her.
Pixelle smiled sweetly.
Jax dropped the crown.
It bounced harmlessly against his chest.
"I'm beginning to regret this."
"The crown?"
"The monarchy."
Pixelle kissed his cheek.
"No, you're not."
Jax watched her walk away.
"No, I'm not."
He took another drink.
Someone approached.
"Your Majesty?"
Jax closed his eyes.
"No."
The fairy engineer hesitated.
"…No?"
"Jax."
"King Jax?"
"You're moving in the wrong direction."
The fairy looked confused.
Jax sighed.
"What do you need?"
That opened the floodgates.
Within minutes, one fairy became three.
Then five.
Then several builders joined them.
Then Pophov somehow appeared.
A map was unrolled across one of the tables.
Jax stared at it.
His drink was forgotten.
"More families are moving toward the eastern ridge," one of the engineers explained. "We can expand, but the root structure makes construction difficult."
Jax leaned over the map.
"What happens if you build around it?"
The engineer pointed.
"We lose nearly a third of the usable space."
"What if you reinforce the roots?"
"We've considered it."
"Why didn't you do it?"
"We aren't certain how much weight they can support."
Jax nodded.
"Who does?"
The fairy hesitated.
"Probably the cultivators."
"Then why aren't they here?"
A few fairies exchanged looks.
Jax pointed toward one of them.
"Go get them."
The fairy immediately flew away.
Jax studied the map.
"What would you do if materials weren't a problem?"
The engineers looked at one another.
One slowly pointed.
"We could build outward here."
"Why?"
"It would preserve the central root structure while giving us enough space for another platform district."
Jax nodded.
"Good. What else?"
The conversation grew.
Ideas were proposed.
Rejected.
Changed.
Combined.
The cultivators arrived.
They disagreed with the engineers.
The engineers disagreed with the cultivators.
Jax started asking questions.
Pophov suggested a support system.
One of the fairies improved it.
Another pointed out a problem.
Jax asked how they would fix it.
Within twenty minutes, half the table was covered in sketches.
Across the reception, Pixelle watched.
Her arms were crossed.
One foot tapped lightly against the floor.
"…Why is he working?"
Llandra didn't even look up from her drink.
"You made him King."
Pixelle blinked.
"I didn't make him King. I married him."
Llandra finally looked at her.
"Apparently you did both."
Pixelle frowned.
"This is our wedding reception."
"Yes."
"He should be celebrating."
"He is."
Pixelle looked toward Jax.
He was listening intently as a fairy explained something about the eastern root structure.
"That doesn't look like celebrating."
Zee smiled.
"It does to him."
Pixelle started to respond.
Then stopped.
She looked at Jax again.
Really looked.
He wasn't standing over the table giving orders.
He was asking questions.
Listening.
Pointing occasionally.
Then listening again.
A young fairy engineer said something.
Jax frowned.
The fairy quickly began explaining.
Jax's expression changed.
He smiled.
Then pushed the map toward the others.
The fairy began drawing.
Everyone leaned closer.
Pixelle's foot stopped tapping.
"…He's listening to them."
Llandra nodded.
"He usually does."
Another fairy joined the group.
Then another.
Jax moved aside to make room.
Pixelle watched him.
Watched her people.
Watched the excitement spreading around the table.
"…He's doing this for us."
Zee smiled softly.
"He always does."
Pixelle's irritation melted.
Something warmer replaced it.
Something deeper.
She watched her new husband for another moment.
"…I chose well."
Nyxian took a drink.
"They do not get any better than him."
Bunny nodded enthusiastically.
"Nope."
Pixelle smiled.
Then glanced at the tiny crown hanging from Jax's neck.
"And he's still getting a proper crown."
Llandra lifted her glass.
"Obviously, but getting him to wear it, will be another adventure for you."
The night carried on.
Laughter.
Food.
Music.
Magic drifting through the air like fireflies.
Jax eventually escaped the engineers.
Mostly because Pixelle personally retrieved him.
"You're done."
Jax looked over his shoulder.
"We were almost finished."
"You've been almost finished for an hour."
"That's how projects work."
Pixelle grabbed his hand.
"You're dancing."
"I am?"
"Yes."
"Was there a vote?"
"I'm the Queen."
"I thought we were going to discuss this whole monarchy thing."
"Tomorrow."
She pulled him toward the dance floor.
Jax allowed himself to be dragged.
Then the music changed.
Pixelle turned toward him.
She smiled.
Jax smiled back.
And then—
He danced.
Pixelle hadn't expected that.
She had heard plenty of stories about Jax Darquebane.
Jax the adventurer.
Jax the merchant.
Jax the warrior.
Jax the man who punched dragons and challenged kings.
Apparently—
Jax the dancer should have been on the list.
He swept her across the floor.
Pixelle laughed as he spun her.
Then gasped when he dipped her backward before effortlessly pulling her upright.
Her wings fluttered instinctively.
Jax grinned.
"Trust me."
"I do."
He spun her again.
Pixelle was good.
Very good.
She had spent a lifetime attending royal celebrations.
She knew formal dances.
Court dances.
Traditional fairy dances.
She had danced with professionals.
Jax matched her.
Then surpassed her.
"…You dance like someone from the royal court."
Jax chuckled.
"Something I picked up."
Pixelle narrowed her eyes.
"Where?"
"Around."
"That is not an answer."
"It answered the question."
"No, it didn't."
Jax spun her again.
Pixelle laughed.
The music slowed.
So did they.
Her hand rested in his.
The other against his chest.
Her wings shimmered softly behind her.
For a few moments, the Queen disappeared.
There was only Pixelle.
A woman dancing with the man she had just married.
She looked up at him.
"…You took this seriously."
Jax met her eyes.
"I always do."
She studied him.
Then smiled.
"Good."
When the song ended, Jax kissed her hand.
Pixelle looked extremely pleased with herself.
Then Lexi stepped forward.
"My turn."
Pixelle glanced at her.
Then at Jax.
"Fine."
Lexi laughed.
Jax offered his hand.
She took it.
And immediately looked down.
Jax waited.
Lexi moved one foot.
Then the other.
Then looked down again.
"You're staring at your feet."
"They're new."
Jax laughed.
Lexi looked up.
"I'm serious."
"I know."
"I've never danced like this before."
"Then we'll start slow."
He placed one hand lightly against her waist.
Lexi froze for half a second.
Then smiled.
"That's new too."
Jax smiled.
"You're going to be saying that a lot."
"I hope so."
They began moving.
Slowly at first.
Lexi followed.
Then adjusted.
She learned quickly.
Within minutes, she stopped looking at her feet.
Then she began anticipating him.
Matching him.
Occasionally testing what happened if she moved differently.
Jax adjusted every time.
Lexi grinned.
"You're good."
"So are you."
"I'm learning."
"I noticed."
He spun her.
Lexi laughed.
Her wings spread instinctively behind her.
For the first time in her life, she wasn't flying through a dance.
She was dancing.
Bunny watched from nearby.
Her grin slowly widened.
"…Oh, she's going to be fun."
Nyxian tilted her head.
"She already is."
Pixelle watched for another moment.
Then apparently decided she had waited long enough.
She stepped forward.
Jax looked at her.
"Back already?"
"I am the Queen."
"That's becoming your answer for everything."
"I like it."
She took Lexi's hand.
And without planning it—
The dance changed.
Three people.
Not perfectly coordinated.
Definitely not traditional.
But somehow—
Natural.
Jax moved between them.
Pixelle adjusted.
Lexi laughed.
Then Pixelle spun Lexi.
Lexi returned the favor.
The crowd noticed.
Cheers spread across the terraces.
The musicians adapted.
The music swelled.
Magic pulsed through the village with the rhythm.
And for several minutes, there was no King.
No Queen.
No First Maiden.
Just three newlyweds dancing together.
By the time the celebration began winding down, the stars had shifted overhead.
The air had cooled.
And outside the village—
A carriage waited.
Barb had supplied it personally.
Elegant woodwork.
Soft interior.
Beautiful craftsmanship.
And painted along the side in large letters:
JUST MARRIED
Jax stared at it.
"Subtle."
Barb grinned.
"I considered adding your names."
"Thank you for showing restraint."
"Wasn't my decision. Ran out of room."
Jax laughed.
Nearby, Bunny had pulled Pixelle aside.
Llandra joined them.
Nyxian conveniently appeared immediately afterward.
Lexi looked between them.
"Why do I feel like we're about to receive instructions?"
"Because you are," Bunny said.
Pixelle lifted her chin.
"I'm listening."
Nyxian smiled.
"Pace yourselves."
Lexi blinked.
"…That sounds ominous."
"It isn't," Bunny said.
Nyxian looked at her.
Bunny reconsidered.
"Okay. Maybe a little."
Llandra crossed her arms.
"You chose him."
Pixelle smiled.
"I did."
"Then enjoy tonight. No embarrassment. No hesitation."
Pixelle nodded.
Nyxian lifted one finger.
"But don't compete."
Pixelle glanced toward Lexi.
"I'm not competing with her."
"I didn't mean Lexi."
Pixelle looked back.
Nyxian's grin widened.
"I meant Jax."
Pixelle stared at her.
"What exactly am I competing with him over?"
Bunny started laughing.
Llandra took another drink.
Nyxian leaned closer.
"At some point tonight, you're going to have a brilliant idea."
Pixelle waited.
"You're going to decide that if you try hard enough, you can wear him out."
Pixelle's expression remained perfectly neutral.
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
"Of course you don't."
"I don't."
"Neither did I."
Nyxian looked toward Lexi.
"You think you know."
Lexi smiled innocently.
"I know enough."
Nyxian's grin widened.
"That's adorable."
Lexi's smile disappeared.
Bunny leaned closer.
"Just enjoy it."
That landed differently.
Pixelle looked toward Jax.
He stood near the carriage talking to Barb.
Lexi followed her gaze.
Llandra smiled.
"Go."
Pixelle took Lexi's hand.
"We're going."
Nyxian called after them.
"Remember what I said!"
Pixelle waved dismissively.
Lexi glanced back.
"We will!"
Nyxian watched them climb into the carriage.
Then looked at Llandra.
"They're going to try."
"Absolutely."
Bunny nodded.
"They don't have a chance."
The carriage ride was quiet.
Peaceful.
No crowds.
No cheering.
No engineers.
No one calling Jax Your Majesty.
Just the soft rhythm of wheels against the road and the distant sounds of the night.
Pixelle sat against Jax on one side.
Lexi on the other.
For once, Pixelle wasn't talking.
Neither was Lexi.
Jax glanced between them.
"Nervous?"
"No," Pixelle answered immediately.
Lexi nodded.
"Yes."
Pixelle looked at her.
Lexi shrugged.
"I'm excited too."
Pixelle's expression softened.
She reached across Jax and took Lexi's hand.
"So am I."
The cottage sat near the lake.
Warm light glowed from its windows.
The water beyond reflected thousands of stars.
No crowds.
No servants.
No Fairy Court.
Private.
Pixelle stepped from the carriage first.
Then stopped.
"…This is ours?"
Jax stepped down behind her.
"For a few days."
Lexi emerged.
Her eyes widened.
"…It's beautiful."
Jax smiled.
Then bent down.
Pixelle suddenly left the ground.
"Jax!"
He swept her into one arm.
Then Lexi into the other.
Lexi laughed.
"You know we can walk now."
"I know."
Pixelle wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Continue."
Jax carried both of his new wives toward the cottage.
He opened the door.
Stepped inside.
Then kicked it closed behind them.
Silence settled.
For perhaps three seconds.
Nobody moved.
Three people stood in the entrance.
All three knew exactly why they were there.
Apparently none wanted to be the first to acknowledge it.
Pixelle solved the problem.
She grabbed Jax.
And kissed him.
Hard.
Jax barely had time to react before her arms were around his neck.
Then her legs joined them.
Jax caught her instinctively.
Lexi watched.
Her nervousness lasted approximately five more seconds.
Pixelle finally released Jax long enough for him to breathe.
Lexi immediately took her place.
She caught his face between her hands.
And kissed him.
Jax laughed against her lips.
Lexi pulled away just enough to look at him.
"Tonight…"
Her confidence faltered for only a moment.
"I want to experience everything."
Jax pulled her closer.
"Then we'll take our time."
Pixelle looked at him.
"No."
Jax glanced toward her.
"No?"
Pixelle shook her head.
"We have waited long enough."
Lexi laughed.
Jax looked between them.
"Apparently we're not taking our time."
Pixelle kissed him again.
The wedding dresses remained.
Jax's clothing did not fare nearly as well.
The nearest piece of furniture happened to be a loveseat.
It quickly became apparent that whoever had named it had been remarkably optimistic about how many people were supposed to fit on one.
They managed.
Barely.
Pixelle had a plan.
She hadn't told anyone about the plan.
Not Lexi.
Certainly not Jax.
It wasn't particularly complicated.
By sunrise, Jax Darquebane was going to understand exactly why marrying the Fairy Queen had been one of the greatest decisions of his life.
Perhaps—
Just perhaps—
He might even discover that Pixelle alone could satisfy every desire he possessed.
It was admittedly ambitious.
Pixelle was a Queen.
She believed in ambitious goals.
And Nyxian had challenged her.
Don't compete.
Pixelle wasn't competing.
She was winning.
There was a difference.
At least—
There was supposed to be.
Some time later, Pixelle became increasingly concerned that the plan was not progressing as expected.
Jax appeared completely fine.
Pixelle was not.
Lexi had begun the night cautiously.
That disappeared quickly.
Everything was new.
Every touch.
Every embrace.
Every sensation experienced in a body that had spent her entire life three inches tall.
She laughed.
She gasped.
She occasionally stared at her own hands as though still amazed they were large enough to hold Jax's.
And somewhere along the way—
She noticed Pixelle.
More specifically—
She noticed what Pixelle was doing.
Lexi narrowed her eyes.
"Are you trying to beat him?"
Pixelle looked offended.
"No."
Lexi stared at her.
Pixelle maintained the expression.
"Maybe."
Lexi looked toward Jax.
Then back at Pixelle.
"How is that going?"
Pixelle frowned.
"Poorly."
Lexi laughed.
Pixelle narrowed her eyes.
"Do you think you can do better?"
Lexi stopped laughing.
That hadn't been what she'd meant.
But now—
Pixelle had said it.
Lexi looked toward Jax.
Then back at Pixelle.
"I have an idea."
Pixelle raised an eyebrow.
"What kind of idea?"
Lexi smiled.
"You'll see."
Pixelle stared at her.
Then smiled.
"Fine."
It escalated from there.
Pixelle tried something.
Lexi decided she could try something else.
Pixelle responded.
Lexi countered.
Neither woman acknowledged that they were competing.
They were absolutely competing.
Eventually, however, reality began asserting itself.
Jax was not slowing down.
They were.
Pixelle pulled Lexi closer.
"We're approaching this incorrectly."
Lexi stared at her.
"There's a correct way?"
"There are two of us."
Lexi's eyes slowly widened.
"Oh."
Pixelle smiled.
"Exactly."
"We take turns."
"Constantly."
Lexi looked toward Jax.
Then back at Pixelle.
"That could work."
It did not work.
They adjusted the plan.
That didn't work either.
Eventually—
They stopped making plans.
The loveseat was abandoned.
At some point, so were the wedding dresses.
The bedroom became involved.
Then the kitchen.
Then the bathroom.
Then another bedroom.
Jax eventually wondered why a honeymoon cottage needed this many rooms.
By the end of the night—
He understood.
Somewhere along the way, Pixelle kissed Lexi.
This time there was no cheering crowd.
No whistles.
No thousands of fairies celebrating.
No fan service.
Just Pixelle.
And Lexi.
Lexi kissed her back.
Neither laughed when it ended.
Something had changed.
Not dramatically.
Not suddenly.
But something that had existed between them for decades had become something more.
Jax didn't interrupt it.
He smiled.
Then pulled both women close.
The competition disappeared.
Or perhaps it simply stopped mattering.
There was no Pixelle trying to prove herself better than Lexi.
No Lexi trying to match Pixelle.
No Queen.
No First Maiden.
No King.
Just three people who had chosen one another.
And somewhere in the blur of laughter, kisses, exhaustion and renewed determination—
Pixelle finally accepted something.
She had lost.
Completely.
Spectacularly.
Her brilliant plan had failed.
Trying harder had failed.
Recruiting Lexi had failed.
Taking turns had failed.
Everything had failed.
Jax was still there.
Still smiling.
Still apparently possessing reserves of energy that Pixelle was beginning to consider deeply unfair.
Pixelle stared at him.
Then at Lexi.
Then smiled.
Losing had never felt so good.
Lexi eventually reached a similar conclusion.
"You cannot be a mere man."
Jax laughed.
"You've said that before."
"I mean it more now."
Pixelle lifted her head.
"My King."
Jax looked at her.
Earlier that evening, he had spent considerable effort convincing everyone not to call him that.
Somehow—
"Hail to the King, Baby!" crossed his lips.
He found himself considerably less opposed to it now.
Lexi smiled.
"My King."
Jax considered the title.
Perhaps being King had certain advantages.
Time blurred into something unrecognizable.
Measured only in breath.
Heat.
Laughter.
Surrender.
And the occasional extremely poor decision to challenge Jax again.
The world outside faded.
The lake remained still.
The stars drifted overhead.
And the cottage—
Became ground zero for the Pleasure Apocalypse.