2.15

Lights of different colors fell from his long fingers, fading in the air. Another began to swing some sort of balls glowing in the twilight in the form of swirling waves.

The third showered the princess with fragrant petals, twisting them into a spiral. This magical performance captivated her imagination and it became fun and easy for her.

She was so carried away by this enchanting whirlwind that she did not notice that someone else had appeared, then someone else flew in and soon a whole crowd of syrinxes with shining eyes gathered around her.

They all looked at her and each in turn approached her, looking into her face, and called his name.

She felt the light touch of someone's hands on her hair and body from all sides and began to look around frightened. Suddenly, someone from behind kissed her on the neck, and she jerked forward sharply, falling into the arms of one syrinx, who immediately reached for her lips. Selestra quickly threw his hands away from her and jumped away from him, colliding with another guy. She realized that getting to know them now would become too close. 

Out of fright, she screamed with such a loud squeal that the syrinxes pressed tightly their ears and fell onto their knees. Someone suddenly grabbed her by the waist and ran away from the crowd to the entrance to the palace.

The girl, turning to face the winged one, recognized Lariel in him in the twilight and pounded his chest with her fists.

"You set it all up!"

"Calm down! No one would hurt you, savage."

Lariel threw her hands away, jumped to the side and laughed cheerfully:

"But you know how to scream! Amused!"

"Why are you doing this to me? You can't be trusted!"

"The guys just wanted to dance with you... And you would have immediately chosen one of the cousins..."

"I'll take it and choose you in revenge?"

"What?" Lariel was taken aback. "Just so you know, I'm already taken!"

"The Queen has given permission to use you..."

"What position are you putting me in front of my brothers?" The syrinx got angry. "Now they won't communicate with me because of you."

"Hmm..." Selestra turned her back to him and headed towards the entrance. "Are you still going to argue with my choice? My wish is law!"

The door slammed loudly and Lariel dejectedly went into the depths of the garden.

***

Selestra was very embarrassed when she saw on the threshold of her bedroom a charming short syrinx with lavender-colored hair, romantically dressed in a fitted white blouse and blue trousers.

"Princess! I was recommended to be your mentor."

"You are Imarinis... yesterday we saw each other at the fountain," the girl said in confusion.

"Yes, I showed you my tricks until others came running..."

"Did Lariel send you? Actually, I chose him!"

"You don't like me physically? Is it unpleasant to look at me?"

"Well... you're cute..." Selestra answered.

"If so, then let me teach you magic. Is this what you want?"

"Yes, but why did Lariel refuse?"

"The prince is busy with all sorts of different things: landscaping, taking care of his son, so he entrusted me with your cultivation."

"And how will this happen?"

"Well, I have to share the magical power with you so that it penetrates your body. Since you are a half-breed, the transformation process will go faster."

"Should I sleep with you?" Selestra screamed indignantly.

"Is this problematic?" Imarinis was puzzled. "Apparently, you are a virgin, if you have such a reaction."

"And you?"

"I'm three hundred years old, what do you think?" The young vampire grinned.

"No, no, no," she shook her head. "I don't want such a relationship. Is there another way?"

"Don't you like kissing too?"

"I've never been kissed."

"You're an adult, it's high time you tried."

"There was no desire... or rather, I didn't like anyone to go as far as kissing. It's disgusting…"

"If you think I'm cute, then you shouldn't be disgusted with me. I'm right?"

Imarinis came close to her and pressed his lips to hers.

Selestra, stunned by surprise, froze, feeling his impudent, hot tongue in her mouth. She did not push him away: his elastic, soft lips had the taste of cooling mint, and a heat expanding from within flared up in her chest, causing a languid trembling.

Syrinx, not meeting any resistance, continued gentle kisses with melodious purring. At some point, intoxicated by the absorbed mana, he continued to squeeze the girl, after which she, red with embarrassment, broke free and ran away.

"This is amazing! What a scent!" Imarinis licked his lips with a smile, looking after her.

During the day, Selestra tried in vain to find Lariel to complain to him: the handsome man seemed to have disappeared into the ground.