Much Ado About Something

In charge of running the fairy kingdom while her brother and his wife are on an extended vacation, Marissa Wexford, Princess of the Fairies, is having a little trouble balancing the royal household's budgets.  The upcoming Midsummer Ball is a big deal, and she doesn't want to screw it up.  Then again, if her brother wasn't such a lousy bookkeeper, she might be able to figure out what she can and can't afford in the way of additional decorations for the party  After all, she's trying to be a fiscally responsible monarch.  Now if only she could stop dreaming about her brother's best friend, Brutus, things might be a little easier.

Brutus Linnington has been best friends with both Julian and Marissa for as long as he can remember.  Except that now, he feels far more than friendship for Marissa, only he's not certain she returns those feelings.  After all, she's referred to him as her brother for years.  Why would anything make her see him differently now?  Then, one night, he catches Marissa in a weak moment, when her defenses are down, and her wings are exposed.  Can he make her see that there's more to their relationship than just friendship?  Or is he doomed to live with a one-sided attraction for the rest of his life?

This 11,200-word short story is written in the modern, adult romance style for a much hotter read.  It may not be appropriate for younger audiences.