

Savor (Warm Delicacy Series, Book1)

Megan Duncan

### Savor (Warm Delicacy Series, Book 1)

Megan Duncan

Copyright, 2012

All rights reserved.

Smashwords edition: July 2012

ISBN: 9781466159211

AUTHOR'S NOTE

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

The scanning, uploading and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author's rights is appreciated.

Find Megan Duncan online at:

http://meganduncan.blogspot.com

Chapter 1

As much as I had been dreaming about this day, I had been dreading it just as much. I knew my mom would say I was over reacting, but I didn't want to spend any part of my birthday getting poked and prodded. "Why can't turning eighteen just be about celebrating?" I asked my fat, orange cat, Louie, as he bathed himself on my bed.

I gave Louie a good scratch before I hopped out of bed and headed to my closet. I wanted to make sure I looked great in my picture; otherwise I would never hear the end of it from my best friend, Liz.

She spent a record four hours and countless wardrobe changes before we were able to nail down the perfect outfit, hair and makeup combination. As annoying as that day was, I had to admit, she did look great in her picture ID.

So, here I stood in front of my closet with no clue as to what I should wear. I pulled out the fanciest clothes I owned, but sent them flying to the bed behind me, which in turn sent Louie running away with a meow.

I glanced over at my desk and stared at the pile of clothes draped over the back of the chair. Liz had brought over a number of items, which I would describe as risqué, but she would call simply her everyday clothes. I thought they were a bit flashy, but Liz had an eye for fashion and was known in our group of friends to be an "H to T" girl. No matter what the circumstance, she was always perfectly put together from head to toe. She said she hated the term, but I could tell she relished the fact that people thought of her that way and she only pretended to be modest.

We were an odd couple, she and I, but we had known each other our whole lives. With moms who were too busy to notice much of anything we did, and dads that were out of the picture, we quickly bonded as if we were sisters.

I soon decided to save the fashion options Liz had given me for later that night, and slipped on my favorite pair of jeans with a simple black tank top. Less was more, right?

"Hurry it up, Claire! I want to get there before it gets too busy." My mom's muffled voice echoed from down the hallway to my bedroom. I was starting to think that she was more excited about me getting a Donor ID than the fact that I had turned eighteen.

I knew how important it was to have that identification, because everyone who was anyone got one when they turned eighteen. It was a vital part of our society. So, naturally I didn't feel it was a very big deal. Everyone with a Donor ID would have their blood tested for the specific type, the quality, any diseases they might have, and the mineral content, among other things. Once they had all this information, a Donor ID was issued, specifying the necessary information.

Having this identification required that I donate blood on a regular basis to the blood bank, which in turn, prepared the blood for the reigning vampire royal family in our region. Since the royals lived in my city, all the blood banks were stricter about everyone getting their Donor identifications as soon as they turned eighteen. There were those who refused, and those individuals were charged a hefty tax for their lack of fealty.

It was probably a lot more complicated than that, but I didn't pay as much attention in school as I should have. Taking a class on the rules, regulations and structure of the vampire monarchy was a required course and even with my limited knowledge, I managed to pass.

Society saw so little of the vampires who belonged to the royal families. They had grown into more of a reclusive celebrity type, but still functioned as our rulers. They controlled our government, managed our laws and protected us. All they asked in return was a blood donation. I thought our forefathers made a pretty good deal with the vampires and it had worked quite well for the past few hundred years.

So, in a nutshell, that was my plan for my eighteenth birthday. I would make my first donation to the vampire family, get my Donor ID, and then it was my time to party.

I rushed down the stairs, taking two steps at a time, and stopped at a mirror in the living room to look at my reflection. I smiled at myself for having remembered the tips Liz gave me for styling my hair and appreciated my new, less-frizzy hairdo.

My mom was perched at the kitchen counter, leaning on her massive brown purse and watching the news on a tiny television. The news anchor reported on a group of picketers that were protesting outside of a blood bank. Not everyone liked the idea of having to donate their blood to feed vampires, calling them monsters and other foul names.

"How can you watch that junk?" I asked her as I flipped the television off.

"Can you believe those people? I can't imagine what anyone has to complain about. They're lucky we aren't still living in the dark ages when vampires used to hunt people down and slaughter them like cattle."

I didn't say anything because I knew if I replied, I would send her off on some endless tangent about how we should be so grateful to the vampires for civilizing our region, for showing mercy, and blah, blah, blah. My mom was well known for her support of the blood donation system, which was probably why she was so eager to have me get my ID so quickly. Every city in our region had set up a committee to encourage support of the vampires, as well as enlist new donors. They spread the word of our valiant and brave leader, King Nicolae Noire, who salvaged our region from the ashes of the dark ages. My mom was the head of the committee in our city.

"You all set?" She grabbed the keys and started for the door.

"Yeah, I think so. How long do you think this is going to take?" I asked.

"As long as it takes. Why? Do you have something you need to do?"

"Well, yeah, Mom. It's my birthday. I wanted to hang out with Liz and my friends."

"You'll have plenty of time to do that tonight. Okay?"

I again chose not to respond and simply followed my mom as we walked briskly to the train station a few blocks from the house. As always, she commented on how convenient the train was, and how much the vampires had improved our way of life with such renovations. If I didn't know better, I would think she was brainwashed, but I suppose being the head of the vampire committee might make a person a little more wrapped up in every detail of what vampires had accomplished.

My mom used to make me go with her on weekends, walking door-to-door, handing out pamphlets and trying to recruit unregistered humans to get their Donor IDs. More often than not, we would simply get a door slammed in our faces, but she never gave up trying.

The trains where we lived in midtown were much nicer than the ones we used to take when we went, (what I liked to call) "preaching".

We walked through the toll booths and stood on the platform amidst the morning rush of people. There were people carrying briefcases, others holding onto fussy children, people soliciting this or that, vendors hawking coffee or vampire memorabilia, and teenagers, obviously headed home after a night of partying which made me want to get this whole ID business swiftly over with, so I could do some partying of my own.

The train arrived after a short wait and we clamored in with the rest of the crowd make our way uptown. My mom clicked away on her phone, checking emails and the news, or planning something to counter the protestors outside the blood bank, I was sure of it.

Our stop was right outside the blood bank in uptown. My mom insisted we go to this one and I soon noticed why. Everything in uptown was prettier and just plain better because the rich people really did know a thing or two about architecture. A tall, cylinder-shaped structure with small windows evenly surrounding it towered over me. Right next to it, was a pyramid-shaped building made out of glass. As we strode up the hedged walkway, I surveyed the landscape. All of the bushes were trimmed perfectly and beautiful fragrant flowers bordered a collection of unique stone statues that I noticed were of vampire royal family members of the past.

They looked very regal, gazing down at people who made their way into the blood bank. Each statue had a plaque providing a brief history of that specific vampire. There were a few people who stopped to read the passages and some who even took time to have their photo taken with one of the statues.

I instantly realized that reading about the vampires in school and seeing this place in person were two quite different things. The awe and beauty of it really did put things into perspective. Everyone looked so happy and I felt a little ashamed for being so put out about having to spend a small portion of my birthday here.

A cute guy held the door open for us as we made our way through the entry doors and I couldn't help but return his smile. My mom grabbed a pamphlet from him hand and handed it to me. Once inside the huge glass building, I was again awestruck at the magnificence of the large, tinted windows that softened the bright sunlight from outside, allowing a jungle of tropical plants to thrive inside. A large fountain bubbled in the center of the room, covered in an intricately tiled mosaic. Each appeared meticulously placed to achieve the full beauty of its design. I peered in as we walked around it and saw the bottom of the fountain was speckled with coins.

"Some people believe that if you toss in a coin, King Nicolae Noire will make your wish come true," my mom said as she pointed to a skillfully painted portrait of the eldest and leader of the vampire family, with a lilt in her voice. I nodded at her and watched a young couple toss in a coin. I made a mental note to flip one in before we left, and make a birthday wish.

We were checked in by a friendly receptionist who wore a simple white dress with a square-cut collar. I soon realized that was the uniform for all the ladies who worked at the blood bank. The men, however, wore white pants with white shirts that looked similar to tunics. Although it was an odd choice of clothing, (and I'm sure Liz could give me an earful on everything that was wrong with their attire), it looked good. The minimalist style of the employees' uniforms really made the grandeur of the décor stand out.

"I told you it wasn't going to be that bad." My mom pinched my arm as we made our way to a waiting area.

"It's not what I expected at all. I thought it was going to be some sterile-smelling, hospital-type building, but this... this is like a hotel."

"They really do have an eye for opulence, don't they?" she beamed.

As I looked around the room, slack-jawed, I admired more of the style and noted other teenagers looking anxious to get their IDs. There were other people that I guessed were making their donations and several with clean, white bandages on their arms. They didn't look the least put out after making their donations and were comfortably standing around, looking at the portraits and artwork that lined the walls, enjoying the elegance of it.

A large television was anchored to a far wall, and it scrolled names and numbers. As a new name appeared on the screen, someone would get up and head through a set of double doors designated _Donations._

"You nervous?" my mom asked, patting my knee.

"Not really," I lied. I was a little nervous - not a big fan of needles.

"Good. You'll do just fine. So, what do you girls have planned for tonight?"

"We're going to eat at the Sushi House and then I think we're going to Club Crimson."

"Is that the place I've been hearing about on the radio?"

"Yeah, don't worry, Mom, it's a minors' only club and it's close to uptown, so it should be really nice." I enunciated the "really" with as much emphasis as I could.

"Fine. Just don't come home too late. Oh, look! There's your name; you're next. I'll be here when you're finished."

I got up and headed for the double doors, clinging to my small clutch with a deathgrip, even though the lady who was waiting to greet me was probably the friendliest looking person I had ever seen.

"Claire Miller?" she asked with a warm smile on her face.

"Yep," I said flatly, trying to return the smile.

"Alright sweetie, come with me. You're here for your first Donor ID, right?"

"Hmm-mmm." I was sure my one word answers were making me look a bit dumb, but I was feeling nervous.

The long white hallway was lit with simple sconces and pricier artwork hung from the walls, filling the narrow corridor with vibrant splashes of color.

"Well, congratulations on making such a responsible decision to contribute to society and show your support for the vampire royal family. King Nicolae Noire and the rest of the family appreciate each and every donation made."

She led us to a door marked with the number seven and opened it for me. The room was lit with natural light from a large window, which offered a view of an expansive courtyard. Rooms that lined the courtyard were visible and I squinted, trying to see if I could peer into anyone else's room. An exam chair stood idly in the middle of the room with a small counter that held a perfectly organized assortment of gauze, cotton balls, swabs and some other items that I didn't recognize.

"Alright, Claire, if you would just take a seat, we'll get started."

The nurse closed the door behind us and sat down on a small stool. She flipped through a folder in her hands and then began to open drawers, pulling out needles and other items I didn't much care for. I stared out the window to distract myself.

"First I need to ask you if you have watched the introduction video to blood donation?"

"Yeah, my mom had me sign up online. I watched it a couple weeks ago, I think."

"Okay, good. Did you have any questions? Or would you like to watch it again?"

I vaguely remembered watching the video and then asked the first question that popped into my head. "Yeah, how often will I have to donate? Not that I don't want to or anything, I'm just a little scared of needles."

"That's perfectly normal. Now, that can range depending on your results, of course, but typically, it's only once or twice a month." She typed information into her computer and walked over to my chair, adjusting the arm-rest for me to lay my arm out straight. When instructed, I pressed my finger down on a small pad, so that she could scan my print and enter it into their database.

I started to bite my lip when she tied my arm off and started patting the vein to get it to show up better. After a few tries, she was satisfied and gently sterilized the area. "Don't tense up now, sweetie. I'll be gentle on ya, I'm a professional. I do this every day."

She smiled at me and pulled a tray close to her before opening up a new syringe. I held my breath as she pushed the needle into the delicate flesh. I was relieved to find that she hadn't lied to me. It really wasn't as horribly painful as I expected it would be.

Four quick vials later, "All done," she said as she wrapped my arm.

"Wow, that wasn't as bad as I thought it would be." I cradled my arm while she filled out some more information in the folder and reached into a cabinet, pulling out a slip of paper.

"All we need to do is take your photo. If you'll just stand against the wall over there?" She pointed to a bare part of the wall.

I hopped down and silently wished I would have taken one more look-over in the mirror before we left. She snapped my picture before I had a chance to smile and I wanted to ask if she could retake it, but bit my tongue. I was starting to sound like Liz. She asked me the basic identification questions: hair color, eye color, height, weight and then she printed off a small slip of paper from a printer tucked inside a cabinet.

"This is your temporary ID card. Once your blood has been fully tested, we will issue you an official card. Okay? We will give you a call and you can come pick it up."

"Great, thanks." I took the card from her and resisted the urge to look at the picture - I would wait to torture myself in private for that. "So, I'm all set then?"

"Yes."

I tried to not look too eager as I headed out of the room then back down the hallway. I made my way back through the double doors and saw my mom clicking away on her cell phone, as usual. She was worse than the average teenager.

"All done," I announced as I stuffed my temporary paper ID into my wallet.

She snapped her phone shut and looked up at me, relieved. "Well, that was quick."

"Yep, looks like we made it before the rush," I said as I looked around the newly filled room. Dozens of people had shown up during the short amount of time I had spent away from there.

"Well, that gives us some extra time. Do you want to get some coffee before I head into work?"

"No, it's cool. Liz will probably be over soon." I could tell she wanted to protest over my hanging out with Liz so much, but she didn't say anything. The desire to get to work was too much for her to resist, and I knew it.

The ride home was quick and I said goodbye to my mom while her attention stayed plastered to her cellphone. I walked the short trip home, realizing my mom hadn't even wished me happy birthday yet. It didn't bother me as much as it used to, but it still sucked big time.

The irritation slowly built up as I walked home and stormed into the house, causing the pictures on the walls to rattle when I slammed the front door.

"Geez, just relax. You knew she wasn't going to say anything." I only talked to myself when I was truly annoyed and luckily, I immediately sought somewhere private to have such a conversation. I'm certain most people would tell me I was a friggin' nutcase.

After grabbing a leftover slice of pizza from the fridge, I retreated to my room and fell onto my bed. Louie joined me when he smelled the scent of pepperoni wafting through the room.

"You'll at least tell me happy birthday, won't you?" I asked Louie as he tentatively sniffed at the slice of pizza in my hand. He meowed at me in response and I tore him off a small nibble of pepperoni.

"As much as I love you, Louie, I sure hope you're not the only man in my life."

"Talking to that fat cat again, I see," Liz said sarcastically as she strolled into the room. "So, how'd it go?"

"Well, I survived, at least for now. Ask me again after I see what you have in store for us tonight."

"Oh don't be so dramatic." She flipped her long, blonde ponytail over her shoulder as she set a giant makeup case on top of my desk. "Where's your card?"

"In my wallet, I haven't looked at it yet." I began to open my purse and Liz snatched it from me with inimitable speed. "Hey!"

"I'll let you know if you should look at it or not." She smiled at me and pulled out the small square piece of paper that the nurse printed my temporary ID on. "Not bad, Claire Bear. I'll turn you into an H to T girl yet."

I rolled my eyes at her and snatched the paper back. "I thought you didn't like that term?" She waved me off and flipped through stations on my radio until she found something she liked.

Liz danced to the music as she started sorting through the pile of clothes she had dropped off the day before. I looked at my picture and it really wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Both my eyes were open - unlike my usual habit of always getting my picture taken when they were closed - so that was an improvement. I suppose I wouldn't really know for sure until I got the official color copy from the blood bank.

"So what really _is_ the plan for tonight and who all is coming?" I asked Liz as she analyzed her obviously perfect makeup in the mirror.

"Oh, the usual crowd; you, me, Amy and some new boy toys she's been stringing along. Can you believe she broke up with Blake?"

"They didn't really have much in common, so I wasn't very surprised. Who are these new boy toys?" I wasn't the least bit interested, but I knew Liz would talk about it whether I wanted to know or not, so I pretended that I cared. Amy and I didn't always get along anymore. We used to be close, but about a year ago, she got totally jealous when she thought Blake had a crush on me. He was not even close to being my type, but she never seemed to believe me.

"Nothing in common? Who cares? The guy is hot! I haven't met these new guys yet, but she says they're cool. So, did you see those people protesting outside the blood bank when you were there?"

"No, my mom took me to the one in uptown."

"Good, 'cause those people are friggin' crazy. Why anyone wouldn't want to be a donor is beyond me. Vampires are immortals; they're practically gods. Whatever, anyway, that's why they live in downtown and we live near uptown, right?"

"Yeah."

I knew Liz's perspective was probably a little bit snobby, but she did have a point. I couldn't really think of a reason why someone wouldn't want to be a donor. There were so many benefits for doing it. For starters, social standing: you got to support the royal vampire family in a big way and make some really decent money, which as selfish as it sounded, was something that excited me most. Liz and I had plans after high school. We wanted to be famous, well she wanted to be famous and important, but me? I just wanted to be important. I wanted to _do_ something; I just wasn't quite sure what yet.

"I'm going to get something to drink. You want anything?" I saw the look in her eyes that suggested the onslaught of party preparations was about to begin.

"Get me a soda, but hurry up because we've got a lot to do. I'm going to need to straighten that hair of yours." She continued our to-do list and I walked out of the room to get our drinks. I returned, sure that she hadn't even noticed I left the room.

Even with as much time as we had, we still barely finished. Liz's mastery of hair had managed to tame my wild, auburn tresses into a sleek, side ponytail, while she pinned hers into a high up-do, then plastered it in place with a bucket of hairspray.

Slightly curious about the wild side, I let Liz persuade me into wearing an outfit I normally wouldn't be caught dead in, but I thought it might be fun to throw caution to the wind and live a little. The look of satisfaction on Liz's face was so priceless, it made me feel like a million bucks. Her expression was so exuberant it appeared she had just found the cure for cancer.

We each did our makeup with dramatic, smoky eyes. The tight dress Liz squeezed me into made me wish I hadn't eaten that slice of pizza, but it was nothing compared to how bad my feet were going to hurt in the heels she insisted I wear. They were nowhere near as high as hers, but my typically flip-flop-clad feet did not appreciate them.

We arrived at the sushi restaurant at a time that Liz insisted was fashionably late to all that were waiting. Liz talked the sushi chef into comping our table with a few special rolls in celebration of my birthday. Though I was usually against her habit of utilizing her attractive features to get what she wanted, when she managed to score us free sushi, I didn't mind at all. Being one of my favorite foods, but a bit pricey, I wasn't always able to indulge in it as often as I would like.

The night progressed all too quickly, and it ended up being one of the most fun nights I had ever enjoyed. Amy, Liz and I got along as if there had never been any fights and the guys that Amy brought along ended up being pretty entertaining. When we eventually made it to the club, the loud, electronic beat of the music as well as the kaleidoscope of lights dancing across the sea of thrumming bodies made us almost run to the dance floor.

Clad in my new risqué outfit, I got more attention from guys than I had ever before in my life. Even though I refused to dance with about ninety percent of them, it was great just to have been asked, especially by the really hot guys. Because the club was so close to uptown, it attracted a much hotter group of people, compared to what I usually saw, clubbing with my friends in midtown.

"Oh my gosh! Tonight was so awesome!" Liz giggled as we rode the train back home. "That one guy really liked you. What was his name? In the black shirt?"

"Um... Jason, I think." I guessed because I really didn't remember. He was more Liz's type than mine and I was almost certain I saw him checking himself out in mirrors more often than he did me. "We stayed out super late; I thought that club closed at midnight."

"Who cares? Like your mom would notice anyway. Besides, it's only like two, and we were in up-town."

"Whatever. I'm tired. I'll probably sleep all day. What are you going to do?"

"Get my beauty sleep, of course. Want to grab a smoothie in the afternoon though, and hit the mall? We need to get you some new clothes. You were such a hit tonight!"

I looked down at the dress I was wearing and wished I had brought a jacket. Even though it was warm out, now that I was no longer celebrating, it just felt really uncomfortable to be wearing it. I had already removed the torture devices that were my shoes, having decided I would rather risk walking through the streets barefoot than take another step in them.

"Ew! And we should probably get pedicures too. I can't believe you are walking around like that."

"Oh shut up, Liz, we used to go everywhere barefoot when we were little. Besides the cold concrete feels kind of good. I know your feet have to hurt in those heels; why don't you take them off?"

She just laughed at me like I was crazy. As we finished the walk home, we gushed about the night's events. I couldn't help my continued praises on how amazing the sushi was.

Liz and I parted ways when we got to the front of my house. I stared up at the windows and when I was certain I didn't see a light on in any of them, I walked toward the front door. I knew Liz was right, that my mom wouldn't notice I was out late; and on the minute chance that she did, she wouldn't say anything about it. When I was younger, Liz convinced me to test my mom on how far I could push the rules and see what I could get away with. As alien as it sounds for an eighteen-year-old girl to say, I got away with way too much.

I successfully crept back into the house and slipped into my bedroom without making too much noise, other than rattling my keys and creaking on the fifth step of our staircase. I should have remembered that one was the creaky one.

My body was washed with relief as I yanked off the dress. I took a deep breath throwing, it across the room into my hamper. I slid into my most comfortable, oversized t-shirt, and after vigorously scrubbing off the pounds of makeup Liz had applied, I literally dragged myself into bed.

Louie crawled onto the bed and curled into a large, fluffy ball at my feet. My final thought before sleep was how exciting it was now that I was eighteen, at last. From here on out, everything should finally start going my way.

~
Chapter 2

My plan to sleep in as late as possible was dashed by the sound of my mom's incessant knocking on my bedroom door. "Claire! You need to wake up!" I pulled the covers over my head and tried my best to ignore her, but when she got no response, she barged into my room and flung open my curtains.

"Mom! I don't have anything to do today. Leave me the heck alone and let me sleep in. Please?" I rolled over to turn away from the window, burying myself deeper under the covers. Being woken up so abruptly made me feel more tired than before I had gone to sleep.

"Sorry, Claire, you need to wake up; you have a visitor. Now come on." She gently swatted me under the covers before I heard the hangers in my closet sliding back and forth. "Where is that outfit you wore to your last job interview?"

"What? Who's here? Liz? Tell her I'll call her later." I didn't know what my mom was talking about, nor did I care. All I wanted to do was go back to sleep, but as hard as I tried to resist, I was reluctantly becoming more alert.

"Put this on," she ordered, tossing the clothes on top of me. "You need to be downstairs in ten minutes, Claire. I'm serious. Now wake up!"

"Fine! What's the deal anyway?" I was so annoyed, I didn't bother trying to hide it.

"There is someone here to see you."

"Duh... You said that. Who? Who is it?" I crawled out of bed and made my way sleepily to my private bathroom. My mom busily laid out the clothes she chose for me while I splashed some cold water on my face. I looked at my reflection to survey the damage my lack of sleep and all-night partying had created. What caught me totally off guard, however, was the sight of my mom's face in the background, reflected in my bathroom mirror. She looked absolutely, positively ecstatic, which oddly enough, scared the crap out of me.

"A representative from the Vampire Royal Family is here!" She tried to hold back a squeal of elation and only half succeeded.

"What?! Why? What did I do?" I rushed to my bedroom window and spied a large, black limo with the darkest window tint I had ever seen, parked outside our house.

"He won't tell me. He says he has to speak with you personally, but he did say that it is very good news for you. Isn't it exciting? A representative from the royal family is in our house. Our house!"

"Yeah, super exciting." I faked a smile and started to pull on the clothes laid out for me. I couldn't imagine what news he could have to tell me that would justify waking me up at six in the morning. I glanced at my clock to check. Yep, six in the morning.

The black slacks and button-down, navy blue, silk blouse my mom chose might have been too formal, but I wasn't quite sure of the appropriate attire for meeting with a representative from the royal family. I was sure I had never even heard of anyone actually meeting someone from the royal family before. It was common to see them on television being interviewed, or during political campaigns and such, but never in person.

A grimace of panic coursed through me when a wild thought entered my mind and blurted out of my mouth. "What if he is a vampire?" I always wanted to meet one, now and even more so, after seeing the blood bank. But my mom quickly answered my query and told me I was being ridiculous.

"Claire, it's six in the morning; a vampire can't be out during the day. Besides, I'm sure the royal family has far more important things to do. That's why they send human representatives."

"Have you ever met one? A vampire, I mean."

"Oh, I wish... but I have seen one, during one of the charity events I helped organize a few years back. His name was Merrick. He was all the way across the room from me, but probably the most handsome man I have ever seen, even from that distance. It was hard to take my eyes from him, I remember. Vampires have a way of commanding a room without having to say anything, like they have some sort of innate magnetism."

She smiled at the memory of it and then gave me a quick look-over before practically shoving me out of the room and down the stairs. As I entered the living room, I hesitated for a moment when I saw the man standing there with his back toward me. He was looking at the framed pictures on our mantelpiece. Most of them were my school photos, which I had framed myself and placed there.

I stepped further into the room and he turned to face me. His gentle expression did not match the nobility of his presence. The whole room seemed to tingle in a way that made my hair stand on end. I'd never seen a man so formidably built. He had to be over six feet tall, with dark brown hair and cloudy, grey eyes, shadowed beneath a strong brow. As a mere representative he definitely commanded respect. I couldn't imagine how daunting it would feel to meet a real vampire.

"Ah, you must be Claire?" He waved his hand toward a chair, offering me a seat like I had just entered his office. He unbuttoned his suit jacket and took a seat across from me. The juxtaposition between his kind grey eyes and his obviously intimidating aura made it hard to look at him. I settled my eyes on his red tie for as long as I could before he spoke again.

"I am Foxworth Harding. You may call me Fox. I am a representative for the Vampire Royal Family. It is a pleasure to meet you." He held out his hand in greeting and I took it. I appreciated the firm grip he gave me in return as opposed to the flaccid handshakes most men give women when they first meet. It was obvious he had manners and diplomacy, which made me feel the tiniest bit less defensive.

"Nice to meet you," I said. He smiled at me and nodded his head slightly. My eyes flashed to his pearly white teeth with no hint of fangs anywhere. I was a little disappointed, but felt ridiculous to look for them, knowing that vampires couldn't go out during the daylight hours.

"Am I correct in assuming that your mom has already told you that I come bearing good news?"

I looked at my mom, who was standing behind the couch. Her face was bursting with excitement showing how hard she found it to contain herself, like a child on Christmas morning, anxiously itching to tear open her presents.

"Yesterday, you went to the blood bank to get a Donor ID, correct?" Fox said.

"Yes."

"After obtaining the results of the tests conducted, we have discovered some startling outcomes. You may want to sit down for this." He gestured to my mom and she quickly took a seat beside me.

"Is there something wrong with my blood?" I asked. I was still completely unconvinced of this whole " _good news"_ charade.

Fox smiled again, flashing his perfectly aligned and blindingly white teeth. The oddest thought crossed my mind; I wondered if he ever drank coffee or soda? "On the contrary, Claire," Fox replied. "Your blood was found to be very...well... for lack of a better word, it is perfect."

Fox looked at me expectantly, but my reaction was obviously not what he anticipated. "So... What exactly does that mean?"

His eyes flashed to my mom and I felt the slightest stir in her body before he looked back at me. "Human blood such as yours has not been in existence for hundreds of years. The rarity and implications of this momentous discovery were quickly brought to the attention of the Vampire Royal Family. Your blood, young Claire, is a phenomenon that has sent the entire royal family as well as the Vampire High Council into a frenzy. It is most exciting, if I dare say so myself."

"You still haven't explained what this means for me. What does it matter to the High Council what kind of blood I have?" I bit my lip to restrain my anger when I felt my mom's hand squeezing my knee.

"Excuse me," Fox continued. "Clearly, I have failed to properly explain the happy tidings of this situation. There is no need for you to feel upset. This is an occasion to celebrate."

"What should we be celebrating then?" my mom asked as she looked at Fox expectantly.

"As I am sure you both well know, the blood received from donors supports the Vampire Royal Family and represents the trust, devotion and loyalty we share with them. What many do not know, however, is for the vampires, blood donations are much more than that. You are sustaining their immortal lives with your gracious gift. Each donation must be carefully tested and then labeled for correct distribution. Every vampire receives the blood that is most beneficial for them."

My mom interrupted him, expelling vampire history in a torrent of words. "Vampire King Nicolae Noire created the system. By providing vampires the blood that suits their individual needs, fewer feedings are required. It was his research that eventually civilized our region and brought peace to our lands."

"Ahh, yes! I see you possess an in-depth knowledge of vampire history." Fox smiled at my mom and she giggled.

"Oh, I find it quite fascinating," she replied. "I run the local vampire/human rights group. We have new members joining all the time."

"Good, good. Your efforts do not go unappreciated." He turned his attention back to me. "Now, shall I get down to business? What I have been sent here to tell you, Claire, is not only an honor, but a privilege. When the royal family was told about you, they could not hide their elation."

Fox rose, and walked over to me, kneeling with his head bowed. I looked at my mom, wide-eyed, but she had no clue what he was doing. Fox pulled a small box from his pocket and held it out to me. " _Bine ai venit, Claire."_

My mom clasped her hands to her chest and her mouth fell open. I didn't understand what Fox said, so I stared blankly at the box he held in his hand. When he didn't move and remained kneeling, still bearing his offering, I tentatively took it from him. I held it out before me as if it might burst into flames. With all eyes on me, my heart hammering in my chest, and my mind swirling with countless scenarios for what the hell was going on, I lifted the lid.

Inside the small box was a pillow of red velvet, upon which lay a sparkling gold chain. I lifted the delicate necklace and fastened my eyes on a small ruby dangling there. It was exquisite, yet as pristine and new as it appeared. I sensed the antiquity behind the item. "It's magnificent," I said, in honesty and wonder. "But why are you giving this to me?"

"Claire! Show some manners." My mom controlled her tone, but couldn't restrain the anger from reaching her eyes.

Fox waved her off. "It is a gift from the royal family, Claire... To their new daughter."

I instantly dropped the box and necklace onto the floor and had to bite my tongue to refrain from slinging a mouthful of profanity at him. "What?"

"You have been chosen. It is a rare honor for the family to welcome a new member and it heralds a time of great celebration. Your presence will maximize the strength of our region. Blood has a potency that comes not only from its ability to sustain, but in the power it represents. Having another pure-blooded vampire would make our region a formidable force against any who seek to destroy us."

"Wait! So, they want me to make them more powerful? And who is seeking to destroy us?" I couldn't wrap my head around what he was telling me. The Vampire Royal Family wanted to adopt me? This was crazy.

"There are those who do not agree with our way of life in this region. They flaunt their hatred and try to poison our people." Fox spat the words with such intense enmity that a tingling sensation, which I felt when I first saw him, returned.

"I don't get it, what could I possibly do?"

Fox picked up the necklace off the floor and handed it to me as gently as someone would a newborn child. "You have been chosen, Claire. You will join the Vampire Royal Family and be rewarded with the gift of immortality."

I collapsed in my seat in complete and utter shock. I didn't know what to say to that. I just turned eighteen and now was being offered immortality? I had plans, I wanted to get my own place, find a boyfriend and a great job. I didn't want any of this. He had to be out of his mind.

I just sat there, shaking my head, fighting to restrain the stinging tears that were bound to fall. "My daughter is going to be a vampire?" my mom said, wrapping her arms around me. Fox simply nodded, looking quite pleased with himself.

"Claire will live with the royal family, where she will begin her training and transformation." I looked up, ready to protest, until I saw the fierce look in his eyes. "Your mother will also be compensated. Anything she will ever want or need, will be provided."

Fox handed my mom a thick envelope and she accepted it, still staring in shock. "This is amazing," she said. "My daughter is going to be a vampire." Suddenly, she hugged me excitedly, jumping out of her seat and said we needed to celebrate and share our wonderful news.

"What if I don't want to?" I asked Fox after my mom went into the kitchen, folding my arms defiantly.

"I'm sorry, Claire, but this is not a gift you can refuse."

"You can't just come in here and take away someone's life!" I snapped back at him.

"You should feel honored to be presented with such an opportunity."

"But I have a life. I have friends." I started to sound pitiful as I realized there was no fighting it. How could I refuse the ruler of our entire region, our vampire king? I couldn't.

"Let us toast!" my mom chimed in as she strolled back into the room, carrying three glasses filled with wine. "To our king, and to the soon-to-be latest Vampire Royal Family member, my daughter, Claire!"

We each raised our glasses and drank, but I didn't share their expressions of happiness. I felt trapped and could only wonder how I was going to say goodbye to my best friend and the life I intended to have for myself.

After listening politely to my mom rant about her political views, Fox allowed me the rest of the day to get my affairs in order. By nightfall, I would have to have all my things packed and all my goodbyes to everyone said.

There was really only one person that I wanted to say goodbye to and that was Liz. I had known her practically my whole life. It wasn't like I was just moving away; it was more like I was going into the witness relocation program. We would probably never see each other again.

When I reached her house, it was already buzzing with excitement. Half the neighborhood had seen the limo on our street bearing the seal of the royal family. She didn't even believe me at first, that they had come for me, until I pulled the gold and ruby necklace from my pocket. Her shock instantly turned to sadness and I vowed that I would find a way to see her again.

I knew she wasn't really upset with me, but with the situation. It wasn't just my life that Fox's revelation had forever changed, but those of my mom, Liz, and who knew who else? Liz and I had dreams of going to college together and buying houses on the same street after we got married so our children could play together. Liz and I wanted the whole fairytale life that we had dreamt up when we were little, but now it had been snatched away from us and I feared our friendship would never be the same. I knew I would never be the same.

~
Chapter 3

Fox arrived at dusk, the black limo pulling to a smooth stop in front of my house. After tonight, I could no longer call it my house anymore. My mom helped me pack and talked animatedly the entire time as if I was just going off to college. She was so wrapped up in her own excitement that she didn't even notice I never answered any of her questions, nor did I share any of her enthusiasm. Only a day before, I discovered a new respect and admiration for the vampires. Tonight, all I could feel for them was frustration and growing anger.

When Fox exited the limo, he walked in briskly without waiting for the door to be opened for him. My bags were packed and I hesitated at the doorway to my bedroom, taking one last look, as I tried to recall every memory I ever had there. I grabbed the carrier in which I put Louie and was surprised at how heavy he was. They wanted to extract me from everything I knew and loved, but I wouldn't allow them to force me to leave him behind.

As I walked out the front door, Fox eyed the carrier and I shot him a defiant look. He didn't say anything, which gave me a small sense of victory. My mom stood at the end of our yard, waiting for me, and I suddenly felt so sad about leaving her. I had made so many plans to move far away from her, but now that I was doing so against my will, I didn't want to.

As she hugged me tightly, I saw the curious faces of several of our neighbors as they tried to figure out what was going on. I was certain that by morning, everyone would know, but I wouldn't be around to see it. My mom would most definitely announce it at one of her meetings, her voice so full of pride, like I had accomplished some kind of incredible feat. Only I was being simply selected as part of a political agenda, like a pawn. I had never felt so exploited in all my life.

Before getting into the limo, I looked up the street toward Liz's house. I couldn't see her. She said she wouldn't see me off; she didn't want to see them take me away, but I hoped she might show up anyway. The sting of her absence hurt, but there was nothing I could do about it. I promised myself that I would make things right. Someday.

I slid Louie's carrier onto the smooth leather seats and crawled in after him. I expected that Fox would ride with me, but he firmly shut the door and walked to the passenger side front seat. Before I knew it, we were making our way down the street and my mom's smiling face faded into a blur as we drove away.

I had never ridden in a limo before, and always thought that when I did it, would be a thrilling experience. What I felt now, however, was incredibly lonely. I opened the door to Louie's carrier and started to scratch his head. His familiar purring comforted me.

"What are we going to do, Louie?"

I cradled the carrier as I inspected the limo. It was top of the line, with a fresh, new car smell. The interior was all black with gold and wood trim. There was a television located near a small mini fridge. I opened the fridge, hoping to find at least a bottle of water, but it was empty, so I flipped on the television. I couldn't find anything particularly interesting, but the sounds of it helped to break up my rambling thoughts that were whirring inside my head. I tried to remember how far away the royal family lived and recalled someone mentioning that it was about an hour outside of town. People often went there as a sort of tourist attraction, finding satisfaction in viewing it from the outside. The huge iron gates prevented any uninvited entry as well as the wrought iron fence that surrounded it.

I settled in for the long drive and fell asleep, already exhausted from the stress of the day. The sensation of the limo coming to an abrupt halt startled me awake. My short nap failed to make me feel much better.

The door of the limo opened and the cool night air flowed over me. I saw Fox standing a few feet away, waiting for me to exit and I toyed with the idea of just staying firmly seated on the smooth leather interior. I didn't want to leave and if he wanted me, he would have to pull me out.

When he continued to wait patiently I gave up and snatched Louie's carrier before exiting the limo. We had parked alongside I assumed was a side entrance to the huge palace where the vampires lived.

"Welcome to the Palace Noire, Claire. You can leave your items here; they will be taken to your room." Fox's tone had changed and he seemed kinder. I had already decided that I didn't like him, even when he was being nice to me. I hoped I wouldn't have to see him much during my stay at the palace. What was I thinking? Of course, I would see him! I was going to be stuck here... forever.

I sighed heavily and handed Louie's carrier to the waiting hands of whom I thought was a servant girl. "Please be careful with him," I said as she carried him away.

"Yes, your Highness."

The title with which she addressed me left me in shock and I looked at Fox with my mouth hanging open. "Don't look surprised. A royal member of the family is what you will be and the staff have already been instructed to treat you accordingly. Now, let us get going, we have much to do tonight."

I quickened my step to keep up with Fox's long gait. The palace wasn't as medieval as I expected, but more like a modern mansion. The décor didn't match that of the blood bank, but the beauty and grandeur of it was just as awesome, if not more.

The tiled floor of the hallway was a smooth marble and the cream walls were lined with intricate tapestries that depicted epic battles or embracing lovers. There were great wooden doors which led to rooms I could not see. Intricately painted vases filled with a variety of fragrant flowers stood in alcoves, perfuming the air with their scent.

The hallway led to a luxurious foyer that was encircled by a grand staircase. The steps were lined with a weaving iron banister that swirled in delicate curves. Above, hung an enormous chandelier that seemed as large as the room.

"This place is beautiful," I said in complete amazement.

"Thank you, Claire. It pleases me to see you enjoying it." A deep, soothing voice echoed down from the top of the stairwell. It was the voice of Nicolae Noire, the vampire king of our region. I peered up and found him much more impressive and spectacular than any portrait or vampire statue I had ever seen.

He made his way, steadily and with purpose, down the stairwell until he came to a stop in front of me. His expression was not what I expected. A welcoming smile looked down at me and I glimpsed fangs protruding from it. The sight of them gave my body the urge to run immediately away, but as if sensing it, Nicolae offered his hand to me.

I looked back at Fox, who was kneeling and I wondered if I should be doing the same. To avoid making the king wait any longer, I placed my hand in his and he firmly grasped it. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Claire. I am King Nicolae Noire."

I gave a small curtsey after he released me and kept my eyes cast downward, not sure of what I should do. I'd never taken an etiquette class in all my life.

"Foxworth, please send for Robin Willow. Claire? Would you follow me?"

The king turned down another hallway. I kept a slower pace as I walked behind him, surveying my surroundings, as well as the king. He stood impressively tall, with a lean frame and angular features. His skin was a rich caramel hue and he had dark hair, just slightly flecked with gray. He was dressed in a suit similar to Fox's, however, it seemed more appropriate attire on him. Fox seemed to be unfamiliar with his suit, and I quickly gathered that he only worn it to dress the part while acquiring me. The king, on the other hand, wore the suit as if it were tailored for him. The very fabric weaved to pair with his skin tone.

As we entered through a set of heavy wooden doors, we walked into what could be the most amazing office I have ever seen. The king took his seat behind a spacious oak desk while I walked into the room. I felt myself gradually gaping at all the overstuffed bookshelves, gold-framed artwork, immense hand-drawn and painted maps and large animal skin rugs that covered the floors. I caught the flames' reflection from the blazing fireplace dancing in the frozen eyes of a lion's head of one of the rugs.

The king sat, gesturing toward an ample, antique armchair for me to sit as well. I was completely engrossed with the splendor of the place and sat in visible wonder. The king allowed me plenty of time to take it all in as he watched me, looking quite amused.

"It has been so very long since we last had visitors. We've become so accustomed to this place that it takes a new pair of eyes to remind us of its unparalleled magnificence," the king said.

"I'm sorry."

I didn't know what else to say. I was still too afraid to raise my eyes and look at him. It didn't help that my only encounters with vampires involved two very large and imposing men. I wondered if there were any women vampires around.

"No apologies necessary. You will have plenty of time to explore the rest of the grounds and I am sure you will find them all equally impressive; but for now, we must get down to business, as they say."

I gathered my courage and locked eyes for the first time with the vampire king. Seated behind the regally appointed desk, I almost expected to see a crown and a majestic robe trimmed in a feathery border, but his black suit and maroon, button-down shirt made him look just as noble. The thought of Liz flashed across my mind for a moment. I was thinking that she could probably name the designer without even looking at the tag.

Nicolae twirled a large gold ring around on his finger. It was adorned with a sparkling ruby much like the one on the necklace Fox presented to me. "I am sure you have a great many questions to ask me, as this life-changing decision was presented to you unexpectedly. We do not usually operate as such, but it has been a very long time since we have welcomed someone into our family."

His deep voice sang the words so soothingly, with only the slightest hint of an accent, which must have originated many lifetimes ago. "Foxworth's orders were to explain the facets of the circumstances to you, but judging by the confused look on your face, I would venture to guess that you are not quite aware of what is happening?"

"No, sir." I tried to sound as polite and respectful as possible, but I had a lot of questions for him. Like for starters, was he crazy? But of course I would never say that.

"Before you ask anything, allow me to explain a few things, which may answer some questions." He stood up then and walked toward the fire, grabbing a poker to stoke the embers. "What you may not have learned in school is that the royal family is not merely a clan of vampires cohabitating in this estate, it truly is a family. Many, many years ago I swore an oath with the humans of this region, that no vampire would shed another human's blood, if humans would willingly donate their blood in return. In doing this, I created a peace in our corner of the world that has saved, and continues to save, a great many lives."

The king paused for a moment, letting the glow of the fire skip across his features. I saw his brow wrinkle as he became lost in thought and I tried to think of something to say. I searched through my memory and recalled something my mom used to say. "You created a peace for mankind that would never have been possible. Many humans have fled the regions in the north to come here, and live a life of freedom, free from fear."

I was impressed with how mature I sounded and smiled. He returned my smile and continued. "What is not known to the world is the sacrifice that was made for this peace to be possible. Yes, we would survive on the blood offered willingly to us, but we require more to sustain us in our immortality."

He looked at me, begging me to understand what he was saying, but all I could see were his fangs and I worried that what he really meant was he wanted pure blood like mine to feed from. He sighed heavily when he saw me tremble and looked away.

"We all desire family. An immortal life is a lonely life, and without the ability to feed on whom we choose, it is not possible for our family to grow. We would like for you to join our family, Claire."

I opened my mouth to speak, but quickly snapped it shut. I should probably think my answer through first in order to be sure I would not offend him in some way. I was not sure what role I was going to play in this "family".

Then I remembered a comment that Fox made to me. I replied, "I am eternally to be offered this opportunity, Your Highness, but I don't know why I have been chosen."

"Decades ago, my wife and I decided we were ready to expand our family, but because of our roles as the king and queen of this royal family, we had to select our new family member very carefully. Others have chosen with less discretion, but in our position of power, we had to find someone who could carry that position on their own. Blood is not only what feeds us, Claire, it also determines our strength. You are of pure blood, as am I and my queen. A vampire born of pure blood is highly respected and honored in our culture."

I was right. I was being chosen simply as a pawn in a game of power, because my pure blood would prolong their reign over the other vampire families and this region.

"That is not entirely true."

I jumped, realizing that he had just read my mind. "You can read my thoughts?" I blurted out, sounding more offended than I had intended.

"Not everything. I can catch bits and pieces, or quite simply, sense your feelings. You express them so openly. Please do not feel slighted. It is a natural ability for a vampire to sense the feelings of those around them. Perhaps one day you will experience it yourself." The king walked toward me and took a seat in the arm chair opposite me.

"Claire, the reason we chose you is not only because you can continue the power of our rule. The queen and I could forever rule this region, if we so choose, but we do not. We have done many great things to improve this world, but now we feel we would like to see someone else take over our work. Do you understand?"

I felt relieved and a bit ashamed for being so eager to think that he had some sort of evil plan for me. "Why do you think I am the right one to assume your..." I tripped over my words trying to find something that fit, "legacy?"

Nicolae smiled warmly at me. His dark eyes reflected the hot glow of the fire and his pristinely white fangs were visible under his thin lips. "You have not gone unnoticed young Claire. Your mother's work is well known to us, along with her campaigning for good will, respect and loyalty. It is our belief that she has instilled these same values in you."

"You know my mom?"

He nodded. "We like to keep our eye on our most passionate supporters."

"Don't you think my mom would be upset about losing her only daughter?" The question may have sounded a bit rude, but I figured since I thought it, I might as well ask it. I was sure, he already sensed my irritation. I didn't know vampires had special abilities, but I decided my best bet was to speak my mind from now on.

"Your mother was overjoyed to have her daughter join our family, she has faith that you will do wonderful things for this region and this world. Do not worry, Claire. She will be well cared for. Anything your mother shall ever need will be provided to her. You can be certain of that."

It stung a little that my mom was not even the slightest bit upset at my sudden absence, but I knew the truth of it before the king had even voiced it. A slow, solo tear rolled down my cheek. "Will I ever get to see her again, or my friends?"

I could see the expression on his face, revealing that the answer was no. "Although we do not forbid it, seeing your friends and family would cause them harm, thereby inducing pain onto yourself that you will have to live with for an eternity."

My spirits lifted at the thought I could see Liz and my mom again, but the king's warning made me sink back into my seat.

"Through the years, you will watch them age while you remain the same. You will witness their deaths and suffer the loneliness of life without them. Do you really desire to bring this pain unto yourself?"

I thought about it for a moment, and was unable to give him an answer. It seemed worth it to me, just to be able to see them. I couldn't imagine what it would be like to see Liz as an old lady and I wasn't sure if I wanted to, but I had promised her we would see each other again and I didn't want to break that promise. I needed my friend. How could I live forever in this huge palace alone?

"Ah, Foxworth finally. Come in!" The king announced Fox's arrival into the room and I turned to see him enter with a young girl following close behind. She looked to be around my age and as she neared the king and me, she gave a small bow.

"Claire, this is Robin. She is the daughter of the Willow family, here in the palace," Nicolae said. He motioned toward Robin and she smiled politely at me. "Robin, please show Claire around, I would like for her to be as comfortable as possible during her time here. Could you do that for me?"

"Yes, Your Highness," Robin answered with an excited tone as she looked toward me. I was hesitant at first because I wasn't quite sure if I had ever given my consent as to whether or not I would be joining the vampire family, but Robin looked so friendly, I didn't want to be rude.

The king smiled at me as I rose to leave the room. I stopped for a moment, intending to say something to the king and he placed my hand in his with the most gentle touch I have ever felt. His hands were cold, but incredibly soft and it felt as if my hand was wrapped in cold silk. "Thank you, Claire. I know this is a lot of information to absorb, but I truly believe you will love it here. Robin is one of our most friendly and knowledgeable young members and she will make you feel right at home."

I looked at Robin, who was smiling proudly at the king. She was obviously flattered as well as honored to have him speak so highly of her. I nodded my head and gave him a polite smile before exiting the room with Robin. She walked briskly and came to a stop in the main foyer under the large chandelier. Her curly, red hair seemed to shimmer in the golden light.

She smiled at me and ushered me toward the large staircase. The sound of our footsteps echoing was almost deafening and I wanted to say something, anything to break it. I was so relieved to see another person my age and I was eager to have at least someone to talk to. I wondered if she had been recruited, as I was, and if she had friends and family back home that she missed as much as I did.

"You'll love it here. When I first arrived, I was scared too, but that didn't last long." Her voice was young and energetic and I couldn't help but smile up at her as we continued ascending the staircase.

"Have you lived here long?"

"Nearly all my life. I came here when I was six years old."

That shocked me. She had lived in this palace full of vampires as a child. I wondered what it must have been like. I struggled to find something to say to her. Everything I could think of sounded too judgmental when I repeated it inside my head; why would the Vampire Royal Family take a child to live with them? Or, don't you miss living a normal live with real friends and family?

"I am happy living here," she said politely as we reached the top of the stairs and made our way down another artfully decorated hallway that was carpeted with an intricate Persian rug.

"You can read emotions too?" I asked, feeling a little frustrated. I didn't like the invasion of my privacy and I mentally added one check mark in my list of things I didn't like about this place.

"No." She gave an embarrassed smile. "I could just read the expression on your face. When I was little, my human parents abandoned me at the gates of the palace. My father found me standing in the rain and brought me in. When my mother saw me, they decided they wanted to take me as their own and I have lived here ever since."

I was shocked by her story and felt a little sorry for Robin. Her real parents discarded her, but the vampires displayed such compassion by taking her as their own. They adopted her. I immediately began to question if she were a vampire, but if she were, how could she be my age? "How did? Are you a...?"

As always, I stumbled with my words while I tried to comprehend what was going on. They obviously didn't turn her as a child or she wouldn't have grown up. Did they let her live among them as a human for all these years? I felt a glimmer of hope at that thought. Maybe I could do the same thing and I wouldn't have to worry about never seeing Liz or my mom again.

Robin laughed at me a little before she answered. "You're funny. I've forgotten what it is like to have someone new in the palace. I lived here as a human until I came of age and then I was given the chance to choose the life I wished to lead. Of course, I chose to be turned. This is my family, the only one I've ever known. I couldn't imagine my life without them in it."

"So... how long have you been a vampire?" I was curious. She looked to be my age, but the question was how long had she been my age.

"I was turned ten years ago." She smiled at me and led me into a room.

The bedroom we entered made my jaw drop. "This is my room?"

"Yeah, and mine is three doors down."

My new bedroom was something out of a fairy tale. The tiled floor was laid out in a patterned mosaic of creams and golds. A comfortable seating area at the front of the room featured a small antique sofa with two matching arm chairs, both framed in hand-carved wood and upholstered with a rich damask. I ran my fingers across them as I walked further into the room. I took in the aroma of freshly cut flowers that filled several blue and white vases. Heavy, thick curtains were draped over stained glass windows and I imagined how beautiful it would look with sunlight shining through them. Then I remembered that if I were turned, I would never get to see that again.

A familiar sound caught my attention and I turned toward a small archway. Through the drapes, I saw Louie's cat carrier sitting on a bed. His furry paws reaching through the bars brought a smile to my face and I ran for him. Robin followed casually behind me, giving me time to take everything in.

I jumped onto the huge bed and immediately flipped the latch to let Louie out. I scooped him into my arms and hugged him tighter than he liked. After a few moments of ignoring his protests, I released him. He quickly went to work on sniffing every object in sight, but didn't stray far from me. Robin petted him gently when he sniffed her feet.

"His name is Louie," I said as I watched her scratch under his fat little chin.

"He's really cute." She smiled and then took a seat at a small table. "How do you like your room?"

"It's amazing! They didn't have to give me such a nice room, I mean I don't even know if I am going to stay here yet."

Robin frowned at this for a moment, but quickly hid her reaction. "Well, I would very much like it if you stayed. It would be nice to have another girl around."

"Is there no one else in the palace then?"

"Oh no, there are two other families and their children..." She left the sentence unfinished, but the expression on her face was familiar to me. She didn't get along with the other children.

"So, tell me about your family," I said without the trace of a stutter. I was finding it easier to talk with Robin. For a vampire, she was so much more human than the king or Fox were. Maybe I just related to her more easily because she was my age, or maybe it was because she had not been a vampire very long.

Robin's face lit up and she joined me on the bed as she gushed about her family. Her parents were the Willow's. Their role in the royal family was to maintain, protect and document historical events. Vampire or human, every important event was accounted for. She went on and on about how her training started and the events she was permitted to record.

"My parents have allowed me to document your arrival into our family." She beamed at me. I didn't quite understand her love of history, but something about her endless chatter reminded me of Liz, so I returned the smile.

"I don't think I am as interesting as anything in your history books, but if you want to record, then go ahead."

"My parents will be so excited. I promise I will write the best account of the events of your arrival and coronation as there has ever been."

I flipped my shoes off the side of the bed and looked down at the outfit I was wearing. I was still attired in the clothes my mom had picked out when I met Fox. I stood up and started to look around for my bags.

"What are you looking for?"

"My bags. I want to change," I said, tugging at the uncomfortable blue silk blouse.

"Oh! I can't believe I forgot to show you the best part." Robin jumped off the bed and rushed to a set of wide wooden double doors. Grabbing onto their gold knobs, she pulled them open in one smooth movement, revealing a huge walk-in closet that led into an even larger bathroom. The closet was lined with shelves and hanger rods, filled with clothes. Everything was meticulously organized and perfectly folded. A large chaise lounge chair sat in the center along with an ornate standing mirror trimmed with gold. I avoided looking at my reflection, knowing I must be looked a mess.

A large dresser was topped with dozens of sparkling jewels. Necklaces, earrings, and rings; all of them adorned with rubies of various shades. "These are all mine?" I whispered. I traced my fingers across the cool stones and couldn't imagine ever having a reason to wear something so beautiful.

"Gorgeous, aren't they? I love the earrings the best." Robin pulled back her curly red hair to reveal ruby stud earrings encircled in small diamonds.

"They look good on you."

"Thanks."

I spotted my bags and quickly unzipped them to grab my favorite pair of jeans. When I couldn't find anything but t-shirts, I turned to see Robin holding out a shirt she pulled off one of the many racks. It was definitely something Liz wouldn't have chosen, which is probably why I snatched it greedily. Seeing that Robin had the same taste as I did, made me like her just a little bit more.

"Okay, let me show you the bathroom. Then you can get changed and I'll introduce you to everyone and show you the rest of the palace."

My bathroom was covered almost top to bottom in white marble. A roomy claw-foot tub stood as the main focal point of the room. Small ferns atop wooden pedestals surrounded it. A large window was open over the tub, letting in a cool night breeze. A standing shower encased in frosted glass occupied the left side. I saw bright, white towels monogramed with a large "N". They were fancier than any towel I had ever seen and almost didn't want to use them.

"You don't have to use those. The maids just put them out for looks, I think. There are more towels in the cupboard here." Robin pointed. "It took me years to get them to stop putting them out for me." She smiled and pulled two large towels out of the cabinet and set them on the counter by the sink.

I watched her and tried not to look shocked when I saw her reflection in the mirror. Robin just laughed at me when she caught my expression. "Geez Claire, you look as if you've never seen a vampire before. Not all of those silly tales are true, you know," she said as she spoke to my reflection in the mirror and attempted to adjust her wild curls.

"Sorry. I've just never even met a vampire until today. I should probably know more about you, but I never paid attention in class. My mom was in love with vampire history, so I guess that's why I did my best to ignore it. It was always more important to her than I was." I hadn't meant to admit that last part.

"I'm sure that's not true." She put a hand on my shoulder and smiled, revealing a hint of her fangs. My eyes flashed toward them and I couldn't help but stare.

"Do you want to see them?"

I didn't answer, but my face turned red from embarrassment. I really needed to control myself around these vampires. They really seemed to be able to read me like an open book.

Robin pulled up her lips to reveal two pristinely white fangs. They seemed to fit perfectly amongst the rest of her teeth and were nowhere near as long as the king's. "They are almost full grown now."

I looked at her, confused for a moment. "You have to wait for them to grow in?" I had never heard that before.

"A long time ago, when vampires turned humans by biting them, fangs would grow behind those teeth and push them out by the end of the change, which didn't take more than one night. Now that we turn humans differently, the fangs grow more slowly. I guess you can say that our bodies have evolved." She slid her tongue across her fangs and smiled widely at me, displaying them with a giggle.

"All right, hurry up and get ready. I'll wait for you outside." Robin pointed to the room and slowly walked out, shutting the doors behind her.

I took my time in the shower and stood under the hot water until it turned cold, which took a lot longer than it did back home. It gave me a lot of time to myself to really think, which I hadn't had the chance to do since Fox picked me up. As much as I resisted and hated to admit it, this place was beginning to grow on me. Who wouldn't want to live in such a gorgeous palace and become the daughter of a king and queen?

I stepped out of the shower and felt my skin prickle as the cold night air blew in from the open window. I grabbed one of the towels that Robin had set out and wrapped myself in it. It was so large, I was almost able to wrap it around me twice. I had forgotten my bag of bathroom supplies, so I rummaged through drawers and cabinets until I found what I was looking for. The bathroom seemed to be stock-piled with the best products and I was excited at being able to use things that I had never had the money to try before.

After getting dressed and running some products through my hair, I managed to style it in a side braid that Liz had once taught me. I ventured back out into the bedroom and grabbed some comfortable looking black flats along the way and slid them on.

Robin was sitting in the main room with fat Louie lounging in the chair beside her. He looked more than comfortable and as picky as he was, if he liked it here, that said a lot.

"You ready?" Robin asked as I walked into the room.

I took a deep breath and nodded at her. I was growing more nervous about meeting everyone else, but I was certain there was no way I could avoid it. We made our way out of my room and back into the hallway. Robin talked candidly along the way, pointing out bits of history concerning artwork or a portrait of some historic vampire or event. The walls were nearly covered with paintings of every scene imaginable. There were landscapes and battles, lovers caught in embraces, and single portraits of expressionless vampires wearing outfits that ranged from ridiculously large ball gowns to the more stylish suit that the king was wearing just a short while ago. None of the portraits were modern. There were no photographs anywhere to be seen. When I asked Robin, she told me that they preferred paintings because it required the artist to take more time creating their work, which meant their efforts should be more appreciated. Anyone could take a picture, but only a true artist could make one.

"This time of night everyone is usually busy getting things done, but they are all in the assembly room, waiting to meet you," Robin said as she turned another corner. I wondered for a moment how long it would take me before I found my way around the maze of a palace.

~
Chapter 4

"They are all waiting for me? How many people is everyone?" I did my best to hide how nervous I was, but the idea of meeting everyone all at once was a little jarring. I hadn't even decided whether or not I had agreed to do this, but feeling pressured just the same.

"All of the royal family, of course, but I will leave the introductions to them. Don't worry. They are all excited to meet you. This has never happened before, at least in all the history that my parents and I could find; and they have been around for a very long time." Robin smiled at me reassuringly as we made our way toward a set of massive double doors. I could faintly hear the chatter of many voices speaking, and the louder it became, the more nervous I grew.

"What hasn't happened in a long time?" I was starting to get annoyed. Was everyone showing up because they wanted to see the girl with the pure blood? I was starting to feel like I was the star of some kind of freak show.

"A king and queen usually reign for as long as they choose, which can be hundreds or even thousands of years. The only time a king or queen has ever ended their reign is if they died or named a successor. King Nicolae and the queen have ruled our family for far longer than most humans realize. Their rule did not begin when they claimed authority over humans. They have ruled over this region for nearly five hundred years. That's twice as long as any other region. Most rulers get murdered, but other regions are not as civilized as we are."

At the mention of rulers being murdered, I felt my heart thump in my chest. Little was known about the other vampire regions, and for the first time, I found myself really wondering what they were like.

The other vampire regions were always abstract entities in our world, which we did not acknowledge. There would be occasional murmurings of someone fleeing a region for another, but after doing so, they were never spoken about. Vampire rulers were very territorial over their regions; that much was known, and those who did speak of their lives in another region were silenced by a vampire representative. Those people were treated like they carried a disease to our region. Their descriptions of life in other regions were forbidden and they took great lengths to keep them from infecting our citizens.

"Relax, okay?" Robin placed her cold hands gently on my shoulders when we stopped outside two gigantic doors. Her dark eyes stared at me from under her fiery curls and I wondered if my eyes would turn the same color. They were beautiful in a way, as if they could see into my soul.

I took a deep breath and exhaled. I could do this. I wanted to appear formidable and I did my best to build up all the strength I could muster. "Okay, I'm ready."

Robin smiled widely at me and her fangs poked ever so slightly out from under her top lip. For a vampire, she had the most angelic face I could have imagined. Even though her embrace left me feeling frozen, I was warmed by the hug she gave me.

She effortlessly pushed the doors open and my breath almost escaped me as we walked into the room. For once, it wasn't the beauty of the palace that shocked me, this time my reaction was more composed. Being in the presence of so many vampires not only amazed me, but terrified me as well.

The air in the room seemed to vibrate, making the hair on my neck stand on end and my skin prickle with goose bumps. We all seemed to be frozen as we stared at each other for a long moment. My eyes slowly scanned the room as I glanced at all their frighteningly beautiful faces. I recognized King Nicolae immediately and he nodded at me. A small smile softened his face. By his side, stood a tall, porcelain-skinned vampire. Her hair was jet-black and fell to her hips in a long shimmering braid. I locked eyes with her for a moment and thought I caught a glimpse of excitement on her face, but it was quickly masked with the common, vampire stone-faced expression.

I wondered if she really was happy to see me or perhaps I was not what she had expected. As I continued to look at the rest of the vampires, they all nodded at me in turn, offering tacit greetings. When I saw the three young vampires, I felt a trickle of relief wash over me, until I remembered how I sensed that Robin didn't get along with them. Even though we had just met, I felt a growing kinship with her. Their vacant expressions didn't reveal a single emotion, and I wasn't sure how they felt about my being here.

"Welcome, Claire." The king's voice boomed throughout the room. "I am eager to introduce you to the royal family. Please come." He walked toward me and offered his hand. I took it without hesitation and let him guide me into the center of the room. His hand was not as cold as it was before and I suspected that the huge fire heating the room had something to do with it.

The assembly room looked like a giant conference room. There were two enormous wooden desks piled with books and maps and various other items, the nature of which I could not determine. Straight across from the entrance was a colossal fireplace that stood nearly four feet tall. As the monstrous fire billowed inside the black alcove, I wondered how they kept the room from sweltering, but a cool breeze drew my eyes toward an open window.

"I thought you would appreciate some warmth." The king whispered to me as we made our way across the room. The Vampire Royal Family was lined up near the fire, waiting for my presentation. Robin rushed past me and into the arms of her parents. They quickly embraced her before releasing her to join them in the line, and erased their faces of all expression once again. The brief gesture of love and adoration they showed toward Robin relieved me slightly, leaving only a small bit of nervousness.

Nicolae encouraged me to move the last few feet before we stood directly in front of whom I guessed was the queen. She looked down at me, a small smile lifting up the corners of her lips. She wore a long, black gown that hugged her slender figure; and an elaborate ruby pendant hung from a heavy gold chain around her neck.

"Claire, may I present to you, Queen Evilyn."

The queen bowed her head slightly toward me and I made a small curtsey, not sure what I was supposed to do. She lifted her head and smiled widely at me, her long ivory fangs gleaming between her ruby lips. She reached out and lifted my chin, gazing deeply into my eyes. I held her gaze and stared into the dark pools that held my reflection under her thick lashes.

"It is an honor to meet you, child. I hope that you find your stay here enjoyable." She dropped her hand and I watched her quickly reach for the king's hand. Their fingers locked tightly in a quiet expression of their love.

"It is an honor to meet you as well," I repeated. She blinked at me and I thought for a moment that she might have been holding back tears.

Nicolae then continued the introductions. I met Robin's parents next and they were as open with their emotions as Robin. The Willow family smiled broadly at me. Robin's dad, Edgar, and her mom, Mara, both extended their hands in greeting. Her dad shook my hand so excitedly, he jiggled my whole arm until his wife playfully scolded him. Robin and I both had to fight the urge to laugh at him.

"I'm sorry, child." He patted my hand gently and nodded at the king. As Robin had already told me, the king announced her parents' roles in the family. The Willows cataloged all the historical information of every major event, human or vampire. Following Nicolae's description of their duties, they invited me to visit their library during my stay and I promised them I would. I had never been interested in history, or books for that matter, but like Robin, her parents were so friendly, it was hard to say no to them. If I chose to be turned and live here the rest of my long life, I might as well try to get along with everyone.

The next family members were the Ravens. They were in charge of the security of the royal family as well as planning any and all strategic decisions regarding other warring regions or anti-vampire activists.

"May I present to you Lilith and Samael Raven and their daughter, Ana," the king said as he introduced them.

They each bowed their head as he spoke their name, but did not display the same excitement at meeting me as Robin and her family did. I considered asking about their duties as I felt a little concerned when Nicolae mentioned "other warring regions", but their stern faces made me swallow my question, so I decided to ask Robin about it later.

I offered my hand in greeting, but none of them took it, preferring to simply bow their heads at me. I returned the gesture, not sure if I should be offended. I looked at the youngest of the Raven family, hoping for some sign that she might be friendlier than her parents seemed, but she stuck her nose up in the air and looked down at me. An unintelligible mumble slithered through her lips that brought all the vampires' eyes upon her. Even though I couldn't hear it, I was certain she didn't have anything nice to say.

The Raven family stood out amongst the others. Their bright blonde hair contained beautiful hues of gold and seemed to reflect the orange glow of the fire that raged behind them. Dressed in all black, they embodied the essence of all the frightful vampires of history who would sooner latch onto a human's throat than shake their hand. Tall, thin, pale beings who were as intimidating and terrifying to behold as they were flawlessly beautiful.

Not daring to stare at them any longer than I should, I followed the king onward toward the next members of the royal family. He introduced the Orlov family. Their bailiwick lay in the politics of society, and they interacted directly with the High Council. I had always thought that the high council worked primarily with the king, but it appeared that the Orlovs acted as intermediaries between the two. I didn't really comprehend it all, but I figured that the king was probably too busy to handle every aspect of his governship on his own. Hence, the need to delegate a special area for each family group to command.

"This is the Orlov family. They facilitate all communications regarding the High Council and the human society; as well as ensure that all our laws are obeyed. You could say they are the mouthpiece of myself as well as the queen. This is Julius and Katrina, and their sons Dmitry and Luka," the king said.

"We are honored to meet the future daughter of our king and queen," Julius said in a thick accent that I did not recognize.

Like the Raven family, they refused to shake my hand, but greeted me with a gracious nod. Julius was a broad, muscular man whose jaw was covered in a thick, but well-trimmed dark beard. His abysmal eyes watched me like a hawk from under his bushy, black eyebrows. Katrina's features were softer than her husband's. She was nearly my height, the shortest of all the female vampires, and had short, dark hair that attractively accentuated her high cheek bones. Their two sons were both good-looking and I found myself blushing in their presence. There was something about seeing a male vampire my own age that made my whole body tremble as I looked at them.

Dmitry seemed to be the friendliest family member and returned my smile ever so slightly as I bowed my head at him. He wasn't very muscular, and his slender physique and exotic features gave him an otherworldly beauty. His hair was a mop of dirty blonde and I wondered for a moment what color his eyes might have been before he changed. I guessed blue.

I turned to face Luka and his reaction to me was similar to Ana's, which instantly made me find him much less attractive than I had initially. He was still handsome, I had to admit, but his arrogance tainted him as he stuck his nose up in the air at me.

I tried not to let it bother me and stepped away from the Vampire Royal Family, now that all our introductions had been made. I looked at the king, hoping this was the end of it and he would now send everyone away to do as they wished. I, for one, was eager to retreat back to my bedroom.

Instead, Nicolae spoke quietly to the queen before he nodded to the rest of the room and they all soundlessly exited. I noticed Ana glaring at me as she walked past and I fought the urge to glare back at her. I wasn't sure what I had done to deserve such a reaction from her. Perhaps just because I was human?

"Claire, come and sit with us a moment." The king motioned me toward the queen and him.

I stole a glance at the enormous double doors as Robin exited them and smiled when I saw her look back at me. I felt sure she would be waiting for me when I was done. Taking a deep breath, I walked toward him and settled uncomfortably at the opposite end of an antique sofa on which the queen was sitting. I did my best to maintain my composure even though I was not sure why I cared to do so.

"I trust that you enjoyed meeting everyone?" the king asked.

"Yes, I did." I wanted to tell him that I wasn't sure everyone enjoyed meeting me, but I bit my tongue.

"I know some of the family may seem reticent, but not everyone feels as comfortable with change. You see, Claire; we have all lived together here for a very long time, always living the same way. Your arrival has instigated change, but in time, they will learn to accept it and accept you."

I wasn't sure what he was getting at. "I'm afraid I don't understand."

"Before we decided to choose a child, the Ravens were our choice for the throne. However, with you as our daughter, they no longer have any claim, and as you can see, they are still very bitter. It was many years ago when we decided to find a child. Since we never brought one back to the palace, they must have believed we changed our minds. We are both sad to see they were unable to swallow their pride and show you the respect you deserve," the queen said her voice tinged with anger.

"What have I done to deserve their respect? I am only a human girl! I haven't even made a decision yet."

"Yes, Nicolae has explained that to me. You are still uncertain if you wish to join our family?" The queen placed her hand on me with an expression filled with sadness. It was hard for me to fathom that I was sitting in the palace, looking at the queen, let alone deciding whether or not I wanted to be turned into a vampire.

"It's not that I don't like you... I just don't understand why you chose me. Just because of my blood? You can pick any girl in the world and you picked me. I'll never get to see my mom or my best friend ever again and, and... I'm scared." I fought to hold back the burning tears that I never expected as I verbally vomited my thoughts onto the queen. I probably looked like a typical whiny teenager, but this had all become more than I could handle. Just a few days ago, I was planning my eighteenth birthday, and now I was planning my eternal life.

"Relax, child," the queen cooed at me as she wiped away a tear with her icy finger. "We would not have chosen you if we did not think that you could handle it. We looked not only into your blood, but into your heart as well. As my husband told you, we wish for you to continue our legacy. If others were to reign over this region, we would surely revert back to the dark times." The queen squeezed her eyes shut at the mention of it.

It was obvious how much she dreaded such a time returning. I tried to remember my vampire history class, but I was certain what my school books said was nothing compared to what it must have really been like. I remembered the paintings on the walls of the palace, the murals of grotesque battle scenes and wondered if those were the dark times of which she spoke.

"Why don't you just remain as king and queen forever?" I asked.

The king smiled at me before responding. "We have reigned over this region for a very long time, Claire. It is our wish to see our child inherit it. We wish to see you continue our legacy. You are pure of heart and blood. You are the only one we have ever found... Will you join our family?"

The desperation in his voice surprised me. It was almost as if they were begging me. I felt a small desire growing inside of me that wanted to appease them, to make them happy. Thoughts rambled through my head as the king and queen sat patiently waiting for my answer. What was I holding onto? I had always wanted to do something important with my life and now that I was being offered the chance, I was too scared to take it.

The queen had moved to sit next to her husband, and they clasped their hands tightly as they watched me struggling with my decision. I stared at their expectant faces and I knew what I had to do. I closed my eyes, trying to steady my nerves before telling them my choice. I knew this would be the most important moment of my life, vampire or human.

I opened my eyes, and without blinking, I looked at the king and queen. "I accept."

Their bodies heaved sighs of relief and large smiles spread across their faces, which made me more confident that I made the right decision. They were genuinely happy to adopt me into their family. I realized how much I was growing to like them in that single moment. They were so much like the parents I had always imagined for myself as I was growing up. In the short time I had spent at the palace, I had never felt so important in my whole life.

"Thank you, Claire. We are honored you have accepted us and I know you will help us continue to spread peace in this world. You will make our family complete," the king said as he rose from his seat. He walked toward a nearby table and poured three glasses before carrying them delicately back to the queen and me, the glasses lightly clinking as he did so.

"Let us toast," he announced, raising his glass.

I looked into my glass at the dark red liquid that swirled inside and found myself reluctant to take a sip. Yes, I had chosen to become a vampire, but was I really ready to drink blood?

The queen smiled amusedly at me as she stood to raise her glass. "It is only wine, Claire." She winked at me and I rose from my seat to join them in the toast.

"To our new family, our new daughter, princess of the Vampire Royal Family and to the perpetuity of peace in our region." The king cheered as we toasted our glasses and then sipped the wine.

"My daughter," The queen said as she looked at me, her fangs flashing as she smiled. "You will do great things."

It was an indescribable feeling to have a vampire queen telling me how great I was, and I could feel my confidence building as she fawned over me. Her embrace was full of love and I found myself returning the hug as she wrapped me in her strong arms. The soft velvet of her dress rubbed against my cheek and I realized I was hugging my new mom.

I knew now that I would probably never see my real mom again or Liz, but what I had chosen to do was bigger than either of them. I would be able to make the world a better place for them, and knowing that made it easier for me to let them go, or so I hoped.

"I am sure you have a great many questions, daughter, but for now, let us revel in this joyous news. Go and explore the palace and meet with everyone. They will all be very happy to hear that you have accepted." The king paused and grinned for a moment, leaning his head toward the double doors. "I do believe you have one very excited vampire waiting for you already."

I knew immediately he was speaking of Robin and I wanted to rush over to her. The king nodded at me and I quickly aimed for the doors. I was barely able to push them open before Robin tackled me in a hug, nearly throwing me to the floor.

"You accepted!" Robin squealed in delight.

"You're crushing me," I said and Robin quickly released her death hold on me. She looked like a little child who had just been told she could have a puppy, and I smiled at the instant bond I had found in her.

"This is going to be so amazing! I've always wanted a sister. Aren't you so excited about the coronation ball?"

"Whoa, slow down." I laughed at her as we made our way back through the maze of hallways, while I hoped we were headed toward my room. "What coronation ball?" That definitely piqued my interest. If there was one thing Liz taught me besides fashion, it was dancing, and I loved it.

"They didn't tell you? They are so much fun and it has been ages since we had one!" Robin said animatedly as we turned down a hallway that I thought was vaguely familiar, but I wasn't quite certain.

"Give the poor human some breathing room, book-worm," Ana snapped as she shouldered her way between Robin and me. "She's not going to want to stay with us if she thinks she'll have you following her around like a little lost puppy."

Ana's evil grin made me ball up my fists and I resisted the urge to hit her squarely in her pretty face. I restrained myself, knowing that it would probably be the last thing I ever did, but that didn't mean I couldn't fantasize about it.

"Leave her alone," I countered in my bitchiest Liz impression.

"Oooh, human girl has a little bite to her. I like that." Ana smiled devilishly as she flicked her tongue against her fangs. I noticed that they were much longer than Robin's and guessed that she had been a vampire for quite some time.

"The name's Claire and I've already decided to stay. I plan on making myself quite comfortable around here." I smiled at her triumphantly when I saw how angry my comment made her.

Robin and I contained our fits of laughter until Ana was out of earshot and we speedily made our way back into my bedroom. Shutting the door firmly, we both jumped onto the couches in the seating area and laughed until we couldn't breathe.

"What's her problem?" I sighed, trying to catch my breath.

"She's been like that as long as I've known her. Always thinking she is better than everyone else. She's been especially worse ever since it was announced that you were coming to stay here." Robin pulled a branch of greenery from the bouquet on the table and started plucking off leaves, one-by-one.

"Sounds like she is pretty bitter."

I hated the idea that I'd already made an enemy, but it didn't seem like it was something I could have avoided. Ana was going to hate me no matter what; but maybe in time, she would get over it. I wasn't going to change my mind, so she didn't really have a choice.

"So, tell me about his coronation ball," I said.

Robin perked up quickly, her infectious smile returning. "We haven't had one since I was turned and that was tiny compared to what yours will be. Whenever a human is turned and joins a vampire family, a celebration is held. When it's a vampire within a royal family, the celebration is particularly important. Sometimes it's just a gathering, but for you it will be... an amazing event."

The excitement expressed in her tone made me that much more anxious. "Will there be dancing?"

"Ooh, yes!" Robin swooned as she jumped to her feet and twirled around the room, dancing with an invisible partner. "There will be dancing, and beautiful gowns, sparkling jewels and most importantly..." she waggled her brows at me and licked her lips, "boys!"

It was reassuring to see in Robin that, despite being turned into a vampire, she hadn't lost her love for the little things in life that also made me happy. "What kind of boys? Vampire boys?"

"Duh, Claire! Only the most gorgeous vampire guys in our entire region. They will all want a chance to dance with the new princess of course, but you must promise not to hog them all. Okay?"

"Deal. What about the guys here? Will they be coming?"

"You don't want to mess with them. Dmitry is cool, but Luka is definitely off limits. He and Ana are together. Have been for a long time now. I think it's kind of creepy, but don't tell them that."

"Why do you let her push you around like that?" I asked without even thinking. I didn't want it to sound like an insult and quickly tried to rephrase it when I saw the hurt look on her face. "I just mean, you're a vampire. You can kick butt; can't you just tell her to go suck on some garlic?"

Robin broke into hysterical fits of laughter. At the sound of her snorting, I joined in the laughter with her. "Claire, you are so sheltered. Vampires aren't scared of garlic. That ridiculous myth got started... well, I don't know how it got started, but it's just one of the silliest myths in existence. I don't know where those anti-vampire people come up with that stuff."

"I guess you'll just have to let me know what is and isn't true then," I said.

"Apparently so."

We spent the next few hours getting to know each other better. Robin was eager to learn about my human life and I was eager to hear about what it was like to grow up in a palace full of vampires. Louie joined us for a while, taking turns lying on either of our laps while we absent-mindedly petted him between words.

Not wanting to spend the entire night stuck in my room, Robin offered to show me more of the palace. I was happy to be on my feet, hoping it would help fight the fatigue that was overcoming me.

By the time we had finished the quick tour of the palace, I was thoroughly exhausted. I wanted to see the palace gardens, but with the golden sun cresting over the horizon, we had to put it off 'til tomorrow night. I of course, could have gone, but the thought of finally being able to get some rest was too good to resist.

~
CHAPTER 5

Oddly enough, I woke from one of the best day's sleep I have ever had. From the orange glow that illuminated the room, I guessed that it was just about sunset. I took advantage of the last few moments of solitude I had and decided to take another shower to help myself wake up.

I didn't know what the night had in store for me, but I was growing more and more certain that the Vampire Royal Family wouldn't want to waste any time before they decided to turn me.

I had to admit, it was a scary thought but also pretty thrilling. I hadn't had the chance to ask Robin what it was like to be turned. Since vampires no longer bit people, I was hoping that the transformation wouldn't be too scary.

I was able to get dressed and spend some quiet time with Louie before I heard a knock on my bedroom door. Expecting it to be Robin, I was surprised when I opened the door to see the queen standing before me.

"May I come in?"

"Of course," I said in complete shock.

I watched her as she seemed to glide across the room before settling down gracefully atop the couch. Her royal blue gown made the contrast of her jet-black hair stand out. She absently smoothed out the wrinkles as she waited for me to take a seat across from her.

"Did you sleep well?" she asked.

"Yes, very well thank you," I said.

"Good. I thought we could spend some time together before the night begins."

I smiled at her and at the thought that she wanted to spend time with me, even though I wasn't sure why. It was a new feeling to have so many people wanting my attention, and I was really starting to enjoy it.

"It pleases me to see you smile. I want to know that you are happy here, Claire, and I would also like for us to build a strong bond, as a true mother and daughter would."

The queen smiled at me almost hesitantly and I got the tiniest sensation that she feared I would not accept her as my new mom. I didn't want to hurt her feelings, so I quickly sought something to say.

"I'd like that." I meant it too. Her posture seemed to relax a bit and she smirked at Louie as he sniffed at the hem of her dress.

"I wanted to offer my ear to you, if you have any questions. The next few days will be filled with several events and the information you will learn can be very overwhelming. I want this transition to be as comfortable for you as possible."

I had tons of questions for her, but was unsure of where to start. Not wanting to ask her silly things about the ball, that I knew Robin could answer for me, I decided that I had better ask the ones I dreaded the most.

"Now that I have accepted, when exactly will I be turned?"

"We would like for that to happen very soon, but the preparations do take time. I know the king would like for you to be turned tomorrow night."

My mouth fell open and I quickly closed it. I was expecting soon to be in a couple weeks and was in no way prepared for her to say it would happen tomorrow night. My fear started to cloud my thoughts and I couldn't seem to focus on anything else.

"Why so fast?" The one thing I couldn't seem to understand was why everything felt so rushed.

"I'll admit, Nicolae has a sense of urgency regarding the matter that I don't comprehend, but I trust his judgment. As should you."

I sighed aloud. It wasn't that I didn't trust him. To be honest, I guess I didn't, but that was only because I didn't know him. Sure, he was the king, but there would be no going back once the change happened. It was a one-way street.

"Don't be afraid. We do everything possible to ensure that the transformation is as painless as it can be. I cannot tell you exactly what it is like, because I was not turned using the new method, but I can promise you that you are strong enough to complete it. If you would like to know more, I am sure Robin can tell you in greater detail what to expect during that time. She is our most recent family member."

I could feel my palms beginning to sweat, so I quickly wiped them on my jeans as I tried to process what the queen had just told me. I knew I was being ridiculous for hoping that the process would be easy and expecting that it wouldn't be, but it still rattled me to hear it confirmed out loud.

"What will happen after I am turned?" I asked.

The queen's face softened before she spoke. "After the transformation is complete, we will hold a coronation ball, to which we will invite all the vampires from our region to publicly introduce you and announce you as our daughter and princess of our region. The coronation ball is a very exciting time for vampires young and old. It has been so long since we have had one on such a large scale and I believe it will bring some much needed optimism toward the views of the royal family."

"Optimism?" I was getting confused and wondered if she was telling me that other vampires did not think highly of them.

"Not everyone agrees with how we have done things. Although they have long accepted the new ways, it will do them good to see that we still adhere to traditional practices... Such as choosing an heir." The queen gestured her hand toward me. "You, Claire, will be viewed as a symbol, a bringer of new life into the royal family; as well as signifying that even without reverting to the black ages, we can still follow the respected traditions of the vampire monarchy."

I thought to myself that it was a lot of responsibility to rest on the shoulders of one person, but I realized that becoming a vampire princess could in no way be easy, no matter how I tried to look at it. I had chosen this and there was no going back now.

I must have failed trying to hide the worried expression on my face because the queen quickly sat next to me; and hesitantly, yet gently placed her hand atop mine. "Do not fret, Claire. Though it may seem like a heavy burden, know that I will always be here to guide you. Nicolae and I may seem to expect a lot from you, but know that we do not expect you to bear any of this burden alone."

Her icy fingers clasped mine and although their chill seeped quickly to my bones, I found comfort in it. It made me feel better to know that I wasn't going to be thrown into the role of being a princess as well as a newly changed vampire by myself. I could truly feel the genuine caring and concern she had for me and it abated my worries greatly. I was still nervous, but much less afraid. For now at least.

"Ah, it appears you will be having a guest shortly." The queen turned her head toward the door and smiled at me. With one last comforting grasp she squeezed my hand before rising from her seat and exiting my room in her floating fashion. Robin stood at the doorway as Evilyn exited, politely bowing her head before rushing to me in a very unvampire-like way.

"Good evening," Robin said in a ridiculous accent that made me almost snort from laughing so hard. "I thought you might like that. That was my best Dracula accent. Did you know Dracula wasn't even his name? He was really Prince Vlad III. Many believed that he was the first vampire, but what my parents have discovered is that he was turned during his last battle. Legend says that while he lay dying on the battlefield, a vampire found him and decided to turn him. Of course, back then vampires were much more savage, which explains why they would agree to turn someone whose name was Vlad the Impaler."

I knew if I didn't stop her there, she would continue with her history lesson. He eyes were filled with excitement as she began to recount the history of the blood thirsty ancients, but I had too many others things I wanted to talk about.

"You can tell me all the gory details later, Robin. I want to see more of the palace and I've got some questions for you."

"What kind of questions?" she asked.

"Well, I spoke to the queen and she told me some... interesting details about what is going to be happening. I asked her about what it would be like to be turned and she suggested I ask you, because she wasn't turned using the new method."

I thought for a moment what it must have been like to be turned into a vampire the same way the queen had. Being viciously bitten and drained of all your blood, only to have to drink from the vampire who had caused you such great pain. With that gruesome image in my mind, I was grateful I wouldn't have to experience it like that.

"I can't tell you," Robin said as she looked away from me.

"Why not?"

"Because when I got turned, I wished that no one had told me what to expect. Knowing what is going to happen makes it all the more worse to have to experience. I'll tell you this, I have read in great detail what it was like to be turned the old way, and what I had to go through, although difficult, was no comparison."

Robin turned toward me then and placed her hands on my shoulders. Her dark eyes, seemingly infinite, felt like they could see everything. "You will be fine, Claire. You are strong."

I looked at her blankly, wondering why everyone seemed to think I was so capable of doing everything they wanted me to do. Everyone except me.

"We will find out how strong I am soon enough. Evilyn said they want to turn me tomorrow night."

Robin looked surprised for a moment, but quickly hid the expression before responding. "The sooner you get it over with, the sooner you won't have to worry about it anymore, right? You'll be fine. If I can do it, you can too. Now, let's talk about more exciting things, like what I came here to tell you."

I appreciated her attempt to change the subject and eagerly accepted it. "Yes, do tell," I said as I pushed open the curtains to let in the cool night air.

"They've already begun planning your coronation ball! Isn't that exciting? I saw the event planners in the ballroom on my way to the library. When I asked my parents, they said that they had been working all day to make sure it is ready in time."

Robin nearly giggled in delight as she rushed toward my closet. "We've got to hurry up and find out what we are going to wear. Do you know what color you want?"

She held up a burgundy dress that she pulled down from the gown section of my large closet. "Actually, I think that color would look better on you," I said.

Robin smiled and held the dress in front of herself as she twirled around in front of the mirror. I browsed through the remaining dresses, seeing a few that I liked, but I wasn't much in the mood to try them on. What I really wanted to do was see more of the palace, more of my new home and the vampires I would be spending eternity with.

When Robin saw the unamused look on my face she quickly laid the dress atop the chaise. "Want to see what Luka and Dmitry are up to? I heard Luka and Ana got into a fight because she thought he showed too much interest in you."

"Really?" I was quite surprised with this revelation. Luka seemed almost disgusted by my presence during my introduction. "Where did you hear this?"

"Duh, Claire, I'm a vampire!" She pointed to her ears. "Very good hearing." Robin laughed at my lack of knowledge again and we both walked out of my room.

We quickly made our way through the palace, and although I'd had a tour the night before, I was no more familiar with where everything was. We found Luka and Dmitry inside the palace's large garage. The Vampire Royal Family had an extensive collection of impressive cars, all of them with tinted windows that were practically opaque. Luka was eyeing a sporty blue car when we entered the garage.

"You know, you're going to get in serious trouble if you get caught, don't you?" Dmitry asked Luka who tossed a set of keys up in the air, obviously contemplating something.

"What are you guys up to?" Robin asked as she walked toward them.

"None of your business," Luka snapped. When he saw me approach, he glared with such blatant hatred that it made me stop in my tracks. Shoving Dmitry out of the way, Luka jumped into the driver's seat and sped out of the garage before anyone had the chance to say anything else.

"What was that all about?" I asked.

"He and Ana are fighting. He wanted to get away from her for a bit. I tried to tell him it wouldn't do any good. She doesn't calm down over time; she is still going to be just as pissed at him when he gets back." Dmitry shrugged and headed back toward the entrance into the palace.

"Wait!" I called out to him. "This wasn't because of me, was it?"

Dmitry glanced over to Robin, and with a heavy sigh, walked back to me. As much as it was apparent that he didn't want to tell me, I needed to know what was going on, and if there was anything I could do to fix it. I didn't want Luka and Ana to be fighting over me, even if I didn't like them.

"Ana came to see Luka late last night. She was already pretty worked up about something to begin with. When she heard us talking about you, she got really pissed and they got in a screaming match about it. Don't worry about it though. If not over you, they would just be fighting about something else."

"Well, what were you saying about me?" After asking, I wasn't sure if I really wanted to know the answer, but it was too late.

Dmitry's expression softened a bit. "Don't worry; we weren't saying anything bad about you. You're new here, it kind of comes with the territory. Besides, I did more of the talking than Luka."

I raised my eyebrows at his comment and wondered what he could possibly have to say about me. I hadn't been at the palace for very long and it seemed I was the source of disquiet.

"Humans just fascinate me," Dmitry admitted. "Other than the servants, we don't have much direct contact with humans, so whenever I meet one, I think it is very exciting."

Robin giggled out loud before slapping a hand over her mouth. "You're like his hobby!" Laughter escaped her again before she quickly retreated into the palace with Dmitry and I following after her.

"I wouldn't put it in such crude terms, but yes. Humans look at the world in such a different way than vampires see it. Every moment to them is so precious."

Dmitry opened a door for me as we followed Robin into a spacious room that appeared to be some sort of lounge or recreational room. Two large leather sofas were overflowing with plush pillows and cozy throw blankets. A giant, flat screen television was tuned to the local news, reporting more protests at blood banks throughout the region. I worried for a moment about my mom, but remembered that protests only fueled her determination. It meant more people for her to reach out to, more people for her to guide in the direction of supporting and sustaining the vampires.

"You, for instance," Dmitry said as he plopped down on the sofa and smiled at me. His fangs gleamed at me from within a row of pristinely white teeth. I looked at them just long enough to determine that he was much older than Robin. "The way you look at the palace. It is apparent how completely in awe of it you are. I noticed it the moment you walked into the room to meet us. It's refreshing, really. I, for one, am going to feel quite sad once you're turned. Things are just so much more interesting with a human around." Although Dmitry was making me feel slightly like a lab rat, his expression was friendly.

"She's really funny, Dmitry. Did I tell you she thought we didn't have reflections?" Robin rolled with laughter again and Dmitry joined her.

I tried to fight my irritation, but having two vampires laughing at me didn't make it very easy. I knew my face was turning red so I tried to ignore them and focused my attention toward the television by grabbing the remote and raising up the volume.

Robin sighed aloud and moved to sit beside me. "Claire, we aren't laughing at you. You just don't realize how exciting it is to have someone new in the palace. We are very happy you are here and I hope that you don't ever lose your hilarious human qualities. It's one of the things I love about you."

Dmitry nodded in agreement as Robin spoke and I could feel my frustration quickly disappearing. "Okay, I'll forgive you just this once," I said as I smiled back at Robin. The tension quickly dissipated as our attention centered on the news being reported on the television.

"That, however, does get very old. After everything Nicolae has done for this region and they still find reason to protest," Dmitry said sharply as a low growl erupted from him. "The occurrences of protests are becoming more frequent. The news thinks it's helping by reporting the protests, but I think it's just making it worse. Ignorant hatred such as this," he pointed to the television and look at me with a severe look, "spreads like a disease."

"You just said you thought humans were fascinating," I said, trying to change the subject and lighten the intensity that was beginning to build in the room. He wasn't the first I had heard to say that. My mom, my human mom, was growing concerned about the same thing and had redoubled her efforts in the recent months to portray vampires in a much more optimistic light.

"Not all of them, obviously. They are being completely irrational. I can't think of a single reason they should have to be unhappy." His temper was starting to rise, so I quickly changed the channel.

I was just beginning to feel like I was getting along with Dmitry, and I didn't want anything to interfere with that. I especially didn't want to be around another pissed off vampire. Even if his anger wasn't directed toward me.

"Let's go check out the gardens," I suggested.

"Oh, Claire, you'll love them. They were designed to be especially enchanting at night," Robin exclaimed with excitement as she rose to exit the room.

I looked at Dmitry to see if he would be joining us. "I believe I will pass, although I would very much enjoy seeing how you behold them in all their glory for the first time. I have much to do in preparation for the upcoming events."

In one fluid motion, he stood before me, offering his hand. The strength in his presence made my skin shiver and I again felt the tingle of power that emanated from vampires.

"It was lovely to speak with you. I am eager to spend more time with you in the future."

With that, Dmitry exited, leaving me flustered and blushing on the couch, my mouth hanging half-open. I had to admit to myself that Dmitry was breathtakingly handsome, yet until this very moment, it had not impacted me with such intensity.

"What was that?" I whispered to myself.

"Really? I am starting to wonder if you've been hiding under a rock all this time." Robin sounded half exasperated and half amused. "I wish he wouldn't have done that, it always leaves humans feeling..." Robin paused, trying to find the correct word, so I finished it for her. "Intoxicated?"

"Yes, I suppose you could describe it that way. It was a long time ago when I was charmed by a vampire. I'm sure Dmitry just wanted to see your reaction for his own amusement. I swear, he must have been some sort of mad scientist in a past life. Let's get going, moving around should help if I remember correctly."

I allowed Robin to help me up and we made our way out of the room. "It's like being drunk... except with sensations and emotions all over your body."

Robin giggled at me as I slowly regained my composure. Even though I knew there was no way I could have prevented it from happening, the more the effects wore off, the more I started to feel embarrassed.

"Trust me, it's no big deal. Humans have no defense against it. I'm fairly certain we've all gone through the same thing. At least you got charmed by someone you know. When it happened to me, it was some snobby vampire boy who was visiting from the southern part of the region. He would do it to me all the time just to harass me," Robin said with irritation dripping from her voice. Seeing her angry, and the way it distorted her features into something unrecognizable was frightening. When she saw the way I was looking at her, she stopped dead in her tracks.

"I'm sorry." Robin turned away and her angry expression dissolved into shame.

"It's okay. Everyone has had to deal with a bully at least once in her life, I know I have. Yours just happened to be an annoying, teenage vampire boy. You know what they say about guys that pick on girls?"

"No, what?"

"Oh my, the all-knowing Robin doesn't know the answer?" I harassed her playfully. "Guys who tease girls do it because they like the girl."

Robin's body began to wriggle and she started giggling until tears nearly fell from her eyes. "Ew! He was so not even cute, Claire!"

I joined in her laughter as we made our way through more lavish hallways, passing maids, butlers and other vampires whom I hadn't met yet.

"You know what you need?"

"Umm?"

"Come with me," Robin said as she took off running down a narrow hallway. Trying to keep up with a vampire who was running slow by vampire standards, was still quite difficult. Luckily, our destination wasn't very far away and I smelled it before we even got there. My mouth started watering as the door to the kitchen was opened.

"I remembered they were making spaghetti tonight, and that was one of my favorite meals when I was human. I've been a vampire for years now, but I'll never forget it. Besides, you'll wake up every vampire in the region with the sounds that stomach of yours has been making," Robin poked me in the abdomen and we headed into the kitchen.

Had I not been as starving as Robin so blatantly pointed out, I might have entered the kitchen with my usual awe, but all my focus was on the delicious and savory smells that were floating through the air like scrumptious, fragrant delicacies.

"This is Bruno!" Robin said as she bounced around a very robust-looking Italian man. His forearms were rippled and well-defined. I joked to myself that cooking and mixing must provide quite an extensive workout. "Bruno, this is Claire. He makes the most delicious foods you'll ever eat."

"Oh, zee Princess Claire, what an honor it eez for you to be in my keetchen. Pleeze sit and I will serve you. I promise zis will be zee best meal you have ever eaten or my name eez not Bruno Alfonso Mario Lazzarro!" he proclaimed in a thick Italian accent.

Robin and I slid onto seats in the small dining nook while we watched Bruno bark orders in Italian at the sous chefs. It was almost hysterical at first to watch them scatter about like wasps whose nest had just been disturbed, especially when Robin was trying out her best Bruno impression. Our laughter subsided when Bruno placed a mountainous plate of pasta in front of me and topped it off with freshly grated parmigiano reggiano, which I learned soon enough how to say correctly. I discovered it was more delicious than I could have ever imagined. I never realized how much I could like cheese until I ate this meal.

Robin entertained herself by making doe eyes at one of the younger Italian sous chefs, while I busily stuffed my face with Bruno's pasta perfection. I had to stop myself on more than one occasion, from offering some to Robin. However, that didn't stop me from wondering about her "diet" which would soon be mine.

"Robin..." I said her name almost as a question as I twirled the last bit of pasta around on my fork.

"Mhm?" she mumbled as her attention was still locked on the dark-haired Italian who was very much enjoying the attention. He was slicing various meats and placing them on a large silver platter.

"When do you... uh eat? Or drink?" I fumbled with the words, not knowing what exactly to call it.

"I'll show you later, let's just enjoy the night. Besides, all your questions will be answered soon; you get a crash course tonight," Robin smiled wickedly at me and dashed out of the kitchen with a giggle faster than I could even react.

I wasn't sure if I liked the idea of a crash course on being a vampire, but I figured I didn't really have a choice. One way or another, I needed to know what to expect.

I could feel myself starting to worry if I could handle everything that would be happening to me. I'm not even certain if I had completely accepted the idea yet, but I couldn't let the cloud of doubt consume me.

Feeling like I was being watched, I quickly made my retreat out of the kitchen, in search of Robin. Although I enjoyed her company, it was nice to have a moment to myself. I didn't feel like I had the opportunity to have many of them lately.

I made my way through the hallways, going in no particular direction whatsoever, completely lost in my thoughts. I wondered how Liz was and what she was up to. I even thought about ways I could sneak out to visit her, as I still intended to keep my promise.

A cool breeze poured over my skin and I realized that I had somehow managed to find the entrance to the gardens all on my own. The immediate sense of calm that enveloped me at the sight of the gardens made all the worries that were muddled in my head wash away.

I wasn't sure exactly what I was expecting, but what lay before me certainly wasn't it. A garden that was designed specifically for night-time viewing was unlike anything I thought possible.

Stepping out onto the large stone balcony, I felt as though I was descending into an ocean of twinkling lights. Trees were wrapped in tiny glowing bulbs. Large arch-ways hugged paths and their fragrant foliage hung down in delicate sweeps.

Flower petals covered the pathway and I felt almost sad that I had to walk on them, but there was nowhere else to step. I followed the path, letting the delicate scents of roses and lavender guide me until I reached a great willow tree whose pliant branches hung longingly over a large pond.

An ornately carved wooden bench occupied the base of the willow, along the bank of a pond. It looked as though it might have been carved from the very roots of the tall and ancient tree.

I took a seat and looked out beyond the swaying branches of the willow to the servants on the opposite edge of the water. Two women were talking softly to each other, each lighting small candles and setting them adrift in the large pond.

I watched them with quiet fascination until they finished their task. They strode joyfully along another path that led toward the palace and lit tall light posts along the way. Their orange glow cast scattered shadows amongst the plants.

I couldn't help but think how beautifully romantic this garden was. I was happy to be in a place that was so lovely, but sometimes the nicer something is, the more lonesome it made me feel. The glow from all the candle's danced across the landscape and for a moment, my skin prickled. I had the sensation that someone was watching me. Despite all the people in the palace constantly casting their eyes in my direction, I felt as though someone had been staring at me for some time. I looked out into the darkness, opening my eyes wider, as if that would really improve my sight in any way.

"Don't be such a baby," I whispered to myself. I wasn't actually scared of the dark, but for some reason I was always a little bit on edge at night. Like I'd experienced something terrible during the night, but for the life of me, I could not recall what it was.

"There you are," Robin proclaimed so loudly it seemed to rattle the branches of the willow tree.

Robin scared the hell out of me and I sucked in a breath. "Geez, Robin! You shouldn't sneak up on people like that." I felt my heart settle back into its proper place as we sat there in silence, watching the candles ride the tiny ripples in the water. When the sound of a bullfrog's croaking tore through the night we couldn't help but laugh.

"Beautiful, isn't it? Sorry I scared you. It's harder to find people in the gardens. The flowers kind of mask your scent," Robin apologized, offering a polite smile.

"Is that how vampires track people?"

"In the past, as well as other ways, but we don't really need to do that anymore though."

I simply nodded my head as more questions rattled through my mind. "So, vampires have all these abilities, but they are all pretty much useless now that Nicolae decreed the treaty?"

"Some vampires think of it that way. They say we are wasting our purpose. That we have grown weak, but I don't think so. Is peace such a bad thing?" Robin asked the question, but I didn't think it was directed toward me, so I didn't answer.

"That's why he wants me to be turned so quickly, isn't it? Because he is hoping that I can help remind these other vampires that you still honor the old ways?" It was all starting to make more sense. It sounded as if our region was on the verge of an uprising. That would make me a piece of Nicolae's puzzle that was designed to help avoid it.

"I can't answer that, Claire. Only the king knows his decisions, but it would be an honor to have an opportunity to help him maintain our peace. A peace that has lasted decades and saved thousands of lives," Robin said as her tone slowly rose.

"I'm not saying I am not glad that I am doing this. I'm just trying to understand everything." I smiled at her and she returned it. "Seems like things have been getting pretty stressful?"

"The protests have been getting more frequent and violent, not to mention the pressures from the other vampires in our region. There's even talk about the other regions..."

"Princess Claire, I have been looking for you," Fox interrupted as he cut Robin off mid-sentence. "Your king has asked me to make sure you are prepared for tomorrow. If you'd come with me, please?"

"Tomorrow?" My stomach suddenly felt like it had been filled with lead. I knew what his answer would be, but I wasn't ready to admit it to myself.

"Your transformation." Fox's tone and expression gave me the feeling that he thought I was an idiot, but he was too proper to express it outwardly.

I didn't bother hiding my sigh as I got up to follow Fox back toward the palace. I was starting to think that I might even like Ana or Luka more than I liked Fox. Then I realized what I just thought and accused myself of being thoroughly crazy. There was just something about him that made my skin crawl. It could very well be the fact that he had already verbally chastised me once and I didn't particularly like being told what to do. It was an attitude I acquired from Liz long ago.

"I need only Princess Claire. Robin, you are free to enjoy your evening," Fox stated mechanically as Robin rose to follow us. She nodded and smiled to me slightly as I followed Fox back to the palace. Just as we reached the edge of the gardens, I got the sensation again that someone was watching me. Turning to the left, I saw the figure of a man standing in the distance and then as soon as I blinked, he was gone. It happened so quickly, I wasn't positive that I had seen anything at all, but my gut told me otherwise.

~
Chapter 6

Fox led me back to the main room where I had met the entire vampire family just the night before. To my surprise, Edgar, Robin's dad was eagerly awaiting us. His pale skin seemed to glow as the frantic flames of the fireplace cast an orange light throughout the room. He looked much like any father would, or perhaps what I had always envisioned what a father would look like, since I never met mine.

Edgar was speedily setting up one of the oversized tables with books, papers and pens among many other subjects of study that I mentally described as his "torture devices." I was never particularly fond of school or studying, and Robin blatantly pointed it out, judging by my lack of vampire knowledge. However, now that I was going to become a vampire, hopefully, studying about them would be much more interesting. Especially since I already liked the teacher.

"Oh, Claire, this is going to be an exciting evening!" Edgar bubbled with enthusiasm as he rushed toward me in a flash of speed. He stopped in front of me suddenly and with a slow movement, he held his hand out for mine.

I smiled at him and offered my hand. Edgar shook it calmly this time without jostling it at all and winked at me. Then, in another flourish of speed, he was suddenly back at the table he had set up for me and I couldn't help but laugh at him. He looked like an excited hummingbird.

"Wow, you're fast," I said as I walked toward the table. I could hear Fox stifle a grumble as he followed behind me. I had almost forgotten he was there.

"Yes, thank you. That is but one of the many talents we vampires share. Some are speedier than others."

Edgar pulled the chair out for me and I seated myself as I grew increasingly interested in this crash course of vampirism that I was about to receive.

"The king has asked that I instruct you as quickly as possible, so that you are prepared for the changes that are soon to befall you. As you are well aware, and I'm sure Robin has told you, we will be hosting a coronation ball in your honor to celebrate your adoption into this family. However, there are many things you must prepare for other than what you will be wearing."

Edgar smiled at me as he walked back and forth across the room. I got the feeling he was a bit nervous and I first thought that it might be because of me; but then I saw Edgar's eyes frequently steal a quick glance toward Fox, and I realized I wasn't the only one who Fox made uneasy. He was certainly an ominous figure, even when he wasn't talking.

Fox just stood behind me silently, obviously supervising that I was taught the correct information. I wasn't sure how I felt about it. Was Fox there because Nicolae didn't trust Edgar to tell me everything he should? Or because there were things that Edgar shouldn't mention? I decided that any information was good information, considering I didn't know much at all. Maybe I could even shock Robin or Dmitry with my limited knowledge of vampires.

"In order to attend the coronation ball, you must be completely changed into a vampire," Edgar paused to watch my reaction and I only stared at him vacantly.

I knew he was going to tell me, at some point, what I really wanted to know, which was, how it was going to happen. Robin wouldn't tell me any details and I was curious if her dad was doing the same.

"Now, I cannot tell you exactly what will occur as the transformation is performed, but I will tell you what to expect afterward, so that you can prepare yourself. To begin..."

I interrupted Edgar as he began to explain. "Why can't I be told how the transformation is performed? Isn't that something I should know?" The fact that they wouldn't tell me was worrying me. It had to be an even more horrible experience than I could imagine, if they wouldn't speak of it. I expected it would be painful, in fact, I was definitely certain of that. Otherwise, everyone would be vampires.

"The ceremony of transformation is a sacred tradition and only those who perform it or have experienced it are allowed to speak of it. We have also found it can be a... far less pleasant experience for those who occupy their time dwelling on what will take place," Fox said with pride. I almost expected him to add that I should be honored to be able to undergo such a magnificent event.

Edgar cleared his throat, clearly rattled by Fox's description. "Yes, thank you, Foxworth; although I may have worded it a bit differently, that is correct."

Robin's dad steadily walked toward me and placed a comforting, yet cold hand on my shoulder. "Do not let this trouble you, Claire. Think of it as a rite-of-passage to an honorable and tremendous journey you are about to embark on."

His words comforted me, even if only a little. "Now, let's move on to what I can tell you."

I found that I became fixated on the way in which Edgar's eyebrows seemed to dance atop his forehead as he spoke. "Are you listening, Claire?"

"Yes, sorry. It's just a lot to take in, that's all. I haven't really had a lot of time to process everything." It was the truth. Everything felt like it was moving at lightning speed. One day, I was an average teenage girl, celebrating my eighteenth birthday and the next day, I was being chosen by the Vampire Royal Family as their princess.

"It is not the typical way we do things, but times like these call for... adjustments in protocol, so to speak." I thought for a moment that Edgar had almost accidentally said more, but he continued. "As I was saying, after the change, you will find yourself ill for a day or two. I found these two days to be the most unpleasant part of the entire transformation, but as my wife would say, I am a vambaby." Edgar laughed whole-heartedly until he made eye contact with Fox, and his laughter sounded more nervous. I joined in the laughter with him, hoping to ease some of the tension, and became truly annoyed with Fox. I really felt like this whole night would have gone better if he weren't around.

"Once that subsides, you will immediately notice changes in your body and in your senses. It is a very exciting moment, I must say. Queen Evilyn will be by your when you awaken to your new vampire life, as tradition demands. She will help you balance yourself and provide you with your first taste of blood. Then comes the fun part."

I was comforted by the fact that the queen would be by my side when I woke up, but a little nervous about drinking blood; although I knew I would probably change my mind later. "What's the fun part?"

"Being a vampire, of course!"

After sitting through an hour or more of a somewhat embarrassing discussion about the changes my body would make in the next few days, I nearly ran out of the room when Edgar finished. Luckily, Fox allowed me to leave, but only after he informed me that the queen would be calling on me later in the evening, so I should be prepared to expect her.

I tried my best at walking back to my room from memory and I truly thought I was getting close, when Dmitry suddenly appeared at my side.

"Where are you going?" he asked in controlled amusement.

I gasped in surprise at his unannounced emergence. "Geez, Dmitry, you scared me. You shouldn't creep up on people like that." Vampires apparently enjoyed sneaking up on me.

"I didn't creep. You probably wouldn't have noticed me if I hadn't stopped. Besides vampires move too quickly to creep up on a human," he said as he kept in step with me, smiling all the while. "Please do tell, where are you going?"

I wanted to sound as confident as possible. I knew if I showed even a trace of doubt or unease, Dmitry would tease me. I was quickly learning that was something he loved to do. "I'm going to my room."

"Hmm," Dmitry thought my comment over for a moment and I tried my best not to appear to be waiting for his reaction. "I hear you got _the talk_ this evening. How did that go?"

"Well..." I wasn't sure how to explain it. The changes Edgar described, although they were commonly things every vampire went through, made me a little too embarrassed to repeat, especially to Dmitry. Talking about changes happening to my body, no matter what their nature, were not things I like to discuss with a guy.

"That bad, eh?" Dmitry nudged me with his elbow as we continued walking through the maze of hallways that comprised the palace. "Don't worry, Claire. We've all had to listen to that talk. I'd say it was just as terrible as the _birds and bees_ talk I had with my parents when I was human. You should consider yourself lucky though."

"Oh, really? Why is that?"

"At least you had Edgar to counsel you. You've met Fox, right?"

"Mhm," I answered, trying to disguise the visible disdain in my tone, but apparently, I failed when Dmitry let out a small laugh.

"I really am going to miss having a human around; you're so easy to read." I huffed at his comment. I hated knowing vampires could read me like an open book! It was a terrible feeling to think you didn't have any privacy, even in your own mind.

"I didn't mean any offense. Vampires are just hard to read. You can never tell what they are thinking or feeling, or if they are being honest or duplicitous. It takes centuries of knowing a vampire before you can understand their character and mannerisms well enough to be able to read them, and even then, you can only guess. But with humans, there are no secrets, no disguises." Dmitry glanced over at me and his expression was genuine, which softened my temper.

"I don't always like to be so easy to read," I admitted. "I guess I can see where you are coming from though. Sometimes, it feels like I don't have any privacy."

"I guess I've never thought of it that way." Dmitry pondered on the thought for a moment while we continued our walk in silence. I thought I noticed a few paintings that looked familiar, and worried for an instant that we may have been going in circles, but I didn't want to admit it.

"Well, Claire, I had better get going. There are many things to be done in preparation for your coronation. We can't have a princess with an unfinished ball, now can we?"

I giggled at Dmitry as he made a grand bow and took my hand in his. He planted the gentlest of kisses there, which caused a wave of electricity to prickle over my skin. "Adieu, Princess Claire."

Then he vanished in a flash, sending my hair aflutter as if a strong breeze had just blown in through an open window. He stopped at the end of the hallway and grinned broadly at me. "Oh, and Claire? Your room is four hallways that way, second door on your left," he added, pointing in the right direction.

I rolled my eyes as he vanished in a flash. Dmitry was the most charmingly irritating guy I had ever met, but he was starting to grow on me. "Unfortunately," I mumbled to myself.

When I finally made it back to my room, I was sad to see that I wouldn't be alone. As much as I liked Robin, I wanted some time to myself just to think about things. This was going to be my last night as a human and I was quite honestly feeling a little sad about it.

"There you are!" Robin smiled as she flew to my side with the amazing speed and grace of a humming-bird. "How did it go? I hope my dad wasn't too eccentric for you? I gave him a stern talking to beforehand."

"No, no your dad was great. Probably the best teacher I have ever had, even though it got a little embarrassing at some points."

Robin giggled, "I can imagine. Normally, a female vampire would have instructed you, but my mom had to help make preparations for your... well, for tomorrow night. She's much better at it than my dad. Anyway, I won't keep you long, I'm sure you have a lot on your mind and I know the queen wanted some time with you, but I have a present for you."

I gaped in surprise as Robin pulled a small box out from under a pillow on the sofa. It was wrapped in shiny ruby-red paper that had a metallic sheen as it reflected the glow from the lights in the room. On top, sat a silky black ribbon.

She handed it to me with her childlike enthusiasm and practically vibrated with excitement as she waited for me to open it. I was still so completely shocked by her generosity that I simply stared at the small package in my hand. "Robin, you didn't have to get me anything. It's not even my birthday."

"I know that. Technically, tomorrow night will be your new birthday, but tonight is going to be your last night as a human. It is customary to give gifts to new vampires; and even though you haven't changed yet, I wanted to be the first to give you something. Open it! You're going to love it."

I smiled at her with a heavy sigh and gently unraveled the ribbon on the package. Robin's words hit me hard. Not in a negative way, but they truly laid out what fate had designed for my destiny.

As I lifted the lid from the small crimson box and saw what lay inside, my knees buckled and I fell onto the sofa behind me. My heart dropped into my stomach and the pillar of strength I had been trying to erect came crashing down on top of me. Tears flowed freely and I wept into my hands as they fell into the box on my lap.

"Oh, Claire, I'm sorry! You don't like it. I shouldn't have, I'm sorry," Robin fumbled in her unvampire-like manner and quickly tried to snatch the box from me.

With unnatural speed, my hand flew to her arm and I squeezed her cold wrist. "No Robin. It's perfect." I looked back into the box and gazed at two familiar faces framed inside a tiny, gold locket. A picture of my mom and a picture of Liz smiled back at me.

"I can guess how much you miss them. I thought you'd like to have something to remember your human life. We believe... well my parents and I, believe that even after you change, that life can never be washed away. You'll carry your humanity with you for all eternity." Not wanting to burst into another fit of tears, I leapt into Robin's unsuspecting arms. Her cold embrace seemed to calm the fire of emotion flickered to life inside me.

Almost breathlessly, Robin released me and smiled at my obviously flushed and snotty face. "I had better get going before you start me crying! You should probably clean yourself up before the queen gets here."

I grabbed a tissue from a nearby table and started to wipe the tears from my face. As I pulled the tissue away, I saw the black smears of my mascara and realized I must look a mess.

Robin winked at me with her boundless dark eyes as she started to exit my room. "Hey, Claire."

"Yeah?"

"We're all going to watch a movie later... The new Johnny Sky flick. If you're up to it, you're welcome to join us."

I wondered whom she meant by everyone. I was certain Ana would not want me hanging out in the same room with her; but not being there would give her too much satisfaction. The thought of making her night that much less enjoyable was suddenly very tempting.

"I'd like that," I said as I smiled through my subsiding tears. Robin displayed her angelic smile and swiftly left after shutting the door with such speed, I thought it would surely slam loudly, but I barely heard the latch click.

I stood in the room for a long moment, breathing deeply and holding the locket tightly in my fist next to my heart. I was grateful to finally have another moment alone, even though it made me feel terribly isolated.

Emotional exhaustion started to kick in so I made my way to the bed and saw Louie patiently waiting for me. He meowed at my approach and lazily rolled over, begging to be petted. His presence was at once comforting and I curled up next to him, listening to his steady, deep purr as I scratched his head.

"Oh, Louie, I'm glad you're here with me. You won't be scared of me after I change, will you?" He meowed at me in response and turned his head so I could scratch under his chin.

We lay in bed for a while and I saw that someone had set up a small sleeping area for Louie. He had crystal feeding dishes and a fluffy cat bed. I made a mental note to find out the responsible party and scolded myself for being so negligent.

I dragged myself out of bed and finally found the courage to look in the mirror. Dark tracks of tears ran down my red face. I knew I couldn't meet with the queen looking like this, so I quickly did my best to clean myself up. I dug out my favorite sweats and camisole from my bags, relishing the familiar comfort they provided. After changing, I tied my auburn hair into a messy bun and washed my face thoroughly, with the coldest water I could stand.

I stared at myself in the mirror for a while, trying to decide what I would look like after the change. Would I still look like myself? Or would I not even recognize my reflection? My light eyes would be lost to the infinite darkness that all vampires shared.

Thinking of that made me recall something I heard a protestor say once during a news report. The man's name was Tony something and he was well known for his abhorrence of vampire rule. He always argued that the eyes were the windows to the soul, and since vampires' eyes were empty pools of pitch, it was proof they had no souls.

"Am I going to lose my soul?" I whispered to myself. I wasn't sure if I believed it, but it was a scary thought. I sifted through the collective memories of my recent experiences with vampires and concluded it held no weight. There was no way Robin and her family, even Dmitry couldn't have souls... Was there?

I didn't want to spend any more time on such thoughts. It would only make the transformation that much scarier. Dwelling on things that I couldn't change wouldn't help me at all. What I could do, however, was undergo the change and fulfill Nicolae and Evilyn's legacy.

Feeling relieved after having slightly organized some of the worries on my mind, I curled up on the sofa in my sitting room with Louie. I flipped on the television while I waited for Evilyn to arrive. I purposefully avoided any news programs and settled on a campy sitcom.

I was starting to drift off to sleep when the sound of my bedroom door opening startled me. The queen, regal and poised as always, took two gliding steps into the room.

"May I come in, Claire?" she asked sounding very proper.

"Of course," I said as I quickly sat up and tried to fully awaken myself. Louie ran under the bed angrily after I scooted onto him to make room for Evilyn on the couch.

She took a seat beside me and seemed to relax her posture a bit more than usual when I smiled at her. "Tomorrow night will be a big night for you."

I didn't answer for a moment. We just sat silently, watching the program on the television, ignoring the slight feeling of awkwardness that hung between us. The queen spoke suddenly as if no time had passed. "I remember the night before I was turned. Although, I, of course, didn't know ahead of time that I would be changed. Now when I look back on it, however, I remember it as a very happy night in my human life."

I wanted to ask her what it was like, but I felt that was probably a very personal moment for her. I wasn't comfortable enough with her to feel free to ask her whatever I pleased. With no allowance for my mental deliberations, the queen continued.

"I would like tonight to be very special for you. Although of course, we will be celebrating shortly after you are formally adopted into our family, we want your last night as a human to be a night you cherish and remember fondly. It is important to Nicolae and me that we make this as uncomplicated a transition as possible."

"I think I am handling it alright. Well, as well as I possibly can, I think," I said with a feeble smile. My weak attempt at confidence did not fool Evilyn's keen perception.

"I know we are asking a lot of you, Claire, and there are no words I can ever say to express the gratitude we share for the sacrifice you are making. In a way, you are our savior. Our symbol of strength, loyalty, tradition and honor. If you had chosen not to be with us, our world, and that of the humans, would fall to ruin. You may not realize it, but you and I have more in common than you think. Unlike the younger vampires, who were given adequate time to incorporate the change into their lives, you and I have both been thrust into it, with little or no warning." Evilyn rested her hand on mine, squeezing it gently.

"I guess I never thought of it that way. Even if it doesn't show, I really am happy about my decision. I imagine it will take a good long while for me to fully grasp my new life, but I am already looking forward to it."

"I am glad to hear you say that. You are displaying such strength and courage and I am very proud of you. Now, how did your discussion with Edgar go earlier this evening? I trust you learned what you needed to?"

"A lot, actually. He was a very good teacher," I said. My cheeks blushed in slight embarrassment as I recalled how Edgar nervously explained the changes I could expect my body to go through.

Evilyn sensed my embarrassment and smiled kindly as a sweet laugh escaped her. It was a beautiful, soft whisper of a sound and it made me want to hear her laugh more just to hear its loveliness. "Oh, Claire, you do remind me of myself when I was young. I assure you Edgar is as good a teacher as any, although it is customary to have a female vampire instruct you with the transformation. I am here now to answer any questions you may have."

She waited expectantly and I could barely catalog the multitude of questions in my mind fast enough. "Edgar said I would immediately recognize changes in my body, but he did not go into very much detail. Do female vampires go through different changes than the males?"

"Every single vampire undergoes a slightly different transformation as everyone's abilities vary in strength and weakness. It all depends on your disposition before the change takes place. For instance, some become faster, some will be better at charming, and some can sense others' emotions more astutely. Like young Robin Willow, she is extremely attuned to others' emotions. I haven't seen anyone quite like her in a long time."

"Where do you think my strength lies?" I had wondered this myself. I feared that I was worrying less about my actually becoming a vampire and more about whether or not I would be as great a vampire as they all hoped and seemed to think I would.

The queen stroked my head as a mom would a small child and smiled warmly at me, her porcelain fangs sparkling behind her ruby lips. "You will be excellent at many endeavors." I sighed and silently prayed that she was right.

"Now, Claire, what can we do to make this an amazing night for you?" Evilyn asked excitedly. I couldn't help but feel slightly infected with her enthusiasm.

"Honestly, I think I would like to just hang out with Robin and Dmitry and watch a movie. I don't need anything special. Besides, we are having a big coronation ball, right?" I probably sounded silly, but I truly did love to dance; and I didn't dare ask what I really wanted, which was to see Liz and my human mom.

"Anything you wish, my dear. You will be the most beautiful vampire princess there ever was at a coronation ball. There have been many young vampire men already discussing your unparalleled beauty," the queen said as she winked at me, her dark eyes sparkling.

My jaw dropped in response and I wasn't sure what to say. I tried to think of all the different vampires I knew of in our region. There were so many lords and ladies, dukes and duchesses, that I always found it hard to keep track. They each had their own "children" and their families slowly grew in size over time. I did vaguely recall Liz commenting on the brutal hotness of a vampire duke's son in the southern part of our region.

I saw the queen smiling at me as she, no doubt, could feel my heart fluttering with emotion. "Don't you worry, there will be plenty of time to think about men later. You will have many new duties to keep you busy. There is still much you need to learn, and once you are turned, you may begin."

What Evilyn said raised a question and I couldn't help but ask, "Are there things I can't learn until I _am_ turned?"

She nodded at me and her expression resumed to the emotionless vampire mask. "Very perceptive, Claire, perhaps you are more gifted than you realize. Yes, there are some traditions that must be fulfilled, but such secrets can be discussed only with vampires, no matter what the circumstances."

She rose then and walked toward a large vase near the entrance of my room. She sniffed the flowers and relished their fragrance before addressing me again. "Go now and enjoy your night. I don't want to keep you any longer. Please rest your mind tonight, so that you may enter your new life with a clear head."

With that, Evilyn exited my room. I felt a little miffed at her departure. She completely evaded my question and almost seemed eager to leave after I asked it. My anger quickly deflated, however, as I thought I might have offended her. She was very attuned to emotions; maybe she felt my fear when she answered me.

Not wanting to let myself get sucked into my thoughts again, I gave Louie a hug before I exited my room in search of Robin and Dmitry. They were my only hope of having a relaxed evening in what were essentially my last hours as a human.

It took some wrong turns, but I eventually found the media room and everyone was waiting for my arrival. Even Luka and Ana, who both openly sneered at my entrance.

"No one said the stray was coming," Ana spat.

"Didn't think I needed to." Dmitry flashed a wicked grin at me and grabbed the remote to get the movie started.

I hopped on the couch next to Robin and she lifted the blanket so I could snuggle in beside her. Dmitry soon plopped down beside me and his presence made my skin tingle again, even though we were barely touching. I started to get nervous that he might be trying his charming trick on me again, but then I realized we had to be looking at each other to do that and he was intently fixated on the preview trailers.

Even with Luka and Ana present, the night was enjoyable. At times, however, I felt I could almost feel the heat of Ana's hateful stare trying desperately to make me spontaneously combust. The heat disappeared instantly when she and Luka quickly slipped out, obviously not caring to spend any more time in the same room with me. They blatantly groped each other as they exited. The rest of us sleepily made our way out of the media room after several more movies, as dawn seemed to be quickly approaching. I was shocked that I lasted two more flicks after Bruno sent in a steaming plate of lasagna for me.

"Claire, would you like me to walk you to your room?" Dmitry asked politely.

I was caught off guard by his suggestion and wasn't sure what to say. I looked at Robin and saw her eyes widen in surprise, then she smiled in her childlike way, displaying her perfect fangs and answered for me. "She would love you to!"

I glared at Robin but she seemed to fly down the hallway. I twisted my first finger around the gold chain from which my locket delicately hung along with the ruby pendant Fox gave me as a token from the Vampire Royal Family.

Dmitry grinned at my obvious nervousness and my determination not to make eye contact with him. "Shall we?" he asked, holding as he held his arm out to me.

I couldn't resist taking it. It was such a rare occasion that a man acted like such a gentleman, even if he were a vampire. I tried to focus on my breathing so that Dmitry couldn't sense the emotions that were coursing through my body.

"Relax, Claire. I'm not going to charm you. Unless you want me to?"

"Not particularly, and that wasn't very nice, by the way," I decided I wasn't going to let him get off the hook.

"Oh, come on, after tonight I won't be able to have so much fun with you. You're going to be off limits when you become this big, bad vampire princess and all," Dmitry teased.

"Well that gives me an idea, since I'm going to be so _all powerful,_ I believe I may charm you and see how you like it," I teased, trying to sound as proper and poised as he did.

"Dear Claire, I truly hope you do not change," Dmitry said as we stopped outside my bedroom door. "At least not on the inside."

I watched as Dmitry lowered his perfectly-styled blonde head to kiss my hand. My body exploded in electricity at the instantaneous sensation and when his body stiffened, I realized he felt what I was feeling although I quickly tried to hide it.

We lingered for a moment, just staring at each other, frozen in time. Then with no warning Dmitry, smiled and disappeared without a word. I was left breathless outside my bedroom and completely in shock. Incapable of thinking of anything else, I dragged myself into my bed and snuggled up with Louie as I welcomed a deep and dreamless sleep.

~
Chapter 7

I woke up with a start and felt disoriented by the light that was flowing through an open window. Even though I was exceedingly tired, something seemed to draw my attention to the shaft of light that seeped into the room.

As I pulled apart the curtains, the brightness of the day's last rays nearly blinded me. It was sunset and the crimson skyline burned brightly on the horizon. As my eyes adjusted, I realized that this would be the very last sunset I would ever see. A small wave of sadness tore at my heart over this small, but significant loss. I always thought that sunsets and sunrises were some of the most beautiful acts of nature and I could never see them again.

I pulled off my socks and lifted myself up into the window. I hung my legs over the edge, savoring the last moments of the sun's warmth. My skin was soaking it up like a sponge and I sighed in pleasurable content as the sky darkened until something caught the corner of my eye.

A large tree stood atop a small hillside not far from the palace; and just under the tree, I again saw the figure of the man I saw before in the garden. He was watching me.

Normally, the sight of a man spying on me would be terrifying and I would immediately retreat to my room promptly, after flipping him the bird; but there was something about this man's presence that seemed to draw me to him. I thought he might be charming me, trying to lure me to him, but he was too far away for that to work. There was some other type of connection, a deep pull in my heart that was unrecognizable.

I watched him as he took confident steps toward the palace, yet still kept far enough away that I couldn't determine his features. In that moment, I so badly wished I had the enhanced eyesight of a vampire, so I could see his face. I studied what I could, and hoped I would see him again and possibly recognize my silent admirer from afar.

He stopped a couple hundred yards away from the palace. I could tell his skin was a perfect golden tan and his hair was cut short and light brown. The longer we stared at each other, the more I sensed that he had the same dominating presence of a vampire; but how could that be? He was standing in the fading light of day. I suppressed the urge to call out to him and finally say something, but he took off. He wasn't quite as fast as Robin or Dmitry, but definitely faster than any human. Who, or what, was he?

I waited a short while longer to see if he would come back, and when he didn't, I closed up the window securely and crawled back into bed with Louie. When sleep refused to come, I decided to start the night early and enjoy my last couple hours of privacy before my whole world was turned upside down.

I expected Robin would be the first to arrive in my room once the sun had finally set and the night descended, but she didn't. Instead, three servants entered and began to prepare me. The transformation seemed to be much more formal and ceremonial than I originally thought. I was required to clean my body thoroughly and dress in a specific garment for the occasion.

They dressed me in a sheer, white dress made of some sort of shimmering, mesh cloth. It reminded me of the Grecian togas I had seen women wearing in some of the tapestries that hung throughout the palace. One of the servants braided my hair and with small white ribbons woven through. I watched them work in the mirror and I felt as if I were being preened for some sort of wedding. Imagining I was a tortured princess, I pretended I was being forced into an arranged marriage by my evil parents. I giggled quietly to myself, which only seemed to annoy the servants.

When I was nearly complete, all but one of the servants left my room. The last one dabbed some drops of fragrant perfume on my body at various locations. As she rubbed it onto my neck and my wrists I could smell the delicate scent of eucalyptus drifting throughout the room.

"What is that?" I asked.

"Eucalyptus and lavender, Princess," she said. "It is meant to help soothe you throughout the transformation. They are two of the most favorite scents of vampires. Do you not approve of them?"

"Oh yes, I like them very much. Thank you." I worried that I offended her and realized that although I had not been changed yet, the servants were instructed to treat me as if I already were their royal princess.

Shortly after, Robin's mom arrived in my room and I saw that she was attired in an outfit similar to mine. She smiled warmly at me. I had to think for a moment, trying to remember her name. "Mara, it sure is good to see you," I said with a smile.

"Oh, Claire, you look beautiful," Mara said as she entered my sitting room. The servant bowed to her and quickly exited. "Are you ready?"

"Uh..." Although I was confident that I wanted to go through with it, I was still a bit scared.

"Come, child," Mara held her hand out to me and I took it hesitantly. I took a deep breath as she led me out of my room.

I was a bit startled to see that the entire palace was dark with the exception of a single row of candles that illuminated the hallway. As we made our way, hand-in-hand, I saw vampires and humans lining the hallways, each one bowing to me as I made my way past them. Even Ana and Luka bowed, although nowhere near as deeply as everyone else. I was certain I could almost sense their hatred toward me, especially Ana as her eyes pierced mine.

I recognized Robin and Dmitry's bowed heads and smiled broadly. I know was probably against protocol, but I let my fingers brush the tops of their heads gently as I walked by as a silent acknowledgement of their presence.

I realized that the candlelight was silhouetting our bodies through the sheer fabric, displaying a shadowy image of our figures as we walked. Surprisingly, I didn't feel self-conscious, but strangely at peace, as if I were part of some beautifully spiritual moment; and I delighted in the feeling of tranquility it was giving me.

We followed the candles, which led us to a large room. Just as we entered, I saw the top of a light brown-haired head that made my heart stop and my steps nearly falter. I wanted to stop and pull this man up, to finally see his face up close, but Mara's grip on my hand was secure and she pulled me forward as if she hadn't even noticed my pause.

Nicolae and Evilyn stood waiting for me. Tears brimmed in their eyes, threatening to fall down their faces. I was more shocked to see such emotion in Nicolae. Somehow, his posture didn't seem to match his expression. He was standing triumphantly at the doorway. His stance resembled the pose of many vampire men in paintings throughout the palace, usually towering over their defeated foe. I had to be reading him wrong. He was just as proud as the queen that I accepted and was only moments away from joining their family forever.

They each placed a cold kiss on my forehead, and Evilyn's tears dripped coldly onto my face. Mara pulled me forward into the room.

The doors were quietly closed behind us as we entered; and the room quickly began to light up brightly, revealing an elegant space covered in marble. A large altar was adorned with a ruby as large as my head. Intricate carvings surrounded the stone.

Beneath that was a tall, white marble platform that Mara guided me to. I walked slowly, feeling the nervousness and fear trickling through me. The windowless room was cold, although the décor was beautiful and obviously meant to be calming. There were vases nearly four feet tall, containing a variety of tropical plants and exotic flowers.

As I reached the narrow steps that led to the platform, I noticed that it was covered with white rose petals. Mara and another vampire helped me onto the table and I immediately closed my eyes. I could feel the cold stone on my skin, but the scent of the flowers were slightly comforting. Desperately trying to distract my thoughts, I could hear the whispers of the vampires as they prepared as well as the noises of what sounded like surgical tools. I tried to focus on the coldness of the room and the sensation of the goose bumps that I was certain had appeared across my flesh.

"Open your eyes, Princess Claire," Mara whispered as she smiled down at me. Her fangs startled me for a moment and I tried to control my emotions.

"Sorry, I'm just a little scared," I admitted. I took deep breaths and centered myself.

"There is nothing to fear. Keep your eyes open and focus on the night. It will be your shelter and the stars will be your guide. Let them comfort you as you journey into the realm of the goddess of the night," Mara said with comfort and confidence.

She stepped away from me and I saw that the ceiling of the room was gone. It was wide open to the sky and revealed the starlit beauty of the night. I felt my mind leaving my body as I stared into the dark blue sky above me. Strange smells filled my nostrils and two of the vampires swirled gold lanterns around me, which had red smoke emanating from them. As I seemed to travel further and further toward the limitless and dark void, I could barely hear the words of the prayer Mara recited.

"Goddess of the night, we call upon thee to accept another daughter into your realm and under your protection. We beg you to grant her peace in this transformation and bless her as you do all your children of the night."

As Mara's prayer ended, a sudden shock of piercing pain made me scream out. I lurched forward as it started to build and cried out to Mara, but her face was cold and emotionless. With a swift and powerful movement, she and the other vampires held me down as I struggled and cried.

"You must not struggle. Do you understand?" Mara ordered in a harsh tone that made me whimper at her. All I could do was simply nod my head as tears spilled across my face.

The vampires slowly released me and my body trembled slightly as the pain grew stronger. I could feel warm blood flowing out of my wrists, around my neck and between my legs. It traveled across my skin causing agony and panic to slowly build within me.

I turned to see that each of the six vampires in the room held sharp daggers with hilts that were decorated with large rubies. Their handles, etched in gold, were wrapped delicately in an intricate design like stars of the night sky, with a ruby as the moon, a blood red moon.

Each had used the exceptional speed of a vampire to slice at a major artery, creating deep gashes in my flesh. My life blood was pouring out of me onto the white marble platform and dripping onto the steps below. The sound of it dripping echoed throughout the room. I could feel the sound of it, driving me mad.

Mara came into my vision again, her fangs bared. She peered down at me as she held out a large crystal bowl to each vampire. It was filled with a thick dark liquid that surely had to be blood and I wondered if it was mine. I wanted to sit up and look at it, but I could feel my focus fading and my body growing weak. Each vampire dipped two fingers into the blood and held their fingers above me. When each vampire had their fingers coated, in unison they applied the blood onto my open wounds. Their fingers plunged into my wounds with such great force, I wanted to cry out, but I lacked the air in my lungs to do so. I could only allow more tears to fall down my face in hot streams as I gurgled and moaned.

The amount of pain I felt when they cut into me was nothing compared to the excruciating agony I felt when that blood mixed with mine. My body had been set on fire from within, burning its way through the millions of veins inside me. I found the breath to scream and my howls tore through the night, more frightening than any horror movie. I choked on my own sobs and fought against the vampires as they held me down again, still pressing their fingers into my pulsating, throbbing wounds.

I was certain my skin was boiling and bubbling up in grotesque welts as the immense heat burned through me. I cursed them and vowed I would kill them if they didn't let me go, yet they remained emotionless as they held me. I then took to pleading and begging for mercy, asking them to kill me and end my misery. They still did not stop. Their fangs bared as they stared at me with dark intensity.

The darkness shadowed my vision as the faces of the vampires started to fade away. I struggled less and less as my body gave way to death, or transformation. I wasn't certain which, but either was favorable to the immense misery of torture I was feeling.

"Focus, Claire!" Mara ordered as she jerked my head upward to look back into the night sky. I felt her hand sharply strike my face. "Look at the stars and focus on the goddess!"

"I can't," I whimpered at her, sounding more pitiful than I had ever in my life or ever would again.

"You must!" she ordered and jerked my head upward again.

I opened my eyes and tried to focus as tears blurred my vision. As I felt myself start to fade again, my eyes locked onto a particularly bright star in the sky, and before I had a moment to think a single thought, my world went black.

~
Chapter 8

I don't know exactly how much time had passed, but to me, if felt like a lifetime. The night of my transformation remained pristinely clear, however the time that followed was foggy. I recalled waking on several occasions to retch into a waste basket, which I later saw and deemed too beautiful a waste basket to vomit in, even for a princess.

When my body finished the change and finally accepted it, I was able to think clearly. It was as if a veil had been lifted. I was aware of my surroundings like never before. My eyes widened at the sight of my room and I found it hard to comprehend that it was actually more beautiful now than it had been before. I could see all the textures and I noticed the changes in colors made by the candlelight on different kinds of fabric. I could even differentiate between the vampires and the humans in the room.

There were two vampires in the room and I found them quickly as I sensed where they were without even having to look. Mara and Evilyn were seated in my waiting room just outside my door. Evilyn felt my eyes on them almost immediately and smiled as she returned my gaze.

As they both rose to approach me, I noticed that they looked far less formal than I had ever seen them before, but no less beautiful. In fact, I think they looked even more beautiful with no makeup on their faces and dressed in more casual clothes. Or was it because my improved eyesight truly captured every angle of their beauty?

"How are you feeling, child?" Evilyn asked as she took a seat beside me on the bed.

I had to think on it a moment to pick the right words to describe what I was feeling. It was difficult to find a word that could express the new sensations flooding through my body. Still in awe of the whole experience, my hands flew to my mouth, touching my teeth where my fangs would soon begin to grow.

I was silly to expect them to be like to Robin's, clearly fangs, but yet not nearly as long as the older vampires; even though she told me that it would take a long while. I was shocked to find two fully grown fangs and ran my tongue across them, not trusting my fingers' discovery.

"I have fangs," I said in a shocked tone. "Robin told me that fangs take time to grow." I looked to Evilyn for an answer and found her expression both pleased and concerned.

"You are developing quite fast, Claire. I've never heard or read anything about it before," Mara said in the same fascinated tone I noticed in Dmitry. When I saw her looking at me like I was some prized science experiment, I turned to Evilyn for a better explanation.

"Is there something wrong with me?" I asked.

"Of course not!" Evilyn said with a tad of arrogance and an almost irritated tone. "You are a Noire now, a princess, pure of blood. The acceleration in your transformation is only more proof of our superior blood line and the strength of the ages that now runs through your veins. It was my very own blood that was used to change you."

I noticed the expression of concealed hurt on her face and realized that I may have accidentally insinuated that something was wrong with her blood. "I didn't mean to offend you. I just wasn't expecting... well these," I said as I pointed to my fangs.

"They are beautiful, child," Evilyn cooed as she ran her hand softly across my face. Her touch was no longer cold and I smiled back at her. My new mom. "I have something for you."

The queen rose from the bed and retrieved a small silver goblet from a servant standing at the doorway. Before she even told me, I knew the contents of it, blood. The coppery smell quickly traveled through the air and my body responded immediately. A sensation of yearning coursed through me, a hunger pang that wasn't just in my stomach, but throughout my entire body. Every inch of me desired the blood that was in that goblet.

"We chose correctly," Mara commented as Evilyn stood at the end of my bed. "You can see how strongly she desires it."

Feeling embarrassed, I quickly clamped my hands over my mouth and looked away. I must have looked like a dog begging for scraps from the dinner table.

"It is a good thing, Claire. A great deal of work goes into the pairing of a vampire to the blood they must feed on. The greater your desire for the blood, the better match we have made." Evilyn smiled at me as she handed me the goblet.

I was surprised to feel the warmth of the blood through the silver of the cup. It seemed to warm my fingers and only made me crave it more. I expected to be hesitant the first time I drank blood, but the longing I felt was undeniable. I looked at the queen before bringing it to my lips and she smiled almost wickedly and nodded at me.

I brought the goblet to my lips and drank greedily. The thick blood coated my throat and I moaned as I savored its metallic taste. It felt like liquid satisfaction mixed with electricity when I swallowed. I could almost feel it travel throughout my body, igniting every inch of me, making me feel utterly amazing. I resisted the urge to wipe my finger around the inside of the goblet and get every last drop. Instead, I maintained some semblance of composure.

I handed the goblet back to Evilyn. It still didn't feel natural to call her mom. Taking a deep breath, I pulled myself out of bed and headed for the full-length mirror in my closet. I was dreading this moment most. Would I still look like myself? Would I recognize the reflection staring back at me?

I passed Louie, reclining lazily on the chaise, and he simply yawned at me. "I'm glad you're not scared of me, Louie. I don't know what I would do without you," I said as I scratched under his chin.

"I've never seen an animal take to the change so well. You must have a very strong bond," Evilyn commented from the doorway.

I closed my eyes and took the last couple steps until I was directly in front of the mirror. It took some time to build enough courage to open my eyes, but I slowly did. What I saw not only shocked me, but filled me with incredible happiness. I was flawlessly beautiful!

I had always thought myself pretty, but somehow the transformation into a vampire perfected all the imperfections I thought I had. My skin definitely had taken on a paleness, but seemed translucent as it reflected the light of the room. Even my hair seemed to be more vibrant as the red hue in my auburn locks contrasted with my new ivory skin. My eyes were now the limitless dark pools of all vampires. I worried that I would agree with the nay-sayers that my eyes looked soulless, but I could sense there was something buried deep inside me now that was never there before. An understanding and connection with the world around me unlike I had ever imagined was visible in my countenance.

Stepping closer to the mirror, I opened my mouth to reveal my new fangs. They stood out amongst my other teeth and oddly enough, I felt like they looked completely normal. I couldn't understand how having fangs felt perfectly right, as if they had been missing my whole life and they finally were where they belonged.

As I ran my tongue across them, Evilyn stood behind me and admired my reflection lovingly. "You are more beautiful than we could have ever imagined. Your father is even calling you his little miracle," she said as she stroked my hair.

The mention of the word "father" made my heart ache with both sadness and happiness. I thought of Nicolae then and I could feel the connection between us as I felt between the queen and me. A wave of understanding washed over me. "He turned you," I said in surprise.

"He did, child. His blood flows through my body as it now does in yours. We are bonded for all eternity, daughter," she kissed the top of my head and then dramatically turned about the room and started sorting through the gown section of my elaborate, walk-in closet.

I sat down in front of the mirror and continued to inspect my new body. Testing how quickly I could swing my arm this way or that, or what sounds I could hear and how far away they were. The queen continued to look through gowns, mumbling things to the servants as she handed dresses to them.

"The coronation ball is tomorrow night. There we will announce you to the region as well as the Vampire High Council and all the high ranking vampires in our region."

The mention of the ball drew my attention away from my reflection. It was one of the first things about turning into a vampire that most excited me. I glanced over to my new vampire mom who was holding up a shimmering, royal blue gown.

Evilyn was studying the cut of the dress and rubbing the fabric between her fingers when a vampire came rushing up to her side. When I was human, vampires were only a blur when they moved so swiftly, but with my new, enhanced vampire eyesight, I could see him quite clearly and his speed didn't seem particularly fast.

Evilyn leaned into the man as he whispered into her ear. I watched him as his dark eyes darted at me and then back to the queen. Even with my improved hearing, I couldn't make out his words. When his message had been delivered, he exited the room as quickly as he had entered, leaving the queen looking slightly irritated.

"Is everything okay?" I asked.

"Nothing you need to worry about. Your duty right now is to focus on preparing yourself for the ball and your first public role as Princess Noire," Evilyn said as she hung the dress back on the rack. "Fetch the young Miss Willow please," she ordered a nearby servant who quickly left the room. "I trust Robin will help get you properly prepared for tomorrow night. If you need anything, just send a servant to summon me."

I simply nodded at her, straining to contain my excitement. I knew I was being obsessive, but the idea of being a princess and attending a royal ball was simply magical. Even though I had about a million questions, I was sure Robin would be more than willing to tell me everything I wanted to know, now that I was a vampire.

As the queen left, the servants followed her and I realized that Mara had gone as well without my knowledge. I was grateful, however, for a quiet moment to collect my thoughts. I knew it would be merely seconds before Robin arrived in her usual exuberance and although I knew I would enjoy and partake of her cheerfulness, I always savored the time I had to myself. I very much wanted to test my new abilities, but I still felt greatly exhausted from the transformation. A memory from that night flashed through my mind and I recalled finding peace by looking at the stars in the sky, so I made my way to the small balcony that extended off the far end of my sitting room.

As I parted the curtains, I found the night wasn't as dark as I had expected, nor was it my improved vision that made it so. The sky was aglow simply by the glare of the abnormally bright moon that was fuller than I had ever remembered seeing it.

"It is called the hunter's moon," Ana said sharply from behind me.

If I could have hidden it, I would have, but she visibly startled me. I didn't sense her approach and I should have.

Ana laughed sarcastically, "What's the matter, Princess? Little Miss Perfect Pure-Blood can't even sense a single vampire?" She clicked her tongue between her lips, "Tsk tsk. That just won't do, what would Nicolae think of his precious stray? How sad is it that they chose you in their desperate attempt to cling to the throne."

I put my hands on my hips as she looked me over, obviously appraising my transformation. "What do you want?"

"Oh, I just wanted to see for myself if you were even close to what everyone seems to think you are. I must say, however, they may be sadly disappointed." She smiled at me and flashed her fangs in an almost predatory manner as she flipped her long blonde hair over her shoulder.

"And who is everyone?" I didn't think she would really tell me, but I figured I should try anyway. I knew Ana was the biggest bitch in the palace, but one thing I learned from Liz was that those girls knew things that no one else did. It was getting them to spill it that was the hard part.

"You really have no clue, do you, princess?" Ana asked in an amused hiss. "Dmitry was right, you are very entertaining."

She was really starting to piss me off, although the mention of Dmitry talking to her about me was what really ruffled my feathers most. "Why are you such a bitch?"

Ana's face contorted to extreme hatred and disgust as she flashed toward me in a sudden rush. She stopped just an inch from my face, her teeth bared. I sucked in a breath, which only made her break out in laughter.

"You are pathetic. They really think they can continue their reign with someone as weak as you. What a joke! They knew my parents and me were the rightful heirs. And when all the other elders of our region agree..." She hissed at me like a snake, "all of a sudden they have this _perfect_ pure-blood _magically_ found in our region." Her sarcastic tone was filled with hate. "You are no more than their puppet!"

She got in my face, fangs bared, but I held my ground even though she was uttering my one true fear. That I really was their puppet. "They are weak and exposed. I would bring back the respect our kind deserves!"

"With a vampire like you as their only option..." Robin said as she entered the room with a wavering confidence. I could tell that this was probably the first time she ever stood up to Ana, and I was never more proud of her than in that moment.

"Robin, you're even worse than this joke of a princess. Soon you'll both see. The world belongs to the strong and powerful."

With that, Ana sped from the room, but not before swinging her arm across the large bouquet of flowers on the coffee table and sending all the petals flying off their stems. Her laugh remained, echoing throughout the room for a few moments after she left.

"She has serious issues. What is her damn problem?" I asked Robin as she inspected the ruined bouquet of flowers.

"She was hoping you wouldn't survive the change. To be honest, I was a little surprised you made it. Not because I didn't think you were strong enough, but..." Robin looked at me then and smiled, as she viewed my new vampire body. "Look at you! Va-va-Voom!"

I laughed at her, but wasn't going to let her change the subject. "But what?"

Robin rolled her eyes at me, "You don't give up, do ya?"

"No," I smiled at her. "I've been known to be rather persistent."

"Your screams could be heard throughout the entire palace, Claire. We've never heard anyone take the transformation so brutally," Robin admitted as a look of sadness crept onto her face. "But look at you now! You're tougher than anyone could have ever thought."

I wasn't sure how to take what Robin said. Should I have been proud that I was strong enough to survive? Or worried that something might have gone wrong to make the transformation worse than it should have been?

"Do you think something went wrong?" I asked Robin even though I was sure she probably didn't know. The one vampire I should be asking that question was Robin's mom, Mara.

"I don't know. You look fine to me. My mom has done countless transformation ceremonies. I heard her talking to my dad and she said she hadn't ever seen anything like it before. You're okay now though, so don't worry about it."

"I'll try." I reluctantly gave up pressing her on the subject. "So what are you going to wear to this shindig?"

"Well... I was hoping my best friend would let me borrow one of her dresses," Robin said as she eyed me mischievously, baring her fangs in a playful grin.

"Duh, Robin! Of course you can, but only if you help me decide what to wear. Evilyn said you needed to help make sure I'm prepared for tomorrow night."

"Oh my gosh, Claire, I totally will! You will look so stunning I promise," Robin jumped me with a hug, that didn't take my breath away as it had before and flew into the closet with a wicked giggle.

I started to follow her and decided to test my speed ability. I steadied myself and took off at an incredibly fast run. It probably would have been better do the test somewhere with a bit more space. Stopping was a little difficult and I had to latch onto a handful of hanging blouses that tore quickly in my grasp.

I stood frozen for a moment while both Robin and I stared at the destroyed garments in my hand. Then we both broke out in hysterical laughter.

"You'll get the hang of it, I promise. At least you just ruined some shirts. I knocked an antique vase over and it shattered everywhere. The look on Fox's face was both hysterical and frightening. I wasn't sure if he was going to start crying or rip my throat out." Robin giggled at the memory.

"So, what color do you want to wear?" I asked as I joined her in looking through all the gowns in my closet. Every one of them was incredibly elaborate, made with the richest and softest of fabrics.

"I'm not sure, but you should wear this one," Robin said as she held out a silky, low-cut, black dress.

I eyed the deep v-neck cut and shook my head, "It's beautiful, but I doubt Evilyn would approve."

"Are you kidding? Of course she would! She bought all these dresses. Vampires don't have the same... Well let's just say they appreciate the human body."

I hung the dress back up, not certain that I wanted it to be _the_ dress I revealed myself to the region and the vampire community in. I didn't mind something sexy, but I was really looking for something with a wow factor.

Robin and I spent the next few hours trying on dresses and jewelry. Discussing hairstyle options was even harder than choosing a dress, but we were certain we nailed down some semblance of a plan.

I chose the gown Robin would wear. It was a gorgeous, light blue, with a detailed fitted corset that was delicately embroidered in gold. The large skirt billowed below her waist and made her look like a fairy tale princess.

"Are you sure?" Robin asked me as she spun around in front of the mirror.

"Totally, that color looks amazing on you," I said as I rummaged through the display of jewelry and found the perfect gold bracelet for Robin to wear. "Here, put this on too."

Robin quickly latched on the bracelet and posed in front of the mirror. "I think you should wear the cream dress."

I looked at the two dresses I couldn't decide between. The cream dress didn't have as large a skirt as Robin's. It had an intricately embroidered bodice that gathered on the side of the hip and led down to a small train. It also had a beautiful, strapless, heart-cut neckline and I loved how tiny it made my waist look.

The other was an emerald green silk dress that clung to my body. It was simple with no frills. It too had a train, but much longer and I worried that I would trip, but the one shouldered neckline was gorgeous. The fabric was twisted into a tight, rope-like design and crossed between my shoulder blades to open up into a sparkling green train.

Robin saw me looking at the dress longingly, "I don't think Dmitry likes green."

"What?"

"Oh, don't hide it, Claire. I see how you look at him. I don't blame you, he is gorgeous!" Robin teased as she carefully changed out of her gown. The fabric puddled gently as she placed it onto a chair.

"I don't think of Dmitry like that," I lied. I knew I was starting to develop feelings for Dmitry, but I could feel my heart being invisibly pulled in another direction I hadn't discovered yet. I wanted to like Dmitry and I was undoubtedly attracted to him, but there was something missing.

"Whatever you say. All I know is that I want to dance with Drake. He is the son of vampire Duke Aldric from the east. He is so gorgeous, Claire, jet-black hair and a killer smile," Robin swooned as she sighed aloud.

"Sounds like you're in love," I teased as I hung the cream gown back onto the rack and chose the emerald green. I looked through my jewelry and found a pair of large ruby earrings that hung like blood drops from sizable sparkling yellow diamonds. They were dramatic and probably flashy, but I didn't plan on wearing any other jewelry so I thought they were perfect.

"I suppose we had better get some work done, otherwise the queen will have my head," Robin slid her first finger across her throat and giggled while she stuck her tongue out.

"I take it this isn't going to be just some fun party?"

"Well, for the most part, it is a celebration, but there are some formalities. Think of it as a coming out party. The king and queen are going to formally announce you as their princess and heir. Everyone will bow to acknowledge you and show their acceptance, and then on to the partying."

"That's it?"

"Pretty much. You actually don't really have to do anything, except stand there. The king will make his announcement, everyone will bow and then you must bow to the king and queen. Like this." Robin slid her right foot behind her left and bent her knees as she lowered her body steadily to the ground. "See? Easy."

"Hmm... When Evilyn said she wanted you to prepare me, it sounded like there was more to it than that."

"There are some things I can't exactly prepare you for."

"Like what?"

"Because you are the princess, there are certain customs you will have to follow. Once you are presented as the princess, the cameras will leave and another announcement will be made for vampire ears only."

~
Chapter 9

My interest perked up as Robin started to whisper as though someone were listening in on our conversation. We exited my closet and sat atop my bed with Louie curled up nearby. "What sort of customs?" I asked.

"Blood Mates," Robin said mechanically.

"What are Blood Mates?" I had never heard of such a thing and wasn't quite sure I liked the sound of it.

"It is a highly secretive practice followed by very old or very important vampires. I honestly think many only do it as a tradition to gain status, but obviously, my opinion doesn't matter."

"Robin, what is it?" I could feel myself thirsting for the information as if knowledge of vampire secrets were as delicious as warm blood trickling down my throat.

At the thought of blood, I could feel my mouth watering and I slid my tongue across my fangs and then over my lips. Robin paused and stared at my fangs in almost perfectly frozen shock. "I still can't believe how long your fangs are, Claire."

"Please don't look at me like I'm some kind of science experiment. It's probably just because... Well, I don't know why it is, but is it really that big of a deal?"

Robin shook her head and I felt a little guilty for snapping at her. I realized that I probably sounded a lot like Ana. So, I quickly changed the subject to the most prominent thought in my mind. "Are you hungry?"

"A little," Robin admitted, her smile returning. "I know you must be. I was hungry all the time when I first turned."

"Great. So, how do we get something to eat around here? Just go to the kitchen and ask Bruno to whip us up a couple blood smoothies, O Negative style?" I joked with her to lighten the mood again.

"I see you haven't lost your sense of humor," Dmitry said from the doorway to my room. He was leaning against the frame and looking as swoon-worthy as I could have ever imagined, but that wasn't what took my breath away.

It was the sight of Luka standing beside him. He had the same irritated look permanently frozen onto his face. It was the only expression I had ever seen him wear and he looked at Robin and me like we were insects.

I imagined we both looked quite casual, each of us dressed in sweat pants and tank tops, but I always thought guys were attracted to non-high maintenance types. However, when it came to Luka, I was obviously wrong! Especially when I considered Ana. She had probably never even held a pair of sweat pants or a t-shirt, for that matter.

"I see you haven't stopped your habit of sneaking up on people?" I replied to Dmitry and he smiled as he strolled into the room.

"Like I told you before, Claire, I don't sneak. Luka and I just heard the news that you had quite an interesting transformation and we wanted to see it for ourselves."

"Oh great! Show and tell," I complained, but Dmitry ignored it as he always did and walked toward me with unwavering confidence. Luka followed, but kept his distance, like someone who was trying to avoid catching the flu from a sick person.

I watched as Dmitry scrutinized me with expert precision. Normally, having a person study my body would have made me feel self-conscious, but when Dmitry did it, I felt important. Like every inch of me was fascinating to him.

"My, my," Dmitry's breath brushed across my skin as he leaned in closer to inspect my new fangs. His finger delicately lifted my upper lip and when his silky skin touched the sensitive part of my mouth, it made my body tingle. I used every ounce of self-control to keep from kissing him at that very moment.

I could feel the heat building between us as Dmitry released my lip and we locked eyes for the briefest of moments; although in intensity, it felt like it lasted an eternity.

"I guess it's true then. What do you think, Luka?" Dmitry asked as he turned toward his brother and broke our connection.

Luka heaved a heavy sigh and stared at me for moment. His power was equal to that of Dmitry, but the feeling it evoked was quite the opposite - hatred and anger. The emotions were so strong, that I was starting to feel them myself. Without even realizing it, I was tapping into Luka's feelings and when he sensed the connection, his eyes widened in shock.

"Like to snoop around, don't ya, you little minx? You think you can just stroll into the palace and take control of everything like you're worthy of it?"

"Excuse me?" I was a little shocked by Luka's reaction. I knew he didn't like me, but the venom lacing his voice was brutal.

"Stay the hell out of my head, you little bitch," Luka spat back at me as Ana sped into the room and flashed to his side. An evil grin was plastered onto her perfectly painted face. Her long, blonde hair, twisted in loose curls still bounced around from the drama of her entrance.

Luka looked down at her and his face completely changed. It was total love and adoration as they gazed at each other, but when they looked back at me, their scathing abhorrence returned.

"I told you, didn't I, Luka?" Ana asked as she sneered at me.

"She seems to think she is going to be top vampire around here," Luka said with a snobbish tone that marred his beautiful face, suddenly making it appear incredibly ugly.

"I am going to be top vampire around here!" I announced as I stood up and bared my fangs. It felt completely natural to do it and I couldn't recall consciously thinking about it; my body did it instinctively.

"Everyone, calm down," Dmitry said as he jumped in front of me.

I didn't want to calm down, but when his hand grabbed mine it was impossible not to feel my anger slowly melting away.

"What the hell are you doing, Dmitry? You are really going to take her side? This pathetic little excuse for a vampire? They just found her on the streets like a stray dog!" Ana shouted.

"Someday, she will be queen, Ana, and she will be queen for a very long time. Do you really want her to remember you having said that?" Dmitry replied.

"Oh yes, queen indeed. Such a powerful queen that she must hide behind you?" Luka snarled as he eyed Dmitry and Robin who were now standing protectively at my side. Her arm was wrapped around my waist and I realized it wasn't for comfort, but poised to yank me out of the situation if circumstances demanded it.

Robin looked angelic and sweet, but she was a vampire and had been for far longer than I. I saw then how very deadly Robin could be even when up against the two vampires she was most afraid of.

"I am not hiding, and they are not my puppets! They are my friends or have you never heard of such a thing before?"

Ana giggled softly and turned toward Luka. She rested her hand on his chest and he looked down at her, both of them smiling with sinister glee. "They're friends, Luka. Isn't that precious?" Ana turned and flipped her blonde hair over her shoulder. Her dark eyes looked abnormally large she outlined them in thick, dark makeup. "Your own brother is going to make friends with the very stray that stole the throne out from under us. What a shame."

"Ana, you're being ridiculous!" Dmitry replied, his tone sounding more like pleading than the defensive edge it had before.

"Am I? Luka, do you think I'm being ridiculous?"

"No," Luka replied and he shifted his deadly stare from me to Dmitry, which only infuriated me further. A strong desire to protect Dmitry boiled inside me and a growl started to rumble in my chest. It was initially an alien sensation, yet it felt completely natural and I reveled in it. I whipped my hand around the front of Dmitry and pushed him behind me.

Surprisingly, he moved quite easily and I wasn't sure if it was because of my strength or because he was letting me take control, which I very much doubted. "She is the rightful heir, Luka, and you know it. Nicolae chose her and we must obey his wishes."

"Poor Dmitry, always the loyal slave." Ana smiled and widened her blood-red lips to reveal her fangs. She kissed Luka then and they embraced in an almost erotic way as they held each other intimately.

"Get a room!" Robin shouted from behind me, nearly startling me. Ana and Luka laughed aloud and then sped out of the room, slamming the door behind them with a thunderous sound, sending numerous framed wall pictures tumbling to the floor in their wake.

I fell into the nearest seat and couldn't even comprehend what had just happened. Their vitriol at my being princess was far greater than I had previously thought. I had the impression that they were simply jealous, but now it seemed that they had a vendetta against me.

"Are you okay?" Dmitry asked as he dropped to one knee at my side, like a gallant knight. His abysmal eyes searched my face for an answer.

"We need to keep an eye on them tomorrow night," Robin said as she hung the pictures back onto the wall.

"They aren't going to do anything. They are just trying to rattle her up, so she messes up at the coronation," Dmitry stated.

"Are you kidding?" Robin said, looking exasperated. "Did you see the look on Ana's face? She has it in for Claire." Robin pointed at me and I just shook my head.

"Dmitry's right. They won't touch me and even if they did, imagine the hell that would rain down on them." I wasn't quite sure if hell would really rain down on them, but I certainly hoped it would. I was a princess now; that had to come with some kind of protection.

"Claire's right. Luka has been my brother for a very long time. I know he won't hurt her," Dmitry said. He started to appear more relaxed as he took a seat on the sofa.

"You two are delusional. Luka might not hurt her, but he'll do anything that bitch, Ana says, and you know it," Robin complained as she folded her arms in a childish fashion. A painful expression accompanied her words and I wondered if something had happened to her in the past.

"What would you have her do?" Dmitry asked, sounding annoyed as he clenched his hands and started cracking his knuckles.

"Tell the king. He will make sure they never bother Claire again." Robin rushed to my side and grabbed my hand in a pleading manner. "He will always protect you. Tell him what happened."

I slowly pulled my hand away as my mouth fell open in shock at Robin's words. I knew she didn't like Luka and Ana, and I knew that she was afraid of them as well, but I wasn't going to be a nark. "Robin, that will only make matters worse. The best way to handle a situation like this is to deal with it one-on-one."

Robin pulled away and moved deeper into the sofa, looking thoroughly disappointed. "You haven't seen what they are capable of."

"What exactly are they capable of, Robin?" Dmitry asked as he rose out of his seat in a sudden flourish of anger.

Robin obviously had no hesitation in standing up against Dmitry and rose up to meet his steady gaze with her own. "You're sight is clouded by your love for your brother."

As Robin and Dmitry stood staring into each other's eyes, I watched the muscles clench in Dmitry's jaw. I grew focused on him, and I could feel my body connecting to his. The emotions he was feeling were swirling around me like a warm summer breeze. Her words wounded him and he was not only greatly insulted, but incredibly angry. Judging by Robin's smug expression, I could tell she knew it.

I knew I had to do something to stop this before it got any worse. It was more than enough to handle Luka and Ana biting at my heels; I didn't need my only friends to be at war as well.

Doing the only thing that I was certain would break the battle of psyches between them, I jumped to Dmitry's side and wrapped my fingers in his and squeezed. His jaw instantly relaxed and he broke his stare with Robin and looked at me. I saw the muscles in his face relax and felt the warmth of his anger dissipate from around us as another feeling tickled my flesh, and hugging our bodies as we stared into each other eyes.

It was an incredible feeling to lock eyes with a vampire in such a way. It was a strong feeling of intimacy that coursed through my body, like warm electricity that set every nerve and sensation afire with desire although the only parts of us that were touching were our hands. I had never been with a guy before, but if it felt anything like this, waiting until I was married was going to be a much greater struggle than I could ever imagine.

The sound of Robin groaning with annoyance broke the spell between Dmitry and me. Our hands released, but the connective spark between us still lingered and very slowly drifted away, like the fleeting fragrance of a beautiful bouquet.

"I should get going. There are a lot of things that still need to be done," Dmitry looked at me again, but the connection was no longer there. I gave him a weak smile and then he retreated from the room with a dramatic exit.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Robin open her mouth. I was certain she was going to either continue her tirade about Ana and Luka or make some comment about Dmitry and me, but I didn't want to hear it. As much as I liked Robin, I had already had my fill of drama for the night. "Whatever you're going to say Robin, please don't. I'm not sure how much more I can take tonight and I am still starving."

"I'll ring the servants to bring us something," Robin said as she walked woodenly to a nearby phone. I watched her as she spoke on the phone. Her body was very stiff and she was wrapping the phone cord around her finger so tightly, her finger was turning white.

I'd never seen her so worked up about something before, and perhaps she did have a point, but what could be done? The coronation ball was tomorrow and I wasn't even prepared. All I had was a dress picked out and a vague idea of what I should expect.

"They will bring us something up very soon," Robin said as she walked across the room to look out the window of my small balcony.

I hesitated for a moment, wondering if I should follow her when an idea started to infiltrate my thoughts. As I pushed apart the sheer fabrics that separated my sitting room from the sparkling night sky, I found Robin looking sullen on the railing of the stone balcony. Her knees were pulled up to her chest and she was resting her chin on them as she stared blankly into the empty countryside.

"Would it make you feel better if I promised to talk to Nicolae after the coronation ball?" I asked as I took a seat on the railing across from her, resting my back against a pillar that was shaped like a lion's head.

"It's not about making me feel better, Claire. It's about your safety." Robin didn't look at me as she spoke, but kept her eyes fixed on an invisible point of interest in the distance.

I closed my eyes and let my newly developed senses take in the magic of the night. The cold night breeze wrapped around my arms and danced with my hair. I took a deep breath and smelled faint hints that reminded me of the palace's garden and how I longed to go back there.

"Why are you so concerned for my safety? You're acting as if you know something bad is going to happen." I was surprised when the words left my lips since I couldn't remember thinking them. Was this my newly developed intuition or connection with emotions? I tried to tether my psyche to Robin as I did Dmitry, but it didn't seem to work.

"Our world is just in a very delicate state right now, Claire. Everyone thinks I'm crazy, but my parents and I have read the histories of our world and we know how things can take the wrong path. The world may be different than what it used to be, but the actions that people take always lead to the same outcomes."

We both sat in silence for a while and I considered what she said. I was grateful that Robin didn't always have to talk and was comfortable to sit in silence with me at times, just enjoying the peace and quiet. It made me think of Liz and my former feelings of homesickness returned.

As I sat wondering what Liz was doing, as well as my real mom, a servant arrived with two small silver goblets of blood. I took the glass from the small silver platter and stared into the cup. I took another deep breath as I realized that I might not be able to keep the promise that I made to Liz. I was discovering things that told me my new life could not coexist with my old one, and it was a sad realization.

"I'll see you dark and early tomorrow night, okay?" Robin asked as she left her perch on the railing. I saw the hint of a smile on her face. Her usual chipper personality was slowly returning and it was a pleasant sight. Her friendliness was one of the reasons I chose to accept the king's proposal since it made it that much easier.

"You got it." I mustered a confident smile for her before she retreated.

Alone on the balcony, I finished the sticky contents in my goblet and stared into the night sky. Without even realizing it, I sensed that I was searching for the connection I found the night of my transformation. Searching for the goddess, of whom Mara had spoken. I longed for Nyx, the goddess, seeking the comfort she offered during my greatest time of misery. Maybe she could help ease my worries and guide me to the right decision I needed to make.

A shiver rolled up my spine like a drop of ice water sliding across the skin. I thought for a fleeting moment that I found the connection I was searching for, but quickly realized it was something else, someone else. My eyes frantically sought the familiar, yet mysterious, figure that I knew was somewhere watching me; and I found him in the same place as I had before. He was standing in the distance.

A warm ribbon of air wrapped around me, as it had when I touched Dmitry. I could feel my heart longing for this mysterious man. I wanted to leap from the balcony just to be near him and my breath caught in my throat as he walked closer to the palace. He was almost close enough for his face to be revealed by the palace glow, but he stopped short.

"Who are you?" I meant to shout aloud, but it came out as a whisper, sneaking sway from my lips like a secret. My words whipped around me and I sensed that they would be carried on the ribbon that invisibly connected us.

I clenched the edge of the stone railing and felt my palms growing sweaty as my stomach lurched and knotted. I felt like a school girl waiting for her crush to reply to a love note, a feeling I both despised and relished.

Suddenly, a tantalizing sensation whirled around me and tickled the sensitive skin around my neck. It carried one word to my ears with the most enticing voice I had ever heard.

His voice was deep and soulful, oozing emotion and certainty. He answered my question, and as soon as the word reached me, he was gone.

"Yours."

I don't know how long I remained on the balcony after that, staring at the empty place where he was standing. A dozen questions danced in my thoughts and I was both intrigued and vexed by my mystery man's answer. I cursed myself for not asking his name, so I could question Robin about who he was. I wondered if he would be at my coronation ball; and if I would ever really get to see him. What exactly did he mean by saying he was mine?

~
Chapter 10

After the exciting mix of emotions, I decided to take a cold shower and then walk around the garden. The shower helped me feel better, as did spending some time with the only reliable man still in my life, Louie. He lay idly at my feet while I tried to find something comfortable to wear. When a blue cotton summer dress caught my eye, I quickly slipped it on along with a pair of flip-flops and my gold necklace, which contained one of my most prized possessions - the locket that Robin gave me. The pictures of Liz and my mom were comforting and I looked at them often, pretending that they were there with me. I even imagined what Liz would advise me to do if she knew the predicament I was in.

In fact I knew exactly what she would say, "Claire don't be a sissy, kick the girl's ass and get it over with so we can go shopping."

For such a pretty girl, Liz definitely wasn't afraid to break a few nails while she ripped out her rival's cheap extensions. I giggled at the memory of Liz getting in a fight with her arch-nemesis, Stacey Hart, because Liz caught Stacey eyeing Liz's current guy of the month.

As I let my thoughts consume me, which I loved to do, but rarely got the opportunity to enjoy, I found that I had navigated myself through the palace with newfound ease and was descending the stone steps that led into the palace gardens.

I took my time walking back to the bench that I discovered on my last visit to the garden and secretly hoped that my mystery man would find me again, but I was sadly disappointed.

The bench was empty as were the rest of the gardens. I didn't see, hear or feel anyone around me except plants and various animals. Everyone was most certainly getting ready for the big night ahead. I sat atop the bench and grabbed a handful of pebbles as I randomly tossed them into the pond.

The sounds of the night grew muter the longer I was out by the edge of the pond. Perhaps I was losing myself in my thoughts more deeply or maybe the creatures of the night were preparing for a long days rest.

When I sensed another presence, I was both excited and disappointed in the same fleeting moment. Nicolae appeared at my side, coming to such a graceful stop, that it almost appeared he had materialized out of thin air. His dark hair didn't appear to be in the slightest bit out of place and his expression was brimming with calm and understanding.

I hadn't seen much of my new vampire dad since I first visited the palace and I was a little happy to see him. It was still new and slightly awkward, but never having a dad before, the man I had envisioned as my father growing up was so very much like Nicolae that it was hard not to be in awe of him.

We stood silently in the night, breathing in the smells and absorbing the sensations of our surroundings. I watched as Nicolae unbuttoned his jacket and bent down to pick up a handful of small pebbles before joining me.

"I don't have to read your emotions to know something is vexing you, child," he said as he tossed his last pebble and dusted off his hands. "Come sit with me."

I joined Nicolae on the bench as I battled with my inner self as to what I should tell him. I appreciated how patiently he waited and noticed how he studied my face like everyone else when they first saw me after the change. His face softened and I could feel my heart swelling with pride as I sensed his approval of my new appearance.

"I am very proud of you, Claire," Nicolae said.

He was proud of me. The words almost brought tears to my eyes, but I fought them back because I wanted to maintain a strong image in front of my new dad. An indescribable urge to make him proud coursed through me. Was it really me who wanted this? Or was it because of his blood inside of me? "Thank you, Nic... Dad." I was still getting used to Nicolae and calling him dad just didn't seem to come too naturally, something he noticed as well.

"You may call me Nicolae if you feel more comfortable," he said as he smiled. "Although, hearing you call me 'Dad' does make me quite happy."

I returned his smile, revealing my new fangs and started to feel more at ease around him. "My, my Claire, your fangs are nearly fully grown. I suppose I owe Evilyn an apology; I accused her of exaggerating." Nicolae's eyes sparkled with amusement and I appreciated that he was trying to ease the tension.

"The palace is alive tonight with preparations for tomorrow," he commented as he turned toward the palace, letting the warm yellow lights dance on his face.

I studied his features for a moment with my new eyes and noticed his strong jawline, taking took note that it was relaxed. Without trying to invade his privacy too much, I pushed out with my senses and hoped to gauge his true feelings, only to be blocked by a strong wall. It was quite jarring and felt much like the instant you slam on the brakes to avoid hitting a car in a near accident.

"You're quite strong, Claire, but I am much older than you are young one," he smiled and patted his hand on my knee.

"I'm sorry."

"There is no need to apologize. I encourage you to practice your skills. I want you to be the best that you can be."

I nodded at him and gazed at the towering palace that lay beyond the gardens. "What will tomorrow night really be like?"

"Tomorrow will be a night that many vampires have not witnessed in a very long time. Not in our region, at least. There is great anticipation to see you and I am happy to know that they will not be disappointed."

I thought about dancing around the subject, but changed my mind. I was a vampire princess now; and I wasn't going to let anyone keep the truth from me anymore. I took a deep breath and steadied my gaze on Nicolae, "Is there anyone who won't be happy about tomorrow night?"

Nicolae looked away from me then, and nodded his head slowly. I got the feeling that my question didn't surprise him, but I also sensed that he was hoping I wasn't going to ask. "Claire, if I can give you any advice about the new life that has been laid out before you, it is this. Rare indeed will it be that a vampire or human will agree with any decision you must make, but your decision must be made nonetheless. You must do what has to be done, no matter what the consequences. If it is for the good of your kind and for your region, there is no sacrifice too great. Do you understand?"

I nodded my head as stray strands of my dark auburn hair fell and tickled my face, "I understand."

"It was a monumental responsibility we have burdened you with, Claire, but you are a symbol of hope and strength," he spoke the words with such conviction that I was starting to feel inspired, until I realized he hadn't answered my question.

I furrowed my brow at him, hopefully looking very much like a frightful vampire, and Nicolae read my expression instantly. "Ah, there is the power of which I speak. You see..." he said as he waged a finger at me, "you will be a wonderful princess and a finer queen someday."

His face drew into a solemn expression and he heaved a deep sigh as he looked at me, like a father would his daughter when she left home to attend college. A tiny ribbon of emotion escaped him as it wrapped around my body and pricked at my senses, giving me fleeting sensations of his emotional state.

"I wanted to wait until you had time to acclimate... 'til you had more time to learn our ways and grew to love us..." his words hung in the air and I became worried that he would suck them back in and not tell me the truth I so greatly sought since Fox had come to my home. Why had I been chosen?

"I need to know," I looked at him urgently, trying to convey my feelings without words.

"There is a storm brewing on the horizon, Claire. One like the world has not seen in many ages. The humans grow restless, as if they have completely forgotten the old ways. The other regions see our way of life as an embarrassment and they grow greedy for our land and our people." He expelled the words in a tidal wave of emotion and relief. I could sense the anguish that had been building in him and realized his pain would one day be all mine.

My heart thumped in my chest and a sense of purpose filled me. One of my greatest dreams in life was being fulfilled, and an empty hole inside me began to close. I had a dad now, I could feel the bond in our blood, and he needed me. "We will not let them," I said with unwavering determination.

Nicolae was a good king and he alone had created the world I was born into, that I was happy living in and that my friends and family still enjoyed. I wasn't going to let anyone take that away from us, no matter what.

"Thank you, child. It saddens me to know I took your human life, and thrust you into this role, but the future and safety of our region is at stake," he said in his deep, yet sorrowful voice as he rested his hand on my cheek. I looked up at him and his eyes were full of sadness, but not a single tear fell from them. "It will be dawn soon. Let us go inside, and get a drink?"

"That sounds nice."

We walked side-by-side through the garden and back into the palace. A great many things had changed while I sat in the garden for the short time. Servants and vampires were busily finishing the preparations for the event. As we walked past the ballroom, I peered in to see quite a magical sight. My jaw dropped at the spectacle and I had to catch my breath.

At the sound of my gasp, Dmitry, who was ordering the placement of tables, directed his attention toward me. In a flash of movement, he was at the open double doors, closing them in my face, with the most beautiful, fanged grin I had ever seen.

"You're going to ruin the surprise!" he said as he poked his head out between the doors.

"I am not. I was just enjoying the sensation of surprise until you interrupted it, so if you could just let me continue?" I said in my most flirty tone, not caring that Nicolae was standing nearby watching him.

Dmitry simply winked at me and closed the doors, but not before looking toward Nicolae and nodding respectfully. I sighed softly as Nicolae and I continued our walk and I noticed the amused expression on his face as we entered his office.

"What?" I asked.

"He likes you very much, Claire. You must be careful of starting such a bond so early in your vampire years." He picked up the phone on his desk and made a call to have blood delivered for the both of us.

"Do you not approve of Dmitry?"

"You need not ask my approval on such a matter. Affection is not a choice for one to make, like whether or not to buy red flowers or white," he said as he pulled two roses from a large crystal vase on a nearby table. "Do they not both smell as sweet?"

He handed me the roses and I smelled them both. Each of their fragrances were soft and gently filled my nose with their delicate aroma. "They both smell very nice."

"Ah, but tell me which you prefer. Is either more beautiful to you than the other?"

I thought it an odd question, but I answered, "Well, no."

"So you like them both equally?" Nicolae asked as he approached me, raising his eyebrows quizzically.

"Yes, I suppose I do." Nicolae smiled then and grasped the white rose ripping all the petals off and releasing them, allowing them to flutter to the floor.

"Hey! Why did you do that?" I asked as I crouched to pick up the petals.

"You still have the red rose, do you not? Is that not enough for you, or did you truly favor the white rose over the red?"

I stood and looked at the red rose in my hand and the white petals in the other, still not completely understanding the point he was trying to make. "No I didn't like the white rose better, but now it's ruined."

"But you still have the red rose, Claire," Nicolae looked down at the rose in my hand and urged me to smell it again, but this time the scent was slightly different. It was familiar and I sniffed deeper to completely fill my nose with the scent. As I looked at Nicolae to ask him what had changed, we were interrupted by a servant bringing two small silver goblets, identical to the one I had drunk from earlier with Robin.

"To family," Nicolae toasted.

I joined him, but as I brought the goblet to my lips, the scent of the blood surprised me. It was the very same scent I smelled in the red rose. Did Nicolae put blood on the rose? Then for the first time, I found myself wondering whose blood I was drinking. If he and the queen were supposed to represent the red rose, then whose was the white? Dmitry?

"Now off to bed with you. Big night tomorrow."

I looked at him for a moment as hesitation halted my movement, but the expression on his face made it clear that it was an order I could not disobey. The cold, emotionless, vampiric demeanor had returned and I was slightly disappointed until I turned the corner.

Fox inspected me like a hunter would his prey as I walked past him and it made my emotions boil inside me. "Princess," Fox said mechanically as he bowed his head at me.

I walked past him, giving as little acknowledgement as I could and let my true feelings fly free from me. I was secretly hoping that the ribbon of emotion, which so delicately caressed Dmitry, would slap Fox square on his smug and proper face. A small giggle escaped me at the thought, which was immediately followed by Nicolae's office door being slammed shut behind me.

I made my way down the hallway, amusing myself with a mental picture of Fox being slapped as I finished the blood in my goblet. The last drops of the warm liquid dripped onto my lip and I licked them greedily.

As I looked ahead, my eyes locked onto a set of menacing dark pools that looked both enraged and surprised. Luka was standing in the center of the hallway, clearly frozen mid-step at the shock of my presence. For a fleeting moment, I thought to say something to him. The need to plead my case and win his favor, so that I could bring some semblance of peace to the palace crossed my mind, but I bit my tongue. Now was not the time for such things. Judging by the pulsing muscle at his jaw and the way his lip was quivering as he held back a snarl, I knew anything I said would fall on deaf ears.

Instead, I placed the empty goblet on a nearby table and walked straight past him with my head held high. I could feel his eyes slashing at me as I approached, but I dared not look at him. I used every ounce of self-control to look every bit a royal princess as I could.

Luka stood still, like an immobilized colossus, only his eyes following my movement past him. It wasn't until I made it to the end of the hallway, a good twenty feet away, that I heard the sound of him running at full speed in the opposite direction. The tension in the air immediately fizzled away; and as I walked back to my room, I couldn't help but feel proud of how I handled the situation. No doubt Luka ran back to Ana to tell her of the event, but I truly did not care.

When I entered my room, I quickly shut the door and latched it, not wanting to be disturbed so I could truly get a full day's rest. I figured I would need it with the kind of night I thought lay ahead of me.

My hopes for deep, uninterrupted sleep were short-lived. I tossed and turned as nightmares haunted my thoughts. Images of a massacre at the coronation ball, and blood splattering the beautiful gowns and tuxedos, as vampire attacked vampire. Their blood curdling screams ricocheting off the towering ballroom walls wreaked havoc in my mind.

The room was madness and I trudged through the chaos in search of someone, desperate to find them. I didn't know who I was looking for until the moment I saw him. Even with the ballroom lit up by thousands of candles, he still remained in shadow, and though I could not see his face, I knew his gaze was fixed on me. My mystery man.

I felt the connection extend and wrap around me like a warm embrace as my desire for him grew, pulling me toward him through the mass of warring, blood-thirsty combatants. I was only an arm's reach away from him when a vampire came hurtling toward me like a football player and rammed me in the gut.

My body flew backward and I screamed in agony as the link between us broke. I pleaded for him to come for me, but he only held out his hand as the mountain-like vampire dragged me further and further away. As we barreled through the double doors, I bolted awake and fell out of bed with a shriek, sending Louie yowling from the bed.

"Sorry, Louie," I apologized, knowing he was going to be grumpy the rest of the night. I stuck my tongue out at him when I saw him glaring at me from inside his little cat bed. "I didn't do it on purpose, you little stinker."

I looked at the clock and saw that it was seven in the evening. It was going to get dark soon enough and even though I was incredibly tired, I decided not to try and go back to sleep. I didn't want to risk re-entering the nightmare or starting a new and possibly even worse one. I was obviously much more worried about everything than I even admitted to myself. My subconscious mind, however, wasn't going to let me hide from it.

Sleepily, I found my way to the shower and turned it on as hot as I could stand it and closed the door, hoping that I could turn the marble bathroom in to some sort of sauna and truly relax myself. The mirrors fogged up quickly as I undressed and stepped into the shower.

The hot water startled me awake as it burned my skin, but it felt good. I closed my eyes and just stood under the torrent as the water fell upon me, hoping it would wash everything away. When I was thoroughly soaked, I found myself sinking to the floor of the shower and just sitting there, holding my knees and crying. The emotions came flooding out as a complete surprise, but I didn't hold them back as I normally did. I usually held onto the hurt, the fear, and the sorrow until it was bursting at the seams. This was that moment and I let it happen.

"What am I doing?" I wept to myself as my tears mixed with the water that rained down on me. "Some vampire princess I am. Crying in the shower like a baby."

I untangled my arms from around my legs and looked at my hands. They still looked like my hands. I ran my fingers across my new fangs and was both amazed and horrified by them. The new changes to my body made me feel both powerful and alien to myself at the same time and I wondered if these feelings were normal for a new changeling? Or was it my unique transformation that made it so much more difficult for me?

As the water slowly grew cooler, my internal bottle of depression emptied and I regained my composure. My new life was flying toward me at full speed and I knew the impact of that reality was going to hit me hard. I just hoped that when that time came, I would be as strong as everyone believed I was. I wanted to be.

I quickly washed and opened the shower door to a wonderfully steamy bathroom. Wrapping a plush, white towel around me, I relished the softness of the fabric and walked to the mirror, wiping away the water just enough to reveal my face. Leaning closer, I looked into my eyes as deeply as I could, searching for even the smallest trace of who I once was. Although I couldn't see it, I could still feel it deep inside me. The young girl who dreamt of making a difference in the world, getting married and buying a house next door to her best friend. I never would have thought that by having one dream come true, it would completely destroy any chance for the others.

~
Chapter 11

"You can do this," I told myself. I took a long, deep breath as I calmed the last of my nerves and focused on the decision I had to make. Nicolae was proud to have chosen me as his heir; and his new vampire princess.

It took some searching, but I was able to locate a pair of bra and panties that could be worn with my gown and not leave any visible panty lines. I definitely didn't want to be known as the princess who wore grandma panties to her coronation ball.

The gown slipped on perfectly and was even more gorgeous than it looked the night before. The shimmering, emerald-hued fabric against my pale skin and dark eyes seemed to perfectly complement each other. I gazed at myself in the mirror, still with my hair wrapped up in a towel and smiled, my new fangs barely surprising me. I was the most beautiful (I thought) I had ever been and I felt my body responding to my self-confidence as I stood straighter and taller. I had my chin raised upward instead of its usually downcast position.

A rapid knock on the door startled me and I knew by its quick urgency that it had to be a vampire, since no human could knock that fast. I sped to the door, while lifting up my dress and managed a much more stable stop than I had previously. I grinned at myself as I unlatched the door, only to be nearly trampled by Robin who fluttered in, wearing her elaborate gown. However, her expression did not reflect what I had anticipated. Her face was filled with an anxious nervousness and the ribbon of uneasy emotion flapped around her.

"What's wrong?" I asked as I shut the door behind her. I retreated back to my closet to finish getting ready.

"The palace is becoming quite a mad house," Robin said frantically in an loud exhale as she peeked her head out of a bedroom window and then back in.

"Too many hot, young vampire boys for you to handle?" I teased. I didn't want any stale bad feelings from the night before to potentially ruin what could be the greatest night of my life. I needed the old Robin back and beside me.

"Not quite..." Robin answered. The unfinished sentence lingered in the air as she poked her head out another window.

"What's wrong?" I asked again, growing more concerned. I tossed the towel that I was attempting to blot my hair dry with and headed toward the window that Robin peered from.

As I drew closer, she quickly shut the blinds and looked at me, "The turnout was just more than expected."

"Well that's a good thing. Seriously, you were almost starting to freak me out. I need you tonight." I turned my face and stuck out my lip to look as much like a sad puppy as I could, but Robin just looked at me like I was going crazy. "I'm guessing you've never had a dog?"

"No... was that what that was supposed to be?"

"Geez, Robin, and you say I'm bad for not knowing anything about vampires. You were a human not too long ago, ya know; that was an easy one."

She smiled, waved me off and headed into the bathroom. I could hear her opening the makeup drawer and all the contents rattling from the motion. I sighed inwardly at my fidgety friend and poked my head out the window.

The sight I saw was pretty much what I envisioned. The exterior of the palace was illuminated as limousines pulled up, one-by-one toward the palace. I could tell it was going to be a long process when my eyes scanned the long row of vehicles, each of their occupants exiting languidly.

I craned my head a little further and saw a camera crew taping the vampires as they got out, obviously broadcasting the monumental event for the entire region to watch. My heart thumped as I thought of my mom watching me walk into the ballroom, to be formally announced by Nicolae as the Vampire Princess and heir over of region.

Then I thought of Liz and wondered if she would be watching, and would she be upset or happy for me? Would she or my old mom even recognize me now? Tonight, I would say goodbye to former Claire forever. After tonight, I would forever be Claire Noire, Vampire Royal Princess.

"What the heck are you doing? They will see you?" Robin yanked me away from the window as she grasped my shoulder with a death grip. As I flew backward a few steps, I could feel a fire of rage, which surprisingly grew, and anger I had never known. Upon seeing Robin's face, however, I quickly relaxed. Still feeling a little surprised by my body's spontaneous reaction, I decided she must have caught me off guard and I reacted by instinctive reflex.

"Who will see me?" I said, my tone a little annoyed as I headed back to the bathroom with Robin. I began to blow-dry my wild, auburn hair.

"You didn't see them?" she asked me as she looked up at me from under a mascara brush.

"All the vampire dignitaries? I couldn't really see them unless you mean the endless line of limos and fancy sports cars."

"Not them, Claire, the protestors. There are dozens of them picketing outside the palace. They are chanting, "The charmed cannot choose" over and over again."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"When the news about tonight's events was announced, not everyone was happy about it. The High Council offered a statement that a human girl was chosen to join the royal family and she accepted. It was also announced that her union with our family creates a deeper bond with our peoples, both human and vampire. You've seen the activists protesting outside the blood banks, claiming that humans are equivalent to cattle, and survive only to meet the royal family's insatiable appetite."

A small growl rumbled through Robin as she held the bracelet I let her borrow around her wrist. I watched her steadily balance the clasp on her wrist, pulling the latch up to lock it. I fixated on the thin pale skin and the small faint veins that lay beneath it as I considered what Robin was saying.

"I can't say that I am surprised, but it feels very different to be on the receiving end of it, as opposed to just seeing it on the television."

"Sadly, you are going to have to get used to it. The times are a-changing, as they say." She twirled around in her gown and glanced at me as I struggled with my hair. "Let me help you. If you keep tugging it like that, you're liable to end up with one of those old-school, beehive hairdos."

"Thanks," I said as I released my violent hold on the hairbrush I was trying to rip through the knotted mess of hair on my head. Robin burst into hysterical laughter when she found it hopelessly stuck in my hair, wrapped up like a fork tangled in spaghetti. It was good to hear her laugh again. "Don't worry about those protestors. There will always be someone that won't be happy, but hopefully tonight, when they see that I am happy, perhaps it will change a few minds."

I looked at her and smiled encouragingly as she smiled back, quickly trying to tame my hair. Before I knew it, she had it in an elegant updo with a few long ringlets cascading down my back and around my face. With my jewelry in place and makeup applied, I couldn't help, but let my jaw drop. I almost looked like one of the vampire queens of the past, whom I'd had seen in a tapestry hanging in the palace. I touched my face as I stared at my reflection. I could barely believe it was really me.

"Wow Claire, you look beautiful. Tonight is going to be amazing and Dmitry is going drool all over his nice tux!" Robin beamed and I could see that her old spark was completely back. It filled me with renewed courage and joy.

"Thanks. So, when are we going to get this shindig started?" I asked as we made our way into my sitting room. The curtains had been tied back and the moonlight floated into the room softly, brightening it with its soft, white beams. I could feel my body being drawn outwardly, whether toward the goddess of the night, or to my mysterious shadow man, whom I secretly longed for.

"Shouldn't be too long now, they will come and get you when it's time, but I should probably get going. I want to see you as you walk down the stairs. It's going to be so magical." Robin smiled and gazed at me for a moment as ribbons of happiness tickled me.

A twinge of sadness hit me though as I saw her heading for the door, leaving me alone to wait in my room for the biggest night of my life to happen suddenly felt overwhelming. "Do you really have to go? Can't you stay and wait with me?" I know I sounded like a whining child, but I knew what would happen if I was left alone. I would travel into my thoughts where all sorts of crazy imaginings could happen, potentially making me more nervous and I didn't want to jinx myself.

"If you would like for me to stay with you, Princess, I will stay," Robin said with a small curtsey. Her face didn't try to hide the pride and happiness she felt.

"You've never called me that before. What's with the formality?"

"Well... you are the princess now, and well, I am just honored that you want me here with you," she said as she attempted to sit down gracefully on the small sofa, her large skirt nearly covering the entirety of it. I couldn't help but smirk at her as I too, attempted to sit smoothly without causing unsightly wrinkles to be creased into the silk fabric of my emerald dress.

"Are you going to ask Dmitry to dance? Or are you going to wait and see if he asks you?" Robin asked eagerly.

"I am a princess now, so of course, I will wait for him to ask me," I said jokingly, in possibly the worst aristocratic impersonation ever.

"Ooh, good move, Princess! Make him work for it," she winked at me and we both giggled until we were abruptly halted at my room's entrance.

Mara, Robin's mom, looked grand as she came in with a calm expression. She wore a long, red velvet dress and her hair was styled in a bun. It was an old, but classic, style and I thought to myself how statuesque she appeared. Robin popped up from her seat at the sight of her mother and flitted over like a hummingbird, twirling around in her dress so that Mara could get a good look.

"You look lovely, child," Mara's face smiled with warmth and she kissed Robin on her forehead, but her eyes were fastened on me, "as do you, Princess. That dress was an excellent choice. You will make quite an impression tonight. Are you ready?"

I blushed slightly at her compliment and took a deep breath, "I think so... I mean, yes, I am ready."

Mara moved so gracefully toward me, it was if she were floating. She clasped my hand between both of hers and she looked me deep into my eyes, "Just tell your emotions to relax. Tonight is a celebration for you, enjoy it." She smiled at me then, revealing her perfect fangs, which I no longer found menacing in any way. In fact, I was starting to think I preferred vampire smiles to human smiles; there was just something so dangerously beautiful about them that I couldn't help but love.

"Okay, let's get going. The king will be making the announcement soon and we need to be certain that we are all in our places. Follow me," Mara said. She sounded very much like she did the night of my transformation, with her voice taking on a mechanical tone.

I followed behind Mara as she speedily glided through the hallways. Although, I did my best to keep up, I was cautious not to go too fast and risk tearing my dress. Robin kept pace with me, holding up her dress in overfilled handfuls as we marched steadily through the hallways to the second level entrance of the ballroom.

Mara led us to a small staging room that connected to the grand staircase, which led into the crowd of vampires that awaited me. "This is it. Robin and I must leave you here and join the crowd while the king makes his announcement. When he does, that will be your cue to make your entrance. Do your best to evoke confidence and pride. There are many old vampires who have been eagerly awaiting your arrival and they will be able to sense any hesitation. We don't want to give them the wrong impression."

"Yes, Mara, I understand," I smiled in reassurance. My confidence was building with the ebullience I felt for this night and my resolve overruled any residual fear. I can do this; I know I can.

"You are going to do just fine, Claire. I will be there in the front row," Robin said as she smiled and embraced me fiercely. The she took her mom's hand and rushed out of the room.

As the door shut behind them, I walked toward it and could clearly hear the crowd's voices from the ballroom being carried up to me. The tones and inflections were excited and jubilant, creating even more eagerness for me to make my debut. They had all come to see me, the new Vampire Royal Princess. The title still blew my mind, but now in a good way.

The sudden boom of Nicolae's voice over the crowd nearly startled me as he commanded them to silence. I drew closer to the door and placed my head against it to listen to his announcement.

"The queen and I want to thank you all for joining us tonight on this most joyous occasion. It is both with honor and great excitement that I include all of you in the celebration of our newest family member. We have chosen a daughter among our people. Her display of exceptional strength, wisdom and purity have rendered her the perfect heir. It is true that just days ago, she was a human," he said as a wave of murmuring erupted from the crowd. Nicolae continued with no notice, "but this did not hinder her from recognizing her sense of duty to her people and her king and queen. She accepted our proposal with great respect and confidence. We have no doubt that she can triumph over any adversity and manage all of the responsibilities we have bestowed upon her."

Applause vibrated through the crowd then, like waves crashing on a shore, I could feel my lips widening into a smile as a single tear trickled down my cheek. The love and pride in Nicolae's voice as he referred to me while addressing the vampire dignitaries was overwhelming. I was glad to make him happy, and it gave me a sense of purpose that I never knew before. As the clapping died down, I heard Nicolae continue, his tone now more enthusiastic and animated, clearly pleased by the crowd's reception.

"With great pride, may I now formally present to you, my daughter, Claire Noire, Vampire Princess."

The vampires exploded into applause and cheers. A small twinge of nervousness whispered to me, but I ignored it. I took a deep breath and opened the door. The sight of the ballroom was breathtaking, and I had to force my eyes away lest they distract me as I made my way toward the staircase.

The crowd hushed while I walked to the stairs. I paused to survey the magnitude of the crowd as well as the significance of the evening. There were hundreds of vampires packed into the enormous ballroom, all of their dark eyes watching me expectantly. I returned their gazes, doing my best to exude unwavering confidence. I took another deep breath and lifted my dress in one hand as I began to descend the staircase. My eyes traveled over the crowd, scanning their faces as I made my slow entrance.

Halfway down, the king and queen stood waiting for me on a small landing. Their faces were filled with unmasked pride as their dark eyes praised me. I gave a small smile, not revealing my fangs, and courteously bowed reverently to them. As I did so, the crowd followed suit. In unison, they all copied my bow and showed their respect to the king and queen. When Nicolae raised his hand, we all lifted our heads and rose.

The queen then moved to my side while the king remained in his place on the other side and we turned to face the crowd openly. As we moved, I noticed camera crews at the edges of the room, their bright flashes spotlighting us. I stood up even straighter and tried to offer a small smile, thinking at that very moment, my human mom or Liz might be watching. I hoped so.

As we made our way down the last few stairs, the crowd parted to give us ample space to glide into the center of the room. A band started playing as the singer intoned a chorus of a deep, soulful tune that thrummed methodically inside my ears.

We came to a stop in the middle of the room and one-by-one, the vampires took turns approaching us. Each one bowed before us, then expressed their excitement, while commenting on my poise or beauty. Not knowing what else to say, I simply thanked them or smiled in appreciation.

I was happy to see the crowd finally dissipate as vampires began dancing or broke off into smaller groups, which seemed deep in discussion. I watched as an abnormally plump vampire carried on a rather animated conversation with Nicolae and kept pointing toward the door. "What are they talking about?" I asked Evilyn when I noticed she was watching them like a hawk.

"He is complaining about the protestors outside. Nothing for you to worry about. Do not let it ruin your night," she smiled down at me and made her way over to them. I was left alone to greet the few remaining vampires, who still wanted to welcome me to the family.

As the last vampire bowed, a wrinkly old man, he made me wonder if he hated spending eternity at such an advanced age. Robin suddenly popped up next to me out of thin air. "You were gorgeous, Princess. Did you see the look on Dmitry's face?"

"Robin, you don't have to call me that; and no, I didn't see him at all. Where is he?"

"Well... for tonight I have to. I think he is directing the camera crews out of the palace and then I am sure he will come searching for you."

"They aren't going to tape the entire ball?" I was a little saddened by this news. I was hoping that my human mom and Liz would at least, in some way, get to celebrate the entire event with me. I wanted them to watch me as I danced and greeted all the vampire dignitaries.

"No, they are only permitted to record the announcement. Afterwards, they must leave because the rest of the ball cannot be viewed by humans. It is commanded by vampire tradition."

"That's a little disappointing," I sighed. I decided to search the seemingly endless crowd of faces for a specific one. Dmitry.

Dark eyes were riveted on me from hundreds of faces as I walked through the crowd with Robin at my side. Many nodded their heads as I passed, and several younger male vampires smiled at me like I was a prized ham. They flashed their fangs at me as if it were either some way to attract me or to portray their bravado and superiority. I couldn't help but compare them to peacocks spreading their feathers to impress a peahen. Sadly for them, I wasn't the least bit interested. Their expressions made Robin squeal with delight, but it only made me feel uncomfortable. There was only one vampire that I wanted to have lusting after me like that and he was nowhere to be found.

A younger vampire approached us, looking anxiously nervous as he adjusted the thick tie at his neckline. I could hear him gulp loudly as he stood before me and bowed low. Without even thinking, I instinctively stiffened and raised my head, as if I disapproved of him. His eyes flashed with uncertainty, and despite my body's protests, I smiled at him, this time revealing my fangs slightly.

"Good evening, Princess," he almost whispered.

"Good evening," I replied as I eyed the enormous smile on Robin's face and realized who this vampire was.

"I... I was hoping I might request a dance with Your Highness," he said as he bowed his head.

"Thank you for the offer..." I couldn't remember his name, "but I am already weary from the excitement of the night. However it would please me to see you dance with Robin. She is an excellent dancer."

Without looking the slightest bit disappointed, he offered his hand to Robin and she took it eagerly as he led her toward the dance floor. She turned back to me with pure excitement showing on her face and mouthed the words "Thank you" before disappearing into the crowd of dancing bodies and sparkling fabrics.

I felt an urge building within me as I watched the crowd writhe and twirl, their pale faces unnaturally full of delighted expressions. A whirlwind of blissful emotions emitted from them and tugged at my heartstrings as my desire to join them grew.

My new body and consciousness came with a heightened sense of awareness, but I quickly discovered that my newfound awareness had needs that demanded stimulation, and right now, that stimulation was dancing.

~
Chapter 12

"You should learn to mask your desires as the future princess," Dmitry whispered slyly in my ear. His breath crept across my skin like a warm embrace. I attempted to hide my smile as my heart began to pound in my chest.

Dmitry wrapped himself around me like a snake. He lovingly tortured me, allowing his emotions to surround me. I could feel his excitement for the evening, his delight in teasing me and his strong desire to dance with me. There was a hint of something more, but just as my senses started to grasp and understand it, he pulled away.

"I hide them perfectly well. You just know me too well," I raised my nose at him while maintaining a smile and tried to give my best impersonation of a dissatisfied princess.

"Oh dear, Claire," Dmitry said as his face drew into a more solemn expression. It began losing all the happiness he so willingly showed. "I feel like I could know you a hundred years, and you would never cease to surprise me."

"You say that like it's a bad thing," I didn't want to sound so disappointed, but my emotions were taking over.

Dmitry raised his hand and hesitated for only an instant before placing it on my cheek. "It is not a bad thing." He looked searchingly into my eyes, without blinking and I felt completely exposed and open. "Dance with me?"

I took his hand as he led me into the middle of the dance floor. The wave of emotions was even stronger there and I fed off it as if it were blood. Our bodies hummed with the beat of the music and passion of the dance. With every turn and spin, I merged deeper into my animal within and yielded to the vampire I was becoming.

Dmitry smiled brilliantly as he twirled me in his arms. A ribbon of great desire rippled from him, yet he remained a perfect gentleman, unlike many of the vampire men who danced around us. His chivalry made my yearning for him grow.

As a slower song began to play, Dmitry drew me away from the dance floor and onto a small chair. The look of concern on his face brought me quickly back to reality and out of the trance I had fallen into. "What's the matter?"

"When was the last time you fed?"

I tried to think and my mind was still clouded from the tremendous emotions of so many vampires. "I can sense your hunger, Claire. Stay here and I will get you something." He squeezed my hand for a moment and flashed through the crowd as if it were an empty room.

I relaxed back into the chair, unconcerned about posture and watched the vampires around the room. Nearly half were dancing, but there were many couples seated around the room. Others were gathered into smaller groups and spoke with typical expressionless faces. I realized then why vampires didn't express their feelings through their faces as humans did. They did it through their feelings, emitting them outwardly like invisible tentacles for any nearby vampire to sense.

I spotted Robin across the room, sitting with the young vampire whom she danced with. I didn't need to sense her feelings as she still showed them in her facial expressions. I supposed it was the fact that she hadn't been a vampire for very long and got to live as a human, or perhaps it was just a characteristic of her personality that never went away when she was turned. She was an animated person that didn't hide anything about herself and I loved that about her.

I sat up and scanned the crowd for Dmitry's face and didn't see him anywhere. As fast as he was, I was starting to wonder what was taking him so long. I decided I would go find something to eat myself when a familiar sensation wrapped around my arm and around my fingers. I could sense a ribbon of emotion holding my hand. Every emotion was different, but they were also connected to their owner. I instantly knew without a doubt who was on the other end of this ribbon, my mystery man.

I scanned the crowd again in an almost frantic state as I searched for him. I tried to send out my own ribbon of emotion to flush him out, but it seemed impossible since he was someone I had never met. I took two steps into the throng of vampires and the ribbon yanked at my hand, pulling me back.

"Stay," it whispered sternly to me in its deep soothing voice.

"Why?" I asked, feeling silly to be talking to an invisible sensation on my hand.

"Not safe."

In that instant, the ballroom doors burst open and a mob of angry protesters flooded into the room. They didn't look the least bit afraid to be breaking into a private party full of ancient vampires. They shouted profanities and shook their signs at us.

I pulled away from the invisible hold on me as I marched toward the crowd. I saw Fox shouting at the protestors, ordering them to leave. I knew things needed to be handled gently. I couldn't let a human or vampire get injured this night, or I would never be able to achieve the goals that Nicolae had set for me. A sense of duty filled me and I wanted to be the one to sway this mob of protestors to either leave or change their attitudes.

"Butchers!" A woman with wild, frizzy hair shouted as she spat on Fox. I walked past him and felt the heat radiating from him. It was hard to believe he wasn't set ablaze by its intensity.

The mob of people stopped yelling and pointed as I approached them. Just as I opened my mouth to speak, Nicolae's voice boomed throughout the room. My ears detected the rattling of picture frames and crystals on the chandeliers from its force.

"Silence!" The crowd remained silent for a moment longer before they started shouting again, yelling their hateful words. "You will depart from these premises now or you will be removed! You have been warned, humans!"

"You can't do anything to us!" a man shouted.

"Yeah, or you will be breaking your treaty!" shouted another.

"There is no such treaty with trespassers," Fox interjected. "The king, _your_ king can eliminate any threat in any way he sees fit."

I thought Fox's words were a little dramatic, but they got the point across and the mob started to shrink back. If he had one thing going for him, Fox was intimidating and right now it was working in our favor.

"There she is!" The wild-haired woman pointed at me frantically. "Look what they did to her!"

I looked at Nicolae, confused about what I should do. When he said nothing, I knew he wanted to see me handle the situation. To step up as the princess and leader I said I would be.

I took a steady stride toward the woman and allowed a ribbon of determination and strength to wrap around me. My body stiffened and straightened as I stared down at her. I could sense that she thought she was rescuing me by coming here, but as she realized I was now a vampire, a wave of disgust became visible.

"They did not do anything to me that I did not welcome with open arms," I said proudly, trying not to smile too widely lest seeing my fangs frighten her more. Any violent reaction could cause the entire room of upset vampires to come crashing down on her as well as her small mob of protestors.

"But... but... You were a human girl," her eyes darted around the room as more vampires gathered closer to see the cause for the disturbance in their celebration. "Why would you choose to be turned into one of _them_?" she practically spat the last word at me.

I took another step closer to her, not to threaten her, but I wanted her to believe the sincerity in my words. "Everyone is free to choose the life they want for themselves. As you are free to express the hatred you have for my family and the ones I love. I am free to live as I wish, loving _them_ ," I waved my hand to include the entirety of the vampire crowd. "Those whom you so openly hate from a distance, have experienced deeds of the past that you have neither suffered nor seen."

I could see that my logic was breaking into her ignorance, but as the realization came into her eyes, it was quickly replaced with fear and anger. "You're just trying to use those vampire tricks on me!"

The restraint on my temper was waning as the crowd again broke into a rhythmic chant of vampire hate. "The soulless shall not reign!"

I could feel the combined heat of the angry vampires expanding into an inferno of rage. I was familiar with protestors spouting their hateful prejudices, but having it directed at me was a kind of discrimination I could have never comprehended before. The word "soulless" struck a particularly sensitive nerve that seemed to have an effect on every other vampire as well.

If I couldn't get this situation under control soon, there wouldn't be anything to prevent a massacre of epic proportions from occurring on the night of my coronation.

Ana and her parents flashed to my side, their fangs bared, and devilish smiles plastered on their faces. "Nicolae," Ana's dad, Samael spoke, "we cannot allow them to poison this evening. Such disrespect cannot go unpunished, nor can it be handled by a child." He looked at me then with revenge aflame in his eyes.

I yanked the hem of my gown into a tight fist and took two incredibly quick steps toward the group of ignorant humans. I couldn't let Ana and her dad steal away my chance at proving myself. Nor could I allow any human or vampire to doubt my worthiness. It was obvious that kindness wasn't going to sway them, so perhaps giving them a reason to fear vampires was what they so obviously required.

This thought process was so alien to my nature, but the animal within me was emerging and being fueled by the mutual outpouring of vampiric emotions in the room. I relished the sense of power.

As I stopped only inches from the woman, I looked down at her with a firm scowl on my face. No doubt my brow was wrinkled into a furrow and a growl arose from the center of my being. For a fleeting moment, I thought I had even grown taller, until I realized the woman was cowering at my feet, along with many others.

I could only imagine that in that instant, I looked more like a vampire than the human they thought I was. My body vibrated from the rage of hundreds of vampires as the ribbons wrapped around me in their unyielding, fiery embrace. Doubt rippled through my thoughts for a brief second and I wondered if I was acting of my own accord or were these ancient vampires directing me, trying to influence me.

I couldn't let this doubt build into fear and I wouldn't. "Leave!" I growled at the protestors, my voice taking on the amplified quality that Nicolae had embodied. It was deep and raspy, and sounded nothing like my former self. If I hadn't known better, I would have compared it to a lion's voice, if it could talk.

The humans paused only for a second before throwing their signs onto the floor and exiting the ballroom. They were walking backward as if they were too afraid to take their eyes off us. The angry woman and one man were the last to leave and she stared at me intently. I could tell she was searching for something in my expression or my eyes that was not there. She was looking for my soul.

"Let's go," the chubby man said as he pulled at her shoulder.

The woman shook her head, breaking our eye contact and threw her sign at my feet. I instinctively stepped back, allowing the sign to skid across the marble floor behind me.

I took a deep breath as the ballroom was finally free of humans and turned to face the crowd of angry vampires. I was surprised to find that they had already lost interest and were moving back to the stairway where Nicolae was commanding their attention. I scanned the swarm of vampires for a familiar face and quickly found a set of eyes that were not interested in Nicolae, but were intently locked on me with wild amusement.

The instant I exhaled my irritation, Ana bolted toward me with incredible speed, her lengthy, golden blonde hair flowing behind her like a cape. "That was rather fun, wasn't it?" she asked as she slithered around me.

"What do you want, Ana?" I said defiantly, trying my best not to care. I really didn't want her to cause another scene. Although I didn't want to admit it, the sight of her made my stomach churn.

"Oh, I already got what I wanted," Ana said with a cackle as she left me in a whirl of air and flitted away through the crowd.

"What was that all about?" Robin surprised me as she popped up at my side. Her expression was full of concern, but when I saw the smeared lipstick on her lips I couldn't help but grin.

"I have a feeling she was gloating. Boy, am I glad to see you. Did you see all that?" I asked as I pointed my thumb toward the ballroom doors, where just moments before, a dozen protesting humans stood whose scent still slightly tainted the air.

"It was hard to miss, but you handled it pretty well. I wonder how they even got into the palace. I mean they are almost always protesting outside, but no one ever made it in before or even tried."

We both pondered on the thought for a moment before something popped into my head, "You don't think that... Ana?" I couldn't imagine that Ana would put the entire royal family and every vampire dignitary in our whole region at risk by allowing a mass of protesting humans to penetrate the palace walls and crash such an important event, or did she really hate me that much?

"Don't even say it. I mean Ana is a bitch, but I don't know if she is really that stupid."

Robin and I locked eyes and shrugged, both of us silently agreeing that perhaps Ana really was that stupid, but who would believe us if we told anyone? I imagined if I did voice my suspicions to anyone, it would only make me look bad and I really didn't need the negative publicity at the moment.

"So, what is going on?" I asked Robin, referring to the crowd that was gathering around the base of the grand staircase. "Do you think Nicolae is going to make an announcement about what happened?" Nervousness twisted my heart as I worried that I might have handled the situation wrong, but as we approached the crowd, I focused on Nicolae's expression and couldn't sense any hint of disappointment or disapproval.

As he whispered to Evilyn, who stood nearby, they both looked particularly excited about something and the smallest of smiles crept onto their faces. They must have felt my eyes on them because they both looked toward me, finding me immediately in the crowd and beckoned me to them.

I realized I had grabbed Robin's hand in my stress and hesitantly let go as I made my way toward the landing of the grand staircase. The crowd quickly separated, giving me a clear path. As I reached Evilyn, she wrapped her arm around my shoulder and gave me a quick kiss on the cheek before turning me toward the crowd.

We stood together a few steps behind Nicolae as he raised his hands to silence the crowd. They quickly obeyed and turned their dark eyes on us. Even in a sea of sparkling jewels and grand gowns with rich fabrics that exposed large amounts of flesh, their eyes were what hypnotized me. It was their dark, limitless orbs that held my attention.

"I must admit that I have another motive for inviting you all here tonight and after the recent intrusion on our celebration I am only further determined to announce my decision. It was our belief that when we brought our new daughter into this family, we would adhere to the traditions of our kind. It is with this devotion to tradition that we have chosen with unwavering certainty, that Princess Claire be joined with a Blood Mate."

The throng roared with cheers at the king's announcement, but I didn't share their enthusiasm. I was in complete shock and confusion. I didn't know what a Blood Mate was, but it didn't sound like something I wanted to be joined to. Robin mentioned something about it briefly, but the way Nicolae announced it... it was a much bigger deal than I ever would have thought.

My knees began to buckle and I was certain I would have fainted if Evilyn hadn't been firmly latched onto my arm. I wasn't sure if she was there to hold me still and keep me from running away, or because she knew this announcement would rock me to my core.

I knew it would have been more appropriate if I had kept my mouth shut, but I couldn't help blurting out my question. "What is a Blood Mate?"

To my dismay, Nicolae completely ignored my question and continued with his statement. "The ceremony will be performed immediately to ensure the safety of the princess. A Blood Mate has already been chosen, one which is a perfect match for my child," Nicolae waved his hand toward me, completely oblivious to my dismay. He beckoned me to him; and suppressing my anger, I complied, letting him wrap me under his arm like an obedient child.

"I want it known that your new princess has a dedication to our family I have not seen in a very long time. Her adoption of this old tradition is just another sign of her love for her vampire family and her respect for our way of life. I hope that you all see, as I do, that after tonight, we are all bonded in a new way. We are all part of a new future and a stronger foundation for our region."

The crowd cheered again as their black eyes sparkled and their faces lit up with fangy smiles. I was baffled by their reaction, making it hard for me to partake of their jubilation when I felt such anguish. I respectfully bowed to the king and backed away as he marched proudly into the assembly of vampires and they congratulated him as though he had accomplished an amazing feat. All I could think was that he wanted me to do something I knew nothing about, and was fully unprepared for. He made it seem like he had my full endorsement on the decision, which further infuriated me.

As the crowd's attention moved to congratulating the king and queen, I slowly walked out of the ballroom, unnoticed. The halls of the palace were nearly empty with the exception of an occasional vampire couple sitting on a lounge chair or whispering in a corner, their ribbons of attraction and passion eminent.

I wanted to go to the palace gardens, but as I made it to the stairway that led outside, I could immediately sense at least a dozen vampires walking the grounds. I needed to be alone and I knew I wouldn't find a moment of peace if I sat out there, so I reluctantly retreated back into the palace and headed for my room.

By the time I reached my bedroom door, tears were threatening to fall with burning ferocity, but I kept them at bay until the very instant the door shut behind me. I stood in the center of my room, sobbing as I stared at the beautifully decorated, yet imposing walls. I could feel them closing in on me and I felt like I was suffocating. All the power and control that I thought I had was swiftly disappearing, and for the first time, I regretted my decision.

I knew I didn't have a choice, but there was no going back now from what I had done. Pangs of nausea wrought my stomach and the room began to spin. I snatched a throw pillow from the sofa and made my way to the balcony, hoping for a breath of fresh air.

The cool night breeze seemed soothing and made the tracks of my tears feel icy against my skin. As I looked out into the night, I saw figures walking around the property. I didn't want anyone to see me, so I sat in the corner of the balcony, not caring anymore if I ruined my dress or not. I hugged my pillow and cried as I looked out between the beams of the balcony, silently watching the vampires below and I wept.

I grew envious of their freedom as I realized I would never have such a thing myself. I was being forced into some kind of union or joining with a Blood Mate, whatever the hell that was.

~
Chapter 13

A curious meow startled me as Louie approached and began to rub his head on my leg. I scratched his head lovingly and smiled at how his fur felt so much softer now than it did when I was human. Everything felt softer, like my skin was silk.

Needing comfort, I pulled Louie into my lap, and surprisingly, he didn't protest. His rhythmic purrs vibrated loudly and could have almost put me to sleep, if I hadn't been so emotional.

"It's not fair, Louie. This isn't how tonight was supposed to turn out," I looked down at him as if he were going to answer me. It was actually rather nice to talk and not have someone replying. "They want to join me in some kind of union. It sounds like an arranged marriage."

The word marriage made me want to throw up, and when my stomach growled loudly, it sent Louie grumpily running back into my chambers. As I felt the tears returning, there was a soft knock at my door. I thought for a moment about ignoring it, but it continued as if the knocker knew I was inside. I didn't want to talk to anyone, but I got the feeling that they wouldn't go away until I answered.

I made my way to the door, taking my time. As I threw the pillow back onto the couch, I kicked off my heels dramatically, letting them fly across the room to hit whatever they could.

I opened the door to find Dmitry standing there, looking much like what I imagined I did. His hair was in complete disarray and not in his usual attractive way, his dress shirt was thoroughly wrinkled and pulled from his pants and his tie hung loosely from around his neck.

"Can I come in?" he asked. His voice was hoarse and cracked, containing no hint of his previous amused inflection.

"Of course," I said. I hated to admit it, but seeing that he was as upset about the night's events as I made me feel quite a bit better. That definitely made me selfish, but misery loved company.

"Sorry it took me so long," Dmitry said while offering me a small goblet. I took it greedily as the hunger inside me took control. I knew I would have to take more responsibility for seeing that I ate regularly, but there seemed to be so much more going on. But obviously, I put eating too far down on my priority list.

We took a seat on a couch together and as I licked my lips, I placed the goblet on the table and did my best to avoid looking into his eyes. I knew once I did, I would lose control of my emotions again. I didn't know what this new announcement meant for Dmitry and me, but from his current state, I guessed it couldn't be very good.

"What's going to happen?" I asked him as I fiddled with the locket around my neck as if it were terribly interesting.

"You're going to be joined with a Blood Mate," he sighed. "It's an incredibly old tradition that hasn't been practiced in our region in... in a very long time."

"So, why are they doing it now?" I asked as I turned to look at him. He pulled me close to him and my body trembled with sadness and happiness at his touch.

"I suppose they fear for your protection. Especially after tonight. Humans have never gained access to the palace without our admittance, so they have either strengthened their forces or someone helped them."

I wanted to ask whom he suspected helped them, but I didn't want to distract him from the real issue. I needed to know what this union really meant for me. "Protection from what? Humans? That doesn't make any sense."

"Claire..." Dmitry said my name so softly as he ran his fingers through my hair, holding my head to his chest. "Humans pose a greater threat than you think. It is not their actions, but the actions they can inspire in others. The humans in our region are beginning to show signs of unrest. If other regions hear of this, they may attempt to overthrow Nicolae's reign."

"So he is doing this because he is scared of other regions?" I pushed away from Dmitry in my anger and fought the urge to curse Nicolae at the top of my lungs. "If he is so scared of those regions, why did he invite them tonight? There were dignitaries from all over the world here tonight, weren't there?"

"Yes, there were. He wanted them to see firsthand as he announced your coronation as well as your union. Having a Blood Mate, especially for a vampire such as yourself can make our region very powerful."

"They really are using me," I said almost as a whisper as thoughts started to overflow my mind.

"What?" Dmitry shot up from his seat and held my shoulders firmly. I bit at my nails as I stared into his intent gaze.

"They are doing exactly what they swore to me they weren't doing. Don't you get it, Dmitry? I'm a pawn, I'm just a pawn to them."

"Don't say that, Claire. You are important to this family, you are important to me. They wouldn't do that to you. I've known Nicolae for a very long time and I know he's not like that."

I pushed his hands off my shoulders and turned away from him. He didn't understand how I was feeling and I didn't know how to make him comprehend. I wasn't just losing my freedom, but him as well.

"What does a Blood Mate do? Do I have to marry him?"

"Not exactly. Although many vampires do take their mates as..." he swallowed hard, "lovers." When I remained quiet, he continued, "They are like protectors, bodyguards."

"Like Fox?" I turned to Dmitry quickly as my interest piqued at the possibilities. I had always sensed there was something different about him.

"Yes, Fox is one of the last Blood Mates in our region." Dmitry nodded and sat back down. I watched him as he rested his elbows on his knees, his fingers laced together into a tight first. It had to be difficult for him to have this conversation with me, but I needed to know and I wouldn't stop asking questions until I got all the answers I wanted.

"Whose Blood Mate is he?"

"The queen's."

My mouth fell open and I rushed to sit beside Dmitry, "She can have a Blood Mate and be married to Nicolae?"

He refused to look at me as I placed my hand on his arm. I was hopeful again that we might still be able to be together, but Dmitry didn't seem to feel the same. "A vampire with a Blood Mate is not required to be loyal to them alone. They can have as many lovers as they choose."

Dmitry sped out of my hold and toward a nearby armchair. He grasped the back of the chair so hard that the sound of the wood splitting echoed throughout the room. The heat of Dmitry's rage was building, causing the chamber to grow uncomfortable and I longed to be back on the balcony with the night air blowing against my skin, but I wouldn't leave him like this. I hated seeing Dmitry hurt, so despite my better judgment, I rose to stand by his side.

I felt invisible as I walked toward him. His eyes didn't follow me, and when I touched him, he flinched in surprise. I cupped his handsome face in my hands, feeling the clenching muscles of his jaw and looked him deep in the eyes.

"Dmitry, I don't want anyone else." My words sounded seductive and velvety as they were fueled by the animal inside me. I kissed him deeply as our arms wrapped around each other. The kiss wasn't as passionate as I thought it would be, but more filled with longing for one another, as if we already missed each other intensely. It felt like we had already been separated by the Blood Mate I had not yet met.

Robin burst into the room as we held each other and let out a gasp at her surprise. As she backed out of the room to leave, Dmitry stopped her. "No Robin, it's fine. Stay." He didn't look at her as he said it, but held my gaze. Then he raised his strong hands to my face and placed a soft kiss on my forehead. In his usual way, he seemed to disappear with speed, leaving me hanging in the air with the sensation of his kiss still moist on my skin.

I expected Robin to start an energetic, unending tangent about what she had just caught Dmitry and me doing, but instead, she looked at me solemnly and followed me into my closet. We didn't say anything as I pulled off my dress and wrapped myself in a plush robe. Doing that much seemed to deplete the remaining reservoir of energy inside me and I sank into the chaise heavily.

I looked at Robin, trying to convey an invitation to comfort me that she instinctively understood. She rushed to my side and gave me one of her bear-like hugs. Even though it seemed to crush the life out of me, I didn't complain. "It's going to be okay, Claire. Getting a Blood Mate isn't a death sentence. It might turn out to be a good thing."

"You are a lot more optimistic than I could ever be. Robin you're a history buff, what does this mean for me? Can Dmitry and I ever be together? What exactly is a Blood Mate? Do I have to... mate with him?" I slammed her with questions, and as usual, she answered with a laugh as she put her hand up to stop me.

"Oh Claire, you're so funny. I actually don't know very much about them. I only overheard a conversation between my parents that you may get one. I didn't know it would really happen. Since the tradition hasn't been practiced in so long, I didn't read very much on it, but you could always ask my parents. They know a lot, I'm sure, or you could ask Fox. He's the queen's Blood Mate."

"I'd rather not ask him," I said, sounding much like a pouty child. "I'll go talk to your parents; where are they?"

Robin shrugged her shoulders while she flicked through clothes hanging in the closet, "It's almost dawn, Claire. They are, no doubt, getting ready to sleep."

"So, what? They can't stay up a little later and talk to me?" I hadn't meant for my tone to rise as it did, but my reservoir of patience was completely depleted.

"No..." Robin sighed as she hung up a sheer blouse she had been eyeing and sat by my side. "Even if they wanted to, Claire, they wouldn't be able to. I would have thought you noticed by now, but as the sun rises, our bodies go into a sort of sleep coma." She did her best to lighten the mood by trying to make her body freeze without the slightest hint of movement. "You'll see the more time that goes by, the harder it will be for you to stay awake. It's probably why they want you to have a Blood Mate."

"To watch over me during the day?"

"Yeah. It's actually kind of an honor, if you think about it. You are going to get your own personal bodyguard." Robin smiled at me and left the closet, but turned back to smile again before she was completely out of sight. "Everything is going to work out, you'll see. Just have a little faith. We're not all out to ruin your life or use you in some diabolical scheme."

I stared at her blankly with a look of shock on my face. I knew she was right. I nodded my head and before I could apologize, she was gone.

A shower would have been nice, but I could feel the exhaustion bearing down on me and I dragged myself into bed. Before sleep took over, I wondered if I was really this tired or if it was my new body shutting down like Robin had explained. The thought of falling into a sleep-like coma was a bit frightening and I attempted to fight it as long as I could before losing the battle.

My mind swirled with peaceful, yet strange, dreams as I wandered in the palace gardens at twilight. Fog lingered in the pathways as I hesitantly searched in the cold darkness for Dmitry. He always remained just out of my reach. When I finally found him, I rushed into his arms. He held me close and I relished his embrace until I looked up at him, only to find it wasn't Dmitry.

I was intertwined in the arms of my mystery man, and although I was terrified, I had no desire to leave him. We stared into each other's eyes, neither of us speaking. Our quiet embrace was short-lived as I became aware of Ana's cackling. As I turned to look for her, the man disappeared and I was left alone in the garden while it slowly began to grow darker and close in on me.

Fear took hold of me and I felt afraid that it would swallow me up with the rest of the world until I bolted awake. Hot sweat covered my body and plastered my hair to my face. I tried to catch my breath as I let go of the fear that had such a strong grip over me in my dream. The emotions still lingered, even though I knew none of it had happened; none of it was real.

I didn't care what time it was or even if I hadn't slept through the day. I refused to go back to bed with the chance that I might continue that dream or something worse. After a moment of steadying my nerves, I walked into my bathroom. I flipped the light switch and immediately flicked it back. The fleeting seconds of having the lights on seemed to instantly trigger a migraine and my head began to pound.

I remembered there were large decorative candles and quickly located some matches to light them. The soft orange glow of the flames was almost relaxing and I smiled at such a simple pleasure. The shower turned hot just in time for me to undress and get in. I tried not to think of anything and just focused on the sound of the water as it flowed against me.

I opened a small bottle of lavender oil and poured it into my palms. The soft, flowery scent was incredibly relaxing and I greedily poured more, hoping it would completely fill the entirety of the bathroom with its pleasant aroma.

With the easing of my nerves, came clarity. I knew the more I fought the traditions and decisions of Nicolae, the more unhappy I would be. I chose to join the royal family and in doing so, I chose everything that went with it, whether I knew about it or not. I would never admit it, but I knew I was acting like a spoiled human girl. I hoped I was growing as a person. There was also no way I was going to let Ana win. If I knew anything about myself with complete certainty, it was that I was incredibly stubborn and I wasn't going to let anyone push me around, especially not her.

As I did my makeup, I found myself wondering what other evil plots and schemes Ana had up her sleeve, and if I had to worry about Luka and what he may do as well. So far, he hadn't done anything but act like an arrogant jerk as far as I knew. That was more than enough to make me not like him. Just thinking about the two of them got my emotions boiling and I had to focus twice as hard to stay calm.

Searching through my huge walk-in closet, I pulled on a pair of frayed jean shorts and a white camisole. I eyed my attire in my full-length mirror and admired my look. I realized how tired I was of dressing different than I normally did before, and it was nice to not look completely put together for once. Sometimes, I thought that I looked prettier this way, like I was more myself.

I clasped the cold metal of the knob on my bedroom door before taking a deep breath and heading out into the hallway. I had expected it to be bustling with vampires and servants getting ready for yet another event, but they were eerily quiet, which was an odd sight to behold, considering I lived in a vampire palace. Eerie was probably the norm.

An unexpected twinge of excitement bubbled through me at the thought that I would have time to myself. I was always a bit of a loner at heart and didn't mind being alone. It gave me time to think and clear my head. Tonight was definitely going to be a night where having a clear head would do me a world of good.

Along with my old-Claire attire, I felt the urge to live like a normal girl, and not like an heir to a vampire legacy. Encouraging my desire to feed some guilty pleasures, I snuck to the media room and sprawled out on the large sofa before clicking the remote to my favorite channel. I knew old reruns played late at night. When Liz and I had sleepovers, we would stay up all night. We threw caution to the wind and pigged out on pizza and Twinkies, painted our nails, talked about boys and watched really corny sitcoms. I couldn't imagine a better night than that at this moment; and even though I was homesick for Liz and my old life, it brought some happiness to my otherwise stressful current existence.

Normally, after a couple shows I would be fighting to stay awake, but now as a vampire, I could have watched the television all night. I knew my pleasant distraction would end soon. Luckily, I didn't get the rude interruption I had expected.

The scent of blood immediately perked my body into a sitting position and I turned to find a servant heading toward me with a silver goblet on a similar silver tray. The familiar fragrance was tantalizing and mouthwatering, but I maintained my composure and urge to dive for the cup, allowing the small woman to offer it to me.

The tiny, gray-haired servant lowered her eyes as I grasped the goblet. She finished with a small curtsey before exiting the room faster than usual. "Thank you!" I called out to her, trying to be polite and she smiled nervously. "I wonder what has her so jumpy?" I asked myself as I curled back onto the couch and sipped the contents of the cup as if it were warm cocoa. The blood coated my throat and revitalized my body, filling it with energy to begin another night in my new life. I found myself wondering when the ceremony would begin and, as if on cue, Robin strolled casually into the room, goblet in hand.

She curled into a side lounge chair and finished the contents of her cup, wagging her pinky at me as she did so. She attempted to place it quietly onto the coffee table, but as usual, she inaccurately judged her strength and sent a vibrating echo of metal hitting glass throughout the room. Our heightened senses felt the sensation ten-fold and the hair on our arms stood on end, making us both giggle like little school girls.

"Whatcha watchin?" Robin asked as she picked up a magazine from the coffee table. I glanced at the cover and waggled my eyebrows at her when I saw that the cover model was the vampire she had danced with at the ball. According to the headline, he was "To Bleed For!"

"Just some old reruns of _Teen Queen_. So... are you going to tell me why things are so quiet around here? Or do I have to pull some princess rank on you?" I bit my lip to keep from laughing.

Robin smiled excitedly as she tore out a centerfold of her dream boy, who was modeling a particularly saggy pair of jeans and opened button-down shirt. She eyed it affectionately, but I could see her peeking at me to see if she was successfully keeping me in suspense and she was.

"You do know that I won't tell you any details about what happened with Dmitry last night at the ball if you don't tell me what's going on?" I tried bribing her.

"Oh, I bet I can guess that easy." Robin smiled at me wildly and made kissy faces as she pretended to make out with an imaginary figure. I grabbed the closest pillow and chucked it her. She caught it before it hit her, then leaped with impeccable speed to the open side of the couch next to me. "You'll never guess what's going on!" she squealed in delight at the fact that she knew some gossip that I did not.

"Go on," I pulled my feet up under me and waited eagerly for Robin to spill it.

"Apparently, Ana, her family and Luka are all making a big stink about the fact that you are getting a Blood Mate. They are all locked up in Nicolae's office, arguing about it right now." Robin's tone grew quieter as if someone was listening to us. "My dad told me that they are demanding they all receive Blood Mates. That if they are truly that concerned with your safety to practice such an old custom, then they all deserve the same protection."

I simply nodded as she spoke, not sure of how I felt about this news. I didn't see the harm in letting them have one if they wanted one, but a small part of me just simply didn't want Ana to get anything she wanted. The fact that she was concerned about her "safety" when I believed she was the one who let the humans in was a little perplexing. "Doesn't it take a while to find a Blood Mate to match a vampire?"

"Yes, it could take a long time, but I wouldn't put it past them to have already secretly matched themselves with someone." She sunk into the couch as the excitement of revealing her news wore off.

"I guess if they want one, what harm could it do really?" I paused for a moment and another thought came to mind. "Did your dad tell you if Dmitry was demanding a Blood Mate?" My heart sunk at the very idea.

Robin eyes looked up as she pondered it for a moment, "No I don't think he mentioned Dmitry at all. I can't see him doing that anyway, not after I saw him with you. I've known him a long time, Claire, and he's never cared for anyone the way he cares for you. Girls have always been after him, but he quickly grew bored of them before anything ever even started."

She smiled at me reassuringly, her fangs slightly exposed and I nudged her with my shoulder. "Thanks, Robin. I really hope that he and I can work things out. I don't want this whole Blood Mate thing to come between us. It seems to be okay for Nicolae and Evilyn so I have hope that we can do it. So, do you think the ceremony is still going to happen?"

Robin grabbed the remote and flipped the channel to _VSN: Vampire Society News_. The coverage of the ball was playing and my attention drew away from Robin as I saw a statuesque emerald form walk confidently down the grand staircase. "Wow, that doesn't even look like me," I said as I watched myself onscreen.

"Sure it does, silly. You were incredibly beautiful and poised. Everything a Vampire Princess should be. Look," she said as she pointed to the screen "that's the curtsey of a natural."

"Well, underneath all the _natural vampire princess-ness,_ I was a frizzled ball of nerves, but I'm glad it didn't show." We watched the coverage in silence as the pretty young reporter with ruby red lips and incredibly white-blonde hair talked animatedly about the coronation, commenting on who was present and what they were wearing. Then it replayed back to the beginning of the night as it aired the arrival of all the guests being announced like celebrities on a red carpet. "Looks like they've been playing this on a loop all day long."

"Yeah, they usually do. Didn't you watch stuff like this all the time before?" Robin asked. Vampire society was almost an obsession for lots of girls at my school, but I always seemed too busy for it. Occasionally, when I would be at the store or waiting in a doctor's office, I'd grab a magazine and get the recent gossip, but more often than not, it was just made up stories to keep people hooked. It was probably the reason why everything I thought I knew about vampires turned out not to be true. For leaders of our region, they really kept quiet about the true details of their lives. I figured that the writers for the mags didn't have much of a choice, but to make things up.

Either way, it was probably for the best. The more I was learning, the more I came to not like vampire ways and I was sure all the humans in our region would feel very much the same. "You didn't answer my question, ya' know?" I looked at Robin, whose eyes were still locked onto the television screen. I couldn't tell if she were truly that interested or if she were trying very hard to not show me her true feelings for this new development.

"Oh," she looked at me and smiled, "they are definitely still going to do it. Pretty much unavoidable at this point. You'll need to get ready soon."

A tiny emotion I couldn't identify trickled from Robin, she had masked it very well, so I decided to ask one of the questions I had been holding back. "Do you want a Blood Mate?"

Robin's face took on a look of embarrassment and shame, which I didn't understand. She avoided my gaze and I quickly responded not wanting her to continue her internal torture. "Robin, I don't mind if you want one. If you feel you need the added protection, then I fully support it. In fact, I'd be happier about you having one than I am for myself." I tried smiling at her reassuringly, my fangs sliding lightly against my bottom lip.

"Thanks, Claire. It's not that... Well, I just don't have the guts to ask for something from the king or queen which they did not offer to me. I know I am not important enough to need such added protection."

My mouth fell open and my heart ached for my friend. She had been kind to me since I first arrived at the palace and was as dear to me as my old best friend, Liz. "Don't you ever say that again, you hear me?" I scooted across the couch and pulled her into as tight a hug as she always gave me. "You are very important to me; and I say if you want something, you shall have it."

She smiled and giggled slightly at me as she wiped away a single fallen tear. "I suppose we had better get down to business." Robin sighed and stood from the couch with renewed confidence as her bubbly personality began to return.

~
Chapter 14

"Business... yes... so what kind of business is that exactly?" I knew very well that it would involve my getting ready for the ceremony, but I was still hoping to pry a bit more information from her.

"Well, you need to get ready of course, and the queen wants to speak with you beforehand."

"She does? Why didn't you tell me?"

Robin's eyebrows furrowed between her eyes in confusion, "I just did." I laughed and stood up to follow her out of the media room. She led me to the eastern wing of the palace which I had seen very little of. Double doors opened to a long hallway that was completely lined with windows, much like a green house.

The hallway ended with another set of large wooden doors, however these were carved intricately and portrayed a magnificent scene of vampires praying to a starry night sky while an ethereal figure looked down on them lovingly.

That must be Nyx, I thought. She was as beautiful as I had imagined and I thought that whoever carved this scene must have taken care to ensure her beauty would shine through the multiple grains of wood. "This is so amazing," I said as I ran my fingers softly across the smooth polished wood.

"Mhm," Robin nodded as she eyed the carving with admiration. "There is a great story about this scene. Thousands of years ago, according to legend, vampires were hunted by humans and lived in constant fear of extinction." My eyebrows rose in surprise as she continued. "Since we could not be out during the day, the vampires gathered at night and prayed for help so urgently and with such ferocity that the goddess, Nyx appeared. They begged her to give them peace and save them. Nyx, in her great wisdom, blessed those who prayed to her and showed them how they could survive without the blood of humans. She taught them to see how strong and powerful they were and urged them to forgive the humans." Robin traced her finger along the carving of the goddess.

"If the vampires were scared of humans, then how did the dark ages come about?"

"As they began to realize their strength, many grew arrogant and believed they were part of a superior race. An uprising spread throughout the world like wild fire. Hundreds of thousands of humans and vampires were killed, but not until the vampires started killing each other did the war finally end."

"But why would they kill each other?" I never heard that was what caused the war to end and was surprised, although I had no doubt that it was the truth. That fact appeared to be deliberately left out during history lessons in school. I presumed the vampires preferred not to be portrayed as predators of their own species.

"There were two... um, factions of vampires, I suppose you could call them. There were those who favored their newfound power and those who still followed the ways of the goddess. The latter claimed that Nyx called them into action to protect the humans from the vampires who had forsaken the goddess. In doing so, they were looked upon as traitors to their breed and attacked openly." As Robin told the story, she opened the doors to reveal a beautiful temple with a glass ceiling that allowed the brightness of the moon to bathe the statues and pews inside with glowing moonbeams.

"Wow," I gasped as I took in the beauty of the room. I immediately felt a connection with Nyx that reminded me of the night I was turned. I could tell this temple held great power. We walked along the center aisle and then turned to our left into a smaller chamber, which was a dressing room. A large mirror stood at the right, along with room dividers for changing. As with everywhere else in the palace, there were huge porcelain vases that held freshly cut flowers of countless varieties. The aroma was intoxicating and filled the room heavily. Evilyn wasn't waiting for us, so we took our seats and Robin continued her story, clearly enjoying her role as history teacher.

"Among the believers, there rose a powerful vampire. He followed Nyx and was willing to fight to the death for her. It was through his guidance and training that allowed them to overcome the evil, taking us out of the dark ages."

"Nicolae," I whispered in realization. I had never heard the true version of what had happened and a newfound respect for my vampire dad was beginning to blossom inside me.

"He is an inspiration to us all," Evilyn smiled from the doorway. She was wrapped, head-to-toe in a velvety black cape. Her lips were full and painted in a luscious red. A band of black stretched across her eyes like a mask, yet a tiny hint of love escaped her.

Robin and I immediately rose and curtseyed toward her. "Mom," I tried my best to show respect and did not hide my happiness at seeing her.

"Oh, Claire. Please rise, you need not bow before me." She reached for my hand and pulled me up. An amused expression lifted the corner of her lips into a slight smile. "You tell the story beautifully, Robin."

Robin beamed and stepped aside as Evilyn sat down on the loveseat and patted the empty place next to her. She looked at me expectantly to take my seat. As I obeyed, Robin smiled and excused herself to get ready for the ceremony.

We sat in silence for a moment and I hesitated several times when I found myself dying to ask a thousand questions. Evilyn caught on to my feelings, as she always did, and rested her hand on mine. "It will be alright, child. I know of what you are suffering and I promise you, all will be well."

I gave her a weak smile as my heart missed a beat and made my eyes start to burn before tears began to fall. I wiped at them, angry for allowing myself to break down in front of her. I wanted to look strong, and crying like a baby was quite the opposite of my intention.

Evilyn lifted my chin so that I looked into her dark eyes and I saw a sparkle of the woman she used to be visible deep within them. I had never noticed it before and found comfort that somewhere hidden secretly, she carried a piece of her former human self. "If he truly loves you, this will not affect your devotion to each other. In truth, it can make things stronger." I looked at her in surprise and she wiped the tears from my face with the hem of her cloak. "Do not look so surprised. A woman knows well the tears of a lost love."

I sniffled as the tears ceased their onslaught and regained some composure. "How did you make it work?"

"It took time, my child, but because of it, Nicolae found a deep respect for Foxworth. It is difficult for a man, especially a vampire, to allow another to do what they cannot. Eventually that began to change. In the beginning, when times were still unsettled after the dark ages, Foxworth was able to protect me when Nicolae could not. Saving the life of a loved one is an action that Nicolae could not ignore. In doing so, Foxworth earned his respect and Nicolae realized they shared the same goal, my safety, because nothing else mattered."

Evilyn's tale sounded like a romantic love story, and although I wanted to ask her for more details, I knew there wasn't time. I made a mental note to ask her again someday. I wanted to know more about my new mom and it comforted me to find that there was a loving romantic hidden under her stern vampire exterior.

"Who will be my Blood Mate?" I feared asking this question and wondered if it would have been best to remain ignorant of the truth; but I didn't want to be unpleasantly surprised at the altar.

"His name is Arrick. I have spoken with him myself, Claire, and I believe he will be an excellent match for you. Not only his blood." She rose and began to sort through a pile of black capes that lay draped heavily over a chair. I wanted to ask her what he looked like, and what made her think he would be an excellent match for me, but another question seemed more important.

"What is going to happen in this ceremony and what exactly does it mean to have a Blood Mate? I know that I willingly joined this family, but it isn't right to expect me to do things without giving me some information about it." I knew I sounded a little defiant, but I was hoping that she would admire my strength for standing up to her.

"As I am sure you have already learned, it is a very old custom that has not been practiced in our region in many, many years. There are many duties a Blood Mate is created for, but first and foremost, they exist to protect their mate."

"How can they do that?" I interrupted too quickly and saw the slight annoyance that wrinkled Evilyn's lips, but her tone remained neutral.

"As with vampires, a Blood Mate is created. However, the method is dramatically different, and it takes an altered path of transformation. With this change, they take on extraordinary abilities, unlike vampires." Evilyn held up a cloak in the air, visualizing whether or not it would fit me. When she determined that it would, she directed me toward her to sit on a small stool in front of a dressing table. She draped the cloak around me and started styling my hair, continuing her explanation.

"As I said before, a Blood Mate can protect his or her mate in places where a vampire cannot. Tell me, Claire, where might such a place be?"

I thought about it for a moment while she pinned the last of my hair back. She braided it on each side, allowing small strands to fall around my face, framing it delicately. A black velvet gown that matched the cape was laid on my lap and Evilyn asked that I quickly change before she did my makeup.

As I dressed, I couldn't help getting a little excited. Not about the ceremony, but about spending more time with Evilyn. It was the mother-daughter moment that I never had with my human mom, and although it made me miss her, I was savoring every bit of it.

"Daylight!" I answered triumphantly as I twirled out from behind the screens in the black, floor-length gown. As with most vampire dresses, it was low-cut and revealed an ample amount of skin for such a long frock, but I was slowly becoming accustomed to this fashion. Vampires didn't have the same reservations about nudity as humans did. They viewed naked bodies as objects of beauty and not something to be ashamed of.

"That is correct. Well done. Blood Mates can exist in direct sunlight; they can also stay awake during the day, and we cannot."

"How else do they differ?" I asked, eager to learn as much as I could.

"They do not need to feed on human blood as we do. Blood Mates can survive on human food, much as they did before, although many do enjoy feeding."

"Feeding?" That sounded to me like they liked to drink blood.

"This is where much of the jealousy can be born, should you already have a lover when you are matched with a Blood Mate." My cheeks flushed at the word "lover". I definitely wouldn't say that Dmitry was my lover, but my feelings for him did run deep, and I wanted to see where they would lead. "Many vampires and Blood Mates become lovers and feed on each other."

"I thought vampires weren't allowed to feed and that's why we have blood banks."

"They aren't allowed to feed on humans. A Blood Mate is not a human, although they can still walk under the sun's light. As Robin's dad would say, they are a sort of 'hybrid'. They are equally as strong, if not more so, and they do not age. That's what makes them the perfect bodyguards! They can stay bonded to their vampire for eternity."

I pondered this and started to prefer the idea of being a Blood Mate myself, rather than a vampire. There seemed to be more advantages. "Why haven't Blood Mates been made in a long time?"

"Well..." Evilyn thought about it as she prepared my makeup, creating the same black band she had across my eyes. "There was great speculation, and I would say fear as well, that Blood Mates might become more powerful than vampires. If there is one thing a vampire will not share, it is power. That is something very important you must learn as you begin your journey in this family."

"Are you and Nicolae... I mean Dad doing the same thing? Eventually, when I take the throne?"

"No, Claire, there is a great difference between choosing a successor and having your power wrested from you by force. Hence, the urgency for you to join our family."

It sounded like Evilyn might have wanted to say more, but she stopped mid-sentence, staring off into space like she was suddenly lost in a memory. I remained silent, hoping that she would continue and confirm what I suspected that a vampire in the palace was plotting to steal the throne from Nicolae. Just who that vampire was, I didn't know for certain yet.

A small knock on the door snapped Evilyn out of her trance and she quickly rose from her seat in one smooth motion. Robin popped her head in, adorned in the same matching black outfit that the queen and I wore. "Come in, Robin." Evilyn waved her in as she headed for the door.

"The king requests your presence," Robin said with a small bow.

"Thank you," Evilyn exited the room in her usual manner, floating above the ground, but not before she stopped to take one last look at me. "I am very proud of you, Claire. I see in you a spirit much like your dad's. A phoenix that rises from the ashes of chaos. Should our world be threatened, I am grateful we have you on our side."

My dad. It was a weird thought to process, my revealing a trait of a man that I was not born from. Nonetheless, I took the compliment gratefully and bowed my head to her before she left. I still feared that I wouldn't be able to do the great many things everyone expected of me, but I did know that I wanted to with all my being.

When the door was solidly shut, Robin pulled her hood down and plopped down on an arm chair. Even with her gothic-like attire, her happy disposition showed through the dark garment and black streak across her face. "Interesting attire we have to wear for this thing," I said as I blew a strand of hair out of my face and sat on the loveseat.

"It's traditional for vampires to wear black in this ceremony. It's to set us apart from the Blood Mate who must wear red. Many say red was chosen to both honor and shame them, but most Blood Mates feel no shame in wearing it." Robin beamed at being able to give me another history lesson. "So it looks like you and the queen had a good talk. You seem happier now."

"I am... I think," I replied, returning Robin's smile. "So have you found out anything else that is going on?" I was secretly hoping the ceremony had been called off and I could run to find Dmitry as quickly as possible.

"Nicolae refused to give them Blood Mates and they aren't happy about it, to say the least."

"So what happens now?"

"The ceremony is going to be conducted as scheduled. I was told to make sure you were ready and to request that the queen meet with him." I knew that's what she was going to say.

"What am I supposed to do during this ceremony? Is it going to be like my transformation?" I didn't want to sound like a wuss, but I wasn't particularly looking forward to going through any more horrific pain at the moment.

"No. At least I don't think so. From what I've read, and what my dad has told me, it is a fairly short ceremony. Much like a wedding rite in some respects," I gulped loudly and Robin giggled. "Don't worry; you won't actually be married to the guy."

"Good." It sounded easy enough and my nerves settled. "How much longer 'til it starts?"

"My mom will come in and get us when it's time."

Robin and I chatted for a while about everything except the ceremony. I teased her about her dancing partner from the coronation ball, and she didn't seem to mind talking about him at all. I liked seeing her happy and wondered if there was anything I could do to make this vampire dream boy of hers have a reason to visit us more often.

When Mara entered the room, my nerves had successfully settled and I was ready to proceed to this mysterious Blood Mate ceremony that would forever bond me to another man. It sounded a lot like marriage to me, so to keep my fears at bay, I prayed that when I walked down the aisle, it would be Dmitry waiting for me, dressed in a red cape with his devilish grin. The thought brought a smile to my face.

Robin left when Mara entered and I was then led through another hallway that brought us back to the main doorway of the temple. Seeing the doors again made me remember the story Robin told me about Nicolae. I thought about him rising from the fearful and oppressed vampires of old, and leading them to freedom and a new life. "A phoenix from the ashes," I whispered to myself.

"What did you say, dear?" Mara asked.

"Oh nothing."

"When you hear the bell toll, these doors will open for you." I nodded as she lifted my hood over my hair. "Walk slowly down the aisle and keep your focus on the statue of Nyx." I figured that would be easy to do. At the very end of the aisle stood a tall, stone statue of the goddess. Her head was cast down to look at the altar below her.

"Then what?" I asked.

"Just follow the priest's instructions, Claire, and you will do fine. Now remember, do not enter until the..."

"Until the bell tolls. I remember." I smiled at her and she sped off the way we had come.

I closed my eyes and tried to focus on my breathing as I waited. The world seemed deathly quiet and any miniscule sound seemed to be amplified as it was carried down the hall to me. For a brief moment, I thought I heard the clatter of pans in the kitchen... or was it Ana's evil cackle bouncing off the palace walls? Either way, it made goose bumps prickle across my skin.

When the bell rang, it was incredibly loud and I felt like I had been standing at the top of a bell tower. My very bones rattled at the sound and if I hadn't already been biting my lip, I might have screamed aloud.

The wooden doors parted of their own accord, silently yet heavily rolling across the marble floor. When they came to a stop, I waited, unsure of when I should begin walking. I expected everyone to turn toward me as they would during a human wedding to watch a bride walk down an aisle. But each hooded figure kept their faces pointed forward and cast slightly upward toward the face of the goddess.

At the end of the aisle stood a vampire priest, his face shadowed by a hood. Unlike the rest of us, he wore a cape of shimmering white and I assumed it was to represent the moon. He beckoned me to walk toward him and I obeyed. I slowed my pace, much slower than I was sure Mara had instructed me to, but I was desperately searching for Dmitry. I couldn't use my eyes to scan the room, since everyone was hooded. I didn't know who was whom, so I stretched out my emotions, trying to connect with Dmitry's familiar feel. By the time I reached the altar, however, I was still unsuccessful. Had he not come? I knew it would be hard for him to see me go through with this, but I needed him to be here for me.

I fought the urge to turn around as I looked toward the priest. He turned his back to me and raised his hands to the goddess who looked down on us. I sensed the crowd behind me mimicking his motion, so I did the same. Looking up at her, I noticed that her hands, which were down at her sides when Robin and I first saw her, were now raised to the heavens. One was holding a giant red ruby while the other bore a luminescent, glowing orb that looked much like the moon.

Everyone in the room began to pray. In unison, they chanted, "She walks in beauty through the night, upon darkened hills and starlit skies. We call upon the moon and elemental light. A child of the night births a child of the light, all shall follow your worthy might. All-seeing, all-hearing goddess, you witness this night a most solemn oath. Unfurl your wings, oh goddess of the night and bless us your children in this ceremony of new life."

After the prayer ended, we all lowered our hands and the priest turned toward me. He extended his left hand and I followed it, focusing on every vein and hair. I needed something to focus on to keep me grounded. The room felt electric after the prayer and my head grew began to spin like I had gotten up too quickly from sitting.

A red figure approached from my right and my entire body stiffened. It was both incredibly painful and amazingly pleasant. As the figure drew nearer, he stood so closely, our capes brushed against each other. My nerves were so on end and I was suddenly so aware that even that sensation rippled through my body as if he had taken his hand and touched me himself.

"Join hands!" The priest spoke in a deep throaty voice. It commanded obedience, but was somehow soothing. I guessed he had been a priest of Nyx for a great many years.

The red-cloaked figure at my side raised his hand. It was steady and I looked at it for only a moment, hoping I would recognize something that would give away who he was. I placed my hand atop his, careful not to take too long in doing so. I felt the heat of his skin against mine. He was the first human I had touched since turning into a vampire and the warmth made something inside of me stir. It wasn't a hunger for his blood, like I had expected, but something else. I wondered if my hand felt as cold to him, as a vampire's touch felt to me when I first arrived. If it did, he didn't show it. His hand remained motionless under mine.

The priest held his hand over ours as he lowered his head in another prayer. Everyone followed his actions again, however this time, I couldn't hear his words. I lowered my head, but kept my eyes open. I wanted to be completely aware of everything that was going on.

Two black-hooded figures approached the priest, each carrying a large wooden box. Each box was ornately carved; one had a large ruby encased on the lid, whilst the other had a crystal that appeared cloudy with a silvery sparkle to it. Apparently, vampires loved symbolism.

The box with the ruby was opened first, and inside it, was a dagger much like the one I had seen the night of my transformation. My body immediately protested at the sight of the blade and I was beginning to tremble. I fought the urge to run, but I couldn't keep my eyes from flashing about the room, searching for an escape route. The priest raised his eyebrows at me, clearly disapproving of my reaction.

I didn't want to go through the transformation ceremony again and didn't know if I could. I was quickly losing my composure and my breathing grew ragged when the red-hooded figure beside me squeezed his fingers between mine and held them gently. It was an unexpected kindness, which gave me a sense of comfort I had not anticipated, and I found myself squeezing back.

Seemingly appeased, the priest continued. The dagger was raised to the night sky and it glittered, sending fragments of moonlight around me. He then opened the second box, which contained a beautiful crystal goblet and a small vial of a shimmering liquid. He again raised the items above him as if he were showing them to the goddess, Nyx, for her approval.

He poured a single, shimmering drop of the silvery liquid into the goblet and handed it to the man at my side, who accepted it after releasing my hand. I was surprised to feel that I longed to hold his hand again. Not sure what I should do, I left my hand aloft as the priest then handed the dagger to me. I looked at him expectantly, but was offered only a grimace and an emotionless stare. He was clearly annoyed that I didn't know what to do.

The man beside me kneeled, his head downcast and the crystal goblet raised upward. That's when it dawned on me and my mouth fell open in shock. I had to fill the goblet with _my_ blood. How the hell did they expect me to do that? By cutting myself? They had to be crazy.

I knew there was no way out of this and I couldn't leave this man waiting next to me forever. Everyone watched me patiently, and all were waiting. I knew somewhere in the crowd, Nicolae and Evilyn as well as everyone else expected me to cut myself, they were waiting for me to complete the ceremony. There was no chickening out, I didn't have a choice.

I turned fully to him, and with a deep breath, I dragged the edge of the blade against the flesh of my palm. Pain seared through me like a burning flame. I held in a scream as tears escaped my eyes and allowed my blood to drain into the goblet. As the first crimson drop hit the shimmering silver liquid, the glass began to sparkle and shine like the moon. When it grew full it emitted tendrils of silver that were visible unlike any ribbons of emotion I had ever felt. As soon as they touched me, I realized they were ribbons from the goddess herself. They licked my wound, healing it instantly and wrapped around me in a loving caress. I felt like I was hugging the moon as the bright light warmed my skin and showered my face with silver. They lifted my hood and that of my red-capped mate.

As his hood fell back, he rose to stand tall before me and my eyes widened in complete shock, although his appeared to smile at me, yet his face remained emotionless. He was incredibly handsome and somehow familiar though, I had never seen him before. I watched him unblinkingly as he raised the crystal goblet to his lips and drank its contents in a single swallow.

He fell to his knees as his body heaved and retched. His groans of pain were deep and echoed throughout the temple. I looked about, not knowing what to do, and saw no one coming to his aid. I knelt beside him and hesitantly rested my hand on his back as his body shuddered. When he finally began to breathe normally, I stood and waited for him to rise.

We then turned to the priest and looked up toward the statue, towering before us like a colossus. "In the eyes of the goddess, let these two be bonded!" the priest loudly proclaimed.

Instead of the crowd breaking into applause, the room illuminated in an orange glow of candle-light as every wick ignited a single flame. I turned and gazed up at my new Blood Mate.

"I am yours," he said as he looked at me longingly. His eyes flooded with emotion and lingering pain. There was so much love in his eyes. I sensed the crowd was slowly exiting the temple, but I couldn't tear my gaze away from him. He was the figure in the dark that I had searched for, he was my mysterious man, who now belonged to me. He was now my Blood Mate, my sworn protector.

~
Chapter 15

The night had taken an unforeseen turn. I hadn't figured that I might actually like whom I would be joined to, I was expecting the worse and now I didn't know what to do.

"Hello Claire." His voice was deep and steady, sounding exactly as it did when it traveled across the ribbon of emotion he sent to me in my room.

"You know my name?" It was a stupid question, but I didn't know anything about him. By the look on his face, he knew much more about me than I probably would have liked him to know.

"Of course," he said as he guided me to take a seat on a pew beside him.

I smiled politely, but scooted a little further away from him than he seemed to prefer. My conflicting emotions had created an internal battle. "Are you okay?" I wondered if his transformation was as painful as mine.

"I've felt worse pain." He eyed my reaction, and when I didn't seem impressed, he smiled, "I am well." Show-offs never impressed me.

"Right..." His politeness was starting to annoy me, but I tried to brush it off. "Let's um... go for a walk. It would probably be a good idea if we got to know each other a little better," I suggested. Then, not wanting to go too easy on him, I decided to call him out, "And you can tell me why you've been sneaking around so much."

He raised his eyebrows at me, clearly enjoying the playful jab and flashed a brilliant smile at me. I noticed he didn't have fangs and I found myself staring at perfectly straight teeth. I had gotten so used to seeing fangy grins, I assumed he would have fangs as well. "Oh, I don't have fangs, Claire. One of the many differences between a vampire and a Blood Mate," he said. He winked at me and I both loved and hated the way it made my heart flutter.

He rose from his seat and removed his cape. The velvety crimson fabric fell onto the seat beside me, but it only stole my attention for a brief second as I quickly found myself staring at him. He wore all black, with a slightly tight-fitting, button-up black shirt, his muscles flexing with the fabric as he moved. The contrast between his dark clothes and tan skin complemented him beautifully. Yet, his eyes were the most desirable to look at, because they didn't look like the dark limitless pools all vampires have. He couldn't be called a soulless monster. His eyes were an amazing shade of green, and the longer I focused on them, I soon realized one of his eyes had an odd splash of brown, giving him a uniqueness that was oddly attractive.

He offered his hand, but I ignored it, against my almost overpowering internal urge to hold it again. I removed my cape as well, dropping it atop his. As I turned to face him, his expression made me suddenly feel very aware of my exposed flesh. I decided I was better off keeping the cape on, for the time being, at least. Arrick smiled at me, but didn't say anything as I slid the cape back on, leaving the hood off. I knew I would be too warm as we walked outside, but I wasn't prepared to catch his eyes wandering anywhere they shouldn't be. I couldn't trust that I wouldn't slap him or start kissing him madly.

Part of me was simply upset about the feelings I instantly had for Arrick. There was a mountain of guilt beginning to grow that weighed heavily on my heart and my feelings for Dmitry. Things were turning out exactly as he feared they would.

We toured our way silently through the palace. It was as quiet as it had been earlier in the night, aside from the occasional servant or passerby. I kept my eyes peeled for Dmitry, but I didn't see him or sense his presence. I knew it was unlikely, especially with Arrick walking beside me, but a girl could still hope. I needed to see him, to speak with him and reaffirm that he was still in my heart. I desperately tried to convince myself that my feelings were just the residual effects of the ceremony, but deep down, I knew that was a lie.

As we reached the palace gardens and began to walk amongst the moonlit foliage, I skipped the pleasantries and got right down to the dozen questions I was going to demand he answer. "So, Arrick, why have you been..." I didn't want to call him a stalker, so I avoided the word altogether, "whatever it was you were doing?"

"Nicolae asked that I not interfere with your daily life until after the ceremony. He told me he had already asked much of you and didn't want to overburden you more than necessary. And I agreed with him."

I nodded, although I only slightly understood his answer. "So, you just watched me?"

He laughed a deep laugh that rumbled pleasantly in his chest. "When you say it like that, it does sound a little stalker-ish."

I giggled slightly and was relieved to see he had a sense of humor, "Hey, you said it, not me." I raised my hands up in embarrassment.

"Claire, I have known that I would be bonded with you for quite some time. My feelings for you are very different from what you feel for me, I'm sure; but in time, I hope that you can at least grow fond of me."

I avoided his gaze, not allowing my face to contradict him. I feared that my feelings were growing beyond my restraint. He sounded so formal and proper, I couldn't help but blush. In an awkward attempt to hide it, I quickly turned to smell one of the roses that lined the walkway, while Arrick waited patiently nearby, his hands clasped behind his back.

When I was certain my cheeks had cooled down to normal, I turned back to the pathway to continue our walk. "So...stalker," I smiled at him. He returned my smile with his sparkly grin that made something inside me flutter. "Why did you want to be my Blood Mate?"

"Where I come from, being a Blood Mate is a great honor, especially for a royal family member. And you are very important to me."

"Where you come from? You're not from this region?" I was shocked. I had never met anyone from another region before. I knew I probably should have asked why I was so important, but meeting someone from another region, who openly admitted it, was almost like meeting an alien.

"Yes."

I waited, but he didn't say more. "You want to elaborate on that?"

"Not particularly, no."

"Well, why not?" I hated having the truth withheld and it was becoming the habit of too many people I knew lately. I didn't want Arrick to become another one of them, so I pressed him, unconcerned if I appeared too pushy.

When I opened my mouth to ask him again, he interrupted me, "Could you explain to me the tension that exists between you and one of the other vampires in the palace - Ana?"

He could avoid my question all he wanted, but in the end, I wouldn't let him get away with it. "I would call it more than tension, I would say she hates my guts."

"She has been of great concern to me, and the night of your coronation ball confirmed it." I watched him as he walked, and even though his hands were clasped behind his back, I distinctly saw the muscles in his jaw flexing. He looked steadily about as he surveyed our surroundings. I was starting to get the feeling he wasn't as poised and proper as he was letting on. He was extremely vigilant. If the breeze had caused a branch to sway too near to me, I was certain he might attack it.

"I guessed as much. She's pretty much had it out for me since day one. Robin said that Ana assumed her family would take the throne and she would become the princess or something like that. Honestly, I don't care what she wanted." I ripped a leaf from a nearby tree and twirled it in my fingers as we continued our stroll.

"You should care. What that monster is up to should be at the forefront of your mind, Claire," Arrick said, taking on too much of a bossy tone for my liking.

"Isn't that why I have you now?" I thought the whole point of having a Blood Mate was so he would watch my back.

Arrick huffed angrily and slashed his hand against a plant, sending a flurry of leaves onto the stone pathway. "I suppose I can thank your human upbringing for that way of thinking."

"Hey! What the hell is that supposed to mean?" It sounded like he was degrading my human mom and me and I certainly wouldn't stand for that! I yanked on his arm and spun him toward me. Even angry, his face was incredibly handsome, but I refused to let that sway me.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that. You are just so very special and I hate to see you being so cavalier about your safety." His eyes pleaded with me as they grew glassier, like tears were forming, but they never fell.

"Why do I get the feeling that there is something you aren't telling me?" Sensing the emotions of a Blood Mate was different than other vampires. I could feel inside me what he was feeling and I sensed his hesitation. I followed my instincts, knowing I was right. He was hiding something from me. Something big.

Arrick raised his hand to touch my face. He stopped just short, but my skin could still feel the warmth of his, so close to me. I tried to express in my eyes that I wouldn't push his hand away, but he withdrew it and slid his hand through his brown hair instead. "There is much I want to tell you, but for now, you must know that I have one goal and that is my sworn duty to protect you." He said the words so sternly and with such finality that I knew he had spoken them before, in an oath long before he became my Blood Mate.

I found myself mesmerized by the way his lips moved when he talked and tried frantically to think of another question to ask, just so he would speak. My heart was racing as it yearned for Arrick; yet my mind protested, saying it was too much desire, too soon. My body ached for him like a lost lover I had known for centuries, but it was a feeling I didn't recognize and my mind couldn't understand.

It felt like hours had passed, but the moments of my heart's battle lasted only seconds and immediately halted when Arrick locked his eyes on mine. His knowing smile told me he knew very well what I was feeling and confirmed a future victory for him that I would soon be his. This connection could prove very troublesome for me, considering I was already so terrible at hiding my emotions.

We had taken the long way around the pond, but finally made it to my favorite bench. I wanted to avoid it, not certain if I was ready to take Arrick there, when a loud explosion rattled the night. A flash of golden light illuminated the front of the palace and I covered my mouth in shock.

Arrick grabbed my arm with incredible speed and a growl rumbled in his chest. His grip grew tighter, but was nothing compared to one of Robin's bear-hugs, and a squeak of pain escaped me. Were Blood Mates physically stronger than vampires? "Sorry." Arrick rubbed my arm and pulled me close to him protectively, but it didn't cause the same feelings as it did the last time I touched him.

"Someone has attacked the front gate," he said. I stood up on my toes, but couldn't see past the foliage of the gardens. Arrick's tall, six-foot-four frame more than towered over everything, especially me.

"Who has?" I was surprised at how calm I was, but the animal inside me was revving up and I found myself enjoying the thought of a battle.

"We must go." He grabbed my hand and we rushed back to the palace. After a few stumbling steps, I managed to rip a slit in my dress, which made my sprint much swifter. I barely needed to take a second breath before we were at the base of the stairs at the palace. Arrick ascended them as stealthily as a cat and kept an arm held out in front of me.

"Go to your room and lock the door!" he shouted over his shoulder at me before moving closer to the front of the palace.

"No!" I put my foot down, "I'm not going to let someone attack my home. Whoever or whatever they are, they'll be sorry they did! After I'm done, they will never think to attack the palace or get anywhere near it again." A fire was alight inside me and I thoroughly enjoyed it. When I was human, I was not known for ever showing aggression or even sticking up for myself; but as soon as I had my first taste of it while defending Robin against Ana, I rather enjoyed it.

Arrick ran to me, his green eyes burning with anger and fear. His grip was firm, but not so much that it hurt and I squirmed in his grasp. I knew I could break free if I really wanted to, but it would only cause trouble between us, and now wasn't the time. "Please, Claire. I can handle this. Fox and his guards are already at task."

The mention of Fox quickly squelched my desire to be a part of the fray. There was something about him that I really didn't like, but could never quite put my finger on. "Tell me who is attacking the palace and then _I_ will decide whether or not I will go to my room." He might have been my Blood Mate, but I was still in charge and I was damn well going to make sure he knew that, no matter how I felt about him.

"They are just humans. It is best if we deal with them."

"Humans? But why would they attack us? And who is 'we'?" I pushed his arms off me and started to make my way toward the front of the palace, but Arrick ran ahead of me and stopped.

"Listen to me, Claire."

I huffed, "Fine."

He seemed to relax a bit and exhaled before explaining. " _We_ as in Blood Mates. Fox and I and the human palace guards. Humans don't know about us, so they will think we are one of them. If I had to guess, I would say that they are attacking the palace because of what happened at the coronation ball and it's probably in the best interest of everyone if vampires don't get involved in any part of this attack."

I could see the logic in his words and fought my stubborn nature. "Fine, I'll go, but don't think I'm the kind of girl who just runs away every time something looks dangerous. I'm not that kind of princess. You get me?" I pointed my finger at him and he gave me a knowing wink.

"Oh, I know you're not. Now go and don't open the door for anyone but me. Okay?"

The interior of the palace was pandemonium. Palace guards were rushing through hallways, taking up multiple positions. I steadily made my way down the hall, deftly dodging a running guard or frantic servant as I proceeded to my room. Several of the guards recognized me and demanded they escort me to my quarters for safety, but I raised my hand and did my best to politely decline, stating that the safety of the palace was more important than accompanying me to my room.

It was obvious they struggled with my resistance, but when I continued my march without giving them time to comment, they quickly refocused on the task at hand.

I quickened my pace the closer I got to my room. I wanted to check on Robin. I had a feeling she was probably frantic with worry and then a sinking feeling crept into my gut. Maybe she wasn't worried, nor Dmitry for that matter. I had a Blood Mate now, who was sworn to protect me, so they would have no need to worry for my safety.

~
Chapter 16

As I entered my hallway, I sped to my bedroom door and flew into the room with precision velocity. I closed the latch behind me. The tiny bolt gave me very little sense of safety. My room was eerily quiet even though the sounds of shouting and hissing flames rumbled through the night.

I yanked off my cape and threw it onto the coffee table, making my way to the balcony. As I pulled open the curtains, another explosion erupted, violently shaking the walls of the palace. I braced myself by hanging onto the velvety curtains. The fabric began to rip from the rod and I nearly fell to the floor. I steadied myself and flung the tattered curtain to the side as I leaned out over the balcony. Black smoke billowed from below me and the wind blew it directly into my face, blocking my view.

I could hear people shouting and screaming, vampires growling and the crackling sounds of fire consuming everything in its path below me. I didn't understand the humans' violent actions, it just didn't make sense. I knew after the second explosion, the vampires wouldn't stand by idly and leave the palace's defense just to Fox and his guards. Vengeance ran too strong in our veins and I could feel it burning through mine. The desire to extinguish the threat was almost irresistible.

I no longer cared about following orders and turned to head out of my room to join in the fight. I barely took a step when my nerves shot through me with violent force and my body stood on alert. Another vampire was nearby. The hair on my body was on end and my mouth opened as a growl began to build in my chest.

My bedroom door flew open in one crashing movement. The small, bolted latch flew onto the ground and scattered across the floor. Ana and Luka stood before me, their teeth bared and my vision swirled with rage. Everything made sense. Ana wanted me out, she wanted me dead and this was her chance.

"Poor little princess is all alone," she giggled wickedly as she strolled into the room. Luka pushed the doors closed behind her and stood guard.

I watched Ana's every move as she ambled into the room, taking her time like she was savoring every moment. Shock was frozen on my face.

"It was you, wasn't it?" I hissed at her, clenching my hands into fists at my sides. The muscles in my legs began to flex as my instincts prepared me for her attack. My eyes flicked to Luka, but he remained at the door, seemingly uninterested in the inevitable battle.

"If you haven't figured it out by now, then you are dumber than I thought you were. You've taken what was rightfully mine and I demand you give it back." She seethed as she flung her arm out, sending a porcelain vase soaring toward my feet. It shattered all of its pieces of broken beauty and flowers beneath me.

I giggled at her childish mentality. She really was causing all this trouble because she was a spoiled brat. "That's seriously it? You're having a little temper tantrum cause you can't have what you want? News flash, Ana! It was never yours and now it certainly never will be!"

She growled loudly and lunged at me. She lashed out, but I anticipated it and twirled to the side, smashing the back of my fist across her face. My knuckles connected with her cheekbone painfully, but if felt good to finally hit her. I readied my stance as I finished my spin, half expecting her to come back for a counter attack, but she stood gazing at me, clearly looking like she enjoyed my assault.

Her tongue trailed along the inside of her mouth and she spat blood onto the floor, wiping her lip with her arm. "Not bad, Princess. Maybe this will be more fun than I thought. Daddy told me you wouldn't put up much of a fight."

This time, she shrieked like a banshee and flew at me. The momentum of her speed knocked me backwards. She took advantage of my stagger, hitting me hard twice in the face. I had never been hit before and the pain and shock disoriented me for only a moment; but that's all it took. She began running in circles around me at incredible speed slashing, punching and kicking me. My body jolted and endured every ruthless impact. The pain became intense, causing my tears to fall freely.

I swung at her, but kept missing as she ran faster and faster, giggling all the while. That's when I saw it - her hair. Her long, blonde ponytail floated behind her as she ran. I bared my fangs, waiting for her next hit. She slashed at my face, cutting through the flesh on my jaw and sending warm blood dribbling down my throat.

I knew the wound was deep, but I didn't want to lose my chance. I pounced and grabbed hold of her hair, yanking it down as hard as I could. Her head snapped back and she shrieked in pain while her head slammed with a sickening thud onto the hardwood floor.

Ana yanked at my hand holding her hair and swung at me with the other, but I caught it. I cringed, but managed to bend her arm at the most unnatural angle I could. Her screams grew louder as she writhed and shrieked beneath me. I knew I was stronger than she and needed to use it to my advantage. I might not have known how to fight, but I did know whatever I was doing was really hurting her, so I pressed harder until I heard her bone snap.

Shocked momentarily at what I had done, my animal instincts first cheered in victory and then urged me to bite her. The blood pounded in her throat as she wailed in anguished distress. Tears streaked with black ran down her face and I opened my mouth, baring my fangs as my thirst yearned to drain her.

Her eyes widened when she realized what I was about to do and she forgot her hair and slapped me hard across my face. Her ring-laden fingers tore open the thin skin above my eye. Blood poured out of the open gash, burning my eye and blinding me. I rolled over as she jumped out from under me. The pain was so intense I couldn't inhale enough breath to scream.

I heard Ana shouting to, Luka and although I couldn't make out the words, I knew what she would say, "Finish her!"

There was nothing I could do. I turned onto my knees, feebly trying to get away as I cupped my hand to my face. I sensed Luka at my side. He hesitated, but Ana was cheering him on. He swiftly sent his heavy boot into my stomach.

I cried out and fell onto my side again. An end table was beside me and I latched onto it, trying to pull myself away, but Luka sped to my side again and landed another excruciating kick into my abdomen. I rolled over as the urge to vomit seized me.

Ana ran over to Luka and hugged him. They smiled and rejoiced as I writhed on the floor. They were truly evil incarnate. I had never seen two people, human or vampire, so demented in all my life. The sight of their glee over my agony fueled my last surge of energy and I lifted myself up from the floor.

I knew I couldn't take them both on, but I wasn't going to let them kill me without at least taking one of them out. I stumbled my way to the fireplace and pulled out the wrought iron poker from its base. The metal made a loud scraping noise that echoed throughout the room, causing Ana and Luka to cease their victory celebration.

Ana smiled at me, her fangs bared and she licked at them like a lion would before sinking them into the carotid artery of its prey. They lunged simultaneously and I held my breath as I timed my swing. The poker connected perfectly with the side of Luka's head. He fell to the ground with a heavy thud and black blood oozed out of his skull. Maniacally enraged, Ana landed on me, knocking me to the floor, as she clamped firmly onto my neck. I could feel her sucking the blood from my body like a straw. My hands searched for where I dropped the poker, but my strength was quickly deteriorating. Unlike the beatings, her feeding on me wasn't painful, but definitely effective. I could feel the life draining rapidly from me like water dripping through cupped hands.

I finally felt the cold metal beneath my fingers, but I didn't have the strength to lift it. My eyes rolled back and forth inside my head and Ana lifted her face from my neck as she took a deep breath. Blood, my blood, dripped from her mouth and down her chin in dark trails. She had drunk her fill, yet I wanted her to finish me. I didn't want to be left on the ground to bleed out... Alone. I closed my eyes as I accepted my fate, waiting for her fangs to pierce my flesh yet again.

Instead, I heard a loud shriek as her weight was lifted from me. I opened my eyes to see Arrick and Dmitry standing in the doorway. Dmitry looked at me with complete sadness, his attention on me alone. Seeing his presence jolted the animal inside me with a renewed energy.

My fingers gripped the poker firmly, and with one solid swing, I hoisted it upward, colliding against Ana's jaw. She fell a few steps backward, total surprise plastered on her blood-covered face. "In tenebris venit!" she hissed before spitting blood everywhere.

I used the poker to pull myself up. My breathing was ragged and gurgly, but I squared my shoulders and flew at her. If I only had moments of life left, I would use them to take hers. I locked my eyes with Ana's for one cold instant, before the poker crashed into her temple. She screamed out and toppled backward over the railing. Her shrieks fading as she plummeted to the ground.

Dmitry flashed to my side as I collapsed to the floor and lifted me into his arms. Arrick didn't so much as look at me as he passed, making his advance toward the balcony. His eyes were fixed with a rage no vampire could imitate. It was the rage of a Blood Mate and his anger was steaming, its heat erupting all around him. Hearing his growl of challenge made my heart expand with love.

I could feel Dmitry assessing my wounds, but what little was left of my being was focused solely on what I could sense of Arrick. He was nearby and I knew I would be safe.

"Is she dead?" I heard Dmitry ask as Arrick rushed to my side.

"I don't know. She's gone. You need to move!" Arrick pushed Dmitry aside without the slightest effort and quickly ripped the sleeve from his shirt. I looked at him with my blurring vision and opened my mouth to talk, but was only capable hot tears and a broken smile.

"You're going to be okay, Claire. I promise. What did she say?" Dmitry spoke frantically at my side.

"The dark is coming." Arrick replied, concern wrinkling his brow as beads of sweat rolled down his temples.

"The dark? What's that supposed to mean? I'm going to get help."

Arrick completely ignored him and Dmitry flashed away with his incredible speed. "Claire!" Arrick tugged at my chin to angle my face toward him. "Stay with me! I need you to bite me, okay?" He pressed the flesh of his wrist against my mouth. I did my best to bite, but there was no strength left within me. I could barely put enough pressure to keep my mouth from sagging open.

"Bite, Claire!" he ordered again. Our bond gave me the strong desire to please him, to obey his command, but my body was incapable of executing it.

"Shit!" Arrick stood up and ran. Panic coursed through me when he was out of my sight. I needed him here with me. I didn't want to die alone.

"Arr-ig," I could manage to gurgle some version of his name. I heard glass shatter and Arrick was quickly by my side again.

"I'm still here. I won't ever leave you," he said, his voice was steady and reassuring. Something sparkled in my vision and when I was able to focus on it, my body panicked and my eyes widened. Arrick was holding a piece of broken glass, and in one swift movement, he slid it across his wrist. I heard him grunt in pain and his jawline flexed as he bit his lip.

His emerald eyes locked onto mine before he pressed his bloody wrist against my mouth. His warm life blood poured into my mouth and I recognized the taste. It was his blood that I had drunk from the day I became a vampire. It never tasted so good and energy quickly revitalized me. I raised my hands and pressed his arm harder against my lips. As much as I wanted to, I resisted the urge to bite onto his wound and focused solely on his eyes. They were so full of love and strength. I released his arm to take a breath and licked my lips, not wanting to waste a drop. "We need to go. Can you stand?" I nodded and allowed him to lift me up. I saw him wince as I rested my weight on his wounded arm.

"Are you going to be all right?" I said, almost in a whisper as I pointed to his wrist.

"Can you close it for me?" I looked at him questioningly. "Lick it." I quickly obeyed, sliding my tongue across the wound, feeling it bubble underneath. The last drops of blood lingered on my tongue and I savored its flavor. I didn't know if he let me drink from him as a last resort to save my life, but it was so delicious that I had to fight the urge to drink more. "You'll need more, Claire, but we don't have time now. We have to go."

The hunger and desire must have been clearly evident on my face, or maybe he could feel it through our connection. Either way, there was no way to hide it. "Where are we going?" I asked as I let him guide me out of my room and down the servants' hallway.

"You have to leave the palace."

"What? I don't want to leave!" I halted our progression. "Because of Ana?"

"There is no way to tell where she went, Claire! It's not safe for you here."

I panicked and wrapped my arms around myself. "She's not dead? But she fell, I saw her!"

"We don't have time to debate this. We have to go. Now."

"Dmitry is getting help. He will tell Nicolae. There is no way she will be able to get near me again. Nicolae will have her killed after what she did."

"Maybe so, but you can't stay. You don't belong here." He put his arm around me to guide me down a stairwell and I exhaled as each movement to a lower step sent shocks of pain spiraling through my body.

"I don't understand. Why don't I belong here?"

"I can't explain that right now. You have to trust me." His sense of duty coursed through him and I could feel it through our connection. I knew I could trust him, without a doubt, so I nodded and we quickened our escape.

Arrick and I burst through a small six-paneled door and found ourselves in the garage. The room was filled with smoke, but unharmed by the explosions with the exception of one car that had been too close to a skylight and some rubble had fallen on top of it.

"Stay here," Arrick commanded as he leaned me against a wall to locate a set of keys nearby. As soon as he found the one he was looking for, he scooped me up and ran to a four-door sedan. The alarm beeped as he unlocked it with the remote and slid me onto the smooth leather seats.

I looked over as he entered and saw that he had chosen a Mercedes. He latched my seat belt and forced my seat back before buckling himself up and turning the key in the ignition. The engine purred steadily, and with a push of another button on the overhead, he started the movement of the garage door. With a screech, the motor pulled the doors open.

Arrick put the car in gear and pulled ahead, waiting just inches from the door for it to open far enough for him to speed through. The Mercedes rocketed out of the garage at full speed. Being the only exit, he headed for the front gate. The shouting grew louder as we drove closer. The car doors clicked as Arrick locked them and he made his way through the remaining crowd. "Looks like they let these humans live," Arrick said more to himself than to me.

"What?"

"The humans who breached the palace had to be..." he looked over at me to gauge my reaction, "removed." I nodded in understanding. There was no way to keep the vampires from attacking, once they were provoked a second time. The crowd banged on the car as we slowly rolled through them. They shouted and chanted at us.

I pulled the lever on the side of my seat, causing it to fling back into a sitting position. There were more people than I had originally thought. The pandemonium was extreme and my nerves frazzled with the clash of emotions. "There are so many of them."

Arrick nodded as he gripped the steering wheel. Our escape was slow going as we nudged our way past the unrelenting crowd. "We are almost through."

"Where are all the guards?" I didn't see or sense anyone around, other than the rioting mob of humans, which both comforted and scared me.

"They headed for the palace after the second explosion. Damnit!" Arrick cursed when a large man slammed his thick fist onto the hood, denting it. The sound made me jump in my seat and I twirled around to look back at the palace. The building was as dark as the night sky and illuminated in a fiery outline. A few windows were alight and I tried to guess whose they were. Robin would worry for me, I knew, and my heart wrenched with pain at the thought of leaving her behind, not to mention Louie, but Arrick's sense of duty was becoming my own, and I couldn't fight it.

I took a deep breath and focused my thoughts on my emotions, letting them build into a thick, strong ribbon. I willed it to find Robin and let her know I was okay. I tried not to think about what she would see when she entered my room - the destruction and blood that now tarnished its beauty. I blinked away a half-formed tear and gripped the seat tightly as I pushed the emotion outward.

"Stop!" Arrick commanded. He yanked my arm and pulled me violently back into my seat just as we broke through the crowd.

He didn't waste any time putting the car into gear and making a hard left. He slammed his food on the gas, sending me back against my seat as we flew forward. "You can't do that, Claire. Someone else could discover that or sense it. For now, we don't need anyone knowing you made it out of that palace alive."

~
Chapter 17

"But Robin is going to be worried. I can't do that to her," I protested and kicked my foot at the glove box in frustration. "Tell me what's going on. I need to know. I deserve to know."

He took a deep breath as he gripped the shifter and put the Mercedes into the next gear, pushing it to its limits. I watched him flexing his jaw muscles, sensing his emotions knotting into each other, but I remained silent. He would tell me and I was willing to give him the time he needed to prepare. It had to be something big, something very important.

As I waited, I could feel the adrenaline fading quickly and my body began to throb in pain from my injuries. I rested my head as I exhaled a wincing sigh and saw Arrick's gaze flash toward me. Concern softened his face and his eyes grew more vibrant as the emotion overtook him. All I could think of was how handsome he was, how grateful I was that he saved me. Since the first moment I saw him, standing in the darkness of the palace grounds, there had been a connection. Our joining in the Blood Mate ceremony only seemed to reinforce a bond that was already there. I thought about how unsure I was before the ceremony, and then Dmitry's face flashed in my mind.

I knew he would be heartbroken. He had gone for help and when he returned, I would be gone. It brought tears to my eyes to know the abandonment he would feel. Would he blame himself? I still cared deeply for him, despite my feelings for Arrick. I swore that someday I would return to the palace, if only to get Louie! I would find Robin and let her know I was okay; and I would find Dmitry and tell him how much I cared. Then I realized that I made a lot of promises. There were already two people waiting for me to come back, which I never did. I knew there was a good chance that was going to happen again.

Hot, angry tears ran across my face and I smeared them away with my fingers. "You okay?" Arrick asked. The commanding tone was gone from his voice, and now it was filled with tenderness and genuine concern. I guessed the immediate threat was behind us, so he was able to relax.

"Honestly? I don't know." I was more frustrated than sad. Nothing was what I thought it would be. Since becoming a vampire, the world didn't seem to make sense any more. Somehow, I knew it never would. "Tell me, Arrick," my voice was neither pleading nor laced with desperation.

I could feel him searching my emotions and he seemed to have found what he was looking for as he nodded silently. "You don't belong here."

"Yeah, you've said that. Why don't I belong here?" I wasn't certain as to what "here" was. Did he mean the palace, specifically?

"I told you once that I have known for a very long time that I would be your Blood Mate." I nodded, remembering the conversation. "I have known for eighteen years."

My mouth fell open and my mind exploded with confusion. How could he have known for eighteen years when I just got tested? It didn't make sense. I opened my mouth to rapid-fire a million questions, but Arrick raised his hand to halt me. "You are not from this region. You are a Zakarian. You are from my region."

Zakarians. The name sounded familiar as I vaguely remembered from history class. They were located in a region far to the east. A coastal vampire clan whose way of life was very different from our own, but I couldn't quite remember the details as to how they differed. "How can I be from that... How can I be a Zakarian? My mom is from here." I twisted in my seat to look at him.

Arrick sighed, "She was not your mom." The news rattled me to my core. A lifetime of depression crept back into me, taking hold in a strong way. I had always felt alienated, always out of place in my own life, but I never would have thought she wasn't my mom. Not even in my worst imaginings did that thought ever arise.

Feeling my panic, Arrick quickly continued. "She is not a bad person. I would not have let you stay with her if she had been. She wanted a child and was unable to have one, so you were chosen for her. The woman may not have birthed you, but she did love you."

My feelings altered into anger as my emotions took over my every thought. "You let me live with someone for my entire life, knowing that she wasn't my mom?" Disdain dripped from my voice.

"It wasn't my choice. I would have taken you long ago, but I was forbidden."

"I can't believe it. This is just great. My entire life is a lie. No one ever tells me the damn truth!" A deep growl escaped me as my animalistic nature crept out of its cage inside me.

"I'm telling you the truth now," Arrick explained, resting his hand on my shoulder. His touch softened me, yet I still huffed angrily.

"Not long after you were born... you were stolen from your parents. I was assigned the duty of finding and protecting you." I gave him no response and locked my gaze on an unfixed location in the distance. The darkness of the night sky was starting to fade and I could feel myself growing weary. "Damn it, Claire," Arrick hissed in frustration as he hit his palm against the steering wheel. "Don't you get it?"

"No Arrick, I don't get it. Obviously!" I hissed back at him. "I got kidnapped as a baby and given to some lady, whom until just now, I had thought was my mom. I'm from an entirely different region that I know nothing about, so please tell me what I don't get." I stared at him unblinkingly as exhaustion and pain wracked my body.

"Nicolae had you kidnapped. In our region, we test blood at a very young age. You, especially, because you are so very unique." I raised my eyebrows and crossed my arms, silently demanding he explain why I was so special. "You are a princess."

"Duh!" I exhaled and almost smirked through my anger at how much I sounded like my old friend, Liz.

"Claire, you are _our_ princess." He gripped the steering wheel as he swerved through traffic in the fading night, letting the shock of his words sink into me.

"I'm your..." I couldn't even say the words. How could I be a princess twice over? And then the truth hit me like a truck. It was my blood. "He took me because of my blood," I said more to myself than to Arrick.

Arrick nodded. "In this region, their hierarchy relies on blood alone; and bases its judgments on the pureness of the blood. There are very few pure-bloods left in your region, and Nicolae didn't want to allow Ana and her family to ascend to the throne. He had a spy in our region, and when word of your birth was announced, he sent for you."

I had suspected from the very beginning I was being used for my blood, and against my initial assessment, I wanted to believe everything everyone told me. "I was so stupid."

"No." Arrick rested his hand on my knee gently. "They have been guiding you toward them since the very beginning. That's why they chose that woman as your mom. They wanted you to be raised by her, because she was such a strong vampire activist. They hoped that she could give you the same values, instill you with the same unwavering trust and devotion to vampires."

I nodded silently as it all started to make sense. I was a pawn in an elaborate design, just as I had suspected. I had lost everything and everyone I ever cared about. All things that were never meant to be mine to begin with, yet the loss was great and weighed heavily on my heart. "Why didn't they just take me and let me live at the palace from the very beginning?"

"They didn't want anyone to suspect who you really were, so they kept you in hiding, letting you live a human life until the time was right to bring you forward."

"Why weren't you allowed to take me back?"

"The Zakarians feared war. They knew if they took you back, that would cause another great war, which has not been seen since the dark ages. When I reported that I had found you, they asked if you had a good life, if you were happy. I watched you, and when I confirmed that you were, they ordered me to watch over you, but not to intervene. I have watched you ever since."

"They would rather their daughter live with someone else..." I left the sentence unfinished. In a very short duration, my life had been turned upside down so many times. I was starting to feel like I would never know who my real parents were or who I really was.

"They would prefer not to have their daughter as the source of another global war. It broke their hearts to make the decision they did, but it was for the greater good. Would you have rather they saddled you with the burden of causing thousands, if not millions, of people to die?"

I agreed with his logic, but the truth still hurt. I felt abandoned and used and no amount of vampire strength could defeat the sadness that crept within me. "No," I said, turning away from Arrick.

I lowered my seat again and willed sleep to take me. I wanted to block out the world and its cruel realities for as long as I could. As I lay against the cold leather, tears trickled down my blood-stained face, causing it to stick to the seat when a thought popped into my head.

"Arrick?" I said, almost as a whisper.

"Mhm?"

"How come you and I had a connection before the joining? Is it because we are from the same region?"

He was silent for a moment and I worried that he wouldn't answer. "No. It is because you are my Blood Mate. You have been for eighteen years. There has never been anyone like you before. You are both a vampire and a Blood Mate."

The truth stunned me, yet deep inside, I felt I had known that truth all along. Our connection was undeniable. I wanted to respond to him, but words wouldn't come. Only tears ran down my face as I sobbed silently. I didn't know who or what I was anymore. Nothing in my life was mine.

Arrick sensed my sadness and squeezed my hand tightly in his. "That's not true. I'm yours and I'm taking you home." He smiled at me briefly before shifting the Mercedes and continuing our journey through the dark. Toward what I could only hope was the truth and where I belonged.

~

Other Titles by Megan Duncan:

Agents of Evil Series

Released

Chaos

Vengeance (Coming Soon)

Warm Delicacy Series

Savor

Indulge

Devour (Coming Soon)

Find out about giveaways, new releases and more on Megan's blog:

www.meganduncan.blogspot.com/

