Filed to story: The Vampire Prince’s Bride
“I know,” I said. “I just thought it was worth saying aloud.”
“Understandable.” She held her gaze with mine, and for the first time, I thought I saw respect in her eyes. “Now, I suppose I should be off to locate a human to use for my transformation potion. Unless there’s anything else you need right now?”
“Well, there is one thing.” I looked around my unpacked room, recalling what Tess had said to me earlier. I’d told the guard that I could get ready myself… but that was sort of a lie. Makeup and hair were far from my specialties. If left on my own, I would surely look plain in comparison to the other princesses.
Plain was the last thing I wanted. To catch Sean’s eye, I needed to stand out. Surely Geneva could whip up some magic to help me. Like my own fairy godmother.
“And what’s that?” She stood straighter, as if preparing for my request.
“I need you to help me get ready for the ball.”
Scarlett
A few hours later, there was a knock on the door.
I took one final glance at the mirror. It was strange to gaze in the mirror and see the red headed stranger’s face, but upon looking at myself, I was amazed once more at Geneva’s work. She’d put me in a stunning purple ball gown, and combined with the soft curls and classic makeup, I truly looked like a princess.
Still, I didn’t feel ready. There were going to be so many challenges throughout the night. As it was now, I’d barely mastered walking in this dress without tripping on the hem.
“Who is it?” I asked, my heart jumping in anticipation. What if it was Sean? Or worse-Laila? What if they’d changed their minds and were kicking me out of the Vale before the selection truly even began?
“It’s Tess,” my guard said, and I relaxed at her voice. “I’m here to escort you to the ball.”
“Come in,” I told her.
She did as I asked, startling when she saw Geneva. Well-when she saw Geneva as she appeared since taking the transformation potion-as a plain, petite, round woman in her mid-forties. I’d thought it would be best that Geneva drew the least amount of attention to herself as possible, thus the homely appearance.
Tess sniffed the air, her eyebrows knitting in confusion. “Who’s this witch in your room?” Her eyes shot daggers at Geneva, and she reached for the hilt of her sword, as if preparing to attack.
“This is my lady’s maid.” I stood up to make the introduction-and to stop a fight from breaking out. “Her name’s Gen. Gen, this is Tess, my guard while I’m here at theVale.”
“She’s a witch,” Tess repeated, although her hand dropped from her sword.
“I know,” I said. “In the Seventh Kingdom, witches serve as lady’s maids. Gen’s been with me since I was turned. Since there are witches living in the Vale, I trust that Gen’s presence won’t be a problem?” I watched Tess steadily, trying to make it clear that I was daring her to defy me.
If I was going to play the part of a princess, I was going to do it right. And guards were supposed to defer to royalty.
“Of course not,” Tess said. “There will be certain logistics to deal with-like meals-but we’ll need to work that out later. Because right now, we need to get you to the ball.”
Scarlett
T ess escorted me to a small room where some of the other princesses were waiting.
“Once the party begins, each princess will enter the ballroom and be formally introduced,” Tess told me. “For now, you’ll wait here.” She marched off to the side of the room to join the other guards, leaving me to look around at the other princesses.
Their gowns were all beautiful-styled in the fashions of their countries-and they were mingling with each other and chatting as if they were all old friends. A few of them glanced at me when I walked in, but no one made an effort to say hello. They didn’t like me-that much was obvious. One of them-I think I remembered her name as being Eve-crinkled her nose as the sight of me before turning away.
“The fake princess has arrived,” she said to the princess she was speaking to, and the other girl laughed. Neither of them looked at me again, but I knew that they knew I’d heard them. The enhanced hearing of a vampire could pick up on every conversation in this room.
I glanced down at my gown, running my hands down the fabric and reminding myself that I didn’t need to impress these girls. The only person I needed to impress was Sean. Plus, while I felt out of place, I was glad I looked like I belonged.
I had Geneva to thank for that.
Then I noticed someone else standing alone-Princess Isabella. She was wearing a fitted mermaid gown, and her dark hair was in a regal knot behind her head. She looked like she belonged on a jewelry ad in a fashion magazine.
She caught me looking at her and smiled, which I took as an invitation to come over and introduce myself.
“Hi,” I said once I reached her. “
I’mAna.”
“I know.” She nodded. “I think every kingdom has heard about you by now.”
“I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised,” I said, my cheeks heating.
“No,” she said. “But I must say-you’ve made an already exciting event even more exciting. I don’t think anyone knows what to think about you.”
“From what I’ve overheard, it sounds like they think I’m a fake,” I said, tilting my head toward Eve and her friend-the princess whose name I forgot.
Never mind the fact that they were right.
“Don’t pay them any attention,” Isabella said. “They’re just curious. We’re all curious.”
“I can imagine,” I said. “And I’m also curious about you… after what you said at the parade today.”
“After I said what?” she asked.
“After you said that you’ve never killed a human.”
She nodded, and I had a feeling that she knew I was going to say that.
Since she said nothing in response, I also figured that she wasn’t going to volunteer any more information. Which meant I had to question her further.
“How do you do it?” I asked. “I didn’t think it was possible.”