by Anna Santos
I returned to my chair and mused about the existence of love at first sight. Luckily, the queen was distracted and didn’t seem to notice what had happened.
My father’s hand fell on mine. “Didn’t you want to dance with the prince?” he asked, lowering his voice.
I smiled at him. “It seems some other lady caught his eye.”
“Marlena insisted on the masks, but I’m sure that he wouldn’t take his eyes off you if he saw how beautiful you are,” my father said, his love reflecting in his eyes.
“It was an elf’s requirement,” the queen answered, turning her head to us. “They wouldn’t have come if we didn’t agree on wearing masks.”
“That’s peculiar,” I stated.
“Elves are peculiar beings. They are said to be so beautiful that one can’t help but to be enthralled by their appearance. The prince thought that the other princes would have the same chance of conquering your attention if everybody wore masks.” She leaned closer and lowered her voice. “You could never compete with their females’ beauty.”
“I’m sure, I wouldn’t,” I replied and swallowed dry. “I hope he isn’t disappointed upon seeing me.”
“I’m sure he’ll want to test your intelligence,” the queen said. “Try to be polite and have a smart conversation to catch his interest. It’s his turn to dance with you.”
I nodded, even as the need to scream built in my chest.
“He’s already there,” she said, pointing with her finger. “Wear your gloves, they don’t like to be touched by the likes of us.”
Frowning at her words, I put my white gloves on and took shaky steps to his side. I’ve always wanted to meet an elf. Their visits to human kingdoms were rare. Yet, after all that the queen had said, it seemed that they were self-centered creatures who believed humans weren’t worthy of them.
My preconception turned out to be right. I tried to make conversation and ask about how he was liking the party. Nothing worked. The elf prince was more interested in dancing five feet apart and mentioning the low stock of humans as breeders. Then, he had the nerve to say that our literature was low quality and naïve. Our writers were ridiculous creatures and even our language showed how rudimentary and unevolved we were as a race.
Prince whatever-his-name wasn’t trying to leave a good impression on me. I wondered why he had bothered to attend the party in the first place.
Following the dancing steps along the floor, I tried to guide our conversation, “What are the qualities you are looking for in a bride?”
“Beautiful, graceful, skin as pale as the full moon, and well-versed in poetry. Elven poets have the most beautiful poems that speak to the soul and make us see beauty in the slightest things. She also needs to be the only thing I see when I enter a room.”
“So, she just needs to be beautiful and make heads turn when she enters a room?”
“I know my standards are too high for a human princess. You might be considered beautiful to humans but for elves, you truly are common.”
“Have you seen me, Sir?”
“I don’t need to. Though, the choice of mask intrigues me. Everybody is using the most expensive jewels on their mask, why choose something that plain?”
“Because like yourself, I have no wish to marry someone who doesn’t love me or someone as vain as you.” Bowing, I took my leave and resumed my place beside my father.
Thankfully, the queen was entertaining a guest, and I didn’t have to explain myself to her.
“Why did you leave before the waltz was over?” the king questioned as he held a cup of wine and perused the crowd.
“I was losing my time with him. He clearly didn’t come here to find a bride.”
The king snorted. “It seems you hurt his pride. He’s leaving the ballroom.”
“Good riddance.”
The king drank while narrowing his eyes. “Did he offend you?”
I waved in dismissal. “Let’s say that he could be the most handsome male on the continent, and I still wouldn’t want to marry him. He’s too in love with himself and thinks we are all beneath him and his race.”
“That sounds like any other elf that I’ve known,” the king stated. His lips curled up. “You still have the two young lads that I chose for you.” He looked around. “It seems one of our supernatural princes might be late for the ball.”
The king waved to a tall male not too far from the throne, and I was whisked away by another prince to the dance floor.
The two human suitors seemed less pompous and also danced very well. Each wanted a woman who was faithful with a strong kingdom backing them up. One did confess that marrying for love would be ideal. I liked him but could tell he was hoping not to get chosen, so he could have a chance at love. The fact that the two of them were so curious about my face left me rather unhappy. It seemed beauty played a huge part in their decisions when it came to love. Maybe love didn’t have anything to do with this. How could one love anyone with only a few words exchanged?
Meanwhile, the werewolf prince kept dancing with the same radiant girl. They say that werewolves can sense their soul-mates. Was there even such a thing?
I returned to my seat only to be taken away by one of the vampire princes that were on the suitors’ list. My stepmother didn’t want me to warm my seat.
The vampire held me as close as possible, smelling my skin as we waltzed close. I felt dizzy when it ended, and he winked at me. I was certain it was his supernatural charm at work. Yet, he was the only one to make my heart race and cheeks warm. Father frowned while stepmother giggled when I returned to my seat and told them that he had sniffed me.
“Too dangerous,” Father muttered.
“He seems to like her.” Stepmother tilted her head at the vampire prince.
“My daughter isn’t a snack.”
“I’ve always found vampires to be intriguing. Imagine, not aging and having super speed,” Marlena spoke.
The king frowned. “I’d rather have her marrying the warlock.”
“Well, he’s here, and it’s his time to dance with our precious Snow,” the queen informed as she waved her hand and called for one of the servants. “Get ready, sweetie, and try to be charming. You don’t have a lot of options anymore, and this warlock might be a great magical asset to our kingdom’s prosperous future.”
I faked a smile.
Option number six was respectful, clearly educated, but completely uninteresting or appealing to me. It seemed to go both ways, since he told me on our second dance that I wasn’t the one he was looking for.
Meanwhile, Marlena watched us dance like a hawk, and I did my best to seem polite. By the time it was over, I could feel the heated gaze from my stepmother as if it were my fault that the warlock prince didn’t request to court me.
I went to sit, wondering what was holding up the last suitor. Prince Dorian was the final vampire suitor on the list with a kingdom that my parents would be happy to ally with due to the proximity of our borders. Perhaps, I could choose the unromantic human or the cozy vampire. This important decision happening so soon after my birthday sucked the joy out of me. Maybe that was why I wasn’t warming up to any of my suitors or found them uninteresting. Would I be forced to pick one? Or would I be forced to marry the one who wanted me? What happened if no one was interested? Would I fail as a princess because I couldn’t spark the interest in any of the princes who came to see me?
Queen Marlena walked to me with a smile. “The ball’s going well. I think that warlock might have his eye on you. Along with that vampire. I know your father wants you to stick with one of his human bores, but remember, there’s nothing wrong with a little adventure in life.”
“Of course,” I said, trying to look upbeat.
This ball was for me, after all. To ensure my future was the best any princess could ask for. Marlena didn’t get married because she was a powerful princess. My stepmother got lucky being chosen by King Quinton. It could have easily been another woman here as queen
right now. I needed to be kinder to her.
“I want you to be happy, Snow, with a man who thinks the world of you,” Stepmother said. “There’s nothing new or grand for you here. Don’t miss out on the world just to hang out with me and an aging old man. Your mother died to bring you into the world, do better.”
“I’ll do that, I promise,” I said, unsure whether to hug her or storm out.
“Look how beautiful you are when you smile.” Father came over and kissed my hand. “The party’s starting to wind down, and this king’s ready to turn in. Marlena, my dear, this is more your scene. Keep the guests entertained and end the festivities for me, will you?”
Queen Marlena’s eyes widened. “This is our daughter’s ball, and a show of our kingdom’s strength. Surely, you can stay until the end and close out. I opened it and have spoken for most of it. Plus, we haven’t had our dance. You promised me for hours, Quinton. Please, don’t go.”
“Father, she’s right,” I said. “The guests will notice your absence and will talk. A dance with your wife is nothing to worry about. I’m sure that a man of your age has a few moves left to show all of us.” I knew that jab would catch his attention.
“Never knew my daughter could be so mouthy.” The king smiled. “Very well, my dear wife, we can dance a few times tonight. Nothing too lively, or the guards will have to carry me out. Not a grand showing of strength for our kingdom. Being defeated by my weak hip would be a shame.”
Marlena laughed and gave me a smile in thanks. In that moment, she felt like a mother. Tonight might not be a total waste after all. I waved as they went to dance, and the guests clapped. They started a slow dance.
The elf suitor waved from across the room, and it was like a splash of cold water. The last thing I needed to hear was more talk about breeding stock or having him hold me at arm’s length, as if I were poisonous.
I smiled and started a conversation with a passing female, but that move was a temporary solution. If I didn’t find a way out of this ball, the suitors would return, and I doubted I would be lucky enough to not be bogged down with the most boring ones.
Chapter FOUR
Snow’s POV
I had enough of this party. As much as I was glad my parents were having a good time, it was the opposite for me. The first chance of escape, I took it with open arms, heading straight for the stables. The only male I was interested in seeing tonight was Thunder.
The moonlight made the lonely path to the stables easy to follow. However, upon arriving, there was an unusual quietness in the air. No bustling of horses like there normally was, especially when they sensed I was near. Thunder was my favorite, but I loved all horses. A shiver reminded me that in the rush to get going, I forgot to take my cloak.
Before I could fully get inside, I noticed there were others in the stable. A man and woman who seemed to be doing indecorous acts. I was going to tell them to leave when I realized he was biting into her neck. I also recognized that he was one of my vampire suitors. He was draining an innocent woman. Shocked, I turned around, dashing away in haste before he saw me and did something to me.
The night was darker and the path dangerous. Without watching my step, I tripped and smothered a scream. I never hit the ground.
Looking up, I was, suddenly, in the arms of a man dressed in black velvet. Nothing like what anyone at my party wore. His concerned eyes were a hard silver, while his face was framed by long dark hair, and his mouth was red, contrasting with the exposed pale skin. His dark mask prevented me from seeing his face, but he smelled of lilies and vanilla.
I didn’t know why I was so dazzled when his eyes and nose were covered by the mask. Nevertheless, his touch sent shivers down my spine. “I’m sorry.”
His voice was low and husky. “Why were you in such a hurry?”
I lowered my eyes to his coat and realized that my hands were on his chest. Red spread to my cheeks. “There was … a woman and a vampire in the stables. He was—”
His hand cupped my chin, and he raised my head, so our eyes met again.
The man’s forehead moved, and I noticed his narrowed eyes. “Are you all right? Did he try to force himself on you after attacking her?”
I shook my head. “I’m okay, I actually don’t know if she let him do it or not. Can he do that here?”
“No, this zone isn’t open to public feeding. I’ll deal with him myself.”
Letting go of me, he moved forward.
My body regretted his departure, and my ears seemed to burn with all the blood that rushed to my face. Feeling dizzy, I grabbed his arm and felt his tensed muscle.
“Please, don’t go. It might be dangerous. I’ll call the guards.”
He relaxed and put his hand over mine. “Beautiful lady, a vampire is hardly dangerous to me.”
As much as his smile dazzled me, I protested. “How do you know I’m beautiful? I might be the ugliest creature around here?”
He frowned and then his lips curled up. “I seriously doubt that. I love your mask and the way you smell. You have a kind voice and beautiful eyes. You also seem to be a good person because you feared for the life of someone you don’t know. Mine and the lady who’s being bitten.”
His words made me open my mouth in awe. Reality hit me. That poor woman might die if we didn’t act quickly. “I’ll go with you.”
His voice was rich and with a tinge of amusement. “To protect me?”
I nodded.
He grabbed my hand and kissed my wrist to my utter surprise. “I’m honored, but I need to act fast if you wish the lady to survive.”
Removing my hand from his, I pointed at the stables. “They are in there. Please make sure the horses are okay, too. I’ll go back and call the guards.”
He bowed and turned to leave but stopped when the sound of laughter reached our ears.
The pair in the stables was coming down the path, happily chatting. The lady looked alive and well.
The young man returned to my side and lowered his head closer to my face. “Were they the ones you saw in the stable?”
“Yes.”
Stepping aside, the man grabbed my hand and entwined my arm with his. “I’ll have a word with him.”
Holding my breath, I watched as the couple narrowed the distance between us and stopped to greet us.
The young lady tilted her head, her face was without a mask and showed the red covering her cheeks. I looked at her neck and saw no traces of puncture marks. Had I dreamed it?
The vampire smiled at me, but his smile faded when he looked at my companion.
“Always fashionably late, I see,” the vampire said.
“Always breaking the rules, Sir Alister,” my companion said.
“Do you know him?” I asked my new acquaintance.
He bobbed his head.
The vampire leaned closer, and I could smell the breath of alcohol on him. “Look at you, you’ve found yourself a snack, too. The stables are empty should you choose to use them.”
His words upset me. “What do you—”
My savior grabbed my arm and placed me behind him. “Don’t be rude, or I won’t let you get away with breaking the rules. You are in a foreign kingdom, drinking without the permission of their ruler what I assume to be one of their subjects.” The man looked at the lady. “Did you willingly follow him to be bitten?”
Becoming scarlet, the woman nodded. “I was curious.”
“Now that your curiosity is satisfied, leave and stay away from men like him,” the young man ordered.
The woman covered her cheeks, curtsied, and left in a hurry.
“Why are you criticizing me if you also have a human with you?” the vampire protested. “This one smells nice, just like the—” He stopped talking, and his face became pale as he recoiled. “I’ll take my leave. Sorry to disturb you.”
Before I could blink, the vampire was gone.
My protector turned around. “Who are you?”
“I could ask you the same thing,”
I answered. Then, it occurred to me. “Thunder!”
Grabbing my skirts, I ran up the trail to the stables.
“Young lady, it’s dark, and you might fall,” the man said, following behind, but he didn’t seem to be running.
I stopped to catch my breath.
“Who’s Thunder?”
I looked at the man beside me. “My horse. How did you get here so fast?”
“The horses seem to be okay. I can hear their beating hearts, and I don’t smell any blood.”
I released my breath and relaxed my shoulders. “Wait, what?” Looking at him, I dared to ask, “Who are you?”
He bowed down. “Prince Dorian from the White Cloud Kingdom, and you are?”
I opened my mouth and stuttered, “You’re a vamp-pire.”
He smiled, and his eyes seemed to sparkle when they met mine. “I mean you no harm.”
Breathing deeply, I added, “You’re also the missing suitor for tonight’s masquerade.”
His smile faded. “Yes.” Offering me his hand, he requested, “May I accompany you while you are outside alone?”
“Shouldn’t you be in a hurry to go and meet the princess?”
“I was in no hurry before, and, it seems, you are eager to see your horse. I’ll be happy if you let me accompany you.”
Puckering my lips, I took another glance at his attire. “I’m human, but I have no curiosity about being bitten. You should know that.”
The prince chuckled. “I only wish to talk and spend more time away from the party.”
His words piqued my curiosity.
Lacing my arm through his, I resumed my walk. “Aren’t you curious to meet the princess?”
“Our kingdoms have been neighbors for eons. Still, it’s the first time they show any interest in us. I find it odd, to say the least. Why would they be so keen in marrying one of their own with one of us?”