by J.J. Bonds
**********
I feel vain even thinking this way, but I can’t help it. I look good. Really good. I can’t stop staring at myself in the mirror. It doesn’t even feel like me. It’s kind of like staring at the reflection of a stranger. I hope Lissette gave the women at the salon a big tip, because what they’ve done is pure magic.
I twirl in front of the mirror so that I can admire my image from all angles and then admonish myself quickly for being so shallow. There was a time when I enjoyed getting all dressed up like this, but that was before. I was a silly girl then. Besides, tonight is not about me per se. It’s about making sure that Aldo’s niece is socially acceptable. Both Aldo and Lissette have expressed confidence that I’ll be able to pull this off. I only wish I was as sure.
I steal another peek from the mirror and decide that I’m as ready as I’m ever going to be. The emerald dress fits like a dream. It wouldn’t fit better if it had been made for me. I run my hands over the supple fabric and smile. It’s perfect. Although my shoulders feel bare with my hair pinned up, I know this was the right choice. The overall look is sophisticated. Besides, it’s not like I have to worry about getting cold.
I rub the bloodstone pendant that hangs from my neck and pull together my courage. I need to be confidant and charming this evening. “Just be what everyone expects you to be,” I tell the face in the mirror.
“Easier said than done,” she replies smartly.
I meet up with Aldo and Lissette in the main hallway. They both look stunning, as any member of the Elders Council should, I suppose. Aldo is dressed in a simple black tux, and Lissette stands proudly beside him in a svelte black gown that hugs her curvy body in all the right places. Her blonde hair is twisted up in an elegant chignon, showcasing her swanlike neck and the rather icy jewelry that compliments her gown. I try not to think about the total carat weight of the diamonds she’s wearing, reasoning that the value is probably beyond my comprehension.
I kiss each of them on the cheek, relief flooding through my veins. I was worried I’d have to enter the ball unaccompanied. After Halloween, I’m not sure what to expect, and I don’t want to face it alone if I don’t have to. I fall in step with Aldo and Lissette. We are asked to wait at the doors of the dining hall, and I’m mortified to realize that our arrival must be announced due to Aldo’s position.
“Why didn’t you prepare me for this?” I whisper through gritted teeth.
“We didn’t want you to worry about it,” Lissette whispers back. “Just smile. It’s no big deal, and it will be over quickly.”
Easy for her to say. She’s used to walking in heels and being on display. I, on the other hand, am more likely to fall flat on my face than to pull this off in a dignified manner. I say a silent curse and square my shoulders. No turning back now.
The doors are thrown open, and we are introduced to the seated guests. We are the last to arrive by design.
“I present to you Chairman of the Consiliul de Batrani Aldo Lescinka and his beautiful wife Lissette Lescinka. They are joined this evening by their great niece, Katia Lescinka, who is a first year student at Crossroads Academy.”
The room erupts in applause, and several of the guests stand up to show their respect and adoration. Aldo and Lissette each give a small but gracious wave. The host deftly guides us to our table, and it’s all I can do to follow. I stare straight ahead focusing on the back of Lissette’s head so that I don’t succumb to the panic that is building in my chest. I know there are hundreds of eyes on us right now. I don’t dare look around for fear of losing my cool. It’s bad enough there’s a warm flush rising in my cheeks.
The host pulls out my seat, and I slide into it as gracefully as I can manage, a smile frozen on my face. Aldo squeezes my hand under the table, and I begin to relax. The applause dies down and normal conversation resumes. The room is buzzing with chatter. I steal a fleeting glance at our surroundings. The dining hall has once again been transformed. This time it’s become a lavish ballroom.
Each of the tables is covered with a sparkly white table cloth that glistens like fresh powdered snow. The chairs are adorned with matching covers, and each is wrapped with a silver bow. The tables are laden with fine china and large crystal goblets that won’t require constant replenishment as the evening wears on. In the center of each table is an elegant flower arrangement that stands over three feet high, overflowing with ivory blooms and silver accents. The base of each arrangement burns brightly with pillar candles, which contribute to the feeling of intimacy at the table.
I’m in awe as I take in my surroundings. The staff has really outdone themselves. The walls of the dining hall are lined with stark white trees that twinkle with decorative lights in the dim ballroom. The white lights are also draped from the center of the ceiling, creating the feel of an evening under the stars over the dance floor. It’s a very romantic setting.
“Katia?”
“Yes?” I realize Aldo is waiting for an answer, but as usual I was lost in thought and didn’t hear the question. “I’m sorry. I was just admiring our beautiful surroundings. The staff has done a wonderful job,” I reply contritely.
“No need to apologize. I was just going to do introductions,” he tells me warmly. “I don’t believe you’ve had the pleasure of meeting our dinner companions.”
“Thank you,” I reply scanning the table, a fake smile still plastered to my face. It’s a good thing too. I can’t believe my eyes when I see that Nik and his family are seated with us. I had assumed that we’d be with another Council member or perhaps some inane celebrity. Is it too much to ask to catch a break once in a while? There are hundreds of vampires here. What are the odds we’d be stuck at the same table? Talk about awkward!
“I believe you know Anya and Nikolai. These are their parents Grigori and Svetlana Petrov. Grigori is one of the Councils’ leading advisors within Russia. And this lovely gem to his left is Mimi Tanner. Mimi is a very gifted dancer and is currently a principal in the New York City Ballet,” Aldo continues. “Last, but certainly not least, Michael and Blair DeVanie. Michael represents the New York coven.”
“Lovely to meet you all,” I say politely, stirring up a round of expected pleasantries. I’m saved from saying any more as a server comes by with a pitcher of blood and fills our glasses. I drink thirstily from mine hoping to sate my appetite.
As the others make small talk, I study Grigori and Svetlana. They are polar opposites physically, but it’s easy to see where Anya and Nik got their looks. Svetlana has summery blond hair, which didn’t stand a chance in the gene pool; but it’s obvious the children inherited their fine bone structure from her. She has the same high cheekbones and slender nose as her offspring. Grigori has more bulbous features, but shares his children’s curly dark hair. All four of them have the same crystal blue eyes.
Svetlana catches my roving eyes and takes the opportunity to engage me in conversation. I guess that’s what I get for staring.
“Katia! This is your first year at Crossroads, no?”
“Yes, that’s right.” I reply, refusing to give up any more information than absolutely necessary.
“How are you liking it so far?” she asks in her less than perfect English.
“It’s a wonderful school.” I get the feeling she’d grill me all night if she could. She has the same feral look in her eye that Jade and Blaine get when Nikolai is around, like she’d devour me given the opportunity. If everything Nik says about her aspirations for him is true, I’m certain she sees me as a political pawn.
“What is your favorite class?” she asks. “My Nikolai tells us so little about his schooling.” Nik gives a subtle shake of the head. He doesn’t want me to tell her about our training.
“Historical Perspectives.” Forget the Linkuri; I need to find a career where I can get paid to lie. I’m going to be a pro at it by the time I leave this place. “Professor Moore is fascinating.”
“Svetlana, that is a wonderful dress,” Lissette cuts in
, rescuing me. “Is it a Dolce?”
“How did you guess? It’s part of the spring collection. It hasn’t even been released to retail yet,” she says looking pleased with herself. They blather on about fashion for a few more minutes. I tune them out and concentrate on the contents of my goblet. I suspect Anya and Nik are as miserable as I am right now. Neither has said a word.
Suddenly all conversation at the table is cut short by Aldo’s steely tone.
“I told you I would not discuss politics this evening, Grigori. Perhaps I’ve not made myself clear?” I’ve never seen Aldo like this. His amber eyes radiate anger, and there is a dangerous edge to his voice. I would not want to be sitting in Grigori’s seat right now. I wish I’d been paying more attention. What could he have said to make Aldo so angry?
Grigori recants immediately. “Forgive me, old friend. You are right. This can all wait for another day. Tonight is a time for celebration. To fresh starts!” he toasts, raising his glass with finesse.
I raise my glass with the others, but my mind is racing. I’ve often wondered what Aldo is like as the head of the Council. I know that he’s powerful and that a world such as ours is not ruled by words alone, but I’ve never seen it firsthand. Aldo is so different with me that it’s difficult to imagine the ruthless personality that he must harbor inside. He told me once that the Vampir world is no different than the human world: It requires an iron fist inside the velvet glove. I see that now and wonder just what he would be capable of if pushed to the limit of his patience.
“Nikolai! Where are your manners?” asks Svetlana reproachfully. “You should ask Katia to dance.” It’s clear she’s trying to smooth things over for her husband. I’m certain he’s burning with embarrassment on the inside after the exchange with Aldo.
“Of course, Mother. How rude of me. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it sooner!” Nik grins. Hell’s bells! I know that look. He’s going to enjoy this. “Katia, would you permit me the honor of a dance?” he asks formally, panning to our audience.
“What a grand idea!” booms Aldo. He and Lissette are both smiling broadly.
“Certainly.” I can’t very well say no, and Nik knows it. No matter how rude I am to him in the confines of the gym, he knows I’ll never embarrass Aldo that way in front of so many important people. He comes around the table and extends his arm to me. I slide my hand through, hooking our elbows together, and follow his lead. “You are so dead,” I whisper when we are out of earshot of the table.
“Well, then I’d best make the most of this evening, hadn’t I?” he asks, turning to face me as a new song starts. It’s a melody. “A slow dance. It must be my lucky day!” He winks at me, and I stomp on his foot with my heel.
Nik grimaces in pain. “Sorry,” I say sweetly. “Two left feet.”
Not one to give up easily, he pulls me in closer so that I’m flat against the hard muscles of his chest. “You’ll have to do better than that to get rid of me.” We both know I can’t get away with much more than a good toe stomping this evening, so I relent to the feel of his strong arms around me. It’s only one dance after all.
As we spin around the dance floor under the twinkling white lights, more couples join us, including Aldo and Lissette. It appears Lissette is tickled pink at the sight of Nik and me dancing. Not everyone is so happy though. I see Jade standing across the room, and, while she might otherwise look positively radiant, her face is a mask of hatred. I hope I haven’t kicked the hornet’s nest again. I have to stay out of trouble tonight.
When the song ends I pry myself from Nik’s arms, refusing to give any thought to the lustful look in his eyes or the comfort of his warm embrace.
“One more dance?” he asks rubbing my arm gently. Electricity shoots up my arm, and I yank it away from his touch.
“Don’t push your luck.”
“Later then,” he cedes. I roll my eyes and head off in search of Shaye.