by Snow, Jenika
The Ball
Gaijryc looked at himself in the mirror, the image staring back at him a humorless joke. The pressed white shirt under the equally pressed tuxedo looked wrong on him. His platinum cufflinks shone under the bright lights of his office, his black shoes equally shining under their beam. His collar seemed too tight on his neck, his airway constricted from the fabric and suffocating him. He heard a light tap on his door but didn’t bother going toward it. He knew who it was even before he saw who was on the other side. The door slowly opened and he could see his mother’s reflection in the mirror. She walked up behind him, her white silk gown moving fluidly across her body. Her pale hair was pinned up, no strand falling from the diamond clips that held them in place.
“You look stunning, Gaijryc.”
Her words were like ice across his skin, her blue eyes staring at his reflection as she picked off invisible lint from his tux.
“Do you have anyone in particular that you might like to mate, my son?”
He stared over her shoulder, not wanting to make eye contact with her. He had a feeling she already knew who he was going to pick, that she had already spoken with Iena. It was clear she didn’t know about Helina, though.
“No, Mother. I must see the females’ talents, study each one and pick one that will benefit our kind. I have to see who will make a superior queen as well as the mother of my children.” Gaijryc kept his answer as clinical as possible. His mother smiled coolly, her eyes drilling into him with precision.
“Hmm…Good answer, child. I shall see you downstairs. Don’t keep your guests waiting.”
He didn’t reply, just watched her reflection leave the room, her dress following her like a snake slithering through the dessert. The door shut with a light click, and his jaw clenched, his fists bunching tight. He dreaded going down there, had actually been so tempted to just leave and go to Helina. He was tempted to take her someplace safe, spend the rest of his days with her, just the two of them. Then he thought about what his kind would do to her, what his own mother would do to her. His stomach turned just thinking about it, the images in his mind making him sick.
He picked up the black satin mask off the small end table and placed it over his eyes. He looked at his reflection in the mirror one last time, sickened by the visage that stared back at him. He turned off the light and stood there in the dark, the shadows wrapping around him like the fabric of his tux. He closed his eyes, the image of Helina flashing through his brain.
He opened the door, stepped into the marbled hallway, and made his way toward the spiraling staircase. He stopped at the top, his hands gripping the shined dark oak—the wood feeling cool and smooth beneath his hands. Below, the foyer was filled with mingling bodies, all elegantly dressed in their finest and decorated masks covering their eyes.
As he stood at the top, he could see Iena slinking her way across the floor, her white chiffon dress flowing as if the wind blew lightly around her. Her hair was tumbling down her back, the red locks looking like flames of fire ready to burn his life to the ground. He griped the banister tighter, feeling the wood crush beneath his hands. He took a deep breath and made his way down the carpeted staircase, every male and female turning toward him. Their heads dipped down once he reached the bottom, before rising again and watching him. He inclined his head and made his way into the main ballroom, dreading the rest of the night to come.
He walked through the large entryway, the room decorated like an emperor’s home. Black silk adorned the walls, silver veins snaking up the fabric as if they were climbing the wall. The chandelier glowed brightly in the center of the filled room. The bodies beneath spoke softly, their masks covering their identity and hiding who and what they really were. Round tables were placed along the walls, black cloth covering them, crystal goblets atop the velvet. Silver pillar candles encased in cylinder glass globes sat in the center of each table. Most of the seats were filled, bodies intertwined with each other as their mouths and tongues roamed over any exposed flesh.
Each DarkShine held a champagne flute, red liquid bubbling inside. It was a mixture of champagne and blood, a drink they called Bluesha. Human servants moved around the room, silver platters in their hands filled with flutes and beluga caviar. The sea of bodies parted for him as he walked toward the podium. He walked onto the stage and over toward the five high-back chairs that were situated in the center.
“My lord, would you care for a glass?” Lucie held a glass out to him, her small voice rising over the others.
He smiled and took the glass from her. He downed half of it in the first swallow, trying to numb the pain that was pounding through his body. All his thoughts were on Helina. He finished the drink and set the glass back on her silver platter, taking a full one to replace the empty one. He downed that glass in one swallow, his intention to get good and plastered tonight. There was no way he was going to choose a female to mate with, a female he had no desire for while he was sober. Lucie stared at him with a look he couldn’t quite distinguish. He shook his head to clear his thoughts, needing another drink desperately.
“Are you all right, my lord? You seem…detached.”
“I’m fine, Lucie, just tired.” She smiled up at him, her features like a child, soft and innocent. She wore a simple dress, the plain white material falling around her and making her seem even more childlike.
He walked to the podium and sat in his chair beside his father. He was the last to arrive, his mother scowling at him, his brothers smirking. He sat, staring with empty eyes, watching the guests dance fluidly across the marble floor. He couldn’t recognize anyone since their masks hid the part of them that showed their souls… their eyes. He could tell that some of the guests had to be students from Sagewood, their actions more outgoing, their voices rising above the rest. Nobody’s glass was ever empty, the servants keeping the Bluesha flowing freely. Human pets clung to their masters, their bodies wrapped in the finest of fabrics, their limbs decorated with the most precious of jewels.
He heard a soft clicking noise and turned his head toward the noise. His mother held a thin crystal wand and was tapping it against the armrest of her throne. All activity in the ballroom stopped and all eyes turned towards them. The queen stood and smiled at her minions.
“I want to thank all of you for attending this joyous occasion for my dearest first born, Gaijryc. As you all may know, the high ranking prince has yet to choose a female to mate. Many of you have made your desire to be in the running very clear, but as you all know, the females that were chosen are of the highest position of the DarkShine society. Very shortly, those particular females will present us with their skills and attributes, and Gaijryc will choose which female will be your future queen.”
Gaijryc watched as his mother dismissed her audience and took her seat next to his father. The guests parted and the main doors opened wide. Gaijryc grabbed another glass that was offered and quietly told the servant to bring him a bottle of Crown. The servant looked at him, startled, his mouth opening and closing twice before he nodded and left.
A servant walked in and bowed at the waist. “Your royal highnesses, ladies and gentleman, may I please present the females chosen for the mating selection ceremony.” The servant stepped to the side and held his hand out, toward the open double doors. “May I present Shoshanna, daughter of the Bruick family. Her talent is pointe.”
Gaijryc sat back and watched as an impossibly thin female walked in, her blond hair spilling down her back and moving against her hips. Her pale blue gown touched the floor and was modestly cut, no skin showing that was unnecessary. She walked up to the podium and bent slightly at the knees. She rose and met his eyes, her blue ones almost as pale as her hair.
“My lord. It is a great honor to be chosen for this event.” She smiled and turned to stand to the side, her hands clasped in front of her, her head bent slightly in the traditional submissive position.
“May I present Ezabell, daughter to the Van Bloom family and skilled in vocals.
” The servant once again held his hand out toward the door, a female walking through it with impossibly huge breasts and full hips. Her auburn hair touched her shoulders and was pin straight, her black eyes seeming darker than the night. The dress she wore was as black as her eyes and barley covered her body. Her large breasts spilled over the top of the dress and her nipples stabbed through the material.
“Good evening, my lord. I want you to know I am here for whatever you desire.”
Gaijryc raised an eyebrow at her comment, knowing it wasn’t a mere dedication of her loyalty, but more of a sexual guarantee. The very idea of this female offering herself to him made him sick. How was he going to mate a female when all he wanted was a human that was forbidden to him? How was he supposed to protect her when he was forced to be with another? The thoughts raged war inside of his head, causing his head to pound in pain.
“May I present Pressiya, daughter to the Scraughbourgh family, and talented in the violin.” She walked through the door, her hair a deep red that resembled merlot. She wore a shimmering silvery gown made up of a gauzy material that was almost transparent. She bowed before him, her breasts sliding against the fabric as she lifted only her eyes and smiled at him. It was the same smile as the one before, wicked in its intent and meaning only one thing. It held no appeal to him, made him hate his mother even more for this ridicules ball. Pressiya moved in line with the other two and he wanted nothing more than this nightmare of a night to be over with.
“For the final female, may I present Iena, daughter to the Crystile family, and talented in the art of gymnastics.”
The bitch sashayed in the room, her white dress making her seem pure when she was anything but. He took a large drink from the whiskey bottle, relishing the sweet burn that followed the smooth liquid. He could see all eyes on her, everyone knowing she was the queen’s favorite. Iena watched him the whole time, a secretive smile across her lips, a devilish gleam in her eyes. None of the four females wore masks, their appearance not to be hidden in a mating selection ball. She stood before him and curtsied.
“My lord.” She said those two words with such an air of certainty. She took her place next to the other females, waiting her turn as they each would show him their skill.
Helina stood in front of the mirror and stared at her reflection. She had been surprised to find the satin red evening gown in the package Ryce had brought over. Now she stood looking at herself, the transformation seeming significant. Her stomach felt funny, a little bit of nausea, a little bit of butterflies. The strapless gown was a deep red, an empire waist design that made her bust look larger than it really was. The skirt was bunched in places, tiny diamonds dotting the fabric and making it look elegant.
She had piled her hair up, a request from Ryce so that her neck was free of anything. He told her it was the most attractive part on a female for a DarkShine male, and an act of submissiveness which wouldn’t go unnoticed. At the bottom of the box had been a small black satin mask, red feather and diamonds to accent it. Slipping on her heels, she made her way toward the door. She took a deep breath and pulled the front door open. Ryce stood on the other side with a tux on. He stared at her and she couldn’t decipher what emotions were crossing his features.
“I’m sorry. It’s just your hair and eyes look so much like… her.” He cleared his throat and glanced at the ground. “Are you ready?”
She swallowed roughly. “Yes.” She followed him off the porch.
“Don’t forget your mask.”
He said the words without looking back at her and she quickly closed the door and followed him. He already had the door open to a sleek black Porsche. She glanced at the car and then looked at him, her heart pounding in anticipation of what was to come. She slipped inside and he door shut almost silently.
“Ready?”
Putting on her seatbelt, she nodded just as the car purred to life and Ryce drove them toward a ball full of vampires.
Gaijryc watched as Shoshanna stood in the middle of the ballroom, her gown gone, a black leotard and pink transparent skirt now covering her. Her hair was in a tight bun at the nape of her neck, her body still, her head down. The light music started to play and he watched as she danced around the room, the movements fluid and even.
He watched with disinterest, not caring at how unaffected he might appear. His eyes strayed to Iena, her attention completely on him, her smile one of self satisfaction. He looked away, scanning the room and seeing all the awestruck faces as they watched the ballerina. His gaze landed on the servants, their bodies pressed against the walls, their silver trays still in their hands. Lucie stood amongst them, her body much smaller than the rest. Her strawberry blond hair was pinned back, her appearance so childlike. She looked at him and her face lit up, her smile almost blinding in its intensity. He smiled back and let his eyes stray back to Shoshanna.
Ezabell was next, her attire staying the same as when she entered. She stood in the center of the room, watching him the whole time as she sang along with an old opera piece. Her voice was crystal clear, no mistakes, only perfection.
Pressiya followed Ezabell, her talent the violin, her song of choice a fast classical piece. She played beautifully, but it fell on deaf ears. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, taking another long drink from the now half empty bottle. He heard a small noise and looked at his mother, who was staring daggers at him. She looked squarely at the half empty bottle before looking at him again, one of her perfectly plucked eyebrows rising in disapproval. He looked her squarely in the eye and brought the bottle to his lips, taking another long drink, his eyes never leaving hers. He could see her manicured nails digging into the wood of her throne, her knuckles turning white with anger. He smiled at her before gesturing toward Pressiya with his bottle. His brothers chuckled besides him, but he paid no attention to them, just let the alcohol wash through his veins, numbing the pain he felt.
“And for our last presentation, may I present Iena.”
He watched as the bitch took the floor, her dress gone and a skin-tight white leotard taking its place. The music started and Iena moved with the notes, displaying how flexible she was. Every move showcased her flexible limbs. He finished off the Crown as he watched her show him all she had to offer. He signaled for the servant, a small thin-haired male with beady brown eyes. He gave him the empty bottle and asked for another.
He could already feel the warm burn of the liquor running through his veins and relished the feeling. His body was starting to go numb, his mind feeling hazy. He grabbed the full bottle of liquor from the servant and kept his eyes forward. He opened it and took a healthy drink. He had every intention of becoming fully intoxicated, totally drunk by the time the night was over with. Iena finished her seductive dance, not even her breathing labored as she took her place with the other three females.
“If everyone will please enjoy the rest of the evening, the high ranking prince will take time to narrow his choice.”
He looked at the four women who now moved around the ball, talking and laughing with all the other guests. What was the point of postponing the inevitable, why hold off who he was going to choose when the choice was already decided? He sat there, like the proper prince he was supposed to be, and watched his minions below. He would savor the liquor in his hand, finish it before he would announce that he had chosen his future mate.
The car slowed to a crawl as it approached a huge iron gate. Helina shifted in her seat as she looked at the ominous metal. A stone wall stood on either side of the thick gate, the stones towering at least twenty feet in height. Ryce punched in a code on the little console, which caused the gates to silently open. Her eyes grew big as the massive mansion was revealed, the whole structure bright with lights. They drove up a cobblestone driveway, immaculate landscaping all around them, hundreds of tiny lights strung up on the branches.
When they finally reached the mansion, they circled a large fountain in the center of the driveway. Helina stared at the fountain, the beautiful sto
ne woman holding what looked like an apple in her hands. Her face was raised to the heavens with an almost sad expression painting her features. Water swirled around her, little jets puffing the water up so that it skimmed her long legs.
“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”
She glanced at Ryce, a little shocked that one such as him, so frighteningly big and powerful, could appreciate a fine piece of art. Nodding, she turned back to the statue.
“The woman is Persephone, daughter of Demeter. She’s holding a pomegranate—her very downfall.” There was an air of wistfulness in his tone that caught her attention. “It’s a fitting statue, though.”
“How do you mean?” Helina looked between him and the statue.
“Well, she is forced to live in hell, with the devil himself. She looks into the heavens, the surface, where everything she knows is.” He looked at her. “It’s just kind of funny that vampires would have a statue in their front yard so dark and tragic. Wouldn’t you say you are kind of in a hell itself, vampires taking over everything you know, everything you loved?”
She watched him, stunned speechless as he spoke of such… disturbing yet truthful things. “I guess you’re right, although I find the story of Hades and Persephone kind of romantic.” He raised an eyebrow at her and she couldn’t help but smile. “What I mean is, when I hear that story I picture Persephone falling madly in love with Hades. I don’t see it as a nightmare as much as I see it as two people from different places finding love with each other. I want to believe that Persephone grew to love Hades, and she stayed with him because of that love. I think it is too sad a story to say she was forced to stay with him for half the year because she ate six pomegranate seeds.”