Bad Blood

Engagement

Ingrid and Thomas were standing hip-to-hip as they laughed and smiled with guests who continuously streamed through the Blackworth residence. She graciously thanked everyone for their congratulations on their engagement, beaming with love and pride. The whole house was decorated in pinks and yellows, her own dress reflecting the same colors in a soft ombre to the floor. Thomas mostly stared at his future wife with nothing but soft affection and passionate admiration.

It was all picture perfect, as perfect as Marie once thought her own engagement party was. As she stared at the couple, her mind couldn't help but think back on the rose-colored memories she often thought about. But now, the cracked hue put a bitter perspective on what she knew to be the truth of it all.

"Do you think she'll make her wedding dress pink and yellow as well?"

Marie cast a slow and amused glance at Julia, who stood by her side. Her words were teasing, yet she held nothing but happiness for their two friends.

"I wouldn't mind a color change from the traditional white," Marie responded.

"Why did we ever choose white in the first place for weddings?"

"To blend in with humans. We've done it for so long, I guess it simply became our tradition as well."

"Well, it's a boring color. I want a blue dress. What about you?"

"Mmm...I don't know. I'll think about it if that time ever comes again."

"Marie, it will! You will find a man who cares for you the way you should be cared for. It's a shame that Damien isn't a natural-born noble. That man would kill for you."

"He only kills for me because I am his creator. He would obey my every command, even if it meant harming himself."

"You think that doesn't subside over the years? No created vampire ever gains autonomy?"

"If it did, then I would doubt he would care for me the way he does now. I already feel bad about making him serve me for the rest of his life. I would love to have the hope that one day he can live his life however he wants. Don't make me hope for something like that. I've learned my lesson about hoping for things."

"Alright, alright. Then what about the Royal from France?"

"What about him?" Marie asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Is he coming to your banquet?"

"He is."

"So then why not him?" she asked, matter-of-factly. Marie played dumb at her question, staying silent.

"He's a Royal. You're a Royal. It only makes sense."

"You are the last person I thought who would try to arrange my marriage. What if he is as ugly as a toad with a personality to match?'

Julia simply scoffed but quickly returned with a smile. While the conversation was light-hearted and airy in nature, Marie's eyes reflected her true feelings. If the bond, even though broken, lasts forever, then how could anything ever fix it? What good would another man do for her?

Ingrid rushed over to the pair, towing Thomas behind her. She embraced Julia, then Marie, holding onto her tightly.

"It means so much that you could make it, despite everything. You know we all would have understood if you had chosen not to come."

"Nonsense, Ingrid. We have all been waiting for this day to come. I wouldn't miss it for the world."

"Thank you, Marie, truly."

"Go and enjoy your party! Don't worry about little old me."

Ingrid smiled, and Thomas nodded in thanks before walking away to mingle with more guests.

"Is that Charles?" Julia asked, her tone defensive. Marie followed her gaze over to a well-dressed man who bore familiar features that made her gut drop. "What is he doing here?"

"So it is." Marie responded carefully, almost nonchalantly. Julia looked at her friend, unamused.

"So what?" Marie continued. "Charles is at no fault for the actions of his brother. He and the rest of the family shouldn't be cast out. They didn't do anything wrong." Julia simply shrugged, shaking her head. She wanted to say something but quickly shut her mouth when Charles spotted the two and made his way over.

"Lady Chiarelli, Lady Gravenreuth. How good to see you today." Marie smiled. Julia smiled back coldly.

"If I may, a moment of your time, Lady Gravenreuth?" Julia cast a wary glance between the two before walking away slowly to find their other friends.

"Charles, it's good to see you. It has been a bit since we last spoke."

"Yes, it truly has. Business has taken me outside of Edenvale. I almost wish I hadn't returned to this mess my older brother made. I am truly, deeply sorry for his actions."

"Please, not another word about Adam. He is a grown man who has made his choice."

"And you made the choice to spare my family and him. I thought we were done for. Thank you."

"There's nothing to thank me for. We're both unfortunate victims. There was no need to punish more than necessary."

"But you also spared him as well."

Marie paused, looking around her. Many people around her had been shooting strange glances at them. People were expecting there to be harsh words exchanged, a public denouncememt, perhaps.

"I did, Charles. Perhaps for a more selfish reason than you think. Anyway, are they living at the estate?"

"Yes," he answered begrudgingly. "There's really nowhere for them to go, and he insisted that they stay in Edenvale. I grew tired of hearing ridiculous story after story and just let them live at the house."

"Your father was right to choose you as his successor."

"He didn't really have a choice, neither did I."

The pair fell quiet after that, soaking in the words of each other.

"Well, I must really get going now," Charles said. "Please know that our door is always open for you, Marie."

"As is mine, Charles. I hope to see you and your sister at the Spring Banquet."

"Is Adam...?"

"He is welcome to come with his human if he wants. That is up to him."

"Until then, Lady Gravenreuth."

"Lord Vulpe."

The two keeled their heads towards each other before Charles turned and walked away from her. Julia hurried back to her side, as she had only moved away from the two about a few feet.

"Well, what do you make of that?" She asked.

"Of what?"

"Of that whole conversation. He seemed a bit too friendly, don't you think?"

"Julia, why are you picking a fight with everyone? The man is worried, his own brother has just put his family in jeopardy. You too would be tip-toeing around if that was you."

"I am just worried for you, because it seems like you aren't worried at all."

"I have done enough worrying this past week, enough to last me my entire life." Marie responded, snapping uncharacteristicly at her friend. Julia opened her mouth to say something, but promptly closed it before responding softly.

"I'm sorry, Marie. I'm just worried about you. You're trying to hide away your feelings and I don't want you to suffer silently."

"As opposed to what? Suffering loudly? I can't afford that, not in my position. Whoever murdered my parents would absolutely love the fact that the Gravenreuth family is falling apart. I am moving on. Suffering does me no good, especially when I know that it will never end, no matter what. So please excuse me, I am just trying to have a shred of normalcy in my life."

"Don't use that tone on me, Marie. I know that you are suffering."

"You will never know what I am feeling," Marie responded, turning her face towards Julia, the tears threatening to spill over. "You do not know what I am going through. Every day is a fog, a mist made out of shards of glass. Each and every time I try to get out of it, I am cut a thousand times over."

"I may not know many things like you do, but I do know how to talk to friends who are simply trying to help you. You can call on me when you learn how to do that."

Julia walked away briskly, anger bristling in each of her step as she disappeared into the crowd. Thankfully, they had been in an area where few lingered. No one turned to stare at Marie, who now stood alone feeling ashamed and stupid. She picked up the edges of her green satin dress, walking over to find Ingrid and Thomas. She bade them farewell, citing some business that had come up that needed to be taken care of. Everyone expressed their gratitude and appreciation for her being there, and regret that she had to leave so soon before the entertainment began. Julia stood silent, exchanging a curt nod in her direction.

Pride got the better of Marie as she said no words to Julia, simply turning away and walking out of the party. She had far more important things to do instead of pretending to be happy.