THE BRIDE OF THE MORTAL VAMPIRE

Chapter Two

The Ceremony Hall was full of people. Nobles of all quarters in Lunara filled the seats, dressed in the best way they had. There were banners suspended on the ceiling with the symbols of the various magical kingdoms.

I was standing on the elevated platform in the front, like a prize being exhibited. My dress was lovely, silver silk that fell to the floor, and it was like a cage. The suitors were introduced one after another.

Northern Frost Kingdom Lord Marcus. Too old, with cold eyes that gave me reminders of the advisors of my late parents.

Sir Aldwin of the Eastern Valleys. Good-looking enough, but he had little to do with me. His gaze remained on Morgana, the leader of the High Witch Council, and she was evidently more interested in political relationships.

The Prince of Dorian of the Southern Lakes. He grinned excessively and discussed himself only. I felt like screaming.

Cedric Thornwell came forward then.

He was Morgana's son. Blonde and sharp blue eyes, tall. Good-looking in a domineering manner. His robes were costly, which demonstrated the wealth and power of his family.

“Lady Aria,” he said , in a smooth voice.

“Iooo forward to the moment when you will be mine.”

I marveled at the manner in which he articulated the "will be" rather than the "would be." As he had already determined that I was his.

He took my hand and kissed it. His lips were cold. I felt like pushing back, but I resisted and smiled nicely.

“Thanks, Lord Cedric," I said, "as you wished me to address you by your first name." His eyes narrowed slightly. He was aware of the distance in my voice.

There followed a feast after the presentations. Cedric and Morgana sat at the high table between me.

“You are gorgeous tonight,” Aria, Morgana said and she smiled. Cedric is anticipating this ceremony months before.

I am flattered by his interest, I said to myself.

It would be prudent to select him, Morgana went on, her voice low enough to be heard only by me.

"He'll make a powerful mate.“

I understood what she meant. Or pick Cedric--or perish. Morgana was a domineering part of the Council. She would make my life hell if I should refuse her son.

“The ceremony enables me to see all the suitors and decide,” I said.

The smile of Morgana did not go to her eyes.

“Of course. But I know you will make the right choice in the end.

I wanted to leave. I felt like fleeing out of this hall and never returning. But I had no choice. This was my duty. My fate.

Then the doors opened again.

A late arrival.

In came a tall, confident man. He was dressed in plain yet quality clothes. His hair was black and somewhat disheveled, as though he had been riding rough to come here. And his eyes--silver. Like moonlight. Similar to the character I had observed at the border. My heart stopped.

“I am sorry I am late,” said the man, who had a deep, smooth voice. I am a noble of a distant kingdom, known as Adrian Ashford.“

Morgana frowned.

“I do not remember you.”

“I have relations in the magic business,” Adrian explained. “Lunara is a land with whom we have been doing business. The invitation was sent to me by the council for my father, who is too old to travel. He sent me in his place.”

It was not unusual to have nobles with contacts involved. They possessed riches but not magical blood.

Morgana appeared as though she would like to refuse him, but she could not .

“Very well. Take a seat.”

Adrian was instructed to take a position at the bottom tables. But as he passed by me, his eyes looked into mine. That pull. The same weird familiarity I had had at the border. It hit me like a wave.

I couldn't breathe. Couldn't look away.

Then he glanced hastily down and proceeded to his seat. The remainder of the feast i spent, stealing glances at him. There was something about him that was familiar. Those eyes. The way he moved. But it was impossible. The man in the border was—he was an animal, a vampire. This was a man. I was being ridiculous.

The guests were to mix in the gardens after dinner. Cedric remained attached to me, and he was talking of his achievements and of the strength of his family. I barely heard him. I continued to scan the room with my eyes searching for Adrian.

“You appear distracted,” said Cedric in a sharp voice. “I'm just tired,” I lied.

“It's been a long day.”

“You are going to retire, perhaps, he said. But his hand gripped my arm. “First,, I will show you the rose garden. I got them to plant your favorite flowers.”

He began dragging me into the shadowy side of the gardens. Away from the crowd. Alarm bells rang in my head.

“Actually, I think I'll--”

It will not be long, it will not be long, insisted Cedric.

The lady said she is tired, a voice came in.

Adrian stood behind us. His features were kind, and his gaze was keen. The hold of Cedric on my arm was agonizing.

“This is a private talk,,” Cedric said.

“Well it’s not anymore.” Adrian said calmly.

“How dare you--” Cedric hissed, taking a step towards him.

“Cedric,” I stopped him and yanked my arm up. “Thanks, but I am actually tired. Perhaps another time."

I had moved away before he could reason. My heart pounded. I went deeper into the gardens, having to breathe. I managed to find a secluded space close to a fountain. The water was falling in an agreeable sound. I sat there on the rock bench and shut my eyes.

“Are you alright?”

I jumped. Adrian was several feet away, his hands up as though he were not about to cause any harm.

“You startled me,” I said.

"Sorry. I did not want him to harm you.” Adrian said.

“Thank you. For intervening back there.”

He approached me and sat down on the opposite end of the bench. Not too close. Respectful of my space. We sat in silence for a moment. It ought to have been clumsy, but it was not. It felt comfortable. Natural.

“You would rather not be here, do you?” Adrian asked quietly.

I stared at him, and I was surprised that he noticed something.

“Is it that obvious?”

I would say you are going to your execution rather than a mate.

I laughed. Bitter, but honest.

That is just what it is like.

“Why?”

“Because I don't get to choose. Not really.”

The words were uttered before I could prevent them.

The Council wants me to decide Cedric. It's political. Strategic. My feelings don't matter."

Not right, said Adrian, with a firm voice.

Everyone is entitled to make his or her choice. Even if it's difficult."

I looked at him. Really looked at him. His silver eyes glared and were gentle. There was something in them. Something that made me feel secure in a manner that I could not describe.

What would you do in case the way you desire is prohibited? I asked quietly.

Then you must decide whether to follow your heart or not.

We stared at each other. The attraction between us was so intense that I was trembling. I wanted to move closer. I would have liked to understand why this stranger touched me so deeply.

Adrian seemed to feel it too. He leaned toward me slightly. His eyes dropped to my lips. Then suddenly, he jerked back. His face twisted with pain. He took his shoulder as though pained.

“Are you okay?” I asked, reaching for him.

I am all right, I replied, hastily on my feet.

“I should go. It's late.”

“Wait--”

But he was going, nearly running away. And something was after him, as though.

I sat there and was confused and frustrated. What just happened?

I turned around to where he had vanished in the shadows. Once, in the moonlight, I had seen something inconceivable.

The figure of a tall, dark figure, with silver eyes, and with a grace no human being could have.

I blinked. And it was gone. Just darkness and trees.

My heart raced. I said to myself that I was imagining it. That I was weary, pressured, dreaming of it. Yet I could not get rid of the feeling. Those silver eyes. That familiar pull. The way he moved.

“No,” I whispered to myself. “That's impossible.”

But, as I moved back to my chambers, the question bothered me.

Who really was this man?