Chapter 17: Chapter 17

There's a lot going on today considering today is a big day for all people, dare I say vampires. It is the royal grand ball! Can you believe that? Yep. A vampire ball is a thing.

Sage bought me a formal dress to wear to the event. It is a long, white strapped dress that falls elegantly on the ankle. The tiny gems glimmer when hit by the moonlight; beautiful is an understatement. It looks simple, just the way I like it.

I stared at myself in the bathroom mirror, mouth gaping in awe. I look pretty decent. I did a crown braid for my hair with little strands falling on the sides in my attempt to look a little refined.

And finally, I strapped the dagger on my thigh just in case things might go south. The blood didn't dry at all but I figured a dagger is still a weapon; it will still be handy. We don't know what will happen later so I'll bring it with me.

I couldn’t stop smiling while looking around the small window of the car. Ambrose and the others have occupied Ambrose’s car. While I’m here stuck with Izaac and Sage who’s driving Izaac’s car.

“Are you that happy?” I turned to Izaac and nodded with a giggle.

Izaac chuckled and shook his head in amusement.

“I can’t believe we’re really attending a royal ball.” I’ve never even met the king and queen! This is crazy. What does the castle look like inside? Is it really that huge as I’ve seen in the books?

“I thought maybe you’ll feel scared knowing you’ll be surrounded by predators but I thought wrong.” The corner of his lips rose into a small smirk.

Well, I must be out of my mind to say that I forgot about that. I was too excited.

“Now I’m scared.” I frowned

Izaac laughed, “Here,” He handed me a bracelet with a small, black stone pendant on it. It looked old yet enchanting.

“Why are you giving this to me?” I asked, staring at him intently.

“Ambrose said to give it to you. It will protect you and keep your scent weak from darkly creatures.” He explained, those green eyes never left my brown ones.

Izaac held my hand and put the bracelet around my wrist.

“Thank you.” I smiled

Now I feel a lot better. I feel safe for some reasons.

“Beautiful.” Izaac caressed my wrist, with a smile on his lips. His touch was cold and tingly. It’s like a spark of electricity; it’s dangerous.

I slowly pulled my hand from his grip. “Uh, Sage. How long until we get there?” I tried to divert the conversation but hearing his chuckle, I failed.

“In a few minutes.” Sage replied

There was silence after that. I scooted over to the side and watched the trees get swayed by the wind on the window.

A couple minutes later, the car stopped. I looked at the window and saw a massive stone castle. It looks really tall and just huge. I think it's ten times bigger than the castle back home. There were guards lined up at every gate. My, they’re everywhere!

“We’re here.” Sage announced

“Let’s go.” Izaac opened his door and I opened the other near me.

The ground was moist, it rained earlier but it stopped for now. On the outside was a maze garden, rose bushes, stone statues and a big fountain. People of different suits and gowns lined up the pathways, all in their exquisite jewelries and classy smiles. They don’t even look like vampires! Some are too good-looking, they look like celebrities on TV. Hm, vampires don’t age indeed.

Izaac pulled out his arm playfully. I smiled and put my arm around his as we walked towards the tall wooden doors. Ambrose and the others gathered in front of us. The man in tuxedo greeted us and Ambrose gave him the invitation.

“Thank you,” Said Ambrose.

We followed the crowd on the way to the ballroom. A couple of heels clicked on the marble floor, a few squeals and whispers filled our ears. Huge, glass double doors opened up and we were embraced by the soft, slow beat of music. On the side are servants lined up holding a tray of wine glasses. The red liquid is blood, I assume.

“Do they have actual wine here?” I whispered to Izaac.

Izaac smiled, “Yes, would you like some? I can get you some.”

“Yes please.” I looked around, trying not to make eye contact with anybody. I don’t want any vampire conversations at the moment.

Izaac left me with Gideon to go fetch a glass of wine. Well, no one likes to be here sober so yeah, a wine would be delightful.

A servant in a tuxedo who’s walking around offered a tray of bite-sized food. It looks good though. It probably tastes good too. So I took one and popped it in my mouth.

“Uh, Feyre don’t,” Gideon trailed off

I cringe upon tasting the disgusting food.

“What the hell is that? Oh god, it tastes awful!” I quickly spat the food out on a tissue Gideon offered.

“You don’t wanna know.” Gideon laughed

Izaac then came with a wine glass. “I found champagne.”

I hastily grabbed the glass from his grip and drank from it.

“Easy there. What happened?” Izaac asked

Gideon smirked, “Feyre ate the goodie.”

Izaac turned to me, “You didn’t.”

“Well, I did. It’s seriously disgusting. Why would they serve that?” I almost puked when the taste still lingered on my tongue.

They both laughed at me while I stood there looking like I just ate shit. Well, I did eat shit. I had no choice but to get another drink so I excused myself and hurried to the table where they served some drinks.

“One of those blue ones please.” I smiled at the woman who served the drinks. She had this short bob hair and she looked sexy wearing that slit long dress.

“I’ve never seen you before, you from here?” She asked

“Uh, no. I’m from Emberton.” I replied. The woman nodded and gave me my drink.

“I’m Vienna.” She smiled and raised her glass towards me.

“Feyre. Nice to meet you.” I grinned before I clink my glass with hers. I slowly slipped from my glass. Hm, this drink is really good!

Vienna laughed, “I’ve never met someone say that to a royalty.” She stated

I gasped with my eyes wide open, “Oh my god.” I almost choke from my drink.

“Are you really?” I stood there, lips parted in surprise.

She nodded, smiling, “Princess Vienna Baltimore.” Vienna winked at me and drank her wine bottoms up. She’s very bold and carefree.

“I’m sorry. Um. Delighted to make your acquaintance, your royal highness.” I bit my lip, mentally slapping myself right now.

Vienna kept laughing; she wasn’t even covering her mouth while at it. It’s really difficult to say that she’s royalty. I mean, the way she talks and behaves says otherwise.

“Should I bow?” I asked awkwardly.

“You should but forget it, you’re now my friend.” Vienna smiled at me knowingly.

I simply gave her a small smile.

Vienna turned to my right, “Oh, hey there.”

“Stop drinking, Vee. Have you seen Rose?” That familiar baritone voice spoke.

Vienne raised her brows, smirking. “She’s playing again, is she?”

“Yeah. She’s so stubborn.” I turned to my right and saw a man in his suit. He looked so powerful even in this angle. The man was busy talking to Vienna.

“Cassius?” I mumbled out of curiosity.

The tall man turned to me and for the second time, I saw those emerald orbs again. Wait, he’s actually here. I wasn’t mistaken then?