"Athena." Kol's eyes were filled with intrigue as he stared at the portrait painting.

"Stunning, isn't she?" Prince Aldrich continued to stare at the painting of the girl. She had smooth long caramel hair with olive skin and light hazel eyes.

"She is certainly captivating." Kol firmly placed his hand on his friend's shoulder with a smirk. "So. Who is this Athena?" He crossed his arms and skeptically stared at the portrait.

"No one knows anything, only that she is the most beautiful woman that anyone has beheld their eyes on. Myself included. But you have seen much more of the world, my friend. What do you say?" Aldrich curiously looked to Kol to see what his response would be. Kol chuckled.

"Well, Aldrich. I will tell you this much. Many portraits have I seen. And many faces I have been disappointed by. Let us not forget Henry VIII and Anne of Cleves." He tsk'ed with a wave of his finger.

"What a marvellous king we have. Understands matters of true importance." Aldrich commented with a smile.

"You clearly are intrigued by this Athena. How do you plan to meet her?"

"Brilliant question. Being one of the most handsome of noble birth, I as well have a portrait that travels to grace other's with my looks, which has in turn made me quite popular." As soon as he finished his sentence, the large ornate doors opened, revealing a servant.

"Prince Aldrich. You have received a letter. From a: Duchess of Wellington." Prince Aldrich motioned for him to come closer and hand him the letter. A sweet fragrance gently passed through the air.

"You've planned this, haven't you?" Kol snatched the letter out of Aldrich's hand, tearing it open.

"Why yes, Kol. Of course you may read my letter." He rolled his eyes, but found it amusing nonetheless.

"Dearest Prince Aldrich. It is I, Duchess of Wellington. Duchess, by my own right of course. I have yet to find a su..."

"Enough." Aldrich took the letter back with a smile that he tried to conceal. "There. You now have proof to what I have said, but I have the utmost respect for those who take the time to write me. Therefore, you cannot read anymore. She may go into detail far too tainted for that pure mind of yours, Kol." He winked and folded up the letter into his breast pocket.

"Oh, you are clearly right. Thank you, Aldrich, for protecting my virtue." His hands were held against his heart with a thankful expression on his face. He went to sit down on one of the couches.

"Of course. Now, back to business." He sat on the couch opposite to Kol and leaned back, resting his feet on the table that divided them. "I'm hosting a ball. One of most secrecy. I want no one to hear or speak about it. This is where I need your help, my friend." A wicked grin danced upon Kol's lips. He knew very well what Aldrich was asking of him. "This will be a night to never forget. Until it is forgotten, of course."

"When and where do I begin?" Kol asked.

"Now. The ball will be held in 3 moons. Spread the word quickly and make haste of your return. Then we can make the necessary preparations for the ball."

"A suggestion, Aldrich." Aldrich raised an eyebrow, waiting for Kol to continue speaking. "Masks. They have a way of bringing out one's inner demon." Kol smirked.

"Noted and approved." Aldrich did a single clap before reaching into one of his pockets. "Here. This is the list of names as well as the location and time of the ball. Let no one see it and once you've gotten to the last name, burn it. Eat it. Make someone else eat it. Just dispose of it completely. We don't want any uninvited visitors. And don't forget to make sure they come up with some excuse for their absence. Just makes things easier." With the blink of an eye, Kol was gone.

—-IM BACK. Will possibly start up my older stories again, but I'm not 100% sure

But I needed to write something to get back into the swing of things! Hope you enjoy :)