Chapter 2

The maids whirled around the room, decorating me with pearls and diamonds and attempting to tame my hair. Unfortunately, it wasn't giving up without a fight.

Finally, mother arrived and shooed them all away.

"Ah, Carmen, you look so beautiful in your new dress." Mother gushed. "Rose red is definitely your color."

She picked up the discarded comb and began to gently run it through my inky black tresses. "I swear, you look more and more like him every day," she sighed. "You definitely inherited his crazy hair. It's like it's alive." She and I shared a heartfelt laugh. Then she turned me to face her and touched my cheek just beneath my right eye. "Your eyes are just like his too. Deep and dark, like oceans of blood. I never could tell what you two were thinking."

I brushed her hand away and turned from her. "Must I go to the soiree tonight? You know how much I hate crowds." I asked her, looking down at the floor.

"Sweetheart, you've never been to a soiree. You're well over 100 now, an adult, you should go out and have fun, maybe meet someone. Heaven knows, a girl your age should have suitors by now.

"Really?" I began, walking slowly over to the far wall, and looked up at the painting that hung there, daring to meet my father's frozen gaze. "Are you sure you don't have some selfish reason for wanting me to go?" I inquired. I glanced over my shoulder at her, although I was angry, I knew that my intense feelings would not register in my face or solemn eyes. I was after all my father's daughter. I had inherited many of his traits. You never could guess what he was feeling or thinking, at times to a fault.

Her face went pale and her golden eyes widened. "Stop looking at me like that! Your father used to do that! That cold stare of his! Like you feel nothing at all!"

I tore my face away and went back to staring at father. "I overheard you and Alexander talking. You want to show me off at the soiree, have me seduce one of the princes, so that society will welcome you back. My beauty will fetch a high price, right?"

I wanted to hiss at her, scream at her, but once again my feelings didn't translate into the sound of my voice or my face. My voice was level and unfeeling, as cold as the winter night air.

"You don't understand, Carmen. What your father did…ruined us. It's a miracle that the royal family even aloud us to keep a small portion of our original estate."

"So you're going to auction me off, to win back your precious reputation!" I cried. For once, my mask fell away, revealing the pain that I felt.

"That isn't what Alexander meant."

"Yes it is! I heard him! And you…you never said a word against him." I shot her a disgusted look. "Like a good little wife." An icy chuckle escaped my lips, as an amusing thought came to me. "If father could see you now, he'd be laughing at you."

Suddenly, mother rushed at me, back handing me across my face. I fell to the floor in a heap.

"Don't you ever speak that way to me again! Your father betrayed us! If anything it should be me laughing at him! You are going to the soiree, whether you like it or not!" She hissed as she loomed over me. Though she spoke harshly, I could see the tears in her eyes. My words had deeply wounded her. She whirled away and stalked out of the room, slamming the door shut behind her.

I sat on the floor, holding my cheek, where she'd struck me. "Idiot." I whispered to myself. "You should never show anyone your true heart." My dark eyes slowly drifted to meet my father's. "Isn't that what you always said, father."

Later on in the night, Alexander drove me to the soiree.

"I understand that you and your mother got into a bit of an argument earlier. You overheard our plans for this evening?"

"Yes, but it's no longer an issue. I've come to the realization that my life is no longer my own. I will do as you have asked. " I replied solemnly.

My blood ran cold, as he rested his hand on my leg. "Good. I'm glad you've come to your senses. I'd hate to have to force you." He smiled charmingly, but his voice held a venomous edge.

I quickly brushed his hand away, and repositioned myself closer to my car door.

Finally, we arrived at the enormous house of the hosts, a councilman and his wife. We went inside and were met with a chorus of gasps. The gasps were then followed by gossiping whispers.

"Is that who I think it is?"

"Those bloody eyes don't lie."

"Can you believe that his child had the nerve to show up here?"

"She's his spitting image! Look at those empty eyes! That solemn expression! That wild, mane! Every inch of her, her father's double!"

"She and her mother should've been executed along with that traitor, if you ask me."

I tried not to listen, but they made no attempt to hide their whispers. It was as if they wanted me to hear them.

While we all awaited the arrival of the royal family, Alexander went off to mingle with his fellow councilmen, and I got a glass of blood and went off to hide in a corner. As I sipped at my drink, I watched the other party goers enjoy each other's company. Sometimes, people would glance over at me, but as soon as my dark eyes met their's, they quickly averted my gaze, as if I could turn them to stone at a single glance.

Suddenly, the large doors of the house swung open, and the forms of four men appeared. The firelight chandelier, alighted their faces as they entered the room. The first, I knew had to be King Dragos. He was a very ancient strigoi. His black hair had just started to turn white around his temples, so he must be over 1,000 years old. He was dressed all in black, a cloak billowed around him and moved with his body as he strode confidently inside. Behind him were his similarly dressed sons. I couldn't be sure which one was which, but each seemed as different from one another as night and day. There was a short one, with wavy golden hair, that stood out as a stark contrast against his dark red eyes of royalty. He was smiling brightly as he entered the room, he seemed happy and care free. Beside him, strode an extremely tall young man, with short dark brown hair, and a very handsome face. His lips curved slightly in the corners, giving him a rather alluring air, as if he knew of some fantastic joke, but would never share it with you. Lastly, there was the black haired one. He looked the most like his father. It looked like he had attempted to slick his hair back, but his locks were not exactly cooperating. They danced wildly around his shirt collar. His face was rather harsh, compared to his brothers. His brows were sharply angled, and his lips were curved downward in a seemingly permanent scowl. He looked very displeased to be here. Although, I have to admit, I liked his eyes. Unlike mine, his showed emotion. The firelight seemed to be captured by these dark red orbs, reflected in them like the eyes of a wild beast.

As the royal family passed the throng of lesser strigoi, the crowd all fell into bows and curtsies, showing their loyalty and admiration for their rulers. I too, paid my respects. The critical glances from those around me, did not go unnoticed. I knew exactly why they were making sure I behaved. According to the stories I heard from mother, father never once bowed to the king.

With the arrival of the royal family, the party finally got underway. The band began to play an upbeat song, and couples rushed to the dance floor. In moments, the room was filled with twirling bodies, their movements were synchronized with the music and each other. It was like poetic symmetry.

Finally seeing an opening when the princes were not surrounded by squealing girls, Alexander came and snatched me by the wrist. "Come on, this is your chance. Try to be presentable, and wipe that indifferent look off your face. It reminds people too much of your father." He ordered in a harsh whisper.

"Yes Sir." I breathed. Quickly, I willed my face to conform to his wishes. My lips stretched into a flirtatious smile, my eyes brightened, bringing my face alive. These were not my true feelings, but it was what they wanted them to be.

He dragged me over to where the king and his sons stood together. "Your highness, I'd like to introduce my step-daughter, Carmen." He said pleasantly, waving his hand in my direction. I fell into a deep curtsy, smiling cheerfully at the king.

"So this is Octavian Dare's child. You told me you married his widow." He looked at me and smiled warmly. "I didn't think you were quite this old yet. How have you and your mother been?"

"Very well, Sire. I'd like to thank you for your kindness for sparing us, after everything father did. On behalf of the entire Dare family, I apologize for my father's transgressions." I moved forward, took his hand, and kissed one of the many rings that adorned his long fingers. "And I thank you for your mercy."

He nodded his approval. "There is no need, child. Octavian paid for his crime, blood for blood. I hold no ill will towards the rest of the Dare's. Please, feel welcome and enjoy yourself."

I tilted my head in respect, "Thank you, My Lord."

King Dragos then motioned for his sons to come closer. "Carmen, these are my sons, Constantin, Victor, and Dragomir." He said. He didn't point out exactly which one was which. "Boys, this is Carmen Dare, daughter of Octavian Dare. This is her first soiree, so do show her a good time."

The short one, took my hand and smiled devilishly. "It's a pleasure."

His brother, the tall one, took my other hand. "Would you like to dance?" he asked, pleasantly, with a mysterious look in his eyes.

"Certainly, your highness." I replied breathlessly. I was rarely around men, so I was more than a little flustered with all this attention.

"Me too. You must promise me a dance as well." the short one chimed in boyishly. He sounded very much like a jealous child.

"Of course." I assured him.

"Aren't you going to say hello to Ms. Dare, son?" The king asked the black haired prince, who was leaning against a wall, with his arms crossed, looking very displeased.

The prince's eyes sharpened. "Why should I make pleasantries towards the daughter of the man who tried to murder us?" He shot me a deadly glare, before finally stalking away and disappearing into the crowd.

"I'm very sorry about his rudeness. Unlike his brothers, Dragomir remembers your father's revolt very well." The king explained.

"It's quite alright, Sire. I don't blame him for his anger." I replied.

In all honesty, I did not blame him in the least bit. You see, many millennia ago, the Dare family were the rulers of the strigoi race, but then the king's family, the Constantinescu family, took away our power and our thrown. My father believed that our family had been robbed, so he tried to take back our power. He started a rebellion and led a siege against the castle, intent on murdering the entire royal family. However, the castle's defenses were too great and my father was defeated. He was taken prisoner, and then later executed by beheading outside the castle gates.

In a world where the king is God, there is no wonder why my father is still so hated, even in death.

Pushing away my dismal thoughts, I went with the tall prince onto the dance floor.

The prince and I began to waltz. I listened intently to the music. My feet moved all on their own. It had been ages since I'd last danced, and yet my body seemed to remember.

"You are a very good dancer." The prince complimented.

"Thank you…um…Forgive me, but what's your name?" I asked, my face flushing.

"I am Constantin." He chuckled. "I am the middle son." He tilted his head towards where the short brother was flirting with a few ladies. "That's Victor, the youngest." Then he looked over towards where the other brother was sitting with the older men. "The one that hates you, is Dragomir, the eldest."

"He is the crown prince? No wonder he hates me." When my father was captured, the soldiers had found him holding a sword to the crown prince's throat.

"Don't take it too personally. Dragomir is just like that. He hates just about everyone." He laughed. He pulled me closer as we twirled. "I don't hate you though."

"Why don't you?" I asked. He shrugged his broad shoulders. "I have no reason to. Like father said, Octavian paid for his crime, blood for blood. I shouldn't hold a grudge against you because of what your father did."

My lips curved into a genuine smile. "Thank you, Lord Constantin."

He grinned and his mouth opened to say something, but he was suddenly interrupted when Victor shoved him out of the way, taking his place as my dancing partner. "Quit hogging her! It's my turn!"

Constantin growled and bared his fangs at his little brother. "Don't shove me! If you want to dance with her, just ask!"

"Psht! Why should I?" He teased, shooing his elder brother away, like a pesky animal.

"Whatever." Constantin hissed. Then he looked back at me with a smile. "It was nice meeting you, Ms. Dare." He bowed, turned on his heel and went to dance with a lovely blond.

"You know you're way cuter than I pictured you'd be." Victor commented.

"Um…really?" I asked. Well that's nice…I guess. I'm not sure if that was a compliment.

"Yep! I remember seeing your dad when I was younger. He was scary looking. He always looked like he was thinking about killing you. I guess he was in our case. You're not like that though."

Something about this youngest prince, seemed a bit off to me. He didn't talk or act like I thought a prince should. If it weren't for the fact that I knew he was about a year older than me, I would have thought he was maybe 12.

"I'm not?" I asked.

"Nope. He pulled me closer and angled his face into the curve of my neck. "You just seem lonely. Want me to keep you company?" He breathed against my neck.

His mouth was so close, I could feel his fangs on my skin.

I quickly stopped the dance and pulled free of his embrace. "Forgive me, your highness, but…I ….uh…could use some air. I think I'll go outside for a while."

He shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly. "Suit yourself, gorgeous."

Hurriedly, I made my way through the dancers and went out into the rose garden behind the house. I leaned against a statue of Venus, as I tried to calm myself down. "I really hate this." I sighed.

"That makes two of us." Said a deep voice.

Startled, I jumped with a gasp.

Prince Dragomir stood by a rose bush, his arms crossed over his chest and his mirror eyes reflecting the dim moonlight. "Did I startle you?" He asked.

"Yes, a little. I thought I was alone." I answered.

Dragomir's head tilted slightly and his scowl contorted into a smirk. "Where did that fake smile of yours go?"

My hand shot up to touch my lips, they had reverted back into their usual strait line. "How do you know it was fake?" I asked.

He drew closer and leaned against the statue, so that we were face to face. "You forget. I was nearly killed by your father. His face is forever engrained into my memory and you are his daughter. It is only befitting that you share the same wretched, cold, expression."

His words cut me like sharpened knives.

"Why are you holding what my father did against me? He paid for what he did."

He drew still closer, until his face was inches from mine. "It's because you are just like him. You can't feel emotions, so you pretend that you do. Nothing you do, not a tear, a frown, nor a smile is ever genuine. Your face is nothing but a mask that hides something far darker, an evil twisted thing deep inside."

"That's not true." I said, beneath my breath. "I do feel emotions, but I cannot show them. To show emotions is weakness."

His eyes narrowed slightly. "And who taught you that, Carmen? It was your father wasn't it?"

My eyes widened and my breath caught in my throat.

Dragomir smiled victoriously. "My ancestors were right to take the throne from yours. Monsters should never be given such power."

He turned to leave, but I grabbed his arm, stalling him in place. "I'm sorry. I truly am." I said, tears beginning to trail down my cheeks.

Dragomir stared at me, his mouth slightly agape, like he couldn't believe what he was seeing. Then hesitantly, he embraced me.

"Dragomir?" I gasped, unable to believe what he was doing.

"Perhaps I was wrong about you. Maybe you're not as much like your father as I thought."

"Why the sudden change in heart?" I asked, wrapping my arms around him.

"Crying is something Octavian could never do." He replied.

He held me like that for what felt like a lifetime, before finally whispering, "Dance with me" in my ear.

"There's no music." I reminded him.

He smirked crookedly, "You don't need music."

As the thick clouds passed slowly over the glassy moon, we waltzed in silence, neither one speaking. The wind was the only music we had to dance to.

We finally stopped dancing when we heard the sound of Victor's voice calling Dragomir's name.

"I should go." He said. He bowed and kissed my hand.

"Thank you for the dance, your highness." I replied.

I stared after him as he walked away, his clothes and hair dancing in the night wind. When he reached the door, he looked back at me and smiled. For the first time, in a long time, I felt myself smile back with true joy.