804 Years
Chapter 2.
I swirled gracefully under the candle-lit chandeliers in the hall. I knew some people were staring in awe as I danced, but I didn't care. I was dancing, and I loved it-even if I could have done without the attention. My partner was amazed as well. He was the third cousin of The Pope. He was young, handsome too. He was fourteen, two years older than me. His eyes never strayed from my face, aglow with the happiness of dancing. Even now, centuries later, I can see him in my head, and his name subconsciously rolls of my tongue, though I felt nothing for him. Frederick. His hands were warm and fitted my slender waist. He smelled nice, like candles and fresh air. This was our first dance, I was radiant and he was star struck. He could tell it was the dancing that made me happy, and was only too happy to keep dancing, if just to see my radiant glow. My gowns red skirts flared out, he was dancing with me, the candles gave off their waxy and warm smell, and people started to venture to the floor. They hadn't wanted to stand in contrast to my radiance.
I wish I had known that my radiance was what attracted him.
But not yet. I wish to linger on the pleasant parts for a bit longer. This was our second dance in a row, and people were smiling and talking, saying we'd make a lovely couple. My parents watched from their thrones, tilting their heads so they softly touched. They shook their heads sadly. They weren't about to marry me off unless it was to someone I loved, and they could tell that he wasn't the one. I loved them for this. My mother had her crown and cape, with a deep red velvet dress. Mine was a bit lighter in color than hers. My father was in his formal attire as well. My older brother was dancing stiffly, wishing he was somewhere else but staying here to please my parents, and my little sister playing with the other children.
I released Fredrick's hand and curtsied. He bowed. I went to go get a drink and some fresh air. I wish I had never gone to get that air, but it can't be helped.
My long dark hair was down-as always-but there were a few cloth roses behind my ear. They wouldn't let me take them off. I leaned on the balcony, staring up at the stars. (This is what you people call a romantic, or cliché moment. However, it turned out different than you romantics would think) There were roses growing beneath the balcony, and I smiled as I inhaled their scent. My hair was lifted, and someone bit me in the neck.
I'm editing here so you won't have to suffer as I did. I wish I knew who had bitten me, but even now, eight hundred and four years later, I still don't know. I do know, however, that it was a Volturi agent who had been passing by. I woke alone though, in my bed. I knew immediately that I was a vampire. It was the first thought in my head, but I knew I wasn't damned. God had turned me into one, and so I would live through His will.
