Chapter 2: Abstinence

As the Queen's favourite and most trusted subject, I stood beside her and the comparatively gigantic throne in which her petite body sat, her hand carelessly running through the long strands of her pink hair. I observed without real interest as vampire after vampire came to greet her with excessive shows of flowery words - a futile attempt to get on her good side, for they needed far more than flattery if they wished to impress Krul.

My focus shifted to the stale air before me as I felt eyes staring holes into the back of my head - burning with resentment and jealousy. Perhaps I should have been gratified for possessing the ability to evoke such intense emotions in the hearts of my supposed 'betters', but all I felt was a recognizable exasperation. Being the closest to the Queen brought its unique quirks - most very practical, but it also had its downsides. One who had power - however slight, was bound to have enemies.

"Dull, isn't it ?" I blinked in surprise at suddenly being adressed. I regarded the communion of vampires at the center of the room, all draped in fancy clothes, twirling and bowing gracefully to the wordless music.

"Not at all, your Majesty." I answered politely.

She frowned at me, a displeased expression on her child-like face. "You know I don't keep you for dishonesty."

Of course, I should have known better; Krul preferred blunt honesty as opposed to the pretty lies that were meant to satisfy her, but I couldn't help it. Watching everyone else doing it, it had become an automatic response.

I sighed. "Sincerest apologies, your Majesty. I must say, the music is pleasant to the ears..." I paused, momentarily listening to the perfect marriage of violin and piano. "...but you're right, the company is boring me out of my mind."

She chuckled. "Even me ?"

I scowled at the scenery in front of me, horrified at my own impulsive words. If we weren't as close as we were, she could have had my head disintegrating into dust already. "Of course not." I amended quickly. "Your company is most enjoyable. I meant the rest."

"Well, you shall be put out of your misery soon enough, I believe." I looked at the girly vampire in confusion, following the line of her gaze to an approaching vampire, who was confidently striding towards us.

Oh wonderful, another flatterer, I started to think, until I saw the unmistakable flash of his silver hair and did a double-take. I gulped convulsively, face flushing as an instant reaction to my accelerating heartbeat. Aware of the Queen's penetrating eyes scrutinizing me, I attempted to regain control over my body, but it was an arduous effort. I took a deep breath and held it, turning my attention to a random design on the side wall. Don't look at him, I told myself firmly in spite of the impulse to do it.

"Good evening, your Majesty Krul." He greeted in his silky voice, so close - too close - that my heart made an embarrassing summersault. If anyone noticed the loud jump in my heartbeat, nobody commented on it, to my utter relief. It was ridiculous enough that the stupid organ still made any sound.

I imagined him bowing and delicately kissing the back of her hand. "What a superb party, as to be expected, and you look as fetching as always." Flattery, flattery. If anything, Ferid was the master of it.

Don't talk to me, I thought, hoping - begging for him not to. Don't even look at me.

"Good evening to you as well, Lady Ara."

My teeth clenched with a sharp snap, muscles stiffening into hard stone. So much for that. Reluctantly - but deep down undeniably wanting, I turned my head in his direction. He was so impossibly beautiful. "You too." I forced the two words out of my mouth, nodding.

"Pardon me, my Queen, but would you grant me a moment's time with your subject ?" I frowned at him, visibly perplexed.

Krul nodded, her expression bored - looking as though she was barely stiffening a yawn. "Do as you wish."

"Thank you." He replied pleasantly.

I expected him to say more, but he smiled and turned to me once more, offering me his hand. My heartbeat kicked up a few notches more. "Now that I have received permission from our most generous Queen, will you do me the honour of dancing with me ?"

Oh no. Oh, no no no. Don't do it, don't do it ! My inner voice shouted.

"...yes." I said simply, keeping my expression casual though feeling like anything but. I took his hand and stepped down the few stairs, allowing myself to be led to the dance floor.

The fabric of my gown was a subtle but glittering silver, complimenting the spotless snow-white of his uniform. We matched, to my gratification.

We stood among the many dancers, positioning ourselves as they did. My palm curved into his like two matching pieces of a puzzle, his other hand finding the curve in my back and pulling me closer to him until we were touching. I couldn't hide it anymore - my cheeks turned bright and warm.

The music began softly and with it we stirred, our steps moving in perfect synchronization with a strange familiarity - as if we had done this all our lives, looking nowhere else but at each other. All I could see was him and the blatant perfection that I was so painfully enamoured with, while the rest of the world was just a glimmering blur around me.

But I knew what I felt for him was completely different than his own feelings for me, and I was perfectly fine. As long as I was allowed to cherish him, now and forever more...

"Enjoying the view, are you ?" He said then, an annoyingly charming grin on his face. Typical.

"Oh yes, quite. My reflection in your eyes is rather attractive, you see." I retorted, grinning back easily.

"I don't doubt it, darling, but I would say the real thing is far sweeter." I blinked, momentarily dumbstruck by his words, then blushing even harder than I already was.

He lifted his arm and I twirled underneath it effortlessly, bounding back to him until I was wrapped in his arms, even closer than before. I was pressed into his chest, to my shock, resisting the desire to melt into him right then and there, and hold him as tight as I could. I tried pulling back, squirming, but he wouldn't let go. I was a few inches smaller than him, so I had to angle my chin upward to look into his eyes. There was something intriguingly enticing to his expression - something mischievous (but really, when was he not ?) and somewhat different than usual, but I couldn't put my finger on it...

I yanked myself free of him as the music came to an end, breathing fast and hard to my annoyance. I wasn't human, dammit ! I wished my body would remember that.

He swiftly reached for my hand before I had the chance to make my escape, kissing the back of it. I didn't fail to notice the way his soft lips lingered unnecessarily - on the contrary, I was intensely aware - inhaling the scent coming off my skin. I quickly snatched my hand back before the spreading warmth inside me could fully consume me, but instead of being offended like another vampire would have been, he merely smiled, a knowing glint to his crimson eyes.

Against my better judgement, I said, "It was a privilege dancing with you, Lord Bathory." And with that I curtsied, but as I turned around - preparing to leave, Ferid was suddenly right behind me, his breath on my neck and I froze. The world blurred once more and it was only he and I.

"Come to my mansion at midnight." He whispered, and in the blink of an eye, I found myself alone again.

To be continued...