When Rose entered the fitting room she looked pissed. Hanabusa looked around nervously, making sure no one was listening before carefully asking. "Lady Adelaide? Did something happen?"
She turned to him with dead eyes and hissed. "Shut up." before walking into the room.
Hanabusa was taken back by her comment and paused for a moment before taking his place by the door.
Rose gazed upon and dozens of maids around her who curtsied and bowed at her presence."Are you ready to begin Lady Adelaide?"
She slowly walked over the seat in the middle of the room and nodded her head while forcing a smile. "Of course."
The lady's squealed as they began their work. A couple years ago Rose would've found their approach of manhandling her to be uncomfortable but now this was just normal.
Rose watched as the maid on her left begin curling and pinning up her hair, sharp diamond pins scratched the edge of her head but she didn't care.
Another maid began working on her makeup, applying a thousand beauty products and fake eyelashes to her eyes.
When they had finished the maids helped her into her dress for the evening which was larger and much flasher then Rose would've dress itself was a deep crimson red to compliment her name with gold trims around the sides and bottom. It was supposed to represent her Phoenix familiar with the color palette.
One of the maids went to remove her red ribbon when Rose felt the motion and grabbed her arm without thinking. The girl looked at her in fear as if she did something wrong and Rose relaxed. "I'm sorry but is there a way we could incorporate this into the design. It's precious to me."
The lady quickly nodded her head and giggled slightly. From that reaction she must have thought that the ribbon was a gift from Kaname. If only she knew.
Carefully weaving the ribbon into her bun she smiled at her and turned Rose towards the mirror. Everyone around her oohed and ahhed at the transformation. "Ahh you look simply beautiful Lady Adelaide! Lord Kaname will be especially pleased."
Rose glanced at herself in the mirror and tried to give the maids the reaction they wanted but inside she felt nothing. Truthfully it kind of scared her.
She turned to leave when the same lady ran after her and shouted."Wait! Before you go, your uncle wished to give you this."
Rose looked down at the box that was carefully wrapped and dreaded what was inside. If it was from Carson that it couldn't be good.
Undoing the bow on the top she opened the box and instantly felt like she was going to be sick.
Inside was a golden leaf tiara with a small gold rose in the center. It was like a slap in the face to her. Under the crown was a small piece of black paper with one word in blood red font. REMEMBER
The girls around her shouted with excitement as they pinned her crown of thorns into her head as a sign of what she was.
When they were satisfied she was led into a different room to wait to be called. Hanabusa looked up at the sound of the door and his mouth hung open in shock.
She had only seen her a couple hours ago but she looked so...different. He always thought to himself that she never really looked like a pureblood but here, it was unmistakable.
After everyone left, Rose let her shoulder sag and pulled out the paper that Carson gave her. Hanabusa looked at her curiously as her aura suddenly grew dark and the paper in her hands rotted into nothing.
He gasped as what was left fell out of her hands in a pile of dust. He didn't know what that paper was but he knew it angered her.
Suddenly the door opened again and Yuki walked into the space. Rose just looked away and stared at the floor. She didn't need Yuki's jealously to make everything worse.
Hanabusa bowed and complimented her to which Yuki playfully slapped him on the arm and laughed. Apparently having him compliment her was new to her.
The room grew silent until Kaname entered wearing a black suit with a crimson tie to match Rose. He paused when he saw her and for the first time was at a loss of words. She was stunning.
Of course the look on her face made him wither a bit. He knew this wasn't her choice and that hurt him to know that she was in pain. But he also knew that he would be there for her even if she loved someone else, someone that didn't deserve her.
When it was time to go he didn't bother asking her if she was okay because he already knew the answer. Instead he slowly slipped his hand into hers and gave it a gentle squeeze.
The group followed them to the doors of the grand ballroom as Rose took a shaky breath. This night had to be perfect.
The doors began to open as Yuki and Hanabusa stepped out into the cheering crowds. Yuki carefully counting her steps so she wouldn't fall with Hanabusa on her arm leading her to where the lions were waiting.
Just then a loud spoke above the others had Rose recognized it as Carson. He sounded like a proud parents giving away his child. "And now the moment you have all waited for. May I present Lord Kaname Kuran and for the first time, Lady Rosabelle Adelaide."
The crowds watched as Kaname slowly stepped down the stairs before a big ball of fire tore through the room causing the audience to ooh and ahh. The Phoenix circled around until it reached the top platform and changed into Rose.
Everyone was stunned at the appearance of the new pureblood daughter slowly began to bow and curtsy in respect.
Rose lifted her head and gave everyone a warm smile before speaking. "Thank you for attending this ball. I would like to fully introduce myself. My name is Rosabella Adelaide at its very lovely to make your acquaintance. I sincerely hope you will enjoy you're time here at the Ackerman estate."
She then stepped down to meet Kaname's outstretched hand which was an invitation for everyone to circle her and start asking questions.
The other half of the members circled Yuki who looked strangely uncomfortable at the sudden outburst. Rose thought to herself that they were going to devour her without help so she turned to Kaname and asked. "Go with Yuki. She needs more help then I do."
Kaname was going to question her when he saw Yuki struggling to keep conversation with a couple aristocrats and knew she was right. He bowed his head and went to save his sister as more people filled his spot next to Rose. Then the questions started. "Lady Adelaide, why were you so indisposed until now?"
Rose smiled slightly and gave an answer she rehearsed. "I am humbly sorry about that. I wanted to become someone worthy of the Adelaide name before I appeared publicly."
Everyone nodded, pleased with her answer as an older gentleman moved forward before bowing "Hello Lady Adelaide, it is truly an honor to meet you. I must congratulate you on your engagement but if I may ask, do you believe that Lord Kaname will compliment someone as unique such as yourself?"
Here is comes, the offers for her to give up Kaname and marry some other rich vampire instead. The game they were playing was so obvious but she pretended to not notice. "What do you suggest then Sir?"
He gave a crooked smile and glanced at another boy grabbing a glass of blood tablets. "My son comes from a very pomente line and can satisfy you even more than Lord Kaname could."
Rose looked him with a blank expression before politely putting her hand up and rejecting him. "That is very kind but I'm sorry I'm going to have to decline."
Then before he could interject she walked to another part of the room where other admirers were waiting. No one here cared about her. They only were interested in the newest toys that they had gotten.
She spotted Yuki in the corner without Kaname and Rose cursed to herself why the hell he would leave her alone with these sharks.
As she approached and heard the conversation going on around her. A boy that looked about her age with blue hair circled Yuki and was obviously trying to shake her up. When she reached him she pasted on her fake smile and placed a hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry I don't believe we have met before."
Yuki looked up at her savior and give her a silent thank you which Rose took. The boy gasped and tried to compose himself. "I don't think so. It's so nice to meet you Lady Adelaide."
She smiled slightly as two more people joined the conversation. Rose had to blink a couple times to believe she was seeing things because next to the older gentleman was someone who looked exactly like the boy that was harassing Yuki. "I apologize if my son has caused you two discomfort."
Rose looked at the second boy and suddenly became very interested in him. He didn't look like everyone else at this ball, he looked bored.
The man noticed Rose staring and moved forward to introduce his other son. "Where are my manners, My name is Aki Amano and these are my twin sons, Jun Amano and Kazuki Amano ."
Yuki looked between the two and greeted them as Rose remained fixated on the boy next to his father who she now knew as Kazuki.
Kazuki noticed her staring and asked sharply. "Do you need to say something?"
His tone surprised the other guests but Rose's face twisted into a small smirk before stepping forward and speaking low so that he could hear. "Not at all. You just remind me of someone I know."
His eyes grew wide and narrowed them in confusion as Rose stepped away with Yuki in tow.
Yuki dropped Rose's hand when they were safe and smiled. "Thanks Rose. I didn't know what to say to that guy."
She nodded her head and grabbed a glass from the server's tray. "Usually you just say what they want to hear. Makes them go away faster."
Kaname's sister nodded her head at the advise when she spotted Kaname through the crowds of people. "I'm going to stand with Kaname. Thanks again Rose."
Rose lifted her glass as acceptance as she watched Yuki leave. This was so exhausting.
Suddenly her ears perked up when she heard a commotion in the opposite corner of the room. Looking up she spotted a good size group of people circling around Zero.
Rose narrowed her eyes in annoyance and moved slightly closer to hear there conversation.
One of the men lifted his head and accused. "Is it true? Are you the Level E that killed Lord Rido?"
Zero glared at the vampire and waved him off. "Shouldn't you go enjoy the party?"
Rose's hand tightened around the glass as the man grabbed Zero roughly by the shoulders and turned him around. "You should learn to listen to your superiors Level E. Answer my question."
He looked down at the man's hand before shaking him off. "I am."
The man's friends whispered wildly as Rose could hear the terrible thoughts they had in mind for Zero. She took a step closer when she noticed someone staring and watching her every move.
Rose turned to find Carson watching everything she was doing. She then realized that she couldn't interrupt if she wanted to keep up the lie that Zero meant nothing to her.
Balling her firsts at her sides she glued herself to the conversation as the man spoke once more. "Lord Rido was our master and you ended him. It's only fair that we do the same thing."
She really should've stayed put and trusted that Zero could have handled himself. But before she knew it her feets were moving on there own until she was standing in front of him.
Zero's eyes grew at her presence She was so close that she could smell her scent but tried to ignore it. He didn't need help.
Rose quickly glanced at Carson and slightly swore to herself how careless she was. But it was too late to turn back now.
She looked the main leader of the group and darkened her eyes. "May I ask what business you have with a guard I hired for this ball?"
The man was taken back but tried to hold his ground. "Lady Adelaide you do not understand, this man killed Lord Rido. As a pureblood yourself you must agree that is unforgivable."
Rose closed her eyes and gave him a sharp response. "I understand very well and it is a tragedy that we had to lose one of our own. But I also believe in the pacifist roots laid down by my finace and will not tolerate the spilling of blood without proper reason."
The men were silent as the leader tried to come up with a rebuttal. "You would protect a Level E instead of a long standing member of the Kuran clan?"
She looked away for a moment before taking a dangerous step closer, her eyes turning a dark crimson and answering in a low tone. "Yes. And I suggest you take your friends and leave before you cause a scene. I wouldn't want to find a proper reason to spill blood tonight. Understand?"
The man backed away slowly at the aura of the pureblood princess and for a second they thought they saw her eyes turn blue and red, like their master.
When they had scampered away Rose refused to turn around to look at Zero because she knew if she did that then everything would be over.
She could already feel a warm breath on her bare neck as his scent wrapped around her. Rose practically felt his heartbeat and blood circulating. This was bad. "Try not to get yourself killed."
Zero looked down at the back of her neck and his response was laced with confusion."What does that mean?"
Rose closed her eyes and gave a small smile remembering the day they had first meet in the woods at Cross Academy. "It can mean whatever you want it to mean, Zero."
Then she quickly walked away from the hypnotizing scent that was making her go insane.
She met Kaname who bowed and raised his hand for her to grasp before moving to the center of the floor. This was it. She may have blown it with Zero but she could still show Carson that she kept his promise.
Rose curtsied as they moved into their hold. This was familiar. Before everything went to hell this was the safest place she felt.
They began to move in time with each other as the crowd watched in anticipation. There movements were both graceful and refined as they complimented each other.
Yuki held her stomach as that pang of jealousy returned in full force. This was just like the past that Kaname had showed her. They truly were perfect for each other.
Rose tried to get lost in the music when she spotted Zero out of the corner of her eye, watching the dance. Her smile fell as she thought how terrible of a person she was.
Kaname heard this and carefully lifted his hand before placing it on her chin and pushing her eyes back to him. She understood the motion and knew she had to keep her head on straight.
The smile returned as Kaname grabbed her waist and lifted her into the air before placing her down. The whole audience clapped and were awestruck by their performance.
As the song came to a close Rose knew what she had to do next to seal the deal but a part of her wanted to run away instead. Carson was very specific about what he wanted and Rose knew she couldn't disobey if she wanted Zero to live.
The final notes came as Rose spinned and landed chest to chest with Kaname. He placed a light hand on her cheek as she moved her face close until their lips collided into a light kiss.
Everyone clapped at the action and whispered excitedly at the sudden display of affection they had showed the public.
Yuki's mouth flung open in shock as warm tears threatened to fall. She knew she didn't stand a chance but actually seeing it only hurt more.
Zero had an unreadable expression on his face as he turned away and left the ballroom.
Hanabusa eye's grew wide as he watched the scene but somewhere inside of him he felt something was wrong.
Rose kept her eyes closed as she heard the approval of the crowds. She felt like she was going to pass out and hoped that no one would notice her shaking hand that was covered by Kaname's.
This wasn't anything new. Honestly they had kissed before but this felt different. She felt so dirty and used. And the worst part was that Zero was there, watching everything.
She had sold everything to keep him alive and now she had sold her free will. Nothing mattered anymore. If Isabelle wasn't dead before she had truly died tonight.
They slightly broke away from the kiss as she tried to keep a straight face for the public. Luckily the ball didn't last much longer after that.
As the guests started to leave Rose excused herself down the hallway where she could be alone and leaned against the wall. She felt a wave come crashing over her as all of the pend up anger and fear from the last couple days came pouring out.
She tried to cover her mouth to silence her sobs as her own legs gave out and she sunk to the floor.
Her breathing started to come in and out faster as the vision around her blurred. She vaguely registered that she was having a panic attack but that wasn't enough to stop it. Everything collided together as she thought about Zero, her life, and Kaname.
She was such a disgraceful creature. Tormenting Kaname, playing with his feelings while Zero watched. She had ruined everything about Zero. Everything was her fault. And now Kaname would end up the same way, because she was poison.
Rose could vaguely hear someone shout her name as he kneeled before her. He sounded scared to death.
He moved away to go somewhere when Rose quickly grabbed onto his jacket for dear life and tried to tell the stranger not to leave her.
The stranger seemed to understand and sat down in front of her as she heard the echo of kind gentle words in her ears.
Rose leaped into the stranger's arms for comfort and tightly wrapped her arms around his chest.
He seemed uncomfortable at the action before carefully wrapping his own arms around her. "What happened?"
Her breathy rasps turned into heavily sobs as she buried herself in his chest.
Suddenly she could smell his scent on though his shirt and realized that she was starving. Slowly making her way up to his neck she let her tongue brush the side of his throat.
The stranger tightened under her and tried to call out to her. "Lady Adelaide? What are you…?"
Before he could finish he could feel her fangs dig into him. Gasping at the impact he gritted his teeth and thought about pulling her off but decided against it for some reason.
Once she was done her insanity diminished at she looked into the terrified eyes of Hanabusa Adiou.
Rose backed away in fear as she pushed away from him. What had she just done? Putting her hands up defensively she whispered. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry..I..I don't..know…"
But before shet have time to register what was happening a warm hand covered her eyes and whispered. "Sleep"
Rose's body went slack as Hanabusa looked up to find Kaname staring down at her. He scrambled to think of an explanation of what had just happened. "Lord Kaname this isn't what it looks like! I was just walking down the hall and I found her and…"
Kaname put a hand up to silence him as he carefully picked up Rose bridal style and nodded his head. "It's okay I understand."
Then he turned and left Hanabusa wondered a million questions that he knew would probably never get answered
When Rose came to she sat in silence before putting her head in her hands. Kaname looked at her sadly and patted her head. "Why don't you take a shower?"
She slowly sat up and nodded her head knowing that maybe the hot water would clear her head.
After she was done she stepped out in her pajamas and returned to her place on the bed next to Kaname and continued to remain silent.
He reached his hand up and started to rub her head as he spoke. "I'm sorry Rose."
She lifted her head and gave a frustrated sighed. "You always say that. This isn't something you have to be sorry for. It's my fault I lost control."
He gazed at her sadly and his hand traveled to cup her face in comfort. "That wasn't your fault either. I told you that it was difficult to be without a blood source for a long time. The withdrawal is normal, not your fault."
She sat in silence at his words. It certainly felt like her fault. Kaname looked at the hair cascading down her neck and felt that familiar warm sensation in his throat.
He quickly moved away from her and started to stand when Rose noticed something was wrong and touched his arm. "Are you okay?"
The action was to much for him as he lost control and grabbed her wrist before pushing her down on the bed.
Rose let out a squeak as she felt the sheets on her back as Kaname leaned over her while holding her wrists.
She looked up at him as he brushed a piece of her from her face. "It seems like we always end up back here."
Rose turned her head to the side which caused him to let go and sat up. "Don't worry, I won't do anything like I promised."
She didn't make a move to stand but rather gazed at his now crimson colored eyes. It was clear that he was craving blood but he was trying his best to hide it from her.
She thought about how inconsiderate she was that she always drank from him but she always refused it when it came to him. First she played with his feelings and now she was denying him what he really needed. She really was terrible.
Rose lifted her head up and muttered. "It's okay. Go ahead."
Kaname sharply turned his head to hers and moved forward. "But Rose, you remember what happened last time?"
She closed her eyes and clearly remembered the incident the last time he had tried to drink from her. Sitting up she looked at him. "I'll be okay. Rido is dead now so everything should be fine."
He was apprehensive but didn't want to give this chance up and quickly pushed her back down into the bed, his hands intertwining with hers. "Are you sure?"
Rose nodded her head and tilted her neck to the side as Kaname moved in closer and licked the side of her throat before retracting his fangs and biting into her.
She gasped at the impact and focused on his hand intertwined with hers. She had to do this. She told herself that she would be okay.
That is until the visions happened again as she felt Rido's hot fingertips touching her and burning her skin. His whispers could be heard sharply in her ears as she started to grow more panicked but shoved it down.
She could feel herself shake slightly but kept in the anguish she felt. It didn't work of course as Kaname lifted his head up and started to call her, his voice laced with concern. "Rose? I'm sorry I'll stop."
She opened her eyes and looked into his before giving them a determined gaze. "I'm fine. Keep going."
Kaname looked at her with uncertainty and slowly found his place back on her neck. As soon as she bit into her the hallucinations resumed.
Rido appeared before her and hissed in her ear as his eyes shown like flashes in her memories. Telling herself that he was dead wasn't working.
Kaname sat up sharply and looked at Rose who was shaking in fear with tears in her eyes as he gritted his teeth. Rido had broke her.
She opened her eyes as Rido's voice disappeared "I said it was okay."
He became more and more frustrated as he sat up and turned away. "I'm not going to continue."
Rose also sat up and grabbed his shoulder. "I have to get over this Kaname and I know you need it. Why won't you just take it?"
Just then Kaname grabbed onto her shoulders and shouted, something that shocked her. "Because I don't want to end up like my uncle!"
His head fell onto her shoulder as his whispered. "You don't know how much I want you Rose, but I can't torture you like that. It makes me no better than him."
Rose remained silent at his words as he slowly stood and moved to the door. "I have to attend a week long summit tomorrow with Yuki. Goodnight Rose."
When he was gone Rose let herself collapse on the bed and placed a hand over her eyes. She had caused him to leave her again.