A/N I don't own Vampire Knight nor do I make any profit from it

Chapter 22

Elizabeth stepped out of the limousine outside of an old, derelict building. She frowned softly, "Where are we? I thought that we were going to the Aidou mansion," Elizabeth said, turning to Kisetsu.

"Actually, we have arrived," Kisetsu said with a small smile, "It's underground."

Elizabeth heaved a heavy sigh. Why did they have a mansion underground? It was completely absurd. Also, that mansion looked really old. What if a human took it over? Or if someone knocked it down? Why didn't anyone think of that?

We walked inside with Aidou, Kain and Ruka. However, as they did so we saw someone lying on the floor. Aidou walked over to the body and he gasped sharply, "Why is Yuuki Cross lying here?"

I turned my head and strode over to Yuuki and knelt beside the unconscious girl. She felt for a pulse and to her relief, there was one, "She's still alive," Elizabeth said, with a sigh of relief.

"What a troublesome girl…" Elizabeth heard Kaname's voice from behind. Elizabeth stood up, "Aidou, take her inside…I'll be up in a moment."

"Yes of cause, Kaname-sama," Aidou scooped Yuuki up into his arms. Ruka, Takuma (who had joined them just moments ago), Kain and Kisetsu followed, but Ruka cast longing looks in Kaname's direction (which were all ignored by the pureblood). Kaname turned to Elizabeth.

"Erisabesu, I will be with you one I am finished dealing with Yuuki. Would you honour me with a dance?"

She nodded dumbly and blushed heatedly, "Of cause, Kaname-sama…"

Kaname smiled slightly and cast his glance down Elizabeth's body. Elizabeth was wearing a long, white, Grecian style dress. It had a silk underneath and chiffon over fabric. She also wore a pair of long white silk gloves. On her feet was a pair of white high heels with a diamante fastener. Elizabeth's hair was curled into loose curls.

"You look beautiful," He whispered into her ear. Elizabeth swallowed hard as Kaname placed a hand at the bottom of her back, pulling her forward. He delicately kissed her neck making her shiver violently. Elizabeth gripped Kaname's smock coat.

"Thank you, my lord," Elizabeth whispered, "You look very handsome."

"Thank you, my lady," Kaname whispered. Elizabeth's cheeks because even redder. She pressed her lips to his is a gentle, caring kiss. Kaname gripped her waist and returned the kiss, meeting her gentle passion. He forced her against a pillar and trailed a hand from her waist, down to her thigh. He delicately trailed the delicate fabric of her dress upwards. Elizabeth moaned softly, egging Kaname on further. He grazed her lip with his bared fangs, letting him taste her blood. Sensually licking it away, Kaname released her lips and her waist. Kaname sighed, "I will have to go and see to Yuuki for a while. You will wait for me in the ball room."

"Yes, Kaname," Elizabeth whispered, completely breathless. Kaname took her by the hand and led her down some steps and through a door. It led to a dark passage way and Elizabeth tightened her grip on Kaname's hand. However, as they walked for a couple of minutes more, they spotted an open doorway that led to the ballroom, "Just go through there and wait for me. Remember to act confidently and politely at all times."

"Yes, Kaname, I'll remember."

He smile and she smiled coyly back. She walked on ahead and entered the ballroom. It was full of noble vampires, "Wow…" Elizabeth gawped. She gazed around at the beautifully decorated ballroom. There were many noble vampires around and some of whom I recognised. Some were celebrities; some were business men and women and so on. Elizabeth spotted Rima and Shiki over by the buffet table. She gracefully walked over to them, hoping that they would have her in their company, "Rima…Shiki…are you enjoying the ball?"

"Not really," Shiki plainly stated, "I hate being at a soiree with all these boring adults."

She had to chuckle at that, "I know how you feel."

Rima gently sipped on some wine and so did Shiki. Kisetsu made her way over to them, beaming brightly, "Riji-chan, you look even more beautiful than before," Kisetsu gushed.

"Where's Takuma?"

"He's with Kaname," Kisetsu said with a sigh. Elizabeth nodded.

"Kaname's asked me to dance with him," Elizabeth said happily.

"Oh, did he really? You know that it will be the first dance of the night and you'll be with no one but him on the dance floor."

Elizabeth blushed heavily, "Really? That's going to be embarrassing."

"Just focus on him and you'll be fine."

Elizabeth chuckled softly before turning her gaze to an older man sitting in a chair. He was blond and he had a walking cane with him, "That's Asato Ichijo," Kisetsu said, "Otherwise known as Ichio, he is the head of the Vampire Senate."

Elizabeth nodded. She then saw Zero and his evil twin Ichiru. They were throwing looks at each other that she couldn't read. It worried her. Suddenly, an aging, maroon haired man walked up to Shiki.

"Ah, Senri, I'm glad you've come here tonight," he said stiffly yet kindly, "You look a little on the thin side. You should eat."

"Yes, great-uncle," Shiki said blankly. So this man was Shiki's great uncle. It made sense since they both had the same coloured hair. Shiki's great uncle placed a plate of food beside him.

"Eat up. Remember that your body isn't just your own," he said cryptically, "You should go and visit your mother soon. She keeps asking for you."

With one last pat on the back, his great uncle took his leave. Elizabeth then saw Rima cut some food with the knife and fork and shove it up into Shiki's face. After a moment's hesitation, Shiki took the mouthful of food. Suddenly, everyone around her was bowing and curtsying. Elizabeth looked up and saw Kaname and Takuma standing there. Elizabeth quickly bowed, "Please do not let me spoil your fun," Kaname said kindly, "Please carry on."

Everyone rose and admired the young pureblood prince. Nobles started offering their daughters to him in the hopes of advancement, including Aidou's sister, Tsukiko. Elizabeth kept her eyes cast down. She didn't think she measured up to those girls. Kisetsu placed a hand on Elizabeth's shoulder.

"Don't worry, Riji-chan, he won't choose any of those girls," Kisetsu soothed, "He does love you, I can tell."

Elizabeth didn't answer. She knew that doubting Kaname was not going to do her any good, but Kaname was an eligible young man for marriage and he had yet to announce their relationship to their society.

Kaname turned his gaze to Elizabeth. He barely listened to the pleas of parents who shoved and paraded their daughters under his nose, "Please excuse me," he said in a cold tone. Everyone looked shocked as he walked right past them. Elizabeth looked up and saw him stood in front of her.

"Kaname…" Elizabeth whispered, "What are you-?"

Kaname pulled her into his arms before she could utter another word, "Dance with me."

That wasn't a request; that was an order. Elizabeth was pulled onto the dance floor and the music began to play. Kaname easily led her, but Elizabeth was feeling extremely uncomfortable and stiff. She could sense the jealousy from the girls in the room as they glared at her, "Relax, Erisabesu," Kaname whispered, "Take no notice of them. They are only jealous of you. Be proud that you are my lover."

Elizabeth nodded softly and rested her head on Kaname's chest. As a result, Kaname tightened his grip around her waist. They danced slowly, treasuring the moment.

"Is that his lover," one girl asked.

"What's her name?"

"Who is she?"

"Where has she come from?"

"Her aura is way different to what I have ever witnessed."

"What has she got that I haven't got?"

Elizabeth could hear what was going on, but she didn't care. Kaname would protect her no matter what. She felt Kaname bring her hand towards his lips, gently pressing his lips to the back of her hand. She smiled up at him and the tempo of the music sped up. Their pace also sped up, it no longer being a slow dance. Elizabeth smiled up at him. She'd fallen hard for him and didn't want to ever be parted from him.

As Elizabeth danced with Kaname, out of the corner of her eye, she saw Yuuki gazing at them from above. Kaname had noticed as well. His expression darkened, "Yuuki…why are you wandering about," he asked to himself. Elizabeth cast her eyes to the floor.

"Go to her…" Elizabeth whispered, "…I am not all that important to you…She is the person who is most important to you." Elizabeth tore herself away from him. She couldn't stand it. Yuuki was obviously the person whom he loved. The only way she could cope with this was to keep away. She strode away, shocking aristocrat.

"Erisabesu, where do you th-"

"LEAVE ME ALONE," Elizabeth screamed at him.

"What is that girl doing?"

"How dare she treat Kaname-sama like that?"

"Such an insolent girl…"

"What is this foolishness? Why does Kaname-sama bestow such affection to such a low ranked, foolish girl?"

Elizabeth couldn't stay whilst they thought and said these things. She strode from ballroom and down the long passageway when she felt someone grab her arm.

"Get off me," Elizabeth screamed. It was Kisetsu and her face had a worried expression on it.

"Riji-chan, why did you just run off like that," Kisetsu said, not letting go of her friend's arm, "You'll have embarrassed him beyond all recognition! What's gotten into you?"

"He loves her! He doesn't love me," Elizabeth screamed though angry tears, "He loves her!" she collapsed to her knees.

"Riji-chan," Kisetsu muttered.

"You heard what they were saying and thinking…nobody will accept me for who I am. They cannot and will not accept a relationship between myself and Kaname. It's too taboo."

"Get back out there and show them what you are made of! Show them that you are every bit Kaname's lover!"

"It's useless, Kise-chan, I'm not worthy," It was as if she had lost the will.

"Riji-chan, where is the happy, lively 16 year old girl that I know and love?"

"She died…along with the human part of me…" Elizabeth whispered.

"No, I don't truly believe that," Kisetsu said, "And I don't think you do either. The way you look at him, it makes me sad that I cannot illicit that smile from you anymore. I just want you to be happy."

"The fact that he's making me so sad…and confused…is…disorientating. I love him so much yet he confuses me so."

"I don't think he means to confuse you, Riji-chan," Kisetsu reasoned, "He loves you and you should show him that you love him by going out there and show them that you are worth of him, every bit as good as them, if not better. Don't let them think ill of you."

Elizabeth tried to wipe her tears away before standing up, "Well…okay, I'll try to…" She walked, straight backed, and headed towards the ballroom, butterflies in her stomach. Kisetsu grabbed hold of Elizabeth's hand, acting as Elizabeth's pillar of strength. Together, they walked out. Elizabeth pulled her shoulders back and held her head high. All of the aristocratic vampires all stared at her, but it was Kaname who Elizabeth was heading towards. The air was tense as Kaname gave her a look of scepticism. Elizabeth bowed a deep curtsy, "Please forgive me, Lord Kaname," Elizabeth said submissively, "I acted foolishly."

There was a tense silence that followed. All eyes were on both Kaname and Elizabeth. Everyone wondered what Kaname was going to do. Kaname then raised his hand as if he was about to slap her for her insolence. At first, it appeared that way and Elizabeth was ready to flinch, clenching her eyes shut. She heard faint mutterings from the surrounding aristocrats. But then, Kaname took a step closer to Elizabeth, bringing him within about two inches of Elizabeth and he cupped her cheeks.

"Erisabesu…I love you…" he whispered. He knew that everyone could hear it as vampires' hearing was super sensitive. Elizabeth didn't reply as she searched his face for any signs of tom-foolery. She frowned, not knowing how to react. He kissed her softly on the lips and then manoeuvred her head to the side. A confused Elizabeth widened her eyes in surprise as she felt him lick her neck. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Kisetsu's eyes widened. This prompted her to ask.

"Kaname…what are you doing," Elizabeth whispered. He didn't answer her verbally; he just gripped her waist with one hand and held her head to the side. She felt his hot breath on her neck before the sharp sting of his fangs plunged into her neck. Elizabeth gasped sharply and the aristocrats all gasped at his actions. The scent of blood filled the room and only Kaname's soft gulps were heard. Takuma walked up from behind Kisetsu and tugged on the back of the dress.

"Kisetsu, what is he doing," Takuma whispered. Kisetsu turned he head.

"He's exerting dominance over Riji-chan…it's a pureblood thing…"

"Why here though? Why not do it privately," Takuma asked, "It's like having sexual intercourse in public!"

"Shh, Takuma," Kisetsu scolded, "What he's doing is…he's making sure that everyone knows who and what she is to him and what he is to her: his lover, her master. In other words, he's declaring their relationship publically and there is nothing that any of these aristocrats can do about it."

"He's creating a blood bond?"

"No, I don't think that's what he is doing. I think it's just for the reasons stated," Kisetsu replied, "I've already sensed a blood bond between them."

"I suspect that Kaname will have to seriously protect her if he wants to carry on this relationship."

"I know. I just hope that the vacation we're going on next in a couple of days will clear the air and give them time to sort things out with each other."

Kisetsu turned her head and saw Kaname wrap an arm around Elizabeth's shoulders and place a hand on her cheek before capturing her lips in a hot, blood laced kiss. Elizabeth had melted against him, returning his kiss. Kisetsu sighed softly.

"I can only hope that Kaname doesn't mess this up because I don't Elizabeth's heart can take it anymore."

Later on, Elizabeth travelled home with Kaname in his limousine. He'd kept her by his side for the rest of the soiree, not letting her out of his sight. The aristocrats were left with no doubt of Elizabeth's position in the royal vampire court.

But Elizabeth still doubted that Kaname truly loved Yuuki like a sister. She didn't know if she was being paranoid, it just felt that way. After all, Kaname had or though he loved Yuuki romantically only until recently. Was she right to worry? She wasn't sure. But she did love him and even if he betrayed her, she would still love him. She didn't know why, she just would.

"Kisetsu," Elizabeth said, walking into Kisetsu's room that night, "Do you know why Kaname bit me in public?"

Kisetsu knew that she would ask this question, "Aren't you best asking him that?"

Elizabeth looked down at the floor, "I want to…but I can't."

Kisetsu sighed, "He was declaring his relationship publically. By letting him bite you, you accepted that he is your master and that you are his lover."

"Isn't he my lover," Elizabeth asked innocently.

"Yes, but in the vampire world, the male vampire is always dominant. In effect, you're his fiancée."

"But he hasn't got on one knee and asked me!"

"That's a human tradition, Riji-chan, and you're both vampires," Kisetsu said with a smirk, "But…pitch the idea to him…and see how he takes it."

Elizabeth laughed.

"We have lots of ways to propose to each other," Kisetsu explained, "Like exhibit A, biting one's lover."

"Ah, well that makes sense," Elizabeth said with a smile, "Well, I'll see you later. I need my sleep."

"Good night, Riji-chan," Kisetsu said brightly. Elizabeth smiled and closed the door, yawning as she did so. She sighed soft before walking back to her room, hoping to get some sleep before their holiday.

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