Inna Cents takes a step back, giving Primrose the personal space she deserves. As head of House Cents and the host of this party, she can not let everyone think that she is treating her guest unkind, even if that guest is nothing but a mere human. On top of that, Marlin Ember and Lumera Faba are here, either Caleb has invited them or Glimmerbrook is leering at them for being disrespectful to one of their kind.
"My lady, did Primrose do something to make you mad? I thought that I have taught you better, my dear." Marlin speaks up, his sarcastic voice filling the tense air "Please forgive her, Lady Cents. She is just a bundle of nerves around new people. Would you be able to find a place in your heart to forgive this little girl? Or does that prove to be too difficult?"
The brunette's hand curls up into a fist, but it is hidden away thanks to the big gown she is wearing. Telling herself to stay calm, that she needs to keep a façade of kindness and etiquette as a host of this party, Inna takes in a deep breath, a perfect smile forms on her face.
"There's no need for apologizing. I am quite impressed to know that a young human girl like her can handle this situation in such a diplomatic way." turning her attention to Seraphina who watches everything unfold in front of her, Inna nods "I will be on my way. Please, enjoy the party."
When Inna leaves, Marlin notices Caleb's eyes are on them, a sense of relief washing over the young lord when he knows that Primrose's mentors are here. Giving him a knowing smile, Marlin and Lumera escort their pupil to a different spot, away from all the prying eyes but still in the sight of Caleb.
"Why are you guys here?" she asks, eyes twinkling in excitement.
"Your prince charming asked us to be here for moral support." Marlin looks at the young lord who has not removed his sight from them, smirking in amusement.
"Primrose, are you okay?"
Lilith walks up to her the moment she has a chance to escape another conversation, following her is Kian who seems to be quite annoyed at the unwanted attention. It's a rare thing that everyone just suddenly comes up and talks to them, knowing very well their prejudice against him and his background as a Straud. Each conversation holds an underlying tone, whether they are directed at him or at the human girl Caleb chooses to be his mate, implying that they should know their place in this society.
"She bruises you…" Kian points out, looking at the purple handprints on her forearm "She laid her hand on you, that snuck up bi-?!"
"No Kian." Lilith stops him before that wretched word can escape his lips "As much as I want to rip off her head right now, it is not the time or the place to do so. However, we should speak to Caleb when we get home."
"No, please don't." Primrose speaks up, onyx eyes pleading "It's just a small bruise, I don't want him to worry about such trivial things."
"But Primrose, she is clearly showing her disrespect in plain sight. You are a part of House Vatore, we can not condone her behavior."
Lilith is visibly upset at her words but Kian understands why the water mage wants to keep this bruise hidden from Caleb. Inna and Caleb go beyond centuries of friendship and alliance. To use this small trivial thing as a reason for him to cut all ties with her and House Cents will only insinuate the idea that Primrose is nothing more than a fragile human being who is not worthy to be by his side. As much as they want to find justice for her, they need to have a more rational reason to do so.
"I'll heal it in no time, don't worry." she smiles, her hand glowing a blue hue "I am Lumera's student, I should be able to fix this."
But Marlin stops her and looks at his wife, the healing mage nods and hovers her hand on the bruise, the purple hue is light and warm, patching Primrose up immediately.
"Don't throw out your magic like that. We need to reserve your power, just in case something happens…"
There is a knowing glance in his eyes when Marlin sees the servants of House Cents bringing out what seems to be a pair of fencing foils.
Interesting…
"Lumera, you have it with you, right?"
She looks at her husband, unsure what he is talking about until she sees that light in his emerald eyes. Smiling, she nods her head, her hand casts a form of magic to let him know that she has brought it with her. Primrose eyes move back and forth between her two mentors, puzzling at their subtle exchange. What is this uneasiness inside her?
While the group are talking to each other, Caleb on the other hand is now facing Inna and Seraphina. His friend wastes no time introducing the Bloodhaven heiress to him, praising her to be a formidable ally and a beauty that makes all heads turn the moment she steps into the main hall.
Caleb, still maintaining his diplomacy, nods and hums at her high praises. Despite being bombarded and forced to talk to Seraphina, he makes sure that she knows his heart belongs to someone else and is not available for her or any other woman. But Inna, still being a pushover, tries to reason with him that he should at least save a dance for the Bloodhaven heiress as she is eager to share a moment with Lord Vatore, even if it is just a simple dance.
He kindly declines, pointing out that there are many noblemen in this ballroom who would love to be her dance partner. Caleb turns to Inna, subtle but firm, telling them that he is saving a dance for his beloved maiden. The fondness in his voice draws out the irritation in Seraphina's eyes. Despite cutting Primrose out of his reach, this man's eyes still fall on her, no matter where she goes.
"Well, you can also have your human mate and Seraphina at the same time too. To have multiple mates is a normal thing, Caleb." Inna chuckles "Of course, we have to consider Seraphina here to be the Lady of House Vatore. A noble vampire as the house's lady sounds much better than a frail human, isn't that right?"
Caleb's face darkens with each word coming out of his friend's lips. Seraphina covers her smile with a fan, blushing at the thought of being the first wife of Lord Vatore. Not only them, but the noblemen around him are thinking the same thing and he can't help but feel a churn in his stomach.
"Inna, may I ask…" he looks at his friend, there is no light in his silver orbs "How do you feel if your future husband takes in another wife?"
The brunette flinches at his words, unsure how to respond. Caleb has always shown to be a gentleman to all the ladies, she never thought that he would ask her this type of question, and even worse, in front of all these noblemen.
"That feeling of yours is the same for Lady Bloodhaven here and Primrose herself. Before suggesting this idea, please keep in mind that it is not you, but other people who are affected by this kind of union." the icy glint in his eyes freezes everyone on the spot "My heart belongs to her and only her, I will not consider anyone but her to be my mate. And that frail human has a name and it is Primrose. Consider giving her the same respect she has for you, Inna."
It is not very often for Caleb to wear his heart on his sleeves, but in this case, he will make sure Inna and her goons know that nothing will sway him and his devotion to Primrose.
Whispers become louder around them, wondering what makes that human girl so special to the point that Lord Vatore does not consider anyone else to be his mate. The curiosity slowly manifests itself into talks, words slip between ear to ear, the news of the possible Lady of House Vatore is a human and the future halfbreeds as their offspring.
Primrose swallows a lump in her throat, realizing that she is slowly becoming the center of attention. Words are being spread, fingers pointing at her, and conspirators begin to weave a story of domes and disasters that will strike down Forgotten Hollow. Lilith and Kian form a wall around her, using their tall statures the shield her away from the prying eyes.
Holding one hand to her heart, she can feel it pounding painfully against her chest. Something is not right, why is this uneasiness just rising inside her?
Inna is far from giving up, turning to Seraphina and giving her an approval nod. The noble heiress of the Bloodhaven family complies, removing herself from the crown and heading toward the servants who have prepared the fencing foils for her.
"If you're so proud of your mate, Caleb, then surely she must possess such strength that can help you in your family matter." the brunette speaks up, drawing everyone's attention "We all know that Lady Seraphina Bloodhaven here is a skilled fencer and a noble of the nobles. However, we haven't seen your mate in action…"
"Inna…" he warns her, his eyes slowly turning red.
"Why Caleb, what's with the anger? Are you that much afraid to show everyone here how worthy of a mate she is to you? We're all looking forward to seeing her in action."
Primrose's eyes widen, realizing what the head of House Cents is implying.
"She does not have to prove anything." Caleb's voice cuts through her suggestion like a knife, no longer able to hold back his irritation "You will not lay a single finger on Primrose."
"I am giving you a chance to prove her worthiness, that she is the right person to be the House's Lady. Unless she is not capable of doing such a thing…" like a viper, Inna's words are nothing but venomous "Or maybe, it is you who assumes that she has feelings for you, Caleb."
Nodding at Primrose, they all dash to his side, knowing that his patience is running thin at Inna's provocative words. The raven head holds onto his arm, telling him to only look at her and no one else, hoping that the eye contact will help ease the tension between them. His arm wraps around her protectively, red eyes warning anyone who dares to come her way shall face his wrath. His hold tightens up, making her wince in pain, it is clear that he is very upset about this ordeal.
No one will touch her, no one will harm Primrose…
He will make sure that she is safe by his side.
"Lord Vatore, unless she can prove herself in front of everyone, no one will accept her as your mate." Seraphina steps in, wearing white fencing gear "And I have every right to challenge her for this position."
Lilith grits her teeth, she never thought that this party would turn into something like this.
The tradition of maidens challenging each other for the position of mate is not uncommon, especially with the noblemen. While the practice is not popular in the peace era, it is still a crucial factor in deciding if that person is worthy enough to be a mate. And here Seraphina is, knowing exactly what she is doing to the point her face is nothing but prideful. She knows very well that if she wins this fight, Caleb has to choose her as his mate under the pressure of the masses.
"Primrose Emberlynn, I challenge you to a Duello, whoever wins shall have the title of Lord Vatore's mate."
Pointing a foil at her, Seraphina immediately receives a singing of praise for her bravery. Inna smirks at the outcome of this event, knowing very well that Caleb has no choice but to let his mate fight. This fight will show Primrose that she holds no place in this vampire society, that she as a human should never have intervened, and that she is nothing more than an obstacle to House Vatore.
The raven head freezes as she stares at the foil, unsure what is going on. Marlin whispers into her ears, telling her that this blonde vampire is challenging her to a fight and the winner will officially be seen as Caleb's mate.
"I have to fight?"
Primrose is unsure how to respond. She has thought that this is just a normal party and that she can handle a bit of insult, but to be challenged in a physical fight?
Sensing her nervousness, Caleb turns to her, telling everyone that they will leave at once and no one is going to disrespect her like that. But Marlin steps in, asking if that is truly what he wants to do.
"Remember Caleb, it will only be more challenging for both of you if Primrose doesn't partake in this fight. Are you sure you want such complications?"
"But…"
He doesn't want her to fight. There is nothing for her to prove as she is already the owner of the key to his heart. It doesn't matter if anyone outside says otherwise, he chooses her and only her. He has promised to keep Primrose safe and far away from harm, Caleb can never push her into this Duello, knowing what danger she is facing ahead.
But life is much more complicated and this is one the first of many challenges Primrose will have to face to win the favor of the masses. If she chooses to run away now, then she will never be able to stand proudly by Caleb's side as his mate and the future Lady of House Vatore.
"Besides, Primrose. They're not only undermining your value but also your feelings for Caleb. On top of that, what they are basically saying is that you are weak, do you want to be called like that for the rest of your life?"
Primrose shakes her head vigorously. Her feelings for Caleb, her ability to fight, and her value as an individual, no one is allowed to tell her what she can and can not do except for her. The thought of them undermining her slowly burns the anger and frustration that has piled up from the beginning of this party. She hails from the Emberlynn and Minamoto family, she is a student of and Marlin Ember, Primrose is not some kind of damsel-in-distress, she is a mage with a pride to protect.
"Your mother has anticipated this to happen, so she asks us to give you these." Lumera steps in, in her hands are a set of clothing and a spear carving the line Flowers of the Minamoto clan.
"This is…?"
"This spear has been passed down from many generations of women of your mother's family. From your great-grandma Ran, to your grandma Sumire, to your mother Rosalina, and now, it is for you, Primrose." she accepts the weapon from Lumera, staring at it in awe "Use it to fight your way to victory."
This weapon, burning with the passion of the women of the Minamoto clan, is infused with love, strength, dignity, and unwavering pride. The power of union through generations of strong women and she can not help but feel proud of her heritage. She turns to Caleb, who looks at her with worries in his eyes. No matter how prepared she is, or how strong she has become, he always wants to protect her. But Primrose's hand is on his arm, smiling as she nods her head.
"Watch me…"