For centuries vampires and witches have been enemies. Now they are civil to each other but barely.
When the vampire prince and the grandson of the Coven Head announce their engagement shock and rage ensue. Vampires and witches don't get married and...
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Flower meaning: hope
Lotus runs a brush through his hair and carefully applies makeup to hide his few faint bruises. He's been home three days and his father hasn't summoned him once in that time. Until now.
The longer he waited the worse Lotus felt. Anxious nausea is practically a companion now. He can barely choke down enough food to survive. His father does this on purpose. He knew what waiting for his punishment did to Lotus. He'd worn Lotus down to the point of meltdowns before and then shamed him for his weakness.
Lotus checks his reflection in the mirror. The black clothes he changed into seem to leech the color out of his face but he looks like nothing but a loyal vampire and that is what matters the most. He doesn't like wearing black but it does remind him of Nico and that, at least, is comforting.
Lotus slowly climbs the many stairs to his father's floor and knocks on the study door. Hearing a command to enter he steps inside and closes the door behind him. He bows. "Father."
His father is sitting at his desk. Much taller than Lotus, with eyes that are blood red and hold a cruel light and pale skin that makes him look dead, Victor Alcea is a frightening sight. Lotus looks nothing like him. He doesn't look like either of his parents though. He was adopted when he was newborn.
Victor looks at him for a long moment before he speaks. "You are late."
"My apologies," Lotus says automatically. There is a punishment coming. Lotus knows it and he feels sick to his stomach as he waits for his father to speak. Breathe.
To his surprise Victor seems pleased. "Sit down."
Lotus sits straight backed and elegant in the chair in front of his father's desk. His hair falls past his waist and the tips of it brush the chair seat. He reaches up a hand to tuck a strand behind his ear. It's the only sign of nervousness he allows himself.
"It seems you made a good impression," Victor passes him a letter. "I am quite surprised."
Lotus takes the letter slowly. The paper is edged in gold with a faint design of ferns scattered across it like shadows. The calligraphy is flowing and elegant, written in vivid black ink. The dark green wax seal is the coat of arms of the coven head, Nico's grandmother, but the letter has Nico's signature at the bottom.
Lotus reads it through slowly. When he finishes he looks up at his father. "I do not understand."
Victor looks annoyed. "It is clearly written, Lotus. Nico Estrella wishes to marry you."
"I gathered that," Lotus says stumbling over his words a little. "But why?"
He looks back down at the letter in his hands. It is obviously a betrothal letter. It is old fashioned but vampires are known to be old fashioned. It is witches who are more modern. Nico sending the letter is a sign of formality and respect.
