BloodLust: The Royal Court

The Blood Ball

Xanthe's POV The Ballroom

The gaze he gave me that was clouded with longing and regret contrasted to the shrouded resentful look Darius would send each being he passed. I wanted to reach out to him, to accept his unspoken apology right there before many key nobles in the ball room. But I couldn't. My body yearned for his touch I felt like a human addicted to a drug knowing he would harm me but the feeling he could give would be worth it every time. Our silent stare down hadn't been noticed by any surrounding supernaturals, in fact they all had they're heads slightly bowed but not in Darius' direction but mine. This is what caused my change of heart. They saw me as this strong and powerful vampire yet I was pinning after the affections of one that didn't value me. No more. I turned away from him instantly finding Blaze in the mass of nobles in the silent ballroom I walked towards him as my hair cascaded down my back and with my arms wide open.  Blaze sent me a cheeky smirk before embracing me in close embrace his woody scent surrounding me. Not the scent I wanted to surround me.

I felt a foreign emptiness drift into my body as if I were experiencing another's emotion. The emptiness grew to a uncomfortable tug inside me before settling in my core. It was too strong to be another's. I turned to address the ballroom but not before seeing Darius exit with the nymph from before scurrying behind him. I didn't like it. But before letting jealousy rip through me and enter my thoughts I blocked out any distractions turning to address the ballroom once more.

"I would like to thank you for all coming. To have a ball held in my name is a honour, one that I shall forever cherish. I look forward to a night of lavish festivities and hope you all do too. Now shall we start?" I gave a false smile that I made sure radiated power and lust causing many male and some female nobles to visibly shudder whilst others posture stiffened under the low waves that emitted from my body. "Please, start the music." I called out. Instantaneously rhythmic melodies played from the sleek black grand piano. Witches stood around the pianist silently chanting many spells causing the sweet music to seamlessly float around the hall caressing each individual. Not a second later nobles swarmed the large ballroom floor. Women being flaunted by men as a prized possession but some and with love and adoration by others. The latter were clearly mates. Some women who seemed to be unaccompanied were moving sexually between groups of powerful supernaturals clearly desperate for the ounce of power one could give.

"You look hot tonight Xanthe." Blaze murmured in my ear whilst gently stroking my waist. His touch which previously excited me seemed uncomfortable like it was wrong he was touching me. Ignoring the pestering feeling I replied coyly.

"Compliments can only get you so far." I whispered in a seductively laced voice.

"That's far enough for me beautiful." Blaze spoke as he took my hand in his and walked towards the centre of the ballroom. His hand felt clammy and sent bizarre tingles along my arms pricking my skin. "Dance with me." He whispered in my ear before twirling me expertly. As I spun I saw the dazzling golden colour of my dress flash around me in a blur of regal beauty. We danced and the uncomfortable feeling passed as we danced Blaze's slightly awkward mannerisms were making me laugh. For the first time in a long time I felt happy. As the song came to its end and we slowed I noticed the ballroom had gone into a stunned silence. My dress was emitting a golden haze which floated around the room; claps sounded around the ballroom, the noise echoing throughout as it reached the high ceilings. Blaze led me away from the dance floor through the crowd, as we passed various werewolves, vampires and witches I sent them genuine smiles.

After weaving our way through the densely packed ballroom we reached a secluded corner with plush grey couches and a tray of cherry red rosé. Blaze took two glasses handing me one. "A toast to a great night and beautiful company." Blaze spoke up clinking our glasses together.