Bound By Blood: The Pureblood Prince

Chapter Twelve

Claire came to ready me in our room. I'd never had Gabriel with me when I was getting ready, but it felt comfortable having him there. She dressed me in a glittering powder blue dress, insisting Gabriel coordinate in a grey suit and blue tie. She brushed my hair and powdered my face. "Tell me what they're like!" Claire insisted, before leaving us alone again.

I fidgeted nervously in front of the mirror, smoothing my dress and pushing my hair from my face. Gabriel squeezed my shoulder gently, his reflection looking calm and at ease. He leaned in to whisper in my ear.

"We will be eating with King Kristof, and Princess Sarah. You'll greet them by taking their hand and bowing. The King is very old, he doesn't have his wits about him anymore but he is still very kind. You have nothing to be afraid of."

I closed my eyes and sighed. Gabriel planted a kiss on my cheek before pulling away. I heard a knock at the door, and Gabriel seemed to have heard it before it even happened. He answered it, and the same servant called us to dinner.

The servant led us to a massive white room, bathed in natural light. The ceilings were so high it was dizzying, but I couldn't pull my eyes from them. This place contrasted so much from Gabriel's dark, ominous palace.

Gabriel took my hand and led me to the table in the center of the room. I saw an incredibly old man, hunched over in his seat, with long white hair that blended into his white robe. Beside him sat the girl, and she wasn't at all like I expected. Her long hair was almost as white as her father's, pulled up in a high ponytail. It was true that she did look young, but she carried herself with a confidence and solemness I had never seen in someone so young.

"May I present Prince Gabriel De Vincent, and his companion Cora Delavine."

I dipped my head and bowed. Gabriel kept his hand around mine, leading me to the King. The King smiled, the skin around his blue eyes crinkling. Gabriel leaned down, dropping to his knees, pulling from me to take the King's hands.

"It's a pleasure to visit with you, your Highness." Gabriel spoke, his voice smooth and low.

"Gabriel, you have gotten so grown and handsome," the King smiled wider, and Gabriel smiled back. I noticed his accent; shrill, but charming.

Gabriel reached out to me, and I leaned down with him, meeting the king's gaze.

"This is my friend, Cora." Gabriel explained. The King's eyes seemed to brighten at the sight of me. I smiled and took his hand.

"Oh," the King sang, planting a kiss on my hand. I blushed. "She is very lovely. Has your mother met her?"

"Father," the Princess leaned in. "His mother has passed, remember?"

The King nodded, but did not seem convinced. Gabriel and I rose, and the Princess stood with a reserved smile. Gabriel circled the table to meet her, taking her hand as he bowed his head. I noticed then how Gabriel's height overtook her small frame.

"Thank you for welcoming us into you home, Princess." Gabriel said.

"You know that you are always welcome here." she replied, turning her attention to me.

I took a deep breath, and took her hand and bowed. "It's nice to meet you." I said, my voice smaller than I had intended. She smiled at me, her fingers cold. Her cheeks and lips were flush against her porcelain skin. She seemed completely devoid of any imperfections. Her eyes were a brilliant blue, lined with thick lashes. I began to realize why Claire seemed so captured by her.

"Cora is from Washington, in the United States. She was studying to become a doctor." Gabriel said quickly. I turned to him, shooting him a confused look. The Princess still held my hand, but she was no longer smiling.