For Eternity II: Clandestine Preceding (Vampire! 2p! Italy x Reader)

Chapter Ten - A Ball for a Bride: Part Three

        Luciano linked arms with you as he ushered you over to the throng of nobles at one side of the room. The Beilschmidts and Kirklands were there and socializing with the others. Gilen had been the first to notice you and the prince. He bowed and gently took your hand to kiss it. You smiled back at him and gave him a greeting. He greeted the two of you back, which earned a head nod from Luciano. The rest of the Beilschmidt clan then greeted you, Gilen having gotten their attention fairly well. Lutz contemplated an inappropriate touch when he said his hello but decided against it on account that Luciano gave him a very nasty glare.

        Next was the Kirklands. Aurora gave you a hug and a kiss on your cheek, both of which you returned, when she approached you. James took a more formal approach when interacting with you and kissed the back of your hand like Gilen had done. The three oldest of the Kirkland children had actually attended a royal function for once. It was your first time meeting them since they were rarely ever home when you visited Aurora.

        The oldest was a tall red head with green eyes like his father's. His skin was peachy in color. He was fairly lean for his age, which allowed him to be quite athletic with sword fights. The second oldest was a black haired boy with blue eyes. He had more of his father's tanned skin tone. He, like his elder brother, was quite lean. Finally, the third oldest was a pure blond haired boy with blue eyes. He had his mother's skin tone.

        Aurora motioned for them to step forward, which they did. "(Y/n), these are my oldest sons, James II, Eion, and Liam." She pointed to them in order from oldest to youngest as Oliver stepped up from the side. "And you of course already know Oliver. Though, I don't think you've met his wife."

        You shook your head. "I don't think I've had the pleasure of doing so."

        "One moment, poppet. I'll bring her right over," Oliver said before leaving for a brief amount of time.

        He came back with a heavily pregnant woman who looked around his age. She had long, straight black hair and golden eyes that seemed to sparkle. Her skin was well tanned and a small smile graced her features. One hand rested on her stomach as she stood. Oliver had an arm wrapped around her waist, most likely to steady her. Oliver beamed at you before speaking.

        "(Y/n), I'd like for you to meet my wife, Kateri," he said merrily. "Kateri, this is one of Prince Luciano's friend's friend, (y/n)."

        "Hello Mrs. Kirkland," you greeted.

        "Please, just Kateri will be fine (y/n)," the woman responded.

        "As you wish. Say, I don't mean to be rude by asking this, but where are you from? The way you speak is different than regular people."

        "Across the ocean. I'm from a tribe known as the Iroquois in a land unclaimed by your people. Rather, it was unclaimed. A few people are settling to the far south... The tribes there grow restless."

        "I can believe that. I'd grow restless too if my home was encroached upon by foreigners."

        She nodded. "I'm happy that someone is sympathetic to my people."

        "Do all of the tribes where you're from identify as one people?"

        "No. We are often at war with one another over territory, but I believe we all are one through similar beliefs."

        You nodded. "Well, either way, I'm delighted to finally meet you. Oliver speaks fondly of you all the time."

        "I have no doubt he does."