On The Inside

Stargazing

Drying my eyes I see a pretty white dress laying on the bed. It is an enormous ball gown with plenty of ruffles, and red satin roses sewed all along with the skirt. I carefully slip it on, thankful a corset is not required. Looking in the mirror, I am struck my the dress's beauty. The neckline is modest, the sleeves puffy and off the shoulder. As gorgeous as the dress is, I begin to see why vampires dress in black. I look like a ghost!

I slip on the accompanying white heals adorned with red roses as well, on my pale feet and stumble out the door. Hopefully, I don't make a complete fool of myself in front of these fancy vampires. I can hear classical music from the end of the hallway where the ballroom is.

The ballroom has changed greatly from this morning. The entire room is lit by grand chandeliers, the room if full of red-eyed people. Unlike what I have seen in the castle there is a variation of features. Some have alabaster skin, a few are greyish in skin tone, others are dark as night. Regardless they- I should say we share the same eyes. There is an entire orchestra to the side, what they're playing I'm not sure.

Growing up human I missed vampire music classes.

I see my mother and father are both dressed in similar clothes as before, except Cordelia has a grander ball gown and Alexander has a tux. They smile widely and gesture for me to come forward.

Walking as gracefully as possible I return their smiles and stand by their side. The room quickly notices and many turn their heads to stare at me. Others stop dancing and talking, subsequently, the orchestra stops and the extensive room is silent.

"Thank you all for coming on such short notice. I know we have all been waiting patiently for this day and now it is here. Our only child, Princess Lyra Victoria Van Noctis, has returned home and will take on her duties to the crown." After my father announces this to the expectant guests, the room claps instantaneously. I attempt not to blush but probably fail.

Not too long after this announcement people go back to their dancing and talking as the orchestra resumes. A handsome man with deep dark skin makes his way to my parents and me.

"Lyra this is our greatest ally, Lord William Berry, when you become queen he will be your commanding general for our war department." She informs me.

"What do we need a war department for? Are we at war with other vampires?" My questions pour out, as I fear what I may be getting myself into. Lord Berry looks a bit nervous as my parents are stoic.

"No Lyra we are not at war with vampires. I'll explain it to you later, how about you just enjoy this night and worry about finding your mate" My father suggests.

"Yes, King Alexander is correct, you shouldn't concern yourself with such matters at the moment. Allow me to have your first dance princess?" His words are smooth and he gracefully holds out his hand. I grab it hesitantly and without words, quietly admiring the man in front of me. The second he touches my hand however, he looks disappointed and shakes his head toward my parents. Confusion and doubt fill my mind as he leads to to the dance floor. I get the feeling from his irritated eyes that he doesn't want to dance with me anymore.

What did I do?

He swiftly leads me into a dance, but also allow his eyes to pay attention to anything else but me. I guess he has better things to do, but then why ask me to dance?

I try my best not to step on his feet, but I have limited experience with ballroom dancing. Emma and I went clubbing once in a while, but I don't think this is the occasion to shake one's ass. As soon as the first dance is over, he bows respectfully and hastily walks towards a prettier lady.

Ouch

Luckily another handsome gentlemen asks me to dance as well, but as soon as our hands touch he also loses interests. After this occurs with a handful more of these rude vampire men, I begin to lose interest myself. My head hurts and I want nothing more than to get out of this room. My eyes scan the room, my royal parents preoccupied with their aristocratic friends, so I sneak out of the castle completely. I slip off the annoying yet beautiful heals on the palace steps, feeling like cinderella, and make my way to an elaborate garden. Although it is night, I can see how much the garden contrasts with the dark gloomy castle, it is quite a sight. I find a bench next to a bush of roses and look up into the night. The full moon, and the millions of stars spread around it. I've never been able to see so many before, the city always obscures it. Getting lost in the illuminated sky, I don't hear footsteps until its too late.

"Stargazing is a sad hobby"

I jump, greatly startled by the newcomer. He, on the other hand, looks greatly amused. Looking closer, he is much more handsome than the other men who abandoned me. He has smooth gray skin and pale blonde hair, his red eyes gleam at me in a way that causes a blush. I feel like he is undressing me.

"Oh? And scaring young women half to death is better?" I inquire agitated. He laughs deeply, in reaction butterflies flutter in my stomach.

"My bad, you have a point. Though my own still stands" He insists.

"How so? I think stargazing is lovely. Stars are beautiful, do you not like beautiful things?" This man must be mad.

"Of course I love beautiful things, but they are often lies." He remarks coldly. His face has lost all amusement and is now hard with resent.

"Please explain"

"Gladly. You see stars are unobtainable. Never in your life will you ever be able to reach one. By the time you ever would, it would be dead. That's another thing about beautiful things, they tend to die." His elaboration is spoken grimly

"Which is why it is important you forget your stars little girl, things that die so easily aren't worth your admiration." His arrogance makes me irate.

"That is a cruel way to look at it! And who says I'll never be able to reach the stars? I think that is up to me not you."

Seriously, who does this guy think he is?

I get up to walk away and I notice his face shifts to regret,

"I apologize, that was rude of me. We have different viewpoints on stars, so we'll agree to disagree. My name is Jack Ianov."

"Thank you for apologizing, I'm Mar- I mean Lyra" I correct and hold out my hand. He smiles and reaches out for it. The second our fingers meet I gasp.

Electricity runs up my arm and I see Jack's red eyes brighten like an animal. Jack grabs my shoulders and pulls me into him. Unlike the touch of other vampires, his is warm.

"I've found you, my soulmate" 

A//N: Another update in a single week and this one is my longestttt yayyy

I'll edit it tomorrow as always.

Thank you to anyone reading, please leave a comment on what you honestly think.