16 + Cautious +
The banquet was held atop the castle, the room's opulence defying even the wildest imaginations.
Vampires and a select group of guests, primarily men, didn't simply sit on chairs. Instead, they luxuriated in opulent nests made of plush pillows adorned with tassels, and satin covers shimmering in hues of emerald, sapphire, and ruby. Surrounding these nests, low benches groaned under the weight of sumptuous foods, cleverly arranged to allow dancing girls room to transform the center into an impromptu stage.
Broad windows framed the chamber's walls. Their wooden shutters had been thrown wide, permitting a warm breeze to flow in, mingling with the heady scent of night-blooming jasmine. This fresh scent blended seamlessly with the mouthwatering aromas of the feast, brought forth in a constant stream by attentive servants. There were plump bunches of grapes, fresh figs, and an array of exotic fruits.
Luna, with a heart full of anticipation, hoped the celebration would conclude without incident. She picked at the food before her and took a tentative sip of the spiced wine, resisting its strong kick. After all, it was a welcome change from blood, wasn't it? She was keen on maintaining her clarity. She couldn't risk being perceived as a High Consort or Escort by any potential threats in the room.
The Werewolf Alpha, the same one who had trespassed into Amazon territory and pursued Luna to this location, had clearly overindulged. "Come here, wench," he slurred, his face flush. He reached out and pulled an Escort into his lap, laughing as he deliberately spilled wine down her front. Luna's gaze flitted to Astarte, a fellow Amazon, who watched with jealousy flashing in her eyes. Luna couldn't help but mockingly lift her goblet to Astarte, resulting in a venomous glare from the Amazon.
Before Luna could continue her conversation with Lady Clarence beside her, her eyes locked with those of the Vampire King. His gaze, intense and hazy from apparent intoxication, caused a shiver of trepidation to run down her spine.
"I see the Vampire Council has outdone themselves with their selection of Concubines," he remarked with a voice as rich and smooth as caramel. Luna recoiled when his eyes settled on her. "You, with the silver hair. Dance for me."
Taken aback, Luna pointed to herself in disbelief, "M-me?"
"Do you spot any other silver-haired beauties here?" he challenged, an unmistakable hunger in his eyes.
Before Luna could react, Fei rose to intervene, "Your Highness, she is not—"
The king waved him off, silencing him, "I didn't ask for your opinion, Warlock. Bring her to me."
Frozen, Luna couldn't tear her eyes away from the king's. They were mesmerizing, almost like art. What had she gotten herself into?
The eyes before her were not merely cobalt. 'They're mismatched,' she realized as she approached him.
One eye was a deep, dark blue that melded with a lighter shade of the same hue, creating a mesmerizing dance of color.
But the other eye—
She caught her breath. It was honey-gold, almost like bright amber, bordering on a vivid yellow. It reminded her of a dragon's gaze. Or perhaps that of a serpent. 'Don't make direct eye contact with the Vampire King. Tilt your head slightly to the left,' Cederic's youthful voice echoed in her mind. 'Speak softly, yet distinctly. Bow slightly when saying "Please," "Sorry," "Thank you," and "Excuse me." Always end your sentences with "Your Highness," and curtsy when you greet him or take your leave.'
By the gods.
In her very first encounter with the Vampire King, she had already transgressed the primary directive. Swiftly, Luna lowered her eyes to the ground and performed a curtsy.
"It is an honor to be in your esteemed presence, Your Highness," she recited, following Cederic's instructions to the letter. She had nearly missed her cue. Adherence to decorum was not her strength, and submission was even more foreign to her nature. But she clung to Cederic's advice. After all, her life might very well depend on it.
.
