Ghost in the Pillar?

"Lord Vincent is here?" Ethan asked like he didn't expect the man to be there. "Don't tell me the King is planning to wed one of your sisters to him?"

"Yes, father thinks he is a potential husband for Eloise," Lauren replied, but her eyes were following Alec Everston who stood among the crowd with the intimidating air he carried.

Although most of the ladies were eyeing the same bachelor, no one dared to block Alec's way. As the lord of Everston fortress, he was admired by many, and dreamed by ladies to be their husband. But as a warlord and powerful vampire mage, he was feared. He was taller than average men, muscular, had broad shoulders, and the way he dressed befitted his noble status. But he didn't look like a charming gentleman in any aspect. He looked cruel and violent. And that look he had in his steely gray eyes could, no doubt, send shivers to anyone receiving his gaze.

"I think I need to go to the bathroom," Lauren said when she spotted the Merriweathers entering the hall. She didn't want to spend her already ruined night dancing with Peterson, so she should escape now while her father was busy with his son-in-law's prospects.

The palace was heavily guarded, especially tonight since it was the night before Lauren's wedding. The bride being nowhere to be found on the wedding day was the last thing the King wanted. So, instead of trying her luck, she just went to the other side of the palace, near the garden. Although it was a dark part of the palace, she could still see a lot of guards around standing at the corners like poles.

She just wanted some peace for a bit.

Standing near a tall pillar, she looked up to see the moon. Back when she was young, her mother had always told her that the moon grants people's wishes. She used to believe that when she was a child. But now, she realized the moon never granted any of her wishes. It only watched her suffer. It never did anything. And she hated that she was starting to hate what her mother used to love.

It was crazy, Lauren thought, to even hate the moon for how her life had become.

"I thought there was a beautiful ghost standing beside the pillar."

Lauren's heart jumped when someone spoke behind her all of a sudden.

"Who are-" Realizing she wasn't familiar with the voice, she was about to ask who the person was, but she stopped when she turned and recognized the man. "Lord Vincent!"

"I didn't know you know me, Princess Lauren." He smirked. He was in a dashing white suit with golden linings, looking like a prince.

"I remember you came here last year during my father's birthday, that's why I recognized you. But I thought you were talking with His Majesty?"

"Yes I was, but there were a lot of mamas who wanted to introduce their daughters to me so I excused myself to get some drink. That was when I saw you walking out of the hall."

"You followed me?" Lauren's eyes narrowed a bit. "Did you perhaps think I was trying to escape? After all, my reputation wasn't just famous here in Evardin but also in neighboring lands."

"No, I didn't think you were planning to escape. If I was in your place and I had plans to, I wouldn't show up at the ball in the first place. A ball gown is too much of a hassle in running."

Lauren smiled. "I must say you are smart, my lord."

"So, I presume you went here because you didn't enjoy the crowd. Or is it to avoid your fiancé?"

"Smart but a little nosy," she said straightforwardly, and Vincent was surprised. He had heard a lot of things about the third princess of Evardin, her divine beauty included, but he was still surprised at how straightforward she could be even when it was the first time they had a conversation.

"My apologies."

Lauren shook her head. "I wasn't offended, Lord Vincent. There is nothing to apologize for. My life has been the center of people's interest lately, so it's nothing new to me."

"Still, I think I was too nosy. It's our first time talking, after all. Would you mind if I make it up to you with a dance?"

"I guess I better stay here for a while-"

"His Majesty must have noticed your disappearance by now, Your Highness. You should go back. But if you don't want to dance with your fiancé, you can dance with me instead."

Lauren immediately noticed that particular air Vincent had. It was the same as that of a man who's notorious for debauching women. She had seen all types of a womanizer in the town, the reason why she had a keen eye for identifying them.

"Lord Vincent, if you like me, what do you think about replacing my fiancé's place?"

For the second time, Vincent was dumbfounded. He was at a loss for words, and he couldn't believe it was because of a woman. After a moment of silence, his lips slowly curved up while his eyes squinted a bit. A flicker of red crossed his black orbs, a sign that a vampire was enthralled.

"If that was said by other women, I would probably assume she likes me. But with what I heard about you and how you look at me right now, I see a woman whose heart has never been moved. I must say, you quite intrigue me, princess." With just a step, he was standing a few inches from her. His fingers traced a locket of her auburn hair as he muttered huskily, "It makes me want to witness what is more of you."

Lauren didn't step back and met Vincent's eyes without flinching. "Curiosity kills the cat, my lord. Have you heard that saying?"

"I did, but I'm not the type of man who just sits in the corner. I love adventures the most. I love things that keep me intrigued. It is what my soul lives for."