20: Cancel it...
Silence ruled between the three as Stefani (finally) realized Lara's true identity. Dragomir... that's the family name of the Vampirian Royal Family... Anyone, who bears the royal blood receives the privilege and the curse of bearing that name. And it alone can bring anyone immense power and influence in the Vampirian Society.
If it's true that Lara indeed bore that name, then there's no doubt who she is... Stefani already heard rumours about an unwanted royal member of the Dragomir Clan. According to the stories, this princess came from a powerless mortal. Humans are inferior beings in the eyes of the Vampirian race however, their beloved prince (now King), who they thought the strongest of all the royal bloodlines that came before him, fell in love with a human. And together secretly bore a half-blood, the very first of her kind.
The princess was then seen as a freak. Not a princess. The Dragomir clan had the purest blood in the Vampirian Race. And with purity comes power, and they said that the combat abilities of royal blood were unparalleled, able to kill without moving from their spot. It's the mission of the Vampire Race to protect their biggest pride, and that pride was the royal family. However, fate threw a stone at it and gave them a princess born from a dirty bloodline. How ironic is that?
"So, your Sebastien Dragomir's daughter?" Stefani asked.
Lara nodded. "Yes." Suddenly, she can't look Stefani in the eyes. She was not ashamed of who she is. Her father taught her to be the proud princess she was born to be. But after everything, she went through, every betrayal and heartbreak when she was a child. She once wished she wasn't mixed blood. Upon learning who she is, it always pushes away the people she tried to form a relationship with. (Except for Noah, of course. He's a special case.)
That's why being in the human realm makes Lara really happy. She's living a life she always wanted. She was living like everybody else. What others see as a mediocre existence brought tremendous joy to her soul instead. But she can't run away from her identity forever… And she knew that.
Seeing the sadness clouding Lara's face, Stefani's expression softened. "Aww." She went to her and slowly wrapped her arms around her shoulders. "Hey, don't be sad. I'm just in shock, that's all... I'm not leaving."
Feeling like Stefani read her mind, Lara lifted her gaze and looked her in the eyes, "Aren't you disgusted with me?" she asked.
Hearing her words, Noah's eyes flashed. "She wouldn't dare…"
Tch. Stefani rolled her eyes in Noah's direction, "Calm down, alpha boy. This is between Lara and me so, butt off! 'Kay? Also, what the hell are you talking about?" She exclaimed, turning towards Lara's direction now. "Seriously, who's disgusted with who? I don't know what you're thinking right now, but I don't judge people based on who and where they came from."
By those words, relief flooded Lara's chest. She hugged Stefani's waist, burying her face unto her chest. "Thank you…"
"Tch. No big deal. Seriously, Lara? I'm hurt you thought I would hate you. But then again, maybe you've gone through that before so you're afraid of being abandoned but still... I'm proud of you. You did better than those who didn't have the courage to admit who they truly are, fearing rejection. Others run from it. But you faced the problem head-on." She said, rubbing Lara's head like a big sister. "I'm proud..."
"Courage rarely comes internally though." Stefani added, casting a knowing glance between the two lovebirds (No-Ra Couple), "Lara wouldn't dive into this whole 'admitting thing' if there's no one to catch her if things go south..." She teased and the corner of Noah's lips quirked up. Stefani saw that. Especially the smug expression on his face. Tch. Greedy bastard...
After settling the matter in a satisfying end, Noah diverted their attention towards business now.
He cleared his throat, "Well then, any changes in my schedule?" he asked Stefani, who immediately sat down and recalled his important appointment for the day.
The three went on to their individual jobs then, Stefani became busy with the remaining paperwork while Lara was assigned to pick up calls and list down new appointments and arrange them in Noah's calendar.
Lara was so immersed in her job she didn't realize she was in a car with Noah and Stefani already, still picking up calls and listing down appointments on her tablet.
"Where are we going?" she asked, looking outside her window.
Noah answered her question, "I have a lunch meeting with the CEO of EN Corp and you're coming with me." He sat quietly beside her like it was the most normal thing between them while Stefani took the front seat beside the company driver, pretending they don't exist.
"Ah, I see."
Stefani stopped what she was doing and turned around, "Did you have plans with Chance and Rachel today?" Stefani asked.
"Uh, yeah actually."
"Cancel it. Today you'll be escorting Sir Noah while he meets with EN Corp representatives in my place, I'll be monitoring your performance and this will serve as part of your training so it's really important that you come with us."
"Oh. Okay." Lara blinked. Suddenly feeling nervous about the role she's going to take part in later on. Wow, that's a big leap from delivering paperwork.
Stefani noticed that Lara wasn't making the call yet so she asked; "Do you want me to call them in your place?"
By that, Lara's eyes lit up. "Oh yes, please!" Chance and Rachel would absolutely love it if they got to talk with the company goddess.
Stefani saw the eagerness in Lara's face and chuckled softly. She already guessed what she was thinking. It wasn't hard to guess that Lara's friends were actually her biggest fans.
Stefani took her phone and dialled the HR department to ask for their contact information. After that, she contacted the two personally through her non-working phone.
Lara watched as Stefani did her magic and started talking to her friends. She told them she can't have lunch with them 'coz she dragged her to a lunch appointment.
Minutes later, the call ended and Stefani grinned. "Mission accomplished..."
"Thank you!" Lara really wanted to hug Stefani, but she was in the front seat and they were inside a moving car so- She's also sitting beside Noah so she refrained from doing something ridiculous.
So, in a good mood, Lara went back to her job but Noah gently held her arm, stopping her from continuing her work.
"Babe, relax. Take a break for a bit." He said, taking Lara by surprise with the endearment he just used on her.
Lara's cheeks turned pink, glancing towards the driver and Stefani on the front seat, worried they might have heard that.
"Ehem!" The two didn't react and pretended they heard nothing.
Comment what you think guys! :D No-Ra couple. Pft. I just added that for fun. By the way, please don't forget to vote and give this story a review. :D