Xavier flushed but before he could respond in any other way Celeste turned toward Phillip. “It was lovely meeting you and your son. I don’t mean to be rude but there are some other guests I’m dying to catch up with,” Celeste said. Phillip nodded his head and said something Xavier didn’t pay attention to. He was still transfixed. He watched as the queen swept away from them. “Stunning. Isn’t she?” Phillip asked turning toward his son.
“Typical vampire,” Xavier shrugged.
“Oh come on! The other vampires would give their souls to look like her.” Phillip countered. Xavier scoffed.
“If they had souls to give that is,” he replied. Phillip gave his son an admonishingly look before glancing around the room. The vampires’ hearing was so acute they could have heard his remark if he had of said it in another state. Phillip didn’t want any trouble with the vampires. They’d maintained an alliance for a long time and he didn’t want to be responsible for losing that alliance. He sighed before turning back to Xavier.
“I know it’s killing you to be here. Go ahead and leave if you want,” Phillip said exasperatedly.
Xavier smiled. “Goodbye.”
As he turned to leave the ballroom he couldn’t help to glance at Celeste again. She was engaged in conversation with four men. He couldn’t be sure but she looked displeased.
* * *
“Welcome back Your Majesty we are so pleased to have you back with us,” Rafael smiled. Celeste smiled and nodded in response. The words sounded genuine enough but she could sense something else coming from him, something close to apprehension. She wondered why only momentarily. The answer came as three other men approached. “Celeste this is Josiah Alexander. We selected him specifically for you. We think you two will be an excellent match,” Rafael said trying his best to keep his voice even. The other men with Josiah needed no introduction. They like Rafael were her advisors. They names were George, Emanuel, and Ivan. She pressed her lips into a hard line as she gave Josiah a once over. He was handsome of course. Since he was a vampire he had no other choice but to be. He was tall with hair almost as dark as hers and emerald eyes. He was muscular and she could see him coming off as intimidating to others.
“Excuse us a moment will you,” Celeste asked Josiah who nodded once and stepped away from the group. She turned her glare to Rafael.
“Are you serious? You’re trying to arrange my marriage?” she growled. Rafael bowed his head and Ivan stepped forward to respond.
“It is time Celeste. We understand the reservations you may have considering your past but your ruling alone goes against tradition. You can either take a King or step down as queen,” he said sternly. Celeste was taken aback by his gall but she didn’t show it.
“Ivan you are more than my advisor. You are my friend and I love you. That does not change the fact that I am queen and you answer to me. It is not the other way around. It is in you’re life’s interest that you refrain from speaking to me in that manner,” she said coolly. She took a deep breath before continuing. “You are right. It is tradition that there be a ruling King and Queen. Tradition however is not law. If that changes then we will discuss this.”
She was about to turn and walk away but Ivan’s words stopped her. “Then we shall discuss it now. A lot has changed in the past 400 years, Celeste. Tradition has become law.”
Her composed demeanor slipped. Ivan smiled wickedly as her mouth fell slightly agape. Her eyes flicked to Rafael but he kept his head down. George and Emanuel followed suit as her eyes turned to them. Ivan beckoned Josiah forward and she turned to him. He seemed larger now, like a brick wall blocking her path. “I know this isn’t how you would have wanted things. This isn’t my choice either but can we at least try and make the best of it?” Josiah asked. She didn’t need to feel his sincerity to know that he was a good guy. She had been prepared to hate him, but she couldn’t do that now. It wasn’t his fault. She glanced at Ivan again and saw that he had become smug. She smiled looped her arm through Josiah’s and started the dance floor toward the throng of waltzing couples.
“Trying isn’t too much to ask, I suppose,” Celeste replied. Tonight was a night for celebration and celebrating was what she planned to do. Tomorrow however was another day. If Ivan thought this was over he had another thing coming.
I tried to use all the suggestions I was given. All feedback is grately appreciated.
I'm no good with reviews so I'll just say it was great and put up chapter 2 