Richard's POV:
The next few days flew by quickly as everyone worked to prepare for the ball in Laurence's castle. Within the last minutes before visitors showed up, Laurence surprised us with masks to go with our outfits. Surprising us with a mask ball. He thought it would be clever and fun. We all- every one of the masked council members- were rounded up at a table in one of Laurence's grander dining rooms. There were papers spread out everywhere, and it became obvious then just how serious tonight was. We were forming a council. One better than our parents. Laurence had the table set up to where I had to suffer facing Paris who was at the other end of the table. He probably did it so we would get work done. The table was oval shaped, and there was decorated flowers sitting in the middle. A glass of blood sat in front of each of us. Laurence was at Paris's side while Dante was put by me. Dante had recovered just in enough time for this. Val and Alex were on the other side of Paris, and I had Victor on my other side. I could tell that this was set up directly to get business done. This was a serious matter after all. I am king of these vampires now, and Paris rules beside me... which is why we're organized like this. There was so many other masked faces at the table that I hardly know. I shifted a little in my seat and glanced around before I looked at Paris and frowned. I wish I was still sitting beside him. This is cruel and unusual punishment for my love for him.... I sighed then took a sip of my blood before I sat it down. Guess I will be the one speaking since I am the son of Dracula.
"Welcome everyone to our first council meeting! As you know, we had a long and hard battle to overthrow our parents, but our wills and our love brought us through the trial and helped us get to here today. Each and every single one of you must be wondering what the future holds for royalty and for vampire kind, and that is what we are here to decide. Tonight, is the night that decides where we go from here and how we tackle the future in a way that is better and more efficient than our parents. Tonight we will decide how we'll make laws and what kind of laws we want to start with, but also, after this meeting, we will enjoy a night together in celebration~ Let's go into this ready to work and happy to be here however," I told them and smirked as I sat up a little. I wonder what will happen. We might decide to keep some of the old ways. If that is the case, I will be able to take the title of king of vampires with Paris as my queen.
"I think this should be set up by vote," Paris said calmly. He looked at me then and gave a smile like he knew what I was thinking. "Before we break down rules, we should start off with who declares them. As we all should know, Richard is the rightful ruler to the Dracula throne. So, he could rule us like it once was before... or we could set up equality at this table. We're all rulers, and we could all rule together and make rules by vote." Paris looked towards Dante and Victor before his eyes landed on me. Dante smirked then and tapped his fingers on the table.
"Let's do away with the title of being king of vampires. It's too much power for one person to hold, and we saw how that ended. I, for one, don't want to see Richardo end up like his father. We don't want to have to stage another revolution, do we?" He purred out and held back a small laugh. I frowned a little and looked his way then narrowed my eyes at him. That jerk! I know what he's doing. He knows I wouldn't wind up like my father, but the rest in this room don't know that. I held back a growl and crossed my arms as I stared him down. Ass.
"Richard, you should stand up and give a good speech about how you would make a great king of us all. We'll take a vote after you defend yourself and decide on a ruling system then," Laurence suggested calmly. "After all you should have a fair hearing. Anyone that supports the idea of Richard ruling can stand up and tell their reasons as well to convince the rest. There is nothing wrong with debating so no one at this table should remain quiet about their opinion." Paris looked towards Laurence in awe before eyeing me over. He looked to be conflicted. Crap. I looked at Paris and frowned. If my own mate is conflicted, that's not a good thing. I watched him for a few seconds before I took a shaky breath. I'll have to convince him then, but hopefully he won't think too hard on the fact that we just overthrew that system for each other. Pushing the chair back, I stood up then looked at everyone at the table, meeting their eyes through their masks then gave a small smile at them.
"I get it. A lot of you probably do agree with Dante about this, and yes, I know that a lot of you are tired and weary from after the war, but there's no reason to fear the kingship. Our parents were corrupted from the beginning, and they're the ones that corrupted the system. My father wasn't a just ruler. He wanted domination over everyone and everything. He wanted his very own children to be mindless slaves. We know better, and because we know better, we got rid of them. We've learned the lesson they couldn't learn. I will be a fair king that listens. I don't plan to become my father, and if I ever do, I hope one of you has the guts to tell me so. If it wasn't for Paris and my love, none of this would have happened when it did. It makes sense that we should rule together and help all of you with taking your kingdoms back and gaining control. We've led you this fair. Let us lead you the rest of the way and clean up the remaining messes from our parents. Every single one of us deserves a better future than what was planned. You're all my dear friends even if I don't know your names. You helped us get to today, and I'm thankful for every single one of you. If you feel conflicted in this decision, then please, feel free to make your own opinion. Judge me not for my father but for the action I myself have done," I told them then gave a soft purr. "I'm not him, and I won't ever be him. We have the potential to do something great here together." I heard a few whispers amongst the others between myself and Paris before they grew quiet.
"I think we need a new system of ruling," Val said quickly. "There are so many things from the past that shows us that just one ruler isn't enough. I'm sorry Richard but you don't need to rule over us. Especially when you'll have your own kingdom to run. If we let this new system come into action than we'll all share the blame or goodness that'll come from it. Just think.... if you get overthrown by someone worse than you... we would all be sitting ducks." She shrugged as she eyed over the eyes looking at her. "If we rule together than it won't be that easy to overthrow us." I frowned at her then sighed. Great. Another one.
"Val... all of our parents were to blame. They all liked the way it was. What if that happens to most of us? The ones that are still pure of mind will be prosecuted by the others," I told her and frowned.
"Well everyone at this table agrees to the war that just occurred and the reason behind it, right? Are there any that'll speak up against spilt milk?" Val asked. If anyone did, it'd be suicide. We'd all jump across the table and get them... especially me. We're not going back to a world where I can't love Paris. "There we have it Richard," Val whispered quietly before standing up. "Richard, you have to realize that even yourself can't rule us. You didn't get the proper training since you ran away from your father. No offense... and it's a great thing he didn't have you long enough to ruin you." She gave a small purr then. "If we fail as a co-ruling council then we all should agree to hand the rights back to you." I watched her then frowned before I slowly sat back down.
"As long as it's what everyone wants," I muttered and clenched my hands under the table. "We can try it." I just lost my birthright.... No one is going to want me as their king with the way this is going. Paris gave a small purr as he eyed over my defeated face.
"Richard, let's let the council rule together. It'll be interesting to say the least. Plus, I agree at the idea," he told me. I watched him and kept silent before I glanced towards Victor who was doodling on one of his papers with a small smirk on his face. Is he even paying attention? I leaned over and sniffed him before I caught the strong scent of vodka. He got drunk before he came in here! I frowned at him and sighed.
"Victor," I whispered in his ear, watching as he tensed up. "Are you even paying attention-"
"Richardo~ I forgot how to spell your name," he purred and looked at me. "How do you spell it again?" I frowned and glanced down at his doodles, catching he had made a little me on the paper, but it was poorly drawn from the shaky lines of his drunkenness.
"Victor," I muttered. "It's R-i-c-h-a-r-d," I told him then patted his back. Damn he got way drunk.
"That's too bad Victor can't give his opinion right now," Val hissed out. "We could have used it. Why did we put the two saps by Paris's mate?" She glared down Laurence quickly.
"For amusement," Laurence whispered.
"I think it's time to take a vote," Paris said quickly.
"Yes, let's vote," Dante purred and smirked as he looked me over. I shivered then reached into Victor's jacket, stealing his vodka and opened it, taking a sip. Oh hell, I'm going to need this.
"What're you doing!?" Paris hissed at me. "Don't swallow that! This is serious. Victor is going to get an ear full when he's sober from me. What do you think I'll do to you if you get drunk?" He hissed out. "I'll give you a mouth full." One of the members at the table spit out the blood they were drinking and started to choke. I widened my eyes and sat down my drink before I watched my mate. Oh. My. God. That was hot. I purred at him and gave him a playful smirk.
"Oh? You will?" I asked him and leaned forward a little.
"Damn right I will!" He yelled out and leaned over the table. "Want me to do it now?" Is my mate trying to talk to me dirty like that or is he trying to be mad at me? I laughed a little and playfully took a sip of the vodka.
"Maybe I do~"
"Whoa! Voting!" Laurence sung out. "Vote first before you take this to a new level." I looked at Laurence then frowned before I shut the bottle.
"Okay~ we can vote," I purred out then looked at everyone. "Should we do this on slips of paper or do we trust each other enough to raise our hands to vote?"
"Slips," Val said calmly. "I don't want any false votes." I caught Paris's eyebrow twitch as he watched me. I looked at him then winked before I got to my feet and grabbed a piece of paper from in front of me and started to tear it up into slips.
"Everyone gets one," I told them firmly. "One vote each. We'll have Laurence count them that way I'm not touching them, and that way Val isn't touching them- or Dante. Dante's heavily on the council side too."
"I'll count them," Laurence purred out. "I did bring us together anyways and this is my castle." I nodded towards him.
"Yes, thank you for this, Laurence. A lot of this would be harder without you here," I told him softly then slid the vodka back to Victor, watching as he snatched it up and took a gulp of it. Maybe I shouldn't have given it back to him. I started to walk around the table and pass out the slips of paper, taking care to make sure everyone only got one. I paused when I reached Paris then gave him a small purr as I handed him his and kissed his cheek. "I love you," I murmured into his ear.
"I love you too," he whispered and gave my cheek a quick kiss.
"Sorry about taking Victor's vodka. I didn't drink much," I purred to him then walked past, giving out the rest then sat down in my seat with my slip of paper. I eyed it over then sighed. A lot of the others want the council. That's for sure. Maybe giving up my birthright for them is the best I can do for them. A true king would do it for his people- wouldn't he? I glanced towards Victor who was already writing on his slip of paper, looking calmer as he made his decision. I smiled a little then looked down at my paper. If I became king, I'd lose time with Paris. I'd have to do a lot more work, and I'd lose time to play around with him. They don't need a king anyways. I purred softly and wrote down council before I folded my piece and leaned back in my seat, staring at Paris. I'd do it for him. Paris eyed me over from where he was and gave me a loving look. He quickly wrote something on his paper then. I gave him a small playful wink then crossed my legs. You know what, after this is all over, I get to play the piano for everyone. After a few minutes everyone finished writing and making their decision. Laurence motioned for the papers as he noticed and collected them quickly. A shadow stole mine to give it to him. Dang, I can't even hand my own in? I laughed and looked towards Laurence then leaned forward, looking towards Paris. "Want to sit on the piano bench with me later?" I asked him from across the table.
"No. I want to mingle with our friends," he told me sweetly. Laurence started to sort the pile of paper into two before he let out a small purr as he finished. There was a few in one stack while the rest easily towered it.
"Looks like you'll be having lots of weight lifted off your shoulders, Richard. The majority wins and we'll be a council together. We'll rule. Let's get started on breaking down the rules." I nodded towards Laurence before I sat back in my seat and watched Paris then felt someone wrap their arms around me as Victor leaned in and purred as he went for my neck. I put my fingers against his lips and smirked, looking towards him.
"No," I told him firmly. "You have blood in front of you, Victor." He doesn't need mine anyways. He'd go demonic. I grabbed his glass then put it up to his lips, watching as he quickly started to gulp it down hungrily. He's so drunk. Paris gave a small predatory growl as he watched Victor. Hah, my mate's jealous. I heard Victor purr as he finished off the glass then eyed my neck down as he exposed his fangs. "Victor," I whispered and frowned. "No, my blood isn't good for you." I glanced at my own glass of blood then sighed. I guess I can sacrifice it to keep him off my neck. I grabbed it quickly and pressed it against his lips. Maybe he'll pass out. I suddenly felt a hand land on my shoulder and Victor was kicked across the table before Paris sat down in my lap and glared me down. I widened my eyes then purred, wrapping my arms around him. "Don't be so mad, Paris~ I'd never let him bite me," I told him and leaned in for a kiss, my stone pulsing in excitement at Paris finally being with me at this meeting. He leaned into the kiss slowly before he crashed his lips against me like he was craving the kiss. I felt the chair fall back and we spilled out into the floor as he gave a hungry growl.
"There they go," Laurence sighed out. I purred and quickly flipped us, leaning in towards his neck and kissed it. He let out a small and evil growl before grabbing my shirt and yanked it up. "PARIS!" Laurence yelled. "Richard! Control your mate!" I smirked and sat up on his chest then gave him a playful look as I exposed my fangs.
"Paris~" I purred out then grabbed his hands, bringing them up to my lips.
"Maybe we can finish the rules later at another meeting," Laurence sighed out. "You two should at least attend the ball after you're ready to see us again. Let's take this away from here." I heard him stand up then. Paris looked up at me in a daze with red eyes.
"I could pull them off each other," Dante suggested. "Would you like me to restrain them?"
"Restrain them," Laurence begged. I widened my eyes then looked behind me quickly to find Dante getting up. No! I hissed at him then leaned down and kissed Paris quickly. They're not going to separate us! I felt Dante's rough hands grab my shoulder before he yanked me off Paris and grabbed my wrists, putting them behind my back. I snarled and exposed my fangs quickly, glaring up at him.
"Let me go," I hissed at him and narrowed my eyes. Ass freaking suggests getting rid of the kingship first then offers to separate me and Paris! What the hell is wrong with him tonight?! Paris stood up quickly and kicked the chair up before sitting down in it and yanked me into his lap. He gave a small growl towards Dante, as if he was telling him to fuck off. He smirked and gave me a sweet look before giving me a kiss on my cheek. I purred and kissed his neck quickly, wrapping my arms around him then nuzzled my face into his neck.
"Paris, go sit in your seat," Dante snarled at Paris. "That's Richard's seat, and you two need to pay attention to the meeting. You're not mating in here." Paris let out a small growl before teleporting into his chair and ditched me in mine.
"Happy?" He asked and tightened his jaw. I widened my eyes then growled towards Dante, glaring him down then looked at Paris longingly, missing his touch. Dante sat down and nodded.
"Yes, Laurence and I are very happy," he purred at Paris and smirked.
"Where were we?" Laurence asked and purred. "Oh right! Rules! Let's start on the rules~" I frowned and glanced towards Laurence then looked towards Paris. I don't care about rules right now! I want my mate. I felt my fangs instinctively sharpen as my eyes lingered on his neck then moved up to his lips. Paris eyed me over before he eyed over everyone at the table, his eyes observing them all. Damn it. I frowned and leaned back in my seat. He's not interested in me anymore. Dante stopped it. I glared at Dante before I looked towards Victor who was curled up in his seat, massaging his side from where he had gotten kicked.
"We should definitely have something against murdering each other without proper cause," someone spoke up and purred. "It would ensure less wars between us."
"So, we'll have laws set up with murdering others that are on this council. When the time comes, we'll judge as a council to decide on a proper punishment." The person nodded to Laurence.
"It would make sure no one is killed for power perhaps," he suggested lightly to him. "I don't want to wake up with a knife in my stone one morning because someone liked my country too much." I frowned and glanced towards the man and saw his eye color flickering a little. What the hell?
"I understand the feeling," Paris purred out. "We should make that one of our top laws. I also feel that we should address the time coming where we would ever expose ourselves to a mass of humans... We should discuss that before doing it. After all... humans are afraid of us and we should try to keep them wondering instead of knowing."
"Well... we should stay in the dark for the most part," the man purred and looked towards Paris with slight interest. "If we came out, they'd hunt us to no end. If we do come out though, we should be prepared for any possibility of the humans having hatred towards us. We can't turn them all because we need their blood. I have a lot of human servants that are loyal to me though. We could attempt to earn their trust if we do come out, or if the worst-case scenario happens, there is always enslaving the ones that hunt us. We're powerful enough."
"We don't need to come out at a species," Laurence spoke up. "Not for a very long time so let's not think about that now. When the time comes to expose ourselves- we'll know. Until then let's keep that the way we've been doing it. We should focus more on other things... like the laws that once was. For now, on we can love who we want, bite who we want- hopefully you'll ask permission to be polite if it's another vampire, and we'll be more aware of telling our species the truth about us. We should be open to give knowledge to the younger vampires." I looked towards Laurence then nodded.
"Yes, that should definitely be laws," I told him then looked around, seeing the others nodding. "We can always come up with more laws though later. We should all have the right to call a council meeting since how this is what we want- a council where we're all equal."
"Of course. But for now, we should all know that the laws from before are no longer in affect and today is a new day. There's no hiding anymore about our feelings for each other." I nodded and purred.
"Wonderful~ Is everyone okay with this for now? The rights to meetings, biting, love, equality, and knowledge and a law against murdering one another? We can come up with more as we go on throughout our lives," I suggested and crossed my legs. I heard Victor purr before he nodded.
"Yes~ I think that's quite fine for now. We are only just beginning after all," he purred out then took a sip of his vodka. Maybe we should make a law about being sober at meetings... but then again, Victor might stop showing up. I frowned a little as I eyed the bottle over in his hand.
"We don't need to establish it all in one day," someone purred out near the middle of the table. "It takes time. Mistakes have to be made for laws."
"Exactly~ If everyone is fine with it, we can move right along to the ball and establish another meeting at a later time," I told everyone and smirked. "I know I want to enjoy tonight with you all." I think I'll play a few songs and then let Timothy take over and dance with Paris.
"Let's just celebrate our victory," Paris purred out and eyed me over. I purred right back to him and started to stand up.
"Yes, let's," I purred then gave a playful growl at him, exposing my fangs. Paris stood up quickly and the others gave their approval before standing.
"Great! Let's enjoy tonight~" Laurence purred out. "Richard plans to play the piano for us."
"Maybe a few songs, but I'll let Timothy take over for part of the night. Paris deserves a few dances from his mate," I told him, not taking my eyes off Paris as I looked him over eagerly. I can't wait to whisk him off his feet.
"Who said we would be dancing?" Paris asked me in amusement. "We might be doing something else." I smirked slowly then.
"Like?" I purred and gave him a teasing look.
"Nothing for other's ears," he growled out playfully at me. He picked up his glass of blood and downed it before heading for the door. "I heard there was other vampires outside waiting on us~ Let's join them. My sister must be out of her mind curious about what's going on." I watched Paris then let my eyes linger on his butt before I followed him slowly, staying behind him.
"Alright," I hummed out and smirked as I watched him. My mate is so hot.... I guess I can wait to tease him till later. I do have the piano to play right now anyways... then I have a few dances to steal from him.... I'll be respectable for the rest of the night if I can help it. I can get after him when we go to sleep if he's not exhausted already. I could hear the others in the room following us. Paris lead us down a hall and to the ball room where other vampires were waiting on us. Vampires from other kingdoms as well as the ones from Laurence's kingdom and our little siblings was waiting patiently for us to arrive and the ball to really begin. I purred and walked past Paris, brushing up against him as I started to greet a few on my way to the piano. I recognized a few of the girls and heard them giggling as they followed me quickly- my fangirls from before the war. I glanced behind me and smirked, watching as one started to blush a deep shade of red as my eyes landed on her. I winked playfully then went up to the piano and sat down on the bench, glancing the beautiful white and black keys over then graced my fingers over them. I looked up to see that I had ten fangirls watching me nearby as they whispered amongst each other excitedly. Smirking, I struck the first chord to my song for Paris, the one that I had played for him when he had found me in my piano room the first day together that we ever spent. I watched Paris watching me with an eye twitching as his eyes shot towards the girls. I purred a little and smirked, looking back down at the keys. That's what he gets for not sitting up here with me. The fangirls would be timid if he was up here by my side... but now I have their adoration while I play. I should play them all a waltz after this song.... Everyone would love that. I saw Paris's jaw clench before he started for me and suddenly disappeared. I felt him sit down beside me and start to play our song with me.
I widened my eyes a little and looked towards him then purred loudly as I watched his fingers then leaned over and kissed his cheek. "Paris," I murmured then laughed happily. He's playing with me. He's gotten so much better so quickly. He purred as his hands ran over the keys like he was playing it from memory of watching me. His fingers almost slipped a few notes but quickly corrected them. "I love you so much," I whispered then eyed his fingers over. He pays so much attention to me when I play, doesn't he? I didn't think he would play with me tonight on the piano.... He's the perfect mate for me, and I would want no one else- just Paris. He's all I ever want for eternity. I leaned over and kissed his neck as I looked away from the keys but kept playing. He gave me a small purr.
"I love you," he whispered as he looked towards me and continued to play like I was. His eyes scanned mine before trailing down to my lips. "The piano comes naturally to me."
"That's because we're mates," I teased him lightly and parted my lips a little to mess with him. He let out a small gasp before leaning in to kiss me but paused. He turned back to his fingers quickly.
"You're hard to stay away from."
"I would hope so," I purred out to him and kissed his neck again then looked at the keys. "I'm your mate. If you could stay away from me easily, I would be disappointed~" His fingers left the keys as our duet suddenly ended.
"I'll be back," he told me sweetly. "Maybe..." His eyes went quick to someone in the crowd before he disappeared. I frowned and glanced over towards who he had looked at. Did my mate just ditch me?! I pouted then looked back at the keys. I'll just get him back later....
Paris's POV:
My eyes lingered on a familiar figure in the crowd as the white hair caught my attention, flashing in the candlelight in the ballroom. He was looking around curiously as he smoothed out his blue jacket with silver accents on it. His pants were a pretty black, and he was wearing shined black shoes as he readjusted the mask on his face that hid most of it. It was black with polished silver embroidering the outer parts. I suddenly felt a small tug on the bottom of my pants as a small growl escaped someone at my feet. I widened my eyes and looked down quickly. What? Whose growling at me? I saw Mayloi in his human form, wobbling a little on his tiny feet as his red mask was slipping down his face while his cute little black prince outfit was a little disheveled like he had escaped from someone's arms. I smiled softly before I picked him up than glanced around for who I was looking at from before. I saw him making his way across the room, heading slowly for Laurence like he wasn't sure about approaching him, but someone rushed up to him and grabbed his hand quickly, making the man laugh. I tilted my head slightly before I started for him quickly. Why is he so familiar? Do I know him? Is he one of my cousins? Mayloi giggled and played with my mask, pushing on it to push it up above my head. He kicked his feet happily and purred, smiling hugely. The man finally made it to Laurence and gave a small smile before he called out to him to get his attention. I grabbed Mayloi's hands quickly before I teleported over to Laurence and handed him over.
"Here," I growled playfully. "That's your baby."
"Thank you~" Laurence purred out before kissing Mayloi on the cheek. "You better be behaving." He looked towards the guy who just called for him and smiled. "Oh! Hello~!" The man purred at him then pulled the other guy closer to him.
"I just wanted to thank you for inviting me, Laurence," the man purred to him then rubbed the other guy's head. I saw Mayloi looking at me with a whine before he looked at Laurence and snuggled up into his arms, chewing lightly on Laurence's sleeves.
"You don't have to do that. You were one of the first on the list," Laurence told him sweetly.
"I still felt like I needed to," the man said then glanced at Mayloi. "Who's that little ball of wonder?"
"This is my young dragon, Mayloi. He's a little over five years old now." Laurence smirked as he looked down at him. "He's going to keep me warm on those cold nights." The man nodded then let go of the other boy before he leaned over and reached out to touch Mayloi.
"Do you mind?" The man purred and looked up at Laurence quickly.
"If he doesn't," Laurence said calmly. "Have you met Paris? This is Paris the heir of France." The man looked towards me then before he grinned.
"Oh, is that one of the love birds we fought for?" The man asked curiously then looked back down at Mayloi before he touched him on the cheek. I saw Mayloi's eyes go into a daze quickly as my own powers picked up on a strong memory of a beautiful night sky with a shooting star streaking across it. I eyed the guy over quickly. Who is he?!
"Paris, this is the heir to Wales. He also recently took over Spain," Laurence told me calmly. "Quit dying to know." The prince of Wales suddenly paused as Mayloi giggled and grabbed his hand, making the man glow a little. I caught images of the treasure hoard and the garden outside as Mayloi watched him curiously. What!? That's so amazing! How- How? I felt a hand grab my wrist before I was yanked into a dance. Grimm gave me a huge smile as he started to make me dance with him.
"What're you doing?" He asked me curiously. "You didn't even offer me a dance." I saw the prince of Wales's jaw drop as he watched us before he clenched his jaw and looked a little upset. Why is he upset? Is he jealous I'm not dancing with him? He shouldn't ignore me.
"You weren't invited," I teased Grimm softly.
"I don't have to be," he whispered and purred. "I have rights to be here and watch someone I hold dear to me." He yanked me closer quickly and leaned in towards my ear. "After all... I taught you how to fight." I felt him purr in my ear. I caught the white-haired prince excusing himself from Laurence before he grabbed the boy's hand that had followed him and started for the door. Grimm let out a small chuckle. "I think we made someone mad." He gave my neck a small kiss before leaving my side and gave an amused look before he started after that prince. The prince glanced back behind him then widened his eyes a little as he quickly walked off to escape Grimm's sight. I felt someone take my hand then.
"Thank you for offering me this dance Paris. I'm glad you asked," Val said sweetly and yanked me into a dance with her. "Don't be so heavy on your feet." I caught Grimm following that stranger off before Val tilted my head towards her to make me look at her. Grimm doesn't normally go after people like that.... I heard Mayloi call out suddenly, roaring a little like he was playing around before I saw him trying to get to the ground. I could hear his roar echo away as Laurence carried him off across the room. I caught sight of the white-haired man again off to the side of the room as he was looking towards Grimm who had caught up to him finally. He held the boy close to him and had the boy's ears covered with his hands. I caught Grimm saying something, but I couldn't hear that well from all the voices in the room. Grimm suddenly cornered the male against a wall and hugged him. The man squirmed a little before he slowly relaxed and hugged Grimm back, burying his face into him as he let the boy go who was staring at them with wide eyes. Grimm looked to be chuckling and leaned in towards the male's ear like he was whispering something pleasing into it. The prince laughed then and pulled back a little as he looked at Grimm in delight and smiled huge at him before he said something back that made Grimm smile a little. What!? What's going on!? Why! Grimm has friends outside of me? Since when? He's made friends with other royalty. Does he go to him when he's not with me? The prince pulled away then and grabbed the boy, pulling him towards him then looked to be introducing Grimm to him with a smirk. I watched Grimm nodding as if approving of something and suddenly shook the boy's hand.
"What's going on?" Val asked and looked in the direction I was looking before giggling. "You seem jealous... Is it because Grimm is making friends with others?" The prince seemed to be purring as he watched the boy look a little scared. He rubbed the boy's head then looked at Grimm before he gave him a sweet look and leaned in, whispering something to him then gave Grimm another hug. He pulled away quickly and chuckled as he grabbed the boy's hand and looked at Grimm expectantly. I caught a thoughtful look run across Grimm's face before he nodded and responded with something... If only I could read their lips. The prince brightened up then and nodded before he gave a happy smile then looked at the rest of the party before he looked at Grimm and leaned in, giving Grimm's cheek a small kiss then pulled back quickly and started to pull the boy back to the rest of the party with a much happier look on his face. WHAT!? WHAT! Does Grimm have a lover? What!?
"Well that's a news article right there," Val whispered and pulled away from me. I noticed then that we had stopped dancing. I saw the prince start to dance with the boy, bringing him into a lovely and graceful waltz as they spun around the room together to Richard's music. I looked towards Val before shaking my head and walked off to a table full of foods and grabbed a vine of grapes before I started for Grimm quickly with them. He's going to tell me more. He saw me coming though and disappeared. I felt something knock against my shoes before I smelled smoke and felt claws curling into my pants leg as a new weight latched onto me. I looked down and frowned. Mayloi!
"Don't do that," I hissed out. He looked at me cutely as he perked his head up as my eyes looked down at him. I felt someone run into me from behind before a thud reached my ears and I heard Vlad yelp. I looked behind me quickly. "Vlad? Are you okay?" I asked and helped him up. "Are you running from Rose again?" He looked up at me and flattened his ears then looked behind him.
"U-uh huh," he whispered then latched onto my arm quickly. Rose ran up to us suddenly and giggled.
"One dance," she begged him. He looked at her and bit his bottom lip.
"O-one dance?" He asked her and tightened his grip on me.
"You have to ask me for a dance. I'm super cute. but if you don't then I'll go ask Dante or Victor." Vlad's eyes widened and he let me go quickly before he was down on his knees in front of her, grabbing her hands.
"Will you dance with me?" He asked her and gave her a sweet smile. Seems like he didn't like the idea of the other two dancing with her.
"Of course," she giggled out and twirled around in her dress before taking his hand. "I only wanted you anyways." I smirked as I watched them. She's so cute. Vlad smiled hugely at her and perked up his ears before he scooped her up into his arms and spun around with her.
"Okay~ Let's go dance," he said sweetly and started for the dance floor with her. I felt Mayloi nuzzle against my neck, finally having reached it while I was distracted. I eyed the two of them over before looking at Mayloi.
"You sure do like me," I whispered to him. He purred loudly and rubbed his head against me sweetly as he got his scent all over me. I thought he was with Laurence... What's with him being near me? I eyed over the room to try to find Dante and Victor to keep an eye on those saps. I caught Victor sitting near Dante as they both sipped on his bottle of vodka, sharing it as they eyed over everyone dancing and were laughing a little. I walked up to them quickly.
"So, who wants to dance with me first?" I asked them and raised an eyebrow. Victor's eyes widened as he saw me coming then fell back into Dante.
"D-Dante, he's going to take it from us," he said then quickly gulped down another sip of the vodka, making Dante laugh as he playfully pushed Victor off him then smirked at me.
"Why are you asking us for dances?" He asked me and purred as he watched me.
"You look like you need it," I teased them. "I heard Rose was wanting a dance from you two." Dante raised an eyebrow and looked past me towards the dance floor to find Rose then laughed.
"Vlad scooped her up," he said and then looked at me, going for my hand before I felt Victor snatch my hand quickly.
"Hah, I get the dance," he purred out then tossed the bottle at Dante who caught it in surprise.
"I'll come back for you," I warned Dante before dragging Victor towards the dance floor. Victor purred and followed me to the dance floor before he started to dance with me, his footwork a little shoddy from the vodka in his system. I heard Mayloi squeal in delight as we started to spin around to the music, and he climbed onto my head and hunkered down into my hair like it was a nest. He seems to enjoy dancing~ That's probably why he ran for me since I've been doing so much dancing. Victor looked up towards him then chuckled a little before he started focusing on his feet with difficulty.
"Shouldn't have drank so much~" He purred out to me.
"No kidding~ You better give my sister a dance before heading to your room today," I warned him. "She'll be disappointed, and she really likes you." He nodded and smirked.
"As long as her big brother is okay with it," he teased me.
"Of course, I am~ Victor you are a great guy. Dance with my sister and make her happy." He nodded then yelped as he fell to the ground, tripping over his feet. I tsked and helped him back up. He leaned against me before he straightened back up then looked down at our feet before he looked at me and tsked before he started to dance with me again, getting a little more control over his movements. "You should cut back on your vodka," I warned him. He purred at me then and laughed.
"What would a party be without a little vodka thou-" He was snatched from me by Dante as Dante started to whisk him around the room with a smirk. Well there he goes~ I'm alone again. I eyed over the room as I moved off the dance floor. I felt Mayloi chewing at my hair before he slipped down to my shoulder and looked around in awe. I saw the white-haired prince watching me from where the food was as he fed the boy a grape, holding him close. I smirked and started for him again quickly. There he is~ The prince looked towards the boy then went to whisper something in the boy's ear but backed his head away quickly as the boy darted for his neck with his fangs exposed. He tapped the boy on the nose quickly and frowned. I walked up to them calmly.
"May I ask for your hand to dance?" I asked him sharply and snatched him from his clingy friend. The prince looked towards me with wide eyes then frowned like he was going to object but looked at his friend and studied him.
"Javier, don't bite anyone, understand?" He spoke clearly, watching Javier closely as his friend frowned and looked between us then at the prince's neck longingly.
"Or bite someone," I laughed out at him. "You should ask first," I smirked before yanking this mysterious prince towards the dance floor. The prince looked at me curiously as he followed me then stopped as we reached the middle of the dance floor and placed a hand on my waist.
"You'll have to forgive me if my dancing is a bit rusty. I haven't had to practice since I joined the war," he told me and watched me curiously as he started to lead us in a waltz. I purred as I followed him.
"I could take over if you forget a few steps," I told him in amusement. He nodded and chuckled.
"I might have to take you up on that offer if I forget," he told me then smirked as he looked me over. "So, you're Paris, prince of France...." I nodded as I smirked.
"Yes, and you're a prince of wales," I told him.
"The prince," he told me then purred. "I have no siblings."
"I have a younger sister named Rose. She's adorable. You should meet her," I told him and chuckled. He nodded then smirked.
"Maybe I can before the ball is over," he suggested. "I would be delighted." I nodded and purred.
"She'd adore meeting you," I whispered. "I didn't know Grimm had friends." He tensed then frowned.
"I didn't know he had friends either," he whispered as he watched me closely.
"I knew he had his secrets... Like how he knew Laurence... but- I never expected..." I trailed off. "He's very unpredictable." He tsked then.
"I only recently found out he was friends with Laurence," he mumbled. "I wasn't expecting to find him here though."
"He wasn't exactly on the guest list," I laughed out. "Party crasher." He laughed then and nodded.
"He does turn up rather unexpectedly sometimes, doesn't he?" He asked me then spun us around before he smirked. "He's a dear friend of mine though."
"I could say the same," I purred out as I watched him. He nodded and raised an eyebrow.
"I saw that." I raised an eyebrow quickly.
"What- Oh," I whispered and smirked. "You were jealous." His eyes widened a little before he looked away.
"I was not.... I was just surprised to see he had other friends," he muttered. "It'd been awhile since he had come to visit me."
"Well to ease your mind he was here most of it," I told him sweetly. "He took me someplace down south and it took a while to come back. I don't know where he went after that... but I imagine it was to make sure our scent wasn't remaining there. We didn't want to get caught." He nodded and frowned a little but didn't ask me about it.
"Well, at least I know where he'll be when he's not visiting me," he whispered.
"Who knows... He might have more friends to see."
"Maybe," he muttered. "If he had you and Laurence, I'd imagine he has other friends too he hasn't told me about."
"I'm sure he does." I gave him a sweet smile before I leaned in and smelled him. He tensed as he watched me and clung a little to my shirt, pausing in his step. I caught my scent all over him, almost no difference in it as he looked at me with wide eyes.
"H-hey," he said quickly.
"That's crazy," I whispered. "I just met you," I laughed out and gave him a huge smile. "You smell good." He furrowed his eyebrows as he watched me then relaxed.
"T-thanks?" He asked then laughed. "Do you normally smell people, Paris?"
"Yes. I'm a vampire... it's what I do," I laughed out and eyed his neck over. What does he taste like? I bet he tastes like me too... tea... honey... something else... I eyed him over curiously. Maybe we are related. "You forgot to tell me your name." He watched me and frowned before he went to speak but was snatched by Javier as the song ended. He laughed then looked towards his friend before he rubbed his head.
"Javier, you sneaky little newborn," he muttered. "I was talking to someone." Javier purred innocently and wrapped his arms around the prince. I purred as I watched them. Maybe there is a good explanation for him. I watched as Javier leaned in towards his neck then exposed his fangs, going to bite down into the prince quickly. He sank his fangs in before the prince could react and moaned as the scent of the prince's blood filled the air- a faint hint of tea and honey accompanying the scent of the sweet blood. I backed away slowly as I watched him. Whoa.... Too weird. I don't want to know anymore. I walked away quickly and teleported out of the ball room to get away from the scent. I heard the piano bang a few keys before I heard Richard's rushed footsteps inside the ballroom as he probably caught the scent. Oh- shit! I ran back for the ball room quickly. As soon as I stepped inside, I caught Richard heading for the two on the floor with a look of anger on his face as his fangs sharpened quickly. How peculiar... he thinks that prince is me! He paused though as soon as he caught sight of the prince and gave a confused look as he looked from the hair to the outfit then back to the hair. I eyed him over before tilting my head. Has he realized? He frowned then started after them again but was a little slower about it as he stared at the hair then at the boy latched onto the prince. My mate is so confused... He glanced the two of them over with uncertainty then reached out and snatched the prince, smelling him as he yanked him away from Javier and growled lightly as the prince yelped. I raised an eyebrow and waited for him to conclude it wasn't me. Mates know that... right. He frowned and hesitated before he shoved the prince away and looked around quickly for me. Where is Paris? That's not him or else my mark would be there.... Good! He can tell us apart. I was worried for a second someone wanted to replace me. Plus, that prince doesn't smell as sweet....
Richard finally caught sight of me then relaxed as he eyed my neck over then looked towards my hair then my eyes. I heard him break out into a purr before he started for me quickly, relieved. I gave him a relieved smile and waited for him to come to me. He barreled into me as he reached me and wrapped his arms around me as he leaned in and kissed me passionately, his stone pulsing as he tightened his grip on me like he would lose me if he didn't. I eyed him over in amusement. "Did you have trouble finding me?" I asked. He watched me then growled.
"Yes, why does he smell like you?" He asked then exposed his fangs. "I thought someone had bitten you. I was going to tear them apart for it."
"I don't know," I whispered to him and blushed. "I think it's interesting though." He glanced back towards the prince who was rubbing his neck in confusion then back at me before he looked at my lips.
"As long as you are safe," he whispered then leaned in, kissing me again. "You're my mate...." I nodded and wrapped an arm around him.
"Are you done playing because you owe me a dance," I teased him. He nodded quickly and kissed my neck.
"I'm done. I'm not leaving your side for the rest of the night," he growled out and grabbed my hands. I smirked and backed him towards the dance floor greedily. He purred at me and licked my neck teasingly as he felt us backing up then smirked against my neck. "Someone really wants that dance~" I heard Timothy take over on the piano, starting to play a beautiful waltz, but it was nothing like what Richard could do on the piano. I eyed over Richard before moving into position for him to lead us. He smirked then pulled back from my neck before he moved a hand firmly onto my waist and then grabbed my hand and started to lead us across the floor with a loving look in his eyes as he watched me. He spun me out then brought me back into his arms, giving a small laugh as he lifted me up then sat me back down with a purr. "My sweet Paris~" I laughed softly and eyed him over.
"Richard, my mate," I whispered. He looked me in the eyes before he leaned in like he was going to kiss me but pulled back quickly from it and went back to dancing with me as he purred. I tsked as I caught him teasing me. What a tease! "No kiss?" I asked. He winked at me then.
"If I kissed you, we wouldn't dance," he told me and smirked.
"You're right," I whispered and blushed. He gave a playful growl towards me and laughed.
"You can have all the kisses you want when we get out of this room," he whispered lowly to me and kissed my cheek. I nodded in agreement and licked my lips as I eyed his over. "I love you," he murmured and looked at my lips but forced his eyes back up quickly.
"I love you too," I whispered as a smile danced on my lips. He purred and leaned in, giving me a quick kiss on the lips as he pulled me closer. I purred and leaned into the kiss quickly. He gave in! Yes! He gasped a little as I leaned in then chuckled against my lips before he kissed me back and dragged the kiss out. I pulled back and tsked at him. "You gave in too soon." He growled a little at me then narrowed his eyes.
"If you think that, then you can't have another kiss," he teased me and started us back into the dance quickly.
"We should at least try to hold back until we decide to go to our room." I followed him and smirked.
"You wanted the kiss too," he murmured and watched me then smirked.
"I do," I whispered and eyed him over. He purred then kissed my forehead as we danced.
"We'll wait. I'm sure Laurence will appreciate it if we do," he whispered.
"I know he will... He's wanted this for a long time after all," I said in amusement.
"We can wait," he whispered to me, but he seemed to be telling himself that more than me. I nodded quickly in agreement. He gave me a small smile then sped up as the song changed to a faster tempo. I followed him and laughed softly. This is our first dance together and he hasn't realized it. He spun me around then purred happily as he watched me then brought me back to him again and kissed my cheek as we waltzed around the dance floor. I could hear a few giggles as a few girls watched us in amazement. Sounds like his fangirls... I glanced towards them quickly to make sure they were jealous. I caught one of them giving me a jealous look, but the rest seemed to approve of us, holding each other's hands as they giggled together and watched us in excitement. Richard purred and reached out, touching my chin to bring my gaze back to him. I purred as I looked towards him and smirked. He didn't like me glancing away. He rubbed my cheek then brought his hand back to mine and smirked at me. "Don't look away while we're dancing, Paris," he told me and purred at me.
"Sorry," I whispered before I gave his cheek a quick kiss.
"You're forgiven," he murmured in my ear then nipped at it. I laughed and eyed him over.
"We accomplished a lot over these past five years Mr. Dracula.... What will we do next?" I tilted my head and eyed him over.
"Rule our countries... love each other... make the other's jealous with our love... kiss each other every day... teach you more piano... marry," he whispered and looked at my lips. "Maybe make beautiful children after we raise Rose." I smiled at the thought and came to a stop as Timothy finished playing the waltz. I eyed Richard over before leaning in and gave him a kiss.
"That sounds like a plan," I whispered to him as I pulled away.