Brianna opened her eyes as she walked through the path of unfamiliar surroundings. She was sitting down on a bench reading the same book she had read before falling asleep. She looked everywhere as she realized it was a beautiful garden. A garden she had never seen before with different marble statues, a beautiful water fountain in the center. She walked further as she examined all the bushes that contained an array of flowers such as roses, daisies, sunflowers,orchids, and everything in between. Brianna bent over to inhale the sweet scent of the flowers.
Meanwhile Michael had found himself on the side of the garden wondering how he ever arrived. He had never been to such a beautiful place. He walked and walked as the wind blew the familiar intoxicating smell, he found himself craving. He moved forward as he noticed her . She was there in front of him. He could let this chance escape him.He stood there as he observed her and she seemed to be adoring the flowers.
" Beautiful." She said as she heard another voice overlap her own. As Brianna looked up she noticed a man a few feet away from me. She squinted my eyes to see his face clearly, however it was blurred. He kept walking towards me as she felt a feeling of overwhelming warmth,comfort, and love. I felt my heart flip as he neared. It was him.
He walked closer as I stood still just to capture the image of his face but was unfortunate. I stood still as I could get myself to get closer or to take a step . Soon he was close enough as I felt my cheeks reddened as I stared at his chest as he was at least a foot taller than myself. He cupped my face with his hands as I faced him but I still could not see him.
" You're exactly how I imagined you to be." He spoke again with the most lovely baritone voice as Brianna relished the warmth of his hand against my skin.
" But you cannot see me." Brianna refused as Brianna looked up at him.
" How did you? You cannot see me either, can't you?" He asked as he rubbed my cheek.
" No, sadly I can't. You're just a blur to me." She admitted.
" I guess we still cannot see each other until we come face to face." He hypothesized as she sighed. " But you are still beautiful to me."
Bri chuckled as she removed herself from him as she turned around walking on one side of the fountain as he walked the other.
" You say I am beautiful. But what if you see me, I turn out to be horrendous." Brianna inquired for his answer to see just what kind of man he really was.
" It does not matter. To me you are lovelier than another female. " Michael answered as he looked at her.
" Really, but what if she were more beautiful than me? Offer to do anything and everything for you." Brianna wondered as she walked.
" No other female matters. You are the only one my heart and soul craves. No one else can compare. I don't want what they can give me. You are already my everything. You are my mate. My love. My beloved." Michael spoke with sincerity as she had stopped walking.
Brianna smiled to herself; he was everything she imagined him to be.
" Well consider yourself lucky for I am beautiful." Brianna laughed as she met him.
He gave the most devilish handsome smile.
" Then I am double blessed." Michael added as he wondered if he could hold her in his arms again.
Brianna walked as she hover her hands over the bushes as Michael did the same thing feeling their fingertips brush. Brianna was glad he could see her face as she was redder than a tomato at this point.
" It's cute that you're blushing." Michael pointed out as Brianna looked at him.
" How did you even.. " Brianna trailed off as she knew that mates could sense one another's emotions, but this was a dream. Or wasn't it?
" I can feel your heart racing." He explained as they came two and Michael grabbed her hand as he placed a kiss upon it. Brianna's heart couldn't control itself as she bit her lip to prevent anything else. " Besides, my heart feels like it might explode as well." Michael confessed as he didn't want to hide anything from his love.
Brianna smiled at his pure confession which she found endearing. She wanted nothing more than to touch,see, feel him in real life. Without thought she wrapped her arms around him as her face snuggled into his chest as Michael reciprocated as he nestled into her neck. They embraced one another never wanting to let go.
" I wish we could see one another. " Brianna sighed.
" As do I. I do not know why we cannot. It infuriates me that after two hundred years. After so much time I cannot see my beloved."
" It's been that long for you?"
" Yes, I was born two hundred years ago, and I've had my mark since birth.'
" As I have it. But I am not as old as you." Brianna joked as they began walking as they held hands.
" Then how old are you?" Michael questioned.
" A hundred and forty years young. I would rather say than old." Brianna implied as Michael shook his head.
" I cannot believe it has taken us this long to find one another. If I would have found you a hundred years ago.." Michael trailed off as he didn't want to vocalize his intimate thoughts.
" What would you have done?" Brianna asked curiously as she cocked her brow.
Michael chuckled as he drew her close by the waist as he leaned in as he whispered into her ear, " Well after courting you I would have asked you to marry me, and having the ceremonial mark.I would keep you all to self doing what husbands and wives do. Of course just a little bit before we'll have until we have our litter of children."
" A liter?" Brianna pulled back as she looked at him, " How many children do you want?"
" That's up to you, we can have two or a thousand." Michael flirtatiously responded.
" I think we can meet somewhere in the middle." Brianna chuckled as they returned to walking.
" Oh how I long to meet you. I would just smother you to death with affection.I wish I could take you out of your entrapment." He added as he kissed her hand.
" Entrapment?" Brianna wondered as she had no clue what he referred to.
" Well yes this is the only reason I assume that is the reason we couldn't meet."
" No, not at all. I am free, and living in my own leisure and luxury. The reason I could not see you was because of a barrier, not because I'm entrapped."
This detail shocked him as the idea of the human being in the mansion was deferred. If she wasn't entrapped then where was she?She had free will yet the barrier she mentioned made sense as he also encountered the barrier.
"What's wrong? Are you entrapped?" Brianna asked as he shook his head.
" No, but it feels like it . I cannot reach you because of some force field, it's like. It's like you're so close to me yet so far because I cannot meet you. It's like torture." Michael sighed as he ran his hand through his hair.
Brianna felt the weight of his words as tears ran down her cheeks as he dried them away."I'm sorry. I just been alone for so long and when I finally thought I was going to meet you, I couldn't." Brianna said as Michael had swore he heard those words before.
"I understand this but trust me when I say this." He slowly placed his forehead against mine. " Nothing, absolutely nothing would prevent me from loving you." Brianna wanted to smile but thoughts lingered in the back of her head from preventing this to be true.
" Would you still love me if I were your enemy?" Brianna questioned as she looked at Michael hoping she would say the right thing, yet if he were her enemy what would she do.
" Yes, I could care less whether you are human, mortal, wolf, witch, or vampire." Michael spoke as he realized it didn't matter what she was, but as long as they were together, they were happy.
" Really, and you question that without a doubt." Brianna insisted as she caressed his cheek.
He immediately kissed her hand, " Yes, because you're my beloved, and I am yours. No matter what, I love you."
Brianna's smile grew from ear to ear as she affirmed, " Then I am all yours. And you are all mine."
" Careful, you are stepping into dangerous territory young lady." Michael teased as Brianna shook her head.
" And what do you plan to do about it,sir?" Brianna incited as she swayed her hips . "We're in a dream after all."
"Exactly. No one can see us nor hear us." Michael said cockily as he attempted to place a kiss on Brianna's mouth as she moved at the last second placing it on her cheek.
" You didn't think it was going to be that easy." Brianna mocked as she let go and walked away as Brianna believed this was her victory until Michael grabbed her hand and spun her around as his lips met with hers. She accepted his shocking peck as her lips easily adjusted to his movement as he brought her body closer to his. Although this was just a dream to both of them this felt as real as anything. They held on tight, never wanting to let go as Michael slowly placed a trail of kisses across her jaw down to the nape of her neck where he placed a single kiss.
But they both heard voices that were forcing them apart.
" Wake up."
" Don't go." Michael pleaded as he reached out for her but she was already gone.
Brianna popped her eyes open as she felt the sun pierce her skin. She squinted her eyes as she attempted to spot the culprit. As she spotted the redhead with emerald eyes that sparkled from revenge, friendship, and payback.
" Adelaide." Brianna hissed as she looked at her.
" Good Morning, your highness!" Adelaide teased as she jumped on the bed as she flaunted a grin from ear to ear.
" You know not to disturb me on the weekends, especially in the mornings." Brianna complied as she moved the sheets over her head.
" Oh no you know it's past 10." Adelaide informed as she removed the sheet as Brianna looked at her like a wolf.
" I hate you." Brianna warned.
" Um, I don't think so. You know you love me. I am your best friend." Adelaide played around as she wiggled her eyebrows around.
Brianna ran her hands through her hair as she crossed her arms as she was remembering the sweet dream and was interrupted by her friend, temporary enemy for the moment.
" But what about that dream you were having? I bet it was something lewd with your mate." Adelaide hit a nerve as Bri's cheeks darkened as she stood up in the bed as she began hitting her with the pillow. Damn, Adelaide was so infuriating at times with her comments, but worst of all she was right. Although it was lewd as she says it was definitely something intimate which only between lovers should be seen.
" Ha-ha." Brianna mocked as Adelaide recovered from the shock as she grabbed a pillow and began attacking.
" Do not threaten me with a good time!" Adelaide announced as she hit her back as the girls went on until the pillows erupted into feathers, as they scattered around the room as they collapsed laughing on the bed.
" Woah, that was great." Adelaide huffed as she quickly recovered as she looked at Brianna as she stayed in silence as she perked her head up with her arm. " You're in love."
" Maybe." Brianna mused as she looked at the ceiling.
" Oh you love him." Adelaide repeated as she twirled Brianna's hair.
" I would say yes, but I haven't met him yet." Brianna doubted as she wondered the outline of his face, his body, his lips. The lips figuratively had touched hers. Those lips. Those lips. Damn those lips. She wanted to feel them in reality. " However, let's talk about you my friend. Where or whom is your love?"
Adelaide waved her hand in dismay, " Oh you know Bri. My mark hasn't appeared and I don't think it will anytime soon. I just dream."
" And you dream of what exactly?" Brianna inquired as Adelaide was her best friend since childhood. They knew almost everything about each other. Adelaide was the first child who didn't hesitate to be friends with Brianna or cared that she was a half breed.
" To be happy, regardless of man or woman." Adelaide stated as she looked for her friend for a reaction.
Brianna smiled, "As it should be. It doesn't matter just as long as they make you happy and they will make you happy."
" Oh, I love you Bri!" Adelaide fawned as she hugged her.
" Oh, Adelaide. I love you as well. One of my best friends. You're basically my sister."
" Hey, do you remember the day we met?"
" You meant the day you confused and dragged me to play with you?"
" That is not how I remember it. You were reading a book, and I told you to come and play with me."
"No,No." Brianna giggled. " While I was reading, you popped out of nowhere . You didn't even know I was the princess, and told me to come with me human and let's play. As you dragged me through the garden as we dirty our dresses." Brianna clarified as Adelaide nodded.
" Well what is the difference with what I said?" Adelaide alleged as they laughed it off.
" Oh help me get ready then." Brianna stated as they went to clean up.
Meanwhile in the enemy territory Michael had woken up, sitting at his desk after his encounter with his beloved. It was quite the dream, he remembered the feeling of her soft lips as he embraced her. Although he could exactly see her he was all jittery. He smiled to himself knowing that soon they would be together but what disturbed him was that she stated she wasn't entrapped.
" She had specifically told him she was free, living a life of leisure or luxury. Which would make sense if she was a human imprisoned by a bunch of vampires. Could she be lying? No, I didn't sense an ounce of deception when she spoke. She seemed quite happy and carefree. At least she was okay, not being tortured or used as a blood bag for vampires." Michael thought as the words echoed in his head.
" Would you still love me if I were your enemy?"
The words ringed in his head like a siren. Would he care if she were the enemy, if she had never done anything to him or his family. She never would, she was his beloved. Family is most sacred. But a soulmate is just as sacred, the one person who you divulge your soul to.
" Would I love her if she were a vam- ." Michael's thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door.
" Come in." Michael directed as the door opened to reveal a beautiful ebony hair, a mini me of his mother with the difference of their hair color, his younger sister. " Lenore."
" Brother!" Lenore exclaimed as she hugged him from behind. " How is the big alpha doing?"
Michael chuckled. The young bouncy spirit of his sister was contagious. Raised with less expectations than him she carried a carefree attitude. " The duties of an alpha, Lenore. And I bet you are with Aurora doing whatever you females do. Either it be fighting or gossiping."
Lenore tsked at the comment as she slapped his arm, " Hey, you should be grateful to me brother. At least, I am keeping her away from you. Do you know how obsessive and annoying she can be? Like she could not be more dense, selfish, and all she cares about is being Queen of the wolves. Thank goodness brother you are not delusional."
Michael shook his head. He knew Aurora since she was a child., " She sees me in a way that I don't see her. "
" I know, but I heard a little birdie told me that you finally sensed your mate!" Lenore squealed as her sea green eyes sparkled as she jumped up and down.
" You seem excited to have a sister- in - law." Michael noted.
" Of course, I would love to have someone to talk to about my personal issues, besides mother, father, or you." Lenore entailed as she sat on the desk, " Besides, I know how long you waited for your beloved. I just wish you to be truly happy."
" Thank you, Lenore. But what about you? " Michael wondered about his sister's love life.
"Well, you know my mark hasn't appeared yet so he might not be born yet. ..." As she trailed off as her eyes become glassy.
" What's wrong, Lenore?"
" It's just, you know many people are born with marks or some develop it throughout their life. However, there are some who don't and I wonder if I am one of those who are cursed to never be marked and have my love." Lenore confessed as Michael's eyes widened.
" What, how could you possibly believe that, Lenore?" Michael dismissed the idea as he found it absurd.
" Brother, I'm almost a hundred years old. It's not implausible. It has happened before. "
"No, do not even think about Lenore. Your mate is somewhere out there, whether he has been born or not. But you my sister are not meant to be alone. You have a heart of gold, and a smile worth more than a thousand stars. The universe can mess with all but you, do not give up." Michael comforted as Lenore hugged him.
Lenore departed from the hug, " You're right brother. Only time can prove it. Besides, we need to celebrate since you will be married soon."
Michael grinned ear to ear, " I need to meet her first, court her, and marry her afterwards."
" And she'll say yes!" Lenore affirmed as they laughed as another knock was heard.
" Come in!" Michael added as a familiar bronze hair and coffee eyes peaked in.
" Eli!" Lenore said welcomely as she went up to hug him
" Well, hello little princess." Eli mocked as he knew she hated the nickname as she stomped on his foot as she growled.
" I hate you sometimes. " Lenore leered as she held a small smile. As she put a hand on his shoulder signifying their friendship. Michael smirked as he saw this duo. It was like seeing himself and his sister fighting all over again.
" So why are you here, Eli?" Michael cut to the chase as Eli placed a hand on his chest as he spoke.
" Can a friend not visit their best friend?" He jokingly asked as he put on an act of being hurt and offended.
" I see you every day, I'm kinda tired of seeing your face, and I'm pretty sure you feel the same way about me." Michael informed sassily as he leaned on his desk as he crossed his arms.
" I am deeply hurt about that." Eli smiled as Lenore chuckled at their little drama as he regained his composure as he spoke again, " Well, I'm actually here for a reason."
" Yeah, we heard you. Could you speak any slower?" Lenore spoke up.
" Okay, okay. Goodness, I know why you too are related now." Eli began. " I was here to advise you that the First is coming." Eli announced as both Michael and Lenore's eyes widened as Michael stood straight.
" Why didn't you start with that?" Lenore retorted as she looked at her brother.
" Why? What does she want?" Michael asked, looking at his beta.
" She is coming here to talk about the peace treaty. She wants to make sure everything is running smoothly and that it will be eventually signed." Eli explained holding back.
" Makes sense since she is the adversary on both sides." Lenore affirmed.
" Yes, but she also wants to speak to you… in private.. Michael." Eli added as the room became painfully silent. He looked at both their highness as he felt like he wanted to disappear into the air like wind and dust.
" And this is why I wish I could quit my job." Eli thought as he held his hands behind his back.
" What does she want to speak about?" Michael stressed as creases formed in his head.
" That I do not know, not even their Majesties know either." Eli answered.
Michael sighed as he ran his fingers through his hair as he thought of the million possibilities of what she would want to say. " When is she arriving?"
" The day after tomorrow. First she will be discussing the Princess Brianna of Vampires as well as the Royals of the Vampires." Eli informed Michael heart skipped a beat at the mention of her name. He didn't know why he would have such a reaction, but he put his thoughts aside as he focused on a certain topic.
" The First wants to speak with the Prince of Wolves and Princess of Vampires. This must be a special occasion." Lenore noted as she tapped her chin.
"Indeed, whatever she needs to speak with the Princess I am unsure if it relates to you." Eli clarified as Michael stood lost in thought. " As well as their discussion of a ball that the Vampires are planning inviting the entire wolf clan as well as the vampire clan."
" Wow, so this peace treaty is serious." Lenore doubted as she crossed her arms as Eli dismissed the idea of peace.
" I'm not so sure of that." Michael muttered as Eli and Lenore pondered what he said. Michael knew the plan of his father and mother. More endless war. Conflict. Blood. Women and Children suffering. The cycle repeats itself as it always has.
" Still, I would like to go. I heard that Princess Brianna of Vampires is like gorgeous. No humans, vampires, nor werewolves can compete with her beauty." Lenore commented as she smiled at the thought while Eli tsk at the thought. " What do you disagree with without seeing her?"
Thump, thump
Once again Michael's heart flipped with joy as the name of the vampire girl he had never met. Who supposedly his sworn enemy made his heart feel this way. He clutched his shirt as he attempted to steady his beating heart.
" Yes, they are just mindless rumors. How beautiful is a vampire sucking the blood out of someone?" Eli opposed it.
" Nevertheless, she is still a female. Even though she is a vampire, vampires are known to be supernaturally beautiful. And since she is half-breed, she must attract some wolves. Besides, I hear she has many suitors, but they say she rejects them because she is waiting for her beloved." Lenore told of the latest gossip.
" Her beloved, huh?" Michael thought as his sister's comment moved something within him. Maybe he could get along with the Princess of Vampires.
" Well, this wolf will never hold sights for her. Besides, where do you have such time to feed these gossips, and who are the sources?" Eli questioned everything that came out of Lenore's mouth.
" Well, I know people who know people."
" Are you frenizing with the enemy, Lenore?" Eli beliwerdly said as his eyes widened as their discussion began while Michael seemed lost in his mind.
Michael knew of the first, almost everyone from the mystical world did. Although vampires and wolves were mortal enemies, the First was the intermediate who has helped keep some peace on both sides for some years now. She appeared announcing herself as one of the last witches left after the purge hundreds of years earlier. Michael wondered what she could possibly want to discuss with him. Although he did not fear her, he could not underestimate her.
As Brianna roamed the hallways of her childhood home, she admired the beauty of it. It was different than most imagined no coffins, dark walls, or moats. It was the exact opposite, the rooms were decorated with gold and red as the colors that signified their power and territory. The floors were white marble with rooms of white pillars supporting the ceiling with the unique crown molding. Diamond Chandeliers were placed accordingly such as in the grand hall or dining hall.The entrance of the house had a beautiful grand staircase that split into two allowing two parties to walk. The walls were white clear, clean without a scratch or dent in them.Known for their exquisite jewels they were decorated throughout. Some of these ideas were implemented by human inspiration of houses created by them. As she walked down a pathway that led outside there was a perfectly arranged and organized garden with an assortment of flowers including her favorite ones cherry blossoms. She looked out as she leaned on a pillar as she closed her eyes reminscinding of the dream she had the night prior. How close that was to a real encounter of her beloved. She missed him already. How soon she wondered will it be before they meet?
" Brianna! Brianna!" A familiar voice called out as Brianna batted her lashes open as she spotted Adelaide running down the pathway with urgency as her hair became disarray.
" Adelaide?" Brianna said with uncertainty as she flashed over to her. " What is wrong? Why are you screaming and yelling?"
" I'm sorry, but this was last minute. The First has come to speak with you." Adelaide said without taking a breath as Brianna's eyebrows raised. The First? Brianna never heard of the First wanting to speak with her. There were a multitude of times where they had met but nothing beyond the spectrum of courtesy and formalities. Why was she here now? What did she want?
" What? Adelaide, where is she?" Brianna besieged as she clutched onto Adelaide's arms.
" She's in your room." Adelaide sighed as Brianna left her as she ran off. She flashed as possible without wanting to tire herself for no reason. As she finally made her way to her room she stopped at the door as she breathed in and out to collect any seed of doubt or nervousness. She was the Princess of Vampires,the next in line to the throne, although a half breed. She would one day be queen. Brianna amped herself as she opened the door to see a cloaked hood person standing by the windows as she stared out.
Brianna was uncertain what to say in this situation. Would she initiate or would she let the First speak? As if reading her thoughts the First turned around and spoke.
"Hello, Brianna."
Brianna set her eyes upon her as she examined her. She was younger than she had recalled. She knew the First was over a thousand years old, yet her appearance contradicted it. The First carried silver messy hair with purple violet eyes that differentiated her from anyone else. Her skin was darker than hers somewhere between tanned and caramel. She stood about a foot shorter as her clothes were casual. Brianna felt speechless as she remembered her manners as she bowed at the presence of the First and replied.
" It is an honor to be in your presence the First."
The woman gave a tight lipped smile as she continued, " How you have grown Princess. Quite beautiful. Your parents must be very proud as a female child is rare for vampires to have."
Brianna stood in silence as she already knew the rarity of her being. The contradiction of vampires. She was one of them, but not at all.
" Especially a half breed. You are quite the recherche being. All the power you hold, yet you are looked down upon by most vampires because you aren't fully one of them. Albeit, since you're the king's daughter everyone has to bow and accept your authority. I respect that as a woman, you will be the first female regent in vampire history. The first hybrid queen." The first repeated all what Brianna had known to be true in her life. She was a half-breed, rejected by most however no one dared defy her because of her father and mother. Adding to the fact her being part vampire and part witch did not help.
As she was about to speak, the First continued, " I feel close to you in a sense."
Brianna stood emotionless, and poise but underneath she wondered why the first would feel close to her. She was a princess, and the First was the First a person respected became who they were. Both powerful in their own ways, but she was nothing like the First. The first had an agenda.
" You see I am a witch, and you are a part witch. The last of them so you see in a sense we are the same. You and I, we are different from the system we were built in, wanting to create and live in everlasting peace without need to resort to war or bloodshed. Which is why we are so powerful to rule." The first looked at Brianna as Brianna cocked her brow as she swallowed, " Well I mean figuratively, but you my dear are so special."
Brianna wanted to roll her eyes as she respected the First, but found her a mad hatter. She didn't believe or trust anyone who admired or exalted her because she knew their intentions were something else. She believed the First was one of those people. Someone to keep an eye out for. But she had a part to play so she would play it well.
Brianna interrupted the First as she spoke, " I am sorry the First however I do wonder what you wanted to speak to me about."
" Oh yes, well I was getting to that. You already know about the peace treaty, however both sides plan to attack one another, yes?" The first asked as Brianna nodded. " Well that is where you come in. I need you to make this work. I need you to oversee and make sure both sides do not make war. You will align both sides."
Brianna fluttered her eyelashes to absorb what she fully said. She wanted her to align both sides, sure Brianna had no interest in war. She didn't even despite wolves, but being the Princess of Vampires the wolves wouldn't make it easy.
" I know it will not be easy, but you are capable of this. The Prince and you." The First mentioned as Brianna wondered at the Prince.
" Is she talking about Prince Michael of the Wolves?' Brianna thought as the mention of his name made her feel in a different way.
" It will help you especially when looking for an opportunity for your mate." The first made known of Brianna's problem at hand as she looked at her with piercing eyes as she continued, " Yes, yes I know about the barrier problem but I believe that can be fixed if you work with the Prince especially knowing your mate is your enemy."
Brianna felt her stomach twist. She knew the First was knowledgeable, intellectual, and powerful but how did she know? She confirmed her worst suspicion as she had pushed that aspect of the problem to the farest depths of her mind.
"Oh don't worry, I could care less about species differences but I think it would be swell if you were to marry a wolf. The marriage would be the significance of ending conflict for both sides. But what do I know? I am an old hag. I have to leave to prepare for my trip to the land of the wolves, but I certainly do hope you understand my goal." The first inclined as she disappeared into thin air as Brianna let out a breath she didn't know she was holding.
" Damn it, that old ….." Brianna trailed off as she held herself up as she placed her hands on her desk. " Can I really be with him? He is a wolf. Would others make it impossible? How would her mother and father act? She would be betraying them but she would be betraying herself if she rejected him. What was the right choice?