A chirping of flying creatures, a sound of splashing falls down by the statue of a woman dressed like a goddess while holding a pot-like object that was designed magnificently as water comes out from it. This image was surrounded by water and became the center of the garden view. Flowers in different types were scattered accordingly. Gardeners took the shape of the branches' leaves and some of the plants full of love and communication, surprisingly.
The whole villa is designed majestically and grand whereas the vibe it gives off was homey and welcoming. Rooms were designed according to their desire and many grand views were displayed. Even though the vampires still have royalty in this modern world, they did not ignore the changes and went with the trend as well. You can even see the view of a waterfall that is attached by the wall and is placed in the main entry of the villa.
Right now, Catina is looking rather tense despite her blank and unreadable expression. Facing her is none other than her cousin, dear sister Empress Jasmine. She watched her sipping her tea elegantly and gently put down her tea cup. The empress looked at her then a chuckle that even a lady could say beautiful escaped from her lips. She placed her hands on her lap then spoke to her.
"I dare not to bite anyone. So please, be as comfortable as you want."
Although she was talking to her, it was not only meant for her because Catina's bodyguards (eye of the guardians) were sitting on each side making her the center between them. Sheryl was sweating bullets while figuring out what to do to make herself appeal elegant in front of her majesty. On the other hand, Head Benjamin ignores the empress' words while looking around the garden view beneath them while they enjoy their snacks in this spacious balcony on one of the guest's rooms.
Catina took the initiative to ease the atmosphere by taking her first sip of her tea. As soon as she tasted the tea, her eyes lit up by the fragrance and taste as it slowly went down her throat. The two followed and they also had the same reactions as hers but theirs were way more expressive. Empress Jasmine couldn't help but feel glad seeing their reactions as a genuine smile slowly formed on her lips.
The mansion of the hunters, to the office of their director, where everything was peace and quiet. A burst of a door in the director's office broke its silence revealing his son together with his co-processions' Ashley and Hazel. The director continued his work in spite of the noise he just heard and a stomp of feet became closer by each step it forges then only Dir. Melvis stopped when two pairs of hands slammed the table and said in unison.
"Please allow us to guard Catina!"
Dir. Melvis stared at Jasper and Ashley with their eyes full of determination which he understands. Being in the vampire's den isn't safe for her or anyone, especially when they haven't fully trusted each other yet. He then turned away from their gaze and corrected them.
"You mean, Hans."
"And didn't I already tell you that I forbid you from being Hans' escort."- he added.
"But that wasn't our agreement!"- Jasper
"Why are we—the people who really knew about him—can't go with him? Isn't it much better for us to go so that we could protect him than them?"- Ashley
"No, they can protect him enough."- Dir. Melvis
The two were in disbelief as they stared at each other not knowing what to say. Hazel stared at the two with worriedness that they might get punished if they pursue their wishes. Unfortunately, after Emma heard the news she cried her eyes out since she knew she wouldn't be able to do anything because of her suspension.
"I can defend him more."- Jasper
"No, he's already too dependent on you."- Dir. Melvis
"What about me?"- Ashley
"Same goes for you."- Dir. Melvis
"Then what about Emma?"- Jasper and Ashley
"Under prohibition."
"Then Hazel?"
The two pointed at her which made the whole circumstances even more bizarre because she knew that Dir. Melvis is a type of man who is firm with his decision. She avoided his gaze while whistling the moment their eyes met whereas the pressure increases. The director sighed while continuing his work and said.
"He'll become dependent on her just like how he is to you two."
"What? What's wrong with being dependent?"- Jasper
"Don't tell me—"
Jasper was about to say something but got interrupted when someone knocked the door and welcomed themselves. Head Kelly waved cheerfully and followed by a man in physique figure, long shimmering dark green hair, and a flamboyant aura surrounding him. They both went closer whereas the trio paved a way for them.
"Heya! We've got a visitor."- Head Kelly
"Oh? And who you might be?"- Dir. Melvis
"Count Wanes. Dr. Frederick Wanes. Where am I from? Is something you already know."
The Count's light-purple eyes slowly turned red as he smiled at him with modesty and offered his hand to him. Dir. Melvis accepted his hand and showed his sadistic aura by letting his eyes meet his then began to change its color, he then replied courteously.
"It is a pleasure to meet someone as refined as you, Count Wanes."
"Dr. Wanes."
Count Wanes corrected him due to the fact that he wanted everyone who met him except for the royals to call him Dr. Wanes, instead. Both of them smiled but that didn't hide the fact that the aura between them is challenging one another to which has the stronger ambiance between them. The three were as stiff as a tree because of those two but it ended when Head Kelly intervened with the two.
"Okay, you two. Enough."
"Yes, Madam Chan! ~"
The four of them were surprised by how he changed from 90 to 360 the moment Head Kelly spoke. He's like a huge dog wagging his tail while looking at the little Head with admiration and respect. Head Kelly immediately filled them with information about the collaboration between them that was insisted by the Grand Duke. She excused herself and Dir. Melvis didn't hold them back since it's a good opportunity to get rid— show him around the place.
As soon as they left the room, the director sighed heavily upon thinking another annoying pest is making his guts harden in irritation.
The empress stared at them while enjoying the snack given to them. Catina remained silent and watched his subordinates gobble the food. Empress Jasmine seems to notice her not eating anything yet has been quiet the whole time. So, she converses.
"Are the snacks not to your liking, Hans?"
"N-no, Your Highness. I'm just not into sweets."
"Really? Then next time, I'll have my pastrier reduce the sweetness."
'Next time. So, there is next time, huh?' Catina thought.
"You reminded me of someone."- Empress Jasmine added.
"Your Highness?"- Hans
"You reminded me of someone dear to me who isn't a fan of sweets, too."
Head Benjamin and Sheryl halted then looked at her while analyzing her face which made her uncomfortable. Head Benjamin continued to stare intensely at her then something struck him.
"Now that I think about it… You reminded me of someone, too."
"Someone?"- Catina
"Yeah! Although, I don't know that person. I can't even see her face."
"Then how did he reminded you of someone?"- Sheryl
"I don't know. Maybe his aura? Just a feeling."
After hearing his words, Sheryl looked at Catina again and this time she tried to contemplate something. But then, she turned away and said,
"Yep! You reminded me of no one."
"Then what's the point of staring at him?"- Head Benjamin
"Just a feeling."- Sheryl
Empress Jasmine chuckled at the way they talked to each other and then Catina watched the empress being entertained by the two with their bickering towards each other. She couldn't help but think how come she is an empress. Like, wasn't she kidnapped or something? All she knows is that something is not right. Although, one for sure is that the word 'Empress' wasn't for a show in spite of living in a villa.
Their villa is definitely equivalent to a castle and their territory is much larger than the hunters and lycans which makes them superior above anyone else. But she bet that there is more to it than the land and territory itself. Her mind wandered around however, a knock on the door made her return to reality. When the figures revealed themselves, Catina immediately knew who they were.
The three princes approached their mother and guests then greeted them with courtesy. After greeting them, their eyes were in glee upon seeing her. They approached her while ignoring the other two guests and smiled widely at her.
"Hans, you're here!" Prince Alexander
"When did you get here?" Prince Nikolai
"Did you enjoy the snacks, Sir Baron? I hope it's to your liking."
"Your Highnesses."
Catina felt their sincere welcome toward her and they all smiled at her with glee. The breeze dances in the rhythm of their joyful occasion. A small cherry petal swayed along with the other petals falling down the trees and swaying along with the wind. That small petal carefully sways on top of Catina's tea reflecting an image of her brother. However, as soon as it landed, the tea created a few small waves whereas the reflection began to disrupt then changes into a rose-gold ombre headed woman's image.
...