Seven
Thalia
All the way to the training center Lucian's advice played over and over in my mind. Even he thought this was a good idea. What was I going to do? Dario gave me two days and I think for the first time in my life, I am going to think really long and hard about this. I need to be sure that I will be ok if the worst thing possible happens and Dario meets some princess or aristocrat and falls in love with her and kicks me to the curb. I need to have a backup plan not that I will go into this "relationship" with the idea to run but a girl needs to be prepared. I will not end up like my mother lost to the world and herself over a guy.
" You seem to be thinking very hard over there, I swear I think I just saw smoke come out of your ears."
" Well you did drop a pretty big bombshell on me, You're asking the girl that has more than enough reasons to stay far away from relationships to go into a very serious one at that with an infamous rumored playboy."
" Infamously rumored playboy, that is new and an all-time low blow from you baby. I know that most of those rumors have been started by females whose hearts I had to break due to the fact that my heart was stolen by the very girl that seems to think the worst of me. I swear it is worse than being friend-zoned."
" I don't think you were ever friend zoned by any girl you liked."
" Really, then what have you been doing the last few years? You know I have had you on my mind since you turned 18. Maybe even before that, but that would have been illegal. And Lucian would have killed me and not to mention what my brothers would have done to me and if my dad found out the things I was thinking back then when you weren't even of legal age. Let's say I really don't like to think about it."
" I think a certain prince charming is lying through his teeth right now. You only started flirting a couple of months ago."
" So she thinks I am charming, and not true you only started noticing me flirting a couple of months ago. But to be fair I was away quite often before that. Longest two years of my life."
" I didn't say you were charming, more like the prince of trouble, or danger that will work well too. Though I have to say you do know how to be charming."
"Dangerous, and trouble because I can do what no one else seems to be able to do and turn the infamous Ice princess into a fiery temptress."
I swear I wanted to smack that cocky grin off his face. Getting out of the car I had to practically run after him into the training center, it was empty thank goodness because my next words came out a lot louder than I wanted it to.
" Fiery Temptress really and who the hell am I tempting?"
Dario did seem to realize that I was low-key ticked off either that or he didn't care because instead of answering me he stopped dead in his tracks which was bad as my momentum carried me forward and propelled me right into him. The next thing I knew his arms were around me. Wrapping around my waist like iron bands pulling me closer to him.
" Me, you're tempting me and the thing is you don't even have to try goodness knows the powers that be should help me the day you decide to really try and tempt me. You don't have any idea how hard you make it for me at times. Like now I should be planning training drills and working out but all I want to do is find someplace private and kiss you senseless. That is how bad of a hold you have on me, Baby."
"Huhm…."
"Didn't expect me to be that honest huh?"
He was right. I didn't expect that, what the hell? Did my world turn upside down overnight? Dario teases and flirts but never really bares his true feelings like this. What the hell am I supposed to do and I wish he would stop putting images in my head? My imagination can do just fine without his input.
Bending his head and kissing me, it was a quick hard kiss, stealing my breath, words, and apparently, my mind as well because when he lifted his head and let go of me I felt saddened by the fact that it was over so soon.
" Go and workout over there on the other side of the training center. Having you this close is not helping me focus and I really need to focus on work today. But let me make this clear you are not allowed to leave without me Thalia, I don't like to boss you around but your safety comes first if anything happens tell me right away ok."
Blinking a few times it took me a few seconds to come back to reality.
"Yeah, sure, ok. I will be over there if you need me."
Stopping me for a sec he bends his head until his lips are right next to my ear.
" Babe, just a friendly piece of advice in the future: don't use the words need me so close after I kiss you and especially if I can still tell that your lips are a bit swollen from kissing."
Feeling my cheeks burn with embarrassment at what he said I could only shake my head and practically sprint to the other side of the training room, his laughter following me all the way.
Luckily for me I always keep a spare set of workout clothes at the training center so after I changed into way more comfortable clothes and shoes, I went to the other side of the training center like I promised and started my daily workout first with a run on the treadmill the martial arts training and finally weapons training I was still busy with archery practice when I heard a car pull into the training centers parking area as soon as the door opened the scent of orange blossoms drifted into the open space signaling Danica's arrival.
Turning to see who she came to see as it was not her workout day she waved at me and went straight to Dario. Turning my focus again to archery I was interrupted by Griffin.
"Hi little red you're looking better this morning or at least I am assuming you are looking better. How are you feeling?"
"Hey, Griff. I am feeling good so far though I don't really know how long that would last though. But enough about me, how are you doing? Have you plucked up the courage to go to the King and ask if you can marry Danica yet? You know he will probably say yes right. It is pretty obvious that you two are crazy about each other."
"That obvious huh? No, not yet, we are kinda busy at the moment and to top everything off a big old wrench got thrown into the mix."
" Why what happened?"
" Sorry little red but I am afraid I don't know much. Danica just called me and said we need to get here asap because she has to talk to Dario about something that might concern you or something like that. You know I like to stay away from politics if I can. I fight and protect, that is where I am comfortable."
"Yeah, so until they tell us what's going on, wanna practice with me?"
"Sure, the best out of three shots, the loser has to buy lunch. I am craving pizza. The ones that they sell at the cafe Rose and Skye work at."
"Deep dish?"
"You know me so well"
"You're on. Get ready to lose"
We took aim and we tie on our second last shot just then Dario and Danica came over, Griffin took his last shot and it was dead center. As I took aim Dario came and stood right behind me with a very mischievous look on his face.
"So what was the prize for winning this time?"
"Loser buys pizza, deep dish," Griffin said with an equally mischievous grin.
"Aa, I see. So let's make this interesting shall we, How good is your concentration, Thalia?"
"Pretty good."
"I know you're pretty good at archery but can you hit the target when you are being distracted?"
"What do you mean by distracted?"
Placing his hands on my hips and pulling me back against him he places his hands on mine, his head right next to my ear sending my heart racing. Now I know it's not that much or big of a deal but being so close to him really does funny things to me.
Whispering in my ear "Can you still hit it"
Stealing myself against the butterflies taking flight in my stomach I take aim again and focus on the target. I will not lose to him and I certainly will not lose this bet a girls gotta have some dignity.
Releasing the arrow I hold my breath until with a thud my arrow hits dead center a perfect shot.
"So who is buying?"
Laughing, Griffin just shook his head and Dario just smiled.
"Guess I am buying. That was a pretty good shot, little red. Is there anything you can't do?"
" No, Griffin, she is practically perfect in every way."
"Ok, you got it, bad bro, let's go shower and eat before you two start getting starry-eyed."
"Yeah and besides Danica has some things to discuss."
I loved being away from training and work, hanging out at the cafe like a normal person. Rose and Skye were busy working so we couldn't really chat but I made them promise to come over after work to visit. Seeing Finn and Enzo nearby watching my best friends made me feel a bit more at ease. Knowing that they are safe for now. Plus I don't think my friends minded at all as they had the biggest crush on Finn and Enzo since they awoke to their new lives and saw them for the first time.
Danica
The plans for the anniversary ball were all set and now to be told that some of the Vampire elite wanted to have multiple parties leading up to the big one was just not what I wanted to do. We already had so much to do and now this.
I am pretty sure Lord Marcus or Serefina had something to do with this. This meant that Thalia really did not have that much time to think about my brother's crazy plan.
" So earlier this evening I was informed that some of the Vampire elite want to have multiple parties leading up to the ball. No need to guess who's idea this was. It would be so easy to discredit Thalia if she should suffer the effects of the 'change' while at one of these parties…"
"Great, one more thing to worry about. I don't get it. I know they hate me but I don't have any contact with them. Why do they insist on making my life miserable?"
"Some people are just like that Thalia, but the fact is, and I do feel horrible for saying this, you really do not have much time to consider the crazy plan. If you do not go for it, we have to come up with a plan to keep you out of the limelight, which will be very hard seeing since you are Dario's guard and have to be around him at all times."
"Right, so no pressure. When do these parties start? I guess pretty soon, you look a little bit stressed."
" The first one starts tomorrow and there is so much to do, the planning, the decor, food, blood, dresses. You will also have to get fitted for a dress if you decide to accept to be my dear brother's consort. All black work clothes will not be allowed, I mean it."
``I am thinking about it, and I will give you all my answers soon, okay just give me a little more time."
All Thalia did was just smile at me shaking her head. I know I sound all bossy. But Thalia is so used to wearing work clothes, she automatically chooses black without even thinking about it and she is far too pretty to just wear black all the time like some emo wannabe.
When our food came we all just sat and ate in comfortable silence, each left to his or her thoughts. After lunch, we went our separate ways. Griffin and I went back to the castle to start planning and Dario and Thalia went to do whatever it is my brother does during the night. Honestly, I have no clue, and I never really asked any of my brothers what they do during the night.
It was the early hours of the morning, the sun will be up in just a few hours so I guess they won't be doing too much. But I had to get as much done as I could so leaving them to do their things, I started planning and delegating the staff preparing for the first of many parties, hoping that Thalia will accept my brother for his sake but also for hers.
Dario
It was a fun day hanging out with my sister, Thalia, and Griffin. It was just normal. It almost made me forget that things were not that easy at the moment. I was just thinking about my conversation with Griffin about him asking my dad for Danica's hand when I was jolted out of my thoughts by Thalia grabbing my arm so tightly it felt like she wanted to break it.
"What's wrong, are you hurting anywhere?"
Taking deep breaths she grimaced clearly in pain.
" It hurts everywhere and the dizziness is back"
" Damn this is happening closer together and faster than I thought it would. Ok let's get you home and you can rest a bit ok."
Driving to the cottage did not take long. As I stopped in front of her little house, my eye caught several Guards watching us. When they saw me helping Thalia out of the car and her grimacing in pain they all seemed to fight the urge to come and help her into the house but they stayed on their post hidden from sight, but able to see everything happening. Clearly, they didn't like seeing Thalia in pain, and that was no surprise. She grew up with them and most saw her as a little sister or in some cases a daughter or niece. They all cared about her and that made me feel a whole lot better knowing that she had more people on her side than she knew about.
After placing her on the couch I went and made her some Jasmyn tea. There really wasn't anything I could do, and I couldn't even hold her because the pain was just too bad, even her skin hurt.
After almost two hours of riddling in pain and crying silent tears the waves of pain and dizziness passed leaving Thalia drained and exhausted.
"How are you feeling honey?"
"Tired and thirsty."
"Ok, you just rest and I'll get you some blood and some water. Do you have any blood?"
"Yes, in the small fridge."
Nodding, I went and got her some blood which I threw into a travel cup with a lid that wasn't see-through as this was the only way she could drink it. After she drank it she looked a bit better and the color slowly returned to her face.
" Thank you, for staying"
"You didn't really think I would have left you here on your own did you?"
"No, but still thank you. It seems I am seeing a whole other side of you. I kind of like this version of Dario."
All I could do was just smile at her. Thinking to myself that she hasn't seen anything yet.
Just then a knock sounded on the door from the softness of the knock and the scent of apple blossoms and lilac I knew who it was before even opening the door.
The slight shock on their faces was priceless. Clearly, they were not expecting me to open the door.
"Huhm, Prince Dario what a surprise I mean my apologies your highness we didn't mean to intrude it's just Thalia said we should come over."
I have to say I found it cute that they talk over each other but still made complete sense, add Thalia to the mix it's like the three of them have this special superpower that only occurs when they are together.
" No need to apologize and please when it is just us, call me Dario we're friends after all. Finn, Enzo thank you again for looking after Skye and Rose. Would you mind staying for a bit longer? I could ask some of the other guards to relieve you so you guys can get some rest."
"Thank you, your Grace but we are fine, we will stay and make sure that they get home safe. Then we will rest at their apartments as they have a spare room if you approve that is."
Ok, something tells me there is something happening or starting to happen between these guys but hey they will get no judgment from me Skye and Rose are great girls even if they were human and as long as Finn and Enzo treat them well and are respectful they have my support.
"Ok good, please come in ladies, Thalia is on the couch she is a bit out of it having just had a rough two hours. But I am sure having you guys here will brighten up her day."
Bowing and thanking me, they walked past me and walked through the small entrance area to the sitting room.
Thalia
Seeing my two best friends made me feel so much better. I really love spending time with them but lately, that has become so much harder to do. Smiling at them as they walked in I greeted them with an awkward hug from my seated position on the couch.
"Hey girl, we leave you alone for one hour and find you as pale as a ghost."
"Skye, it is not like she chose this. How are you feeling Thalia? We can have a movie night?"
"Yeah, we finally got that cute vampire guy that handles all the tech in Nosferatu to hook us up with streaming sites so we can see what people are watching back in the real world."
Smiling at the looks on Finn and Enzo's faces when they heard Skye calling Nickoli cute was so funny to me. I think my dear besties are in for a hell of a time. They seem to have already been claimed by Finn and Enzo. Dario also seems slightly puzzled by their comment 'real world'. Even though they have lived in Nosferatu for a few years they still refer to the human realm as the real world
"That sounds great, I will get the snacks."
"No you will not missy, you will however get your cute but upstairs and take a shower and get into some comfy clothes. We got this tonight you just relax, you are going through a lot and need a bit of TLC."
" Ok, as you wish mam." Laughing at Rose trying to be all bossy I notice Dario staring at the three of us with a smile on his face.
"It seems you are in good hands. So I will leave you, girls, to it. Finn and Enzo will be staying until Skye and Rose leave, if anything happens, call me."
"Ok"
" I mean it, Thalia, don't try to be brave, and try and handle this on your own."
" I promise I will call if anything should happen, I give you my word your… I mean Dario."
"Well, will you look at that, seems like my little Dhamper can learn after all? Goodnight girls, Finn, Enzo."
"Goodnight your Highness" Finn and Enzo say bowing low to Dario
" Goodnight," Skye and Rose say bowing
Giving me one last glance, he leaves. After that Finn and Enzo take their leave to give us some personal space, saying they will be on guard at the front door and to call if we need anything.
After taking a shower and getting into my fluffy green PJ'S with the little white bunnies on, I head back downstairs to the living room, the smell of buttery popcorn and ice cream welcoming me back.
" Well don't you look adorable, I wonder what prince D will think when he sees you right now."
" Fall even more in love with her."
" Guys, come on, no teasing I already have too much of Dario on my mind."
Too late, I realize what I said and how they can interpret it.
"What do you mean do tell us the details."
" It's not what you are thinking, well not entirely. You probably know about the 'change' right?"
"Yes, Logan explained it to us last night. He also said this makes you very vulnerable at the moment and that it could even make you defenseless."
"Yeah, well Vlad knows, and by this time so will my dad and Serefina."
"That is not good, not good at all."
" What are you going to do? Are you going to have guards watch you 24/7?"
"No, Rosy but Leo did come up with a plan and it is not a bad plan. I just don't know if I can do it. That is all."
" Let me guess this plan involves you and prince, tall dark, and handsome."
" Yeah, basically the plan is for me to become Dario's consort."
"CONSORT!!!" They both shout at the same time. Practically bouncing in their seats.
" Thalia, that is a great plan. He is absolutely crazy about you and treats you like a princess, and trust us, we speak from experience. Guys like Dario are one in a million."
"I know all that, it's just, I am scared. What if, later on, he meets some other girl and his feelings change, and he abandons me."
" Aaa, sweety, no he will never do that. I know your view of relationships isn't that great but look at Lucian and Willow, Logan and Francesca, Leo and Dominique, Danica and Griffin. Take their relationships as examples of what a good loving relationship can be. What your dad did to your mom, that wasn't love it was lust, plain and simple. And no relationship can last if that is the only thing it is built on."
" Rose is right Thalia, you and Dario have so much more than that going for you. You have friendship, trust, and mutual respect for each other, and love. So what you are afraid of won't ever happen. He is just not that type of guy. He doesn't even give other girls a second glance. All he sees is you."
" What will I do without you guys? You always seem to know just what I need, and give me the push I need when I don't have the courage to take the leap myself."
Coming over, they both gave me a hug
"That is what friends are for, and you do the same for us."
Smiling and laughing we spent the rest of the evening watching all their favorites and some new movies neither of us have ever seen. When they finally say goodbye I know what my answer should be and maybe I knew it all along. After locking the door I went upstairs having noticed about a dozen guards outside hiding from plain sight but knowing where to look and what to look for I saw them. Feeling that if something should happen they would be close by. I head off to bed, but before I go to sleep I decide to send Dario a text telling him everything is still ok and that he doesn't have to worry if anything should happen during the night. I will let him know. As I drift off to sleep I can't help to wonder how my decision will change my life from this point on…