After gobbling most of the dishes on the large oak table to her satisfaction, she sighed and leaned back in the chair, massaging her stomach. Her eyes scanned the room, her heart pounding more slowly as she became more conscious of the ways in which her life was changing. Could things get any worse?
The maid Estelle entered the room apprehensively and called out, "Your highness."
Eleanor glanced at the maid who appeared to have realized that she was royalty now. But why should she bother? She was a princess from an exterminated kingdom.
"I am here to get you ready for the ball, your highness," Estelle muttered lowering her head.
Rising to her feet, Eleanor approached the maid silently but soon stopped as she entered the corridor. She gripped her dress tightly and pressed her lips together, trying to make sense of what was happening.
A ball... Maybe there would be a chance to flee? With a hesitant expression, she turned to face Estelle, who stood behind her. "Will you kindly lead the way?"
"Oh my! Please accept my apologies, your highness." Estelle walked forward, bowing her head in respect.
Eleanor trailed behind her, walking slowly, her ocean blue eyes sparkling with peculiarity as they followed every turn of the long, spacious corridor. The building's architecture was sophisticated but utterly bleak. Was this Ares's personal style? He was truly boring.
Upon returning to the chamber, Eleanor was taken aback to discover an abundance of exquisitely crafted silk dresses, the majority of which were draped over the bed and Jennifer's arms.
"Why is Ares here by himself when his family all resides in the castle?" Eleanor questioned, desiring a response. Earlier, when she had asked, that vampire had disregarded it.
"His highness has been living away from his family for three hundred years." Jennifer responded, her eyes widening with eagerness.
"Three hundred years?!" Shock spread across Eleanor's eyes. She was only eighteen years old! Phoenixes had a lifespan comparable to that of a human up until they let loose their immortal flames. "I cannot imagine that."
"It is because he is an illegitimate child of the royal family." Estelle went on.
Eleanor tightly pursed her lips. She did not think it was right to prey on someone else's life in this way. The maids did not appear to be holding back on answering her questions, and it seemed like they knew a great deal. They gave her the creeps.
But why did she feel bad? Ares had brought her here against her will, and... Lifting her hand, she gazed at the black silver ring adorning her finger. It glittered ominously yet beautifully.
"I would rather not waste the entire day looking for a dress." Her eyes darted to the dresses on the bed as she muttered in disapproval. Nevertheless, she gestured to the white gown held by Jennifer. "That one."
With a smile, Jennifer set the other dresses down on the bed and gave the white dress to Estelle, who wore an identical smile. "This will look amazing on you!"
Eleanor strained a grin. Their happiness was apparent, but it was a feeling she had not experienced... From the moment that guard collapsed dead right before her eyes.
.
Surprisingly, the day went by swiftly. One would think it was moving faster because of the incoming ball. The one who thought so the most was the phoenix, who was handled with great care by the vampire maids.
Once the maids were done dolling her up for the ball, Eleanor made her way to the full length mirror and stared at her reflection in awe.
The dress was a perfect white, with veils that hung down to the marble floor on the slim, yet blooming sleeves. It was heavily worked with silver thread, devoid of any stone work. And according to the corset top she was wearing inside, the top tightened her upper body, while her lower body was free-flowing, gracefully to the floor.
It did an excellent job of bringing out her lush pale skin, which glistened in the chamber lights. And all she could do was smile with mild admiration.
Estelle and Jennifer were in wonderment of the princess, beaming and drooling over her breathtaking beauty. They had no doubt that the prince would be astonished.
Abruptly, there was a knock on the door.
Eleanor slowly lifted her dress and glanced at the door. She observed as Estelle opened the door to let her in on a rather dapper-looking gentleman. But, as his red eyes and pallid complexion clearly revealed that he was a vampire, she simply scowled and glanced back at her reflection.
"His Highness requests her presence. It is time to depart." The vampire spoke courteously as he peered into the room. At the sight of the ethereal phoenix, his jaw hung open, drool dripping from the corners of his lips, and his eyes twinkled insolently.
"Oh." Estelle looked at Eleanor, who was now frowning. "It is time to depart, your highness."
"If he wants me to leave with him, he should be here to accompany me." Eleanor stated sternly, her eyes narrowing at her own reflection.
The guard and the maids were struck, their souls paralyzed by fear.
"B... but! His highness has sent me to escort you!" Dismayed, the vampire explained, wiping his lips with the back of his hand.
"Tell him to come.. himself." Lowering her gaze, Eleanor muttered. "Now."
The guard's mouth dropped open in shock, horror glaring in his eyes. Jennifer, who was on the verge of tears, held Estelle from passing out.
"As you wish, your highness." The guard gave a tense, yet respectful, nod, and turned to leave.
Once the door was closed, Estelle fixed her horrified gaze on Eleanor. "Your Highness, are you doing okay?"
"I am." Eleanor answered instantly, shutting her eyes.
Naturally, the maids sensed something was not quite right. But rather than being concerned because they had grown attached to the phoenix, they were afraid for their lives. If the prince returned to find her in pain, he would have their heads.
Jennifer promptly grabbed a glass of water from the table neighboring the fireplace. "Your Highness, are you in need of water?"
Estelle hauled to the opposite side of the room. On the table, there was a tray containing freshly baked cookies that she had brought a short while ago. "Perhaps you are hungry, your highness?"
Their demands were starting to irritate Eleanor. They knew absolutely nothing! Even so, she kept her eyes closed and tightened her grip on her dress until her knuckles resembled a paler version of snow.
Concerned that they were not receiving responses, the maids fixed their gazes on one another. What if, on the inside, the princess was actually dying? Their expressions darkened in dread.
"Your..." was called out as they simultaneously glanced at her.
With a bang, the door swung open, revealing a dominantly attractive Ares with a white cloak draped over his shoulders.
"Little Bird," He called in a tranquil tone, his commanding presence resonating throughout the room.
Eleanor's eyes snapped open. Feeling a cold wind of relief sweep over her soul in his presence, she slowly turned to meet his ruby eyes and relinquished the grip on her dress.