As we settled into our seats at the dining table, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. The aroma of the food was inviting, and the tension from earlier seemed to have dissipated. Ciara and I began to eat, and for a moment, everything felt normal. That was until the door swung open, revealing Ciara's mothers.
First to enter was Thalia, a striking figure with a regal presence. Her white and red hair cascaded down her back, and her red eyes gleamed with intelligence and power.
The black horns on her head only added to her fierce appearance, marking her as a half-demon. She moved with an elegance that commanded attention, her aura both intimidating and mesmerizing.
Following her was Lucie, who was a stark contrast to Thalia. She had blonde hair and green eyes that sparkled with warmth. Her human features were soft and kind, and there was an undeniable air of grace about her.
Despite their differences, the love between them was palpable, evident in the way they couldn't stop glancing at each other and exchanging affectionate smiles.
As they entered, Ciara groaned, clearly embarrassed. "Can you two please stop? It's embarrassing," she muttered.
Thalia chuckled, her voice a rich, melodic sound. "We can't help it, dear. We're just so in love," she said, taking a seat next to Lucie.
Lucie nodded, her smile widening. "It's true. Now, let's get to know Aeliana better," she said, turning her attention to me. "We hear you and Ciara are a perfect match."
Ciara rolled her eyes. "I don't believe in that stuff," she said dismissively.
Thalia raised an eyebrow, her expression thoughtful. "Well, perhaps it's time for a story," she said, glancing at Lucie, who nodded in agreement. "I'm going to tell you my story."
Ciara sighed heavily. "I already know it," she protested, but Thalia shook her head.
"Aeliana doesn't," Thalia said firmly. She turned to me and began her tale.
"I became queen on my twenty-fifth birthday," Thalia started, her eyes distant as she recalled her past. "Like Ciara, I didn't believe in love. I thought it was foolish and useless. You see, I had once fallen in love with a woman, but she loved someone else. That heartbreak made me cold and distant, and for fifty years, I ruled alone."
Thalia's voice softened as she continued. "Leora, in her wisdom, decided to put me in the perfect match system. At first, I was furious. I didn't want to be paired with anyone. But then Lucie came into my life, and everything changed."
Lucie laughed softly. "Well, not exactly. At first, I disappeared. I had my reasons, and for a while, Thalia thought she was free from me."
Thalia smiled, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "Yes, I felt a strange sense of relief. But then, a few weeks later, they found Lucie and brought her to me. The moment I saw her, I knew."
Lucie blushed slightly, her eyes meeting Thalia's with a tender look. "It was love at first sight for both of us," she said.
Thalia nodded. "Indeed. Despite my initial resistance, I couldn't deny the connection I felt with Lucie. She brought warmth and joy into my life, things I hadn't felt in decades. She made me believe in love again."
Lucie squeezed Thalia's hand. "And Thalia taught me about strength and resilience. She showed me that even the most hardened hearts can be softened with love."
Their story was touching, and I found myself moved by their journey. Despite their differences, they had found each other and built a life together, filled with love and mutual respect.
Thalia looked at Ciara and then at me. "So, you see, even the most unlikely matches can turn into something beautiful," she said. "Don't dismiss the possibility of love just because it seems improbable."
Ciara looked thoughtful, her usual defiance subdued. For a moment, I saw a flicker of something vulnerable in her eyes, but it was quickly masked by her typical bravado.
I cleared my throat, feeling a mix of emotions. "Thank you for sharing your story," I said, genuinely appreciative of their openness.
Thalia smiled warmly. "You're welcome, Aeliana. We just want what's best for both of you. Give it a chance, and you might be surprised."
Lucie nodded in agreement. "Yes, love can come from the most unexpected places."
As we finished our meal, the atmosphere was lighter, the laughter and stories flowing freely. Even Ciara seemed less tense, though she still wore her trademark smirk.
After dinner, I excused myself to take a shower. The steam and warm water helped me relax, washing away the day's stress. I took my time, letting the warmth soothe my muscles and clear my mind.
After drying off, I got dressed and headed back to the bedroom. Strangely, Ciara was nowhere to be seen. It was unusual, but I shrugged it off. Maybe she had something else to do.
I climbed into bed, the comfort of the blankets quickly lulling me into a deep sleep. However, sleep did not come easily. My mind kept drifting back to Ciara, stirring up a mix of emotions that made it impossible to find peace.
I didn't like Ciara. In fact, I hated her. Her presence had a way of unsettling me, and tonight was no different. The memory of her arrogant smirk, her cutting remarks, and the way she seemed to enjoy making others uncomfortable gnawed at me.
As much as I despised her, I couldn't deny her allure. Ciara was undeniably attractive. Her white hair framed her face perfectly, and her eyes, though often cold, could be mesmerizing.
I tossed and turned, the sheets tangling around me as I tried to get comfortable. My thoughts kept circling back to her. Why did she have such a strong effect on me? The anger and resentment I felt were mixed with a begrudging admiration. It was infuriating. I finally drifted into a fitful sleep, only to wake up hours later with a dry throat.
Needing a glass of water, I got up and noticed Ciara still wasn't there. Curiosity and concern mingled in my mind as I left the room and made my way to the castle kitchen. As I approached, I saw a faint glow coming from the balcony.
I stepped closer and spotted Ciara leaning against the railing, a cigarette in her hand. The moonlight cast a soft glow on her, highlighting her sharp features and the smoky aura around her. There was an undeniable air of sexiness about her, and I felt a strange sensation stir within me.
Ciara turned her head slightly, noticing my presence. "What are you looking at?" she asked, her voice low and husky.