'Mother, why have you never mentioned Father? His name is avoided throughout the entire vampire realm. I am almost 16 years old, I have the right to know who my father is!" A beautiful girl spoke angrily. She was dressed in a black gown, wearing a crown with two upright fangs in the center. Unlike typical vampires, her complexion was rosy, her eyes were clear and bright, and her lips were not blood-red. Her slender neck, graceful figure, and the black gown were complemented by white trousers and red boots.
Following her puzzled gaze was a woman with a cold yet alluring demeanor. She wore a crimson robe, her wavy red hair framing her face, and her lips matching the color of blood. The experienced look in her eyes and the dignity she exuded made others feel intimidated. She said, "Aurelia, you're starting to dress recklessly again. It's time to behave more appropriately and prepare to take over for me. As for your father, he… well, it's time to tell you. After your coming-of-age ceremony tonight, come to the secret chamber, and I will reveal this secret to you."
"Don't go back on your word," Aurelia responded calmly after hearing her mother's words. Without further ado, she left the room. After she left, Lamia, the vampire queen, murmured to herself, "Ben, you've been dead for so many years, yet I still can't forget you. I hope our child won't blame me after learning your identity."
In the evening, the castle hall was brightly lit, with the sound of piano music filling the air. People held glasses, tasting red wine, and some had already begun to dance gracefully. Vampire Queen Lamia sat on the throne on one side of the hall, with Aurelia seated to her left, gazing at the dance floor as if searching for someone.
"Aurelia, what are you looking at? Are you looking for my son?" a man wearing gold-rimmed glasses teased kindly.
"Duke Henry, are you joking? I wouldn't deliberately look for Edward if it weren't for him saying he had prepared an unparalleled gift for me. I wouldn't bother to find him," Aurelia said shyly yet unwillingly, admitting the truth.
"Hahaha," Lamia and Duke Henry chuckled as they exchanged glances.
Suddenly, all the lights in the hall went out, and the music stopped abruptly, plunging the hall into darkness. Although vampires had night vision, they were momentarily at a loss, unsure of what was happening.
Aurelia suddenly felt a blowing from above as the ceiling of the hall slowly opened, allowing the moonlight to pour in. With the moonlight came countless red rose petals, drifting down and gradually piling up to form a mountain of flowers as high as a building. Suddenly, the petals scattered, and an elegant gentleman in a tailcoat appeared. He stood tall with golden hair cascading down, melancholic eyes, and a slight smile on his lips. "Princess Aurelia, happy birthday," he said, waving his hands, and all the rose petals gathered around him once again, swirling and slowly forming the outline of a person. Upon closer inspection, it was Aurelia's likeness. This rose Aurelia had her hands on her hips, sticking out her tongue playfully. "Aurelia, this is a gift I've carefully prepared for you. I hope you like it."
"Edward, you're late. I thought you couldn't come up with any good ideas and ran away. But considering your decent gift, I'll forgive you this time," Aurelia said, pretending to be disdainful, but her joy and the sparkle in her eyes betrayed her. She skipped over to the rose Aurelia cautiously and touched it lightly. Suddenly, the petals scattered and wrapped around Aurelia, forming a surprised expression on her face. Across from the rose Aurelia, the real Aurelia princess appeared, mirroring the exact same expression and posture.
"How interesting, it can change shape," Aurelia exclaimed in surprise.
"Yes, but it only changes once a day. As long as you touch her, she will immediately record your appearance at that moment. Aurelia, can we dance now?" Edward asked.
Seeing the excitement in Aurelia's eyes, Edward looked at her affectionately and extended his right hand in invitation. Aurelia shyly averted her gaze but placed her hand in Edward's without hesitation. Soon, the two were dancing in the ballroom. Aurelia suppressed her usual playful and bold demeanor, unable to meet Edward's intense gaze. Their hands clasped together, Aurelia's head slowly leaning against Edward's chest. However, Edward's expression gradually turned complex.
"What a perfect couple. Queen, it seems it's time for our two families to discuss the matter of marriage," Duke Henry said with satisfaction.
"Not in a hurry, Duke Henry. Aurelia is still young, and young people's feelings are ever-changing. Let's wait and see in a couple of years," the queen replied with a smile, but her refusal in her words displeased Duke Henry.
She is unaware that this is their final opportunity.