Self-preservation is the most important thing. Even if I can't win, I should still resist. I, Margie, have never been an easy target. Being toyed with by a group of vampires all day has severely wounded my pride—indulging their cruelty while blunting my sharpness. Why should I be a soft persimmon for them to squeeze?
With a dry, apologetic smile, I said, "Winans, I didn't want to do this to you. I really... I was just afraid you'd bite me!"
Truthfully, I really didn't want to freeze him in front of me, but his movements just stopped. I never thought I could say one thing while thinking another—how hypocritical!
Tsk tsk... How could I be so hypocritical? And yet, I managed to freeze a vampire? It seems I can now control the latent power within me at will.
I couldn't help but feel a sense of secret joy. This move not only left Prince Rui Jones helpless but also rendered Winans powerless. This "Her Highness the Princess" of mine is not to be underestimated!
Hahaha... I wanted to mimic Dalena's sharp, mocking laughter, but with a group of vampires watching, I couldn't afford to be too arrogant. I could only laugh wildly in my heart.
Now, Winans couldn't retract his sharp fangs even if he wanted to. His handsome face grew even paler, showing clear anger. "Margie... what did you do to me?"
"Nothing, I was just... a little nervous, that's all. Hehe..." I smiled, cautiously glancing at the cold vampires closing in on me. I quickly stepped back, trying to retreat from the hall.
"My whole body is numb and in pain. What exactly did you do to me?" he suddenly raised his voice.
My body was suddenly pulled into a cold embrace. Startled, I turned and saw Lionel's enchanting face. Then, my eyes fell on his uniquely designed dark red suit. Why does this guy always dress so strikingly?
His auburn hair swept past like the wind, and his kiss landed on my forehead. With a wicked, lazy smirk, he gently hooked my chin with his finger. Those devilish blue eyes filled with tenderness as he said, "Margie, let him go. But next time, I suggest you heat his blood directly. That would be more painful!"
As he spoke, his cool breath brushed against my lips, leaving me dizzy and disoriented.
Damn it, why does my mind go blank whenever he gets close?
I dumbly responded, "Uh!" Aren't you mad at me for being rude to your friend?
Seeing his relaxed expression, I sighed in relief and released Winans from the freeze. "Lionel, have you settled your matters?"
He gave Winans a faint smile, as if subtly warning him not to approach me again, then wrapped an arm around me and led me to the bar. "Don't worry about me. You should enjoy yourself more!"
"How can I not worry about you?" I said, then couldn't help but laugh bitterly. "But I guess I'm overthinking it. You've lived for a thousand years, with immense power. Why would you need my concern?"
"Margie..." He narrowed his eyes slightly, leaning down to whisper softly, "I know you care about me."
"Knowing is enough!" He just doesn't appreciate it. A Baron like him being worried over by a mortal like me is ridiculous, isn't it? He's the wolf, and I'm the lamb. This kind of concern seems almost laughable.
I swirled the wine glass in my hand. The deep red color almost resembled blood. I slowly inhaled the rich aroma of the wine and took a sip. The intense fragrance lingered on my tongue, carrying a bittersweet and subtle fruity note. This must be a century-old Bordeaux from one of the top wineries—this bottle of wine is older than I am. To him, I'm truly just a fleeting moment.
The banquet lasted all night and didn't end until 3 a.m., when the guests slowly dispersed.
Many female guests told me that Baron Rose is a bit of a slacker. Aside from hosting banquets and balls, he doesn't do much else. That's why he's more popular than other royals.
His official duties are handled by dedicated staff, all of whom are fiercely loyal, like Winans and Lisa. They've been by his side for centuries. Though they're master and servant, their relationship seems to go beyond that—like friends, or even family.
The passage of time can make everything strange and ambiguous.
I leaned against the doorway of the dressing room, watching as Lisa personally helped Lionel undress, piece by piece, and then put on his robe. She smoothed his shoulders with practiced ease, their movements in perfect sync, like an old married couple.
I, on the other hand, felt like an outsider.
Lionel walked to the mirror and elegantly checked his reflection. He's really narcissistic. I've never seen a man who checks himself in the mirror just to change into pajamas.
Sensing my gaze, he turned his head and smiled. "Margie, if you don't feel like sleeping, you can go out for a walk. My cars are in the parking lot. Take whichever one you like."
"Oh, okay." I tentatively asked, "Lionel... you won't have someone follow me, will you?"
He chuckled and shook his head, stepping out of the dressing room. "The sun is about to rise. I won't send my people out to die. During the day, the vampire kind rarely goes out. You can stroll in the park or on the streets. Don't let yourself get too bored."
"Hehe... okay!" His consideration for me also served as a reminder of how different our lifestyles are.
I went into the dressing room to change. As I did, I heard him and Lisa speaking in low voices, as if he was giving her instructions, but I couldn't make out what they were saying.
When I came out wearing a dress, he had already gone into the bathroom.
The door was left open. Peeking inside, I saw Lisa was there, standing by the bathtub with a towel, watching him bathe with a faint smile on her lips. The subtle sweetness between them was evident without words.
"Lisa, go get me a bottle of wine," Lionel said, lying back in the bathtub as if deep in thought. His eyes were closed, his brows furrowed. His serene expression was still captivating, yet it exuded a chilling, commanding presence, like a resting lion.
Looking at him like that, I felt I was still shut out from his heart. His loneliness and all the thoughts in his mind were things he didn't want to share with me. Perhaps tonight's events had left him too exhausted.
In truth, we've only met a few times. It's fine. There's plenty of time ahead.
Lisa hung the towel on a nearby rack and replied respectfully, "Sir, do you need more blood? You haven't eaten tonight. Daisy and Phoebe just brought some blood from the blood bank, and..." Lisa glanced at me, then leaned in to whisper in his ear, "There's also some fae blood, if you'd like."