A knock sounded at my door; I knew it couldn't be Cassandra, since she had just left. I went to respond, but then the door swung open and my mother glided into the room. She was dressed elegantly in a royal blue flay gown, her long silver hair cascading down her waist. As always, she was stunning and breathtaking. Sometimes I envy my father for finding such a perfect match, and I feel fortunate to have a mother like her.
"Mother," I greeted, quickly standing and humbly bowing before looking up at her.
"Yes, darling. Did you already have breakfast?" She asked, her smile radiant.
"You're going to the ball, right?" She inquired.
"DoI have a say in this, mother?" I inquired with a beam, as she approached me with a warm embrace.
"Are you alright, Mother?" I asked, noticing a hint of sadness in her eyes.
She pulled away and looked at me with a smile. "What about you, Rhioniona?" she asked, causing me to wonder if Cassandra had shared something with her.
"I've been having some unusual dreams lately," I admitted and my mother let out a sigh as she sat me down and began to style my hair.
"Don't worry, everything will be fine," she reassured me, and I couldn't help but smile. It was strange that I had a bad feeling today, as if something wasn't right. My mother finished styling my hair in an intricate braided updo and adorned it with a beautiful set of pearls, adding the final touch of perfection to my appearance.
"My dear mother, I am grateful for you," I expressed with sincerity.
"Of course, my dear daughter," she replied with warmth.
"Father is truly fortunate to have such a wonderful lady like you," I said as I rose from my seat.
"You will find your perfect match, Rhioniona. There is no need to worry," she reassured me.
"I wasn't precisely worried, just a bit bothered," she responded with a hint of sarcasm.
"Will you be attending the ball, mother?"
"No, I have some matters to attend to. I hope you will behave like a lady and not be rude," she addressed me.
"Mother, I am twenty years old, not a little child," I reminded her.
"That is precisely why you should get married," she said in a low voice. I hate seeing her worride like this. I embraced her.
"I am simply scared, mother. I am afraid that my life will turn into a nightmare once I leave here," I confided in her as she hugged me back and patted my back.
"You will be alright, my love," she assured me with a gentle smile. A knock came from the door, and I knew it was Cassandra.
"Come in" Mother said
Cassandra entered upon my mother's permission. She kneeled before my mother and addressed her respectfully.
"Madame."
"Please, rise, Cassandra," my mother responded with a smile. Cassandra stood up and my mother turned to me. "Take care of my angel."
"Seriously?" I said with a pleased smile. I love it when my parents call me by this endearing name, except my brother, of course he always used it to mock me. My mother let go of me and smiled as she walked away.
"You look magnificent, ma lady," Cassandra complimented me, and I smiled in acknowledgement.
I looked at myself in the mirror. I tried to keep it simple tonight, but it seems mother uses some magic to make me look quite elegant. I must admit, It worked out.
"The carriage is ready, ma lady, and your father has sent for you," Cassandra informed me.
"So soon?" I asked.
"The ball is at 7:30, and it is already 7 pm. Your home and the palace are a bit far, as you know-"
"My father is the king's royal advisor," I finished her sentence, and she smiled in response.
"Lead the way, Cassandra," I instructed her. She looked at me with a pleading gaze.
"Do not worry, I will be on my best behavior today," I reassured her.
"Very well, ma lady," she smiled, and I followed her as she opened the door.
As I approached my father and brother, dressed in their finest attire, I couldn't help but admire their exquisite appearance.
"Bowing respectfully to my father, I couldn't help but notice his fatherly smile as he gazed down at me. "You both look incredibly elegant tonight, I must commend you."
"If such a compliment comes from my stunning daughter, it is an honor," my father replied, returning my smile.
"Brother," I greeted my brother.
"Enough with the small talk," he interrupted, gently patting my hair as he made his way forward. "You know I'm not a child anymore."
I followed my brother, my father walking alongside us.
As we stepped outside the mansion, two chariots were waiting for us. My father climbed into the first one, leaving my brother and I to take the second. He walked in as he extended his hand to help me in.
"Thank you, brother," I said gratefully as I took his hand and settled into my seat across from him.
"Do you know why we are attending this ball, brother?" I inquired, curious about the purpose behind the event. My brother glanced at me, as if contemplating whether or not to share the information before he finally signed and began speaking.
"I wasn't supposed to tell you, as it might scare you. But eight hundred years ago, the vampire and witch clans came together and made peace. Every two hundred years, we have a reunion party - the ball."
"Wow," I exclaimed in awe at the historical significance of the event.
"That is why our father wants you to get married before this reunion. But you have been rejecting all your suitors, causing a bit inconvenienceto the family. According to tradition, if a vampire or witch shows interest in you at the ball, you must marry them, in fairness to the male gender."
"What happens if I get married or not Intrested" I questioned, nervously anticipating his response.
"If you reject the suitor and choose not to marry a huge consequence a waits you, if you get married you will be transformed into a demon and lose your witch powers. The same applies to witches who marry vampires - they will become vampires themselves. These are the rules that have been in place for centuries, and there are grave consequences for those who disobey."
"Why am I being forced to go?" I inquired.
"Because you have reached a certain age. I don't expect anything to happen, just stay by my side or approach a male from our kinds," my brotherexplained.
"Why didn't you tell me sooner? I would have gladly married and been able to see my family whenever I wanted," I replied, feeling depressed. "I feel like it's my fault, Alba. I always make you all worry."
"Don't worry, it's not your fault. Everything will be fine," Alba reassured me.
"Are you sure?" I asked.
"Yes, just do as I say, okay?"
"Yes, brother," I complied.
I could hear the royal announcer proclaiming our arrival, causing knots to form in my stomach. I must admit, I was nervous and scared.
"Rhiannon," Alba called, breaking me out of my thoughts.
"Don't worry, I'll be fine. Wish me luck, I might find a suitable witch husband at the ball. After all, my beauty is irresistible," I boasted proudly, causing him to laugh.
❤️🔥Happy val ♥ to all my readers 🫂wishing you a day filled with love and laughter 🥰❤️🔥