Sienna.

I couldn't believe what my ears had just heard.

Sophie had just informed me about Sebastian's ... Indiscretions.

Basically he was a 'man ho' as she called it, but I grew up expecting these kinds of things. Still, it didn't feel good now that I was having to live the way my 'mother' told me I would. I thought Sebastian would be different; kind, somehow.

Delannah said my husband, whoever it might be one day, would more than likely have mistresses, but that I could ensure he had his focus on me by keeping him satisfied and to never bring up whatever indiscretions he had.

That didn't feel right to me but it wasn't a surprise.

No, I was surprised about something else entirely.

Apparently vampires aren't the only supernatural creatures that exist, but also werewolves.

Werewolves for crying out loud!

Sophie had informed me that there are four she-wolves who work in the castle. They were cast out of their packs for having their virginity taken by someone other than their mates, so the strict packs had thrown them out. Sebastian took them in one by one, offering to care for them and give them a home and in return, they let him.... feed from them.

She said the wolves are more powerful than humans so it keeps his thirst at bay for longer and that every single one of those she-wolves has tried to get in his pants.

Key word: tried.

Apparently he really doesn't like anything but vampire women from what Sofie said.

Just my luck. I leave one hell hole only to be thrown into this twisted fantasy world where my future husband has werewolves at his beck and call for blood purposes. Would I have to deal with vampire women too? Apparently I would.

A woman, a Vampire woman - she works in the castle. She's Magnus' secretary and she and Sebastian have had a ... history. Jeslyn.

Sophie said her name is Jeslyn and that she is old, somewhere near sixty. Not a pureblood - just a changeling.

Apparently they are 'friends with benefits.'

Well they were.... until the week of my arrival, then his father had a talk with him and all actions ceased.

And that made her angry.

She wanted to be Queen or something which Sofie thought was delusional because she's just a worker. So now not only do I have this whole entire ordeal to get used to, but now I have to watch my back for this vampire named Jeslyn and the four she-wolves who are in some sort of infatuation with Sebastian. I couldn't remember their names but Sofie assured me I wouldn't have to be alone when I faced them. She would be there with me. The wolves were only workers - maids.

Just great... Drama I don't need.

I had a mild panic attack upon hearing the information she told me but she was able to calm me down, talk sense to me. I could work through this. I was trained for this. This was what Delannah meant all those years when she said married life wouldn't be easy for me and she was right.

We were currently going through the catalogue of endless room decor to ease my mind, which helped only slightly because I had no idea what I would even choose. I had never chosen anything in my life, not even the clothes I wore. All this was new - I didn't even think I had a favorite anything.

Sighing, I scanned the catalogue of bed spreads and pillow cases, looking for something that called to me, but my mind was still playing on the wolves and the vampire hag who were after what was supposed to be mine.

Even though I had come into this knowing Sebastian probably wouldn't be faithful to me, that I was clearly here to carry on his name sake and to portray the perfect princess, jealousy still reared its ugly head.

I'd never felt jealous before. I didn't understand these feelings. I knew he wasn't supposed to love me but the night we shared last night made me feel different about him.

Until this morning at breakfast

He wasn't so nice this morning and I felt stupid for even entertaining the idea that he would see me as something more than what I actually was. A human, which in his eyes meant absolutely nothing.

But if my blood is so special and they need me, don't I have the upper hand?

Can't I get what I want?

This is where my training is supposed to kick in.

I haven't seen him all day. Sofie and I have been together since breakfast and not once has Sebastian made his appearance, which I was sort of glad for but at the same time, I wondered what he could be doing.

It was nearing dinner time and we were still going through items to pick out for my room that we had began once lunch had finished. Sofie was more excited than I was when I asked her to help me pick things out. She lit up like a child in a candy store, as I've heard the saying went.

But still no Sebastian. I guess I would see him at dinner.

Is this what my new life will be like? Competing with other women and not seeing him throughout the days?

I slouched a little, watching Sofie flip the page of a notebook, writing each item we, or rather she – had chosen for me.

"So what colors do you like the best?" She asked, touching the page with wide excited brown eyes.

Color. What color did I like? I thought for a moment and the first thing that came to mind was the ocean. I loved the ocean and how the waves moved. It was the most peaceful place on the earth to me.

"Hmm. Turquoise is nice." It was barely a whisper as I was staring off at a picture on the wall, one of rolling tides and a sandy beach. I guess I have a favorite after all.

She squealed as she turned to the next page, "Look! This one is beautiful! Turquoise colors and fit for a princess!"

Glancing up, I gave her a small smile. "Its lovely. It will do."

She narrowed her eyes at me and snapped the book closed as she looked me over. "Ok what's wrong? You aren't even excited about any of this and every girl dreams of being able to decorate her own room from scratch. You don't even have an opinion. You seem like you're far off in never land. What's bothering you, girl?" She cocked her head to the side.

We've become close in the last 8 hours we had been together. I let her know she could be frank with me, that I enjoyed being able to have a friend to talk with and not have to put on my princess façade for her. She was delighted with that bit of information because she claimed it was difficult not being able to have a friend here, always having to be professional.

I knew what that was like.

I pouted, toying with the hem of my dress, my forehead creasing slightly. "I don't know Sophie. I'm just thinking. I appreciate everything you've told me about Sebastian but I can't help but to feel...."

"Jealous? Hurt? Vexed?" Her eyes scanned me with a knowing look.

I sighed. "Yes." My hands fell to my side as I slumped my shoulders, feeling frustrated with my feelings. "I haven't been raised to feel these emotions. I've never felt them. We shared ... An intimate moment last night and he has revealed a memory he made me forget, one of him kissing me. It was... magical." I found myself staring off again and shook my head. "I don't know, I feel silly I guess. I know my duties but I guess I kind of like Sebastian. He's just... "

"Bipolar? Crazy? An ass?" She added.

I nodded, stifling a laugh. "He's one way then he's another. I'm used to it because of how I was raised but.."

"But you feel like you could trust him because he saved you and now you know more about him and it bothers you. I get it." She side glanced me with a knowing look.

Sophie was smart. She knew all about feelings. Things I never knew. I shared my entire life story with her so she's known what I've been through, but she wasn't ready to talk about hers. I need to be careful who I trust but she was worthy. I can trust Sophie. I can feel when I can't trust someone and I didn't feel that with her.

She leaned closer, looking around before a smirk formed on her lips.

"Here's what you do Sienna. You use all your training. You act nice and all princess like with him. Don't seem like you care but don't let him in like you did last night. Just be....cordial. I know Purebloods. Once he sees how you aren't responding to him, he's going to go all crazy vampire and its going to probably make him attack you with his lips but the more affect you have on him, the more he won't be able to stay away from you. Just take it slow. Look pretty, be proper, wear sexy clothes to bed while you're sharing a room, do what you came here to do. Vampires are lustful, like he said, but Purebloods even more so. If he's already marrying you and has shown curiosity in you and interest, the hard part is over. Those she wolves don't win because they throw themselves at him. Purebloods hate that. They like a good chase. Make him work for it Sienna. Treat him like a dog. The better be acts toward you, the more you give him, physically. You may not be able to do the deed until your wedding night but there's always other ways to play, as you know. Use that to your advantage." She winked. She made it sound easy and it seemed that way coming from her mouth.

"And he won't lie to you.. Ask him if there's anyone you should worry about in the castle, anyone he sees. But save that for later. The reason he won't lie is because they don't care about hurting people's feelings. He feels bad for you right now but don't look like a victim for too long. Look like
the seductive temptress you were raised to be!" She had a gleam in her eyes and a her lips were forming this grin that I could almost describe as devious.

I raised my eyebrows. "Sounds like... You've experienced this before."

Her face fell and she waved me off. "Another time. Just do what I tell you. You will have him falling all over you in no time, human or not... It is strange that he likes you though. Believe me when I say that humans do not attract pureblood attention at all whatsoever except as something to eat."

I couldn't help but to think how that sounded un-true because of how nice he has been to me.

"Oh my!" She shot up, looking at her watch.

I gave her a quizzical look, my brow raising.

"Its time to get you ready for dinner! Come come! Ooh we are going to make you look smoking hot. This will be so great! He's going to drool all over himself."

She dragged me up from the sofa and pushed me toward Sebastian's room to get myself ready for the evening and I had to admit that I was slightly excited at the possibilities.

This was going to be a little fun I guess...

Playing around with the art of seduction. I've been trained but I've never had anyone to practice on.

It would be good for practice for when I really needed to use it anyways, see what tactics work for him. I'm hope I'll do okay at it.

****
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*

An hour later, I was standing in front of the bathroom mirror, looking at my reflection as Sophie stood by looking on proudly.

My makeup was light but my eyes dark and smoky to show off how blue they are, my face contoured to perfection.

We were having dinner guests tonight. Serephine came by personally to let me know; A duke and duchess of sorts and their son, Sebastian's friend. I couldn't recall his name. They are roughly the same age and the family was excited to meet me, so she said.

Sophie pointed out that the son is handsome and quite a charmer. She said it'd be a perfect reason for me to dress up and look irresistible because she's sure he will hit on me and that my being human didn't matter at this point because I was a future Queen. No one cared if I was human now. If I'm good enough for royalty, I'm good enough.

I blinked.

I couldn't believe how blue my eyes looked. Delannah never taught me this kind of makeup tutorial. This look was... glamorous.

My hair was in loose loopy curls, pulled over to one shoulder in a beautiful up-do, but low on the side of my head, just behind my ear. The top was parted on the side and my side bangs hung delicately. It was stunning. Sophie really knew how to work.

She explained that showing off my unmarked neck was appealing to all unmated male vampires and that if given the opportunity, I should show it off. It would not only make Sebastian possessive, but it would make him want to keep me close.

I wore a set of diamond teardrop earrings and my gown was of brilliant sapphire blue. It was a color I liked most on me because even Delannah had said how it complimented my skin, hair, and eyes. It was sleeveless and plunged a bit to reveal my décolletage, tight around the bodice and hips but flowed freely to the floor at the end of my lower hips, a slit showing off my right leg up to my thigh.

I paired it with silver strappy stilettos and swiped a clear gloss on my lips.

I was stunned at the super model looking back at me.

"You look.. Hot. I'm not gay but I would totally do you." Sophie leaned in next to me, eyes wide as she stared at my reflection.

I gaped at her as she wiggled her eyebrows at me.

"Sophie! What a thing to say!" I smirked.

She shrugged. "Just being honest"

I couldn't help but to laugh at her carefree manner. She was very outspoken but I liked it.

"Ok!" She clapped.

She was about to say something but we were interrupted by the bedroom door opening. It had to be Sebastian.

He doesn't knock.

"Stay here" she whispered at my wide eyed expression. I felt nervous to see him and I wasn't sure why. I had only been here a day.

I watched her walk out into the bedroom and immediately Sebastian's voice filtered through the silence.

"Sophia. I need some privacy with my fiancée. Get out."

Well that was rather rude.

"Yes your highness." She replied sweetly before the door shut, leaving Sebastian and I alone.

"Princess, come on out " His voice was velvety smooth and had me shivering with anticipation.

What could he possibly want?

I took a deep breath and sauntered out of the bathroom, my face a calm mask as my shoulders pressed back and my head high. I felt beautiful and confident. I could do this.

His eyebrows shot up as his eyes bulged out of his sockets. His lips parted in surprise as he looked me up and down. I couldn't help the soft smile that graced my lips.

"Do I look ok?" I remained seemingly clueless as I bit my lip even though I knew I looked amazing.

His resolve had already broken.

"Phucking hell, woman. You look.... phenomenal." He growled low in his throat, his hands finding my waist as he came closer.

He dipped his nose into the crook of my neck, inhaling as he did. He groaned, placing a lingering kiss on my neck causing me to shiver. I could see how his shoulders visibly relaxed and his hands gripped me tighter. I,too, relaxed as he enveloped me.

"You look beautiful, kitten. I'm sorry I've been... A .. "

"Jerk?" I added softly.

He chuckled. "Yes." He kissed my neck once more.

The warm breath on my neck made my heart beat erratically.

This was unexpected. He hadn't been this physical with me before, or open for that matter. This was new.

"I also don't know if I want Blaine to see you now... He's a bit of a flirt." He pulled back, caressing my cheek with his hand as he eyed my face with pupils larger than they were before.

I gave a small smile. I couldn't be how Sophie told me to right now. Not when he was so charming.

"I actually came up here to bring you something." He cleared his throat, letting me go so he could straighten out his suit jacket.

My eyes brightened "oh?"

He pulled out a small box in red velvet and opened it before me.

I gasped once I saw the contents; A beautiful, antique, engagement ring with exquisite detail all in gold. There was a huge princess cut diamond resting in the middle, reflecting the light all across the room.

"Oh my" I put my hand over my mouth and looked up at him with surprise.

This was my engagement ring?

"You like it? It was my grandmothers. My mother wore it up until this last month when my father gave her the secondary one. Every Queen that has ever been, all in my family, has worn this very ring. Once a new Queen comes along, they get the secondary ring. So now this ring is yours." He locked eyes with me for a moment before taking the ring out and gently taking my left hand, slipping the ring on my finger, never leaving my gaze. His blue eyes were electric as they stared at me, no emotion in them other than need.

I was caught off guard by all of this. I didn't know what to say.

Something passed through his gaze and he was straightening himself, taking my hand and inspecting the jeweled ring on my finger as I stood, speechless.

"There. That ought to do it." He glanced up at me with a smirk."I would have hated if Blaine and his family had met you without your engagement ring and your mark." He chuckled. "At least now you have one of my claims on you." A smug smile spread across his mouth, his plump lips revealing white gleaming teeth.

My face fell instantly.

He didn't come to give me this because he wanted to... He gave it to me because he didn't want his friend pawing at me because I had no claim. The contract between us has yet to be signed and he wanted to own me.

I felt... Stupid

"What's the matter Sienna?" He smirked. "You don't like it? Is it too much?" He cocked his head to the side, amused.

He was toying with me! He knew exactly how I felt because I hadn't kept my thoughts guarded. I immediately put a steal trap around my mind and softened my expression, hiding my anger. I won't let him get the best of me. I won't give into his games.

"Not at all Sebastian." My smile was polite and poised. "It's lovely. Thank you." I seemed genuine even though I wanted to scream.

He rose a brow, smug smile dropping.
"Are you sure?"

I nodded, smiling down at the ring. "It's a beautiful piece. Thank you for giving it to me. I feel very honored." I kept my voice proper and lady like.

He hmmd before looking at me with a skeptic gaze.

Why is he playing games with me? I don't understand... He wasn't like this last night...

"I don't know princess; you look like you want to say something." The smugness was back. He was going to pull it out of me. He wanted to hurt my feelings on purpose, he got enjoyment out of it.

Screw this... I won't play.

"Sebastian?"

His eyebrow rose, lips pursing in a smirk, broadening on his handsome face. "Yes princess?"

Clenching my jaw at his demeanor, I felt my eyes blur slightly, not enough to cry but enough for my eyes to glass over. I met his knowing gaze and dropped the façade that I had been putting on.

I needed to know. I needed to hear him say it.

"Did you want to give this to me? I mean.. I know that you had to, but did you want to?" I bit my lower lip as self-consciousness washed over me.

The corner of his lips rose a fraction as he stepped closer but I couldn't understand the full feeling in my chest upon waiting to hear if he really wanted to ... I kept my wide blue eyes trained on him with a hope, his form becoming blurry from the emptiness in my chest; The swell and fall of my hopes.

I didn't want to be messed with emotionally. I've just gotten away from physical abuse; I didn't need the emotional kind. He was acting like someone I didn't know even though I didn't really know him, but I knew the person he had been thusfar and this wasn't it.

His smile fell as he was about to taunt me but couldn't at the last second when he noticed the moisture collecting in my eyes as I blinked it away. He his head, looking down at the ground.

"Sienna...."

A deep sigh left his lips, stormy blue eyes meeting my own crystal blue ones. He wrapped his arms around my waist, studying me, all smugness and amusement gone.

"If I said no... I'd be a liar." He pulled me into him, nose dipping down to inhale my scent. My hands rested on his chest and my brows rose at his actions.

He had come back to me. The Sebastian I met at dinner the other night, he was here now. I didn't know if I could get used to the mood swings of Vampires. How was I even willing to be okay with him being a vampire?

I felt compelled, on my own, to lay my head on his shoulder. I was affected by him as much as he was affected by me. His arms went around my body tighter and he let out a deep sigh, relaxing himself.

"Sienna... I don't understand this.."

I moved my head to meet his gaze. "What don't you understand?" My voice was soft.

His fingers came up and gently brushed the side of my neck as his eyes fell to my full lips.

"This need... To want you... To make you happy. To actually feel bad when I see you sad. I don't understand it. To be honest I want to toy with you sometimes and watch you squirm but at the last second, I can't. Especially not when I see the sadness in your beautiful eyes."

His sincerity was a breath of fresh air. I reveled in his scent, closing my eyes for a moment.

"I gave you the ring yes, because I wanted everyone to know you're mine. But also because I want to see it on your finger. To let everyone know you belong to me. To remind you that you belong to me. We belong to each other. I'm sorry I tried to upset you.. "

I felt my eyes blur again at his admission. Maybe Sophie was wrong about him..

"Kitten don't cry. You'll ruin your makeup ." he leaned in kissing my lips softly before taking my hand and bringing it to his lips, kissing the ring. A blush crept across my face.

A rare yet charming grin plastered across his features, eyes twinkling.

"That's better. .... How is your back today?"

I dabbed my eyes, flashing a smile as I looked down at the space between us. "It's feeling better." This is the gentle Sebastian.

Still softly smiling at me, he cocked his head. "I have something to tell you about that but it will have to wait until later. I must go greet our guests, they are here. There is something for you in the top drawer of my armoire. Wear it. Be down in ten minutes ok?"

"Okay. Thank you." I breathed, blinking back the unshed tears.

He held me for a moment, staring at me in a lingering way, as if he didn't want to leave.

So I pressed my lips to his on my own doing. His eyes widened but they instantly closed as he pressed me into him, sliding his hand to the back of my neck and the other on to my exposed thigh. His teeth nibbled on my bottom lip making me gasp slightly and his tongue entered my mouth to massage my own with his. I moaned, wrapping my arms around his neck and hitching my leg up on his hip. I felt him stir beneath our tightly pressed bodies as he groaned a bit.

He pulled his tongue away, kissing my lips slowly before letting me go and taking a step back. He shook his head quickly as if in a daze, glancing up at me, my lips swollen and face flushed.

"We will finish this later kitten." He smirked. "I'm being called."

He left me standing there reeling after what had just happened.

I touched my lips, closing my eyes in remembrance. It felt like the last time he made me remember. It was... Sweet.

"Holy mother of pearl, Sienna. I just heard every detail of what just happened and .. Whoa. You look thoroughly kissed. Are you going to faint? You look like you're going to faint." Sophie burst in with a stream of words I couldn't comprehend as I forced myself out of my daydream.

"I'm fine Sophie." I smiled.

She rose a perfectly arched brow. "Well clearly I was wrong about you. You don't need to do absolutely anything but be yourself around him and he falls all over his feet for you! I have never In my life seen that! I've worked here for four years and have seen countless women in and out-"

I held up a hand. "Ok I get the picture." I didn't want to hear about his escapades.

Sophie came closer, her expression one of awe.

"But wow Sienna... That's never happened. I have never heard that pureblood apologize for anything. Much less not stop himself from doing it. He loves to torture women! Loves it! I can't believe he passed up the opportunity to make you squirm but good on you for following your gut. I don't think you need my help."

I felt my lips curl up into a smile. "Really? He's never-"

"Never!" Her head shook.

Maybe I had a chance at happily ever after afterall.

Maybe.

"Wait! Let's see what left for you. Top drawer. Go!" She snapped her fingers in the direction of his armoire.

I loved this girl. She was something I wasn't used to.

My feet glided across the carpet on their own accord and I opened the drawer, but what I saw had my mouth falling open at the hinge as I lifted the item out of the open case it was in.

"What the hell?! Ok he loves you.."

There hung an exquisite, huge, diamond and sapphire necklace with very large pieces set into the platinum. It matched my gown perfectly.

How did he...

"How did he know the color I was wearing?" I whispered, my lips parted in shock.

Sophie pursed her lips. "Queen Serephine asked me. His tie was also sapphire if you didn't notice, which I doubt you did with all the kissing going on in here."

I couldn't stop staring at the beautiful Sapphires dangling in front of me, gleaming underneath the light.

"Quick let's put it on you. You need to be at the stairs like in two minutes." She snatched the necklace out of my hand as I hurriedly turned around for her to clasp it around my neck.

The fluttery feeling in my stomach had me giggling as a grin stretched across my lips, my hand fluttering over the diamonds at my collar bone.

"Finished."

I turned to look in the mirror and was in awe at the beautiful and expensive necklace that now adorned my neck, making it seem even more elegant and long.

"Wow" I breathed.

"Yeah wow. Now let's go!" She rolled her eyes, pushing me out the door.

I felt giddy, like those girls I read in some of the stories that Priscilla would slip me. The ones about true love and fairy tales. Those never came true – that was what I was told by Delannah, but it seemed I may have found my prince charming.

Only, the things we had spoken of earlier still ran through my mind.. the wolves.. the vampire woman, Jeslyn, all of it. I didn't know what to do at this point except try to make him want me more than the others.

He had potential to be the one for me, the real one. I didn't want this feeling to fade.

Diamonds and a smile can't fix things if he has secrets he doesn't wish to spill, but I was going to get to the bottom of this and quickly.

But for now, I would put on my happy face and pretend all was well because Sebastian had once again shown me a side to him that I have seen more than once.

A side that I felt positive could love me.

"Game time, Sienna." Sophie whispered, ushering me down the hall.

Iwas suddenly nervous to be in a room of vampires I haven't met before. I didn'twant this to end badly, but I had a bad feeling.    

Thank you all for reading! 

My carpal tunnel is acting up tonight so typing took a bit longer - it looks like i'll need to make some changes with an ergonomical keyboard and start doing wrist exercises. Carpal tunnel is an author's worst nightmare.

xoxo

Von Ward