The party's just getting started... *excited face*

Chapter 10 - In Comes Romeo

My family and I were all sat around the table - including Uncle Miguel who'd just come back from London, and Carlos. Without warning, my father slammed his hand down against the polished wood, causing us all to jump.

'It isn't that bad dear; we can just send him away.' My mother tried to soothe him by placing her hand on his, but he wasn't having any of it. 'Sit down, Indigo-Rose!' He yelled as I got up to leave. I pouted but did as I was told.

Adrian Frazer.

He was the eldest son of Alexander J. Frazer, one of the most senior members of the royal court council. He wasn't king but he may as well be - he was known for his fearlessness and bravery and had just as much influence in royal affairs as my father did. They didn't exactly see eye-to-eye but my father and him had always tried to stay out of each other's way and had managed to until now.

'He's only asking for my hand to increase the power of his family's name - and his father's position.' I stated. 'We don't want to give it to him so I won't marry him. Simple as.' Carlos looked at me in surprise but I was studiously ignoring him so he instead turned his attention to my father.

'Couldn't that cause a war if she refuses the hand of someone so noble?'

I hated the way Carlos was allowed to sit here and discuss my marriage plans as if last night's conversation had never occurred, but due to his father's status it meant that he was more than able to. I bit the inside of my cheeks to hide my frustration.

My father slapped his hand on the table again. 'She ismy daughter! She should not have to marry if she does not wish to!' Everyone looked uncomfortable except for me. I was just mad.

'And I won't, father. I told you. Now can I leave?' He sent me a withering look that made me pause in my haste to get up again.

Uncle Miguel spoke up. 'Bruce, we all understand your position and believe me, I am by no means happy with this considering Indigo's... reluctance, but he is an eligible bachelor and is more than capable of taking care of your daughter. If anything he's the best match we've had yet.'

I snorted and everyone turned to face me. 'He might be an eligible bachelor as you put it, Uncle, but he's slept with more girls than I have breathed, so excuse me if I want to save myself for someone who has a little bit more self-respect.'

There was a deathly silence as everyone took this in. 'She has a point.' My brother said weakly and nearly crumpled under my father's gaze.

'If I may say something,' we all turned to stare as none other than Adrian himself walked into the room. Oh yeah, I'd forgotten that he'd been asked to stay in the drawing room.

'I am indeed an eligible bachelor, and I assure you mypromiscuity is not quite as bad as it has been made out to be.' At this he turned to stare at me. I smirked.

My father cleared his throat. 'Yes, well...'

He held up a hand. The nerve! I wanted to punch him right in the face. He gave a charming smile which was aimed at my Uncle and my mother before saying, 'I will assure you that I will do everything I can to protect Indigo-Rose.' He purred.

My hands balled into fists as my mother's look softened towards him. 'Don't look at him like that.' I snapped and everyone turned to look at me in astonishment.

My father looked uncertain; despite his personal prejudice towards Adrian's father, it looked like he'd taken into account my Uncle's point and seemed almost sheepish when he said, 'very well. I will consider your offer of obtaining the hand of my daughter.'

I gasped, actually covering my mouth with my hand. 'Father, no!' Oh believe me, being a vampire princess meant I had a lot of luxuries, but it also meant that I had little choice in who I married.

Rubbish, I know. Although I had some stronger words I could use to describe it.

'You can't do this!' I all but screeched as he gazed at me in sympathy before asking us all to leave so that he could speak with Adrian in private.

I fumed and turned to face Adrian who had a smirk on his face. 'Do not think that you will get my hand because you will not you sick; twisted arrogant power-driven son of a... turtle!' Ok, so I was mad, but I wasn't mad enough to lose my cool and actually swear in front of my father.

He'd have had my head on a platter.

'Indigo-Rose!' My mother exclaimed as I turned sheepishly towards her. I fought the urge to scowl but dropped my head meekly as she lectured me as we left the room. 'That is no way to speak towards a guest!' I eyed the floor warily before replying.

'Yes, mother.'

'Now go to your room and wait for your father to give you permission for you to leave.'

I scowled and sighed heavily before heading up the stairs. Carlos had the nerve to grab my arm as I went up. 'Listen -'

'No you listen!' I screeched as I reached to top of the stairs. I pointed to the floor below. 'I have no idea how you could've just sat there and discussed my marriage plans like it was nothing, knowing that I could quite possibly be your mate!' I hissed as he flinched backwards. All of a sudden tears sprung to the corners of my eyes.

'You of all people know what he's like and yet you still didn't hesitate to come to his defence.'

'Indigo, I -'

I shook my head, cutting him off and took a step closer to him until I was almost level with his eyes. 'This was not how I'd imagined it would be if I ever found my mate, and let me tell you I wished that it weren't you.' He flinched again. 'I hope you're happy with Eva whilst I'm forced to marry a man-whore who is no doubt trying to get my hand just to increase his wealth.

Now I know how much you truly care about me, and how much me being your mate means to you.'

He put his hand on my arm. 'Indigo, look -'

'Go to hell.' I spat and with that I entered my bedroom.

Needless to say I wasn't feeling too great as I pulled the covers to me and harshly cried myself to sleep.

*************

Carlos~

Muttering another curse, I placed my head in my hands and leaned against the staircase bannister. Everything Indigo had just told me was true - I had been inconsiderate with the Adrian thing, but I'd just been trying to ensure her future with someone who could take care of her.

I grimaced as I thought about all that she'd been through up until now. I'd felt a pull towards her since the first time I'd seen her again that night at the ball, but it just so happened that Eva had been in the same room and the pull I'd felt towards her had been stronger. Probably because of the fact that she was human and I'd shown an interest in her had increased it, I thought.

Nonetheless, that didn't stop me from caring about Indigo, and it certainly didn't make me feel any less guilty about what I'd done this evening to cause her so much distress. I wasn't even halfway through sorting my muddled thoughts when I saw someone standing in the darkness of the landing.

'Indigo?' I called.

Adrian stepped out from the shadows. 'That truly was a magnificent show, my friend.' I scowled at the handsome, dark- haired vampire who stood in front of me looking, if possible, even more arrogant that I'm sure I often did.

'I'm sure Indigo would appreciate that remark.' I muttered sarcastically as I subconsciously straightened my posture. I couldn't believe I was actually trying to impress him, but if I were to be completely honest with myself I'd had to admit that he had a heck of a lot more luck with the female sex than I did - and it wasn't for no good reason.

He snickered as he took me in eyeing him up. 'I have that effect on a lot of people - usually the ladies.'

I bristled. 'Look, I may have defended your honour earlier but that doesn't mean I actually like you. Now if you'll excuse me.' I made to walk past him to go towards the direction of Indigo's room but he blocked my way.

He regarded me silently. 'Do you really think it's a good idea for you to go and talk to Indigo?'

I bristled again as he said her name so casually. 'Who do you think you are to talk to me in that way?' I snapped.

He actually started to chuckle and ignored my question. 'I'll go and talk to her.' He said. This time, it was my turn to laugh.

'I'm sure that will go down really well.'

The smile that he gave me was chilling. 'I'll get further than you.' He said. I didn't even have time to protest when I noticed that he'd already disappeared from sight.

Sighing heavily, I tried to ignore the feelings of jealousy that stirred within my chest as I thought of Adrian going into Indigo's room. For the first time, I thought I was actually beginning to understand just how much she'd suffered and I didn't like the thought one bit.

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