With the party happening so soon, Lore summons a tailor to make me a new suit appropriate for the event. Without asking me for my opinion, of course. Since Lore still has work, he heads to the mine alone today while I get my suit prepared. It's strange how normal it feels to wear one, even if the time spent in a suit is nothing compared to all the years I was in a robe. I try to request colors for my suit, but the tailor immediately tells me that Lore gave him very specific instructions. Great...

It's late when Lore returns. I don't even see him, only hear him speaking in the hallway as we both prepare for the event. The tailor's finicking with my cufflinks when he knocks on the door.

"Seren, are you dressed?" Lore asks.

"Yes."

The door opens. I swallow hard upon seeing that Lore has gotten us matching suits. Both are a deep maroon in color with golden accents. Lore has his hair in a high ponytail, showing off his broad shoulders and sharp features. He gazes at me for a long moment, eyes moving over my body that grows abnormally hot.

"Thanks for coming over on such short notice," Lore says to the tailor. "We can take the rest from here. My butler will pay you at the door."

The tailor gives a polite nod and scurries out of the room to follow Draven, who doesn't stop himself from taking a moment to eye us suspiciously through the door. It's clear Draven and Cyan suspect something's going on between me and Lore, but these matching suits are going to confirm those theories. I'm about to bring that up when Lore takes hold of my collar, adjusting it.

"You really haven't gotten any better at wearing suits," he says and rests his hands on my chest. He feels the embroidery along the edges with a soft look in his eyes. "And yet you still look breathtaking in them."

"I don't know about that," I say, blushing when Lore takes my wrist to gently finish putting on my cufflinks. "You look far better than me."

"Oh? Are you complimenting me?" Lore leans in. His every word brushes against my lips. "Be more specific."

"Don't put me on the spot like that."

"But I want to hear." Lore rests his forehead against mine. "Tell me what you think."

"You... you look beautiful," I admit, falling into cerulean eyes that have a truly wicked hold on me. "No one will be able to take their eyes off you."

"Your tone makes me think that bothers you."

"It might."

There's a sparkle in Lore's eyes. He looks like he wants to say something, but he kisses me for a long moment instead.

"Don't fret," he whispers against my lips. "I'm yours and yours alone if that's what you wish."

I kiss him again, unsure of what to say or how to express how I feel. It's strange because I know how to express myself, but it feels different with Lore. I know why. I know that, in the back of my mind, the fear is still there, but I'm trying. I want to try. This is so much more than I thought I could ever feel. A wall once stood within me, keeping fearful thoughts at bay, but that wall has cracked and those emotions have come flooding out. They're drowning me. Lore's drowning me and I don't have it in me to reach for the surface.

Another knock sounds at the door. Which is thankfully closed.

"Your Grace, the car is here," Draven says, successfully ending our kiss. Although, by the way Lore bites at my bottom lip, I doubt this will be the last of the evening.

"We'll be right there," Lore calls, looking over me once more to check for any flaws. He must see none because he steps away. I follow, keeping my eyes on anything but his--damn it all--his ass. It really looks great in that suit. It always looks great, but I might be feeling a bit overwhelmed tonight and--damn it, I'm totally staring. Stop staring at his ass!

The car waits for us outside. It's a deep navy in color with black windows so you can't see inside. The driver opens the door. We slide in. The seats are even cushier than the last one we drove in, though that makes sense if this came from the palace. The king would want to show off his luxury by sending out fancy cars for his guests. I guess I won't complain since we have a smooth ride through the city. At some point, Lore takes my hand, holding it between our thighs. I pretend not to notice because I like the feeling.

We pass through the city to cross a long solid white bridge over a river. Up ahead, I spot the castle that some may suspect to be its own town. The towers reach far into the sky while a long, tall wall encircles the entire complex. The car comes upon the smooth surface of the gate where carvings of vampires, what I'm presuming to be previous rulers, are on the doors. They swing open to reveal the massive complex beyond, nature woven into building after building. I don't know where to look, overwhelmed by the intricacy of carvings and wild flowers coloring the yard.

The car stops in front of a brightly lit circular building where others ascend the stairs to a pair of large open doors. Light filters out, helping the street lamps illuminate the sidewalks. A butler opens the car door. Lore steps out, waiting for me. The bright lights blind me momentarily, then I feel it; a pressure. So many eyes are already on us. The vampires on the stairs gaze in our direction, even the butler stares a little too long.

"You must be loving this," I whisper to Lore as we ascend the stairs. He cocks his head. "All this attention is on you."

"While I do enjoy the attention, I'd much rather have you and you alone gazing upon me so intently."

Somehow he's getting even more frequent with his flirting. That may be my fault. Earlier, flirting back, and everything that has been going on. It's a lot. I wouldn't say I dislike it though. I guess, I almost feel bad that I can't always respond.

Once through the doors, we step into a foyer bathed in silver and blue light. It's as if the king plucked the night sky itself to use as a backdrop for his ball. Past the foyer, in the dance hall, lords, ladies, and lieges dance and chatter in merry. Music plays from an orchestra at the far end of the hall. Their instruments look different, but the sounds are the same.

"How does this normally go?" I ask.

A maid walks by offering drinks that, obviously, aren't meant for me. Lore holds up a hand, waving her past us.

"Normally, I don't have a human guest," Lore replies. "But the night is usually made up of forced pleasantries. Some dancing and--" he gives me a slow once over. "Ends with sex."

I almost choke on my own saliva. Lore chuckles.

"Here I thought you wouldn't be so blunt about that," I say.

"I'm merely trying to will my wish of how this night will end into existence." Lore gasps when I glare at him. "Don't look at me like that, pervert. I never said it had anything to do with you."

I roll my eyes at him. "Maybe I should have asked Draven to make me a care package. There's nothing I can eat or drink here."

"I saw a fountain outside." Lore smiles at the second glare I send him. "Just a suggestion."

A suggestion I choose to ignore, as we're being ignored by many. Although, a small group does eventually make their way towards us. There's not much for me to do as Lore speaks to the group. Apparently, one woman has a nellore factory not far from Lore's. They have some business chit chat until a sneering weasel looks at me and asks, "I wasn't aware we were permitted to bring blood bags. What did you have to do to get permission from His Majesty to bring your own?"

"Don't call me that," I say, causing the group to bristle as if I've slapped each across the face.

"This is Seren, a paladin of the Holy Church," Lore explains, which worsens the tension. I'm surprised none of them try to lunge at me. "He was invited by His Majesty, so I suggest you show him the utmost respect."

"Of course," the weaseling man says. "My apologies... Paladin."

He doesn't sound apologetic.

"Lord Seymour," a familiar voice calls. The group's attention turns to Trolley, the messenger who invited us here. He gives the same forced smile as when he was in Lore's lounge. Gesturing towards the foyer, he says, "His Royal Majesty would like to have a word with you. Alone."

"I do believe it'd be disrespectful for me to leave Seren behind. Whatever His Majesty has to say, I'm sure Seren can hear it," Lore replies.

Trolley's smile makes his eyes wrinkle. "His Royal Majesty was very adamant that you come alone and, should you not, he orders you to leave Vexsis immediately."

Whoa, dramatic. He could give Lore a run for his money.

Lore faces me donning a concerned scowl.

"I'll be fine," I reassure him, although I may not feel as confident as I once did. Being in a room with hundreds of vampires, no doubt with Warlords very nearby, even I will have trouble against a group. I'd like to think Valyork is paranoid, but not a complete idiot as to have me slaughtered in the middle of a ball he so clearly invited me to.

Lore steps closer to me. I almost expect him to kiss me and I don't know if I have it in me to stop him. But then he leans towards my ear to whisper, "Keep an eye out for Roemithia and Maxwell. I've yet to see them, but they will arrive eventually. Roemithia has red hair, darker than Draven's and a rose tattoo on her shoulder. Maxwell has short black hair and a very punchable face."

"Thanks, that doesn't narrow it down. Most of the people here have very punchable faces," I say, smiling at Lore's little smirk.

"Am I included in those people?"

"I've never wanted to punch someone more than you."

"Lord Seymour," Trolley calls, forcing Lore to step away from me. That might be a good thing. He looked like he was about to kiss me again. In front of everyone.

I watch Lore follow Trolley out of the ball room. He stops once at the doors, looking at me, then disappearing into the foyer. The group has already left too, leaving me to stand near the wall alone and without even a beverage to keep me company. Why did they have to mix blood in their alcohol?

Time ticks away. A few vampires look as if they're going to approach me, then back out. I spot a few seeming to make a bet. I'm guessing younger vampires, but it's always hard to tell. A girl stomps towards me, looks me dead in the eye, puffs out her cheeks, then spins on heel and goes running back. I give her credit for trying. Although none have started anything with me, my gut twists. There isn't a clock in here, but it feels like Lore has been gone for a while. He's focused on me, but I'm worried about what the king wants with him too.

When I'm about to head to the foyer in hopes to find Trolley and make him take me to find Valyork, I notice a man in the crowd. Gold eyes. Short black hair. A very punchable face indeed. He's smug, laughing so loudly that I can hear him over the music almost halfway across the ballroom. He's dressed in lavish gold from head to toe. One could see him from a mile away. His attention strays to me. A devious grin slips onto his face. This must be Maxwell or, at the very least, a very annoying lord. I make way towards a pair of doors leading out onto a terrace, pushing past a few vampires who hiss vile remarks.

By escaping out onto the terrace though, I've managed to run into the other person I'm meant to avoid. A red haired, gold-eyed vampire with a rose tattoo on her shoulder stands directly in front of me. Her sinister smirk resembles the man's from inside, and her voice oozes fake sweetness, "Good evening, Paladin of the Holy Church."

I stand tall and feign ignorance. "Sorry, do I know you?"

"I am Roemithia Valyork," she replies, not seeming offended that I asked.

She's alone, which I find odd until I glance around the terrace. Everyone is leaving without her having to say so. The doors behind me shut. On the other end of the terrace, the man in gold walks out. He shuts those doors too and heads for us.

"This here is my younger brother," Roemithia says, gesturing towards him. "Maxwell."

The one who made himself known so I'd try to sneak out the back door. I should have gone for the foyer.

"Let's skip the forced pleasantries, what do the two of you have to say to me? The sooner we get this done, the sooner I can leave," I say.

Roemithia will be tougher to deal with than Maxwell. An army of the undead would be a pain, but I can fight against them. A vampire who gets into your head due to doubt? She's the worst person I can go up against right now. I try to prepare myself, which doesn't go by unnoticed.

"Lord Seymour warned him about us," Maxwell says, smiling so his fangs peek over his bottom lip. "He's trying to shield himself from you, Roemithia."

"Excellent. I love a challenge." She takes my arm. I grasp her wrist, prepared to snap it like a twig when she frowns. "Come now, there's no need to be so rash. We merely wish to take a walk."

"We can walk without you touching me." I pull my arm away from her.

"Oh?" She pouts like a child, then looks at Maxwell, who gives a similar expression of forced surprise. "I always thought members of the Holy Church loved affection from pretty, young things."

She put emphasis on the word young and I don't miss the implications. I try not to think about Priest Aja. I try not to feel any fear, any doubt.

"Maybe you aren't his type. Maybe strapping young lads are this type," Maxwell says while holding out his arm. When I don't take hold, he leans over to whisper. "Or he was the strapping young lad for someone."

I force myself not to brace my hands into fists, but my toes still curl in my shoes. My jaw starts to ache from how hard I'm clenching my teeth.

"I'm tired of the jabs. What do you really want to discuss?" I ask, interrupting their shared snickering. I glance towards the windows of the ballroom. No one's bothering to look our way, acting as if none are aware of what's happening outside.

"Skipping the foreplay? I shouldn't be surprised. The church has never been much fun," Roemithia says, turning her back to me. She steps further out onto the terrace towards the gardens. Maxwell nods for me to follow. I do because I'm certain there are guards at the doors to prevent me from going back inside. I don't want to start a fight. At the very least, I can wait for them to strike and claim self defense, which would put them in the wrong rather than me.

"Like I said, we wish to have a walk with you," Roemithia claims. She faces me again, leaning against the stone railing around the terrace.

"Does this walk end at a cliff where you hope to push me off to my death? Because I fear that I know a few spells to prevent that from happening."

For some reason, my words make Roemithia's eyes shimmer like a child who found their new favorite toy. The air grows cold. Maxwell releases a low chuckle. I shift my attention between the two of them.

"There are no cliffs nearby, although you have given me a brilliant idea. I wouldn't mind having one to take a few of my enemies to," Maxwell speaks up, nodding far too vigorously at the idea of murder.

"Why have cliffs when we have Warlords? I'd rather drop them from the clouds and follow their screams until they splatter against the ground," Roemithia adds, making me grimace as the two laugh heartily.

"Well, this conversation has been incredibly unpleasant and I can see you're just trying to annoy me. I'm going to search for His Grace and we'll take our leave," I say, pivoting on my heel to head back. Maxwell moves to grab my hand. I step away before he can, narrowing my eyes threateningly. "You can't touch me either."

Maxwell holds up his hands in surrender. "My humblest apologies, great paladin. I just think it's a bit rude to leave our discussion before we even started. It's so rare for a member of the church to visit Vexsis, let alone our home."

"Father Dearest doesn't typically like them around. It reminds everyone about the war," Roemithia adds. "Forgive us for being curious about why he decided to invite you here."

"Maybe he wishes to show some civility, to show that we can all get along." I want to take that back the moment I've said it, but it's too late. The sneers on Roemithia and Maxwell's faces say exactly what most everyone feels; that could never happen.

"Peculiar," Roemithia says, pushing herself away from the railing to step towards me. "I've never heard anyone, let alone a paladin, even bring up the possibility of our species coexisting peacefully. Is that a common feeling among the church now?"

I don't answer. She'll find a way to trap me if I do. I need to get out of here.

"And the church certainly couldn't have sent you to discuss anything like that," she says. Their wide grins give me an eerie feeling.

"I was not sent by the church. I am working with Lord Seymour in Silra to search for the Red Moon group. I tagged along in case we saw any signs of them along the way or even here," I explain, which is a believable enough lie, but the siblings don't appear to buy it. They both eye me skeptically.

"Sure, let's say that's true." Roemithia smiles viciously. "But I don't want to talk about that. Let's return to the previous topic. Civility between our races, what do you think about that, Paladin? Do you believe it can be done?"

"Certainly not," Maxwell says. "Doesn't the church beat that out of their kids? I hear training is brutal."

"Barbaric," Roemithia adds. "And if that's how they train, what else could they be doing?"

My past flashes before my eyes. I force the memories back and hold my ground.

"And what happens to those who fail the program?" Maxwell's eyes shimmer, similar to how Roemithia's did earlier. It's a new question I've been asking myself, one that makes my blood run cold.

"What the church does is none of your concern," I say.

"But it is. If we're meant to get along, why would we want to support a system that harms children?" Roemithia gasps, placing a delicate hand over her heart. "We have to know about one another in order to make friends, don't you think? So, tell us. What happened during training, Seren?"

Hearing my name from her vile lips makes me squirm. And I'm done with this conversation.

"Have a good evening," I say to them, attempting to leave. I can go around front to the foyer rather than battling those at the terrace doors--

"Spells!" Roemithia calls. I stop and glance back at her curiously. Her eyes shine brilliantly, the purest gold I've ever seen. "Earlier, you said spells."

"What?" I ask.

"You said you knew a few spells to save you from stumbling off a cliff." She moves slowly towards me. "I thought the church didn't approve of such language."

"Or even mentioning that we can co-exist," Maxwell says.

I can't breathe for a moment, then argue, "You must have misheard me. I said cast."

"No, you said spells." She stands in front of me, a maddening look in her eyes. "Could it be that you're second guessing your feelings towards the church, Paladin?"

I swallow hard, telling myself not to panic. This is what she wants.

"I wouldn't blame you for coming to hate them. The church is more vile than you could ever imagine," she says, circling me with slow steps. "They spew lie after lie to brainwash a nation, to capture their children to use as pawns in a much bigger game. You must realize that now, don't you? That there's a lot behind the curtain that you do not see and now you're starting to second guess everything."

I hurry away from the terrace, moving faster and faster through the gardens towards the front entrance.

"I know what happens to them!" Roemithia shouts. I tell myself not to stop, but--"The children who fail the tests, I know what became of so many of them."

Clenching my eyes, I tell myself that she's toying with me. This is a way to get into my head, but there's a voice at the back of my mind screaming; how? How can she know? If she does know, what does that mean? How can--

A cold sensation washes over me. My limbs feel limp. It's hard to breathe. There's someone behind me. I stumble away towards the closest path; the gardens. The lights from the ballroom illuminate Roemithia's dark silhouette following me through the tall garden walls.

"Got you," she whispers, smiling viciously.

My mind goes black.

- - ┈┈∘┈˃̶༒˂̶┈∘┈┈ - -

Hello, hello friends~ Big news; VOLUME TWO OF MY STORY, SPEAK THE TRUTH, IS NOW AVAILABLE AS AN eBOOK AND PAPERBACK ON AMAZON!! FINALLY!!!! There is going to be three volumes, the third of which will launch by the end of Nov/beginning of Dec. If you're interested in an enemies to lovers romance with a lot of character development, check out the series. Or if you're an OG reader, there has been plenty of editing plus an extra chapter in volume three that has only been available on my patreon. Anywho, I left a direct link to Volume One, you can click on the "Book 1 of 2" section of amazon to see both volumes in the series. If you're on your phone, there's a link on my dashboard so just go to my profile or go to amazon and search Speak the Truth Volume One Twoony

Anyway, yeah, whoa, Seren has run into the vampire king's children and he has been caught by Roemithia! Will he be able to escape her clutches?