It feels like the air has been sucked out of my chest. Ingrid does the lacing up so tight. I run my fingers over the silver beading that sits on my torso, the dark blue satin highlights the silver bead work.

"I can't breathe." I gasp.

"Give it a minute, let your body get used to it."

She steps back and looks at me.

"That dress is lovely Stephanie."

"I know. Miranda helped me pick it."

"Lovely lady, Miranda." She smiles at me.

"Yeah, she is."

The maid behind me has to stand on a stool to finish my hair. Neatly pinned up, little wisps of hair caress my bare shoulders. Ingrid bends down to fluff my skirt out. The satin slides in her hands, she smooths it out, letting it fall to the ground. She gets up as the maid looks upon her work, they smile, happy with their efforts. Ingrid looks at her watch.

"Time to go. His highness will be waiting for you."

The maid, Margareta I think, hands me a shawl and clutch purse.

"Have fun." they say with a conspiratorial smile.

I find him in the entry talking to Gerald, my shoes clicking on the tiles gives away my presence. They both stare at me as I walk out.

"Your highness, Miss Collins." Gerald bows and quickly scurries out of the room.

He looks positively gorgeous in his regal attire, the jacket so fitted to his body, shaping his perfect form.

"Miss Collins." he nods with a grin. "I must regretfully inform you that they have cancelled the ball tonight."

"Oh." I say with raised eyebrows.

"Yes." a sly smirk curls into his mouth. "However, there are alternatives for festivities tonight."

"Is that right?"

He nods.

"All dressed up and nowhere to go?"

"There are places that we can go."

"Such as?"

"The lake." he whispers in my ear.

"Your desk." I close my eyes as he pulls me in, holding me by the small of my back.

He slowly kisses my neck, little kisses down to my bare shoulder. He moves behind me holding me by the edge of my shoulders.

"In the shower." he kisses the nape of my neck, I let out a soft moan as his fingers press into my shoulders.

He kisses below my ear as his hands slide over the beading.

"You look beautiful."

When we arrive, the place is packed. Women in their coloured dresses dance around the floor, led by their partners. The room is vast, the walls a deep forest green colour, with gold filigree trims around the windows and French doors. People watch from the balcony above; waiters move through the crowd with ease. Some of the waiters have champagne flutes, some have a red liquid in wine glasses, which seems way too thick too be red wine. Gerald hovers close by; his presence is a reminder of that card.

I hear my name being squealed and a lemon coloured blur rushing towards me. Suddenly I am in the grip of one overbearing Miranda.

"Oh my god, you look stunning."

"Right back at ya girlfriend." she winks at me.

She links her elbow in mine and pulls me across the room, to an alcove that lines one side of the dance floor.

"So, update me."

"Ok, I know." I blush.

"Oh good. Uh, how much?"

"What he is and what I am."

"You?" she tries to pretend she doesn't know. Yeah right.

"The big v."

"Oh, welcome to the club." she grins.

"Born or turned?"

"Born apparently."

"Your parents?"

I shake my head.

"I don't know. I don't think so."

"Maybe you're adopted."

I inwardly sigh as I think about it. Yeah, that seems like a distinct possibility seeing as I don't look anything like them.

"Maybe."

"One hurdle left then you are there." she grins.

"One hurdle?"

"The missing princess."

"Yeah." I say so dejectedly.

"Don't stress Steph, things will work out for the best."

"I'm glad you can see the brighter side of things."

"I can see a lot of things."

Just as I am about to question her 'see a lot of things' comment, Alex walks over.

"Can I interrupt your thrilling conversation ladies?"

"Of course."

Alex whisks me onto the dance floor, mouthing curtsy to me. I oblige him with a cheeky smirk. He gracefully guides me around the floor. I see Miranda and Terrance whirling around, thoroughly enjoying themselves.

"Do you know many people here?"

"Uh, most of them. They are all vampiric royalty or aristocracy of some form."

"They're what?"

"Royals from every kingdom. Every one of them in this realm has vampiric royalty."

"How many realms are there?"

"Two. The other is not as developed as this one, the inhabitants are mostly creatures. The werewolves tend to live there more than here; they prefer the quieter existence away from the humans. They used to inhabit both realms but the ones that were here were found out by the humans, they killed the ones that didn't flee in time. Occasionally they will return to holiday or to visit friends, but they won't stay for long and they won't be here during a full moon."

"What about shape shifters?"

"They prefer this realm; they are more of a social creature. You will find that they will take human form and integrate into the surrounding community rather than creating their own enclave."

"Unlike the vampires?"

He nods as we glide around the floor.

"Yes. The humans fear us or rather the legend of us. Unfortunately, it is the legends that have done the damage for the vampiric world. We have to feed in the shadows or face the wrath of humans."

"Why don't they go to the other realm like the werewolves?"

"Some of us have, but there are some that prefer civilisation. The need for human blood outweighs the risk of being found out."

"So those that go to the other realm, how do they feed on humans?"

"They break into the blood banks and take supplies with them, feeding on the animals makes their human blood supply last longer."

"Oh."

The song ends and the crowd stops, waiting for the next song.

"Another one?"

The music starts again; he pulls me against his body.

"I'd rather find a dark corner." he whispers in my ear.

"Later, I have questions."

"Of course."

"So are there rules for being a vampire?"

He shrugs.

"Those that are not royalty are bound to the laws of the humans, and those without diplomatic immunity and only to a certain degree, some of the laws are just plain ridiculous." he grins. "The reality of it is that the dark beings are basically beyond the reach of the humans in regards to the laws. We are supposed to behave ourselves like a human would if we want to walk among them."

"Are there vampires in human jails?"

"No, we have great lawyers, but there are a few that have come pretty close."

"I guess it wouldn't be a fun place for a vampire."

"No." he chuckles. "When we feed we are supposed to dispose of the deceased in a fit and proper manner and respectfully too."

He looks at my face, almost like he knows the next question.

"Yes that is fine. I mean like leaving the body in a ditch or on the street. We are to keep in mind those that will find the body, one or two people finding it is acceptable, the possibility of many people finding it is unacceptable."

Oh.

"Don't leave witnesses. It is hard enough to survive in this modern world without the added issues of people blabbing to the papers or the cops of what they saw."

"Don't forget rule one." Terrace says, almost singing it as he whirls past with Miranda.

"Yes." Alex grins. "Rule one is don't kill your own kind but, there are some big exceptions to that one."

"Such as?"

"If they are attacking you, if it has been ordered by the high council or if you are a king's guard."

"What's that?"

"Kings guard is a group commanded by the high council, they are placed into each royal family for the protection of the family if it is necessary."

"Is it necessary?"

"Well no one ever thought it was until we found out that the girl's parents were murdered."

"Do you have a king's guard?"

"Yes, Gerald."

"Oh. So what will happen to the murderer if they find this shadow the girl saw?"

"The grand master and the council have voted that he or she be removed immediately."

"Is the grand master here tonight?"

"Yes." he looks around. "Somewhere."

"So is the girl's uncle here tonight?"

"No, he never attends functions."

I can feel my need building. I grow hungry.

"Alex, I'm hungry."

He takes my hand and pulls me through the dancing couples, to the edge of the dance floor, a waiter passes us with a full platter of glasses. He grabs two glasses off the platter and passes one to me. I take a sip of the warm blood. It shocks me as I expected it to be cool.

"It's warm." I whisper.

"They warm it before serving."

The music stops and I turn hearing someone call for attention. I nearly splutter the blood everywhere when I see Terrance on the stage addressing the crowd.

"Alex." I frown as I whisper. "Why is Terrance up there?"

"He is the high council grand master."

Really? Yes, do you think I would lie to you? No, I just... he is a bit young.

Alex laughs.

Terrance is one hundred and seven. Oh snap, that's old. No it's not, actually he is quite young. So what's his deal, you said they were duke and duchess? His father is still king, he is third in line for the throne to this kingdom, but he got bored, went and joined the high council and got the votes to become grand master. Got bored? Yes, that can happen, you know, living for over one hundred years, need to keep yourself occupied somehow. But you met him in school right? Yes, another Terrance being bored thing, best thing he ever did though, he met Miranda there but they didn't actually hook up until he was elected as grand master.

People laughing breaks our conversation and I had so wanted to ask him more about Miranda. Just as I am about to restart the conversation she approaches us, wrapping her arms around us.

"So what's happening after the party people?"

"Going home." Alex shrugs.

"You aren't serious are you? Finishing the winter ball at midnight are we Cinderella?"

"Well then what would you suggest?"

"A night on the prowl." her lips press together with a wicked smirk, her eyes lower as she speaks.

"I don't have a change of clothes." I interject, looking at the massive puffy dress I am wearing.

"It's cool, we will stop by the house and change." she looks up at the stage. "We should be able to go soon without anyone noticing."

Once Terrance was finished with his official duties, we were able to slip away with ease. I was reluctant to go back to their house with that woman there but she didn't show her face. Thank Christ, who would know what I would do. Miranda finds an insanely tiny skirt for me to wear, I put it on with a white cotton shirt. It hugs my small frame, the buttons popping at my chest. Miranda looks at it and undoes the first few buttons jeez, lucky I'm wearing a decent bra underneath. She quickly changes into a tiny dress and we join Alex and Terrance who are waiting for us. They have ditched their jackets, now just in their shirts and pants.

"So, what's the plan?" Miranda asks.

"What about a hotel? Find some friends and have fun." Terrance suggests.

She grins, a fang peeks out and presses into her bottom lip.

"Sounds...Fun."