Lucian and Danika were in the ball room as Rosa made breakfast for the humans. He thought it was strange but Baz was helping her but said nothing knowing she probably needed the help. Theodore and Elena were packed for their little holiday and pushed through the door with barely any time to spare. Works had already begun, the sounds of one rather large building crew working on the staff quarters was rather distracting for Danika. Every time someone dropped a tool or walked past the glass doors, she was distracted. They took a momentary break for breakfast and Lucian looked at his phone, trying to resist the urge. He didn't want to make the call, he feared what she would say. Wondering if she would laugh or yell at him. She might have been civil last night but that was because there was a meeting going on and decorum was expected. Lucian sighed and stood from the dining table, pressing the number in the phone book. He walked toward the front of the house, watching through the open doors. The place was an even bigger nightmare now. The film crew and the builders and all of their things, it was all he could see. His front yard was a mess of trailers, trucks, one large bus, people everywhere. The phone rang and rang, eventually she answered.

'Lucian.'

'Hey Ariella, I uh, wanted to ask you something.'

Danika rose from her seat, watching through the entry as Lucian stood at the doors talking to someone on his phone. She didn't want to be presumptuous or to not trust him but she had heard her name. Danika held back, not wanting to listen to the conversation but close enough that he would see her when he turned. She watched his movements, they were rather disjointed looking like he was having one very awkward conversation. He turned as he slipped the phone into his pocket and saw her leaning on the wall at the end of the corridor.

'Hey.' he smiled as he walked closer to her.

'Hi.'

'I called in the reinforcements. Dress quickly, they will be arriving soon.'

Lucian watched as she walked up the stairs, a soft smile played over his face but it was interrupted by the sound of a soft pattering of a heart. He turned to see Brendan behind him.

'You like her?'

'Very much so.'

'Are you going to expect her to become...' his finger waggled at Lucian.

'There is no expectations nor any demands but if she wants a life with me, then it is necessary. A vampire could not live a life with a human easily.'

Brendan nodded wordlessly, thinking about his sister becoming a vampire. It didn't thrill him but he knew that it had its perks. An eternity as pretty as she was right now and death wasn't much of an issue.

'Alright.' he sighed 'Just don't hurt her. Also, it's her birthday in a month. She won't tell you though, she isn't a fan of getting older.'

'Ok, thanks for telling me.'

Brendan nodded again and wandered off, leaving Lucian to his thoughts about Danika and her impending birthday.

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

Rosa helped her dress for the day, Bill had declared that he would be doing some preliminary shots of the room while she was having her dance lessons. It was suggested that she be dressed appropriately as he may use some of the images if they turned out ok. So now Danika was in the bone crushing dress again, her hair was up in a mass of curls that swept upwards. She didn't wear the boots this time, opting for bare feet for the morning. By the afternoon she would have to wear something though and the thought made her cringe. Lucian was at the bottom of the stairs talking to Ariella and her father when Danika and Rosa descended. Rosa curtsied and quickly scurried away, leaving a group of people that were feeling very uncomfortable.

'Uh, thanks for this.' Danika feigned a smile.

'Not a problem.' Ariella smiled at her 'We are all for positive views on vampires and we have no doubt that this will be very positive. Shall we?'

The four of them walked into the parlour, Lucian shutting the doors behind them. Ariella sat at the piano as Lucian pushed the furniture away, creating a dance space. She had expected to be dancing with Lucian but when he moved to lean on the piano, she became a little nervous. Her attention turned to Lucas who was standing in front of her with a slight smirk. He was fractionally taller than Lucian, thick brown hair and striking blue eyes. As he took her into the dance hold, she could feel his coldness pervade her skin. His hands were like ice. The grin deepened and showed off one sharp little fang. Ariella started playing, her fingers gliding over the keys with little effort.

'Relax. If I could teach my stubborn wife to dance, then you will not be an issue.'

The quietness of the room allowed for concentration, over and over again they moved. Dancing to the repetitive strains of Ariella on the piano. It was broken by Bill opening the door to announce the ball room was ready for their practice dancing. As the entered the ball room, the assistant put the choker on Danika. It was because of a scene that was yet to be filmed. One where moments after leaving the parlour, the vampire gifts the fair maiden a pretty necklace and then escorts her to the dance. It was intended to be done today but Bill changed the plans when the council agreed to return tonight for the fake dance. He had to ensure Danika knew how to dance. What shocked her was the boys were in the room as well, looking rather decked out in their outfits. Lucas sat at the piano, waiting for Danika and Lucian to move into position.

'Ok boys, who's up first?' Ariella grinned at them.

She flashed the fangs at them, watching as their eyes widened. Baz and Spencer pushed Brendan out, stating the front man should have the honour.

'Why?' Danika whispered to Lucian.

'Apparently Bill is intending on having them dance tonight as well.'

Danika laughed as she watched her brother dancing with Ariella. There were a few displeasing grunts as he stepped on her foot several times.

As the afternoon wore on, each of them had their lessons. Danika and Lucian continued to dance, moving across the floor with ease. Lessons with Lucas had worked and now she felt comfortable. The noise of the workers blended into the background noise as they swirled around the floor, completely wrapped up in each other.

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

Night had fallen and the guests had arrived. Catering had taken over preparing food for everyone while Bill ensured that everything was set up the way he wanted it. Lucian was grateful that he had asked Elena and Theodore to get more blood. It was an excuse to get him out of the place but now it was serving a purpose, feeding the guests for a second night. As the two stars were prepared for being directly on camera again, everyone was being ushered into the room and Bill guided them on what he would like to happen. The boys were hounding Scarlett, asking when they were going to have this jam session she had suggested. Baz had even thrown in the suggestion of doing a song together for release. Scarlett raised an eyebrow at him but grinned, stating that it was a mighty fine idea. Danika walked into the ball room, seeing the scaffolding set up in one corner with a man perched behind the camera. She wondered if Lucian knew that was going to be there.

'Bill, tell me you aren't going to damage this room.'

'It's fine Danika, we are being super careful.'

He turned slightly to see Lucian enter the room.

'Ok, so lead her in, maybe pass the cane to... great, no butler. Who was the smart one, getting rid of the help?' he sighed and turned to the assistant 'Get someone in a tux pronto please.'

Bill turned back to the two stars.

'Alright then, hand the cane over, lead her to the dance floor. In the centre please and I want those looks of lust and caution, scared and aroused.'

'Jeez talk about a conflict of emotions.' Danika muttered.

Bill walked off ordering the boys into position with their partners. Rosa settled at the piano in her outfit and began to play. The room came alive with the vampires dancing, the rustling of dresses, the light steps of the feet echoing through the room. Danika could feel her heart swell at the sight, it was amazing. She felt like she had been transported back in time, to an era where this was normal life. They moved in unison, even the boys seemed to flow through the dance steps with ease. A broad grin crossed her face as her eyes lit up, she wanted to get in there, to dance with them.

'This is amazing; why don't you do this more often?'

Danika looked up at Lucian, his eyes showed the sadness, the pain of the past.

'There has never been anything to celebrate.'

Bill wandered over and interrupted the increasingly awkward moment. Danika didn't know what to say to Lucian.

'Ok, you two ready?'

Danika nodded avidly, hoping the enthusiasm might lift Lucian's mood.

'Alright.' he frowned with a crazy grin 'Back at the doors, camera will walk in front of you. Nervous please Danika, try and hide the enthusiasm.'

Lucian led her to the dance floor, watching how she feigned the timid mouse when really she was about to explode with delight. The cameraman stayed with them in the circle, watching as they began to dance. Catching the looks between them. Danika looked up into his eyes and smiled softly, finding it hard to pretend to be scared.

'Don't force it, just enjoy this. Stuff what Bill wants.'

She frowned.

'All you are giving is a laboured performance, he won't want that. It looks fake. Let your true emotions out and make the camera believe you want to be here.'

They stopped dancing as he leaned into her ear to whisper.

'Do you want to be here?'

'Absolutely.' her voice was breathy and seemingly rather desperate.

'Glad to hear it.' he grinned as they started to dance again.

It seemed like hours that they danced, Danika's feet hurt but she didn't care. All she could do was look at him with the same stupid grin on her face. Neither of them noticed as the cameraman moved around them or when he left for the overhead shots. They didn't notice as they moved around the exterior of the group or any of those that passed them. They were too engrossed in their own little world to notice anything other than themselves. The lights had been dropped, creating one very romantic mood. The mood of the room had shifted; a sultry haze had lowered around the guests. Giggling and soft murmurs of affection could be heard, bodies pressing together tightly, hands pressed firmly. Lucian could feel the heat, the intense euphoric sensations tingling up his spine. They stopped dancing as the group around them continued. As he looked into her eyes he knew that no one else existed, no one was more important. She let go of his grip and lifted her hand to his shoulder, pulling him into a very heated kiss.

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

Bill called for a break, allowing everyone to rest and refresh. Danika had the sudden urge to answer the call of nature, scurrying out of the room to find the bathroom. It was just outside the entrance to the ball room, in the little powder room that Danika realised she wasn't alone. As she washed her hands she stared at the door, feeling an unknown presence. Sure, there were lots of beings in this place now that the council had returned but this was different. She wondered what might be on the other side of the door, fearing this evil that had the vampires in a spin. Her heart beat just a little faster as she reached for the door knob. Praying that she was imagining things, she took a deep breath and turned the handle. Carefully she opened the door to the well-lit corridor, seeing nothing. She pushed the door open further and stepped out, almost running into one very firm chest. A chest that was wrapped in a military suit and a green sash.

'Sorry.' she gasped and then looked up.

'No apologies necessary.' he grinned.

Danika stared into the dark blue eyes, Elijah leaned on the wall with a smug grin.

'It's a bit hot in there, isn't it?'

'Uh, yeah.'

She watched as he flicked the loose strand of hair out his eyes and behind his ear. His father and grandfather had blonde hair, short back and sides but Elijah was a stark contrast. He had brown hair like his mother, a very definite wave ran through it but there was no curl. Just an unruly mop of wavy brown hair.

'I like the heat.' he grinned 'So much better than the cold. There are so many possibilities for different activities in hot weather. It's quite endless, wouldn't you agree?'

'Yeah.'

'Are you planning on becoming a vampire?'

'Oh I uh, hadn't really thought about it.'

'You could visit our world if you did, it's beautiful. You really should visit. But if you don't want to be a vampire, there are... alternatives.'

Danika pressed against the door frame as he moved closer, his gaze never leaving her eyes. His movements were slow and calculated, moving with ease across the few steps. Now he was far too close for her liking.

'You could choose from one of the other dark beings.'

His voice was heavy, smooth and laced with intent. Danika could feel the temperature rise around her, a simmering in the pit of her stomach. Elijah grinned, his pupil dilating as her body tingled. Her body became incredibly sensitive, feeling the heat between her legs increase.

'Stop it.' she gasped as she closed her eyes 'I know what you are doing.'

'Do you just?' he grinned 'Alright then, have it your way.'

As she opened her eyes, he took a step closer and leaned in, the softness of his jaw rubbed against hers as he whispered.

'Sure you won't change your mind?'

'Go away.'

Elijah stepped back with a mighty grin, satisfied with the turn of events.

'Well done.' he winked at her 'You just earned approval.'

'What?' she snapped at him.

'A certain pain in the arse wanted to ensure that you were right for the future and congrats, you passed. And by the way, you're not my type.'

He turned to step away from her but she grabbed his jacket, pulling him back.

'Who?'

'Terrance of course. Ensuring that all runs smoothly for Lucian's future. One day he will be king, my dear. Whilst he might have had a sordid past that no one can change, there are some that would see that the future is one that has no dirty secrets. You know...' he shrugged with a grin 'Queens running off with werewolf lovers. I think he seeks to ensure that history does not repeat itself.'

'So I had to undertake a test to see if I would become adulterous?' she narrowed her eyes at him.

'Ensuring that the woman who might one day be queen is a well behaved woman.'

'Who said that it's going to be me?'

Elijah shrugged again.

'I am just the person tasked with this job. My time here is done, if you have issues then you should take them up with Terrance.'

Danika watched as he walked away, never looking back. She leaned back on the wall with a low groan, thinking it was all cloak and dagger.

'I wouldn't bother with Terrance.' A female voice echoed through the corridor.

Danika gasped and looked around at the empty room, then a figure appeared, leaning on the opposite wall. She couldn't get over the fact that the woman had just appeared out of nowhere. More secrets, more cloak and dagger. Danika frowned, trying to remember the names.

'Evangeline.'

'Evie.' she grinned 'And like I said, give him a miss. He's a stubborn one, like Elijah said, pain in the arse.'

Evie lifted her body off the wall and sauntered over to her, moving far too close to Danika.

'If you're planning on having a crack like him, not interested. Girls aren't my thing.'

'Good to know.' she grinned 'They aren't my thing either, but still the demands of the second in charge aren't to be ignored.'

'Jeepers will this man ever trust me?'

'Open that mind of yours and maybe he might.'

'Ok, one, it's my mind, my private place. Not open for inspection or invasion. Two, the werewolves already broke in yesterday, why don't you go and ask them what information they helped themselves to.'

'What's going on?'

Danika and Evie turned to Lucian who was frowning.

'Why don't you ask your precious council?' Danika fumed, storming past him.

'What have you done?' his eyes narrowed at Evie.

'What has been asked of me.'

'My mother or Terrance?'

'You should know the answer to that one Lucian, you know your mother would trust your judgment.'

'But what about you? You don't, do you? You're here doing Terrance's dirty work.'

'Take it up with him Lucian, he is just ensuring that the future queen will be a worthy woman.'

Lucian growled and stormed his way through the corridor, trying to track Danika. She was sitting on the edge of the water fountain that dominated the centre of the formal garden. Her hand running through the cold water, trying to find a relaxing place in her mind. She heard the frantic steps of Lucian as he walked to her, crunching the gravel under his shoes.

'It's ok.' she sighed 'I understand his intentions.'

'Doesn't make it right.'

Lucian sat on the edge of the fountain in front of her, watching as she flicked the water from her hand.

'He wants to ensure that I don't take the path that your mother did.'

'She was a bit of a nightmare for him.' Lucian grinned.

'On a positive note, I passed.' she laughed.

'Evie probably put in a half arsed effort any way. She's always been on my mother's side when it comes to Terrance and his orders.'

'Oh, it wasn't just Evie that I had to contend with.'

Lucian frowned at her as she looked up at him with a wry smile.

'Elijah and he tried that thing that you were telling me about.'

'I'll kill him.' he growled about to get off the edge.

'Sit down.' she tugged his arm back. 'I told him to stop it and he obeyed my request. Also, I'm not his type so you needn't be jealous.'

'You really don't care?'

Danika shook her head.

'Although, you might want to learn whatever it is that the werewolves can do, even in those few seconds.' she smacked her lips with lustful thoughts 'Very nice.' she purred.