She was amazing, this woman.

Flowing so effortlessly despite her subtle nerves through everything thrown at her today.

After I'd finished the business needed from me, I returned to find her sitting at a table in the gardens with Zeke, giggling at the surely embarrassing story he was telling her about me, and the grin he sent my way after noticing my presence only affirmed it.

Though, I had to appreciate his effort in offering her another friend here and helping her get comfortable.

I then led her to her room and left her to rest and prepare for dinner with my family, making sure to send up a variety of clothes for her to choose from.

My mother had made sure to mention that we were to dress up tonight for the 'occasion'.

Zeke and I caught up on the little details in the meantime before he needed to leave, and thus left me to get ready for tonight again.

I stayed with my typical dark colors. It wasn't too uncommon for vampires to wear colors that resembled that of their wings, and given that mine were a perfect pitch black... that didn't leave much room for anything else.

Still, I tried with some gold and deep red accents over my vest and the buttons of it.

This time, I decided to keep my hair down aswell, letting its natural, subtle waves do their own thing in hopes that it might match hers.

I don't know what I was expecting when I went to her room to fetch her.

Sure I'd dwelt on which dress she'd choose or what she'd do with her hair, but I knew that nothing was going to compare to seeing it with my own eyes.

She took a moment to answer when I knocked and forced myself to stand patiently instead of just walking in there.

And god was it worth it. My eyes nearly fell from my head the moment that door opened.

She'd chosen a soft green gown tonight.

One that held tight to her waist and hips, then fell loosely down to the floor, with sleeves that skipped over her shoulders and instead hung down from her biceps.

She'd taken full advantage of the accessories given to her, adorning a necklace with smooth black stones that tapered down her collarbone.

Her nails were filed into long, rounded shapes, and her hair curled into those perfect, full waves I'd been hoping for.

"Do you think this will do?" She asked, fully confident in her choices, but still asking to make sure.

It took me a moment to find my words instead of just opening and closing my mouth like an idiot.

"I think yo- it's perfect." I managed, extending my elbow out as an offer for her to take.

She let out a little laugh, the tips of her fingers lifting to cover her lips before she stepped out, closed the door, and looped her arm around mine.

"Anything you need to warn me about your dad?" She light-heartedly pressed.

I nearly barked out a laugh, but luckily caught it.

"Oh, absolutely not. You've already done the hard part of meeting my mom. As the Royal born, she's really the one that's more difficult. He's most likely just as nervous as you if not more so."

For a lord, he was timid and soft-spoken, but it all worked with my mom by his side.

"I see," She spoke with a faint giggle, keeping close to my side, "I'll trust you then."

I led her up to the main royal dining room, and as expected, she and my father hit it off splendidly with some assistance from myself and my mother.

We talked tentatively around the trip, careful not to divulge too deep into anything that may have made her uncomfortable.

Although she didn't seem anywhere close to uncomfortable, and in fact even added in some thoughts and facts about the place herself. Perfectly in swing with our typical conversation tactics, which I could tell both of my parents greatly appreciated and approved of.

Little by little as the food was served and eaten, she was completely relaxed and content, showered in the welcome she was presented with, and the appreciation of being heard.

There was also a subtly strange way in which she inspected her the glass of blood served with the meal.

I can't imagine blood was so easily accessible where she came from.

Sure it wasn't the fresh stuff she was most likely used to, but she took it and drank it without a complaint or any look of disgust.

No... she just looked at ease. Like she was right where she belonged.

I'll admit that my own additions to the dinner conversation were lacking just from how often I was checking in on her, and by the time it was over, I'd only gotten half of my meal down.

I ignored my mothers knowing smirk while taking Caroline's elbow within mine like before and leading her down and back to her room.

She released a sigh once we were down on the proper floor, speaking with a grin of relief and sanctity.

"This place is different than I imagined. I don't know why I was expecting it to be more tight-knit than my own parents."

I marveled at her wistful tone.

"Just wait. I'm sure there's much more that you'll discover the longer you're here. More that you're going to love."

More that she can discover... and thus choose a life for herself however she may.

I knew that my instincts had already made their own choice, and hers as well, but there was no need for us to move fast. Things were already moving fast enough for her.

Giving her just the option to have that choice was all I really wanted.

"And can I go ahead and make the assumption that maybe you'll be the one to show me a few of these things?" The way she batted her eyes made my breath hitch, "Outside of your princely duties of course."

"Of course," I repeated, "I'd be more than happy to. Realistically I'm not that busy."

She squeezed her arm against mine.

"Don't shift your schedule for me. Things will happen as they do."

She parted from me and turned to face me as soon as we'd approached her door.

"Until then, I think this is goodnight. If I'm tired, then I can only assume you're tired as well."

My day wasn't nearly as emotionally draining as hers, but I didn't feel a need to correct her.

Not when I instead felt more of a pang from the want to spend some more time with her.

"I understand," I said, stepping back to give her a bow.

I rose her hand to my lips in a soft kiss, wishing more that it were her cheek or mouth, but still extremely aware.

Truth be told I felt almost needy, luckily not to the point of my instincts needing to push for it, but still.

We instead just gave each other our goodnight, and I waited until she was safely in her room before heading back to mine.

I began my nightly routine to unwind, changing clothes and ruffling out my hair, debating which book or latest report from the citizens to read to pass the time or tire out my eyes.

I ordered a nice tea as well, preparing myself to be back in the bed I enjoyed without the worry pestering me about where my lost woman was hiding or when I'd ever see her again.

It was a peace I just had not noticed... A change I wasn't prepared for, but thoroughly enjoyed.

Just as I was ready to get into bed for the night, there was a timid knock at my door.

I just faced it for a few seconds, debating my options.

I hadn't asked for anything so...

My heart thumped harder at the other options coming to mind, and my feet followed the pursuit to my door, nearly flinging it open.

There she stood in an oversized shirt and a pair of shorts with her hair all tied up save for some strands hanging down on either side of her face.

I had forgotten for a moment that I indeed slept shirtless, but her flickering gaze soon reminded me.

"h...hey," I cleared my throat, trying to lean against the door as nonchalantly as possible.

"I uhm..." She drifted off, eyes drifting down towards the floor for a moment before drawing in a breath and facing me, "That room is so big and quiet... I'm more used to smaller spaces and the sounds of the night to get me to relax."

I was frozen above her gaze, still processing the picture in front of me.

"And I just slept so well last night," She continued, "So I was wondering if maybe... I could join you for tonight?"

Every night. She could join me every night.

But don't say that right now, idiot.

Keep your over-excitement at bay.

"Of course," I answered totally calm and collected, stepping to the side to let her step in.

Her eyes searched the area for a few moments, drawing it all in before returning to me, and closing a bit of space.

"Thank you," She uttered, pecking a kiss on my cheek.

"No no, Caroline, Thank you."