"Please take a seat while I fetch my things." I said upon entering my room, going straight for my vanity.

I heard the door close softly behind me and footsteps head towards the window seat. I opened the top drawer and rummaged through it for my notepad and pen. Just as I grabbed them and shut the drawer, I heard the Prince ask, "Do you like your room?"

I turned towards the Prince to see him sitting with one foot on the floor while the other propped up before him, his forearm resting casually against it. He was staring at me solemnly, his eyes serene and assessing me expectantly.

Fleetingly, I wondered if beauty and grace really came as effortlessly as it came to him.

I gave a cursory glance to my room and then a light smile to him,"Very much so, Your Highness. I especially love the view from up here."

He returned a crooked grin and moved his gaze to the world outside, murmuring, "Thought you would."

I went to my bed and picked up my bag, taking out a measuring tape then walking towards the Prince. My mind decided to blank out at the precise moment I stood before him.

He gazed up at me through the silken strands lying upon his forehead, looking every bit the charming hunk he was. I felt the tell-tale warmth begin pricking at the apples of my cheeks and before it became visible, I raised my hand to show him the tape, unable to utter a word.

He glanced at it, then looked back at my face a little longer -a serenity in his expression I had never seen- before standing up fluidly on his feet. Quickly getting to work, I started by the expanse of his chest, my fingertips brushing against the soft fabric of his button up. I couldn't get it right however, because the shirt was hindering.

Flushing fifty different shades of scarlet, I mumbled out a plea for him to take off his shirt, eyes glued to the floor. He stepped back for a mere second, and resumed his place before me right after. His hand came in my view, offering me the shirt.

I took it from him timidly, folding it neatly and placing it on my bed with considerable swiftness. Taking a moment, I mustered up all the courage within me and gazed up at him, to see him already watching me in amusement, an imperceptible smirk playing on his lips crookedly.

Colouring up, I dropped my gaze to his broad chest and strong shoulders; ripped and intimidating. The skin was smooth and creamy, not a scar visible.

I raised my shaky hands and placed the tape against his chest, feeling the soft skin covering the steely muscles beneath my fingertips. I noted the measurement, and moved to his torso, which was ripped with eight packs, the v-line following on both sides and narrowing down as it disappeared in his jeans. I wrapped the tape around his upper torso, waist and hips.

Then I placed it vertically on top of his shoulder, letting the tape fall. I knelt and measured the length. All the while, I felt like I'll end up having an aneurysm any second. I could say it with perfect surety that no other female in my place would have been able to survive as long as I.

His scent was whirling my senses into overdrive; it was something subtle yet strong, a mix of all things heavenly. His body was divine; it seemed like it was carved out of finest of marbles with passionate hands slaving day and night to make it perfect. His aura, everything about him, was pure, alpha male.

So one could imagine the state I was in. Or rather, a torturous dilemma.

Profusely horrified and embarrassed with my train of thoughts, I made haste to wrap it up as soon as possible, heaving a silent sigh as soon as I could escape from the Prince's presence towards my notepad.

I heard slight shuffling and then it was quiet. I remained busy scribbling all my findin- measurements, all the measurements.

"Any colour preferences, Your Grace?" I inquired busily, jotting everything down before I forgot.

"Grey." He breathed.

I frowned. "Grey?" I repeated with hesitance, tasting the colour's vibrancy on my tongue as it came out questioningly, my eyebrows still scrunched up in thought.

I looked at the Prince to find his face emotionless —not calm, but emotionless. It scared me, just that little bit.

He took a deliberate step towards me, cocking his head imperceptibly to the right, eyes narrowed.

He didn't need to say it for me to get the message. Though I was torn between two meanings:

What is wrong with it?

Or

Have you forgotten your place and dare question my choice?

Thankfully, it was the former than the latter.

"Why, is there something wrong with grey?" He questioned smoothly, staring straight in my eyes with scorching intensity.

Blushing, I rushed to defend myself, not wanting to offend him. "Oh no, Your Highness. It is just that grey is not a colour to be worn on such an occasion. I find it to be very dull and lifeless. No one exactly favours grey."

He hummed and stepped closer to me.

I craned my head up to give a glance at his face, which revealed nothing to give me an indication of what he was thinking. So I bowed my head.

"Perhaps many don't favour grey."

I snapped my head back up at his agreement and noticed there to be only enough space for half a hand span between us.

"But you are wrong to say grey is dull and lifeless." He continued, his smoldering eyes burning into mine. My heart skidded to a halt, then began drumming hard enough to burst out of my chest.

"Grey is a beautiful colour. It's the calm before the storm. Yet it's a hurricane and tornado all in one. It stuns you to complete awe and surrender with just one glance at it. It's catastrophic, yet tranquil just the same. I find it to be very beguiling and thrilling."

I gaped at him silently at his admission, amazed at his magnificent perception of a colour almost every other person found bland.

"However," he added, "Since you are more knowledgeable in this department, I would go along with the colours you choose."

"Blue." I blurted almost immediately, "Cobalt blue and gold. It would go handsomely with your eyes and hair."

My eyes widened when I realized what I just said. My face felt hot as I saw something unreadable on his face. Just as he was about to say something, a knock interrupted him.

"Vie?! C'mon! I got the daisies."

At that moment, I was so relieved to get away from the Prince, I could kiss Colin.

"Just a moment, sweetheart." I called out slightly, then turned back to the Prince.

He had a light smile on his face as he turned his back to me.

"You are excused." He murmured. And then he was no where to be seen.

I gasped at his abrupt disappearance, and felt a twinge of disappointment at his departure.

Another bang sounded on my door, breaking me from my trance. I blinked and ran for the door, reassuring Colin as I went.

***

"Umph! God this stuff is heavy as a hippo," Blair grumbled as she sat my sewing machine near the balcony doors in my room.

Hadley rolled her eyes. "You're such a drama queen, Blair. It hardly weighs anything for you. Vampire, remember?"

Blair shot daggers her way, then straightened, dusted her skirts of imaginary dirt and placed her hands on her hips.

"Is that so? Why don't you give it a go? See how you like it when you break a nail?" Blair questioned with a sickly sweet tone, tone sarcastic.

I giggled at their banter. Hadley turned to me, narrowing her eyes.

"What are you laughing at?" She asked menacingly, while I pursed my lips to keep the fit of chuckles from escaping.

I just shook my head, unable to respond.

It was sunset and while I was having supper, both the sisters were busy setting up the sewing machine, chests containing cloths, threads, needles and the works as well as a mannequin in the spacious corner between my vanity and balcony.

They were also providing me with sufficient entertainment.

"Finally!" Blair exclaimed in immense relief.

"I'm sorry Vie, but I'm calling it a night. As much as I'd love to stay and chat, I'm all sticky and grimy and just want to take a thorough bath and slip in a warm bed." Blair announced right after, heading for the door.

She touched her hair and cringed, "I hope it's just the webs and no spiders in there."

I chuckled. "Goodnight Blair."

"G'night!" And the door clicked close behind her.

"I don't understand that girl sometimes. And she's supposed to be related to me by blood." Hadley commented, shaking her head.

"Oh Hadley, she's precious just the way she is." I replied with grin.

She looked at me then, and returned my smile.

"That she is." She concurred, "Anyway, I need to go too. Apparently Derrick's parents are heading out on a date and I'm the babysitter. I need to be there before nightfall. I'll catch you later, hm?"

"Go ahead and good luck."

"God knows I need it." She grumbled, leaving my room. It was no secret how much Derrick hated to be babysat so he was every woman's worst nightmare.

I laughed to myself, pitying my poor friend.

I had finished with my dinner, so I decided to take my tray back to the kitchen instead of waiting on a maid. I wanted to get some work done and didn't want to be interrupted until dawn.

So standing up with the tray in hand, I started for the kitchen, which was a long walk away at the very back of the castle at my human pace.

After almost fifteen minutes, I could see the doors leading to the kitchen. Just as I was about to go in, I heard voices speaking frantically.

Curious, I halted.

"Just a fortnight longer, my precious. And I shall forever take you away from this place." It was a male, judging from the baritone.

"But Zeke, I'm so terrified. What if anyone found out? You're a Noble. God knows what'll become of you. I couldn't bear it." This was a female, and her voice shook with emotion, seeming to be on the verge of crying.

"Oh no, sweetness. Don't cry. I can't see your tears. Hush." The male, Zeke, continued to console her.

"I promise we'll get out of here together and start a life for ourselves. I'll build you a magnificent home with my bare hands, with a lot of rooms for our babes. Tell me, are you willing to give me five little ones?" I smiled hearing the teasing in his question, yet I could also sense the love and affection as well.

"Zeke!" She shrieked, followed by a male chuckle.

I decided that was my cue to make myself known, besides, I was curious to know who they were.

I knocked on the double doors and silence ensued. A minute later the female called, "C-come in."

I pushed the door open and took a surreptitious look around. Zeke was nowhere to be seen.

There was just a girl, slightly older than me -maybe twenty-two- looking absolutely gorgeous in a pale pink gown, her hair in a low chignon, skin pale and flawless and eyes a summery green.

"I just wanted to return my tray. Please inform Beth that she doesn't need to come by for it. My name is Genevieve." I said softly, giving no indication of knowing what was going on just a minute ago.

I placed my tray on one of the steel counters, all the while the pretty blonde stared at me quietly.

"Let me get that. I'm on washing duty tonight. I'll be sure to inform Beth." She finally responded, her voice firmer than before.

"Thank you...?" I trailed off, not knowing her name.

She blushed, her eyes widening slightly for a second.

"I'm so sorry. My name is Delilah. It's very nice to meet you, Genevieve."

I grinned at her. "It is very nice to meet you as well Delilah. I would like for us to be friends. Whenever you're free, ask for my room and we'll get to know one another. I'm new and hardly know anyone around here."

She smiled brightly, almost immediately relaxing. "Sure thing."

"I'll be leaving now. Good night, Delilah."

"Goodnight, Genevieve."

And with that, I left and headed straight for my room -albeit slowly- while pondering over what I heard.

It was all so very strange. Just this morning I see a couple meeting in hiding. And now this. Come to think of it, she resembles an awful lot in-

My eyes widened the size of saucers.

"Oh no." I whispered, coming at a standstill.

Zeke is a Noble. Only vampires are Nobles...

Delilah has the same appearance as the girl from this morning...

They were talking about escaping the castle and Delilah fears getting caught...

The couple in the morning were very discreet about their rendezvous...

I came to the chilling realisation that the couple from this morning was the very one in the kitchen I heard talking. All the dots connected.

I also shivered knowing if they were to get caught, what would become of them would be nothing short of butchery.

"Good Lord, have mercy on them." I whispered to the silence in the long corridor, not daring to utter a word.

A fortnight...

I decided to get Delilah to open up to me before they left. I didn't want them doing it alone. They would need help. Besides, I was a strong believer of love and I saw no harm in loving someone who didn't have the same genetics as you.

For now however, I need to start working.

With that, I began walking to my room, my head spinning with a dozen thoughts.

Author's Note:

I just noticed after posting this chapter that TLV is #890 in Vampire!

I know it's not much but I am so excited and happy. Let's get it higher? Please? I'll forever love you all :D

Hope you liked the chapter :D

Take care,
—R.