Surprise

The following morning after the celebration Brianna returned to her place exhausted and guests made their way to their chambers.But the gathering was far from over. Her parents were extravagant and loved flaunting in front of the enemy showing off their resources and power thus her party would be a week long. A week long with the wolves. A week long with her mate. Her mate. Prince Michael. It was bad enough that she knew her mate was a wolf, her natural enemy but she didn't anticipate him to be a prominent member of the royal family. This made their situation a five to zero percent chance of ever being possible.

" Fucking shit, did he have to be the prince? I could have settled for a commoner!" Brianna muttered under her breath as Adelaide peaked her head from the closet.Brianna heart jumped because she accidentally had forgotten Adelaide was in the same room. Hopefully she hadn't overheard her but yet again she was a vampire with superb hearing skills.

" Who's the commoner?" She asked as Brianna pinched the bridge of her nose.

" Oh come on. I know this is about Ambrose." Adelaide falsely claimed as Brianna blinked. Ambrose? What did he have to do with anything she just said? Where did she get such conclusions? Ambrose was not Michael, nor Michael was not Ambrose. Brianna wished he was so this internal debate of struggle would not happen. So could her best friend explain?

" What ! No!" Brianna squealed at the thought of saying something offensive about Ambrose. He was quite the gentleman as they spent the entire night talking, dancing, and mingling . She felt eased by his presence as he calmly stood by.

" Bri! Come on! Give the Duke a chance. I know he's not a Prince, but come on at least he is not a commoner." Adelaide pointed out the obvious but Brianna could care less if he was or wasn't. Ambrose was the least of her concerns right now. Although that was somewhat untrue because he could potentially be her future husband. Right now she couldn't focus on him at least with her mate here. But should she even be amusing the thought. It was futile to even think they could be together. She was the Princess of Vampires and he was the Prince of Wolves both future rulers of their kingdom and that was it. Enemies at best. Not lovers.

" Oh shut up! I'm not so vain." Brianna alleged as she pinched her arm.

Adelaide winced as she rubbed her arm muttering under her breath, " Well sometimes you are. Miss. Your Royal Highness."

Brianna rolled her eyes as she said calmly, " I don't care if Ambrose is a prince or not."

" Then what do you care about him?" Adelaide perked her brow.

" Oh, stop it. I just met him." Brianna retorted.

Adelaide gave her arms a squeeze as she looked in the mirror. " I know, but that doesn't mean you're blind. You know that Ambrose is finer than a piece of heaven. I mean damn if I was interested. Girl, I would snatch him." Adelaide played jokingly. She was just so happy that her best friend could find someone so understanding. Not caring about the fact that she was a hybrid, like the rest of the world did. Kindness radiated from his soul, observing that last night he never removed his gaze from her, not even once. They were the perfect couple. She could see it clearly, the Future King and Queen of Vampires.

Brianna giggled as she shook her head.

" What! Are you going to deny me that Ambrose is not one of the finest vampires out there. He looks like freaking the greek god Apollo in personification." Adelaide declared as she placed her hands on her hips.

Brianna could not deny Ambrose was very attractive. Extremely handsome like someone that appeared other worldly. His silver diamond eyes, beneath long black lashes. Perfectly complimented with his pale blonde that passed his ears. His pinkish plump lips so soft how would they feel against her. No. No. Her fleshly desire would have to put on hold as she could not focus on him with Michael here in the same building. But he was the better option. He wasn't the enemy. Ambrose would be the person everyone would be proud of her to be with. Would she be happy with him? More than she ever could with Michael? But the reality was they were never going to be together.

" Hello.." Adelaide added as Brianna answered her.

" Sorry, but yes. Ambrose is handsome-" She was interrupted by Adelaide horrary. Adelaide waved her hands in the air as she danced around the room, " Ah-ha! I knew it! You're getting married soon. Oh, I got to start sending invitations!"

Where in the world?

Brianna widened her eyes as she held out her hand to stop her when they both heard a knock on the door. Both of the women tilted their heads as they looked at each other and back at the door. Did someone just overhear the conversation? Was it a royal? Was it her parents? Was it a wolf?

" I am expecting someone?" Brianna quietly asked.

" No," Adelaide shook her head as she continued, " No that I know of."

Knock - Knock

She stared at the door intensively preparing herself in her royal image," Come in." Brianna fretted as the door slowly opened to reveal a blue haired familiar face grinning ear to ear .No way? What was she doing here? The same and only blue hair accompanied with green eyes she had seen before.

"Eliza!" Adelaide and Brianna blurted as they dashed over and suffocated her with opening arms.Their three sister in arms. The last piece to their trio. Although not related by blood, this bond, more than friendship stood the test of time.

" Aw, it's nice to see that you missed me." Eliza chuckled as they parted from the hug and held hands.

" Elie, what are you doing here you're supposed to be somewhere in the middle of the sea with your family." Brianna retorted while carrying a wrinkled nose. Examining her friend a bit closer from her vacation. Her skin radiated like gold as she had gotten tanner due to the supposed amount of sunlight she received while being in the ocean without a smudge of wrinkles. Her sea green eyes swirled like the tides of the marvelous sea enchanting whomever she wanted. Accentuated by perfectly straight chestnut brows. Thin rosy lips. Her body was lanky, flexible long arms and legs to perform any exercise. Her built being somewhere in between Brianna and Adelaide. Taller than Bri, but shorter than Adelaide. Adorned nicely with A-line royal blue gown with a v line neck stopping mid chest.

" Well you know mermaids if you stay any longer than you tend to they want to keep you there forever. Besides, I was getting pruney being in the water all the time. I wanted to feel my legs too." Eliza told Adelaide let go of their hand circle as she squinted.

" Was that the only reason Miss. little mermaid?"

" Oh, yes. I miss you girls." Eliza confessed with flashing pearl whites as Brianna nudged Adelaide.

" Of course you did. We missed you too. Come let's talk about what you missed." Brianna agreed while leading her to the bed.

" Absolutely especially about her, Ambrose!" Adelaide blurted as Eliza had wrinkles across her forehead.

Brianna thought as she wanted to curse her, "Damn you, Adelaide."

" Ambrose? Duke Ambrose?" Eli asked as Brianna nodded as she twirled her hair. " He's here."

" Yes! And he was dancing with Bri all last time and giving her the perfect puppy eyes. They are getting married soon."

" Wait! He proposed! He's your mate.When did this happen?" Eliza went on as Brianna covered her ears with her hands as they stopped. Brianna removed her hands when she saw their mouths stopped moving. Adelaide was always overdramatic, jumping to conclusions. Although if she knew about the rumors then many people would know soon. Assuming when she would get married?

" No. We just met. -"

" Well technically you guys met when you were children but who am I to say." Adelaide interrupted her. Giving proper information which was part of being an informant. Never lacking the proper details in any given conservation

" True, but I barely have any recollection. So it is just as if we have just met. Besides I still haven't confirmed if he is my beloved. So no wedding. " Brianna clarified as Eliza held her hand. Her parents had to inform her of this just for her to remember. To be honest she still couldn't recall any of those memories.

" And that's perfectly fine. If he is the one he will wait. And if he isn't there are other fish in the sea." Eliza unintentionally stated as Adelaide huffed sitting in the bed. If Adelaide was the informer and realist, then Eliza was a sympathizer. Eliza always voted what was voted best for people, especially Brianna. Telling her to live for herself rather than her parents or kingdom. Being from the sea she was free and wanted to free others like the endless sea. Taking those decisions that would be looked down upon by others just like she did when she left her home to be Brianna's lady - in- waiting.

" Thank you. I just… There are many things I still need to figure out." Brianna sighed as she looked out the window.

Eliza gave a faint smile as Adelaide bit her cheek as she comforted her." Sometimes we all just need some time to think. Not to make the right decision for others, but for yourself."

" Thank you old wise one." Adelaide joked wanting to change the mood as Eliza pushed her off the bed.

" Say the oldest woman in the room. You old witch." Eliza retorted while sticking her tongue out and crossing her arms as Brianna laughed at their comedy duo.

"First, I'm not the witch in the room." Looking over to Bri who just rolled her eyes. " Second, I never knew mermaids were so sensitive about their scaly skin." Adelaide teased as she got off patting her dress down.

Eliza squinted her eyes as she made a tch sound, " Oh, you! At least I won't turn to dust if I walk in the sun."

" Hey, why do you think I have this thing?" Adelaide flashed her hand where on her ring finger laid a ring. The ring in general was nothing, had no value besides being made of gold. However the gem encrusted in the center did. The beautiful radiant moonstone. The stone was once blessed by witches to be used for protection,peace, and wisdom. Both vampires, and wolves among other creatures use the stone for its benefits. Almost all vampires held this gem on their person in some way shape or form. Either be a necklace, ring, bracelet, watch, earrings, or any other invention. But the person might carry this stone on them at all times, if ever stripped or taken off they would burn in the sun. Most vampires were cautious to keep their stone out of sight when facing the enemy. Thankfully, Brianna didn't have to worry about such trivial things due to her hybrid nature; she could walk in the sun without being incarcerated without hardship or the jewel.

Eliza stared at her as she grinded her teeth attempting to move on to not hurt anyone's feelings as she drew her attention back to Brianna, " By the way, Happy Belated Birthday.I'm sorry I couldn't attend your celebration."

" Oh thanks Elie but you already said that before you left so no worries." Brianna grinned as Eliza stood up as she went digging through her luggage.She knew she had placed it safely between her clothes and dolphin cage. Placing it so the fragile gem wouldn't break.

" I know, but still I brought you something back." Eliza's eyes lit up as she held the box and held it out while walking back to the bed. The box was not to big nor too small. It was not made of normal wood rather red orange aragonite that shined in different places as she near them.

" But you already gave me a gift before you left." Brianna reminded her as she had already gifted her a diamond encrusted wristlet. Which seemed she might have stolen? But Brianna didn't question her. It was a gift. She would smile, accept, and kept it forever.

" Yes I know, but I just saw this and I knew it would be perfect for you. I mean one can never have enough gifts." Eliza beamed while Adelaide patted her chin. On top of the thousand of gifts she had received. Adelaide wondered how impressive could it be. Brianna had received everything from crowns, dresses, jewels, jewelry, purses, journals, hell she even got a trained bird messenger.

" Absolutely what are a thousand gifts! Let me just toss them. Or I can take them too." Adelaide said jokingly as the girls snorted.

" Oh, shush. Here, look at them." Eliza shrugged off her comment as she opened the wooden box to reveal a crystal white pearl necklace. Brianna placed a hand over her lips as she knew how rare, and expensive pearls were, to find a stack of them would be difficult. How did Eliza even manage to obtain them? Who did she trick?

Brianna fluttered her eyes to test her vision if she was seeing correctly.

" Damn, you beat me!" Adelaide exclaimed as she had gifted her a hand embroidered silk blanket.

Brianna reached her hand out as she withdrew it. " Where in the world… Eliza … It's beautiful.. How did you…" She faltered as she had no words for this present.

" Here let me put it on." Eliza instructed as they both raised from the bed and stood in front of the mirror.As Eliza applied her pearl necklace around her neck. Brianna pondered if she had been in contact with the wolves yet. She knew mermaids and wolves were not enemies, but they weren't on friendly terms either since mermaids were considered to be tricksters. Wolves could not trust them. Moreover, Eliza was a mermaid affiliated with the royal family of Vampires, which gave more reason for them to harbor any hesitation or resentment.

" Oh I almost forgot. Eliza did you see any wolves on the way here?" Brianna questioned as Eliza wiggled her head.

Eliza finished as she walked around fixing the position as she accepted," Yes, actually on my way to your room. While I was in the hall I met the Prince of Wolves. "

" Prince Michael?" Brianna repeated. She already met him. She knew he was a prominent figure but what were the odds.

Adelaide sighed, " Of Course Bri! Is there another Prince Michael of the Wolves?"

" Yes." Eliza replied.

"So what did you think of him?" Brianna asked Eliza. Eliza wasn't a vampire or wolf. Maybe she could get some unbiased opinion from her that her parents or Adelaide wouldn't.

Eliza paused as her eyes gazed at Brianna's face. " Well to be honest he was pleasant." Eliza stopped herself as she wondered why her friend Princess of the vampires would care so much.. Yet she knew there was always a reason behind her action. Excluding her not so pleasant encounter with her grace or whatever . " And strikingly handsome." She wore a smile that reached the eyes.

Brianna creased her forehead as Adelaide felt someone offend her being as she sneered, " Handsome! Did you just say handsome? A handsome wolf?"

" Yes, I did."

" You traitor. How could you!"

" Hey the wolves are not my enemy so not my problem."

" Still they are the enemy."

" While not for long with talks of peace. You just might fall for one."

" Never I rather walk bare in the sun."

" Stop it! Both of you someone might overhear us." Brianna commanded as the ladies shut their mouths. They both knew very well that the walls had ears. Especially since they were in the company of magical creatures who had ears as good as dogs. Just talking to people would start rumours.

Adelaide stomped her feet, " But Briiiii! She called a wolf cute."

Eliza rolled her eyes as she sighed, " Just look at it from my perspective. If he wasn't a wolf-"

" But he is." Adelaide insisted as she interrupted her.

" Listen." Eliza's eyes glowed sea green as Adelaide threw her hands up. " If he wasn't a wolf. Take the wolf out of the equation. Throw it out the window. Maybe just a regular human. Would you consider him handsome?"

Adelaide bit her lip as she furrowed her brow. Now Adelaide didn't necessarily despise wolves. She disliked them to such a strong extent that she had come to blows with them on numerous occasions. However, for her to even consider the attractiveness of one was so unlike her. She preferred to imprint on humans. But hypothetically speaking, if no one would ever speak of this again.

" If they were human?" Adelaide questioned.

Eliza nodded as she repeated, " Human. No tail. No fur." Brianna chuckled at the mention of werewolf qualities that she had mentioned. They could have been talking to an animal. Well there were also leopards,tigers, and other shape shifters that existed. Just the characteristics Eliza mentioned as if that is what matters most.

Adelaide stood in complete silence. Debating. This was worse than actually death for her. But she had to speak or her friends, especially Brianna would torment her for eternity. With reluctance of her soul and pity for herself she muttered.

" I guess he would be hot."

" What did she say?" Eliza raised one brow as she turned to Brianna. " Did you hear her Bri?"

" No, not a word." Bri mimicked as Adelaide squinted at the two. She knew exactly what they were playing.Torture. Pure torture. They wanted to hear her wrongness front and center. It was too late to turn back so Adelaide swallowed her pride and repeated.

" I guess he would be hot." She said in a louder yet inaudible voice. The two girls blinked as they did hear her but still kept playing.

"Eh?" They both called out as Adelaide stomped her foot and fumed, " I SAID I GUESS THE PRINCE WOULD BE HOT, OKAY." Adelaide quickly covered her mouth as she didn't expect the intensity of her voice to echo. Her cheeks darkened as her two best friends broke into convulsions.

" Oh my gosh! You admitted it!" Eliza blurted as Brianna followed.

" Yeah, I never thought she would do it."

" Me either! I was just joking." Eliza chortled as Brianna gave her a high five for her genius illusions. If anyone could trick Adelaide it was Eliza. Not only because Eliza was a trickster but Eliza held a special place in Adelaide heart. Anything that she would ask her she would do. She found herself unwillingly to reject Eliza's request. God Damn her and her stupid silly heart. Although she loved that goofy smile on Eliza, it suited her as heart swelled with some joy.

" Fucking bitches! I hate you!" Adelaide said irritability.

Brianna shrugged her shoulders as she ran her hand through her hair, " I don't care." She laughed as she collapsed onto the bed.

" Hey! I will crucify you just like Lord Dracula did!" Adelaide hissed as Brianna sprung up and Eliza stopped laughing. Now she had the upper hand. Just speaking the name of the great Lord made the room stop. Whenever people mentioned his name it would cause great unconform. Right now she could feel her stomach turn for speaking such blasphemy as she did now.

" Don't just talk about my grandfather like that!" Brianna exclaimed with bulging eyes. Yes, Dracula himself existed. The father of all. He was Brianna's ancestor from her father's side. His blood ran in her veins. She had only met him once. It was a rarity to ever meet the great vampire, but it was him that insisted. Most people would be honored if they would just lay eyes on his greatest.

Eliza chimed in to clarify," Well technically he's like your great great great great great great great great great great-."

" Okay we get it!" Adelaide and Brianna complained as Eliza squeezed her lips .

" Geez, now that I said my vote, what do you think Brianna?" Adelaide changed the subject so the air wouldn't linger. Thankfully she was perfectly skilled in that, not as well as Brianna who was a pro runner. But second up definitely.

Brianna avoided eye contact and curtly said, " I have no opinion." She avoided the question. There was no way in hell she would ever say what she felt. Especially around Adelaide, and now that every vampire in the country was here. She was obligated to keep her mouth shut and comment to herself.

Adelaide waved her finger, " NO! NO ! NO! MISS PRINCESS! You have to answer! Especially since your mate is-" Adelaide stopped herself as the compulsion spell Brianna placed on her a month before prevented her to speak one more word. Brianna wiped her head to her. Her binding word was absolute. Adelaide nor any other vampire could violate the command. As if the body itself disobeyed its owner. This was the power of higher powered vampires including herself, but those of royal bloodline were absolute above anyone else.

" Especially since my mate is what! Answer to whom? You?" Brianna held her head high with her eyes glittered red as she continued, " Do you forget who I am Adelaide? The only people who have to answer are my parents and even then." Brianna was never harsh to her ladies, nor her people, nor anyone, but when push came to shove she would not obey anyone. Part of her was still a Princess. Not that she was pampered or had the title. They didn't even have to kiss her ass because she preferred true sentiments than insincerity and fakery. She had earned it. She wanted people of all kinds to respect her. She would not stand down like some beta or omega; she would stand her head high against an alpha. She would be an alpha. She was an alpha. Especially now that Adelaide almost slipped. She couldn't allow anyone to know. Not in the midst of this war treaty play. Brianna didn't know if she was

Adelaide swallowed as she never wanted to entice Brianna.Nor betray her. She had given her secret that no one knew, not even Eliza. Her head hung low, not even tempting to look at her straight. Because Brianna was scarier than Dracula when she was mad.Probably more powerful since her hybrid nature. Although she never got mad, the look in her eyes when they glistened was fearful. It made your throat close up while the words barely escaped. Rarely, did people see her true form. She hadn't even seen this side of her in the battlefield. She felt compelled to drop to her knees and beg for forgiveness. Adelaide perked her up as she heard Eliza's voice break the air.

" Bri, she didn't mean it like that."

Eliza walked over and placed a hand on her shoulder as Brianna's eyes simmered down as they slowly turned to the chocolate brown. Eliza released her empathy as she attempted to influence her to calm down.

" I know she just almost said something she shouldn't have." Brianna stared at Adelaide as she crossed her arms.

Adelaide eyes brimmed with tears, " I'm so-"

Brianna put her hand up as she stopped, " Don't. Just Don't. I'm heading out." She needed to clear her mind as she walked towards the door and out to the hallway.

Tears escaped her eyes as Adelaide fell onto the ground as Eliza ran over and comforted her.

" I- I - I didn't mean to." Adelaide hiccuped as Eliza caressed her hair.

" Shush. Shush. I know. I know." Eliza sympathized as nestled her in between her breasts. " Bri didn't mean any of it. She is just under a lot of stress right now." Adelaide cried as she clung onto her. Eliza sighed as she knew both of her friends were right in their own way, but she couldn't side with one friend over the other. All she could do was advise and wait for Brianna to come to her senses.