Chapter 7: Levi's Proposal

Josiah’s P.O.V

“Josiah Rose, where is your outfit?”

I bit my lip as Levi appeared out of the bushes, almost as if he had been waiting for his cue.

“I told you,” I answered him, “I’m not going.”

He popped out his hips slightly as he crossed his arms at me, as if he was a grandmother who had their food insulted. I rolled my eyes at him and turned, going back into the house. I heard him following after me.

“Levi, I said I’m not going!”

“And I don’t care! I’ll be damned if I let you stay cooped up in this house on a night like this!”

“Even if I did want to go, I have no outfit and no way of getting there.” I raised an eyebrow at him. And my gods, I could pay for a month's worth of food with the intensity of the ‘annoyed parent/grandparent’ look’ Levi gave me. I sighed when he didn’t say anything, pinching the bridge of my nose.

“You’re over exaggerating.”

“It’s called being reasonable.”

“Or just being a pain.”

I bit my lip, holding my head as I was already getting tired of fighting with him.

“Just think about it, J!”

He started going off about all the different things that would make the ball worth it. However, his reasons were all face-value--wealthy, titles, a world at our disposal. If he wasn’t trying to convince me so theatrically, I would’ve sent him on his way.

“Lev,” I said, putting my foot down, “Going into a gathering of vampires is bad under any circumstance. They’re ruthless and I’m certain they wouldn’t give up the chance to make us blood banks. Besides, I have stuff to do-!”

“If I show you the outfit will you go?”

“You have an outfit for me?”

“In the carriage.” I could hear the excitement dripping from Levi’s words. I rubbed my face slowly and ran a hand through my hair. “Alright. Fine,” I said as I gave in. “But do not expect me to have fun in a room of blood-suckers.”

Levi brushed me off as he rushed out to grab the suit he bought for me. I guess I should’ve been grateful that he put thought into the outfit. I didn’t expect anything less from Levi.

The outfit was a baby blue piece with white dress pants. I wasn’t really a fan of the white dress pants but my annoyance for the pants was dwarfed when my eyes landed on the shoes.

“I’m not wearing those.”

“But they match!”

“They’re glass! How were you able to find glass shoes like those?!”

“I have my ways.”

“No.”

“You have no choice.”

“Levi-!”

“It’s one night, Josiah! Just put them on! They might be comfortable.”

I sighed and gave in, taking off the shoes I had on and slipping on the glass dress shoes. I hated telling Levi that he was right, but the shoes were actually decently comfortable.

“I hate you.” I pouted at him playfully.

“Yea, yea.” He pulled me to his carriage, “tell me that after you find your Prince Charming.”

Levi helped me into the carriage before entering behind me, closing the door. I sat back against my seat, feeling my heart beating faster than I had in a long time. As much as I didn’t want to go to the ball, Levi seemed determined to make sure that I’d have a good time. I couldn’t deny him anymore than I already had.

The passing scenery on our way to the castle gave the night a fantasy appeal. If I had to be honest, the whole situation of a ball, dressing up, and going in a carriage gave me enough fantasy appeal for my life.

“Will you stop it?” Levi slapped my hand away from my suit, “you’re gonna ruin the seaming.”

I didn’t realize I was picking at the bits of my suit.

“Why do you care so much? Last time I checked you didn’t care for nights like this.” I crossed my arms, leaning back into the seat like a child.

“Josiah,” he sighed, rubbing his face as he leaned back in his own seat. For a second, I believed I had finally annoyed him. “As much as I am your friend, I’m not so set on a certain goal like you are. I’m not in a position to worry about my estate since I’m not getting one. Unlike you, I have to marry a wealthy heiress to have any ounce of worth in the eyes of my mother’s parents.”

I hesitated, finally thinking of the reasons why Levi went out of his way for us to have a good night. I gently reached over and took his hand in mine, giving it a squeeze. He looked at me, giving me his signature smile.

“I’m sorry I’ve been a pain, but you know how important the estate is to me,” I said softly. He nodded, squeezing my hand back.

“I know, J,” Levi answered. “I just want you to have one good night to yourself. You deserve it more than anyone I know.”

I smiled fondly and gave his hand a final squeeze. “Then we’ll have a good time tonight.” I pulled my hand away as we finally stopped in front of the castle at the capital of Avar. A footman came up to the carriage and opened the door for us. I followed out of the carriage behind Levi.

I looked up at the gothic outer husk of the Vampiric palace. Illuminated by lights coming from inside, it appeared as nothing more than a glowing cage. The marbled outer textures did nothing to help that. I heard the murmurs and whispers of other human lords and ladies misled by the spectacle of the castle’s architecture. It almost made me sick.

“Josiah!”

I turned to see Levi far ahead of me. I hurried to catch up, having to fix my shoe slightly when I felt it slipping off. I didn’t appreciate going into the ‘mouth of the beast’. However, if Levi was so insistent in having a good night for once, I wouldn’t mind dancing around the fingers of a few lords for the evening.