022:- The Grand Duke Ramiere

"I expected that you would hold grudges," Luna Bianci spoke bluntly, it was evident that she was inebriated.

"What grudges?" Alexander asked affably, refilling his goblet. "We're indebted to the graciousness of your King."

Luna Bianci beamed at this, her smile was slow and it revealed little sharp fangs, her movements sluggish from the wine. She leaned over and cupped a hand over her mouth in a gossipy manner, her red eyes darting from side to side. "Regarding the wedding, the court is…"

Prince Elio pulled her back to him with ease, his hand big enough to cover the lower part of her face when he placed it there to quieten her. "Pay no mind to Luna, she can't hold her wine. Please excuse us." He announced to the table at large picking up the giggling Vampire in his arms who threw her slender arms around his neck.

Neither Nadia nor Vatore was surprised about this outcome, barely sparing them a glance before they returned to their conversation with the human King.

Alexander was stunned, his goblet still held up to his lips, he had barely been paying attention to the frail Vampire's words. All he could see were her otherworldly red eyes and sharp teeth, it made her look like a little creature.

For the first time since he arrived at the Vampire castle, there was a dark cloud over him. His dark blue eyes sought out his younger brother and beneath the complicated emotions that swirled within, there was a hint of worry in the night-blue depths.

Silvan didn't notice his brother's gaze, looking at Prince Elio leave with a longing expression. He knew he couldn't leave right then, as the reason for the festivities, it would be beyond rude to do so.

Alessio picked up on his gaze, stealing the opportunity to speak with Silvan. "Do you want to leave as well?"

Silvan turned to him, a new expression on his face, one of disbelief.

Alessio wasn't backing down now that he had caught Silvan's attention, "I can make an excuse for you and take you back to your room…" His words seemed to slow down the more he said, a faint flush going up his neck.

Silvan couldn't possibly follow the chatty Vampire's train of thought. Alessio had meant no harm when he made the offer but he had made parallels and ended up digging himself into a bit of a hole. He had spoken with such confidence like a caring person would do for their betrothed, and for some strange reason, he was struck with the image of a drunk Silvan.

Silvan was truly tempted, he didn't want to spend even a minute longer at the grand hall. His response, however, was interrupted by the arrival of a duo of Vampires.

A Vampire with arrogant features took the lead, his face seemed like it was framed by fire, his fiery-colored hair wild, red eyes to match. Behind him was a more reticent younger Vampire, his dark red hair was neatly bound, his bearing proper.

"It wouldn't do if I didn't come in person to say congratulations." The fiery Vampire addressed the entire table, uniting the round table once again.

King Rolfe recognized the Vampire instantly, Grand Duke Ramiere. The noble Vampire was only second to King Vatore himself, and there were rumors that they had both been on the line for the throne until Vatore seized it for himself.

There didn't seem to be any bad blood between the two Vampires however, King Vatore's brooding face breaking into a dangerous grin at the sight of him, dagger-like fangs coming into view. "Ramiere," He said by way of greeting, visibly pleased. "I didn't think you would make it back in time."

"I wouldn't miss such an important event," He had such a boisterous aura, one that seemed to raise the temperature of the space around him.

Nadia looked past him with a disappointed expression, "You didn't bring Nevea back with you?" She asked, referring to the Grand Duchess who preferred the icy solitude of the North. She had hoped to catch up with an old friend as their differing preferences kept them apart most of the time.

"She sends her apologies," Ramiere answered graciously, "But the festivities and her disposition are at opposite ends. Your Majesty is welcome to visit her at any time."

Nadia scowled at that response, sulking. She didn't like the cold, it was one of the reasons she preferred the South where it was sunny year-round.

"Join us, Ramiere," Vatore invited generously. With Prince Elio's departure, the seat beside him was empty. "Elio had to take Luna off somewhere." He reported, his tone casual.

Ramiere didn't hold back, sitting right down, a dangerous glare directed at his son who lingered, refusing to take the only open seat that was beside Alessio.

Luka had no choice but to sit down as well. He hadn't wanted to be a part of this but his father had dragged him along, saying it was merely to fulfill their duty and pay respects to the Royal Family. He knew it was a trap at his father's uncommon use of proper words, he couldn't remember a time the Vampire referred to the King by his title. Now he was forced to sit at the table while his father made small talk with the King and Queen.

Alessio was staring at him in pleasant surprise but Luka barely saw it, his narrowed red eyes fixed on the flush on the Vampire. Those cold eyes drifted over to the human Prince on the other side of Alessio, his appraisal far from warm.

Alessio was beyond pleased at this outcome, saved from his blunder by Luka's appearance. He turned to Silvan, not about to lose the Prince's attention. "This is my good friend, Luka," He introduced, his intentions harmless, his expression open. "Luka, Prince Silvan."

Luka looked like he had a mouthful of bile as he extended a hand calmly in Silvan's direction. "A pleasure," He forced out, and if one listened closely, one could hear the grinding of his teeth.

Silvan glanced at the outstretched appendage with a reserved expression. He was doing his best to keep an open mind when it came to Vampires, but touching one willingly was beyond the scope of his abilities.