023:- Esteemed Guest

Alexander smoothly inserted himself into the conversation, reaching past Silvan to take the handshake offered by the Vampire. "Silvan is a clean freak," He lied easily, "Nothing to do with you," He diffused the situation. Maybe he was a little sympathetic to Silvan's situation now more than before, but his excuse was the best outcome. It wouldn't do for Silvan to bluntly state that his refusal to complete the handshake stemmed from his dislike of Vampires.

"Prince Alexander," Luka said calmly, tightening his grip hard enough to hurt. "A pleasure."

Alexander grimaced, managing to pass it off as a smile. "The pleasure is all mine," He muttered perfunctorily, retrieving his hand speedily when the Vampire let go. There was no missing the ire in those red eyes, it spoke of danger.

"My apologies," Silvan said all the right words, retreating into the background, his chance to leave the table lost.

After Grand Duke Ramiere's arrival, more and more Vampires took the chance to approach the table. Some said a few words of pleasantries while others brought their goblets to toast to the occupants of the table.

It was evident that their reason for coming had nothing to do with paying respects to the King, no one even looked in the direction of the cold-faced Vampire King, their curious eyes drinking in the human Prince slotted to marry into the Royal court.

Silvan kept his head down so he couldn't accurately know how many people came to see him— which was everyone. Despite their curiosity, no one dared to address him directly, having no choice but to be content with just looking.

"Vampires sure throw a lively party," Alexander noted when a clearly drunk bunch of Vampires came to drink a toast at the table.

Alessio didn't respond, the Vampire's red lips were down-turned at the corners, nothing he did seemed to hold Silvan's attention. He was so focused on his task that he ended up ignoring the rest of the occupants at the table.

"There's not much else for them to do," Luka was left to reply, a dry quality to his voice. He doubted Alessio had even heard the words spoken by Prince Alexander, his worried gray eyes constantly drifting over to Prince Silvan who had his head down stoically like he was praying.

Even though he was equally ignored, Luka found solace in the fact that Prince Silvan didn't care for Alessio, bluntly ignoring the Vampire who very clearly wanted to have a conversation with him. "The banquet after the wedding tomorrow will be even more lavish." He tagged on.

The mention of the wedding caused a strange lull in the conversation. Without the participation of neither Alessio nor Silvan, it was just between the two of them. Alexander was no longer tickled by the idea of Silvan's upcoming wedding, his brother was a thorn in his side but that didn't mean he wanted harm to come his way.

"Excuse me," Silvan rose to his feet, he had spoken to the three nearest to him but the sound of his voice attracted the attention of the entire table, and it seemed like the entirety of the grand hall itself was closing in to listen to him. "I would like to get some air."

Alessio shot upright at well, his gray eyes bright like a sliver of moonlight. "Do let me accompany you," He offered without reservations.

Silvan glanced down at the eager Vampire, his first response was to turn him down but that would only hinder him. After all, he wasn't supposed to know his way around the Vampire castle. The excuse of getting some air was merely a cover-up, he planned to sneak back to the privacy of his room.

He believed he had spent an appropriate time at dinner, guests were no longer approaching their table, and it even looked like a few had decided to retire early, it was the perfect time to make his getaway. With the inclusion of Prince Alessio however…

Silvan dipped his head, giving in. "Then I'll have to trouble you," He muttered flatly, walking off without waiting for the Vampire Prince.

Alessio didn't seem to mind, hurrying after him to keep pace with him. "Where would you like to go? There are more than a hundred balconies."

Silvan kept his gaze forward, focusing on getting out of the grand hall and out of the prying eyes of several Vampires. Alessio hadn't sounded boastful when he said that, he sounded almost sheepish, like he was conscious about the sheer number. "Any is fine," He said without judgment.

Perhaps after a short while getting air, he could find his way back to his rooms or better still, ask the eager Vampire Prince to lead the way, their rooms were right beside each other so it should be rather easy. When he thought about it, this was probably the most appropriate way to leave the grand hall, he turned slightly to Alessio as they walked side by side. "Thank you."

Alessio was taken aback by this gratitude, his eyes practically glowed as he puffed out his chest. "It's no trouble at all, really."

Silvan ignored the Vampire demurely deflecting his appreciation knowing that he misunderstood. He wasn't saying his thanks because of Alessio's offer to accompany him, but rather because Alessio had provided him the perfect avenue to leave the grand hall without worrying about needing to return.

"You know, after this, I can take you back to your room." Alessio suggested after a brief lull in conversation. The hallway they walked down was carpeted, the ceilings were high, and chandeliers hung down. Armed suits of armor stood stoically on each side like loyal guards, the light of the candles reflecting off the metal.

Silvan found himself not completely averse to the Vampire Prince, he seemed heaven sent. His only shortcoming was his constant chattiness and eagerness to get closer, other than that, Prince Alessio made his night tolerable by his thoughtful offers.

"Thank you," He repeated, following Alessio's lead. They were far from the festivities of the grand hall now and without Alessio's help, he wouldn't be able to find his way to his room, so he really meant his words.

Alessio was almost floating with how elated he was, Silvan seemed like a very reticent person but the human Prince wasn't terrible company. Alessio knew that Prince Silvan wanted nothing more than to return to his room but he had taken them to a balcony first, greedy to spend a bit more time with him.