030:- Cielo Bianci

Silvan's zeal and dedication was the reason he rose up to become the youngest High Priest, his standing as the second Prince of the country held no weight in the temple, and he was treated as any other commoner.

Vallyn was his new home so Silvan had long decided to make some effort to get along with the Vampires, and it was rather difficult to turn Alessio down. "A hunt is fine."

Alessio beamed, he couldn't say if it was the wine but Silvan was somewhat easy to get along with this morning. He wisely said nothing more so as not to ruin the progress that had been made.

Despite Queen Nadia's deliberate delays, they eventually arrived at the side room, it led directly to the grand hall, and even from the side room, the soft hum of conversation from the rapidly filling hall could be heard.

Nadia ushered them in with a gentle smile, regardless of the complications regarding the marriage, the alliance needed to be honored, and the customs of Vampires couldn't be neglected.

"The officials will direct you through every step, don't worry even a bit about any of that." She said lightly, closing the door behind them and departing.

Alessio had attended a handful of weddings before so he was well aware of this, he went right to the most comfortable couch to take a seat. He rested his back on the armrest, long slender legs placed on the velvet green couch.

Silvan chose a more reserved option, a stiff-backed chair, it was right next to a window, a small square table in front of it with a matching chair on the other side. He was never one to initiate a conversation and under the influence of wine he was even more inclined to remain quiet.

His roving gaze found Alessio's hair, his first thought at the tendencies of Vampires to leave their hair long was that it was rather superfluous, and even now he didn't approve, he had no intentions of keeping to the fad. However, his hazy stare lingered on the locks of black hair, struck with an itch to touch.

Alessio didn't notice the attention his hair brought him, staring at the ceiling. He had never been nervous about the wedding, it was merely in writing. The ceremony today was a farce, one that would be diligently carried out.

His feelings about the wedding were more somber, sadness and a strange grief. This should have been his wedding to Eleanor... he would have done everything to gain her approval…

Alessio closed his eyes, more than anything, he wanted to know what Eleanor was like. All he had of her were lifeless paintings, images that couldn't capture her essence— the sound of her voice, her expressions, her manner of speaking.

-+-

The grand hall had been transformed overnight, white ribbons were hung and more white decorations filled the lavish hall. The color of white represented new beginnings, a blank page and it was generously used.

The center stage now held a podium for the officials presiding over the wedding, the roof over the elevated stage was open, sunlight poured in, it made the white decorations sparkle.

Alexander was already seated at the pew, he had been sitting for a short while now but he had yet to adjust to the brightness of the grand hall. It was a contrasting theme considering that this was the Vampire court.

His father was yet to arrive, he was still away having a conversation with the King and Queen of Vallyn. Their arrival would signal the start of the proceedings.

He had also not caught sight of his brother, Silvan hadn't returned after leaving the grand hall last night to get some air. It hadn't surprised Alexander, he could long see it clear as day on Silvan's expression that he wanted to leave the grand hall.

Prince Elio sat on the same pew, the long chairs could easily hold five or more and it was carved out of solid gold with white cushions to provide comfort. After spending a night in the Vampire castle, Alexander was far from accustomed to the casual use of precious materials, gold seemed as common as wood to Vampires.

Next to Elio was his betrothed from last night's welcome dinner, who had planted the seed of fear in Alexander's heart. He still viewed Vampires the same way he always did, but now there was an extra layer of wariness in his interactions with them.

As the Crown Prince, there had never been and there would never be a reason for him to be bitten by a Vampire and Alexander was beyond relieved by this boon. He was convinced that it would be like the bite of a wild beast, even someone as delicate as Luna Bianci possessed wickedly sharp teeth.

There was a new addition to the pew, a Vampire Alexander had just met, he sat beside Luna Bianci, looking very much like her, that even without his introduction, Alexander would be certain he was related to the betrothed of the Prince.

He had sat alone first at the pew, Prince Elio came right over when he saw him, Luna Bianci's smile soft.

"We meet again, Your Highness. I apologize for leaving in such a hurry last night." She was arm in arm with the Crown Prince of Vampires, and despite being completely drunk the night before, she looked perfect this morning.

She wore a red dress that was made of gossamer material, it didn't clash with her pale skin and hair, instead it brought it out even more, complimenting her.

"It's no matter," Alexander muttered, avoiding her beautiful face, still haunted by the sight of her otherworldly red eyes and sharp teeth at the welcome dinner.

Today, save for her strange ethereal paleness, she looked human. Her soft features and pale blue eyes were kind as she reached behind her to pull out a recalcitrant Vampire.

He was even shorter than Luna Bianci and the delicate, pale Vampire was far from tall. He had a head full of pale hair that he tied back in a half knot to keep out of his wide pale blue eyes, he wore a deep red shirt with an embroidered waistcoat that emphasized how slight his waist was.

"This is my younger brother, Cielo Bianci." She introduced proudly.

Cielo Bianci didn't hold his gaze, bowing skittishly before ducking right behind his sister once more. "Pleased to make your acquaintance, Your Highness. " His voice was much like his older sister's, clear and pleasing, like the ringing of ice bells.