Ch 8: Acting debut

Aribella POV

“Ms. Voss,” Mael coos, his face painted with false sincerity. “You look stunning this evening. How did you find the servants I sent?” he lifts my hand to his lips, grazing my knuckles gently.

“They were lovely,” I smiled politely. “Thank you for the gown and the pampering. I feel like a true royal.”

He chuckles, “You look the part, sweetheart.” Mael places his hand on the small of my back, leading me towards the group he was speaking with earlier. “I’d like you to meet a few important people. Do you know why we have these gatherings?”

“I do not, but I’d love to hear more about the kingdom and all it does while you lead the way.”

His hand against my back feels like fire on my chilled skin. I’m desperate for him to stop touching me, but I have to play the part.

“There are two major kingdoms here on the island. Sacaris is the larger of the two, and then Shadowvale. While we invite those outside of our island to partake in the festivities, they typically don’t send anything more than a polite letter declining the invitation. It is important to keep a positive relationship with the surrounding kingdoms in the hopes that if aid is ever needed, we are prepared,” Mael explains, and I’m surprised at his willingness to divulge information to someone like myself. But he’s also planning to kill me at some point, so I suppose letting me in on royal secrets won’t matter in the end.

I'm still trying to figure out how he thinks that anyone would believe that he'd fall for someone of such a low rank.

“It sounds to me like you’d make a proper king someday. Excuse my ignorance, but why is it that Rhory is in line for the throne over someone like yourself?”

I need to keep him talking. He has to buy my ruse for me to get more information. Knowledge is power.

Mael chuckles, “In the royal family, the oldest inherits the throne unless they are deemed unfit by the King. Rhory, in my opinion, is a bit too,” he pauses, pursing his lips. “Gentle in my opinion, if you get what I mean. It takes a certain type of strength to run a Kingdom.”

Compliment him, Ari. Keep up the act.

“I don’t think gentleness is a bad thing,” I smile. “You seem to have a gentler side that I’m seeing tonight. Though I do think that you can be brass if necessary.” I bring my hand to my mouth as if I’ve said too much. If only I could blush on cue, “I’m so sorry. That may have been too much to say so soon.”

Mael stops us, turning towards me and gazing into my eyes. Right now, his eyes are a softer brown. The darkness that I saw before is hidden behind the façade he’s attempting. “Nonsense,” he grins. “You’ve made my evening with your kind words. Balance is everything when you consider a King.”

As we walked, my eyes scanned the room, and I spotted Kaelar leaning against the far wall. Reo had joined him and the other man that was with them at the ranch. The three of them appear to be speaking, but Kaelar’s eyes are locked with mine.

“Was Mr. Firth a polite escort?” Mael must have followed my line of sight, and I quickly turned my gaze onto him.

“Yes, he was a perfect gentleman.”

“Good… Good. I’m sure you’re already aware, but you mustn’t bother with the guard more than absolutely necessary,” he plasters fake concern on his face. “Vampires are still beasts, despite the treaty. Their job is to keep us safe and nothing more.”

The urge to wrap my fingers around his throat grows more and more with every word that leaves his lips, but my murderous thoughts are interrupted when I’m pulled into a group of men.

“Aribella Voss, meet Dain Lacroix. He is the Grand Duke of Shadowvale,” I politely nod and Mael continues, “These two men are Kaiser and Archer Lacroix, and the lovely lady is Astoria Lacroix, Kaiser’s wife.”

“It’s lovely to meet you all.”

“You must be one hell of a woman to be here with the Mael Whitehall,” Archer smirks, slapping Mael on the shoulder.

Mael chuckles, “Aribella is quite an interesting woman. I was hooked from the moment she opened her mouth.”

Dain snorted, “I bet you were.”

Kaiser’s head fell backwards, “You’re a crude man, you know.”

“This is quite the surprise, brother,” none other than Rhory approaches, his eyes boring into the side of my face. I pretend as if his presence doesn’t entirely consume my thoughts and continue to scan the faces of everyone around me.

I need to memorize everything that I can to write down later. Every name and face is another piece of my story.

“What can I say?” Mael turns towards his brother, wrapping a possessive arm around my waist. “Father has always wanted us to find a woman. I’m doing my part. Maybe you should do the same.”

My teeth grind together at his words. He’s acting as if he’s already roped me into his little game.

Rhory takes a deep breath, “I’m not interested in a shallow relationship and certainly not a relationship strictly to ascend the throne, but by all means. You do you.”

“Oh, I will. Don’t you worry that head of yours, brother,” Mael’s voice is laced with venom, despite his attempt at a lighthearted tone.

Rhory politely greets the Lacroix’s before disappearing without another word.

“Mael,” Dain grabs his attention, “Any chance I could discuss a private matter with you?”

Mael turns towards me, but I offer him my fakest smile, “Go. I’ll busy myself with a glass of champagne and horderves. Find me when you’re done.”

“Oh, she’s a good one,” Dain winks, and once again, I’m overcome with a wave of nausea.

Can I get an award for my acting debut?

I excused myself, heading towards the long tables full of drinks and appetizers, scooping up a glass and filling a small plate with random foods before walking outside to the garden.

The moment I step outside, I breathe a sigh of relief. The room was thick with false niceties and pompous humans parading around as if they’re above the rest of the world.

A large fountain catches my eye, and I walk towards it, careful not to trip on the hem of my dress. I sit on the edge, unbothered by the tiny droplets of water that paint my skin and stare up at the moonlight that casts a glow on the castle grounds.

“Holy shit,” I let out a moan when I shoved some sort of pastry into my mouth. “Soooo good.”

“What are you doing here?”