His Queen

11. Greetings

I must be dreaming, did the vampire king just offer to train me on how to fight and defend myself?

"Okay, like you said, I have anger in me that needs to be directed towards something, and what is better than being able to take it out on you. You're like the root cause of it," I joked, but I knew part of it was true.

It was natural for me to feel angry towards him, it was the only emotion I was introduced to and held onto for years growing up in this castle.

He shook his head, forming a firm line with his lips.

"Alright, now before every vampire here starts to barge through the doors looking for their king, let's head down to the party," he held his hand out in front of me.

I took a final glance at the mirror and placed my hand in his, only because the nervousness was eating me alive, I didn't think I could make it down the stairs on my own.

When we made it to the ballroom, I was greeted by a closed door and two guards who stood there patiently.

"My king," they bowed to Damien, then turned towards me, "lady Aliya."

I gave them a small smile as it was all I could manage at the time.

"Aliya," Damien stole my attention, "this is Leo and this is Zain. I don't plan on letting you out of my sight tonight, but they will be here to protect you should there be any mishaps."

After what happened at the last ballroom party I attended and after last night, I was beyond grateful for such safety measures that Damien took upon, just for my sake.

I gave him a smile and squeezed his hand which was still wrapped around mine, "thank you."

He gave me a nod and told the guards to open the massive doors, which would expose us to every member present inside. My stomach turned slowly as the doors opened, revealing a view that almost knocked the breath out of me.

It took some time for my eyes to adjust to the lavishing ballroom that stood before me, everything about it seemed right out of a story book. I didn't know what to look at first, the enchanting chandeliers that hung above the crowd and offered the perfect amount of warm light, giving the place a romantic ambiance. Or the huge archways that surrounded the room with drapes falling from them, giving the place a majestic vibe.

There were rows of long dining tables with numerous chairs situated around the room, with a few circular tables in some corners. Some people stood around chatting, with a drink in their hands, while some occupied the dining areas with appetizers and drinks. The tables were decorated with candles stands and peach colored flower bouquets.

It was truly magnificent.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, please rise for King Damien of the Vampire World, accompanied by his gracious friend, Miss Aliya Aster," the announcer to my left said, greeting Damien and I with a smile.

I mouthed thank you to him and offered a smile in return. Damien took a step forward into the room and I matched his steps. I noticed Emma wasn't anywhere in sight yet. She must be on her way.

Everybody stood up and bowed gracefully to their king. The room was filled with beautiful people who were fancily dressed to match the theme of the party: glitz and glamour.

A few people came up to greet Damien and shook his hand, while his other hand stayed glued to mine. I wondered if he would ever let go throughout the event. Based on the fact that he was holding on so tightly, I doubted it.

I politely smiled and shook the hands which were offered to me, there were too many people and names for me to keep track of.

Until I came across a familiar face.