Gliding down the halls, all couldn't help but stop and stare. As Lady Malory, dressed to perfection as usual, rushed through. Glaring up at the knights, they immediately stepped aside.
"Violet!" The king sat up grinning. "I see you've received my letter."
Plopping down on the sofa, she crossed her arms. "Cutting it a bit close weren't you?" She narrowed her eyes.
"You know I have a reason for every decision," he tilted his head smiling.
Sighing, she rolled her eyes. "The maids are going to be burnt out and some may not attend due to such short notice."
"Not everybody needs to come, only the ones I need," he shrugged. "Ones that are gossips and those of high of status, there's no need for anyone else to attend."
"Well we're the supposed hosts, so wouldn't this ruin our reputation," she poked her tongue into the side of her cheek.
"Don't worry, I'll cover the story for that," he waved it off.
"Where's Sir Luneth?" She inquired, taking the king aback.
"On the way," he answered. "Why? Missing him?"
"No,but I need to have a word with him," she huffed. "Also.." she glanced back at the king, her eyes carefully examining him.
"Ask away child," he relaxed his shoulders, leaning back into the chair.
"Where is he residing? And don't say his manor because I've checked," She loured. The kings face hardened.
"I cannot tell you that," he folded his arms.
"Fine," she shot up her seat.
"Violet dear, you know why I do what I do," his voice softened. Her brows knitted together, and before he could talk any further she was out the door.
"What will I do with that child?" He sighed.
I told you so.
.
.
.
"Your majesty," Sirus bowed as he entered the room.
"Sirus," he sighed, running his hands through his beard.
"What's wrong," he questioned, as the maids finished buttoning him up.
Raising his hands, the maids walked out immediately and the guards stepped in front of the door and the other out. "It's Violet, I fear she's becoming irritable."
"Why?" Sirus placed the cuff links in.
"She said she needed to have a word with you,"he took a seat. "The last I saw her she was in quite a mood."
"Could you tell the source of her anger?" He asked.
"It had something to with you," the king answered.
"Bu-"
"Your Highness, Lady Malory is at the door," a guard announced. The two men glanced at each other before nodding at the guard. Waltzing in, she shone a lovely smile to the guards outside. However, as soon as the doors shut behind her it fell into the same straight faced look she usually kept.
"Your majesty, Sir Luneth ," she curtsied. "The ball will be beginning soon."
"I guess this is my que to leave," the king rose up. As he passed by her, he whispered into her ear.
Her eyes fell onto Sirus, silently she slid to his side. "I'm not sure if you've been informed but there's been problems arising, involving the image of our relationship."
"I've heard loosely," he cleared his throat.
"Well, have you been told of the marriage proposals I've been getting," she ran her hand smoothing the cravat.
"No," he admitted. "How long ha-"
"Four months, I've been receiving letters ," she took a step back. "The other nobles are pressuring the king and Duke Luneth of our marriage."
"Bu-"
"We are both past the age of marriage in vampire society and mortal society," she grabbed his wrist, guiding him to a seat. "It's been around three years since our engagement had been announced, and we've been given the image of peace holders."
Sirus knew everything that she was saying was right and that all this was inevitable. But the fact he had to now face it was frightening. Time had gone so quick, he hadn't thought it would get this deep. However, with the queen still in slumber there was no other choice but to remain heir.
"I guess we have no choice," he sighed.
"We never did," she mumbled beneath her breath.
Finishing off the fish tail plait, she put a dark blue ribbon at the end. "Done. Now let's go."
Obediently, Sirus followed her lead. Violet seemed to naturally take charge in situations, always thinking of the next step ahead. That's probably why the two got along. Despite Sirus's disappearing acts, the two were always civil. After all, they did save each others lives.
Entering the ball, the two immediately stood out. Their beauty instantly enchanting all they strolled by. Violet had grown to be quite a beauty, despite her engagement men still pursued her and would often challenge her to games and sports such as hunting. Known to be skilled in any hobby she touched, many ladies flocked for her advise and insight, some simply admirers.
Sirus still kept his charming pretty boy looks, with a sprinkle of new added confidence and a chocolatey deep voice gifted from puberty. The two together were like a nuclear bomb upon the eyes, demanding all attention.
"Cecile!" Violet ran off to the blonde leaving Sirus all alone.
"She seems to be in a better mood," King Arthur handed Sirus a drink.
"Well it's not any of my doing," Sirus sighed, taking the drink.
"If I may ask, what did you two speak about?" Arthur grabbed an appetiser on a passing tray.
"She simply informed me of the problems you've been facing," he took a sip of champagne.
"I guess I can't ignore it forever," he sighed. "They've become more and more demanding each day."
"Is there no sign of the queen waking?"Sirus's brows furrowed.
"She can move her limbs slightly and her consciousness seems to be improving," he responded.
"But?" Sirus quirked his brow.
"It's been three years and these little improvements," the King ran a hand through his beard. "She'll probably be fully awake in two years or more."He looked down at his drink."I apologise," Arthur whispered patting Sirus's back. "I've informed Violet already of the potential of this marriage going through."
Sirus nodded, avoiding the king's pitiful gaze.
"After the dance,I'll announce it." King Arthur then strolled off into the crowd, leaving Sirus alone or so he thought.
A few seconds from stumbling into his back, Sirus snapped around catching her. Before he could ask if she was alright, she pushed herself off him. Taking a step back, she stabilised herself and gazed up into his eyes."Would you care for a dance?" She seemed to have a light scent of alcohol lingering on her lips.
To dance with a drunk or to not dance with a drunk? That was the question.
"Fine," she readied to set off. When all of a sudden, a hand gripped her wrist.
"Let's dance,"He cleared his throat. Gulping down the rest of his champagne, he took her hand and guided her carefully towards the dance floor.Perhaps he should've seen that cunning smile of hers as a sign.
As soon as the two got on the dance floor,it was as if she hadn't even had a drop of alcohol. "Sirus?" She called, lengthening the end of his name.
"Yes?" He answered.
"It seems you were very literal when you said I wouldn't see you much," Her eyes flickered with mischief. "Is it because you're avoiding me?"
"No, never," he defended desperately. Even though he technically was due to the bond.
"Hmm, remember when I told you that I hated liars,"She hummed to the tune of the song. "I really meant it." Her eyes pierced through Sirus as if she knew exactly what he was thinking and about to say.
"Vi-"
"I'll give you until the end of this dance to explain everything," she gently squeezed his hand, before twirling out of his arms and back in.
"Explain what exactly?" He inquired. There was a lot of things she didn't know.
"Hmm," she looked away towards the king then back at him. "I want to know why my letters don't end up at the Luneth manor," she started. "I want to know why your avoiding me , and what do we have to do with kings plan?" She demanded.
"And what if I can't answer all your questions?" He span her round.
"That depends on how I feel about your answer," she smirked.
"You really do know how to put on an act," he shook his head. "Your letters don't end up at the Luneth household because I no longer reside there." He moved them over towards the centre. "Secondly, I keep my distance to not deepen the bond and Lastly the king shall explain that to you." He clapped and twirled around. "Either that, or you'll put it all together in the end."
"You two are so annoying," she scowled.
"I'm sorry but that's all I can say," he bowed his head.
"I understand," she nodded.
Just as the dance had finished, the king raised his glass. "An announcement."
Guards came to their side immediately, guiding them towards the platform. Standing side by side, the two began to realise the full extent of this false relationship. They were now going to fall deeper than ever into the façade.
"You okay?"she muttered between her smile.
"I'll be fine for now," he loosened his collar. Taking his hand, she intertwined her fingers with his.
"Our couple have something to say," he gestured the two forwards.
Clearing her throat, Violet smiled at Sirus. "We are getting married!" She rose up their hands in the air. The crowd immediately applauding in cheer.
Peeking to the side, Violet saw the absolute terror in Sirus is eyes, as if he was in a nightmare. Quickly, she curtsied and practically dragged him out of the spot light. Releasing his hand, she sent maids to care for him as she once again covered for their image. Smiling and entertaining, thanking those who congratulated them and pressuring those who doubted.
She couldn't help but sneak looks at the king. She knew he and Sirus would often talk without her. The fact that the two would plan and share secrets, whilst she was supposed to play the obedient doll who covers, sent her wild. The idea that after this whole mess the two would most likely part ways and the king would create another cover story that everyone would just accept and follow along angered her further.
Did no one care about what she thought? Her opinions? She was part of this too, so why was she being left out? Why did she have to follow the current?