Lady Dhampir
Chapter 50

Twelve candidates.

The young Duchesses had been guaranteed their chance from the beginning, but Milena could unders strengthen her sons' positions by giving them powerful wives. If there had been one or two more avai Marquesses and the Baronesses couldn't even be jealous, none had been picked.

"She picked every young Lady that was above fifteen years old and not engaged yet," whispered Brise Milena had studied the Noble Houses, but she had been away from the Capital, and still struggled to immediately filled her in as soon as the Queen's speech was over.

"Your cousin and Lady Prudence are the youngest, at fifteen years old. They are unlikely to be picked, "Including Lady Rachael, all the vampire ladies are the oldest in their families..."

"What's their relationship to Rachael?"

They quickly understood what Milena meant.

Though they all seemed to be equals in this race to become one of the Prince's brides, the three Duch they weren't picked, it wouldn't be too good for their family if they had fought too fiercely with one of If they thought one of the Duchesses held a strong chance, this week at the Royal Palace would be the one too greedy candidate could later regret and face disastrous consequences. Because even for a Pri "Lady Verona de Narcissus will definitely follow Lady de Nova," said Chartiana. "They are very close an Supremacist... But Lady Bella... I am not sure."

Milena nodded. She had expected so. While the Family with only human members would be most like which was usually the case.

Herself being a Dhampir had always added a bit of a wary feeling for everyone. She couldn't complete her friends.

"The Lily and Gardenia Families will definitely support Lady de Winter," said Yasina. "She is too popular."

ome of the other ladies' deception. The Queen had privileged the nobility, by only picking Countesses. No Marquesses, no baronesses. She clearly wanted to ountesses, she would have picked accordingly more candidates. That was it. A safe choice, without angering any Comty House, and in comparison, the

ber everyone, especially the younger ladies who had just had their social debuts. Thankfully, all of her friends were very knowledgeable on the matter and

re too young and not fully educated yet. The Queen probably only invited them by mere politeness," said Yasmina.

already held a clear advantage. In this light the young Countesses would have two choices: seduce one of the Princes, or... ally themselves to a Duchess. If ture Princesses. From that moment on, each of them would need to make every choice very carefully.

nce to grow closer to a future Princess. Of course, they could still make the choice to try their best and beat one of the Duchesses to become a Princess, but a Duchess could turn up a strong ally or a terrible enemy.

helped each other's businesses. Lady de Chorea de Zinnia, too, is known amongst vampires for her strong character, her family is supposed to be

llow Philomenie, Rachael couldn't possibly rally most of the ones that included vampires, especially if the head of the family and the main heir was vampire,

ocate for either race, but Milena had been aware of that fact since long ago. Actually, she already knew what kind of allies she wanted, even while listening to

Milena already knew she would have two allies: Clorence and Prudence de Iris, Eugenie's younger sisters. Indeed, the two ladies were already coming her way for a respectful salutation.

"I hope we can learn from you, Lady de Crescent," said Clorence, the eldest sister. "Our family values your friendship very much." "Please take care of us this week!" Added Prudence with a little chirping voice.

Milena politely answered them, settling this alliance with those two. However, to the side, Philomenie was already greeted by three other candidates, including Helena. Milena tried not to show her emotions, but the obvious betrayal of her cousin in front of everyone was painful. Why had Helena done this?

"Valentina de Rosella and Penelopia d'Orchid... Nothing surprising," said Briseis as the Iris sisters left. "They would pick the human candidate, and are friends with Lady de Winter."

"And on a side note, I remember Milena and Lady de Rosella fighting when we were young. She probably hasn't forgotten the humiliation," giggled Yasina.

Milena suddenly remembered that scene. Back then, along with Yasina, Cassidie d'Aquamaran and Lilyan de Tourmal were there. They had been her first friends when she had begun on the noble scene, but two were missing today...

Cassidie had died a couple of years after their meeting, during a strong winter, from pneumonia. She had fought the sickness for two long weeks before passing. Milena had cried for a long time after receiving the black letter. Lilyan was still sickly, from the exact same time and disease, and avoided those gatherings. Milena had less and less time to visit her over the years, but they had never stopped exchanging letters.

As she looked around, Milena remembered how their world was cruel to humans. The bitter cold brought sickness to the poor and the rich without distinction, and though their family was wealthy, a lot of human children didn't make it to adulthood. Other faces she had met as a child weren't there today, either. Her long discussions with Ellias over the future of their world had never felt more urgent than at this moment.

"Milena...?"

Chartiana's gentle voice took Milena out of her dark thoughts, but with a new resolve. She needed to think seriously about what was coming. Milena wanted to become Queen. Regardless of her feelings for the Princes, she wanted a position where she could protect her people, vampire or human, rich or poor. She had made that resolve a long time ago, but never had it resonated more strongly in her heart.

"Briseis, what do you know about the Camellia sisters?"

Bella and Aurora de Camellia were the only ones to have not greeted either of the three Duchesses. Either they wanted the crown for themselves, or had yet to make up their mind, that was unclear.

"Bella is only one year older than her sister, but she is much more influential. Despite being a vampire, she has allies among both humans and vampires, like you, my lady. She has strengthened the Camellia family a lot in recent years. Their father is old and only had his children after his second wedding. Their younger brother is thirteen, and human, like Aurora."

"Those two don't get along," added Yasina. "Aurora is pretty but she has a nasty temper, she likes parties and spending money. She is popular though, while Bella is much more reserved."

"That's right, I don't think I have seen her at many events..." said Chartiana.

Milena was still trying to sort out the situation, chattering with her friends and wondering if she should approach the sisters when Yasina give her a little elbow bump.

Helena was approaching, with a sour expression, looking sorry and apologetic. She was very uncomfortable and that was obvious. Though her brothers had gone dancing with new partners, Yasina, Briseis and Chartiana were still by Milena's side and looking at her coldly.

Her cousin was looking down, fidgety, and bowed more politely than necessary once faced with Milena.

"Good Evening, Cousin. I..."

"Cousin?" Repeated Milena. "Didn't you call me Milena before?"

More than her voice, her extremely cold attitude took Helena by surprise.

"You're still my cousin, Milena. It hasn't changed. This doesn't mean..."

"I have never heard of someone greeting their close family members so late, especially in such a situation," said Briseis. "Lady de Hyacinth, weren't you the one who used to warn the Duchess about her actions not so long ago?"

Helena took a deep breath, trying to keep a composed figure.

"Milena, you don't understand. I am still your friend and family. But... Philomenie is a very good friend of mine now, too, and..."

Yasina clicked her tongue loudly and impolitely. Helena's way of calling a Duchess by her first name was too much. Helena tried to ignore her, though and resumed talking.

"You have to understand. Phi... I mean Lady de Winter has been very good to me. The Saint's appearance at our family hospital has been greatly propitious for the House de Hyacinth, and we cannot be rude to Lady de Winter. But she really is a good person, Milena! She has a kind heart, and is understanding, and..."

"And?"

Milena's voice had Helena lose her confidence and whatever smile she had left. She didn't dare to speak more with her cousin's angry purple eyes on her.

"Go on, Helena. Weren't you so proud to flatter Lady de Winter? Keep going."

"Don't do this, Milena, please... This is..."

"This was a wrong time and place to do this, Helena," said Milena. "Instead of lessening your letters, you could have found me anytime to explain your family's new allegiance."

"It is not...!"

"But instead," resumed Milena, "you have decided to be a coward and avoid me until you couldn't hide it anymore. It is not how our family does things, Helena. You know my relationship with Lady de Winter, you know what is at stake. It is not just about your own feelings, or any kindness she might have shown you. You are a Countess. Don't make me swallow that you were in a position of need whatsoever."

Helena was losing her words, and turning red in shame. She obviously didn't have anything to answer to that.

Milena took a deep breath.

"Don't you have anything else to say?"

"I... I... Why do you have to be so cold, Milena! Why can't you accept Lady de Winter's friendship, and..."

"Friendship? Helena, won't you wake up? My own cousin greeted my rival before greeting me. You may have forgotten, but we are no longer children playing tea parties. The future of this kingdom is at stake, and every pair of eyes is on us! You thought Philomenie was only being kind to you? Have you forgotten everything we learned all those years? She brings a divine healer to my cousin's hospital, do you think it was out of mercy? Of all the medical facilities in the country? The Hyacinth Hospital, rather than any other? Rather than the Royal Hospital?"

"She... She was being kind..."

"Lady de Winter's popularity has been on the rise among the people," said Briseis in a neutral tone. "She does charities in public places, attends every tea party she is invited to and... Well, basically, she is at absolutely every public event she can afford to attend." "She only befriends humans," added Chartiana. "She hasn't even tried talking to any vampire noble here. Her family supports the anti-vampire votes..."

"That is not true!"

"There's no such thing as sheer kindness, not in our world. Have your brothers been invited, only once, to any of her parties, Helena?" Asked Milena. "Did you ever see Philomenie interact with Gadriel or Americ before she approached your hospital? And let me guess, how recent was that? A few months ago, perhaps?"

Her cousin turner whiter and whiter, looking panicked. After stuttering nothing intelligible, she excused herself and ran away. Milena let out a long sigh.

"I can't believe she's been such an idiot..." said Yasina.

"Philomenie really is good with words," sighed Milena. "And Helena is maybe too kind, she is more gullible than I thought."

"Are you alright?" Asked Chartiana. "You look a bit paler than usual, too..."

"I am fine, thank you. I will just get some fresh air. You should go and dance, it is a party after all."

Milena grabbed a cup and promptly walked to the closest balcony, letting out a long sigh. Blanche sneaked out of her dress, she could use some fresh air too. She jumped on the balustrade, taking a cat's appearance for a perfect balance. Milena breathed slowly, caressing her.

"My first betrayal, Blanche... I didn't think it would happen from my own family..."

"Sadly, it won't be the last," said a voice behind her.