Lady Dhampir
Chapter 96

Milena stared at herself once more in the mirror, spinning on herself.

"I am not done!" Protested Yasina with a frown.

"If you aren't done very soon, I will really be late."

"Just a minute, and then I promise I am done!"

Next to them, on the little sofa, Clorence and Prudence had been observing the scene for a while, though they were both ready, and getting a bit concerned as well.

The young Baroness de Cictrin had barged in a couple of hours prior, with several suitcases, a personal maid, and an impressive armada of young assistants. Milena hadn't contacted the lady at all, but her friend had apparently invited herself into the Royal Castle, brandishing the Duchess' name as her invitation, and made her way to the young Duchess' apartments. The black silk dress was an exclusive design of the House de Cictrin, and yet Yasina had insisted on making some final changes to the dress before the Grand Ball. Within the incredibly short amount of time, she had added several sets of beads, embroideries, a new layer to the skirt, and changed many, many times this or that fold. She also had Milena reposition the belt no less than four times before the Dhampir Duchess had enough and stopped her.

"This is a beautiful design, Lady de Cictrin," said Prudence, her eyes sparkling about as much as the dress.

"Oh, thank you, Lady d'Iris! I do think it is one of my best designs yet. The replacement of an undergarment corset to show off Lady De Crescent's thin waistline while only having this large belt over the actual dress is a very bold move, but I do think this will become a trend in the upcoming months. Unless I can bend the rules, I set them!"

"You mean you enjoy using me as a display and keeping me from breathing?" Sighed Milena.

Indeed, she had to undergo a change of underwear under Yasina's close supervision, adding a tight underbust corset under her dress, instead of above it as the current trend was. Milena considered this a torture towards women and only allowed it for tonight and for her friend. Otherwise, she could definitely adopt the large belt trend, not the t*****e underwear Yasina imposed with it. Her friend rolled her eyes.

"It's not that tight, Lady De Crescent, you are lucky to have such a thin waistline, trust me! I have seen some customers who should ease down on the deserts and drink more tea to fit their corsets as you do!"

"I thought to be a bit... plump was more appealing nowadays?" Asked Prudence, looking genuinely interested.

Yasina sighed and turned to her, her hands on her hips.

"It is because the Vampire Ladies struggle to gain any gram, and envy the curvy human ladies. They will push up and pad up all they can! On the other hand, my race believes a thin body and long limbs are more appealing. The standards of beauty are to go towards what is the hardest to achieve, hence hard work and patience. However, for a designer like me... Fitting a corset on a lady is easier when she doesn't complain about absolutely wanting the smallest size! It's crazy that a perfectly fine curvy lady wants to fit something that doesn't fit her just so she can brag about having lost half an inch! I hate conformism, truly!"

Prudence grimaced, regretting her question. Milena chuckled. Yasina was a bit too passionate when it was about dress design, but she also had very strong opinions about some of her customers. It also explained how she was always so well informed about the latest gossips among all the noblewomen. She was good at listening and retaining any piece of information, even the most insignificant.

"What about Chartiana and Briseis?" Asked Milena, putting her jewelry back on with Clorence's help.

"Lady d'Artsein is already in the Royal Castle, she should be arriving anytime soon. However, Lady Chartiana is very busy, she sent a messenger asking me to let you know she will only be able to arrive at the very last minute. She apologizes." "It's fine," said Milena. "I know she has been busy with my family's latest orders. It's good that she is busy."

Though she was always doing her best to help Milena and assist her whenever she could, Chartiana was still the Heiress of her family, and lately, she had been working hard to make her family business even more productive and successful. Especially with the now certain future of a war happening, the House De Pristin ought to be crawling under all the orders. Milena had no doubt that Rachael, too, would have to go back to work as soon as the selection was over.

"I wish I could be one of your Ladies-in-waiting," sighed Prudence.

"What are you talking about?" Scolded her older sister. "You are a young Countess!"

Indeed, it was unheard of for a young Countess to be a Princess' Lady-in-waiting, her rank was too high and too close to Milena's. Still, the young Duchess chuckled.

"I'm just the third daughter," protested Prudence. "I would be more useful as one of Lady Milena's aides..."

"My ladies-in-waiting won't be full-time with me, Lady Prudence," said Milena. "However, I could always take a Lady Companion, if you are still interested in a few months."

Prudence's eyes lit up immediately. Unlike Ladies-in-waiting, who were young noblewomen dedicated to helping the future princess and advise her, and would come and go in the Royal Castle, a Companion was to attend a Princess at all times. She was sort of an assistant, and usually, only younger noble ladies of high rank were chosen. The goal was also to learn from the Lady they accompanied while providing their help for a few years, usually until they were betrothed. It wasn't too common or rare, and actually matched perfectly Prudence's position. As the third daughter of a Count's House, she was both young enough to wait a bit for marriage, and of high rank enough to assist Milena closely.

"Lady De Crescent, it would be too much of an honor..." Said Clorence, surprised.

"It is only a suggestion for now," said Milena. "Prudence can think about it comfortably for a few weeks."

The De Iris sisters exchanged a glance, but Prudence was already almost bouncing on her seat. Milena's suggestion to wait a bit was most likely to respect their family's decision, instead of having Prudence accept right away. "...You really made a lot of new friends, Lady Milena," noted Yasina, glancing at the superb cloak hanged next to the canopy bed.

Milena nodded.

"Indeed. How do you know, Yasina?"

"I recognize any tailor's work, including that of the private tailor of the House De Nova. Plus, there aren't so many skilled hunters in the Capital to get such a thing. But really, the Duchess De Nova, of all people? Without being too rude, I'm genuinely surprised. Haven't your social skills improved too much?"

Milena chuckled. Indeed, a few weeks ago, she would have hardly believed it was possible herself. However, the first step had been made by no other than Lady De Nova herself. Of course, external factors like the upcoming war or the internal struggles of the House De Nova had probably given the two of them a little extra push towards each other, but Milena was quite grateful for that. She had entered the Bridal Selection as the weakest contender of the third Duchesses, and thanks to her alliance with Rachael, tables had turned quickly.

Milena couldn't forget who had pulled the strings for that, though. She sighed, and as soon as Yasina was finally done, turned around to face her friends present. Prudence clapped her hands enthusiastically.

"You're beautiful, Lady Milena! You'll definitely be the prettiest, tonight!"

Milena received the praise with a smile, but her heart was still a bit unsettled. Several hours had passed since the Bridal Selection, and unlike his twin, Prince Rayan hadn't come to see her. She still had in mind the image of Aurora running to him, and that vision had certainly left a bitter taste in her mouth.

Even so, she didn't want to let her friends think there was anything wrong with her engagement. Everyone would be scrutinizing the new couples tonight, gauging the choices of the Princes, especially since both were so controversial. Milena wasn't so naive to think it would be simply a celebratory Ball. Announcing the engagement of the Princes to the rest of the nobility also meant putting them on the arena for more criticism.

"Alright, this time I think this is it!" Finally announced Yasina, triumphant.

"Good, because you might really be late if we don't get going now, Lady Milena," Clorence reminded her.

Milena nodded, and once they had taken their cloaks, all four of them left the room promptly. Just when they walked up the corridors did Milena start to feel nervous. She was supposed to go and meet Rayan, so they would make their entrance together, while her friends would head first into the Reception Hall. Needless to say, she was nervous to see him again. Milena hadn't thought of what to say, how to react to the vampire prince. Her heart started beating a bit faster as they got closer to the waiting rooms. Should she thank him for picking her as they agreed? give him the cold shoulder for not explaining the Aurora situation? She really wasn't sure, and it made her even more nervous!

Finally, they arrived in front of a large door, and Milena's friend bid her a short good-bye. She was left alone in front of the big doors. The guards gave her a glance as she was hesitating. "Afraid?"

She jumped and turned around, having recognized that voice right away.

"Your Highness!"

Rayan was giving her his usual smirk and tilted his head. Milena had been so surprised, she almost forgot she was supposedly still mad at him. She crossed her arms in front of her chest, trying to assert her anger at him.

However, it didn't exactly work the way she wanted. With such a revealing cleavage, her change of position actually attracted Rayan's eyes right there, and his smile grew a bit larger.

"Lady De Crescent, I truly meant it earlier. Ravaging."

Milena was mad at herself for giving him an excuse to make fun of her. She tried to un-cross her arms, but now, she felt awkward and not knowing what to do with those. She couldn't even bear to look at him in the eye, she was just too upset while he was making fun of her.

"What is it?" He asked, still not losing his annoying smile.

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

Milena's cold and upset tone finally had him lose his smirk. Rayan sighed and walked past her to open the door, inviting her in. Indeed, the empty little waiting room meant for the Royal Family would be better for them to talk privately than that corridor. Once she walked in, Milena quickly dismissed the servants, but she didn't sit down. Instead, she turned around to face her now future fiancé with a clear upset expression.

"I'm listening," she said.

The vampire prince closed the door, and turned around, leaning against the closed doors. They were now alone in the little square room, and Milena wasn't too fond of that situation. She didn't like his arrogant smirk or his eyes full of self-confidence. If he had at least looked a little bit remorseful or flustered, it would have been fine.

He smiled, clearly still lurking, his eyes going up and down on her dress.

"Damn, you're even sexier when you're mad, Lady De Crescent. I could seriously get used to this..."

"Rayan!"

Milena wasn't even the mood for his seduction games, even if she couldn't keep herself from blushing. She needed an explanation, now, about his attitude with Aurora. She didn't want to walk into the Ballroom while still holding any suspicions towards her future husband.

Rayan sighed, finally losing his snarky attitude. He then walked up to her. Milena felt the tension rise with each step he took towards her. The young Duchess was unable to keep up her defenses against him, and it annoyed her even more. She f****d herself to step back when he came within her personal distance, and Rayan stopped. Her amethyst eyes sent an accusing glare to him.

"Rayan..." She whispered.

"Fine, fine. Stop the glaring, though, because it's exciting and we are alone."

She rolled her eyes over. Was he ever serious! She had enough of his twin already, he wasn't going to be the one throwing her in loops now!

Rayan chuckled, and to her surprise, put his knee down for the second time today. Totally taken by surprise, Milena lost her angry expression, doubtful. He took her hand before she could say anything, and gently brought it to his lips. She didn't dare move a finger and could replace the courage to take it back. Was he trying to seduce her to have her forget? Was this going to be Ellias all over again? However, Rayan looked up at her, very seriously.

"Milena, you are and will be my only Queen. There will be no one else." "But... Aurora..."

"You already know what happened with the younger Lady De Camellia."

Milena frowned. Of course, she had her suspicions, but she had been waiting for Rayan to confirm them, and that was not enough in her eyes. Her heart was heavy, and wouldn't settle until he confirmed her thoughts, wiped her doubts away. They were so close, though, she was losing her confidence the longer his burning stare continued. Milena couldn't stop blushing, but she couldn't avoid his stare anymore. She hated to be tamed like this. She tried to gather everything she had in her. If she gave in now, she would have to give in all of their married life.

She didn't want that. She needed to be sure, and she needed Rayan to stop having her guess everything. It would be exhausting on the long term, and worse, she would doubt her future husband more and more. She took a deep breath. That's right. She wasn't so mad at him, but he owed her an explanation.

"I want you to tell me clearly," she said with a shaking voice. "I need to hear it."

"I didn't mean for you to see us, but I did want the servants to see Lady De Camellia and I alone together. I needed to throw my brother off the idea that I was aiming for you."

A wave of relief invaded Milena's heart. She felt like she could breathe again. Rayan hadn't flinched or blinked a single second while saying all of this, making her believe him. He was a good liar, but he had never looked so serious. Moreover, she was feeling relieved that he acknowledged her request for an explanation and didn't just brush her off. Not like his twin would have...

"You cheated," she said.

"Well, there wasn't said in the bet that I couldn't give him a false lead."

"You know that's cheating."

"I do not care."

While saying that, he was looking through the inside pocket of his jacket, making Milena frown. Then, to her surprise, he took out a little velvet box. She gasped, her heart going crazy inside her chest. She had no expectations while getting fianced to the vampire prince, and she certainly did not expect him to do such a thing. Yet, Rayan very calmly opened the box to show a gorgeous ring.

"Do you like it?"

"Rayan... This is..."

"Well, I couldn't let my fiancé walk into the Ballroom without a proper ring at her finger, right? I honestly would have done it earlier, but the lack of intimacy was quite annoying..."

Milena knew exactly what he was talking about. Actually, she probably wouldn't have appreciated receiving that ring as much in front of the whole Senate, the other candidates and Ellias and the King, either. She was still staring at the ring in its box, a bit at a loss for words, and the Prince chuckled. "Oh, well, you said yes already didn't you... Too late to go back on your words now, my Lady."

Once again, Milena blushed immediately while he put on the ring on her finger. It was a gorgeous ring, in an antique style, which she actually quite loved. She wasn't knowledgable on gemstones, but it was easy to recognize the diamond-shape, red as blood ruby. It was glowing of a marvelous scarlet shine on her finger, and was flanked by two smaller white diamonds. The design was quite simple in itself, but still very enough to make it a gorgeous piece. As a ring for a betrothal, it was already almost too much. Milena smiled uncontrollably. The ring was slightly heavy, yet it felt like it had always belonged to her finger, even matching her current outfit.

"It's beautiful..." She whispered, observing it on her hand.

While she was still absorbed in her new ring, Rayan rose up with a smile, using her distraction to come closer up. He grabbed her chin between his fingers, having the young Duchess finally look at him. Milena found their faces dangerously close, and her breathing accelerated. The vampire prince was close, too close. She couldn't step away this time, it was too late, and he put a hand on her waist.

"W-what are you doing..." she muttered, a bit too weakly.

"Well, we have had a formal proposal, now a ring for my gorgeous fiancé, and you look awfully tempting tonight, Lady De Crescent. What else is there to do?"

Milena couldn't tell if he was playing, or serious, but both were equally scary. She wished she could tame her own heart, but it wasn't calming down, and her blood was rushing in her veins. He was really too close, and she was wearing this indecent dress exposing a bit too much of her pale skin... He smiled, his canine teeth shining. She shivered.

"I don't want to mess up my dress..." She whispered.

"We are not going to mess up your dress."

"...or my hairdo."

"I'll be careful," he whispered.

Milena shivered once again, but Rayan approached his mouth from her neck. She could feel his breath close to her neck, and the little chill had her shiver deliciously. Enjoying this, the vampire prince gently caressed her neck with his left hand, the other still holding her lower back. Milena knew he was taking it slow on purpose, gently pushing the strands of her hair over her shoulder, but she just wanted it. This was like a sweet poison, getting her slowly addicted to this sensation. His lips gently kissed her, like snow softly laid on her skin. However, Milena was feeling hotter than ever. She could feel the blood rushing to her cheeks, her extremities tangling from the thrill. He was horrible to play with her like that...

Rayan gently put one kiss after another in the same area, enjoying the shivers going down her neck, and the sound of her breathing against his ear. He chuckled a bit, and finally, exposed his fangs, piercing the soft skin easily. The satisfaction had Milena relax her shoulders immediately, and she exhaled in relief, closing her eyes. She could feel the sweet, soft pain that had lasted less than a second. His venom had already anesthetized her, leaving nothing but this enthralling sensation of pleasure that drilled down her whole body. Milena shivered, holding on to his shoulder, and let out a long sigh of pleasure and relief mixed.