Chapter 59 Mates’ Call
The whole palace is busy preparing for Igor Wisteria’s annual celebration, where the palace opens its doors to all citizens of the entire kingdom. I'm no stranger to this celebration. I attended it once when I traveled to the past, but it still feels different to experience it in the present.
The Lancasters also told me I'll be formally introduced to all of Igor Wisteria’s people, the chosen woman who came from the magical mirror. Even though I know it's still next week, I can't help but feel nervous. Only the Lancasters and some high-ranking council members have seen me so far, what will ordinary vampires think of me?
Damn, I don't want to disappoint these Lancasters.
A vampire tailor is currently taking my measurements for the dress I'll wear to the celebration. I'm lazily watching Astrid and Enid as they sit on a long sofa. Travis and Chase are in the corner playing chess, while Randall watches them, yawning every now and then.
I can say this is just a normal day for the siblings.
Kaizer and Elliot are at the other end, also being measured by another tailor. Larkin is in his library talking to some generals from Aetherio and Tethoris, I was told.
I can't help but bite my lip at how Kaizer is looking at me while we're being measured on opposite sides of the room. Damn this Ice Prince. The way he stares makes it seem like we haven't seen each other in years.
"Let's play spelling... spelling..." Randall breaks the silence. If he hadn't spoken, we probably would have heard each other breathing because it was so quiet.
"Oh, what is it now, Randall?" Astrid asks lazily, even though she's yawning too.
"Spell 'obsessed'." I see Chase and Travis grin together, they were quietly playing chess just a moment ago.
"K-A-I-Z-E-R," Chase answers with a smile.
"Obsessed," Travis says quickly. Enid and Astrid clap together at their brothers' nonsense.
"I never thought the Princes of Wisteria were so good at spelling. You amaze me, brothers." I know Astrid means the opposite.
"Kaizer can hear you. We still have lots to fix in the palace, don't make more trouble," Enid scolds them.
"Uhuh? I know he can't hear us anymore, Enid." Enid just rolls his eyes at what Randall says.
"Just don't hold your voice down, Enid. Let Kaizer hear what those three are saying. Let's see if they don't turn into ice. You're all so scared of Kaizer." I can't bring myself to join the siblings' conversation. And I didn't even notice Enid was using his power. Damn, I'm so weak.
"I'm not scared of that fool," Randall quickly disagrees.
"Me too," Chase says.
"I just don't bother with him," Travis adds.
"Uhuh? Should we believe you? What do you think, Saera?" I just smile at them. The tailor nods at me as a sign she's done. I sit down on the sofa and choose to listen to the siblings.
"I'm just saying what I see. Look at him. Kaizer doesn't even notice all of us are watching him while he stares at Saera. He's too obsessed, Astrid. It’s like the snow prince will die every time Saera looks away from him. Is that really the mate thing? That can't happen to me..." I tighten my grip on my skirt as I frown at Randall. How sure is he?
"Me too. I won't go crazy over a woman. Fangs or no fangs," Chase says.
"Falling in love is not part of my plan," Travis adds before making his move in their game.
"Enid, Saera–stand up for a moment..." Even though Enid and I are confused, we quickly stand up from the sofa we were sitting on. Enid and I almost gape in shock when Astrid lifts the big sofa and throws it hard at her three brothers. Their eyes wide as they jump out of the way.
"What the fuck, Astrid! You're so hot-headed!" Randall shouts loudly.
"What the hell? I thought you didn't want anything broken?" Travis complains, staring at the sofa that almost hit the three of them. The table and chairs they were using have also fallen over.
I look over at Kaizer’s direction. Larkin is with them now, and they're talking to two elderly vampires. Can't they see we're having a commotion here? Is another Lancaster using power that I don't know about?
"You know nothing, brothers. You haven't met them yet–your paths haven't crossed. Say those things to me when you meet the women who will claim your fangs, say those things to me when your eyes both burn because of a woman. Don't question Kaizer. He was better than all of you before he even met Saera." The three vampires fall silent at what Astrid says. Even I'm annoyed at what the three are saying.
Astrid rolls her eyes at her brothers before turning her back on us and starting to walk away. But before she can take more than a few steps, Chase speaks up.
"Were those words for Kaizer, Astrid? Or for you and the madman Larkin is hunting right now?" I feel cold at where the siblings' conversation is going. When I look at Kaizer, Elliot, and Larkin, they're still busy with their guests. How can they not sense something is happening here? Is another Lancaster using power that I don't know about?
Astrid turns back around and raises an eyebrow at Chase.
"Both, brother. I can't stand hearing you make fun of what Kaizer feels because I feel the same way too. I feel like I have to hold back for the position and responsibility I was born into. You three, remember what you said at this moment because I swear you'll all eat your words. I swear I won't help you when your fangs get thirsty and hungry for the women meant for you. And I'll be the first to laugh when you start going crazy over a woman. Fangs or no fangs.”