Surprise At The Ball

Surprise At The Ball
The next evening, I found myself standing in front of a full-length mirror, staring at myself. For most of the afternoon, I was poked and prodded by a personal stylist that Vladimier had hired specifically to make me presentable for a banquet that he insisted that I attend.

As the whole ordeal was taking place, I couldn't help but remember when the same thing happened when I was with Elias. Which, in the end, sent my thoughts to that arrogant prince, and I couldn't stop myself from wondering how he was doing. Even though I told myself that I needed to forget him, I just couldn't stop the wave of emotion that crashed through me at the mere thought of him. It was like I was an addict, and he was my drug. Now that I had a taste, I craved him.

"Quit being ridiculous." I hissed at my reflection as I tried desperately to push away my feelings. "You're with the man you truly love. Forget that arrogant prince."

"What arrogant prince?" Adrielle, Vladimier's personal assistant, asked, reappearing behind me out of the blue.

"No one." I gasped, feeling like I had just been caught committing adultery. "Forget I said anything."

In the mirror, I could see her giving me a look of confusion before finally shrugging and lifting a small crown to place on top of my wavy hair. Once it was in place, she grabbed my shoulders and spun me around to take a look.

"You're perfect." She announced this happily. "Tonight, you will most certainly be the talk of the ball."

Again, I had a sense of deja vu as I remembered the almost exact same words being said to me in Elias' domain. It looked like no matter what I did to try to forget, it wouldn't work that easily. His memory was deeply rooted within me by this point, mind, body, and soul.

"You do lovely work." I smiled while trying to stop the pain that was stabbing through me.

Adrielle had managed to squeeze me into a skin-tight red sequin dress that hugged my curves perfectly and flowed out around my feet. That in itself was a miracle, since I fought tooth and nail to avoid it.

"It isn't hard to beautify a beauty." She shot back ruefully, looking proud.

"Please stop." As I felt the unwanted attention on me, I blushed and whispered. "I'm just mediocre."

"Psh!" Adrielle snapped, stopping anything else that may have come out. "Now, we need to get going. I'm sure the sire is waiting."

The sire was waiting... Of course, Vladimier would be waiting for me. For so many years, he had waited for me, and I couldn't even begin to make up for all the time that we missed with each other.

When we arrived, he was indeed waiting for me with Tristan and another man that I hadn't seen before. He came across as regal with his blonde hair and green eyes, which took me in curiously.

His body sported a simple suit with a strange coat of arms pinned to the left breast pocket. Somehow I could vaguely recognize it as the crest of the Allia, a small army that served directly under Vladimier.

"Hello, Valerie." Vladimier called as a smile crept across his face. Moving forward, he placed his hands on my hips and bent down close to my ear, where only I was able to hear him. "You look ravishing in that gown." He murmured, sending chills of delight racing through me. "I must thank Adrielle later."

"I thought this was your choice." I said in confusion, meeting his gaze.

"No, I gave Adrielle free reign, as she is the best of the best. I'm glad to see that I am not disappointed in her work." He responded happily. "Now, come, let me introduce you to someone."

"Sure."

Placing a smile on my face, I allowed Vladimier to wrap an arm around my waist and lead me towards Tristan and the other man he was speaking with.

Seeming to notice me for the first time, the man smiled politely as his eyes discreetly trailed up and down my body, taking in each and every inch with hunger.

"My, she looks just like Vilicent." The man murmured as he continued to examine me. "How is there such a canny resemblance?"

"Because she is Vilicent." Vladimier answered immediately, his eyes darkening. "Do you think I would use some random woman to replace my love?"

"No, of course not!" The man said, blanching. "I just..."

"Careful, Chester." Tristan chuckled, calmly placing a hand on the man's shoulder. "It seems that the goddess has decided to return Vilicent to Vladimier's side. Please try to show some happiness over that."

"Of course I'm happy for him!" Chester said, shooting a glare towards Tristan. "I'm just amazed, as it has been over a hundred years since her passing. How is it possible that she is here now?"

"A miracle." Vladimier said instantly. "A miracle that I will treasure for all eternity."

At his words, I felt a blush begin to creep up my neck and onto my cheeks. Though I had my memories returned and all the memories I shared with this man, it was still like the first time all over again since it had been so very long.

"You're embarrassing her." Tristan chuckled, catching my discomfort. "Come, don't you think the stars of the ball should be in there?"

Stars of the ball?

Looking at Vladimier, I prepared to question him about what Tristan said, but he gave me a wink before turning his attention back to Tristan and Chester.

"I hadn't told her the purpose of this ball." He explained. "But since you have spilled the beans, I suppose I should inform her."

As confusion was rolling through me, I couldn't stop the feeling of anticipation that I was beginning to experience. What in the world could Vladimier possibly have planned this ball for other than some holiday or yearly celebration? Was there any other reason?

"Before I explain, Valerie, would you join me on stage?" He asked, bowing and holding out his hand in a gentlemanly manner.

"Of course." I responded slowly.

Reaching out, I took his hand and waited as he kissed mine before standing up straight to begin to escort me into the hall that was now filled with silent partygoers.

Keeping his gaze fixed straight ahead, Vladimier continued to move until we were ascending some stairs that led right up onto the stage, so we were front and center of the entire room.

Giving me a quick smile, he turned his attention to his people.

"WELCOME!" He boomed so loudly that even those at the back of the room could hear him. "I thank each and every single one of you for coming to join me this evening in celebration of the return of my one true love." At that, he turned and gave a smile, sending my heart racing. "It is with each and every one of you here that I want to properly declare my love for Valerie."

Turning, Vladimier made his way over to me before dropping down on one knee and digging in his pocket. At a loss for words, I felt my eyes begin to grow wider and wider as he pulled out a tiny silk box that he opened slowly, revealing a small golden ring with a ruby set in diamonds.

Placing my hands over my mouth, I couldn't stop the shocked gasp that escaped me as he fixed his loving and expectant gaze on mine.

"Valerie." He began reaching up and grabbing my hand with his free hand. "It is with everyone here this evening to bear witness that I want to ask you to be my wife. Will you allow me that honor?"

"Are you..." I squeak, still in disbelief.

"That's right," he beams. "I'm asking you to marry me."