Chapter 42

I was in no way ready to meet people and attend a Banquet with hundreds of people there, the queen mother really did go all out for these occasions, she would never let anyone out shine her parties, that much was for certain. She took pride in these events, in showing her people that although they may be at war with other clans, not just The Chosen; they could still find the time to just live.

They could always find time to smile and be happy, to enjoy the company of those around them. She showed them all that no matter what happened, they could be proud of their clan. They could all hold their heads up high knowing that they did all that they could to Foster peace.

Only, some clans didn't want peace, some of them craved war, they needed it to function. They bathed in the idea that others would crumble beneath them.

This clan was different. These people were different.

None of them wanted war, they only fought when it was absolutely necessary.

They would only kill when there was no other option available.

Or so i had come to believe.

Calen held my hand, the whole way to the dining room, Or the grand hall as most called it, it was the same place that Celeste was attacked, The same place that i had died. The last time I was here, I was changed into a vampire, and I couldn't bring myself to come back in the weeks that passed. I didn't want to admit that I was afraid, i was the last Ariss, I have to stay strong, I have to prove I'm worthy of the name.

The Queen Mother thought that I was, and so did her son, but I wasn't so sure, I was not even certain that I could hold back the thirst. some days it took me to the point of insanity, like I could think of nothing else, but the feeding. I crave blood like a drunk craved alcohol I wanted it more than anything else. I wanted it more than I would admit to the Prince.

He would look at me differently. If he knew just how bloodthirsty I was, I just knew it. All of them would.

we entered the grand hall as I held my breath, still not used to the fact that I didn't always need to breathe, it was a choice now rather than a necessity. I had to give it to the Queen Mother. The room was beautiful. She decorated it in gold and purple. The walls lined with pure silk sashes, the tables and chairs harbouring the same cloth. It was magnificent. Just as it had been the first time I saw it, I spotted Celeste running towards me and I just couldn't help but smile. She was a sweet child. Yes she was a legacy vampire and a few weeks ago I would've hated her just for that, but I come to realise that not all of them was the same, some were different, not all vampires are evil, just as not all people are evil.

she jumped into my open arms as I spun her around and laughed, her squeal of excitement, making my smile wider. The child was beautiful inside and out, and she reminded me of the innocence I once held. innocence that was taken from me the night my sister was killed.

"How is my favourite little sister?" i ask her, beaming down at the little girl, with love.

"I'm just fine now you are here, The adults are so boring." she laughs, shushing me when her mother starts walking over. "don't tell her, I said that." she whispers in my ear.

I place her on to the ground as I shake my head, unable to hide my smile, as I said; completely innocent.

I thought at one point that I should be angry at her because I died saving her life, but then it was my choice to do that. It was my choice to give my life for her, and for all the others that were being attacked. I didn't know if I still have my powers now I was a vampire I was too scared to try. I guess I just didn't want to find out I wasn't a witch anymore not when my family was so important.

I guess it'll be alright if I wasn't a witch anymore. I knew that the prince loved me, for who I was, but I didn't make the fear of losing it any less real.

I just hope that i would find the courage to find out, sooner rather than later.

"Queen Mother." I greeted, bowing to show respect.

"my dear, Ariel. you look stunning as always." she said with a soft smile, One that reminded me of my own mother.

Before I could respond to her, the prince squeezed my hand, "I have to go love, i'll come find you later."

He plants a soft kiss on my head and leaves, my anxiety increasing at being left on my own. where was he going? He made a promise to stay by my side, to help me through the night. To make sure I didn't hurt anyone.

The Queen saw my panic "You know what men are like, there is always business to be taken care of." she says with a smile, looping her arm around mine, "why don't you come and meet some of my friends while you wait for him to come back?."

I watch him vanish through the crowd was longing, before turning to the Queen with a smile. "of course." i say.

"Don't worry." she said in a lower voice. "I won't let you harm the humans."

I look at the queen mother shocked, at the prints mentioned my worry?

"i ..."

"Yes, my son told me, but don't worry I was the same when I was your age, you will adjust in time."

she pats my hand in a way only a mother could do, and it did make me feel a little bit better, clearly, I wasn't the only one that I will go through this, did all young vampires battle with thirst?

maybe the banquet wasn't a bad idea after all.