**Seraphina**

I hate being princess, being born in this manipulative family . While lot of people think what arrogant brat I am , when I can get privileges of staying in palace and getting all those materialistic things , people would die for. Atleast ,their parents are not trying to find potential suitor for them at the age of 18 . My father, King Aldric Blackthorn had sworn his life to marriage me off because of some wild creature , who is lurking in forest had suddenly decided to attack on our people .They're draining blood from human body .

The Vampire , the word almost makes me laugh . He wants me to stay out of this kingdom. But what do I have to say in it . My life My father rules . My thoughts train comes to screeching halt by the voice , "Do you want me to tighten the corset more, princess ? ".

"No , it's fine" I replied to Helena .

One of my trustworthy lady-in-waiting .more like my grandma . She had taken care of me since I was a child . Her hair had turned grey. Eyebags are visible under her soft eyes . She is in her late 40's, everything about her is changed except her love for me . Even though , she is not into public displaying of the affection . I can see warmth in her eyes , when she smile at me. Her voice and her wise comforting words never failed to save me from drowning in my sorrows . After my mother died , she is the only ideal figure I look up to .

''You look beautiful princess . All the prince could not take eyes off from you or even hands ".

Isabelle commented , my second lady-in-waiting more like troublemaker. She is here as intern under helena's mentorship or more like gossip girl. I only tolerate her because of her noble rank . Younger daughter of Blackwood noble family.

"Thanks" I replied .

"Are you ready yet ? " my stepmother voice comes from the doorway as she enter the room.

"Let's go" She said without even looking at me. More like following tradition to escort daughter to the ballroom , than actually doing it from heart . Not like I expect anything else from her. I am wearing a beautiful red gown with flares on it . Diamonds are sparkling on my dress as we enter the dim-light ballroom. Cold breeze from large arched windows, makes me shiver down my spine . Bad day to wear off shoulder .my hairs are curled in bun with one fling loose free . Isabelle style , even though she is annoying .she had good taste in fashion. I am wearing the old traditional locket my mother had passed me down . One of her few things I always keep close by just to feel her presence around me .

"You are looking gorgeous , my child ". My father said as he walks toward us ."Thanks" I said and smiled .

The air smell earthy . The rain had stopped now, but there is cool and serene calmness in air opposite to my inner turmoil. The stone grey walls had made the ballroom more cooler . Its ceiling stretching far above with intricate stone arches crisscrossing in a web of gothic craftsmanship .Crystal Chandliers lights are dancing on the transparent marble of the floor . The walls are lined with towering coloumns with vines hanging over it , weighing down by the red plummy raspberries which matches the colour of my lipstick . Red carpet had spread over cool marbles with golden design on it . A haunting elegance fills the air , as soft , mournful music drifts from a far-off orchestra , blending with gentle rustling of silk gowns and the faint shuffle of the shoes and heels against the polished stone . the room is filled with guests in their finest attires . The room is beautiful yet ugly because of the cruel persons in it .it's almost shame to be in here. it feels tainted for this room to have this demons in mask of noble people .

One of the prince approached me "May I have this dance , my lady ? ". He asked , I noded giving my hand in his glowed streched hand. He softly kissed my knuckles , shiver run down my spine he smirks probably noticing my slight change in demeanor . Observant . He is in beautiful tux , his dark hair is slicked back neatly . He wraps his other hand around my waist pulling me closer and to the dance floor . His peircing blue eyes never leave mine , there is subtle soft smile played on his lips . He is absolute gentleman until his hand lowered down to cup my ass . Jerk . I immediately pull away . "Watch your hands young man" I snapped . "I am sorry , I didn't mean to " he said sheepishly

'' Yeah ! Whatever'' I said and before he can say something I leave from there .

Ball continues as I dance with more suitors .Not all were like that jerk , but there is no spark in between us like I have imagined would be there when I will fall in love . No heart racing , I didn’t feel that warm blood flowing through my veins , No adrenaline, like I just jump from sky . Not any goosebumps. I didn’t feel anything .maybe I am fool to even dream something like that . But that's what hopeless romantic do , don’t they ?

I swirl around my drink as I take seat at one of the wooden but spacious table in which one person can fit in horizontally . As I sit there , I see my father is discussing with noble families . I immediately recognize everyone . Lord Viktor Throne , Head of Thorne family . They're inventors , scholars who makes brilliant inventions .He is always on the edge . Just ready to snap , people say he has anger issues , in actual he has ego issues . Lady Eleanor , from Blackwood family . They're known for their combat skills and history of vampire hunting . They're first line of defense against supernatural threat. Like there is really something like vampire pfft .

Lord Hawthrone, from Ravenscroft family . They're noble family who deal with mystical powers and magic . I have heard this family had some serious issues with witches ,as they're in competition with magical powers . And last one Count Dorian from Dorian family . Mysterious to say at least.He have political powers , could manipulate a person in seconds .Intelligent guy , my father's closest person .

He trust count dorian more than me . Like I care , who do even have even considered in my life . Doesnt matter , I am high on alcholol right now . I need to stop drinking before I do something .