Dooms day began for the vampires when they learnt that the blood moon was approaching. All their lives they have dreaded this news, and now it was imminent. But they won't go down without a fight, even if they had to use every last drop of their blood.
.................
"He is coming, Xandier Knightshade was invited to your party my lady." The necklace in Vanisa's had dropped on the tiled floor, as she fluttered her lashes in trepidation.
"What did you say? She retorted, her face pale as if blood was being drained from it. Just a few moments ago she was peacefully selecting the perfect necklace that would match the sequin blue gown she would wear to the ball. Now her personal maid Rani had to come and break such bad news to her.
"Ha, ha! I am just joking." Rani couldn't hold herself any longer, her Mistresses face was as white as snow. "Are you? Vanisa questioned adjusting herself on the soft chair she was sitting on.
"Xandier Knightshade doesn't exist my lady, it is just a myth." Rani said choking in between her laughter, Vanisa's face became contorted. "That's enough, such silly jokes aren't to be taken lightly." Vanisa could only sign in relief that the story she had heard about this man was nothing but a myth.
"I am sorry my lady, I thought saying such a thing would cheer you up. You have been looking pale since dawn." Rani quickly apologized, what she had said didn't cheer up her mistress at all.
"Today is my birthday and my father decided to hold a fancy banquet on my behalf, do you expect me to be excited? Vanisa retorted rising to her feet. Wasn't that how it was suppose to be? Shouldn't she be happy?
But she wasn't, instead she feared for the worse. Something was ominous about this party, she dreaded it. Her stepmother hadn't said a word since the arrangement started, more of a reason why she should be at alert.
"My lady you worry too much, the king was kind enough to show his benevolence by throwing a fancy banquet on your behalf, you have to pay your respect by showing up." Rani slowly dragged Vanisa to the chair in front of the mirror and made her sat down.
"This makeup.... it's too much." Vanisa cooed after glancing at her reflection in the mirror. "My lady your makeup is perfect." Rani objected, "Then it should be the Jewelries, they are all to glaring." Vanisa quivered.
"My lady your Jewelries are also perfect, you need to stop thinking too much." Rani said brushing her thick black hair, with a twinkle of an eye, she was done styling Vanisa's hair.
"You look breathtaking, I am sure all the noble men would want your hand in marriage." Rani said dropping the brush on the counter where the mirror was framed.
"Breathtaking? Have you seen my dress Rani? Vanisa said glaring down at the horrid gown she was wearing.
"Your dress, the clothes designer must have delivered it by now." Rani said remembering she was supposed to have checked if the dress had been delivered long ago. "What are you talking about Rani? Vanisa asked looking amused.
The king had ordered a dress to be made for you. I guess the clothes designer must have delivered it by now." Rani said turning to leave. "Do not go anywhere my lady, I will be right back." She said and dashed off.
"A dress for me? Vanisa arched her brows and swallowed hard. The ray of sun peeping through the window reflected on her tanned skin, enamating a glorious deamenour. She sighed heavily, and rised to her feet, she languishly made her way to the window in her room and gazed intently through it.
"Horses and Chariots! Lots and lots of them. Carriages of all kind with different symbol representing each kingdom, some carriages were loaded with gifts. They all filed into the castle following a single path.
Vanisa shuddered and quickly turned on her heels, she made her way to her bed and sat on it demurely. Her feet stomped the ground rapidly, as anxiety gripped her whole being. "Father what are you up to?
Rani was surprised to find out the dress was never delivered to the palace. Just when she was about to go and report this appalling news to her mistress her sight caught a glimpse of something radiating.
It was coming from the massive hallway, she made her way towards that direction, but suddenly halted when her gaze fell on someone. "Princess Ivy! She gasped, then clenched her fist.
Spoilt brat, she stoled Princess Vanisa's dress! Just a glance and Rani could tell that Ivy was wearing the dress meant for her mistress. She felt angered but helpless, Vanisa had warned her not to interfere with the matter that concerned Ivy and queen mother Maria. But what was she suppose to do if it also concerned her mistress?
"My lady," Rani called out approaching Ivy in strides. Ivy had a firm and proud gaze as immediately she saw it was Vanisa's personal maid that called out to her. What perfect timing, her maid would deliver her message to Vanisa.
"My lady the dress you are wearing, it belongs to....", Rani didn't finish what she was saying.
Slam!
A slap landed across her face like a bolt of lightening. "How dare you utter such trash from your mouth, do you want to die? Ivy's hand was throbbing with pain, she had slapped the maid so hard.
"No....no my lady, I was just....",
"Keep quiet! Ivy shrilled. She liked to instigate fear in the heart of the maid, seeing Rani not breaking in front of her fueled her annoyance.
"I can do whatever I like, and wear whatever I like, who are you to question my authority? Ivy towered over Rani, her shadows casted over Rani.
Rani had already stopped feeling the pain from the slap that Ivy had given her, infact she never really felt any pain in the first place, she just faked it to please ivy. Underneath her thick lashes Rani rolled her eyes, if Ivy was looking for an apology, then she was toiling with the wrong person.
Rani straightened up, "I shall be more careful next time My lady." She said in turn, Ivy scrutinized her from head to toe, what impetus this maid had. She felt like chopping her into a million pieces, but held her peace. Today was a good day, she didn't want her mood to be ruined by some worthless maid.
"Not just careful, be extra careful, you are dealing with the future queen of Ninnevah." Ivy said proudly.
"Now get out of my sight you petty thing! She hissed and pushed past Rani, gliding away in the dress that was meant for Vanisa.
"One-day I will be tempted to kill you." Rani said her almond eyes becoming dark. She quietly made her way back to her Mistresses room, plastering a smile on her lips.
"My lady we have to hurry, the guests have started arriving." Rani said walking towards the wardrobe in her Mistresses room. She brought out a pink flower dress, and found it eye-catching.
"My lady this dress is perfect." Rani said, but Vanisa looked on with dispair. She really thought her father had ordered a dress especially for her, how pathetic!
"The clothes designer couldn't keep up to schedule, we will have to make do with this one." Rani said clapping her hands twice, some maids filled in to get Vanisa ready. She hated telling lies, but she just told a lie right to her mistresses face.
Vanisa could tell that Rani was lying but she didn't say a word.
Rani saw the look in her eyes, "Just 30 days more, and all this would be over."