"This one might be good. You like pastels? Or do you prefer darker colors?" Aunt Beth asked as we were looking through the closet in my room. I was going to ask her how these dresses happened to all be exactly my size, but then I remembered she said it was expected of me to be here. So her and Uncle Vincent were most likely preparing for my arrival for a long time.
"Why wait till I'm nearly twenty-five to tell me about all of this?" I asked her, changing the subject of clothing.
"We didn't know when would be a good time. You're... well you had a different upbringing. And you were not as curious or rebellious as your mother or me so we didn't quite know how to tell you. We had a family talk where we discussed if we should even tell you. Uncle Ren wanted you to live as a normal human, fall in love with a normal human and have a human family.. But when we mentioned how the bloodline, our bloodline would still be in your children... he stopped pushing." She replied.
"So I could never live as a normal human anyway?" I asked.
"Most likely not. You'd be pulled into this world one way or another. It's best to be prepared." Aunt Beth replied.
"Prepared... by telling me last minute?" I smirked, teasing a bit, but also I was wondering why they waited so long. I get it might have been hard to figure out how to tell me. It's not exactly something easy to tell someone.
"Well.. As much I'd like to blame your grandmother, and even my own brother... fact is that we really didn't know if it was the right time. And we didn't know how to approach it with you. With my children it was easier. Alexia was curious about her father, and why we didn't go to Grams that often. My Brother is more human than Vampire, and that makes his life easier in many ways. He has the normal human family... but.. He gets two vials of blood a year delivered in secret. Those Vials are enough to satisfy him and his need for blood for a whole year. This is the blessing of Vampires born to the women in our family. He can live like a human, drink very little blood and be satisfied, he can be.. Human. Walk in the sun without charms or other enchanted items that allow him to be in the light. But he knows all of this, this place and has to keep a low profile. His children are all adopted, He's lucky he has a magical friend who made him a ring that makes the humans see him as an aging human man. So his wife and children will never know the truth. But... One day, when his family has passed on, he'll have to make the choice again. And that's the cycle for a son born of the two. He can find a woman from another bloodline, have children with her who are like him and the girls would be like us." Aunt Beth explained more, picking out a few dark colored dresses for me to try.
"So.. once they get old and pass away he has to choose again... that's gotta be heartbreaking." I said.
"I suppose so. I wouldn't know. I am married, bound to a Vampire. He and I will always be together. We'll be here when your children grow, and their children, and so on and so on." She said with a smile.
"But Uncle Ren has to suffer for eternity?" I asked
"He's half Vampire Evaline, he can turn off the emotions till he's ready... or he can get right back on the horse. Maybe get hitched to a Vampiress. Sure, they won't be able to have children, but she'll be able to feed much less with his blood." She explained.
"All of this is confusing..." I muttered as I made my way to the adjacent bathroom and started trying on the dresses.
"It takes some time to get used to, but you'll understand more in time. There's... well rules, and limits to things. We have to have rules or else we'll be like every other blood thirsty creature of the dark. And that's not what we want. We can live peacefully and well if we just maintain this order of things." Aunt Beth went on as I got the first dress on. I opened and the door and her blank stare told me what I wanted to know.
"Taking that as a nope." I said before closing the door and trying on the next one.
"It's just.. It made you look frumpy. And we don't want that. You need to look clean, put together, and be desirable." She said, When I opened the door again she looked me over and shook her head.
"Nope. Try the dusty rose one." She instructed. I closed the door once more and changed.
"I'm not really a fan of any colored pink.... Though.. This one isn't too bad." I said as I tried to zip up the back of the dress. I opened the door once I was done and Aunt Beth smiled at me.
"See, that's much better. Oh... wait. Try on the blue one." She said getting even more excited.
"Which blue one? I said, pointing to the dark blue and light blue dresses I had yet to try on.
"The powder blue with the white sheer strips and the lace. It's good to show skin but also not show too much. Makes you more desirable." She said as she tossed her golden brown hair over her shoulder. I took off the dusty rose dress and put on the pale.. Or powdered blue dress on.
"Okay... I... actually really like this one." I said, finally getting the dress on and once I opened the door, I knew this was the dress. Aunt Beth's face lit up like a Christmas tree. She was almost glowing with happiness.
"Yes, this is it. This is the dress. I'll have your hair and makeup done and you will look devine." She stated, nodding like she was confirming with herself all the ideas in her head.
"Okay. I'll get a bath ready then." I said, going to shut the door again. Aunt Beth stopped me though.
"No no, you need a honey milk bath first, then a shower to wash your hair. Let me draw the bath for you." She said, suddenly coming into the bathroom. She looked at me and smirked. "You can undress and put on the first robe hanging up. And just put the other dresses back into the closet. By the time you're done I'll have the bath drawn for you." She instructed, I nodded and after changing into the robe I took the remaining dresses and hung them back in their place. She was right, by the time I finished she was coming out of the bathroom.
"It's all set for you dear." She said, motioning to the bathroom.
"Thanks Aunt Beth." I replied, entering the bathroom. I didn't really hear her leave and knew that maybe that was a vampire thing. I shut the door and undressed, leaving the robe on the floor as I stepped into the warm milky looking water in the pure white clawfoot bath in the far left corner of the bathroom. I lowered myself into the water and leaned back, taking note of the soft neck and head rest that had been put on the edge of the tub. I drew in a deep breath and enjoyed the honey scent from the bath.
I made sure my hair was hanging out of the tub as I soaked in the milk bath. It was warm, relaxing, and honestly... After everything, I needed this bath.
"Princess? Your Aunt wanted me to tell you to switch to your shower now. Then we'll have something to eat and after that you'll get dressed and Marla will be here to do your hair and makeup." Uncle Vincent called outside the bathroom door. He hasn't called me princess since I was little, I guess being around me again.. He wanted to call me a familiar name.
"Alright Uncle Vincent. Thank you." I replied to him, to let him know I heard him. I slowly got up and stepped onto the floor mat. Wiping my feet on the mat a little, I then made my way over to the standing shower. I made sure the water was warm, to my liking. I got in and washed myself, My skin felt a lot more silky after the milk bath. I washed my hair, as thick and long as it was, I rarely cut my hair because I liked it long. When I was done, I stepped out onto the mat in front of the shower and carefully tip-toed over to get the towel to dry myself off. Once I was dried enough, I put on the other robe that was hanging up on the door.
I exited the bathroom and went downstairs for something to eat.
"Did you like the milk bath?" Aunt Beth asked as I took a seat next to her at the table in their kitchen.
"Yeah, my skin feels... great. Smooth." I replied with a smile.
"Good. I love milk baths, they're very good." She added and took a sip of what looked like wine. Agnus brought something to the table, a casserole.
"Agnus makes an amazing chicken casserole. I hope you enjoy it like we do." Uncle Vincent said. I gave him a confused look.
"Okay, this is all very weird.. And this might be a dumb question... but how are you able to eat? Either of you?" I questioned. They both laughed lightly and my Aunt smiled at me, reaching over and touching my hand.
"That's another thing. It's something that separates our family from others who can do what we do. My blood is much more potent, so to speak. If enough of my blood is consumed, certain normal functions of the body last, regardless of being a Vampire. And for me, since my blood is still flowing, I'm close to being like my brother. I'm Vampire.. But also partly human. It's difficult to explain, some call it the balance. We're the balance in the Vampire world and beyond, considering we can make them better." She explained. "I get some nourishment from food, as does your Uncle because he's fed on me for so long... and continues. My blood has not changed. Some hate that I wasn't given or wooed by one of the Royals, but they haven't had a need for our family, or any other family. Not till things started to really change around here. Their blood lust was too strong... and that's caused problems. So, now they want to change, and continue improving our kind... and theirs." My Aunt said.
"So that's why you have Agnus. She's human, can cook, and you do.... Or can eat food and it helps you?" I said, slightly questioning.
"It does. It makes us feel more human... more vulnerable. And that's a good thing. Your Aunt saved my life by falling in love with me. And it was no challenge at all to fall madly in love with your Aunt. Radiating beauty, a kind heart, and blood that made and still makes me feel like I'm walking on clouds. She is addicting and I can't wait for you to experience things like this." Uncle Vincent said. He always talked sweetly about Aunt Beth from what I can remember. I never saw him much growing up but I often heard from him by letter or phone call.
"This is still.. I'm just not used to this." I said.
"Well, of course you're not. You've only just found out about this world and what our family means to it." Aunt Beth said, smiling softly. I nodded to her, all of us ate the sliced ham, vegetables and diced potatoes that were on our plates. Uncle Vincent seemed to enjoy what he could taste. I grabbed a slice of bread that was in the center of the table and spread a thin layer of butter on it. I felt like I hadn't eaten in days... but then, everything had been happening so fast... I didn't even have time to read the letter Gram left for me.
I figured tonight wasn't the night to do so. Not when I was expected at this party.
After dinner, Aunt Beth brought me up to my room and laid my dress and undergarments out for me. I took note of the barely there under pieces. The bra was white, lacey, and a bit of sheer material over the cups of the bra. The underwear matched, sheer material with lace trimming. As I de-robed and put on these garments, Auntie left to retrieve something. She returned with a garter belt and thigh stockings to be held up by the straps dangling from this garment. I rolled the sheer white thigh highs up to mid thigh. I put on the belt and Aunt Beth helped me attach the straps to the thigh highs. I put on the dress once everything was set with my undergarments. And Auntie had a hairstylist and makeup artist prepare the vanity for me to get fully ready. I was helped with the dress, the sheer parts showing off my thigh highs and the dusty blue buckled chunky heeled shoes that Aunt Beth retrieved were ready for me. I stepped into them while Aunt Beth made sure they were latched properly.
"You look stunning. Shall we go with curls?" The Woman asked my Aunt.
"Yes, ringlets, half up. Use the white lace clip with the black and blue butterfly. The royals will love it." Aunt Beth instructed.
"Then we're going with a softer look with the makeup then?"
"Yes. They like that sort of thing, though everyone thinks they want pure and innocent, or bold and lusty. It's not their go-to though. Most of them can't resist a soft and mysterious girl. And since she's newer here than the others.... Well, she'll draw attention no doubt." Aunt Beth said with a smirk. She really seemed to know these royals that they keep talking about. I kept looking at myself in the mirror of the vanity. I had never been one for applying makeup daily, and this kind of look I'd never tried, but I liked it. With my hair falling down in curls, dangling over my shoulders and hanging down my back, I was finally ready.
"Wow..." I mumbled a bit to myself.
"You look beautiful. Now, let's get going, shall we?" Aunt Beth said with a bright smile. I followed her downstairs where Uncle Vincent was waiting.
"You look amazing, Evaline." He spoke with a small smile.
"Thank you, Uncle." I replied, Happy to have been complimented. Uncle Vincent was dressed well too, in a nice deep burgundy suit. Aunt Beth was in a matching burgundy dress that glittered slightly. Uncle Vincent escorted us out to the waiting limo.
"So there are cars in this world." I said softly. My Aunt laughed a bit as she let into the car first.
"Of course. We have roads and everything else. It's like a mirror image of the world you're used to." Aunt Beth replied.
"Just wait till we get close to there. Vamps love expensive, sleek, and fast cars. There will be a whole line of them." Uncle Vincent said as he entered and sat next to Aunt Beth. The ride wasn't too long, long enough for me to get a little bit of information to what I was in for.
"Now, Some things about tonight. Like we said, all available ladies of the families like us will be there. They'll be showing themselves off, trying to lure in noble Vamps and even take a shot at luring in the royals. The problem with luring the royals is that all seven do everything together." Aunt Beth explained.
"Not only that, but they've already made it known that they desire only one among them. Meaning they're only looking for one lady to share. Which can be taxing on that lady. Especially if she's not from a better bloodline. Your advantage is having your grandmother's bloodline." Uncle Vincent chimed in.
"They only want one? One woman and seven vampires? Isn't that a bit much?" I asked, suddenly nervous.
"It can be, if you're not special. But... Gram believed you were, and so do I. You've got your mother's spirit, and you're stronger than you think. I believe you could do us all proud and mother the next generation of royals." Aunt Beth said with confidence.
"I doubt they'll even taken notice to me." I replied, looking out the window at the dim street lights. I noticed then a line of cars we pulled up behind.
"Hmm... we should have left a little earlier maybe." Aunt Beth said, looking to see if she can see where the line begins.
"Relax, my love. We're not far, and things should start moving more smoothly." Uncle Vincent said as he took my Aunt's hand and placed a kiss on the back of her hand.
"All you need to remember, Evaline, is to be yourself. And don't be afraid." Uncle Vincent added.
"Yes, you might see some things tonight, don't be afraid, and if a situation is too uncomfortable. Let them know you're a Rivers girl. They'll leave you be." Aunt Beth said with that same nonchalant confidence that she often has."Understood." I confirmed... considering we're talking about a party full of Vampires... I'm assuming the uncomfortable things I might see would involve a vampire feeding, or tearing someone apart. I just stared at the window as the line moved. I did my best to keep myself calm and not freak out.The limo finally pulled up and a gentleman in a silver tux with a dark blue cumber bun opened the limo door. Uncle Vincent stepped out, he helped Aunt Beth out first of course. Then he held his hand out for me. As soon as I stepped out of that limo, I felt eyes on me from all over. I glanced around as my heels rested in the gravel circular driveway we were in. A line of limos, a few high end sports cars that were being handed off to valet. As I turned back to look at my Aunt and Uncle, I finally took in the enormity of the house in front of this. Mansion seemed like an understatement. Large stone home with lots of windows and curtains. Two balconies on the second floor that overlooked the driveway. Tall hedges in large cement planters with ornate designs around them. The stairs leading up to the front double doors were a smooth stone of some sort. Gray in color right up to the dark wood of the doors. The stained glass window on each door was a little surprising. It was a deep purple with a white rose in the center of each. Two men guarded these doors, clearly Vampires as they scanned each person entering with their eyes. They nodded to my Aunt and Uncle, and I felt their eyes on me instantly. Whatever was awaiting me, I started to feel like I was certainly NOT ready for it.