I spent the rest of the week in my room, thinking and preparing for the ball I was supposed to attend. Olivia took my measurements for the dress, taking up most of my time. Afterwards, my feet were killing me and my legs felt like they would fall off any minute. I thought it would be fun, not painful. It was nice having Olivia for company though. I asked her some questions about vampires after I realized I didn't know that much about them. She wouldn't tell me a lot because it "wasn't her place", but she did tell me that her special ability is being able to control fire. Much to my dismay, she wouldn't show me. She was a very cryptic person.

Thoughts of Tristan danced around my head during the dress-fitting process. I dreamt of him every day. He was so irritating, but I couldn't help but still feel a pull towards him.

Why?

I couldn't dwell on the question much because it was the day of the ball, and Olivia had been in my room since I woke up. I'm not sure why hair and make-up should take more than an hour, but I learned not to question her. She was busy pinning curls and braids up on my head when I decided to ask her some more questions.

"Olivia?"

"Hmm?" She responded with a bobby pin between her scarlet lips.

"What happens when a vampire feeds a human their blood?" I asked rather quietly, hoping she would give me an answer to this one.

Olivia stopped what she was doing behind me and looked at my face through the vanity mirror. "Blood sharing? Why do you want to know about that?"

"Uh... I overheard someone talking about it." I lied.

"Mhmm." She raised her eyebrows at me, not convinced. "Well, it's not common because of the effects it has on both parties involved, and we aren't exactly 'out' to humans yet."

"Like what?"

Olivia continued on my hair. "Like the vampire being able to feel the human's emotions and know where the human is. Sometimes it affects both parties dreams. For the human, it can create an attraction to the vampire who gave the blood."

"Oh... Wow." My eyes widened in realization that my recent dreams and feelings about Tristan was a side effect from his blood. That explained a lot.

"Yeah, that's why it's not done that often, especially here. As you can see, there's not many humans around to heal, plus no one is into having that bond with just any human. Vampires think themselves as a superior species," Olivia explained as she pinned up a braid.

That's why I've been dreaming about Tristan.

"How long does the blood usually last in the human's system?" I asked while trying not to make myself look obvious.

My last question made her stop and give me an accusing glance. "Asking for a friend?" She could see right through me.

I gave her an awkward laugh. "No! I was just...curious since we are on the subject."

"Mhmm. Okay." A playful smile appeared. "About a week or so. It doesn't last too long."

"Oh, okay..." Her eyes were still trained on me.

"Okay, then..." She clapped her hands and spun me around. "Time for make-up. Try not to move too much."

It took almost an hour and a half for her to finish my make-up. I've never worn it, but I never thought it took so long to basically paint someone's face. When she turned me around to face myself in the mirror, I gasped at my appearance. My eyes were lined with black, along with glittery pink covering my eyelids and under my eyes. I put my hand to my red lips in awe.

"So?" Olivia asked.

"It's amazing! Thank you!" I exclaimed excitedly and hugged her. I looked like an entirely different person.

She laughed at my sudden contact. "You're welcome! Now, let's get that dress on you."

Olivia brought out a big garment bag and set it down on the bed. She gave me a wide smile before unzipping it and showing me the final product. In her hands was a long, rose gold dress with flowers intricated in the design. I couldn't help but just stare at the most beautiful dress I've ever seen.

"Let's try this on you." Olivia stepped towards me.

I nodded and with her super speed, she was already turning me towards the mirror. The dress fit me perfectly and made me look like I had curves, despite my small, skinny frame. The flowers on the dress broke off from the sweetheart neckline and scattered onto the illusion fabric up to my shoulders. It was absolutely breathtaking. I never thought I would ever wear a dress like this. Fantasy had become my reality.

"Olivia," I exhaled. "I don't even know what to say."

She smirked in the mirror from behind me. "I am pretty awesome."

I giggled at that, "Yes, you are. Thank you!"

As I continued to oggle at myself in the mirror, Olivia spoke, "Don't thank me yet. We are going to be late. I have to get you down there. Oh! And remember to not get any food on your dress."

"Its already time?" I asked, shocked.

"Yeah, beauty takes time. Now, let's go!"

Olivia rushed me out of my room and down many hallways until we reached huge, double doors. They led to a platform and a staircase lined with golden accents. On one side of the top of the staircase was the King, Tristan, and Julian, and on the opposing side where I stood was the Queen and Celine. I looked down at the ballroom and immediately recognized that it was the same one I saw in one of my dreams. White and gold decorated the big room; Golden curtains draped along the oversized windows and white roses were elegantly placed on the tables.

The ballroom was filled with people. I had no idea there were this many vampires. The people mingled with each other until the sound of a piano echoed around us. They all suddenly stopped what they were doing and looked up. King Gabriel and Queen Aurora approached each other from their opposing sides, and she lightly put her hand in his.

"All hail your King and Queen, King Gabriel Alaric Labelle and Queen Aurora Blanche Labelle," A well dressed man with a staff announced.

They continued down the staircase to the bottom, where the King lightly kissed the Queen's hand before making their way to their thrones on the other side of the room. Just as their parents did, Tristan and Celine met each other in the middle of the staircase, and she gave him her hand. I could see Tristan looking at me even though he was facing the people below. He may be irritating and confusing, but tonight all thoughts of every bad encounter went out the window. He was stunning with his light tan, almost gold suit and his plum colored tie. You could slightly see his muscles radiating from under his suit. My eyes locked with his aqua orbs, and I knew he knew I was checking him out.

The announcer's voice suddenly broke my gaze. "Presenting your Prince and Princess, Prince Tristan Isaac Labelle and Princess Celine Jehenne Labelle."

Just as their parents, they made their way down the staircase. After Tristan kissed his sister's hand, Celine curtsied, and they made their way to their parents, where they stood on either side of them. A small bead of sweat gathered on my forehead, and my heart raced realizing I was next. I didn't get to practice this.

When I was little, I wanted to be in ballet so bad. I practically begged my mom to put me in it. At my first performance, I couldn't get myself to move once I was on stage. I was petrified of messing up in front of all those people. I have always been self-conscious about what people thought of me, and at this particular moment, I felt extremely insecure. I was so excited for the ball that I didn't actually consider that there would be something like this.

Just imagine they aren't there, princess. A familiar voice echoed through my head.

I looked up to see Julian in a black tux and plum colored tie, similar to Tristan's, and just like Tristan, Julian's muscles slightly protruded through his tight fitting suit.

I know I'm great to look at, but we have a ball to attend. Julian's voice popped inside my head again.

His comment made me flustered. I was checking you out.

Your thoughts say differently. I could practically hear a smirk behind his words.

Before I could respond, a loud voice boomed through the ballroom, "Presenting the royal advisor, Sir Julian Mateo Espada, who is accompanying our guest of honor, Lady Claire Marie Fields."

How'd they know my middle name?

As I put my hand in Julian's, he gave me a mischievous smile. It's showtime, princess.

I took in a deep breath and began to ascend down the stairs with Julian, hoping that I wouldn't trip and fall in front of all of the vampires looking up at me.