"Is that the girl I see with you in my dreams?" I asked cautiously.

By the look on his face, I was treading on dangerous waters. I remembered what Julian said about Tristan being guarded. I didn't want to push it with him, especially since he actually has been pleasant. If this was the real Tristan, I wanted to get to know him and not ruin it.

"Tristan." I put my hand on his shoulder and his eyes flicked to mine. "You don't have to talk about her. It's fine. If you ever want to talk about it, I'm here."

"Thank you." He sharply exhaled. I could tell he was trying to keep it together.

"You're welcome. Now, I don't know about you, but I'm exhausted." I gave him a small smile before flipping myself on the bed and getting comfortable.

"You are..."

"Awesome?"

He laughed as he turned off the lights and pulled the blanket over him, "Interesting. Not what I expected from a human."

I snorted, "Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Claire."

***

Wind rushed passed my cheek and blew my dark hair as I ran through the garden by the castle. Although I knew it wasn't my body, I couldn't help but feel the adrenaline and the overwhelming feeling inside of me. My eyes scanned the garden, and I grew frantic when I couldn't find what I was looking for. I turned the corner, and my heart hammered in my chest when I finally saw him.

Tristan stood before me, holding a forget-me-not flower. My mouth turned upwards at the sight of him in his black button up and slacks. As if he could sense my presence, he turned towards me, and his beautiful, aqua eyes bore into my blue ones.

"Eretria," his euphoric voice rang in my ears.

He gave me his signature side smile as I ran into his arms, jumping up and wrapping my legs around him. I could feel unconditional love and happiness in his embrace, and I hesitated before slowly dropping my feet back onto the wet soil. I grabbed his hand and lightly rested it on my stomach. His aqua eyes looked down at his hand, then back up at my blue eyes with wonder. I nodded my head and smiled before he picked me up and spun me around bridal style. As his eyes looked into mine, I knew what true love felt like. Suddenly, I could hear a loud sound, and the world began to fade to black.

***

My eyes shot open to see chaos. Tristan and his sister were yelling at each other while she threw a vase at the wall. A loud crash echoed aground us as the pieces clattered on the floor. Celine's black eyes shot daggers at me as I sat up in the bed.

"You! How dare you?!" She screamed as she sped over to me, lifting me out of bed by my throat.

My legs began to kick at the lack of oxygen due to her squeezing. I could see nothing but hate in her black eyes. Celine was suddenly knocked against the wall, and my small body dropped to the floor like a rag doll. In my coughing fit, I looked up to see an angry Julian holding Celine against the wall and Tristan pulling me to my feet.

"That's enough, Julian. Let my sister go."

Julian glanced back at me with black orbs and waited a few seconds before dropping the Princess. Concern crossed his features as he appeared in front of me and lifted my chin, examining my bruised neck.

Celine got off the ground and screamed at Tristan, "How dare you?! How dare you do this to Eretria?! You might as well have put that stake in her back yourself!"

Tristan's eyes turned black and his face animalistic before he disappeared out of the room. Celine shot her black, angry eyes at Julian.

"And you! Helping this pathetic human that disrespected Eretria by sleeping in Tristan's bed?!" She spat.

Julian pulled me into him protectively, "Her name is Claire, and you need to realize that Eretria isn't coming back. She's been gone for nineteen years, Celine."

A single tear fell down Celine's cheek as her eyes returned to their normal brown. She gave me one last glare before slamming the door behind her.

"Are you alright?" Julian asked as his hand gently touched my cheek.

"I'll be fine," I replied in a raspy voice and gave him a small smile. "Thanks."

"No problem, princess," he whispered.

His close proximity created heat between us, and I got the chills as he tucked a loose hair behind my ear, gently moving his hand down the back of my head. I couldn't look away from his brown eyes. We stayed like that for a few seconds before I spoke.

"How'd you know?"

"My blood is in your system. I felt you were in trouble." He composed himself.

He moved his hand and body away from mine, taking the warmth with him. For some reason, I wanted him to come back, which was a mistake because I forgot he could read minds. I seen Julian smirk, and I looked at the floor in embarrassment before step backwards.

"All you have to do is ask, princess," Julian winked, but I couldn't help but think he was serious.

Butterflies filled my stomach. "Oh my God. Um.. I'm just going to go back to my room now. Yeah...so, bye."

I heard Julian chuckle as I made my way to the door. See you later, princess.

For some crazy reason, his words in my mind was a promise I hoped he would keep, and I couldn't help but curse at the stupid blood bond. I ran through the hallways to get back to my room without being seen in Tristan's underwear. Unfortunately for me, I ran into something hard, or rather someone.

"Oh, Claire! It's nice to see you!" Queen Aurora greeted me as she looked at my clothing.

My face turned red, "Hi, your Majesty. I am so sorry for running into you."

And wearing your son's underwear.

"Don't apologize," she reassured. "I wouldn't want someone to see me in that either." I really liked this woman. I gave her an awkward smile before she spoke again, "I hope that you enjoyed the ball last night. I know it must have been a lot for you, but I hope you at least managed to have a little fun."

"I did," I replied. "It was an...interesting experience."

"Great. It was actually good that I ran into you because I was coming to your room to talk."

"Oh, what is it?"

She explained, "My husband asked me to see if you could meet him in his office in about an hour to talk about what he said at the ball last night. We feel bad that we kind of just sprang our agenda on you without telling you first. We wanted you to know that we aren't just using you, Claire. It was just a plus of you being here. I hope you understand."

I nodded. "It's alright. Honestly. I like it here, so it's fine with me. I don't mind helping."

In reality, it was a little nerve racking to be the poster child for human and vampire coexistence, especially since so many vampires were against it, but if it meant I was here and away from that horrible hospital, I was fine with the concept. I'm not complaining with getting my own room and three meals a day. Although, it would be nice if I didn't have an angry sister wanting me dead.

"I'm glad you like it here, and thank you. We are so grateful for that. I'll let Gabriel know you'll be there."

"You're welcome," I responded before starting to walk away, but something made me turn back. "Oh! Queen Aurora?"

"Yes?"

"Would you mind if Julian joined me with the King? I actually had some stuff to talk about with you guys, and I think that Julian could help clarify some things," I asked hesitantly.

"Of course, Claire. We will see you later," she agreed.

I made my way back to my room and put on a casual, knee height, peach colored dress and let my hair flow freely down my back. I needed to talk to the King about the visions I've been having and see if Julian can find out why I've had them for so long. It's no coincidence that I've dreamt of this place for so long and ended up here. They meant something, and I think that it has everything to do with Eretria.