"...Eclair."

"What?" A feminine voice cut through my thoughts.

I looked up to see Celine's dark eyes looking back at me, expectantly.

Did she say something?

"I said, I'm going to call you Eclair from now on," she giggled.

"Why?" My eyes went wide at that crazy nickname.

"Because your blood smells so delicious and your name is Claire." She gave me a huge grin before going into a fit of laughter.

The color drained from my face. If I was pale before, I must have looked like—well, a vampire.

Great, Celine wants to eat me.

"Oh, Claire." She touched my shoulder and realization met her dark eyes. "I didn't mean to frighten you. I was joking. I'm sorry if I scared you. I'm not used to being around a human."

Relief washed over me, but I was still apprehensive. Maybe it was because I was just attacked the night before.

"It's okay," I replied.

I couldn't tell if I hurt her feelings or what she was thinking.

I bet it's nice being Julian.

"You know, I think Eclair is growing on me," I continued.

Celine's eyes brightened before her arms entrapped me. Her hug was crushing my small frame. She didn't look like she could hurt a fly, but she was extremely strong. When she finally let go, I went into a coughing fit.

"Yay! I'm glad you like it!"

"One condition though," I said after recovering from her choke hold.

Celine looked at me and nodded.

"Don't tell Julian about calling me that."

She burst into another fit of laughter, and this time I actually joined her.

For hours we sat and talked about random things, mostly about the human world since she has never ventured out into it. The subject that most fascinated her was prom. When I told her about prom queen, she almost had a meltdown. Thinking about it, I could picture Celine as the ultimate prom queen, not that I would really know since I never went to high school, but I used to watch movies with that concept.

"What theme would you wish your prom to be?" Celine asked excitedly.

I paused and thought about it. When I was in the hospital, I imagined the perfect prom, going to football games, my wedding, and other things that normal girls dream about. I've had gone over those things a million times.

"Mmmm...masquerade. Definitely."

Celine squealed and sat forward on her elbows. "Ooooh! That would be amazing. I've never been to a masquerade-themed party. Why that one?"

"I've always thought they were cool," I shrugged. "The mystery to them...It's so...alluring and romantic, I guess?"

"I get what you mean. There's something about a guy in a mask..." Celine paused and bit her lip. "It's hot."

I snorted and shook my head.

"What?"

"You are boy-crazy," I smiled. "Your poor, future husband."

Celine's lips twitched to the side, and her face suddenly turned more serious. "Yeah, poor him," she replied, sullenly.

"Did I say something?" I asked, taken aback by the shift in the room.

"No, Claire. You didn't know. I just...I'm a little boy-crazy I guess because I won't get that romance you talk about. I've been engaged to be married for awhile...to an older vampire. He's like thirty, but is actually like 800 or something like that. He's not really the...he's not my first pick." Her eyes held a sadness that I didn't know existed within her. She hides it so well. "...But you don't get to pity me or be sad for me, okay? I've had plenty of time to come to terms with it."

I couldn't help but be angry for her. As someone who had everything stripped from them and no freedom, it made me furious to see she had no freedom in choosing who to love.

"Why can't you say no?" I asked, but had a feeling I knew the answer.

"Papa wouldn't let me turn it down..." she answered, her eyes downcasted. "It's a royal thing."

"What about Tristan?"

"He was engaged to my best friend as you know, who happened to come from a wealthy family, so it worked out. He always had a thing for her, so the arrangement wasn't an issue for him. In royal court, even in this age, girls don't have much of a say on anything like guys do. If Tristan really wanted to, he could've changed his pick...as long as it benefitted the royal family, of course," she explained, twisting her dark hair between her fingers and absently looking towards the big window.

"Wow...I don't know what to say..."

"I told you not to pity me. Don't worry about it." She stopped twisting her hair and gave me a look.

"I won't. I promise." I put my hand on her shoulder. "But...When humans and vampires coexist, maybe...you could sneak out of the castle, and I could show you that you could have a storybook romance."

Her eyes widened, and she sat up straight while pushing back her long, dark hair with her fingers. "What do you mean?"

I cleared my throat, "I was just thinking that there's a whole world out there for you to explore, and if humans and vampires coexist, then you and I would have an easier time out there."

Something flashed in her eyes. Fear? Uncertainty?

"I—I couldn't. Papa would never let me do that. It would hurt his deal for my engagement," Celine disagreed, fear clearly on her face.

"There's an entire world out there. If you really wanted to go and run away if you have to, I would go with you. The world is huge, and there are many places to go and hide. We could go to a real prom..." I offered.

"Thank you, Claire. I get you are trying to help, and it means a lot, trust me...but I couldn't. I wish I was strong like you are."

I put my hand on hers and whispered, "I'm not strong...but no problem. The offer still stands if you change your mind."

Her eyes flicked up to meet mine with a sly look. "Hey! Maybe we could have a real prom. We can do the masquerade theme."

"What are you talking about?" My brows furrowed in confusion.

"Well, with the ball in two weeks..."

"What ball?" I interjected. "Is that even smart considering the attacks?"

"Oh, you didn't know. Well, I just found out about it before coming here. Papa is throwing another ball. I guess he said he needs for our people to see and interact with you more to convince the ones who are against everything. He said it would be safe now for you."

"I don't understand... An attack happened just last night. How is it safe?" I asked, now on edge.

Celine shrugged. "I have no idea. He just said he handled it. The point is... I am going to have the ball be masquerade-themed! It may not be prom, but it will still be fun for the both of us. It will be our special prom."

I tilted my head and couldn't help but smile. I've always imagined going to a party that was that theme. I knew that a castle decorating for one will not disappoint.

"I'm still not sure about it," I confessed and her smile dropped. "But...I will talk to your dad about the attacks and see if it is really handled."

"Yes!" Celine shrieked and jumped up and down. "I am so excited! Olivia must start on our dresses. I'm thinking black, silver, and dark colors. Oh! And twinkling lights everywhere to make it look like we are outside!"

She ran over and hugged me. I was actually happy in that moment. It was truly nice to have a friend and feel normal. I was looking forward to the ball too. The attacks still scared me though. I know she said her dad handled it, but I had to make sure. I would have to meet with the King and talk to him about it.

Maybe he caught the people who were planning them?

The rest of the day we talked about the ball and what our dresses would look like. Celine was clearly ecstatic about the whole thing, and I couldn't but help to be too. Finally, when the sun was setting, Tristan came back to his room. I didn't realize he was there for awhile, watching Celine and I talk until she greeted him.

"Tristan!" She ran over and hugged him. "Oh my gosh! We are having a masquerade ball! I am so excited! I'm going to go meet with Olivia right now to plan for our outfits!"

"What?" Tristan looked obviously confused.

"I'll see you later, Claire! We will have our dress fitting together! Bye!" Celine squealed as she hastily exited the room.

I couldn't help but laugh. Celine was funny.

"What was that about?" A smooth voice broke my thoughts, luring me into exotic eyes.

"Oh, Celine found out that I've never been to a masquerade. Since there is a ball coming up, she decided she would have your dad make it that theme," I explained and crossed my arms. "Oh, and about that ball by the way..."

Tristan groaned, "I know. I didn't think it was a good idea, but I'm not the King. Apparently, he raided the house of the guy that was burned by Olivia. His name was Clyde Howard. He was a rogue, and my father took out the rest of them, who were hiding at Clyde's house. I guess he said we won't have to worry anymore."

"I don't know... I just have a bad feeling," I disagreed.

He gave me a small, understanding nod, and walked up to me. His fingers grazed my cheek and then my lips. My eyes wandered to his small freckles that lightly dusted his nose and then back up to his eyes.

"I know. That's why I am having him put out extra security. I won't let anyone hurt you, okay?"

"Okay," I exhaled.