Katherine Vidali's Story

Within a seemingly normal mansion early morning seeped through the white curtains onto a large bed with the person whom was sleeping in it had the covers over their head as if trying to hide from the light. Like clockwork when it hit nine o' clock on the dot in came three maids. "Good Morning Princess, it's time to wake up." They said in unison. A grumble was the response given to them before after another moment Katherine sat up pulling the covers off herself. "Good morning Nina, Maya, and Josie." Katherine greeted each of them as she stood. One maid went over to her bed to make it, while one went to her closet and the third had opened the curtains.

Truly Katherine would've been the one to do such things but each of the maids insisted on doing it and so Katherine, tired of their relentlessness to serve, let them be. By the time Katherine had finished her daily hygienic routine, one maid had picked out the princess' attire for that day that Katherine had changed into. The other maid had did her hair up in curls. Truly a girl her age and in the twenty-first century wouldn't be dressing such a way without a reason but today was different than other days for Katherine. Her uncle, from their homeland in Italy, had sent yet another suitor for Katherine. Though she was unsure of her other siblings having to face a similar occurrence she wasn't excited about it. For now she had to be more than just presentable and make a good first impression but Katherine would be doing the exact opposite. The vampire princess would bolt as soon as the opportunity presented itself. For now here she was, simply envisioning her 'escape' plan.

Out of habit, Katherine twirled the ring on her index finger, the same one her mother had made for her to protect her from the sunlight. Her siblings had a similar piece of jewelry as well and if they were to take it off now the sun would burn them to a crisp but truly it had been a very long time since Katherine ever felt that sensation. Once she was deemed ready she walked out of her room with the maids and as soon as they turned the corner Katherine turned the opposite direction and ran to a flight of stairs not too far before heading into the kitchen where the chefs were preparing breakfast for everyone."Princess, running out to the field again?" one female chef asked a knowing smirk gracing her pale features. Katherine giggled and continued running. "Of course Emily. See you all later." she waved to all of them before running out through another door.

Anyone who didn't live there or had only been at the mansion once would probably get lost within minutes. Katherine has mastered evading the suitors that came to the manor on a regular basis. Said girl had quickly made it to the gardens and through the nearby gate which finally led to where she had intended on going. Out in the large open field of the Vidali mansion, within moments the seemingly young woman ran off into the direction of the maze within their luscious, green garden. Off the distance she could hear one of the maids yelling. "Princess, where are you running off to this time?" the maid figured she wouldn't get a response as this was an ordinary thing for the girl to do. As planned she had spent around an hour and a half evading the mystery suitor until they grew impatient and left. Katherine decided to come back soon after just in time for breakfast to be served for her and the rest of the members of the manor.

"What?"

*She tilted her head just a tad to the right in confusion and intrest. The look of anger on Persephone's face almost catching her off guard before she collected herself again. She was stronger then that. Persephones voice was vile, resonating through her head as if it were comming from all around her. A maniacle smirk slowly played across Persphones pale pink lips. Her eyes finally opened only to look at her reflection as if contemplating her decision. 'I think I will deal with this later' She thought to herself as her black, military grade, combat boots slapped against the tile floor of her weapons/safe room. Running the tips of her fingers through her currently short black hair to pull it from her eyes she sighed heavily*

"When I get back we are going to finish this little chat."

*She wore black cargo pants that tucked into the top of her combat boots to hold it in place. Her top was a light grey tank top with what seemed like black leather armor wrapped around her rib cage and into a V just below her collar bone making her D sized breasts seem almost too perfect. She had a FO4-Reddit strapped to her upper right thigh, an 8 inch serrated blade connected to the belt around her curvy hips in a sheeth on her left, and two small silver gernades hooked onto an easy release pin on her opposite hip. Taking an access card from her left side pocket she slides it through a card reader to her right on the center of the metal wall. The wall split in half and began to slide into the wall on the opposite end, disappearing and letting her get a full, unobstructed view of her half furnished basment. She made her way up the basement stairs and up to her bedroom loft to change out of her military clothes.*


* It was 3:10 pm on the thin, silver watch wrapped around her frail wrist. The clouds were bundled together in a dark mess, making the world seem dull and grey. She inhaled slowly, smelling the humid moisture in the air. ' Its going to rain...' She thought while the wind whipped her black hair across her face, making her hand subconsciously brush it back out of her eyes. She wore a dingy yellow dress made to look old that flowered just above her knees, covered in street names and monuments from New England. On the V shaped chest the words "We all have demons..." was scrawled across it showing off her robust, D sized breasts. The back of it open with lace around the edges, showing her bare shoulder blades where two thin scars lined either side of her spine a few inches down. Her black short heels crunching against the gravel while she made her way towards her BMW 528i in the drive way. Getting in, not bothering to put her seat belt on, she started the engine enjoying its low growl as it idled. She drove towards the manision through the curvy roads lined with dense forest, the color of fall, for about twenty minutes before pulling into the the long driveway of the Mansion . A small smile played across her pale lips as her gleaming red hues stared at the clouds for a moment, enjoying the smell of rain coming. Spinning her keys around her pointer finger by the ring holding them together she walked across the lot and towards the doors. Walking through she scanned the area, trying not to focus on the pressure growing in her chest. Her eyes settled on a single pulse emenating from a few feet infront of her. Dragging the tip of her tongue across the sharp points of her extended canines, she inhaled slowly through her nose, her body shivering as the hunger grew in her chest slowly. ' Mmmm Don't you smell delicious....' The intense hunger made goosebumps rise along her pale grey flesh like waves. Her pupils dilating and pulsing with her own, now racing, heart beat before she suddenly stood up straight, taking a long deep breath and holding it. 'Fight it...' She exhaled slowly, feeling her heart slow down. She pushed open the another door, making everyone in the room look back at her. Her voice was soft, quiet, but mesmerizing like Stevie Knicks singing voice when she spoke.*

"Well....Hello there...."

*She said with a small smile playing across her lips while she made her way around and stood next to one of the royal guards. Her face brimming with happiness as if she were putting on a facade to hide her pain.*

♫ Make It Rain ♫

A loud thud echoed in Aidan's room as a tennis ball banged against the ceiling, and catching it in his right hand. He often did this to help his hand-eye coordination when he lost use of his right eye, but nowadays it's simply something that he does when he's bored. Aidan bounced the ball harder, and harder at the ceiling, making a louder thud to drown out the sound of maids banging against his door, pleading with him to do something about Katherine, who was undoubtedly evading the latest suitor. He doesn't need to know her for centuries to know that when she doesn't want to do something, there's little you can do about her.

After waiting a fair amount of time Aidan turned into a puff of smoke, and floated upward, and solidified up right next to his bed. Some might consider using his special ability like that is a waste, and it absolutely is but immortality is a lot more fun goofing off with it. He stepped towards his door, and then turned into his fog form, going through the cracks of the door, and reforming on the other side. Aidan placed his hands in his jacket pockets, and walked calmly outside of the mansion.

He walked outside to see that Katherine was making her way back to the manor. Aidan sighed, and rolled his eyes. He turned into his fog form, and quickly floated to her side, and reformed into his solid state. "Sheesh, for a centuries old immortal you sure do act childish. If I knew that being your bodyguard meant being your babysitter I might have had second thoughts. You know a lot of times they blame me for stuff like this." He smirked as he walked next to her, keeping up pace with her. He looked her over, and chuckled. "Though seeing you all Disneyfied is kinda fun. Nice curls there Princess." He said as he lightly pulled at a curl, making it spring back to place. "You know, it's kinda rude to stand up a guy. All I'm saying he might have been a nice dude. If you've given him a chance."

Aidan stretched out his arms, and then placed them behind his head. "Besides, don't you think you owe the guy to at least be turned down in person? C'mon Kat, that'd be the classy thing to do." He stated. He stretched out his arms once more, and then rested his elbow on Katherine's head, making sure she felt the good foot and a half of height he has on her. Might as well do something to punish her for standing a suitor up without a word.

"Hmmm....I guess next time I'm just gonna have to stick around ya, and keep ya company with my wonderful sense of humor!" He proclaimed. "Oh I'll break out the knock-knock jokes too! You know I'm crazy enough to do it!" He smirked. Aidan then quickened his pace, and walked backwards in front her. "So if you did go, would you have......BAT your eyes at him!" He then let out a loud chuckle that ended with a small snort. "Get it?! Cause you're a vampire! Man....it'd work a lot better if you could turn into a bat. Way to be a team player Kat." He said in a teasing tone.

"I'm such a saint for putting up with you." He teased as he poked the tip of her nose. He then turned back around, and stood next to her. "So, what cha want to do today Kit Kat?" He asked with a large smile on his face. To most of the servants, and other guards of the manor Aidan is seen as being rather strange, and borderline insulting how a mere child in their eyes speaks so casually to not only his maker, but also royalty. Some blame it on his youth, and generation. Of course they always blame it on the generation. But Aidan would argue that someone has to keep Katherine grounded, and not afraid to speak their mind. Besides, she has never complained of lack of formality around her. Well at least not seriously.

Katherine barely had time to react to Aidan's sudden arrival beside her. His words made her smile slightly, something very few could actually accomplish. "I don't need a babysitter, I'm quite a bit older than you or have you forgotten already? If you really feel that way I could ask my sister to station you elsewhere." Katherine was joking of course and the smirk adorning her pale features had showed as much.

"Who exactly blames you for my behavior? If it's the maids then just ignore their opinions, if it's my siblings then they should know better than to believe you could have such an influence on me." Katherine never allowed herself close enough to allow any influence to occur, be it him to her or vice versa, or at least she hoped she didn't have any real influence over him.

"Keep pushing it Aidan and you'll be the one wearing a corset next. Besides, what do you care if I stand up some random nobleman my uncle sent to secure a higher place in our hierarchy? In any case, what business would I have getting married? I'd never love him and I have no intentions of taking the throne even if I am the first one to be married off." Many would call her far too cynical or even pessimistic.

The princess sighed once feeling his elbow on her, if she were honest, it felt nice having someone that wasn't terrified of what she could or bowing at her feet, claiming absolute and blind loyalty. Aidan's presence was refreshing to say the least. "You got to work on those jokes Aidan, if I could, I'd be dead from an excessive amount of puns." Even his sense of humor and relentless variations of her name brought a sense of normalcy to the young royal.

"If you're a saint does that make me a demon? If so, I guess your soul would belong to me then." She teased, taking silent note of the odd looks her guard would receive whenever he had called her by a nickname, today she was feeling generous and decided not to glare at anyone that dare shot her guard a look of disgust and instead eye them, silently warning them to keep moving and continue their job.

Once inside the dining hall, a familiar sight of blue hair caught her eye. Katherine made a note to greet Atti properly when she got the chance. The princess released her long dark tresses from their confines, feeling more comfortable as she was no longer so formal, pushing a few rebellious locks behind her ear she made her way further into the room.

"I don't have any plans for today and I don't plan on running off again so don't worry about having to come look for me again, you can go about your day as you please." Katherine had reverted to her daily habit of pushing people away, even Aidan had dealt with her stubborn ways and unwillingness to let people in.

"We sincerely apologize for awaking you this early in the morning when you were up so late pouring over the royal documents and then painting, but unfortunately, I must. Mistress Katherine has run off again and left another suitor sitting and waiting, and I'm afraid that your presence is necessary to soothe his blistered ego, Madam Victoria."

A muffled groan mixed with a sigh was the only sound that escape the mound of blankets that were piled high on the beautiful bed. Stray locks of dark hair could be seen peeking out from beneath them, and after a moment of shuffling under the warm covers, a head slowly began to emerge, the blankets falling away. The reveal was nothing too tremendous - simply a young woman with long, tangled hair, a sleepy look on her porcelain complexion, and a red nightgown covering her body.

Stifling a yawn, her fingers splayed daintily across her ruby lips, the young lady turned her dazzling aqua eyes on the two maids who stood at the side of her bed. A slightly disgruntled expression crossed her features before she smoothed them and placed a gentle smile on her face.

"It's no trouble, Clarice - Trista. I know that it isn't your fault, and what with it being Katherine, it was undoubtedly for the best that you fetched me instead of either of my brothers. Who knows what kind of mischief they would cause if they were to speak with the young man. If you would be kind enough to inform the suitor that I will be there momentarily, I'll go ahead and dress myself. Take him to the study."

Tossing back the covers, Victoria dropped to the cool stone floor beside her bed. It sent a small jolt of chilliness through her body, but she quickly brushed the feeling away, instead approaching her closet. When Trista began to follow her in an attempt to help her dress, she waved the girl off with a simple toss of her dainty hand. The maids scurried from the room, the door falling shut with a small swish behind them.

"Oh, how I love my dear sister - but sometimes ... Sometimes I want to strangle her until she's blue in the face," Victoria sighed, shifting through the beautiful gowns that hung in her formal attire wardrobe. She finally stopped when she came across a beautiful red gown, which matched her ruby necklace that currently rest against her chest.

In a matter of minutes she was dressed and pulling her hair free from being tucked beneath the gown. She approached her desk, which held a large mirror and a wide array of makeup and hair styling products.

"Oh, the twenty-first century is rich in pointless material objects," she sighed, seating herself to begin preparing her hair.

Once done, she rose and approached the doors to her bedchambers and swiftly left the room, pausing in the hallway outside of it.

"Vocare Dracul," she said softly, her voice echoing with an otherworldly tone to it. "The study."

With her summons for her guard to appear out in the air, Victoria began the short trek to the study, where Katherine's 'suitor' awaited.

It didn't take her long to reach it, and by the time that she did, the young vampire was pacing across the room, hands clasped impatiently behind his back, and a dark scowl on his features. The maids from her room stood at the doors and opened them for her, the man whirling around to face her with the cloudiness of anger in his features.

"Are you Lady Katherine? I understand the importance that young women place on being 'fashionably late', but I find it extremely rude for you to take the better part of an hour to grace me with your presence!" he snapped, his beautiful features twisted with the nastiness of his personality.

Lifting her hand, which was glad with a beautiful red glove, Victoria stopped the man with a single look. She took her time approaching the large chair that sat behind the equally impressive desk, and by the time she had done so, he was practically quivering with fury. With a single motion of her hand for him to sit, she rest her elbows on the desk, her chin placed lightly on her fingers that were clasped together.

"A word from the wise - do not allow your emotions to control your personality. It gives you a very nasty appearance to others," she began, her expression blank but her eyes holding a darkness that spoke of what would happen to him should he speak out of turn again.

"I am Lady Victoria, the eldest sister of the Vidali's. Whether or not I was Katherine, does not permit you to speak in such a way. You are not my superior, and from what I've seen so far, I would not welcome you as an equal should you ever take my sister's hand in marriage. I admit that what Katherine has done is wrong, but that does not permit you to speak in such a disrespectful manner to a lady, especially one who is undeserving of it, such as myself."

The man went to speak, and in a swift motion Victoria had straightened, her gaze meeting his.

"Silence," she ordered, her voice echoing with a mixture of other feminine voices. He quickly shut his mouth, the sound of his teeth connecting together loud in the room.

Pushing herself to her feet, Victoria placed her hands on the desk before her.

"My sister, Lady Katherine, will not be accepting your offer for her hand in marriage. As one of her appointed guardians, I decline your offer as well. It is with my sincerest apologies that I must send you away, but if she is unwilling to even meet with you, than I cannot change her mind. I may be one of her guardians, but that does not mean that I control her. It is her life to live, and she will live it how she pleases, whether or not my maniacal uncle has a say in it. It is her decision and her decision alone. She is not a child. And from what I've seen form the moment that I've walked in, I would want nothing to do with you, either. You may leave now," she stated simply.

Without another word, she made her way around the desk, the two maids opening the doors once more for her to leave. The sound of the young man scrambling to his feet made her pause, however, and when the sound of quick footsteps across the carpeted floor approached her from behind, she turned only slightly. His hand reached out for her, and before it could connect with her shoulder, she had gripped his wrist and twisted it sharply, a loud snap echoing in the room. The man let out a howl of pain, the two maids gasping in surprise, and when he went to reach with his other hand, she swiftly tugged on the arm belonging to the wrist that she had broken, dropped her weight down, and flipped him over her head. In the same motion she turned, twisting the same arm painfully behind him, and slammed him into the floor. Her heeled foot pressed down on the back of his head, pushing his face into the ground, and she held the twisted arm up and in the air above his body. He squirmed only slightly, otherwise immobile in this position.

The maids were frozen in surprise and in fear, but in an instant Trista let out a cry of terror. The thundering footsteps belonging to the regular brigade of guards that patrolled the halls at all times approached, and the two young women were brushed aside. One of the guards approached and bowed to her briefly before taking the suitor's arms and hefting him up, ignoring the shouts of pain the man made as his injured arm was pulled on.

The entire situation happened in less than three minutes, and in an instant the guards and the suitor were disappearing down the hallway, trusting her solely with her reasoning for blunt force without requiring an explanation.

Hefting a sigh, Victoria began down the hallway, freeing her slightly-unkempt hair from its braids. The movements of protecting herself had pulled strands free from their confines, and she didn't have the energy nor the time to redo it.

The long waves cascaded down over her shoulders, back, and chest, and she made her way to the dining hall to join everyone with breakfast.

"Good morning, everyone," Victoria sang out, brushing some wrinkles out of the top of her dress. She whisked over to her seat and allowed a maid to pull her chair out before seating herself and fluffing out her skirts. "How is everyone today?"

He felt her melodic otherworldly call, it came like a shiver along his spine. He walked briskly to the study and subtly walked into the study to find his mistress in a dress addressing a man trying to court Katherine. "What a disrespectful man. He is dangerously close to breaking some rules in my opinion." he subtly thought as he watched Victoria tell him off and then ask for his departure.

He chuckled lightly. Then reached for his gun when the man tried to attack his mistress. But she took care of him swiftly and dealt with him easily. "Masterfully done my Mistress. You once more iterated why you are the Overseer to the guards, even your most humble bodyguard." He said, giving a small grin as he followed Victoria to the dining area. He followed her like a smug, happy little dog. But this dog is easily angered whenever she is in danger.

He'd do anything for his mistress. Even jump hurdles for her. But he wouldn't open his heart to her, not unless she asked how much his devotion to her meant. He'd follow her to the end of eternity, come hell or high water. He looked at the other guards present and gave a nod of good morning to them all.

However, he eyed the bluenette with some suspicion. He always wondered what went on in her head. But it wasn't the time or place for it. Victoria was his main priority. He'd follow his orders to the letter. He then noticed the Prince walking in with his dog. He heaved a sigh. Good, most of the royal family was present and accounted for. He simply stood behind his mistress like a shadow. He would remain immobile unless ordered to move, or if an emergency came up.

"Primula, have you made your decision yet?"

"I don't really think that that's any of your business, djävulen."

"Of course it is. You're my daughter, after all. All I want is what's best for you."

Snorting in disbelief, Primula turned to face the glowing mirror, pausing in dressing herself in her daily uniform.

"You and I both know that that's a lie, djävulen. You're nothing but another demon to me - and I don't claim my heritage in any way, shape, or form. I'm nothing like you, and I never will be. You only want me for my powers," she stated bluntly, her intense red eyes narrowing. "Why do you appear to me, anyway? I don't believe for a single second that it was to check in on me, so state your business and go."

The demon in the mirror chuckled, his matching red eyes full of the mischief that only a devil could hold inside himself. He turned slightly, the curling black horns that emerged from his head gleaming in the firelight behind him.

"You know precisely why I've appeared to you, älskade dotter. You've wasted enough time on these frivolous endeavors that you claim to be 'duties'. It's high time that you return home and take your place beneath me on the thrones," the demon bellowed, the mirror shaking slightly.

Primula, however, looked far from impressed by his theatrics, simply lifting her brush to glide it gently through her pretty pink locks.

"You aren't frightening to me, far, and I have my rights as a demon to do whatever I please. You're theatrics aren't going to convince me to return to the underworld, and you have no authority over me. You haven't for the last three hundred years, and you aren't about to gain any now," she said simply, fixating a dull look on the demon in the mirror.

Said demon let out a strangled sound of frustration, once more shaking the mirror.

"One way or another, you're going to return to the underworld. I may not be able to force you to, but I will find a way to bring you back," he snarled. With a large burst of flames, the mirror returned to normal, leaving Primula to stare at herself. Rolling her eyes slightly, she turned away and donned her black stockings and red short boots, snagged the small black, worn leather book that sat on her desk, held closed by a dark, pink ribbon, and placed her ever-present broadsword at her hip, sheathed and shrunken with a sprinkle of a mix of crushed herbs combined with a whispered spell. With a flip of her skirt and a flash of golden light, she slipped underneath the doorway, appearing on the other side in the form of a glowing golden-hued phoenix. Once in the hallway, she flipped in the air, easily reappearing in her human form.

Tilting her head back, Primula sniffed the air slightly. In an instant she caught the whiff of the man that she had sworn her life to. He wasn't far, by any means - the rooms belonging to those that were assigned solely to protect the royal offspring of Victoria and James Vidali were placed as closely to the princes and princesses as possible without making it so that they were constantly walking over one another.

The scent of the beautiful canine that was constantly at the man's side, at least for the past year, flitted into her nostrils, leaving her with a small smile on her lips. Running her fingers across them, she quickly smoothed it away and returned to her normal, placid expression. The dog was definitely a beautiful and loyal creature, and they had been worshiped as the purest form of a companion by the demon race since the dawn of time - hence the myths revolving around hell-hounds. Well, they weren't really myths, seeing as hell-hounds have existed just as long as dogs have been worshiped for.

Tucking the book into her waistband, Rimu took off down the hallway, taking the turns swiftly and yet not running in the slightest.

It didn't take her long to reach the dining hall, and she was instantly greeted with the delicious smells that belonged to the royal kitchen. Pausing outside the doorway to inhale deeply, Rimu practically sighed with the pleasure of the scents. Before her presence could be sensed by the inhabitants of the hall, she slid inside with only soft sound of the air to announce her presence.

In an instant she was behind and to the side of Dante's chair, leaning forward only enough so that her head was beside his, a few inches separating their hair from touching.

"Good morning, Master Dante," she said softly, her voice gentle and tinged slightly with an accent that seemed Swedish. "I trust that you slept well?"

♫ Make It Rain ♫

'My soul huh? Aw I'm touched. And here I thought your only interest was in my body." Aidan smirked at Katherine calling herself a demon. He glanced around, and saw some of the strange looks they were getting from the servants around them, and the looks Katherine was giving the staff. He gave them an apologetic look. "Though I wouldn't call ya a demon. You don't nearly have the superior sense of humor of Prim-de-la-Prim. She appreciates my jokes!" He chuckled. "Though I suppose you aren't that bad, for a half-pint." He teased with a beaming smile.

Once inside the dining hall Katherine began to make herself more comfortable. At her attempts to push him away, as usual. Not that he ever let's her of course. He let out a loud, and exaggerated sigh followed by an equally exaggerated eye roll. "Hmmm.....And leave you without my winning personality, and wonderful smile? Perish the thought your highness! Or should it be......kek......your shortness?!" He followed with a small bit of laughter that ended with a snort. He cleared his throat, and regained his composure. "Admit it, you'd be bored without me. I make your day." He said, and then he playfully ruffled her hair.

Aidan quickly turned into fog before she could do any sort of retaliation, and slinked lowly on the ground across the room. He reformed into a solid mass next to a empty chair near the head of the table. He pulled it out, and motioned for her to seat down. He turned around to face the other royals, and their bodyguards. "Mornin'!" He greeted casually. "So I take it the suitor left huh? How long did this one stay? I had two hours in the pool. How long did you have Dracy?" As he mentioned the pool there were a few servants and guards that visibly grew nervous.

"I guess you could say he wasn't....SUITed for her!" He chuckled slightly. "Sorry, I would've done something, but you how stubborn Kathy here gets. And how antisocial she is." He said as he pointed back at Katherine with his thumb. He then looked between all the royals and their bodyguards. "Well, I'm thinking I'm talking to the wrong crowd about about being social." He chuckled. "Ah well, I'll get those sticks out cha butts some day. In the mean time I'll just have to chip away at you all one amazing joke at a time." He smirked.

"So Dantay, your a dog man right?" He asked with a smile creeping up. "Is every dog you own technically a bloodhound?" He followed with a chuckle that ended in a snort.

"Oh? Is that you offering your body to me?" Her smirk grew, it was simple teasing of course but if anyone heard her say such things she'd surely receive some odd looks of her own. When he commented on how small she is again, she chose to simply ignore him. Though when he mad yet another joke she was tempted to throw a punch or kick his way, but decided against it as to avoid causing a scene. "I'm bored with or without you." She responded without missing a beat, she could never admit to him bringing some small sliver of happiness each day.

"Aidan, I'm perfectly capable of grabbing a chair." She called out once he disappeared and pulled out a chair for her. The princess rolled her eyes as she made her way over to where he stood, sighing before sitting down. "Thank you." Her gratitude was drowned out though by the sound of him saying there was a pool for how long this suitor would stick around for.

"Who else was in on this?!" Of course she had a habit of running away from the suitors brought her but she never anticipated there being any bets placed, much less that someone like Cain could be a part of this. The youngest princess wondered how everyone would react to Aidan addressing others so informally but chose not to say anything unless someone reacted in a negative manner, in which case shed defend her friend.

"In any case, how is everyone doing this fine morning?" Katherine smile but it never matched her gaze, the princess just hoped no one commented on how synthetic her smile truly is.

Cain's eyebrow could only twitch as Mr. Roth spoke. Especially about the gambling pool most of the other guards usually participate in. He heaved a huge sigh as the Dhampir rubbed his nose as Katherine demanded how long it went on. "Ever since Suitor Number 5 the guards were interested in a gambling pool with how many would come and get thrown out."

He couldn't look at his Mistress dead in the face. "And I always politely decline in betting but if you must now, my mistress threw the bugger out in less than 2 minutes and 58 seconds. I also suggest not being so vocal about the Gambling habits you share with some of our guardsmen at the dinner table where my mistress can hear you and is probably planning her scolding as we speak." Cain firmly explained, a part of him actually expecting bloody discipline. However the Eldest didn't seem phased by the gambling and thanked Victoria for her duty of throwing the suitor out.

Cain simply returned to his stoic form, watching the blue haired assassin leave. He still was sure that breakfast wouldn't be interrupted. However, the fourth Vidal wasn't present, so he was wondering what in the devil was the youngest Prince up to.

Schhiinng! The soldiers shuffled backwards as the knight drew out the sword from their companion's newly dead body, mask hiding any expression he might have made. The knight was dressed in chainmail and long flowing robes as pitch black as the night sky, with a horned helm that covered his entire face and protected his head. Standing on top a mountain of bodies, the knight straightened and turned to face the troop of soldiers in front of him. With a simple flourish, he pointed the slender sword at them, blade gleaming silver in the light, dulled only by the fresh blood dripping from it to the ground.

His intentions were clear. Come. Take one more step, and I shall strike you all down.

For a moment, nobody moved, as if they were afraid to step up to the challenge. Then, as if to motivate the rest of them, a soldier shuffled to the front. His eyes were narrowed in determination, as if ready to take on the monstrosity in front of him despite the countless bodies of their dead comrades.

Hands steady, he raised his sword.

The knight jumped off the pile of bodies to the ground. Dashing forwards, he raised the sword with both hands and -

"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING."

"AAAGGHH!" Luca screeched as his blanket got pulled away, dislodging his game console from his hands and leaving him exposed against blinding, blinding sunlight. Wincing and squeezing his eyes shut, he groped around blindly for the console, desperately opening his eyes just a smidge to squint at the screen.

It said in bright, colorful letters, 'GAME OVER'.

"NOOOOO! MY GAME!" Luca wailed mournfully, his heart dropping at the sight. Cradling it gently in his hands as if the console were a dead child, he stared down at it in distress before he glared up at the intruder, fake tears gathering at the edges of his eyes. "YOU WRECKED MY HIGHSCORE! YOU'RE MY BODYGUARD, YOU'RE SUPPOSE TO STAND GUARD INSTEAD OF HITTING ME YOURSELF!"

"LIKE I CARE!" Felix yelled back from where he was pinning the curtains up. Crossing his arms, he squared his shoulders and looked down at his boss with an angry glare, obviously not affected by the pitiful figure huddled on the bed in crumpled clothes. “When I went to sleep you promised that'd you'd head to bed too. You even pushed me to my room claiming that you'd be heading to yours after - “go to sleep, I swear I'll complete this tomorrow, go to bed first I'll go to mine later,” you said,” Felix said sarcastically, pitch altered in an identical echo of Luca’s voice. “Then I come to get you for breakfast and I see you still up playing games like an author trying to make the deadline. What the fuck.”

“Wrong!” As if he were finally getting his butt in gear, Luca stood up on the bed, towering over Felix with intimidating height. The effect was ruined by a crumpled purple shirt and the bags on his eyes that was all the signs he showed of late night gaming, although the haughty look he shot Felix nearly overshadowed that. “This was important, my dear Assistant,” Lucas said condescendingly, ignoring how the snooty tone only made Felix’s eyebrows twitch more in annoyance and his hands tightening on the clothes he was holding, as if restraining the urge to throw them at Luca’s face. Swiftly pressing a few buttons on the game console he was holding in his hands, Luca crept off the bed gracefully before shoving it not so gracefully close to Felix’s face. The teen leant back away from the device with a scowl of distaste. He shot a glare at Luca before looking properly at the screen.

He tilted his head, frown turning from Pissed Off (with capital letters) to confused. Then his eyes widened with realisation. Luca grinned at the look of utter disbelief on his face. “I should have known,” Felix groaned, fist tightening on the clothing he was holding. “I should've known that -”

“No matter, my dear guard!” Luca yelled victoriously, pleased that Felix finally, finally got it. Lifting the console into the air as if he were wielding a trophy, Luca grinned unrepentantly at Felix, who was giving him a look that said Really? Really?? What the hell is wrong with you? “Gasp in awe, for I have accomplished the quest! Although it has taken me much toil and trouble, although it has given me much grief - although not as much work as you would have taken, thanks to my genius intellect - I have saved the Princess Andromedia from the clutches of despair!” True to word, the image of a chibi blonde princess was on the screen, clutching a wand. “Look at the glorious award, shining like a gem which has been uncovered from the depths of the earth! Stare in wonder at its glorious shine, the unlocked character!” He gestured dramatically at the cartoonish figures that made up his game party on the console, looking entirely serious. “See how they smile, celebrating my perfect score! And well they should, for even these small pieces of pixelated data are sentient enough to understand that I, as their hero, am their glorious savior whom they can never hope to catch up to, and so they pay their respects to my perfect self and bask in my PERFECTION!”

There was a beat of silence. Luca grinning proudly as if he were waiting for applause. Felix on the other hand looked as if he were considering several answers, most of which involved violence and insults. Then:

“You -”

“FURTHERMORE!” Luca interrupted dramatically, raising a fist in triumph, “I have yet to break my promise, for look!” He gestured theatrically at himself and the bed he was standing on. “I said I went to bed, and I am on the bed! nd I did complete this quest tomorrow - which is today! All for the sake of the beautiful princess in this pitiful ga-”

“Oh God shut up.” A bundle of freshly pressed clothing landed against Luca’s face with a soft interrupting his rant. Quickly bringing up his hands to cup them under his chin, he caught them gracefully before the items could fell to the floor. Looking up, he was just in time to see Felix draw the curtains and adding extra shine to the room, a small furrow to his brows as always. “Get dressed already - we’re late to breakfast, you idiotic gaming geek.”

--------------------
Dress scene later
------------------

Luca burst through the doors to the living room with a flourish, taking a moment to see who was inside before heading for the table. The young man was dressed impeccably in a V-neck shirt and long dark trousers, with a snazzy black jacket thrown on top. He no longer looked like he had pulled an all nighter - his hair was artfully mussed and styled in its usual casual mess, and the small dark bags underneath his eyes had been covered over with concealer. Following behind him at a more casual pace was Felix, who was dressed casually yet neatly in a white dress shirt and jeans, with a red sweater tied loosely around his waist. They made their way towards the table, Felix staying just a few steps behind his boss and giving everyone a nod of greeting.

They were just in time to hear the tailing end of the conversation. “Oh, the fifth one?” Felix asked in surprise as he grabbed his own seat, plate piled high with food. ”I thought it was the sixth - the one who had to leave drenched in water and ragged pants." he frowned thoughtfully, recalling his bet.

Felix clicked his tongue in irritation as he remembered, shovelling a spoonful of food into his mouth. “I guessed three minutes twenty-three seconds for this one. Damn.” He looked at Aiden curiously, swallowing around the mouthful of food. “Who won this time?” he asked in a louder tone this time, blatantly ignoring that the person they were betting on was in the room and in hearing shot.

Meanwhile, Luca was loading up on food. Plate piled high, he waltzed towards his siblings with a dazzling smile. “Good morning, siblings! Is the food to your liking? It smells delicious!”

Placing his plate on a spare spot, Luca came to a halt beside Katherine, throwing an arm loosely around her shoulders. “So you have found out about the bet, I see!” He said casually, as if he had known about it all along. It wouldn’t be surprising if he had been the one who started the gambling in the first place. Beaming at her, there was an extra sparkle in his eye that would have alerted anyone who knew him to the storm that was coming.

“Do not fret, dearest sister!” He said, tightening the one-armed hug for a moment. He waved his hand expansively at the guards. “These guards are not to be blamed, for they are congratulating you on your efficiency in dispatching the men that Uncle has sent in his efforts for you to find true love! As he does with me, but with women! The last girl fled in 5 minutes and 46 seconds, by the way,” He directed at Aiden abruptly. “She was remarkably resilient, but true love did not happen, much to Uncle’s distress.” From the way Luca was grinning, pleased and somewhat predatory, it was clear that he had intentionally driven her away. Then he turned back to Katherine, who he had let go sometime in that rant. ”He bemoans about the call of duty to the family, but it is he who does not understand! They might be beautiful flowers, with voluptuous bodies and sweet voices, but they are just too pitiful for me to marry.” He sighed with an air of clearly fake affront, although there was a hint of genuine annoyance as well. “Their beauty pales in the face of my perfection. Looks, brains, physical ability - until I meet someone who can best me in all three, I will not accept them - and it is unlikely that any shall appear, for there is nobody who can overcome my excellence in all these areas!”

Did he mean what he said? Nope. Mere exaggeration to make it as pompous as possible, for people to laugh at. Luca was good, but it required a lot of hard work to be that good, and he had no doubt that he was not perfect in everything, try as he can. But did he look like he was utterly confident and believed in what he was saying? A bit too much for anyone who worried about the inflated state of Luca’s ego.

“Ah, but it is not about me this time, Katherine. It is about you.” Luca stood up to his full height, gesturing as he spoke with apparent seriousness.

“He has clearly misjudged your tastes, for the suitors he guides to your waiting hand leave in sadness, honor besmirched, neatened hair aflamed, body ragged and drenched with tears of pain and sorrow!” It was impossible to tell whether he meant it as a compliment or as an insult. “Ah, they even leave in pieces sometimes. But that merely proves your beauty, dearest sister, for look! No matter how much you yell at them, humiliate them, destroy their bodies by breaking their bones and threats of more, men still flock to you, determined to win your hand! You are the light that shines, attracting these poor moths for incineration, and we enjoy seeing them burn by your hand. Why else would they hold such an entertaining wager?”

Throughout all of the scuffle with the outbreak of the secret that was the gambling pool placed on Katherine's love-life, Victoria merely sat back and watched quietly, occasionally returning her fork to her plate to cut a sausage in half, before returning it thoughtfully to her rosy lips.

"Ever since Suitor Number 5 the guards were interested in a gambling pool with how many would come and get thrown out. And I always politely decline in betting but if you must now, my mistress threw the bugger out in less than 2 minutes and 58 seconds. I also suggest not being so vocal about the Gambling habits you share with some of our guardsmen at the dinner table where my mistress can hear you and is probably planning her scolding as we speak."

The Mistress, in question, simply remained stoic in expression, observing the situation.

She would be lying if she said that she hadn't known about the gambling pool, and while it was mostly centered around Katherine's inability to get along with or even show up to the greeting with the men, a good portion - she would estimate about ninety-nine percent - of the time, Victoria herself was involved. It was part of her duties as one of her younger siblings' guardians.

She would also be lying if she denied having involved herself in the betting process.

After Luca whisked in, theatrics and all following him, she endured his flamboyancy for the duration of his little 'show' before finally returning her fork to the table. Lifting her nap to her lips, she cleared her throat slightly but just loud enough for it to be heard in the room. The guards stationed along the walls fell silent and turned their attention to her, their stances weary, obviously having anticipated her interruption to place a harsh fist upon them with punishment.

A few seconds of tenseness ticked by, during which time the guards slowly began to squirm with anxiety. Finally, Victoria slid her chair back slightly and rose, setting her napkin beside her plate. When she reached into the small red purse that sat in her seat, she removed a small white ticket with a number written on it. Slapping it down on the table, her expression hidden in the shadows, she announced with a clear voice.

"I bet three minutes and one second. I win."

Lifting her head, she had a cocky, beaming smile on her face, her aqua eyes sparkling with the mischief of someone who loved the people that she was surrounded by.

At the loud groans and sighs of relief that drifted from the guards along the wall, she giggled and slightly covered her lips with her finger tips, feigning innocence.

"Why, my dearest apologies my good soldiers. I didn't realize that I was be able to get so close to my own guess," she grinned. After laughing once more and slowly settling to a sigh, Victoria turned her glittering gaze to her sister's.

"I'm sorry, but I couldn't resist. It was a lot of fun betting on how quickly I'd be able to throw him out this time. If we can't laugh at ourselves, what can we do?" she asked.

---

The events that followed her entrance and arrival at her Lords side were neither entertaining nor amusing. Instead, Rimu allowed her striking gaze to study the interior of the room, looking for anything out of place in the impressive dining hall. When she found nothing to be amiss, she darted her eyes over to a slight movement nearby, just barely catching a glimpse of blue disappearing through a door way. Knowing it was Raven, and although she did trust the girl to an extent, she turned slightly and took a step after her, her intent to follow the woman. It was Dante's voice that had her pausing and looking slightly over her shoulder back at him.

"Good morning Katherine. I hear that another of uncle's men left disappointed. I will speak with him this evening and try and convince him to cease his attempts. We all know that the Vidali name must continue but I do not understand his rush. You will meet someone one day whom you will choose to share your life with but until then he will have to learn patience."

So does that mean that some day ... You'll find someone you will want to share your life with, too, Dante?

Blinking at the thought, Primula felt her cheeks warm with a slight blush, and she attempted to force it away. Curling her fingers in and out repeatedly at her side, a nervous tick she had, she joined Dante back at his side.

Why had she thought such a thing? And what was the odd stirring she felt in the pit of her stomach - one that wasn't quite fear, but she also couldn't place a name to?

Flicking her eyes down to Dante and then back to the wall straight ahead, she attempted to slow the rapidness with which she was curling her fingers.

"Thank you Victoria for dealing with things this morning, though you know that you could have had my assistance if you had needed it."

Primula looked over at the poised young woman in question, welcoming the distraction from her thoughts. Thank the Gods that Dante could only sense emotions and not read another's thoughts.

She felt a slight smirk twitch at the corners of her lips when Victoria finally responded. The sounds of relief that echoed behind her nearly broke her resolve of a stoic demeanor, but she held steadfast, instead groaning slightly at her loss. It was a pretty penny that she had bet, and she had just barely been beaten by the eldest daughter with her own guess of three minute and eight seconds.

There went her book store budget of the week.

Glancing over at the immense and ancient grandfather cock that sat in one corner, Primula once more bent at the hips to rest her head at a hover a few inches above Dante's shoulder.

"My lord, I hate to be a bother, but due to your late awakening, you're a bit rushed for time this morning. We need to leave the dining hall in five minutes in order to make it on time to your meetings, so I would recommend finishing her breakfast and readying yourself for departure," she murmured softly, her voice soothing to the ear, as was common for demons.

♫ Make It Rain ♫

A idan smiled slightly as he watched the assassin, Raven, laugh at his jokes. At least someone appreciated good humor. He watched her carefully, seeing how uncomfortable she was. It was something that he saw lot growing up around orphans. Though his attention was quickly taken away by Luca's ever flamboyant entrance. "Yeah, sorry Lucy, I don't put money on your love life, not nearly as much fun without the inevitable temper tantrum." He snickered as he pointed his thumb towards Katherine. As Luca went on about what he's looking for, someone as 'perfect' as him, Aidan couldn't help but roll his eye. "Well, I suppose humility is a overrated virtue." Aidan smirked with a slightly smug look on his face.

Having been Katherine's guard for little over two years now, Aidan still isn't quite sure what to make of Luca, though if there's one thing he can say about him, it's that he at least keeps things interesting. Even if those predatory grins of his gives him the creeps. "Yes, having beautiful people fawn over you must be such a pain. However do you deal with it?" Aidan asked in a sarcastic tone. "Guess some of us are lucky enough not to have that burden." He added with a somewhat snippy tone. Aidan would be lying if he said that when someone well off complained about their difficulties, even if it was jokingly, didn't bother him a little bit.

As Luca continued on about why they held the bets Aidan couldn't help but look extremely disinterested. "For the record I only made the bets for shits and giggles." There was a slight gasp from a servant due to his language in front of the royal family, not that he paid any mind to it. He's used to the looks he gets for his lax behavior when around his betters. But he's just being who he is, and he sees nothing wrong with that, keeps everybody on the level. "And the occasional pompous ass-hat that I get to throw out personally."

With Victoria mentioning that she had won the bet, and that she had thrown out the suitor herself Aidan glared at her. "I call shenanigans! You cheated! That just takes the sport out of it!" He pouted slightly as he crossed his arms. "Fine. I didn't want to win anyways." He muttered, along with a series of inaudible curses under his breath.

Aidan chuckled slightly at Katherine's promise to punish him. "Geez Kat, give a guy that much attention and people might get the wrong idea." He teased with a beaming smile. When she brought up the formal event Aidan let out a sigh. "Well I guess I'll have to break out the formal eye-patch." He smirked, following it with a hearty laugh that ended in a snort. Though he might joke about it but Aidan hates these formal gatherings. Mostly due to him having to wear formal wear. Even if he looks great in a suit, it's just not his style.

"So another suitor is coming? Oh that's clever! With him being there to make sure you give the guy the time of day.....er night. Whatever." He said as he rubbed an imaginary beard on his face. He looked over at Katherine with a sympathetic smile. He placed a hand on her shoulder, and leaned down closer to her. "No worries, I'm ready to play the knight in shining armor that rescues the damsel if you need it." He whisper in her ear. Though whispering is rather pointless, given how most of them have enhanced hearing. But he still wanted to make sure she knew he had her back.

"Why, my dear Addy, I had no idea that you wished to humble yourself before me!" Luca said, hand coming up to cover his mouth in mock shock, eyes widening almost playfully. His tone was sickly sweet, but there was an underlying warning to it. "Thank you for your appreciation! And you misunderstand. It is not that I reject their love to send them away - on the contrary, their love is very much appreciated. It is just that having them around me would be simply too pitiful for them. For look!" He gestured at himself with a broad sweep of his hand, sunlight glinting off his white smile and sparkling down his body - no wait, those were literally illusions that Luca was making. Felix just scowled and hunched over as if he were bracing himself for what was to come. "This glorious body, this beautiful face! For them to stand beside me, pretty as they are, would be like placing a dandelion beside a fully bloomed rose - it would overshadow their beauty!" Luca shook his head, crossing his arms in displeasement. "To subject them to such comparisons would be utter folly, Adrian. I thought you knew that?" he asked condescendingly, shaking his head and sighing as if he pitied Adrian for his lack of intelligence. "Forcing women to endure such overshadowing of their beauty would be a terrible thing to do!"

(That is not to say that Adrian was not an intelligent man. However, to Luca's mind everybody except him and a few other individuals were on the bottom step of intelligence with him lounging at the top step. Adrian was not one of those people sitting at the top and was therefore relegated to second step which meant that Adrian was less intelligent than him and therefore his opinions were pretty much second graded, like slightly spoiled grape juice - still drinkable, but still not quite good.

Also, Luca found messing with Adrian kind of fun.)

"Furthermore!" There was a loud bang as the chair got tossed away in Luca's sudden stand, fist raised passionately in the air as he continued to rant. "They come to us, to me, seeking for love and prestige that they do not have. Prestige I can give, though they might not be deemed suitable, but love? Alas," Luca said, shaking his head in sorrow. "I can only give them Phillia. Agape and Ludus I can also give, even Storge, but never the Eros they seek."

"That's because your philautia overwhelms everything else," Felix muttered to himself, soft enough that only those who were straining their ears - even for vampires - could hear. He grinned at Adrian, snickering at his call of shenanigans and nudging companionably him in the shoulder. "Don't worry, you'll get it next time."

"And it is for that reason - along with many other reasons, Addy - that I reject their advances," Luca continued dramatically, ignoring Felix's interruption (and that quite probably everyone was ignoring his prolonged rant). "Even if in the process they turn into screeching harpies or second-rate seductresses. Women can be surprisingly bitchy when they don't get what they want sometimes, haha!"

"Not all of them." Felix apparently felt the need to interject, frowning up at Luca. "There were some who were douches from the getgo, yeah, but more than a few lost their temper because of your showy methods." Felix also didn't add that there were bets going around about Luca's engagements too - about the length of time Luca would take to infuriate each lady and how, or whether they would leave smiling and determined to do what they wanted in life. It was a pretty even ratio, surprisingly, but no point in adding fuel to the fire... but Felix felt a bit guilty showing only the dark side of his boss. "Then again, you helped quite a few find their way too, so I guess its not all that bad."

"See, Felix understands!" Luca exclaimed triumphantly, raising a fist in victory. Then Katherine dropped news of a party and the conversation quickly took on another new track.

"A party! GLORIOUS, MY DEAR SIBLINGS!" Luca cheered gleefully, reaching forwards to give a quick hug to Katherine. He ignored the fact that it also meant another new suitor for both of them - a party was a party, after all! Even if they only had two days to make it as extravagant as possible. Luca was already putting together decoration plans in his mind. "We must prepare with haste! Don't worry about the music, Felix can take care of it." The Sound Dragon in question sighed but nodded in agreement - it would be faster if he did it, and that way Luca couldn't try and change it to idiotic pop songs like he did the last party they had hosted. That had been... surprisingly fun but also a pain to deal with afterwards, especially with all the stares they had gotten for the elvis costumes. "And do not worry, Katherine, I shall plan us escape routes to avoid suitors if you wish for it!" He grinned and grabbed Katherine and Adrian in a two armed hug, pulling them close to him before letting go. His cheer was practically infectious, giving light to the room. "So, how should we prepare, dear family?"