Beyond the Woods - Chapter Thirteen

As Sean and I walked down the stairs, I was amazed. There were so many people here! What I didn't know then is that they were all vampires or hybrids. As our feet touched the floor I sighed in relief, at least I didn't fall down the stairs. Next we heard a booming voice "It is my honor to present to you your King, Joseph Rupert Jordan, Queen Evelyn Diana Jordan, Prince Sean Lucas Jordan, and our newest Royal Highness Princess Ava Madelyn Grace Jordan." My father stood up from his thrown - when did we get a thrown? - And began to speak. "My dearest subjects, I am delighted to have you all here in our home tonight in honor of celebrating the coming out of my cherished daughter. As all of you know she has been shielded from our world and species for various reasons and now we are all elated to welcome her to her true home." Applause roared throughout the grand ballroom. Were they all cheering for me? It was weird seeing my father behave like a king. "Now the party shall officially begin!" Sean shouted.

It was a very high class party but still modern for our time period. I met a ton of people, my subjects apparently, who greeted me with pleasure. There was a ton of young people of my age here, which made me feel uncomfortable since I knew none of them. I feel like an outsider intruding in on their world even though this technically is my home. I sat on my very own thrown next to my parents for a while until a young man came up to me. "May I have this dance?" He asked. My mother gave me a look so I knew I had to say yes. It probably took a lot of courage for this guy to ask a princess to dance anyway so I would have felt bad if I said no. And it didn't hurt that he was good looking. "Yes, but I must warn you this isn't going to be pretty. Dance is not my forte." I said. The guy just chuckled while taking my hand and pulling me on to the dance floor. Unfortunately the current dance was The Waltz. I was doing okay, my steps tried to match his.

It wasn't too hard since I was put through hundreds of cotillions before. "So what is your name stranger?" I asked. "Eric, your majesty," he replied. "You can call me Ava it makes me feel someone normal when trying to deal with all of this," I said. "It must be hard having to deal with all of this in such a short amount of time." "Yes, so tell me something about yourself," I said. "Well I am the son of your army's first commander." "Oh wow that's awesome, sorry I feel like I should have known that," I said. "Nah it's fine. I bet being his son isn't as hard as being the King's daughter." Before I had the chance to answer him Christian came over out of nowhere and tapped on Eric's shoulder. "May I cut in," He demanded more than asked. "Of course Prince," Eric said nicely even though I knew he probably didn't want to. "I was having fun with him!" I said to Christian.

I'm not sure if I could be around him right now. Only a few hours ago he broke my heart. "Lucky for you, you get to have fun with me now," He said. I just rolled my eyes as we continued to dance. "You look beautiful," he complimented just as he twirled me then pulled me back to his chest. I blushed and tried to focus on something else in the room. He looked so sexy in his black tux. No! He could not do this to me. I was supposed to be mad at him. I couldn't bear looking him in the eyes, it was too difficult. "Is there something wrong?" He asked. How was I supposed to answer that question? "I just need some air, excuse me." I said while breaking off from our dance and exiting the ballroom then walking towards the balcony.

There were already people on the balcony but when I appeared they bowed and left me alone to myself. Little strands of curly hair fell from my updo as the wind blew through it. It felt amazing to taste the fresh air that I so deeply missed. "I am sorry," I heard from behind me. I turned my head and felt Christian come up from behind. "What do you have to be sorry for?" I asked while staring out over the balcony at my beautiful forest. The truth was he really did have something to be sorry for, for breaking my heart. But I doubted that is what he was talking about since he doesn't have feelings for me. I didn't understand. Everything I heard made me believe that he did like me. How else was I supposed to explain hearing him and Darren talk in my room or when he came to save me from Nick. I lost track of my thoughts when he used his hand to tilt my chin up so that he was facing me straight into my eyes. "For lying to you. For saying that the only reason I protect you is because it is my duty." I looked at him in disbelief.

"You're not the only one with hidden secrets princess. I tend to hide my true feelings as well." He said. And with that out in the open, Christian leaned in towards me. I also moved my body closer to his, as I was waiting for the perfect moment. I slowly closed my eyes as did he; I waited for what felt like centuries. But with time comes pleasure and moments later I felt his smooth lips brush against mine. We kissed softly at first and it really was magical. When he touched my body, felt something that I never have felt before. I felt so connected and bonded to this man. The passion flowed between us as we continued to kiss. My hands weaved through his hair as his arms held me tightly around my waist. Christian and I were kissing. I like the sound of that.

Before long I was out of breath and reluctantly had to pull out. I was breathing heavily. Christian put his forehead up against mine and whispered, "Sorry I forget that you are still human." I smiled and gave him a cute grin. We heard someone clear their throat and turned to find Lance smiling at us. I could feel my face turn red as the embarrassment kicked in. Christian pulled me in to him, putting one arm around my waist. "Yes brother," He said. "It is already twelve and the party is ending. The Queen wishes for you both to say your goodbyes." Lance said still smirking. "Well then we better hurry before she sends me off to the dungeon," I joked. Hmm, I wonder if we have a dungeon.

I was hesitant to enter the room while still in Christian's arms. For one, I did not want to hurt Darren even though I knew it would eventually happen. Two I wasn't ready to tell my parents. If they thought Christian and I were willing to be together they might rush us into marriage. I am nowhere close to being ready to get married. Hell I am not even eighteen yet and I still need/want time with Christian! But we ended up walking in together hand in hand. The shock that came across everyone's face appalled me. Never have I seen such a happy face on my mother and Queen Camilla. I was right about Darren, he looked so miserable and it hurt my heart to see him like that. Christian noticed and said, "Don't worry he will be fine, he always is." I just nodded in response.

We made our way up to both royal families and James asked, "So this is the path you both choose?" "Yes, together. As long as she will have me," Christian answered then looked back to me and smiled. My father looked upon me for my answer. "Yes," I simply answered. "Then it is settled," King James said. "My adoring subjects, it is my pleasure to announce a join of marriage between my son Prince Christian and my dearest friends, King Joseph and Queen Evelyn's daughter Princess Ava." The whole room went ecstatic as my face looked down in horror. This is not what I wanted. I could tell Christian sensed my sudden change in manner because he looked at me with curious eyes. He gave me the "Aren't you happy look?" So far all I have done is kiss this guy. Yes, I felt like I was falling madly in love with him but I cannot get married. I need time, period.

The party ended shortly after and everyone left. I was confused when I didn't see that many people leave in cars. "Vampires run fast Avie," Sean explained. After saying goodnight to everyone I headed up to my room exhausted.

I tore off that itchy dress even though it was beautiful. It felt odd being back in my sweats, I felt somewhat normal again. I heard a light knock on my door and was happy to find Christian standing there with a slice of cake in his hands. "I scored downstairs in this kitchen," he said. "Great! I am starving!" I said. We both sat down together on my bed. It wasn't awkward since were already laid together here just a couple nights ago when he stayed with me to comfort me. I began eating the cake and felt icing smear on my lip. Before I could wipe it off Christian stopped me and seductively whispered, "Let me help you with that." He leaned in to kiss me and succeeded. While doing so he managed to lick the icing off and I giggled. We sat there smiling for a little when I yawned. "Time for bed beautiful, you need to sleep." I pouted but was happy when I figured out he was staying. We laid there in my bed, snuggled close together. When I was with Christian I felt so comfortable and special.

"My parents would kill you if they found us in here together right now," I said. "No they like me too much," he said. I laughed, "And what makes you so sure of yourself?" "I am their best friend's royal son, I am smart, outgoing, and I like their daughter." He made me blush for the millionth time. I quickly changed the topic. "Do vampires sleep?" I asked him. "Yes, it gives us more energy but we are fine if we go a couple of days without it." "Hmm," I said. "Why is your skin so tan?" I asked. "Whenever we change our skin color remains intact. But I was born a vampire and inherited my parents tan skin." "Is it hard to be around me, since you can smell my blood?"

I questioned. "Yes, very. You are so intoxicating and I have never smelt anything so sweet. But the longer I am with you the easier it becomes. I think it's my turn to ask a question." He said. "Okay, ask anything then." I said. "Why did you seem so depressed when my father announced our marriage? I know I never got to ask you myself but I was planning on it sometime after I expressed my love for you." "You love me?" I asked. "Yes, I do. My whole twenty years of life I have never felt the way about someone the way I do about you. Everything about you I love, your beauty, sense of humor, your kindness and connection with nature. You are so different from everyone else and I find it fascinating how you love the forest so much. Ava love, you are special, one of a kind."

It took me a while to reply. "I am speechless. Never in my life did I think I would ever hear anyone tell me that. Thank you," I said. "You're very welcome." I was glad he didn't ask me if I loved him. I knew I did but I just wasn't sure yet how to put it in words yet. I mean he just told me everything that he loves about me! "But you didn't answer my question," he added on. "Well would you look at the time!" "Ava," Christian protested. "Sorry. I was just sad I guess." I answered. He frowned. "Do you not want to marry me?" He asked disappointed. "Of course... Someday. I just feel like this is all happening so fast. I am only seventeen in human years and you are only twenty. Besides are you ready to rule a nation because I don't think I am." I answered.

He seemed like he was considering everything I just said. "That makes sense I suppose." He said sorrowfully. Now I felt horrible, I did not want him thinking that I did not want him. The only way I could think of to fix this was by kissing him and boy it sure did work. I wrapped my lips around his yearning for his warmth. He gladly accepted me and began to kiss me back more aggressively. We both wanted more and we both knew it but he stopped. This time I was the one who was disappointed. Christian just smiled, "There will be plenty of time for that later, but for now you need rest." I gave him one last kiss before placing my head back on my pillow and drifting off to sleep.

Once again I was in my woods, running through the pattern of falling leaves. I was smiling and laughing and having a wonderful time. Then within a second the sun disappeared. The forest grew dark and then less visible. I was stumbling down a path way trying to find my way home when he was there. This time he revealed himself by pulling off his cloak. His features were abstract but anyone could tell that he was dangerous. "Consider this a message Princess," he said while lingering closer to me. "I am coming for you and no one can stop me!" He shouted while opening his mouth and biting down on my neck. I felt the pain surge through me as I woke up screaming. "Ava, what is wrong?" Christian yelled. I was squirming and kicking while he tried to pull me into his arms. "Baby settle down, what is going on?" He asked. (Normally I would marvel over the fact that he called me "baby", but this was serious.) I cried out while clutching my neck, "He's coming for me!" "Who? Ava who is coming for you?" Christian yelled. "The man who attacked me in the woods!" I cried before losing the sense in my body and falling limp.