The Beasts Inside Us

@ BadStreetBoys

By the time Charlotte came back to the castle, it was an hour and a half before the wedding was supposed to start. She knew that was much later than her father would have liked for her to start getting ready, but as the man had no idea where she was, he couldn't yell at her for it. And, by the time she was home, it was much too late for any argument. Two of her ladies in waiting were waiting by the entrance to the castle for her. When she arrived, one was told to attend to the two guests that she brought and the other brought her back up to her room to start getting ready. This was a whole process.

Charlotte needed to shower. After this, her hand and feet were taken care of by a nail technician while a makeup artist did her face. Halfway through this process, the hair stylist came and started to take care of her hair. Once all of this was completed, the designer assisted Charlotte into her dress and carefully laid her crown atop her head.

When everything was completed, it was time for Charlotte to make her way down to the wedding area. One of her ladies handed her a bouquet and with that, they were making their way down the stairs. Charlotte had always thought that she would actually be excited for her wedding day... But in truth, she was hoping that this would be a shit show.

@ Sweet.Persephone
Ivan’s mother met him in his room like he had requested. The man loved his mother more than anything or anyone else, she was his rock. He had changed into his dress blues he came out and stood before her. Ivan had his mother help touch up his hair, his outfit, and even the makeup they wanted him to wear to appear less pale. He sighed as he looked over at his mother. “Why didn’t he tell me? Why did father have to blindside me?” He asked and looked at her through the mirror. The Queen sighed and shook her head. “He didn’t think you would take it well.” She replied. Ivan frowned and shook his head. “Well duh. I can’t believe you didn’t tell me.” He said and turned around. Ivan’s mother walked over to him and placed her hand on his cheek. “Everything will be okay I promise.” She told him. “I hope so mother, thank you for coming by I’ll be done soon.”

Ivan waited for his mother to leave the room before he put the sword sheath onto his hip, sliding his long sword into the sheath. He stood in front of the mirror again, practicing pulling the sword out as fast as possible, just in case. He didn’t trust these humans and he had no problem defending himself. Ivan moved back to his luggage and found a small dagger which he slid into a smaller sheath attached to his able.

Ivan headed out to the large ballroom where they were to be wed. He walked inside and saw both kings, as well as a man up at the alter. He assumed that was a portion of the humans tradition. He looked around and saw a few servants bringing the arch of swords and smiled. Ivan heard people calling for things to hurry up, guests began to come in. It was almost time. Ivan put on his cap and slid on two pristine white gloves onto his hands to finish the dress. He had dreamed of this day. The day he became a husband and future father, one step closer to taking over his kingdom with a beautiful vampiress bride, and that had been squandered. Now he was marrying someone who despised him, who would certainly not give him a child, and one who would not give him the honor and respect he deserves for his service.

@ BadStreetBoys

Once the doors to the ballroom were closed, Charlotte was brought to them and told to wait until the music started playing and they were opened for her. As she waited, the woman glanced down at the flowers that she was holding in her hands. None of this was what she wanted. This wedding... not what she dreamed of right down to the decoration. Though all of that could be forgiven if she actually liked the groom. But no, the Kings were okay with the idea of selling off their children for some haphazard version of peace. And why her father was okay with marrying her off to some monster was beyond her. Surely he wouldn't treat her well once they were back in his country. Vampires were so animalistic.

When the music started to play, Charlotte lifted her head up and waited for the doors to open. And, when they did, she started down the aisle, with all eyes on her. It was a mystery how the kings were able to get so many guests when the announcement was only made last night... This was all one big scam. Her eyes dropped over to Ivan for a moment, looking over the uniform he was wearing. Disgusting. It was an insult to her and her country that he would wear such a thing. And it was just proof that the prince had no wish for peace. Though, she had her own little surprise. Her eyes shifted over to her side of the benches to see that one of her guests had made it inside. The notorious vampire killer. It was actually someone she had grown to know quite well as the man was often brought to the castle for his services during the war. In fact, Darren Killenger was legendary. She was sure that Ivan would be annoyed that he was at the wedding. A man that had killed plenty of his people. Annoying Ivan was not the reason she invited Darren to the wedding but it was surely icing on the cake.

Soon enough, Charlotte made it to the front of the aisle and was standing at Ivan's side. She handed off her bouquet to one of the ladies in waiting that was serving as her bridesmaid. With them both at the front, Charlotte waited for the officiant to start speaking. Though, admittedly, Charlotte was not paying that close attention to his words. It didn't really matter at this point. All of this was just forced on her. So she would just wait until he got to the vows to start really listening.

@ Sweet.Persephone
Ivan moved to where he was told to stand. He looked over at the men acting as his groomsmen, he scoffed at the idea. He had no idea who these people were. They were probably just servants. He had friends, a brother, anyone besides these people he would want as his groomsmen. And the only one here was his younger brother. He was glad to have that one familiar face nearby. Ivan gave a nod to his brother, a small smile appearing on his lips for just a moment.

Ivan clasped his hands together behind his back. He faced forward towards the priest in front of them. He knew his parents were besides him on the right, and the human’s royal family would be on his left. He was instructed to stay facing forward until his bride reached his side. At which point he could turn to face her. Ivan had his head down, he prayed to a saint of their land. Vladimir Von Jerson, a vampire who had ruled centuries ago and was a hero to all his people. The man had saved vampires from going extinct. He prayed for forgiveness for marrying a human, and for guidance on this journey.

Ivan lifted his head as he heard the music begin to play. He had heard the music before, maybe once, but was pretty unfamiliar with it. He heard Princess Charlotte’s steps as they approached him. He turned to face her when he was instructed. His face cold and emotionless. His eyes uninterested and seemingly staring into her soul. The priest spoke for a while before calling on two young boys carrying rings and two young girls carrying the glasses. They were to smash a glass each before they put the rings on each other and said I do. Ivan picked up his glass and held it, shaking it in his hand as he looked out at the guests there, though he kept his eyes on his family. A moment later he threw it to the ground. Ivan purposely smashed the glass with as much force as he good. The glass seeming to vaporize as it came in contact with the ground. His head tilted back to Charlotte and he smirked slightly, mouthing “your turn”

@ BadStreetBoys

After watching Ivan shatter the glass, Charlotte looked over at the man, raising an eyebrow. Was that meant to be impressive? It wasn't. Even a baby could break a glass. Sure, the baby wouldn't seemingly turn it into sand, but it still was not something to be smirking about. Charlotte glanced at her the glass in her hand before turning her hand and it over on the side and just simply letting the glass go. Charlotte applied no force to it at all, and of course, as glass did, it still shattered on the hard floor of the ballroom. Oh, she wished she could have just chucked the thing at Ivan's head but that simply was not allowed.

With that done, Charlotte picked up what was to be Ivan's ring. A symbol of a long-lasting and loved filled relationship. Unfortunately for them, it would surely just be a reminder on how they were both forced into this terrible marriage. Even so, Charlotte took the vampire's cold, dead hand and slid the ring onto his ring finger before releasing him. And even though it crossed her mind once again, Charlotte had not been mean and tried to hurt him in some way. Her touch had been gentle as she put it on. "I do," Charlotte said once the officiant had gotten to that part.

Charlotte then offered her hand for Ivan to do the same. Even lifting her ring finger up a bit, assuming that the beast would have no idea which finger it belonged on. It just seemed easier as she had already been threatened not to make a scene. And, if Ivan were to put it on the wrong finger, she was sure that her father would somehow find a way to blame her for it as the vampire 'didn't know any better'.

@ Sweet.Persephone
Ivan’s face returned to one of little emotion. He wanted to assert his power still. He didn’t have any say in this. But he would be damned to be stood up to by this human, especially one as his wife. He looked down as her glass hit the ground and shattered. Ivan loved the sound of the glass shattering. It was music to his ears. He and his men loved going to bars after winning battles, they would have their first drink and smash the glass. Of course the men paid for the glass, and they only did it to the first one.

Ivan looked over as she took his larger hand, watching as she slid the plain golden ring on his finger. He was glad that it was simple and elegant. He didn’t want something flashy. This was not a marriage he wanted people to notice, so flashy was out of the picture. He reached up and took her hand, then the ring from the small boy. He slid the ring on her finger and nodded slightly. “I do.” He said. Ivan’s voice maintained its monotone and firm style.

Ivan looked back at the priest as he continued to talk. When the priest said it was time to kiss the bride, Ivan took a deep breath. He wasn’t sure how well this would go over. But he would continue to play nice. He would be the good boy his parents wanted him to be because he wanted to rule the kingdom one day. Ivan licked his lips and closed his eyes for just a moment. He turned his attention back to Charlotte. Ivan placed his hand on her cheek. The cheek facing the audience, as if hiding their kiss from them. He leaned in and pressed a firm kiss to her lips. Ivan was brief with the kiss, and pulled away only a moment later. He pulled back and stood tall, looking down at her.

@ BadStreetBoys

When Ivan started to lean down, Charlotte wanted to lean away. She didn't want to kiss him. Even less so in front of all of these people. Though she was able to stand her ground as he leaned down and pressed his lips firmly against her own. At least it was brief, and Ivan didn't try to do anything like shove his tongue down her throat. When he pulled back, Charlotte couldn't stop the frown that was over her face but she turned her head to the side so that only Ivan and the priest could see it.

The crowd was standing up and cheering for the new bride and groom. The music started to play and luckily, it only took Charlotte a second to take a deep breath and neutralize her face once again. She looped her arm around Ivan's elbow, and whether he was ready or not, she started down the aisle, knowing that they needed to leave. Charlotte wasn't sure what her and Ivan would do next but the guests would need to move to the dining room.

Her head turned to her side for a moment, her eyes meeting with Darren's. The vampire killer had been watching her, keeping his eyes locked on her the entire time. Charlotte gave him a little smile and Darren nodded. It seemed like he had what she needed. Now, she would just need to find a time to meet up before she was dragged to Hell. Charlotte then refocused on what was in front of her. The doors to the ballroom opened, allowing the 'happy' couple out and they were greeted by a wedding planner that was quick to bring them to a room to relax before being introduced as husband and wife in the dining room.

@ Sweet.Persephone
After Ivan pulled back, his eyes looked down at the Princess. He saw the frown. He understood her feeling. He felt the same way. But at least he was able to control his emotions in front of all these people. He listened to the priests last words and the crowds cheering. He rolled his eyes at the cheering. He knew no one truly wanted to cheer or believed this was a happy couple. They were told to cheer or face the wrath of the crown.

Ivan held his arm out for Charlotte and began his way down the aisle. His eyes followed hers and he saw the vampire hunter. Ivan knew this wouldn’t be the King’s doing, it had to have been charlotte’s he licked his lip for a moment, wiping away a scowl. Ivan made eye contact with the other man, smirking and winking. If she was trying to get under his skin, he would get under her guests skin as well.

Ivan glanced up at the wedding planner, following besides her. He didnt want time to decompress. He wanted to get this night over with, especially after this little show she was trying to put on. Ivan sat at the table in the room, tapping his fingers impatiently. Once the wedding planner came back and said everyone was sat at their tables and they were to come in, Ivan stood. He again offered his arm to Charlotte. His uninterested eyes scanned over her. As the couple walked into the room they were announced by a loud man at the front. “Everyone! Here is our happy newlywed couple. Prince and Princess Markov!” The man exclaimed. The couple was led to the large table, seating them, the king and queens, and the siblings of the bride and groom. Ivan nodded and gave a smile to the table as he sat. He began to tap his finger on the table. For a moment, he paused and looked over at the foreign King. Ivan began to turn his ring on his finger as he let out a scoff. “So, King Risa, what kind of gesture of peace is it to invite a vampire slayer to the wedding trying to bring together the species?” He asked, his eyes turning to Charlotte and smirking. He wanted to cause her trouble the way he knew she would cause him.

@ BadStreetBoys

Charlotte let out a sigh once they were told to head off to the dining room. Couldn't they just skip it? They were married. Why did they also have to pretend to celebrate the occasion? But there was no one there to argue to and Ivan was already up and offering his arm. So, the princess stood up and put her arm into his. She followed him into the dining room and towards the large table where their family's were on either side. Charlotte had her father as well as her aunt and two uncles. She had no siblings and her mother had long passed.

The urge to smirk when Ivan mentioned the vampire hunter was almost too strong for her to ignore. Though, Charlotte managed to keep her face straight as the dinner was placed in front of them. Unfortunately for the vampire, this was not something that she would get into trouble for. Though the King of Risa did seem surprised to hear that Darren was there, but Charlotte was the first to speak. "Darren is a dear friend of mine and has been for many years. He was one of the guests that I spoke about earlier and it was lucky enough that the man was in town to join us. I do not see the issue with it. He is a former vampire hunter just as you are a former fighter. At least he was kind enough to not wear his uniform." Charlotte gave Ivan the side eye.

"Enough," King William said to Charlotte before responding to Ivan. "Darren is a respectable man and a friend of my daughter's. I assure you he will cause no trouble. There are many warriors sitting in this dining hall from both sides to celebrate peace. Let us not worry on the past but celebrate the future."

The King then stood up to make his speech, and once he had done so, she smirked over at Ivan. Her eyes shifted over to her father to listen to him. Surely the vampire king would also make a speech tonight... How many of these would they have to listen to?

@ Sweet.Persephone
Ivan rolled his eyes at the explanation, scoffing at both Charlotte and William. “There is a difference between a man who served honorably in the war like myself and your soldiers. And a man who went rogue on his own. A rogue warrior had earned no respect from me.” He said, tapping his knuckles on the table. Ivan leaned back in the seat and his eyes moved over to Charlotte. “That’s because he has no uniform. He is a vigilante. Not a soldier. Not a warrior. You know what we do with vigilante’s in my kingdom?” He asked, raising an eyebrow. King Markov put his hand on Ivan’s shoulder, squeezing it hard. “Ivan, King Risa has a speech he’d like to give.” He said, a polite way of telling his son to shut up.

Ivan’s eyes moved to the other King though he wasn’t really listening to the speech. His mind was on anything but. His mind focused on the vampire hunter. It put his body on edge slightly. If he so much as got within 20 feet of him, Ivan had no trouble ending this peace treaty here and now. He licked his lips as he thought about it. As the King’s speech ended he clapped like a good husband.

Ivan’s father, King Markov, was next to give a speech. Ivan smiled slightly up at his father. They had never been very close due to his fathers controlling behavior. But he still looked up to and respected his father highly. He wanted to rule like him when it was his turn to take over the kingdom. Again, at the end of the speech Ivan clasped. Though this time it was a real clap. His eyes shifted to his mother and he smiled. She mouthed to him ‘you doing okay?’ And he nodded. He looked around as he saw servants coming by out with numerous dinner plates. He sighed. They had to have a dinner too? He just wanted to be left alone. Stop being some kind of spectacle.

@ BadStreetBoys

It was not long before the meal was over. Charlotte, once again, had not touched the food on her plate. This day was too much to handle and the thought of eating these meals were too much on her. Though, luckily, once the dinner had been passed out, people were allowed to mingle with each other and that included the couple. The woman stood up, leaving her husband behind to go mix with those that she knew. Although, Charlotte wasn't really in the mood for it, there were two people that she had to talk to before she returned to her room. One of them was Darren, and the other was her second special guest, Dear Catherine who was her most trusted companion. Though she only saw the woman slip in once the dinner was completed.

Charlotte started off by speaking to her family. First her aunt on her father's side before moving onto her aunt and uncle on her mother's side. It was always nice to see them. She then moved onto close or important nobleman. So many congratulations, so many sweet goodbyes. It made her sick. Charlotte wished she could cancel this whole thing but unfortunately it was not in her power to do so.

She then, finally, sat down with Darren at one of the side tables. They spoke quietly to stop those from overhearing but, the whole time, Charlotte had the widest smile on her face. The two of them spoke of plenty of things, like their fond memories and friendship. Or who ridiculous this whole thing was. So far, he was the only one to say to her face that this peace and marriage was idiotic. Though, when Darren was positive no one was over listening, he gave her little bits of advice on how to defend herself and find some...particular items he had hide around the castle for her. Charlotte wasn't asking for anything insane, just things she could use to protect herself on the off chance they tried to kill her once she was there.

@ Sweet.Persephone
Ivan was relieved once the dinner was over. He wasn’t sure how much mingling he was going to do. He didn’t know anyone here that wasn’t at his dinner table. Ivan watched as Charlotte hurried off as soon as she could. He wouldn’t mind some alone time, but he thought about how funny it read they were supposed to be a happy couple and she was running away from him.

Ivan’s mother walked over and handed him a glass of red wine. She gave him a smile and leaned up, whispering something in his ear. Ivan couldn’t help but laugh to himself and nod. He held the glass carefully. Ivan decided to walk around, so it seemed as if he was mingling. Every so often he took a sip of the wine. He smiled as he let the liquid swirl around his mouth. His mother had given him wine infused with blood, one of his favorite drinks because it actually helped him and wasn’t just for show.

Ivan saw his new bride talking to the vampire hunter, it took everything in him not to kill the man here and now. Ivan strode across the room, pausing in front of them for a moment. “If you step foot on my kingdom, I will have you arrested and publicly executed.” He told the man curtly. Ivan walked off before the man could respond. He didn’t want to talk to this man, or even listen to him. But he wanted to make it clear even if there was peace, that he would not stand for vigilantes.

Ivan eventually made his way back to his parents. Slowly people began to leave as the evening went on. Eventually it was just the royals and the servants remaining. Ivan stood with his family and saw as the other royal family, and his bride were maki by their way over. He finished his glass of wine, his eyes moving over Charlotte. He didn’t trust her, not with how close she seemed to be to that murderer.

@ BadStreetBoys

A laugh came from Charlotte as Ivan started to stomp off like a child. It seemed that Darran had gotten under his skin much more than she had been expecting. Ah, truly just the icing on top for the man being there. But, oh it was so delicious to watch Ivan squirm a bit. "Don't worry about him." Charlotte told Darron warmly as they continued their conversation. Not long after though, Charlotte was on her feet and taking to her other guest, Catherine.

The older woman handed an intricate wooden box to Charlotte. The young woman thanked her and gave Catherine a tight hug. She spoke to her only for a little longer before saying goodbye and walking away. It was now late into the night and the guests were either leaving or have already left for the night.

She had walked up to her father and asked if she could be dismissed for the night but the King shook his head and said that they needed to discuss with the the vampiric royal family first. Although she did not wish to, Charlotte followed her father over to Ivan and the King, and William smiled up at the vampire king and shook the man's hand. "The first day of many years of peace."

"May I head to bed? It will be a long day tomorrow and there are still some things I need to pack." Charlotte said. The King of Risa looked down at her. "Let your maids handled that, tonight is your wedding night. A room has been prepared for the happy couple."

Charlotte could feel her heart tighten at the thought. She had no plan on sleeping with the prince, ever. And, tonight, she still needed to grab the things that Darron left around the castle and she couldn't do that if she was with Ivan in the same bed. "But I am leaving tomorrow, I must get ready. Surely, even Prince Ivan is tired and would like to prepare for the journey." She looked up at that man, hoping that the prince would agree with her on this one thing.

@ Sweet.Persephone
Ivan had been talking quietly with his mother when the other royal family made their way over. He looked at a servant and handed them the empty glass, then waving his hand dismissively. He watched as their fathers shook hands, resisting the urge to roll his eyes. This was a fake peace. The tensions between the people would still be there. And that tension would now leak into his personal life as he had to deal with a distasteful princess until she died.

Ivan looked over at Charlotte, he smirked slightly. She really did not want to spend the night with him. He wasn’t sure if she had other plans, or if it was for her dislike of him. But he didn’t want her to get any other wins on him tonight. She had played him with the vampire slayer, and now was his time to play her. “I’m already packed, mother helped me and I’m sure the servants can grab all of our stuff before morning and our departure.” He said and smiled at the king.

Ivan cracked his knuckles as he looked between the Princess and the King. “He has a point, my wife. What kind of sign of peace is it, if the newlywed couple doesn’t even spend their first night together. I believe many of our people would call this a farce if we were to just act like separate being instead of a wed couple.” He explained with a small grin on his face.

@ BadStreetBoys

She could punch that dumb fucking face of his. Of course, he wanted to spend their first night together. Charlotte wasn't sure if he was just trying to be an annoying ass or if he thought that he was going to get sex out of her, but either way she was pissed. "Well, I hope you don't mind leaving later tomorrow than expected then because I still need to pack some things myself." Would it be bad if she cut his cock off tonight? Probably...

Charlotte turned and motioned for one of her ladies to come over. She set the wooden box in her hands. "Please put this in my room and be gentle, thank you." Once the woman was gone, Charlotte turned back to Ivan as she folded her hands together. Did vampires sleep? If they did, was it possible for a vampire to be a heavy sleeper? She hoped so because Charlotte was desperate to sneak out of the room if it was possible.

"To bed, then, husband." Oh that word make her want to thrown up. Though she slipped her arm in his once again and followed Ivan up, who was being lead by a servant. Once they made it upstairs, the door to the room was opened for them and was closed once the two of them were inside. Charlotte's eyes glanced around the room. It was grand, to be sure. But... it seemed someone had overdone the honeymoon suite idea as it was covered in flower petals, flowers and candles. Charlotte immediately slipped her arm out of his and headed over to the set of groom and bridal pajamas they offered. How adorable. But at least they left them sleepwear as Charlotte really didn't want to sleep in the wedding gown.

@ Sweet.Persephone
Ivan smirked. He loved getting a reaction out of her. Two could play this game, and two would be playing this game for a while. He assumed it would end in either death or another break in the treaty. “Like King Risa said, let your servants pack for you. We aren’t royalty for no reason.” He purred, the smirk happily resting on his face. He watched as she handed something off to a servant, wondering what the small box could be. He hoped she didn’t believe those myths about silver being a vampire killer.

Ivan’s smirk only widened when she called him husband. He could feel the poison in her words, it didn’t annoy him. He loved it. He could feed off this tension between them. He took her arm in his and followed the servant. One thing he was glad about was that their parents seemed to be leaving them alone and weren’t going to wait and watch them consummate the marriage. He didn’t think that would happen. He didn’t want that to happen.

Ivan’s eyes widened slightly as he looked around the room. This looked as if this would be a room for the king and queen. It was beautiful and huge. He rolled his eyes and scoffed at the forced romanticism. Ivan moved to the table besides one side of the bed. He carefully took his white gloves off, folding them and setting them on the table. He took his cap off and set it besides the gloves. Ivan didn’t want to stay in his uniform, but was worried about taking it off in front of her. What would she do to it? If she destroyed it he would probably lose his mind and kill her then and there. Ivan took a deep breath and decided it was probably for the best. He took off his coat, carefully hanging it in the closet, he did the same with his trousers. This left Ivan in a white undershirt and boxers. He grabbed the pajama pants from his set and put them on, but left the shirt not wanting to wear it. Ivan placed his sword carefully besides the bed as well, making note to not let Charlotte anywhere near him. “So how old are you?” He asked as he turned to face her. His eyes shifted between looking at Charlotte and at his watch as he took it off.

@ BadStreetBoys

The princess walked over to the vanity and sat down, setting the pajamas down to the side. As the prince started to undress, she worked on getting the pins out of her hair and smoothing the curls out. She was careful to take the crown off, not wanting it to get caught into her hair. But it came out with ease and she was able to use one of the ribbons to put her hair up. Arielle than stood up and looked at the back of her dress in the mirror, trying to determine just how difficult it would be to take off by herself. Luckily, it was easier than she had feared.

"Younger than you," Charlotte told the man. What was the point in trying to be friendly now? She wasn't stupid, and could see that Ivan was trying to purposely annoy her. Admittedly, she had been too but she knew he was the one to initiate the behavior. And it was not her fault that the prince did no research on her before arriving here. She had done hers. With that, Charlotte picked up the wedding dress and disappeared in the bathroom. She came out a while later, now in the pajama set and the wedding dress in hand.

The woman laid the dress over one of the chairs, not really caring about it. They could burn it for all she cared. Charlotte headed over to the balcony. "What do you really want to do?" Charlotte asked him. With the way he had been acting all day and yesterday, Charlotte doubted he actually wanted to have sex with her. Though did he even have a plan now that they were stuck in this room together? Or did the man not think ahead concerning the fact that they were now with each other for the rest of the night.

Once at the balcony, Charlotte opened up the doors and walked out onto it. She headed to the edge and laid her hands down on the stone railing as she looked down. Of course.... four stories up. Probably had something to do with her escape last night. Her eyes shifted over to the side. There was another balcony with a ledge leading to it. Though did she trust her balance this high up? The woman let out a small sigh, looking up into night sky. This was all such bullshit.

@ Sweet.Persephone
Ivan chuckled to himself. If the Princess wouldn’t even answer a simple question, how would they even learn to be cordial with one another? He raised an eyebrow and laughed. “Princess, it’s a simple question. I’m not asking anything too personal. Plus. What do you know about me? Vampires age a lot faster than humans so I could be five years old.” He said in a jestful voice.

His eyes watched her carefully as she moved around the room. He didn’t trust the Princess. He didn’t think she would try to kill him here or now. She would be dumb to. He was a trained soldier and positive she never saw a day in the battle field. He had the upper hand in every capacity. “I dunno. Talk. Seems like we’re gonna be stuck together for some time. Maybe we can play chess or cards to pass the time.” He told her with a shrug again.

Ivan moved towards the balcony. He stood in the doorway as he looked up at the sky and then back at the Princess. “Beautiful view.” He commented. Ivan folded his hands in front of him, his eyes watching the Princess. She wouldn’t jump would she? If she did he was sure that he would be blamed and told he pushed her. “What do you want to do?” He asked and grinned at the Princess.

@ BadStreetBoys

"You are 25 years old and your birthday is January," Charlotte told him matter-of-factly. "You are a royal, it's easy to find out." Clearly, Ivan had not done much research on her before arriving. Not that she cared if he knew her age or birthday but the way he had called her a killer on the first day already solidify that he knew nothing about her. Though, in truth, Charlotte thought it would be best if the man remained uninterested. The less he cared, the more she could do under his unwatchful eye. "Though, since you insist, I am 21." Charlotte decided to leave off the month. She would be turning 22 in two weeks but God Forbid the vampires force her to do some strange tradition to celebrate.

She turned back to look at the man as he mentioned playing chess or cards to pass the time. Really? The buffoon forced her to be in this room with him for their 'wedding night' and his best idea was to play a game. Her head turned back to look at the castle grounds before her. No, it actually wasn't the worse idea, she was just in a bad mood. He could have requested much worse. She was simply irritated by it because she had plans for the night. Though, Charlotte did think it was fair of her to be annoyed that Ivan just had to insist on the wedding night.

"Yes, it is. And it will be a long time before either of us see it again." Charlotte pushed herself away from the railing and turned back to Ivan. "Let's play Chess. The winner gets the bed." She was already planning on letting Ivan win. The lounge chair was much closer to the balcony and it looked like she was going to have to trust her balance tonight. Hopefully, vampires actually slept, she needed to get those protective items Darron left and it would be much harder to do in the morning.

Charlotte pulled open the bottom dresser and took out a chessboard and pieces. She set it down on the table in the room before sitting down and putting the board together.

@ Sweet.Persephone
Ivan raised an eyebrow as she told him when his birthday way. “Well well well, what else did you learn about me?” He asked. Ivan leaned up against the frame of the door way. He absentmindedly tapped his fingers along the wood. She was younger than begin. He had always thought he would marry someone younger just because of who his family had spoken about to carry on the line. But he didn’t think that woman would be a human.

He watched Charlotte carefully. She didn’t seem suicidal. He smiled slightly as he looked at the stars. He loved the night sky and the stars. He had studied them for as long as he could. He knew everything about them that he could learn. He loved constellations and the vampire lore behind the star. He smiled at the thought. He had always wanted a wife who he could talk to about the stars with for hours. Laying under the stars, telling the stories about them, abs making love under the night sky. Ivan realized he was daydreaming and turned his attention back to Charlotte. “We have beautiful night skies and forests and lakes in our kingdom too.” He said with a laugh.

Ivan nodded as she agreed to play chess. He wasn’t expecting a yes, but he obliged. Ivan followed after Charlotte and sat down across form her. He waited until Charlotte finished setting up before he turned the board so the white pieces were in front of her. “Ladies first.” He cooed with a smiled.

Ivan leaned back in the seat, his eyes scanning over her features. He was trying to read Charlotte and see if he could pick up on any body language or emotions. “You seem more on edge than I am.” He commented. “I’m not happy about this either. But you have to relax. Stress will lead to an early death.”