“Selene Carmen is not human,” Queen Thana repeated.
All the kneeling vampires stood up with the news she delivered. My whole body went numb as she turned to me. “This lady here… Her memories cannot be altered again.”
“Again?” Leo went to shock as well standing in front of me. “What are you saying, Your Highness? This would be the first time her memories have been altered!”
“Just as you heard, Young Lord Heathly. The girl’s memories have been altered once and as our bloodline states, a human memory can be altered as much as we can after breaking contracts, a vampire from either clans’ memory can be altered twice… but a vampire bearing all bloodline—”
“—Can only be altered once, and once only... and only a fellow royalty can break it...” One vampire in the crowd replied.
I was so confused. What were they talking about?!
Queen Thana nodded in agreement before speaking, “Her memories had been altered already by her father”—she stood higher in the staircase, ready to announce more news—“Who is also my father.”
There was an uproar in the crowd. I looked at Queen Thana who was smiling at me.
I’m… her sister?!
“But, Your Majesty…” As soon as I started talking, silence filled the place again. “I’m under contract with Leo. There must be something wrong…”
“No.” She looks in all directions. “Since everyone from the Council is present, let me tell you a fact… when the time strikes twelve and Leo Heathly’s eighteenth birthday ends, the contract would also be broken. Meaning the wedding would be off until later. Let’s have some fun until then.” She went down the stairs signaling the music to reappear and pulled me into the dance floor.
“Come on, Selene. Dance with your little sister!” She chuckled and swirled at me. I looked around and everyone was still surprised looking at us, unable to move an inch.
“Are… are you telling the truth? I... I’m not human?” I whispered to her as we took a step with the rhythm.
“Do you doubt me?”
“I-It’s not that, but I… can hear my heart beating.”
“Have you forgotten what I told you before? The thirds-of-blood?” I shook my head. She mentioned it during the camp. “You have it.”
“How is that possible?”
“Right now, your vampiric state is asleep because of our father's wish but later, everything you believed in would change drastically.”
“What?”
“You’ll soon find out.” She winked dancing smoothly, pulling me close. I was still trying to absorb her words which seemed to be impossible. It simply sounded surreal!
Jane grabbed her gown high, glaring and frowning at me and walked to one of the rooms followed by her family and supporters… more like followers?
I couldn’t look at Leo who was still numb in his position. The music ended with only me and Queen Thana dancing.
“Come with me, Selene.” She pulled my arms and we went upstairs. The queen had never behaved like this before! Not even once! “I shall be back when the clock strikes twelve. Please excuse us until then and your questions will be answered.”
“But, my Queen!”
She just smiled back and continued walking straight to a spacious room. We entered a guest room filled with roses everywhere! The table, chairs, even the bed was filled with its petals! Queen Thana locked the door.
“What is this?”
“They always do this when I come to attend their party or anything like that.” She jumped on the bed giggling, still on her gown and shoes making the petals bounce around. She got back up, grabbing a brush from a drawer. “Come sit here, Selene.”
She offered her hand to me but my eyes wandered to her pretty face. As a royalty, her voice attracted others more than just a vampire.
“Selene…”
My body started to move smoothly towards her, sitting on the bed beside her. She smiled and went behind me. I suddenly felt the tie of my hair loosen and my heart beat frantically. Slowly, her hands traced my hair and started combing with the brush.
“Two hundred ten thousand one hundred three…”
“I'm sorry?”
“It’s been two hundred ten thousand one hundred three years since I was born, Selene. We royalty members really have seven times much longer lifespan than ordinary vampires. It’s been such a long time since I’ve brushed your hair… Although it’s much shorter now.” She giggled softly.
“I… I’m still confused and I believe I shouldn’t be in this position when you’re brushing my hair... but will you please explain them to me? I want to know everything.” Her hands stopped but continued again. “I feel like nothing is real anymore,” I admitted.
“I don’t want to waste every single second to tell your story. Once your real self wakes up, you will remember everything.” Queen Thana suddenly pulled me onto her lap.
“My Queen!”
“I’ve been watching you for the past years, Selene, and I’m so glad my big sister will return tonight.”
A droplet slipped on my face and when I looked at her. Queen Thana had tears filling her eyes… not the usual scene you would see, especially from a royalty.
“I’m so happy that… finally… Father’s wish would come true.”
I extended my arm touching her face which was frozen. I imagined that she would brush my hand off or accuse me of harm, but she didn't. Her smile was different from Leo’s or any other vampires.
Queen Thana started humming, putting me in complete ease and silence. It was relaxing me in every bit and angle. I closed my eyes and listened to her sweet melody. She also continuously gave me small pats on my arm. Her voice soothed my whole being, making me forget my worries and just drifted to sleep.
My mind definitely went blank.
“Selene… Selene…”
I opened my eyes and Queen Thana’s face was close to mine. “Are you awake now? It’s almost midnight.” I sat up straight and yawned. I fell asleep not having any dreams or nightmares to bug me.
“I’m sorry I fell asleep, Your Highness!” I immediately stood up bowing my head. She giggled and when I looked at her, she was smiling genuinely.
“Why are you apologizing? You’re very cute when sleeping, big sister! And stop calling me ‘Your Highness’ or with any form of formalities. You’re my big sister and you’re the rightful bearer of this crown, Selene. Never bow down to anyone…”
“I… I’m not sure about that. I feel like… there is a possibility that you’re wrong, Your Highness.” My eyes widen with disbelief to my own words. “I’m sorry!”
What kind of crap was I saying back to her like that? So I'm going to be punished big time!
Queen Thana stood up and grabbed my hand. “Let’s return downstairs. Everyone hasn’t relaxed even for a bit. They have been restless and waiting for us to go back to the hall. You were a big shock especially to the Heathly and von Klein family.”
I looked at the wall and it was quarter to midnight already. We entered this room around six or seven. I even lost track of time! Great. Just great.
She opened the door and pulled me out and all eyes were locked on us as we walked downstairs. I took a peek at them and they had wine cups with them with not wine but blood. I also saw Jane von Klein squeezing the cup on her hands, still glaring hard at me but I decided to look away. I had more important things to know.
“The time has come, my vampires… I am pleased to introduce to you the rightful owner of this crown. After a long time, she has now awakened from her slumber… Selene Vlad Ambrogio!”