The Mansion

Illyria's POV

Today was the day everyone was waiting for. The day where I would choose my future husband. I was thrilled to be able to host this ball and meet all my prospects. Gentlemen coming from all parts of the country, looking to win the hand and heart of the future Duchess of Cromwell. I know, who at this time and age still does that?

    Well, my family follows old traditions, and choosing a husband between the crowd of young men was a big deal for them. Couldn't say I mind.

    My name is Illyria Abbot, and I was next in line for the title, as soon as I chose a husband. I was getting ready for the grand ball. I looked at myself in the mirror, happy with the way I looked. Wearing a beautiful red long sleeve mermaid lace dress, with a sexy slit on my leg, was the way to impress any of these gentlemen.

My eyelids had silver eyeshadow with a scarlet red lipstick accentuating my plump lips. The whole combination complimented my tanned skin. My black hair was down in soft waves with small red roses decorating my hair-do and silver stilettos that lifted a few inches from my 5’ 2’’ petite figure.

    “Is my princess ready?” Dad knocked while I looked at him through my body length mirror and showed him a big smile. He stood there and looked at me with admiration.

    “My daughter is a lady,” he said as he walked towards me, taking my hand to twirl me around, just as he used to do when I was a little girl.

    “I can’t believe you're turning twenty one, and the time for you to choose a husband. They're all waiting for you downstairs,” his words made me nervous. It was time for me to head down there and meet them. Dad offered his arm and I linked my hand on his elbow, preparing for the night ahead.

~~~~~~

    “Presenting to you, Silas Abbot and his wife and daughter Serena and Illyria Abbot, your hosts for the night,” the announcer called our names. The crowd stayed silent and looked up to admire us. I took a deep breath, smiling at the guests while walking down the stairs, trying to show confidence. But on the inside, I was nervous. My father patted my hand, which was still linked in his arm, just to keep me calm.

    “Are you doing okay?” he asked, showing a little concern, probably thinking this might have been a bad idea.

    “I'm more than okay, dad. This is actually perfect. Don’t worry about me, I'm just a little nervous,” I assured him. He kissed me on the cheek and left me on my own to mingle with the guests. A few handsome men caught my attention and all of them, according to my family, were of good royal blood.

Not that I cared.

    I just wanted someone to love. Cheesy, I know, but there is no point being with him just for appearances, if you are not going to be happy. One by one, they approached me and we made small talk.

    “Have you noticed a good prospect?” mom asked as she stood next to me. I shook my head, none of them were as good as I thought.

    “No, mom. They're all handsome and well mannered, but I'm not sure they are husband material,” I replied, still looking around, when my blue eyes met his brown ones from across the room.

He was tall, maybe 6’ 2”, boyish good looks and chiseled jawline, with blonde, shoulder length curls and thin lips, but good enough to taste. He was probably just a few years older than me, but I am not good at guessing the age.

    ‘What are you thinking, Illyria?’ I asked myself. Distracted with my own thoughts, I didn’t realize he was already in front of me.

    “Good evening, Miss Abbot,” he greeted me, taking my hand to give it a gentle kiss on the knuckles, “my name is Cassius Rhodes, future lord of Almenia.” 

    His eyes suddenly turned crimson red, and I closed mine, thinking it was just my imagination or maybe exhaustion. Preparing for the ball had me excited and sleepless. When I opened them, his eyes were back to their natural brown.

    “Hello, Lord Rhodes-” I greeted, but he interrupted me.

    “Please, call me Cass,” his smile was panty dropping, but I had to compose myself, “if you choose me as your husband, it is only fair we call each other by our names.”

    I took my hand away gently and gave him a sweet smile. “Well, if and until then, it’s Lord Rhodes to me, and you can call me Miss Abbot.” 

    He bowed in agreement, knowing I didn’t like his suggestion. “What do you say we go for a walk then? It is a beautiful night and the full moon is a sight to see.” 

    I had to give him credit for being a charmer. With a single nod, I agreed and we walked out the big, sprawling arching doors that faced the woods. Walking there would be hard on my heels, so I took them off and lifted my dress.

The feel of the wet dirt under my feet was incredible. It had been years since I had run through these woods, feeling the breeze in my face and listening to the birds singing their melodious songs.

    “So, what do you do in your free time?” he asked. What a typical way to start a conversation. I sighed in boredom, but I tried to pay attention.

    “I like to paint and write. It’s the only passtime I find entertaining,” I replied, giving him a polite smile, although I couldn’t help but wish that he would be a little more casual and fun. 

    “I could be a little more casual and fun,” he said, as if he had read my mind. I froze on the spot, looking at him, skeptically. He smirked, causing goosebumps on my skin and the hair in my arms to rise.

    “It's better if we go back to the party. They must be waiting for me to cut the cake,”  I said, picking my dress up, ready to head back, but he grabbed me by the wrist and pulled me against him. His red eyes appeared again, but I didn’t imagine them this time.

    “What are you?” I asked, trying to get away from his grasp.

    “Come on. We were having such a good night and I promise to be a good husband,” he snarled.

Fear took over me when I heard screams coming from the house. When I turned back around to face Cassius, he had two sharp fangs and his eyes glowed even brighter. Adrenaline pumped inside me. Hitting him with my heels, I was able to run away.

    “I will get you!” I heard him yell, but I kept running without looking back.