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Chapter Seven

   After several long days, Esper was finally done playing hostess. Her father needed help keeping the momentum going for the ball preparations, and she was more than happy to volunteer. However, Esper didn't anticipate the task to be so grueling. Being the household head for one day was fine, but it was an entirely different beast for multiple days. 

   The vampire dragged herself up the stairs to her room. She barely made it to her boudoir before she slumped over and passed out from exhaustion.  

   Esper woke up slightly as the light touched her face from the bedroom door opening. A tall shadowy figure floated through the room and approached her. The young woman tried to raise her head to look at the person, but her body was weak from fatigue. 

   "Let's get you into bed before you hurt yourself sleeping like that," the figure whispered into her ear. The voice sounded familiar and had a calming effect on Esper. 

   When Esper tried to look at the figure's face, all she saw were shadows like in her dreams. That's what this must have been, a dream just like before. The mysterious man picked Esper up bridal style and carried her over to the bed. 

   "Big Brother, I missed you so much," she whispered sleepily. The warmth of his body was calming and comforting. Esper thought she saw the glimmer of a smile break through his face's shadows as he set her down.  

   "I told you I would come back for you, silly girl." He stood up and began to leave when Esper reached out and grabbed his hand. 

   "Stay with me, big brother, don't disappear." If this was really a dream, then the figure would stay. 

   "Alright, but just until you fall asleep." The man chuckled as he came back. He sat on the bed and held Esper as she snuggled into him, drifting back to sleep. Just before she was gone entirely, Esper felt his face against hers and whisper into her ear. 

    "I have loved you for so long, my little princess. I hope you love me too." He gently kissed the side of her head and left her room once she was fast asleep.  

   Several hours later, Esper was startled awake by Saffron and Senna jumping on her bed. Remembering the dream, she quickly looked to her side and saw just a pillow that she had been snuggling. It was just as Esper thought, a dream. No man came to her room last night. 

   Esper pulled the blankets back over her head and rolled up like a burrito. All she wanted was a few more minutes. "Go away, you guys, and let me go back to sleep."  

   "You can rest when you are dead," Saffron exclaimed. 

    Esper sighed and peaked out of her blankets. This must have been payback from earlier in the week. Letting out a big sigh, Esper sat up. "Okay, okay. You win this time."  

   "Now get up, sleepyhead. We have to get ready for the ball." Saffron pounced on her in excitement.  

   "We get to wear beautiful dresses and dance with any boy we want. It is all a dream come true," Saffron squealed while squeezing Esper.  

   "Alright, alright, I'm getting up." Esper crawled out of her blankets sluggishly, prying herself free from Saffron's grasp. She made her way to the bathroom to get cleaned up, her entourage following. 

   "I'm hoping I will catch the eye of that forever brooding bachelor tonight." Saffron tried to spark a casual conversation as she inspected her face in the mirror. "What's his name again? The one with the green eyes." 

   "Maxim?" Esper called over the sound of the rushing water. 

   "Yes, Maxim, that's the one. He ticks all the boxes on my 'ideal husband' checklist. Although he seems to only pay attention when you are around. Whereas the only one who seems to be interested in me is that dolt, Remy." Saffron let out a sigh. "You have to help me get rid of him. He will embarrass me in front of Mother and Father, and I have a reputation to build. I do not need him bringing me down in the ranks." 

   "Even though Remy is the polar opposite of what you want, I think you should embrace it," Senna offered. 

   "Easy for you to say. You and Asher are practically already an item," Saffron retorted. 

   "I'm with Senna on this one, Saff," Esper added. "I think Remy would be good for you." 

   Finding her cousin's advice unsupportive, Saffron marched over to the toilet and flushed it. Esper let out a yelp when the icy water rained down on her. 

   "That is what you get for not being on my side and for trying to use a nickname," Saffron triumphantly declared. 

   "Oh, please. Using a nickname is not going to ruin your socialite status." Esper stuck her head out of the shower. "If anything, it will make you more approachable." 

   The remark pushed Saffron even further, and she flushed the toilet again. This time Esper was prepared and used her water affinity to divert the cold droplets. She sent the downpour over the shower's top and right on to Saffron, eliciting a scream from her. 

   "That's it," Saffron yelled and charged into the shower. The girls tousled until Esper had her cousin in a headlock on the shower floor. 

   "Concede and admit nicknames are adorable." Esper rubbed her soapy hair all over Saffron's face. 

   "You wouldn't understand the struggle," Saffron argued, spitting the silver hair out of her mouth. "Your name doesn't allow for a shorter version." 

   "Exactly my point. I don't have the proper syllables. All I have is Es or Sper. Not exactly cute. But you have Saff or Ronnie." Esper looked out towards Senna. "Wouldn't you agree?"

   "I think Ronnie would suit her quite well," Senna teased. 

  "Ugh. Fine, I forfeit," Saffron conceded. "But if you start calling me Ronnie, I am going to make your lives a living hell." 

   "Only when you aren't in the room," Esper laughed, finally releasing her cousin from the vice grip. 

   Letting out a huff, Saffron left the shower, allowing Esper to finish bathing in peace. 

   After the battle in the shower, Esper and the girls got ready for the ball. Esper picked a black oil slick dress with a sweetheart cut bodice and a long flowing skirt with a slit that went up to her mid-thigh. She curled strands of hair and pulled it to one side in a grand side swoop style and gazed into the mirror at her reflection. She admired how the dress made her red and blue hazel eyes pop. 

   Saffron wore a tight-fitting iridescent floor-length gown with a plunging neckline. She pulled her hair back into a tight bun and hair sticks poking through the sides, allowing her flawless neck and shoulders to be on full display. Senna chose a more conservative dark blue silk gown, with black mesh sleeves. Esper and Saffron convinced Senna to leave her hair down, letting her tight spiral curls cascade down her shoulders. Satisfied with how they looked, the girls sat and talked until it was time for their arrival. 

   "Do you think the boys are fighting over who gets the first dances with us," Saffron asked as she inspected her nails for any chips or nicks in the paint. 

   "I really don't like the idea of men fighting over me. Makes me feel less like a person and more like some prized possession." Esper shuddered at the thought. 

   "My dear, sweet, Esper, when are you going to learn you are more than just a person." Saffron walked over to the vanity and placed her hands atop her friend's shoulders. "You are the first female pureblood since your mother. Soon you will be taking your place on the high council, as the queen of your mother's bloodline." 

   There was a soft knock on the door, interrupting the conversation. The three girls looked at each other with a confused look as they all walked to the door. Taking the lead, Esper slowly opened it and revealed Asher standing outside, wearing a beautifully tailored suit. His mouth almost dropped, seeing the three mesmerizing women. 

   Recovering from the surprise, Asher bowed and looked up. "Would you allow me the pleasure of escorting Senna to the ball?"  

   Senna blushed beat red, overhearing the request. Esper looked at him quizzically. "Only if you tell us how you boys decided who was going to escort each of us?"  

   Asher gave her a big toothy smile "We all played rock paper scissors, and the 3 winners got to escort."  

   Saffron snorted, "And I am guessing my older brother was third?"  

   Asher stood and comically popped his collar. "Actually, sweet sister, your darling big brother, won. So, I got the first pick." 

   His eyes softened as his gaze reached Senna, "And I chose Senna."  

  Asher walked over and bowed, outstretching his hand towards the blushing beauty. "It would be an honor if you will accept me." 

   Senna hesitantly placed her delicate hand in his. "A-alright." 

   With cheesy smiles on their faces, the couple walked through the door together. Senna glanced back and gave her friends a brief wave just before they were out of sight. 

   "Yoo-hoo," Remy sounded as he and Lucca arrived at Esper's room, wearing tailored suits.  

   "You ladies look lovely this evening," Remy smiled devilishly at them. He made his way to them and got on one knee, taking Saffron's hand.  

   "Oh, dear sweet, sweet Saffron, please allow me to escort you to the ball," Remy feigned dramatically. Saffron looked at Esper with dread and sighed as she accepted his hand.  

   "Please stick with your day job, acting is not your calling," Saffron huffed.  

   "Oh, some fire to go with that sweetness of yours. It cuts so deep," Remy jokingly said as he placed the back of his hand to his forehead. 

   The two left the room, leaving behind Esper and Lucca. Esper shot the young male a smile and asked: "Shall we follow?"  

   The nervous male bowed and nearly shouted: "It would be an honor, Miss!"  

   Esper chuckled as she placed her hand in Lucca's and curtsied, "The pleasure is mine."  

   A small excited smile spread across Lucca's face before he regained his composure. He gently led her out of the room and to his side as they walked towards the party.

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