Chapter 17: Meeting the Parents

“Rosaline,” Diana began, considering her words for a moment. “I…didn’t like seeing you so angry.”

“Hm?”

“It’s like you became a different person. I don’t think I have ever seen someone filled with such hate. It seemed like the woman who keeps flirting with me might just vanish forever. That thought alone scared me.” She then gave a bright smile. “You look much better with a smile than a scowl.”

“I’m sorry,” Rosaline spoke, her face a mask of sorrow. “I didn’t mean to scare you.” She gave a matching smile. “If you so wish, I’ll let you see me smile every day.”

Diana quickly sipped her tea to settle her racing heart. Rosaline’s silver tongue continued to be a formidable weapon.

“Just kiss her, you coward,” Juliet shot. “I confessed my feelings; you can, too. And do it before I grab one of you for some private, alone time.” She gave Diana a coy wink.

Diana nearly spat her tea out. She still wasn’t sure if Juliet was being honest or if it was an elaborate joke meant to provoke a reaction from her. She took a deep breath, stood up, and walked to Rosaline’s side to offer her hand.

Rosaline was slightly taller than her, but Diana stood as resolute as she could. “Rosaline, I wanted to say this back in Glendon: I love you.” She took a moment to appreciate how cute the vampire looked as she blushed. She closed the distance and poured all of her love and affection into a kiss. Rosaline wrapped her arms around Diana and returned the kiss.

They lingered together for a few precious moments before separating, a wicked, fanged smile forming across Rosaline’s lips. “I should tell you, vampires can become quite greedy. I fear you may never be able to leave my side again.”

Diana’s heart skipped a beat. She couldn’t think of anything clever to say, and she hated it.

“Lady Rosaline, I found their new uniforms,” Clair announced. She held two maid uniforms on hangers. They were obviously cut short to reveal the wearer's thighs and chest.

“I’ll wear one if Diana wears the other,” Juliet bargained. “And Clair. In fact, Rosaline should wear one as well. How many do you have?”

“I will not wear something so shameless. I’m a hunter, not an obscene maid,” Diana fumed.

“A maid is a kind of hunter. She hunts dust and completes her mistress’s orders,” Rosaline teased. “Besides, it’s one of the benefits of being my assistant. Training, resources, and sharing my bed chamber.” She walked over to Clair and examined the uniforms. “You won’t have to wear one to tomorrow’s ball. I have some dresses prepared that would perfectly fit you two.”

“A ball?” Juliet was curious.

“Yes. My parents, some of my siblings and their families, as well as some of their influential friends and allies, will be here tomorrow.”

Juliet was intrigued. “A real noblemen’s ball. I always wanted to attend one.”

“We’ll do things properly, dearheart. You’ll meet my parents, and we’ll dance the night away.”

Diana was alarmed. “Wait! We’re hunters, and you’re inviting an army of vampires here?!”

Rosaline lightly chuckled. “Dearest, you have nothing to fear. I will not allow harm to befall either of you,” she assured her lover. “Besides, not every noble in attendance will be a vampire. My older brother is engaged to a kitsune, a fox demon woman from Japan.”

“For now, shall I give you a tour of the castle? It seems you’ll be living here for the time being. Please consider this your home as well.” Rosaline waved her arm and bid them to follow her into the castle.

Diana shifted from one foot to the other. Maids swarmed the castle, preparing for the ball. Food, drinks, decorations, and even a band were prepared for the guests’ enjoyment. She wore a pale blue dress, matching heels, and a headband to keep her stylized short hair in place. Diana didn’t particularly enjoy wearing dresses, but she wanted to make a good impression on Rosaline’s parents.

Juliet stood nearby in a black dress, enjoying how nervous her friend looked. “Relax. Rosaline already said they were going to love you.”

“Mmm. Your heartbeat is a perfect symphony, Diana.” Rosaline joined them, donned in a white dress.

“That doesn’t make me feel better!” Diana hissed.

Rosaline smiled. “Relax, dearheart. You’ll make a fine first impression on them when they arrive in a moment.”

True to her word, Clair opened the front doors and welcomed a man and a woman. “Please welcome Lord Bastien and Lady Jeanne de Clairmont.”

“Mother, Father.” Rosaline walked to her parents and embraced them in turn.

“Rosie, you look well.” Jeanne affectionately stroked her cheek.

“I received your report about the battle in Glendon. Why did you show such restraint?” Bastien asked her.

Rosaline smirked and motioned to her beloved. “This is Diana Townsend, a hunter of Glendon and my lover.”

Her father sighed. “That’s why. I’m still surprised, but I do understand. As long as you’ve obtained useful information, I can let this go.”

“Yes, they delivered large stacks of documents and artifacts from Elijah, more than enough to find and eliminate his entire network. I’ve stored everything in my study, should you wish to review it.”

Diana gathered her courage and approached them. “Good day, Lord and Lady de Clairmont.” She extended her hand to shake theirs.

Bastienne raised his eyebrow and took her hand to kiss. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I trust my daughter’s good judgment, Miss.”

Jeanne simply hugged her as a mother would her daughter. “Yes, it’s lovely to meet you.”

Bastienne looked at his daughter with great concern. “A human, my dear? They have such short lives, and after Catarina… Will you be okay?” He spoke in French to keep the topic of their conversation a secret.

“I will be fine, thank you.” She offered a smile, but it seemed almost forced.

“I don’t know a word of French, but it’s not a stretch to say that someone here is the subject of conversation,” Juliet said. “Juliet Reader, it’s nice to meet more vampires without fearing for my life.”

“It’s lovely to meet you as well, dear,” Jeanne warmly embraced her.

“Mother, Father, this is Clair. I rescued her in Ireland after King Charles II invaded. The trauma of battle left her without memories, so I have named her Clair, after our family name. Rosaline introduced her favorite maid.

“Oh. Well then, I welcome you to our family.” Bastienne kissed the back of her hand. “You’ve made her a maid, Rosaline?”

“She insists, Father,” Rosaline explained with a wry grin.

“Please follow me to the ballroom,” Clair bid them.