Lady Dhampir
Chapter 53

Milena gasped at his words. The perfect Queen. Could she ever reach that kind of level? She unexpect Milena was already seventeen, yet she felt she had only a few things to be proud of. She still hadn't a The Wendigo issue was the most preoccupying at the moment. But if the Giants attacked, too, wouldn "It seems like I said too much," said Ellias, noticing her dark expression. "What are you thinking so har "Sometimes, I'm worried we are living the End of an Era. This Kingdom is only the shadow of what it o "I never took you for a pessimist, Lady Milena."

"I am not. But the Giants, the Wendigos, this Ice Age... Our people are already struggling daily to surviv Ellias sighed, and as the second dance started, they didn't separate one bit, picking their steps were t "I want to bring our people hope, Milena. I want to be that light in the darkness. You're right, those ar to be the next best King. It may sound incredibly optimist, or conceited, but I have been raised to be t She couldn't help but be struck by his words. This was probably the first time he was so straight-forwa "Because you're a survivor and someone who grows through hardships. Your story... It's like no matter kind of mindset we need, in those times. Whoever you become, whoever you marry, you'll be writing Milena was speechless, once again. She had never thought of it that way. True, her whole life had bee those situations, using her best asset, her strong will.

"I think... You might be overestimating me, Your Highness."

ought about Princess Silvra, who had been one of her role models for the longest time. She had done so much in the few years she had lived. Meanwhile, the slave traffickers and dug up more dirt than she had cleaned.

ingdom, who was already considerably weakened, make it through?

deep about, my Dear Friend?"

. I'm afraid we are at the last chapter of that book, writing an epilogue that won't end well."

may enjoy our wealth, hold parties like this, but... at the end of the day, even the wealthiest nobles are powerless if they face sickness." off. The blond prince looked very solemn at that moment.

times to live... But Heroes are born during such eras, aren't they? King Silvius has been acclaimed because he saved our people after the disaster hit. I want ect Prince. I want to show them all, to path the way to a new Golden Age. Do you know why I have so much affection for you?" using any detours or metaphors to show his feelings for her. However, Ellias was looking more serious and honest than ever.

ou face, nothing can bring you down. Every time someone or something was thrown your way, you grew stronger from that confrontation. This is exactly the with them."

trying to live another day. From being traded as a child slave, to when she was shot in that forest... However, in her mind, she had only done her best to face

usual."

n, despite their different personalities.

"I don't think so, Lady de Crescent. At least, let me stay admirative of my friend. You're being too mod Milena sighed a bit, but once again, she knew arguing with Ellias would be no use. Both Princes were s They danced a bit longer, unwilling to part with each other. It was their third dance together already, a didn't have anything to hide, just like those other ladies waiting to the side for their chance to talk to They remained silent for a while longer, focusing on their dancing, as the rhythm had accelerated a lit.... Milena gasped at his words. The perfect Queen. Could she ever reach that kind of level? She unexpectedly thought about Princess Silvra, who had been one of her role models for the longest time. She had done so much in the few years she had lived. Meanwhile, Milena was already seventeen, yet she felt she had only a few things to be proud of. She still hadn't arrested the slave traffickers and dug up more dirt than she had cleaned.

hy people took notice. Milena didn't care much, however. She was a candidate and a Duchess, it was perfectly normal for her to act close to the Princes. She

"Do you think I would make a good King, my Lady?" Suddenly asked Ellias.

"Yes."

She had answered right away, without an ounce of doubt. The human Prince couldn't repress a laugh, despite Milena's serious expression.

"Really? I was expecting a longer answer from you."

"You've been groomed to eventually take the throne one day. There is no doubt about your skills, I've seen it first-hand. Your achievements at the Senat are widely known as well, and your politics..."

"I wasn't talking about my paperwork or my mandates, my Lady. I was asking if I'd make a good King, as an individual. One can be skilled yet make terrible decisions..."

"I think so. I've never seen you take any rushed or stupid decisions. You stick to the laws and go by the book..."

Actually, that was the one point Ellias and Rayan were different on. Updated by FindNovel.net; visit us for more free novels.

Ellias had a very honest and straight-forward personality. As Milena said, he was one to go by the book, follow the rules and strongly support his Father's vision. Rayan, on the other hand, was harder to decipher. The Vampire Prince was mysterious most of the time and liked to act his own way. He was more like his mother, the Queen Lyriana.

Truth is, Milena understood both personalities, but she felt more affinity with Ellias, precisely because he was easier to understand, and didn't lie or hide the truth. With Rayan, she had to second-guess everything. It was thrilling sometimes, but most of the time, it brought her nothing but exasperation.

"To be honest with you, I love my brother as I should," said Ellias, "but I don't see him as fit to take over our father's place. Rayan is too self-centered. He would be a great King if it wasn't for his attitude."

Milena nodded, but she was more curious as to why Ellias would share his thoughts with her on the matter. It felt like a private discussion more than one to have with one of the bridal candidates... Unless he was already convinced Milena would marry into the Royal Family?

She wanted to ask more, but the song ended and Ellias stepped away from her with a polite bow.

"Thank you for those dances, Lady de Crescent. I'll look forward to talking to you soon!"

Milena then realized they would both be living under the same roof from the next day on! No matter how large the said roof was, it would still be more convenient for them to spend time together, rather than visiting the De Crescent Estate.

"Thank you, your Highness," she replied with the due reverence.

Ellias smiled and walked away, immediately surrounded by a whole group of young ladies who had obviously been unable to wait a minute longer.

Milena was about to walk out of the crowd of people dancing when Raphael took her hand and started pulling her in for another dance. She complied, happy to let him lead.

"That was a long chat with Prince Ellias," noted Raphael. "Did you even notice Blanche dozing off?"

Indeed, the snake was diligently sleeping, as Blanche had changed into a smaller snake form, and was now rolled around her wrist like some heavy silver-scaled bracelet. Milena sighed.

"It was an interesting chat," she said.

"Would you care to share with your older brother?"

Milena told him everything, even her chat with Rayan earlier. Raphael was the brother she was closest to, and the one she could easily confide in about matters of the heart. He was well aware of her feelings already, and more than capable of keeping her secrets. "Interesting... I always thoughts the brothers' feud was about their Father's throne, but now it seems it involves you too." "What do you mean?" Asked Milena, flustered.

Raphael couldn't help but sigh while making her spin.

"My beloved sister, you're a wise woman for anything but the matters of the heart. Millie, I think both Princes love you. Or at least, they have strong feelings for you. They both basically agreed you'd make a splendid Queen. Just wait for them to try and snatch you away during the bridal competition."

Milena chuckled.

"Aren't you quite the romantic? You forgot they don't need to steal any lady, they get their pick at the end of this week."

"What can I say. I have the prettiest little sister, I know a beauty when I see one."

They both chuckled, making another spin to follow the dance, and having fun, enough for Milena to forget her painful feet for a short while. Raphael was good at distracting her, and a good dancer too.

She couldn't forget the crowd around them, though. It was a special night, after all. Everyone was wearing their best outfits and trying to solidify their connections. Milena was grateful she didn't have much to worry about after she had been announced as a candidate. She could start thinking about it tomorrow morning. Just for tonight, however, she wanted to be a teenager enjoying a party.

"Didn't you notice anyone your fancy?" She asked Raphael.

He sighed, glancing at a group of young men chatting on the side.

"To be honest with you," he whispered, "I did find someone my match, most recently. It will probably not be a long relationship, though. Commitment is hard for my kind..."

"Is he married?"

"Fianced... and a vampire, too. Oh, well. I can work with that. At least you gave me the one thing I could never have, Millie, a child."

She smiled. Raphael wasn't always such an optimist, but it was a nice change. Though it probably had to do with the wine served. "How is my adorable niece?"

"Living her happy life as a baby... She bites an awful lot. The maids are not too fond of her, I'll admit."

"Is that why you keep assigning the ones you don't like to her?"

"Maybe."

Milena chuckled. That was so like Raphael... Rowena was indeed an adorable baby vampire, but Milena wasn't too fond of babies. She only visited her once in a while, but she couldn't help but feel bored soon. She even wondered if she could ever be a good mother, given that she had such a hard time with young children...

She would have to, though, if she was to marry one of the Princes. Giving birth to her husband's heir was one of the priorities in a noblewoman's life. Especially if a war was coming, it would be one of the first things the young couples would focus on. "Raphael, his Highness said the Giants were spotted."

"Really? That would explain why Father was called to the Royal Castle at such a time..."

"Don't talk about it, though. It's still a secret."

"My lips are sealed. I bet Father will let us know as soon as we go home, anyway. But don't worry too much, Milena. It's too depressing to talk about the war. Just focus on the Selection for now, hum?"

She nodded, but no matter what, it would be hard to forget about such a piece of news...

As the song ended, Raphael escorted her out of the dancefloor, finally allowing her to rest her feet a bit. Milena needed a little break and decided to excuse herself to the Ladies' resting room. It was a little salon, for the ladies to sit down and speak comfortably, refresh themselves and use the bathroom.

She didn't expect to find it empty, but as she walked in, there were fewer people than she thought, only a handful of young women her age and two older ladies. Among them, however, was Philomenie de Winter.