Jalice leaned into her touch when she placed her hand on his cheek. When she asked him if this was really it he couldn't think of anything to say, but he surmised his silence was more than answer enough. Neither of them were happy about the situation they were in. He loved her with all of his heart. Once they settled their differences he had learned who she truly was.<br/><br/>There was so much he wanted to say in that moment. But the words wouldn't come out of his mouth. When she rested her head against his chest he leaned down and kissed her softly on top of the head. When she asked him if he would dance with her a pained smile appeared on his face and tears finally fell from his eyes.<br/><br/>"I...I would love to." And then like a fool in the rain he danced with the woman he should have been marrying for what they both believed would be the final time. Even though he wore nothing and hated the rain he danced with her. At some point he stripped her of her clothing and they made passionate love right there in the rain. Somewhere overhead lightning flashed but it didn't bother the vampire at all. Nothing would be the same tomorrow.<br/><br/>When morning arrived he woke with a start and blinked when he felt a body against his. It was Rosalie! Both of them were completely naked. Perhaps somewhat selfishly he didn't move. He slid his arms around her in a tight embrace. He would have laid just like that for the rest of the day but there was a loud knock on the door.<br/><br/>"Get up! We have a lot to do! We must get prepared for the arrival of Princess Ariella and her entourage. Do NOT make me come in there!" It was the voice of one of one of the lords of the House of Birds. One of the few people with permission to talk to him this way.<br/><br/>Rosalie would be in deep trouble if they found her with him but he couldn't exactly open the window because the stone slab was over it so Rosalie didn't fry. She didn't have a pendant like he did.<br/><br/>"We can't leave together but I'm going to quickly get dressed and leave. When you can sneak out please do so." He thought for a minute and then kissed her on the lips softly. "No matter what happens...I want you to know I love you."<br/><br/>Jalice dressed as fast as he could and then hurried into the main chamber of the Valic Dominion. His father sat there on the throne. The king's hair was as white as snow much like Jalice's but his eyes were yellow. A half moon crescent was in the middle of his forehead and beneath both of his eyes were a pair of scarlet slashes. These things were the mark of an incredibly powerful vampire.<br/><br/>The king's name was His Royal Highness Imperium XV. He observed his youngest son with disdain as he made his way towards the throne and bowed before him. Whatever he might have intended to say to his youngest son died in his throat when the doors burst open and in walked Valor. The elder brother walked over and stood next to Jalice but he did not bow. He ran a hand through his curly lilac locks and sighed.<br/><br/>"The humans will be here in about four hours," he informed them.<br/><br/>"And where have YOU been?" Imperium asked his eldest son. "I noticed that you have been absent from the Dominion stronghold far longer than usual. You haven't been doing anything to endanger the treaty have you?"<br/><br/>"Dear father I would never dream-"<br/><br/>"DO NOT TRY TO SMOOTH TALK ME LIKE ONE OF YOUR STRUMPETS!" Imperium roared. Jalice flinched but Valor merely frowned.<br/><br/>"Father I would never talk to you as if you were one of my strumpets because I have no interest in bedding you." Jalice turned and stared at Valor unable to believe he had just said that. But Valor was angry and his emotions were obvious on his face.<br/><br/>"Get out of my sight." Spat Imperium. "But you had better be ready to perform for the wedding ceremony. Or I'll have your head. I've dealt with your petulance long enough. It's time you began behaving like a prince."<br/><br/>Valor thought of saying something snide but decided against it and stalked out of the main chamber. This was why he spent so much time away from home. His father wasn't always like this. But power changed people. Especially those who were in danger of losing their power.