For the remainder of the ride he sat forward and fidgeting. His mind moving quickly. Concerned for Landons life cause if its bad enough he would take it himself. He heard her sheepish apology and turned his head and nodded. "You are forgiven. I don't need the worry of extra things going wrong little one." He took the opertunity to see if he could comfort her by placing his hand on her shoulder and patted her awkwardly twice. Nope, not doing that again. Hell no. He then went back to fidgeting with the locket and humming a sailors tune.

He kept opening and snapping the locket shut. His hands cold as death and the locket still dainty and gold. This is when Celeste got his attention again. He lifted his head and saw her little fangs. Well isn't that adorable. He thought thinking how pathetic she is. "If you get tempet and hungry by them I have made precautions. Under the table are two boxes filled with blood. Think like a humans wine box with a tap. Should suffice for the night." He then chuckled a little. "I've thought of nearly everything. Nearly." Moving his arms outward he popped his joints.

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"Marshall, why do you even care for this halfling. She's small and bosy, easy to kill." He went over amd sat in front of his brother who was faking being asleep.

"I don't know. There's just something great and wonderful about her that I'm incapable of discerning." He thought back to a month ago where they met and the hilarity that ensued. "I miss her Scott. I want; no, need her back." He closed his eyes and focused on his goal. Darlin, lovely. Please. Just tell me so I know you're safe. I can't rest well till I know it. But just as fast as she came she left.

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Vonheilsig new the building well. After all he okayed the entire process. From materials, blue prints, to even the concrete used for the pathway. The massive white quarts pillars amd black slate detailing. The floors an elegant combination of black quarts and gray slate tiling. The carpet a sleek simple design. The building as it was he considered it his masterpiece. A combination of hundred of years of experience. He pulled out a phone and clicked on a PDF. The guest list. He okayed every person on the list. Forgot how many people are going to dirty my floor. Landon, do nothing. Don't screw anything up.

"We are here Sir" The door between them and the drive closed as Vonheilsig's door was opened. "Get ready for a lot of cameras." He opened her door and she took his arm and they walked on the red carpet leading then threw the massive cherry wood doors. The place was packed and they are the last ones there. Something the humans considered and honor. He shook some hands and they made it to their seats. "We will probably stay three three and a half hours." He watched with a special distain for everyone there unbeknownst to them all. "If you want to take a look around just wait after their humanitarian awards are given out, then the dancing starts and its easier to move about." He took their glasses under the table and a small pop was heard. When he brought the glasses back up he scoffed. "Not even crystal." He handed her one of the glasses now filled with warm blood. "If anyone askes it's merlotte." He then tapped the floorboard with his foot. "The flats are under here. You can put the heals their in there place." He spoke softly so no one else would here them as people where looking at them.

His hand on her didn’t do a lot of comfort. It just added to the dread of her being owned by him. But she didn’t say anything. For this was how he wanted her to be. Quiet, but active and calm about what was going around her. She just sat there till they arrived, listening to the hum of the tune, and the opening and closing of the locket. Which annoyed her greatly.

“ Nearly? “ She asked looking at him with a confused expression “ What do you mean by… nearly, Sir? “ She whispered “ You know what.. Ill just deal with what I must deal with when the time comes. I know I can. Ill suffer if I have to when the blood comes into my nose.” She reminded herself quietly.

No Marshal. I cant. I truly am sorry. But you are on your own with Scott for the time being. I cant risk my life AND yours and Scotts all at the same time. If you get a paper or someone magazine… you may or may not see my picture inside. But She said before breaking connection once more as they walked onto the red carpet, lights flashing all around her, making her heart rise and fall faster than normal and she scooted closer to Von. Something she never had expected to even do. The lights, bright and the lights flashing at her beauty. I wish I never said yes to going.... she thought as she forced a bright white smile at the multiple cameras.

Yes Master... Im trying my best He snarled now looking a the huge watery expance below him what if I went after them without Master knowing....He thought nah... I cant.. he would have my head for that...

They finally were able to sit down at the reserved table and Celeste sighed in relief as she tore the heels off her feet and switched them out for the flats that Von had hidden for her. " Thank you Von.. You have no idea how I hate heels..." she complained again, but then looked away assamed out what she said. He was only trying to make her as comfotable as possible

" A dance? Well that is one of my speciaties. I was taught to dance since I was a little girl, Von" She chuckled as she looked around the whole banquet to see if she recognize anyone... but to sad news.. no one she saw she recognized.

But as she looked, a male human witht he name of Hollan looked at her and grinned. I cant believe she's here he thought as he looked at her beauty I have gotta go say hellow when the dance comes round. And get to know her better before my huge move on her. He had planned out everything very carefully, but with the man next to her, things could get hot and a fight could break out.

Celeste wasnt paying attention to him, since she was looking at the front and then back to Von. Her hand still around his arm. She could already feel the human blood fuming throughout her system and she almost lost control of herself bwhen she bit her own lip and calmed down, coming back to reality. I have to control myself before the dance.. she reminded herself as the Baquet finall started.

He smiled and waved to the cameras as she moved closer to him. He just looked forward and kept smiling before whispering to her. "Everything's fine. Just take a breath till we are seated." He looked from the chair in front of him to the window where he fixed his tie. "Yes, nearly. As I appreciateyou thinking I have infinite wisdom or can guess the future, that wouldbe incorrect; I'm sure those sons of mine are currently testimony of that." What does she care, she's only active to keep her head attached to her body. He put the locket in his pocket for safe keeping.

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He had given up on getting a proper and real answer from her. His fangs pertruded as he was getting pissed now. Sure, cause why wouldn't I. I'm done. I'm going to sleep. If you need me to bad so sad. Getting up off the jagged floor of the cave his body was uncomfortable. Looking over from his stretching he saw Scott out cold. Surrounded by stupidity. He went out to the edge of the cliff and jumped down, immune to the cold water below. He sat on the sand, and accepted his temporary solitude.

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Shaking his head he looked around the room, trying to see if he could see anyone he recognized besides his hired security. All he saw was some guy staring at he and Celeste and Meyer Sheim and one of his mistresses. "Yeah yeah. No problem, heals are stupid." His voice was distracted and cqrried slowly as he poured himself and her another glass. Under his breath he cursed Sheim in Latin. "I can't believe I forgot to uninvite that brain dead, uneducated, waste of space." How did his name slip bye me?That two headed lifeless log cheated me out of 100 acres of land. He stayed seated and crossed his arm, certainly much more sour and impatient then before.

He turned to face her and realized she was still in arm with her Whatever floats her boat I suppose. "Your kidding, you actually want to dance." He chuckled a little before realizing she was serious. "I do many things little one. Dancing is certainly not one of them." He then looked up to see if that creepy dude was still watching them. He gestured his hand to him to point him out. "I think he would be more then obliged to." He shook his head, annoyed that Sheim was there.

Then the award ceremony started and he faked paying attention. Instead he was thinking on what to do about Landon and his escape sons. Why can't they just do what they are told. Life would be so much easier for everyone. He took another sip from his cup qnd slowly freed his arm from hers. "That's enough of that. Take another sip, relax." He moved her now full glass closer to her.

“ I’ll mingle sir…..” Celeste said looking around after awhile. “ I would rather not be sitting here and do nothing but sit.” I cant believe all of the guards here are vampires… She thought as she then looked at the male looking at the two of them “ Oh sir… I couldn’t… Im not one for strangers.” But this male was no stranger to her. Even though her memory refused her to remember who he was. She let go of Von’s arm and drank her drink to the bottom before wiping her elegant lips with a white napkin and stood up. She glared at Von for a few seconds before walking to the male.

“ Why were you staring at us?” She asked, trying to keep herself cool and relaxed., studying the male from top to bottom. Why don’t I know him? I swear I know him from somewhere

“ Celeste my darling little angel” he said walking towards her by just one step and smiled “ How I have missed you.” He said taking her hand in his and kissed it.

" Dont to dare touch me ! A royal" hshe snapped as she bared her fangs at him and stepped back, ever so slowly towards the door that led back out side. But he followed her in hot pursuit. And the guards stopped her and she turned around, only tobe held in Hollands arms yet again. " If you dont let me go right this minute, I will suck your blood so dry and have you laying dead at my feet" her threat could be heared throughout the whole building. And then she looked at the guards and spoke to them to see if they would let her out, but to no avail. Then she looked at Von and mouthed " help me". But all she saw was a shake of his head.

She looked away as she was lead to the males table and was forced to sit down net to him I dont understand what going on... or who the hell this male is. He apearently knows me.... but how?

Landon just gave up on what to do. He didnt have the right to chase after them.

Celest hoped that the drink that she drank not to long ago at Vons table would last long enough through out the dance that was just beginning and was soon taken away from the table by Hollan and one hand on her waist, the other connected to her left hand ' We have so much to talk about, Your..Majesty" she laughed slightly as she took her around the floor, slowly.

The conversation they had together would get even more heated when Celeste acidetally burned Hollands hand when he tried to kiss her lips and she ran off back to the door. The guards holding her arms behind her back like a prisoner " Von! Talk to that bastard and keep him away from me! " Her eyes were filled with anger, her fangs out, her powers slowly raging within her.

But how would Von talk the talk with Hollan? Would it be casual or would it lead to giving up Marshal for Hollan and become his mate instead and have his children. Celeste knew it would be the second one since She reuined the banque on his orders of behaving herself and she was going to pay the price. Painfully.

He sat and moved his hands like he was playing the piano to match the soft music in the background. "Your a big girl, don't act stupid. I'll be watching closely little one." He got up and pulled out the chair for her and watched how pathetic this punk was. I guess she can down a drink. He thought as he watched her drink like it was a shot of tequila. That poor dumbass doesn'thave a chance. He just laughed as she walked over all mad. And such a shame too, if he wasn't so creepy he may have been useful.

By now over half the award had come threw and she had clearly had enough of the man. Von debated on stepping in but clearly this was going to be tonight's entertainment so why try and save the poor basterd. He could practically hear her heart, and the man's. My poor friend, you've messed up now. Then he saw the guy go in for a hug, get shot down, then kiss her hand. It wasn't shocking when he heard her shout. And now we've got a scene. He saw multiple people turn their heads to look at Celeste and the man. He especially noticed Sheim turn to them.

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He watched as she went to leave but was stopped by Vons gaurds. She has the gaul to ask me for help now. He shook his head and waved his hands. Telling the gaurds to sit her with the man so he wouldn't kill them both himself. And it was at this moment she threatened him loud enough for the entire room to hear. All 458 guests. Despite all of that the awards finished amd the floor was cleard of tables for the dance. Standing off to the side he watched as this guy attempted to dance with Celeste. This moron. He is trying to lead when it's his turn to follow, he doesn't know what direction to go in. I think this is torture enough.

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"Oh. And there she goes." She was stopped by the gaurds and called to Von. He took a step forward calmy, cutting threw the dancers demanding respect. A few even bowed to him. When he finally reached her he snapped his fingers and the gaurds dropped her. He caught her before she hit the ground. "I will have much more then simply a few words with him. I assure you, you won't have any problems with him for the rest of the night." He pulled her off to the side and into a corner. He looked her dead in the eyes like he had when he was throwing her around in the cell back in Ireland. "You have 30 seconds to drop all attitude, put away those 1 inch needles you call fangs and calm down." He looked at one of the security officers and had him come over. "This man here is one of mine. In fact all of the security are. He is going to go over and grab you a drink while I have a word with that fool." He turned his back to her and weeved threw the crowd unnoticed and tapped the man on his shoulder and he followed the man threw employee halls outback.

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Asleep in the cave there was no warmth, or joy. It wasn't any better then the casket. He jolted awake to the feeling of being chocked out but no one was there. I don't want to be here. My brother is a lovesick lunatic and she clearly isn't much better. I'm of more use farther away. He sat up and just stared onto the dark corners of the caves. "I should just burn it all."

Sitting in the sea wasn't an issue. He didn't breath or feel the effects of cold. Looking into the distance he saw a shark, it came over and let Marshall pet it. "That's better. But I should really be getting back." He gave the shark one final pat before b-lining it to the surface and landing in the opening of the cave where he patted his brothers head. "Nice to see your finally awake."

Celeste was breathing heavily as the guard let go of her on Von’s orders and then brought over to the corner. She looked into his eyes but didn’t do what he asked her.

She wanted to explain what happened, but he had already eft when the same guard came to stand next to her and extended his hand. A goblet in his hand “No thank you.” She snarled. But it was placed in her hands anyways. If they force me to drink, I’ll kill them She thought.

As her private vampire guarded her and prevented her from leaving, she watched Von walk right over to the male and tap his shoulder.

Hollan turned around, clearly surprised “ Oh gee. I thought it woud be the royal coming back” he chuckled. “ She’s one little feisty little princess. I was going to ask her a question when he ran off. So don’t blame me for what happened.”

He could tell that the man he was talking to was mad “ Look.. I’m sorry for what happened. But she’s the one who caused it” pointing to her without looking at her.

He slowly explained that he knew Celeste when they were kids and that he simply wanted to ask her for her hand in marriage. “ But at this point, I don’t think she even remembers who I am.” Then looked at Von “ would you talk to her for me and explain to her the plan I have for her?” he asked

But it wouldn’t be easy for either of Celeste of Hollan because Celeste would keep declining his request, making the punishments for her disobeying orders, worse.

“ Von I cant marry a man I barely even know, Plus my heart belongs to someone else. And you already now who” Celeste said when they finally got back to the house hours later. “You… can’t force a marriage proposal from him, on me, like this. I decline Even if you force it and do make it happen, Von. I won’t love this man, like I love your son, Marshal. He is my true and forever lover and soulmate.”

But she would find out that she would still marry Hollan even after countless declines, conversations, and punishments. Her only question now was how Marshal would take this news. Would he try saving her or would he just ignore her and break his bond and never talk to her again. She would soon find out that a deal was made and it would be irriversable . Or so Von would think.

Von brought the man outside and when he was done talking grabbed the collar of his shirt and lifted him in the air like he was a pice of paper. "I'm going to say this once and only one. So listen carefully." He began to squeeze his hand shut. He kept him in the air for a while before dropping him to the floor and fixing his out suit. "I will tell her no such thing, you will not approach her, you never met her." He turned his back to the man and popped his knuckles. "Enjoy the rest of the banquet I payed for." Qnd he went back inside and slammed the door, leaving the man by himself outside.

I hope he tries something. I'll let her drain him. He chuckled as he made his way back to the crowded ball room and made it back to the corner she was in and dismissed the gaurd. Leaving just them again. They stayed silent the rest of the banquet. Should I tell her and add to this misery, or just leave it well enough alone. In his pocket he started to snap the locket open and closed as he was in a blank thought.

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The ride home was just as silent except for his locket. I'm gonna do it. What do I care if she takes it well or not. Out of the corner of his eyes he saw the mansion.

I'm gonna do it. In the building she didn'teven wait for him to begin speaking. "Bold of you to assume I care to hear about what you have to say." He removedhis overcoat and unbuttoned his light blue coat revealing tons of long scars, some looked like they went all the way aroundto his back. "He said he knew from your childhood which doesn'tmake sense. He smelled completely human, and was just as week." He looked her up and down. "So unless your in your mid 20's imma vote he's clinically insane." He had already started to walk away from her. "Are you forgetting who's in charge here? If I want you to do something, you will do it." He paused and turned back. "I'm going to change into something more comfortable and less form fitting. I recommend you do the same, get some sleep. Your still week and therefore useless." He disappeared behind his bedroom doors and changed into sleeping attire and left his room to wander the halls and corridors. He quickly found himself without a single thought in his mind.

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"Scott. I have an idea. Let's go get a drink." Marshall was soaked from head to toe. Every inch of his body smelled of salt and the sea. Adventure. "You right, why should I wait tonight when we have so many left to live. Let's go tear up a town. Literally. Burn the farmhouses, tear down the homes and feast on them all." He got this deranged and unhinged look in his eyes as he thought of the perfect place. "Cmon. We have no time to waste, and thus we must make haste!" He stood tall with his arm outstretched, his hand reached for his brothers.

"There's the devil I know." And he grabbed his brothers hand to get on his feet and followed him out of th le cave and back on the old, tired and beaten path.

Hollan was left outside, pacing back and forth trying think of a way to get back at Von for what he did to him and his plan. “ He ruined my chance at her” he said with a sigh.

Celeste looked at his body, full of scars before looking away. “ Im not weak sir… I just haven’t had the chance to keep up with my power training like I used to before you kidnapped me” she then glared at Von with a snarly look “ Im at least that old, Von. Not counting my 120 vampire age” then added He is fully human, sir. Im starting to remember him as we speak… but I cant place where I know him from exactly… “ She had zoned out for a slit second when she heard him say that she would have to do everything he told her to do. “ Yes sir…. “ was her only reply back as she watched him walk back to his room and left her standing there. How could I forget who’s in charge, Von she said to herself I could never.

She then gave up standing there and headed t her own new bedroom and walked around for a half hour, thinking about Hollan. But most of all, her almost ex mate. Each time his face came into her mind she screamed internally and layed on her warm bed, face down, her arms abover her head, forcing herself not to breath, since vampires didn’t need to breath… but she would have to come up for air at some point since she was only half vampire. Am I really useless? She questioned herself. Marshal…. If you are there…. I need you to answer a question for me… am I actually useless? I feel like im failing you and your brother…. And I cant find a way to fix it… Im back at the house and Im about to kill myself over this.

She knew she didnt have a way to possibly kill herself since she had no kitchen... but not eating was the other way. Thats what I'll do then. But at the same time, she knew that Von would never have her starve to death becasue of the plan he mad in his mind when talking to Hollan. She had to be fit and perfect for when the time came to break her bond to marshal and form a new one with Hollan.

As she was ont he bed, her mind was filled with nightmares and she woke up multiple times at night, walking around her room, maing indentations on the floor before leaving her bedroom and walked around the house, hoping Vin wouldnt come searching for her and ask what she was doing up at such a late hour. But even if she did get caught, she didnt care of the punishments.

m going to ask Von what that male talked to him about even if i risk punishment. I have to know. she said turning a corner and looked around still when she heard a grand father clock chimed 1 AM. And rushed quickly back to her bedroom like she never was out of bed.

Wondering the halls he ran his hand along the wall. His nails cutting the walls deeply as he walked. He looked dead forward and stared endlessly. If his steps weren't decisive he would have looked lost. He ended up in his study and just listened. He listened to doors opening and closing, steps from the hundred or so servents. This is a waste of my time, I should just kill her, or brainwash her.

He opened a drawer to reveal nineteen vials. Each one with a different colored cap but all filled with blood. He grabbed a book and the cover read "Spells of necromancy and redemption." The book itself was written in pen and ink, messy and hardly eligible. Leather-bound and just keeping it together. Flipping threw the pages carefully he stopped at his bookmarked page. A droplet from double ten those the ancients deemed worthy, fangs from a fallen son, and a vow of the broken hearted. Once combined in a powder over the body of a deceptionist can bring them back and grant them forbidden immortality. He had read these words over 1000 times and knew them as they have been engraved into what the mortals would call a soul.

It was then the clock chimed and he heard frantic footsteps run back. "I need to get her to give it up voluntarily. If it's not done like that then it's useless." He looked into the locket which he had been opening and closing and saw her face. "Soon. Soon." He closed the book carefully and got up to go see if she was awake. It's time things change if she's gonna do it with a smile. Reaching her door he heard frantic breathing and a quick heart rate. An idea formed in his mind as a wicked smile full of corruption and greed formed along his lips.

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Marshall and his brother where along the trail with rebellion in there eyes and chaos written all over them. Useless, darling that's the last word I would use to describe you. Actually not the last as it isn't a proper description at all. He moved faster and slicker then his brother Scott. And your not failing us, your simply not in any position to help without causing harm to anyone. If anything your in the position to play mental chest with my dear old dad and out maneuver him. Don't hurt yourself. That certainly won't help. A town came into view and he turned to his brother as he saw exactly what he needed. A torch. Just sit tight, we will be there within a few days. I promise. He grabbed the torch off the wall outside the tavern and threw it on the straw roof, setting it ablaze.

Celeste was fast asleep, out cold in fact. She hadn’t had proper sleep since her kidnapping weeks back. Her heart pounded hard and fast at what the next days would bring. As she slept, She heard Marshals voice in her head and a smile was placed on her royal lips. Little did she know what her life would portray now. Her life would flip upside down and she would be forced to marry a man she barely remembered. A bond broke, another one created by magic and sorcery. But she would be bonded not only to her new mate… but bonded closer to Von.

She moved in her sleep so that she was on her back, her arms crossed across her chest. Her whole body at peace. Not a single twitch was seen on her still halfling body.

She was one to never wake up to weird sounds, even here at Vons home. But when she smelled that someone was in her room she opened her eyes, her fangs out. She sat up lookign around, and there at the door was Von, with a devilish look on his face.

" Von!" She exclaimed, pulling the covers over her chest " What in heavens name are you doing in my room when Im inadiquitly dressed and in my night clothes! You know how that bothers me. " She turned the light on that was beside her, got into her red morning slippers and walked into the bathroom. What time is it anyways? I dont usually get up this early... so if you are asking for me to join you for a breakfast meal... i have to decline.. Im not hungry at the moment." I suggest you dont come though... I can still handle this myself. Im safe and sound and nothing will come to me. I love you more than a millin stars in the sky she said to Marshal.

But what she said was not true. Since she didnt know what her life held now that Von had those vials hidde somewhere. She was int he bathroom for a full hour, taking a shower and getting herself all freshened up before the huge day that lay in front of her.

Hollan on the other hand was also trying to get his hands on Celeste and get back at her for what she did at the banquet. So he searched all day and found the only place where she could possibly go. A fancy house. Not knowing that it actually belonged to Von. He knocked three times and waited for someone to answer.