11Disclaimer: I don't own Vampire Knight.
Night World:
Chapter Two
"Kaname-sama, has adopted a human," an elegant blonde woman whispered to her companion as they walked up the steps of the Kuran manor.
"Really? The boy must have gone soft. It's probably due to his upbringing," her partner murmured back as they stepped through the towering entryway. They were escorted to through doors on the right and into the ballroom where they joined others of their kind.
It was perhaps the grandest room in existence; it was the largest in the manor and bigger than the famed ballrooms belonging to Louis XV. A wide staircase led from the door down unto the dance floor below. The floor was made of dark marble, and towering pillars of white marble supported the ceiling far above the dancers' heads. Cream walls held gilded mirrors. Couches with cream cushions lined the walls for guests to sit, should they tire.
The room grew silent, and all of its occupants turned toward the entryway, bowing. There, stood Kaname Kuran, the one person powerful enough to rule the vampire race. He wore a simple black tuxedo, with a white shirt, and a loose black bowtie. Beside him, Takuma was similarly dressed. Between them, was Yuuki, clutching Takuma's hand tightly, her other arm held Usa-chan. The child wore a beautiful, lavender dress. Its full skirt was edged with lace, a sash of violet round her waist. A violet bow was tied around her throat, protection against the thirsty, chocolate bangs were held away from her face by a matching bow.
She raised her head, and more than one vampire was taken aback. Innocence gazed back at them. The child on the stairs looked like a porcelain doll. Though she was no way near as beautiful as any of their kind, she seemed to give off an aura that drew you to her. And her scent… it was like freshly bloomed roses and some exotic spice, tempting all in the room.
Then the pureblood spoke, drawing their attention away from the girl, "Good evening, I trust you have had a safe journey to my estate. I would like to introduce you to my ward, whom I have adopted in memory of my parents in hope to continue their work. This is Yuuki." Just as she had been taught, Yuuki gave the room a delicate curtsy. She was the only one who did not notice the tone in the pureblood's voice. She was not to be touched. "Now, let us enjoy the evening."
Takuma lead Yuuki to one of the couches, lifting her to sit upon it so that she would not ruin her dress. Takuma remained standing, giving her a small smile. Kaname's words from earlier echoed in his mind.
"Guard her. Do not leave her alone. She will be a sheep among the wolves tonight."
He knew what Kaname meant. Yuuki's scent tempted him as well. Her scent could drive even the strongest insane. He gulped, his throat suddenly drying.
"Taku-kun?" Her voice broke him from his thoughts, and he looked down at the one he was supposed to protect. She gave him a smile. "Is Taku-kun alright?" Her worried look, full of love, wiped away his thoughts. Yuuki trusted him. Kaname trusted him.
"It's nothing Yuuki-hime."
"Konbanwa, Ichijo-san, Yuuki-san." A beautiful women appeared before the pair, her eyes taking them in like a snake surveying its dinner. Her gown was black offsetting her blonde hair and blue eyes. In one hand she held a fan, edged with black lace.
"Konbanwa!" Yuuki flashed a smile at the stranger before her.
"Konbanwa, Takanara-san." Takuma gave a slight bow to the older vampire. The Takanara's were not a supporter of the monarchy; this witch was probably thinking of a way to use Yuuki to bring Kaname down. He flashed a forced smile.
"I was shocked to here the heir to the Kuran bloodline had taken in a human. It is quite the scandal. To bring such a thing where it does not belong… Of course, maybe the boy has his reasons. She certainly is of higher quality." For food. The lady smirked and let out a little laugh before walking away. Takuma was glad she did. Had the vile woman stayed any longer he was certain something disastrous would have happened.
"Taku-kun, that women was scary." It was said so innocently in such a blunt way that he couldn't help but laugh.
"Shh, Yuuki-hime, or she might come back," he whispered conspiratorially as he sat down beside her. She giggled. Neither noticed that nearly ever vampire in the room was watching them discretely, eyeing the human who had caught Kuran Kaname's attention, and just waiting for a chance to approach.
Seeing their laidback appearance, a pair of nobles approached.
"Konbanwa, Yuuki-san, Ichijo-san," the man said bowing, the woman beside him followed suit. Both had blonde, startling blue eyes, and looked to be in their early thirties.
"Konbanwa, Aido-sans. Is Hanabusa-san here as well?" Ichijo stood and bowed to the couple. He noticed the way their eyes lingered on Yuuki, assessing her worth when it came to the pureblood.
"Hanabusa and Tsukiko are home for the evening. I shall tell him you asked, Ichijo-san," Aido's wife replied.
"Aido-san is very pretty. Just like a princess," Yuuki tilted her head, innocently gazing at the noblewoman. All three stared at her a little stunned. "Usa-chan thinks so too! Mhmm, mhmm," Yuuki nodded in confirmation, flashing them all a smile while presenting her precious bunny to the stunned nobles. "Aido-san is handsome too," she smiled at the man, "Is he Aido-san's prince charming?" She inquired of the women looking between the two. Her expression clearly said she believed she was seeing a fairytale come to life.
Michiru Aido, looked down at the little child, a surprised smile forming on her face. The girl was so innocent. She reminded her of someone. She was a little like Hanabusa when he was a toddler. They shared the same naïve expression, but it wasn't quite who she matched up with. Who had shared the same fairytale ideals? She thought back to her childhood.
An elegant girl stood on the balcony, her long, dark curls flitting about in the breeze. She was gazing out over the garden, completely ignoring the party behind them. "Ne, Michiru, wouldn't it be wonderful to have a knight in shining armor to take you away from all this? A beautiful prince upon a white horse that would save you from all of the horrible things in this world and promise you forever by his side? You'd tell one another how much you loved the other once a day or more. You'd be his princess, he'd be your prince, and you'd live happily ever after." Her expression had traveled far away, crimson eyes seeing another place, and a small smile was upon her face. "One day, Michiru, my prince will come and we'll find peace together."
It was the same lost expression. It merely lacked the maturity the one in the past had held.
"Arigato, Yuuki-hime," Michiru said, using the honorific she'd heard Ichio's grandson use. Still, she could not approve of their lord's choice. "Enjoy the party." Placing her hand on her husband's arm she led him away. Yuuki would become just another pawn in the game, just like the girl she so resembled.
"Yuuki." The child looked up at her name, to find a pair of dark ruby eyes staring into her own.
"Kaname…sama," she replied with a smile of joy, remembering the honorific belatedly. He smiled slightly at her reply.
"Come with me Yuuki," he offered her his hand. Taking it, she allowed him to help her down. Kaname lead her back to where Ichio stood. He had been discussing council matters with the old bat and noticed the way the elder had been watching Yuuki. It would be easier if Yuuki stayed by his side. He would worry less. He had seen Lady Takanara and the Aidos approach her already. The other noble's wouldn't be content to watch her from the sidelines for too long.
"Konbanwa, Ichijo-sama," Yuuki greeted the elder with a curtsy and a smile just as she'd been taught. Ichio showed no surprise at her greeting if he felt any.
"Konbanwa, Yuuki-san," Kaname could tell the elder could barely contain his contempt at the honorific he was required to put after her name. They continued their polite conversation.
Other nobles came to greet them, and the evening continued on. He suspected Yuuki's mind began to wander after the tenth arrived. It was nearly midnight. Looking down at her he saw the way she watched the dancers in the center of the room. Her voice echoed in his head.
"Can Yuuki be a princess like Cinderella?"
"Yuuki, would you like to dance?" She turned to him, her eye lighting up.
"Hai!"
"Excuse us," Kaname gave a slight bow to the nobles he'd been conversing with. Takuma was left in charge of Usa-chan as Kaname lead Yuuki to the center of the room. Taking her other hand, he lead her into the waltz, knowing the orchestra would slow it slightly as he'd instructed earlier. At first she was slightly clumsy, but soon she learned to follow his lead and they danced smoothly. She gazed back at him, happiness and wonder in her eyes as they glided across the marble floor.
Hours later, the party ended. Kaname stood at the entrance saying goodbye to the guests.
"I enjoyed the party, Kaname-sama. That pet of yours is simply delicious," Lady Takanara appeared before him. She snapped her fan in front of her face, but it did little to hide her smile. "I'm sure I'm not the only one who thinks so," she murmured before descending to her waiting car." Kaname's eyes darkened. The party had served its purpose, a show of power. He was no weakling for them to play with even if he had taken in a human. But Takanara's words were not a hollow threat. He would not put Yuuki in danger; she would not attend another function.
Silently he entered her bedroom. Takuma had taken her to bed earlier. She lay curled up beneath the covers, clutching the rabbit he had given her. Her hair was already tangled on the pillow and there was a little drool on the pillow. He watched her for a few more minutes, before leaving, shutting the door softly behind him.
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