THE FESTIVAL
Freda's POV
I took a deep breath, staring at my reflection in the mirror. Christy and some of the other mates had done their best to make me look like I belonged at the festival, even if I knew deep down that I didn't belong.
My hair fell in loose curls over my shoulders, and the deep red gown I wore clung to my curves perfectly. But even with all this effort in making me look good I wasn’t feeling motivated. I hope everything goes well today; I muttered to myself.
Damien had been acting strange recently. I didn’t want to think too much about it at first since he was probably occupied with preparations for the festival but I couldn't shake the unease that had settled in my chest, something was definitely off.
Firstly, he made no effort to spend time with me and secondly, after the several meetings he had with the elders, he refused to tell me what they discussed which was so unlike him, Thirdly, he was awfully quiet and absent-minded during lunch or dinner.
I looked at my feet after one of the maids who assisted in getting me ready had helped me to wear them. I have not felt or looked this beautiful in a long time. I have to forget about Damien and the elders for today, I should try my best to enjoy today.
"How do I look?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
Christy flashed me a warm smile. "You look perfect. Absolutely breathtaking."
"Yeah," I muttered, glancing at my reflection again. I wished I could believe her, as much as I look pretty I know other queens today will look more pretty. "Thanks."
"You’re going to be the center of attention," one of the other mates added, her voice filled with excitement.
I smiled at her knowing fully well that without all these I would still be the center of attention, I mean which human comes for a vampire festival. To top it all I’m even their queen.
Damon knocked on the door, and when he walked in, his gaze locked on me. For a moment, the tension around him seemed to lift, and he gave me that crooked smile that always made my heart skip a beat. But as quickly as it appeared, the smile vanished, replaced by a guarded expression.
"You ready?" he asked, offering me his arm.
"Yeah," I replied, linking my arm through his. "Let’s go."
As we walked into the festival, I could feel everyone’s eyes on us. Some looked at us with admiration, but others… Well, I could feel their resentment burning into my skin. Being the mate of the vampire king I had haters, and not everyone was thrilled that a human, someone not even a vampire, was standing by his side.
A lot of people were present, more than I expected. Some people were dancing to the music, some were drinking from their pets and some were discussing among themselves.
The courtyard was adorned with light and beautiful designs and banners. Damon held onto my hand the entire time, and for a while, it felt like things were almost normal. A few of the queens approached me, and although some were still cold and distant, others actually attempted to be kind, engaging me in polite conversation.
The only queen I liked and might become friends with was from a clan that I couldn't even pronounce properly. She invited me for lunch and I accepted. Hopefully Damien agrees to let me go.
Suddenly, I realized Damon was no longer beside me. I walked around the crowd, trying to spot his dark hair and tall figure amidst the crowd filled with vampires and the greatest witches of all time. Where did he go?
"I’ll be right back," I muttered to Christy, who had just rejoined my side. She properly noticed I was alone. She looked at me with concern, but I forced a smile and slipped away before she could ask any questions.
My heart pounded in my chest as I weaved through the festival, searching for Damon. Why would he just leave like that?
