“Kind of how Tenzin is well-known at Penglai Island?”
He actually tugged at his collar. “Perhaps. Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight? That dress suits you. The color is... appropriate.”
“Nice try, handsome. And what do you mean, ‘appropriate?’”
“Really, there is nothing to worry about. They will all be dazzled by you.”
“Right.”
They pulled into a long, circular driveway in front of the biggest house Beatrice had ever contemplated entering. It was, as advertised, a castle. Round, stone towers marked the corners and huge walls rose between them. A massive iron gate was swung open as women in glittering dresses and formally-dressed men walked or darted across the lush green lawn in front. She gripped Giovanni’s hand harder and wished, for some reason, that she had her shuang gou strapped to the back of her plum-colored cocktail dress.
“Missing your swords?”
“What?” She looked at him, amazed by his perception, until she realized that she was reaching over her shoulder as if to draw a weapon. Her husband only wore a sexy smirk. Well, that and a very nicely cut jacket and shirt over a pair of slim-cut black slacks. He looked...
“Like a prince.”
He cocked his head at her as if she was crazy. “What?”
Beatrice took a deep, unnecessary breath. “Nothing. Let’s go.”
They left the car and walked along the pebbled pathway leading to the iron gate. They crossed under the arch and found themselves at the beginning of a long path that led over a lush green park dotted with olive trees and classical statuary. The paths were lined by immaculately cut boxwoods and the gravel paths were raked. The house itself lay spread across the back of the park, pure white, with red, terra cotta tile roofs. The arches and pillars of the facade welcomed them, but the dark hills that rose behind the castle cast an ominous shadow over the grand home.
The party was already in full swing, and tables and chairs were gathered in small groups in front of the house. The trees were lit by tiny lights that provided more than enough illumination for the vampire guests, though she doubted the humans could see very well. Small torches also lined the paths. She saw Giovanni glance at them with interest.
“Nothing to be afraid of,” he murmured as he put an arm around her, nodding to the odd passerby. All the humans or vampires they passed seemed to glance at her husband with wide eyes. She saw their lips moving, heard the soft whispers, and knew that they were the subject of speculation.
“I think you may have downplayed how big a deal this was,” she whispered.
“I think that Livia has gone to more trouble than I would have liked to ‘welcome’ us. I do apologize, but we seem to be the main attraction for the evening.”
“Yeah, no kidding.”
Just then, the glittering crowds seemed to part, and an immortal appeared at the end of a long pathway. She was stunning. Her dark curls were piled high on her head, and Beatrice saw diamonds glittering in the waves. She wore a vivid amethyst-colored goddess dress, one shoulder was bare, and her pale, luminous skin glowed in the moonlight and the flaming torches. Her almond shaped eyes were lined with kohl, and her lips were full and smiling.
“Oh... wow,” Beatrice murmured.
“Livia,” Giovanni called, tugging on her waist. She was rooted in place for only a second before she forced her feet to move toward the regal woman who lifted a hand in greeting.
“Mio caro Giovanni,” Livia said with a smile, approaching Giovanni. She reached up and kissed him in greeting, murmuring endearments and pinching his chin. Beatrice raised an eyebrow. Either Livia was a very affectionate maternal-type person, or there were some Greek myth dynamics going on in her mind. Giovanni, for his part, seemed to be barely putting up with her affections, and he never let go of Beatrice’s hand.
“Livia, let me introduce you to my wife.”
She threw up her hands in apparent delight. “Of course, the beautiful Beatrice!” Livia turned to her, the picture of welcome. “Let me greet you, my daughter.” She kissed her cheeks, embraced her, and Beatrice felt the cool stroke of amnis gently run down her arms. Livia stepped back and looked into her eyes. “So, you are the woman who has finally captured my Giovanni’s heart. I thought it would never happen, but I see the love between you. The devotion. And it fills my own heart with joy. Welcome to Castello Furio, Beatrice De Novo. Let my home be yours. You are most welcome here.”
If Beatrice’s breath could have been stolen, it would have been. Livia was vibrant. Magnetic. Beatrice had the almost uncontrollable urge to hug her, just to get closer to the warm hum that seemed to emanate from the beautiful woman.
“Thank you.” She breathed out. “I’m so happy to finally meet you.”
Somehow, Livia appeared to blush. “You flatter me, my dear. It is my honor to meet you. And I simply adore your dress. Come, let me introduce you to my people.” She pulled her away from Giovanni and linked their arms as she guided Beatrice through the clutches of eager vampires and humans at the party. Beatrice panicked for a moment until she felt Giovanni’s fingers reach out and his amnis caressed her arm, holding her even as they were separated.
Beatrice felt like a celebrity. Everyone wanted to meet her. Everyone complimented her dress. Everyone hung on her every word. It was strange. It was terrifying. Giovanni fared no better. Though he hung behind them, he had his fingers twined with hers while they greeted more people than Beatrice could ever remember, even with her improved memory.