Silvan didn't avoid the curious gazes of the Vampires, meeting them coolly. Some looked away when he did, while some looked amused, and a smaller number held his gaze with inscrutable expressions.
He studied the table they were to be sitting at as he approached, Prince Elio was already seated with his betrothed and a similar-looking Vampire Silvan had yet to meet. And all alone on the other side of the table was Luka.
The red-haired Vampire's gaze was dark and cold and fixed entirely on him. This was the one Vampire Silvan pretended not to see, exchanging polite but distant pleasantries with the Crown Prince of Vampires and his betrothed.
Silvan had already formulated an easy enough plan of survival, and his bath had further cleared his thoughts. He would be receptive to the Royal Family's offer of friendship.
His true feelings were still a turbulent mire beneath the surface but the more time he spent in Vallyn, the easier it was to exist amongst Vampires. Maybe he would never stop seeing them as monsters who preyed on the weak but he would try his very best to solidify his country's alliance with Vallyn.
Elio was pleasantly surprised that Silvan deigned to strike up a conversation with him, wondering what sort of black magic his younger brother had wielded to get this change out of him. But considering he had the mad son of the Grand Duke in knots over him while completely remaining unaware, it wasn't all too surprising.
"I understand you have yet to meet Cielo Bianci," Elio took it upon himself to introduce the Vampire to Silvan. "He's one of the revered custodians of our customs."
A light went off behind Silvan's shrewd eyes, interest in the blue-green depths as he took in the frail Vampire. He knew Vampires didn't have a religion but there might be a few conversations to be had with a custodian.
"Your Highness flatters me," Cielo murmured reclusively, his hands folded in front of him. "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Prince Silvan."
Silvan didn't get the opportunity to chat with the Vampire, Cielo quickly ducked into the seat beside his older sister, looking like he would like nothing more than to leave.
The King and Queen of Vampires were approaching the table then, with his father and older brother in tow, so he lost the chance to say anything more.
Queen Nadia was beaming as she approached, "We came over to drop Alexander off, it's no good that he's all alone at our table. Politics has to be boring at a celebration."
"I was just about to ask Silvan to invite Prince Alexander over," Alessio chimed in, wisely not mentioning to his mother that they intended to have a drinking party.
The table was already quite full so Alexander didn't have a lot of options on where to sit, settling in between Luka and Cielo like he had done during the wedding.
"You disappeared right after the wedding," He leaned in to speak to Cielo, "I didn't think you would make it to the afterparty."
Cielo sighed long sufferingly, slender fingers tucking his pale hair out of his face. "My sister made me come."
Alexander had a relaxed smile on his face, "I'm certain you can leave as early as you like."
Cielo nodded seriously, he was looking forward to that. As soon as he found a chance, he would retire to his rooms. Sharing the same seating area with Luka twice in one day was too much for his poor heart.
By this time, the Kings and Queen had said what little needed to be said and were making their way back to their table. Their journey there hadn't just been to bring Alexander — the Crown Prince could walk by himself. They had wanted to check on their children, and Nadia had tacked on a warning look at Luka as well.
It was already sundown now and the celebrations were in full swing, the table was heavily laden with food, and on the now empty stage, a group of mesmerizing dancers stepped up.
After watching a few performances,the food on the table was all mostly cleared away. Unlike the welcome dinner and the wedding earlier that day, no one approached their table.
Alessio was usually reticent in public spaces, but most of the people on the table were familiar to him so he spoke freely. "Mother banned me from drinking alcohol for a week..."
Elio's depthless black eyes had mirth in them at his younger brother's words. "How did you manage that?"
Alessio kept his secret close to him but his guilt was harder to hide. "That's not important now. Silvan asked for leniency for tonight so we'll be having a drinking party!" He announced with glee, pleased that he could get to drink to prepare for the week ahead.
"Everyone is welcome to join in! It's a night of celebration after all, and you're equally free to back out whenever you want."
"Is there a reward for the one last standing?" Luka joined the conversation for the first time, attracting the attention of everyone seated at the table.
"Alessio mentioned that no one can outdrink you." Silvan calmly responded before Alessio could intervene.
Luka's cold smile didn't touch his eyes. "Would you like to put that to the test?"
Alessio shot his friend a warning look across the table. This was the reason he was getting a drinking ban for a week. "There'll be no competing!" He interrupted hastily, "Just celebratory drinks. Non alcoholic drinks will be provided as well."
Luka retreated with a black look on his face. He had wanted to sit out the afterparty after Queen Nadia's words but the thought of leaving Alessio all to Silvan made him crawl back with his tail between his legs.
"Will you be joining us to have drinks?" Alexander turned to Cielo seated beside him. The timid Vampire was the easiest to speak to, even easier than his own brother.
Cielo shook his head, "I can't hold even a sip of wine, I would be drunk after a glass."
Alexander was reminded of the welcome dinner, and how easily Luna Bianci had gotten drunk. And even more than that, he was reminded of how beastly she became afterward.
"It's certainly best to stick to non-alcoholic wine," He encouraged quickly, he would rather not become averse to his only company.