Prince Alex didn’t say anything, but he didn’t need to. It was obvious to all these high-society vampires that these two people were in love.
‘I thought I was the one who did the matchmaking,’ Olivia whispered, giving her sister a nudge. ‘Well done.’
Ivy looked over to the Queen. She looked stunned, one gloved hand on her heart. But as the happy couple began greeting guests, her face softened.
It was clear to everyone that they seemed to fit together so well. Tessa laughed nervously and Alex kept one hand firmly on her waist.
‘I just hope that the Queen might start to accept it,’ Ivy whispered back to her sister.
The band struck up the first song and couples moved on to the dance floor.
‘My beautiful daughters.’ Mr Vega appeared in front of them. ‘I must say thank you for bringing me here, for showing me what family is all about.’ He bowed formally. ‘If I could, I would dance with you both.’
‘Luckily –’ Jackson stepped over – ‘I can help with that. Olivia?’ He bowed and held out his hand which Olivia accepted.
Ivy chuckled as her father did the same for her.
While Olivia’s cheerleader training helped her pick up the steps very easily, and Jackson’s movie training came in handy for him, Ivy and Charles lingered near the edge, giggling as they pretended to dance.
Prince Alex and Tessa waltzed past in sync. To Ivy Tessa looked just like a princess should.
‘Thank you,’ Tessa mouthed as they floated past.
‘Not quite our scene, is it, Ivy?’ said Mr Vega as they waddled back and forth.
‘But I’m having fun,’ Ivy admitted.
Just then, the Queen walked up to them. ‘I believe you are responsible for my son’s happiness this evening.’
Ivy blinked and stopped dancing. Did that mean she’s not going to have my head chopped off?
‘The Lazar family has a way of changing things,’ the Queen said.
‘What do you mean, Your Majesty?’ Mr Vega said.
‘First,’ she said, ‘your parents have been pestering me for years about being more inclusive with humans and, secondly, your daughter has shown me that I should also trust my son’s judgement more than I have.’ She glanced across the dance floor at Alex and Tessa, then looked pointedly at Mr Vega. ‘Times do change, sir.’
She swished away, her train trailing across the wooden floor.
Ivy’s dad looked stunned, but he smiled. ‘That was a surprise,’ he said to Ivy, taking up her hands again and starting to dance.
Just then, the Countess clapped her hands. ‘Ladies and gentlemen,’ she called. ‘Thank you very much for attending. We are so happy to have our family together on Valentine’s Day, knowing that there is so much love under our roof. We hope that you share those loving feelings and that you enjoy this song, chosen especially for my wonderful granddaughters.’
She signalled to the band. After the first few notes, Ivy recognised the song. It was ‘Together Eternally’ by The Killer Bees, one of her favourite bands.
Olivia hurried over with Jackson, Alex and Tessa. The Count and Countess came too, and the eight of them formed a circle, with the younger generation shouting out the words to the song.
For the first time since she’d arrived, Ivy felt like she truly belonged.