Skylar prepared for her dinner date with Esther. She wore a long emerald gown, complemented by a jade necklace that adorned her neck. This necklace was a gift from her mother. Alice had a similar jade locket. Skylar also wore a ring on her forefinger, symbolizing the monarch of Sanguineton, and pearl earrings that completed her elegant look.
After getting ready, Skylar left for her date. When she arrived, Esther was waiting near their reserved seats on the terrace.
Esther was a tall and handsome young man in his mid-twenties, with charcoal grey eyes framed by square metal glasses, silver-grey hair, and sharp cheekbones. He looked dazzling in his emerald suit.
As Skylar approached, a small smile spread across his otherwise serious features. Skylar walked up and kissed his cheek, and he smiled at her. He pulled out the chair for her and then sat down opposite her. Soon, the waiters arrived to pour their drinks, and two violinists began playing a classical piece, Zigeunerweisen.
"It's been so long since we had dinner together. I've missed you a lot," Esther said, kissing Sky's hand.
"I know I haven't made enough time for us," Skylar replied with a hint of guilt. "But I will try to make more time for you and our dinner dates."
"I should have arranged this as well. But with Dad being sick, I've had to take on extra responsibilities. Celeste has been as annoying as ever, constantly arguing with me over what needs to be done. You know that if I weren't being forced by my dad to take over, I would have pursued a career as an artist, much more satisfied than I am right now," Esther said, dreaming about what could have been.
Celeste Whitemoor, the second prince of Nightflare, was Esther's younger step-brother, the child of Damien Whitemoor's second wife after Esther's mother passed away. Celeste was the potential heir, but Damien never allowed his second son to take over. Instead, he forced Esther to take on the responsibilities due to their strained father-son relationship.
"I don't understand why Uncle Damien won't let him inherit the kingdom. You always seem trapped in the court when I visit you at the castle," Skylar said, concern etched on her face.
"I think he doesn't want me to have a peaceful life," Esther replied bitterly.
"Don't say that. Why would he want anything bad for his blood? He must have his reasons," Skylar said softly. Noticing the gloom on Esther's face, she decided to change the subject. "Alice has been away from the palace a lot lately. I worry about her; she may appear cold and calculating, but she's quite chaotic. She doesn't take any security with her. I hope there's no danger lurking around her like last time. I brought her back from the afterlife itself," she said with worry.
Taking the opportunity to steer the conversation, Esther said, "Alice is still a teenager and a vampire. Naturally, she'll be chaotic, but she will manage. Don't worry. If you want, I can send some of my men to keep an eye on her." As he spoke, he took a spoonful of risotto.
"I tried, but they lost track of her before they even saw her. Alice is smart; she knows I sent them but will never confront me about it. Let's leave it be for now," Skylar sighed, taking a sip from her wine glass.
Esther nodded in agreement. "So tonight, I have you all to myself. Let's put politics and family matters aside for the evening," he suggested. "Let's finish dinner, and then I can drive us both to my penthouse."
Skylar smirked at the idea. "As you say, Sir."