October 21, 1853.

King William was hosting a grand masked ball, in order to find his daughter, who was set to be betrothed soon, an appropriate husband. He planned to bring together a wide variety of individuals, especially aristocrats, in order to search for the princess' ideal match and future monarch.

While speaking with another soldier like himself, and savouring wine mixed with his favourite maid's blood, Sebastian lingered in a corner observing the crowd. Even though he detested these kinds of events, he was forced to attend. Gazing upon the dance floor, he could only stare at her as he looked out past the numerous beautiful women dancing. The princess.

Dancing with one of the fools who had come to woo her, the princess was graciously moving in her elegant attire. Sebastian was furious, even though he knew it was for the best. He detested that. No matter how much he wanted to be the one to possess her, he was unable to do so out of fear that his strong vampire hunger would drive him to rip her neck apart.

"Pardon me," he said to the other gentleman with whom he was enduring a rather mundane chat, and stepped outside on the balcony, taking in the freshness of the night and the scent of slightly damp grass. It was his second favourite smell, beside the scent of fresh blood. In that moment, he wanted to rip someone's head off merely to feel better, and he could already feel his eyes brightening red and his fangs craving for blood.

And suddenly he heard footsteps from behind. Knowing he was alone, he was happy to eat anyone who attempted to venture outside. In one quick turn, he was already in front of them, trapping them against the brick wall. However, he hesitated, attempting to stop his urges once he recognised who had been following him.

"Princess..." And there she stood, the sole woman he never meant to harm, and the only one who could defy his mind's influence.