Skylar got ready for her dinner date with Esther. She wore a long Emerald gown, with a Jade necklace adorning her neck. This necklace was her mother's gift to her. Alice had a similar jade locket. Sky had a ring on her forefinger, a symbol of the monarch of Sanguineton. Pearl earrings complemented her whole look.
After getting ready, Sky left for her dinner date.
Esther was standing near their reserved seats on the terrace.
Esther was a tall, handsome young man in his mid-20s. Charcoal grey eyes with square metal-framed glasses, silver-grey hair, and sharp cheekbones. He was looking dazzling in his Emerald suit.
Seeing Skylar arrive, a small smile spread on his otherwise grim, handsome features. Skylar walked to him and kissed his cheek. He smiled at her. He pulled out the chair for Sky, then settled down opposite her. Soon, the waiters walked in, pouring their drinks, and the two violinists started playing classical Zigeunerweisen.
"It's been so long since we had dinner together. I missed you a lot." Esther said as he kissed Sky's hand. "I know I couldn't make enough time for it. But I will try to make more time for you and our dinner dates." Skylar replied guiltily.
"I should have also arranged for it. But with Dad being sick, I had to take the responsibilities. Celeste has been annoying as always, fighting me over the responsibilities. And even you know that if I weren't being forced by my dad to take over, I would have been an artist, much more satisfied than I am right now." Esther said, dreaming about this possibility.
Celeste Whitemoor, the second prince of Nightflare, was the younger step-brother of Esther, from the second wife of Damien Whitemoor, after Esther's mother died. Celeste was the potential heir, but Damien never let his second son take over. He forced Esther to be responsible due to their estranged father-son relationship.
"I don't understand why Uncle Damien won't leave the kingdom to him. You look trapped in the court every time I visit you in the castle," Skylar said with a pained look.
"I think he doesn't want me to live peacefully," Esther said bitterly.
"Don't say like that. Why would he want bad for his flesh and blood? He must have his reasons," Skylar said softly. Seeing the gloominess on Esther's face, she steered the topic away from his father, "Alice is being away from the palace a lot nowadays. I fear for her; that girl looks cold and calculating, but honestly, she is chaotic. She doesn't take any kind of security with her. I just hope there's no danger looming around her like the last time. I got her back from the afterlife itself." Skylar looked worried.
Grabbing at the chance of change from the topic, Esther said, "Alice is still a teenager and a vampire. Of course, she will 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." Esther said, eating a spoonful of his Risotto.
"I tried. But they lost her before they even saw her. Alice is smart; she knows I sent them, but she will never confront me. Let's leave it as it is, for now," Skylar sighed, drinking a sip from her wineglass.
Esther agreed. "So, tonight, I have you all to myself. Leave the politics and family matters for tonight," Esther said. "Let's finish the dinner, and I can drive us both to my penthouse."
Skylar smirked at the suggestion, "As you say, Sir."