Demyan sighed out of relief, that he found an excuse to ditch the damn Ball. He went to change into his fighting suit, collect his weapons, and go with Luka and Mirko after those Goblins. He prayed for the fight to be long enough so he wouldn't need to spend time with Livia. That's what he wished for the most.
Soon enough they met Adrik who was waiting for them not so far from the Goblins. He was behaving weirdly. Demyan questioned him. "What is with you today?" Adrik was deep in his thoughts. "I was watching them from the start. They don't really attack, they just walk to your castle and avoid your army and conflict. Seems like they don't seek to fight..."
He was right, the vampire army was not far from them, but every time they came closer, the Goblins changed the course. Demyan began contemplating recklessly. With a straight face, he was bluntly replying to Adrik. "I don't care, I need to vent my frustration. This is a great opportunity. They have enough orcs to feed a few vampire villages. If you say something I can spare you their souls. What do you think?"
Adrik didn't even have the chance to express his opinion as Demyan spread his wings and flew towards them with his sword in hand. The Goblins saw him and Viridi the Goblin Prince commanded them to retreat.
He knew that the Vampire prince was a real deal and meant trouble. He despised him, he was just searching for someone he held dear in his heart. Demyan flew up and then he wrapped his wings tight to his body to create no resistance and go into full speed. He hit the orcs with his full strength and everyone who was too close flew away.
A thick layer of dust and ash obscured everybody's vision. As everything subsided Demyan stood all mighty in front of Viridi. Behind him, he left just a deep trench and bodies of dead orcs. The Goblin Prince swallowed the lump which formed in his throat.

That young man with greenish skin and also green hair in a darker shade pointed his sword at Demyan. His emerald eyes were waiting for the vampire's next move. The bad thing was, that he was compared to Demyan very short, but his body despite having a slim stature, was pretty sturdy, because of all the hard training he had to endure while growing up.
Demyan looked him up and down. For a Goblin he was quite handsome, but not like Demyan himself. Still, the Goblin Prince was blessed with sharp facial features, almond-shaped eyes, a high nose bridge, and full lips, which still couldn't cover his lower fangs.

Viridi didn't lose any more time. He apologized, that he couldn't keep his promise and attacked first. He had to revenge his comrades and punish the culprit, who took everything from him. The clank of swords reverberated through the air into the distance.
Adrik with Luka and Mirko joined him in the conflict. The fight didn't take long. After a while, Demyan was too strong for the young Goblin Prince. He was flung to the side. Looking around, how his men were lying defeated around him. Viridi went into full rage and charged again at Demyan.
He kept his neutral unbothered facial expression and with ease blocked Viridi's attempt. Just one fling from him catapulted Viridi again into the distance, where he collided with a huge rock. Still, the young goblin didn't give up. Barely, with shaky legs and the help of his sword was slowly standing up. He leaned on the handle and spit hate towards Demyan.
The whole conflict ended too fast, the rest of Viridi's men rather ran... well they were allowed to do so under special order. Demyan slowly walked over to him, grabbed him by the hair, and pulled his face up. If glares could kill...
Demyan readied his sword to end Viridi's bloodline. The Goblin Prince snapped with a snarky tone at Demyan. "I knew... she was too good for you, I shouldn't let her go..." Demyan had no clue what he was talking about, also he didn't care.
Adriks's eyes widen in disbelief. Demyan swang his arm to silence him. Adrik on impulse knocked Demyan's sword out of his hand before he could land the last stab right into Viridi's heart. Furious, Demyan turned to Adrik. "What do you think you are doing?! Why are you interfering into my business all of a sudden?"
Adriks's eyes darted towards the confused Viridi, who was on all fours staring shocked into the ground. He needed to come up with a good lie, so Demyan wouldn't kill him. "You should take him back to the castle. We could get some good blood ransom for him."
Viridi flinched. Demyan was contemplating about it at last. "Good, Luka... tie him up! We are taking him with us!" Demyan walked past Adrik but stopped for a bit. "Next time if you dare to interfere like this, I won't forgive you for that. We are in a contract, but this is not part of it..." Adrik sighed out of relief.

Demyan still made it in time for the stupid Ball. He dressed up and walked down the stairs to the hall. Mirko and Luka joined him at the door. All were dressed similarly, a little different styles, but Demyan as a Prince was, of course, the most handsome one out of them all.

Demyan wore a dark brocade suit with ruby patterns, a black shirt with a bowtie of the same color. Over his shoulders hung some dark fur held by a golden chain. Black leather shoes with a slight point.

Demyan looked at the boys on the left, and right and nodded. They both opened the door for him. The crowd turned and followed every step. Sava pretended some liking to his son and opened his arms as Demyan was coming closer.
He kneeled down in front of the King and made the vampire's hand gesture. His father welcomed him and took Livia, who stood behind him by the hand to bring her next to Demyan. The most dreaded part by Demyan came true.
Demyan pretended a smile and made a slight bow before he took her by the hand. The King introduced the couple to the crowd and everybody began to cheer for the engaged duo. Mirko with Luka awkwardly sipped their drinks in the distance. They could feel that negative energy Demyan was emitting right now.
Demyan took Livia to the center of the dance floor and with the clang of the musical instruments, they opened the Ball with their first dance. The whole time he had a fake frozen smile on his face. Demyan wished, that someone else would be held with his hands by the waist.
He was dancing with all his grace, like a professional. Levitating together with Livia over the whole dancefloor. Livia was genuinely enjoying herself. Demyan was praying for the song to end and then he would rather somehow entertain the nobility than be in her presence. 

The tunes of the music were coming to an end and Livia did something unexpected... she pulled Demyan by his shirt and kissed him in front of everyone. She even forced her tongue inside of Demyan's mouth.