Disclaimer: I do not own Vampire Game in any way.

Hey there, people. Yeah, I know I promised a sequel to "Whatever It Takes." But I just got done with this one and I thought I'd post it up first. Please don't hate me for this!!! Anyways, as usual, this is a Duzel/Ishtar pairing.

Will You Go With Me?

Ishtar was sitting at the dining room table, enjoying breakfast when Sir Keld strode into the room. She kept on eating and pretended not to notice him until he cleared his throat loudly, which made her glance up at him.

"Your Highness, as you know, the Winter Ball is coming up this weekend. It is only three days away. I know you think this ball is only a social gathering, but I think it a wonderful opportunity for you to meet a consort," said Keld.

"Consort? What are you talking about?" said Ishtar with her mouth full. She swallowed.

"Almost all of your male cousins will be attending, and I am sure that one of them will make the perfect husband for you. All of them are perfect suitors for you, so-" Here, Ishtar interrupted.

"Whoa! Hold up! Since when did you decide I was getting married? I'm only fifteen, if you haven't forgotten," she said.

"Of course I haven't forgotten. And I was only pointing out that this is the perfect chance for you to meet someone," said Keld, exasperated.

"Whatever. Just as long as you're not forcing me into anything," said Ishtar, taking a sip of juice.

"Well, now that that's settled, let's talk about your schedule. I've cancelled your lessons for the next three days. Your time will be spent trying on the dresses and gowns that I had the seamstress specially make for you," continued Keld.

"Uh-huh," said Ishtar in a bored voice.

Sir Keld left the room. Ishtar turned back to her plate of food when she noticed Darres staring at her.

"What is it?" she asked.

"Huh...nothing," said Darres quickly.

Ishtar gave him a look.

"Okay, okay. I was wondering if you'd like to go with me," he said, a little nervously.

"Go with you where?" asked Ishtar.

"Um...to the...to the..." he trailed off.

"If you're talking 'bout the ball (chewing), I'm already going. (swallow) Didn't you hear the old man?" said Ishtar.

"Yeah I heard him, I just thought..." Darres mumbled

"Well, I guess I'd need an escort, but c'mon. You always escort me to these things," said Ishtar.

"No, not as an escort, Lady Ishtar," said Darres, his voice getting small.

"Then, what? You can't possibly be asking me out. Though, it would be nice to have a date. Then maybe not so many guys would hit on me. It gets annoying," said Ishtar.

"Actually, that's exactly what I wanted to ask you," said Darres, his voice now barely audible.

"Oh. Okay, if you want. But just to let you know, I totally can't imagine you getting all dressed up nicely," said Ishtar, getting up from the table carrying Duzel.

In Ishtar's Room

"Oh, Duzie, did you hear? He asked me to go to the ball with him! And all this time, I thought he hated me. Do you think he's sick or something? Oh, who cares? He asked me to go with him and that's all that matters," Ishtar gushed happily.

Duzel, who was on the bed, leapt off and transformed. His long silver hair swept over his shoulders. He looked at Ishtar with his red eyes.

"Ishtar, he could be asking you on Keld's orders," he said.

"Nah, I don't think so. If he was, the old man would've mentioned it at the table. Plus, didn't you see how nervous he looked? It was adorable!," said Ishtar, laughing. "Oh, man, this is so great."

She turned to look at Duzel but he seemed lost in thought. When he noticed her staring at him, he snapped back into reality.

"Oh...yeah, it's...it's great. You still love him, right?" he said.

"Yeah, I do," said Ishtar.

Duzel didn't say anything. He had just felt a burning inside him, much like jealousy. But why should he be jealous? He knew the princess loved her bodyguard. Still, his insides seemed to twist with jealousy at the thought of them together.

There was a knock on the door.

"Who is it?" Ishtar said.

"Your dresses, M'Lady. We are to assist you for the fittings," said one of the maids.

Okay, just a sec!" said Ishtar.

Duzel changed back into a kyawl just as the door opened.

Okay, this seems like a good place to leave off. I'll have more chapters up soon. And I will post the sequel to "Whatever It Takes." I promise!