Glimmering Desires

To those who were human, Belmont castle appeared to be nothing more than a grand townhouse located 3 miles away from London. However, to those who possessed the magic of unicorn blood in their veins, it was more than a normal estate. The magnificent structure was comprised of white moonstone with pale blue and silver crystals embedded throughout, tall glass windows that overlooked enchanted gardens, and a white moonstone door carved with iridescent unicorn horns. Soft pink roses and gold honeysuckle climbed up the walls, sparkling with an inner light.

The interior of the estate was just as grand as the exterior. The walls and floor were made of white marble with iridescent sparkles that caught the light. Downstairs had the foyer, salon, a quartet of parlors, a conservatory, a kitchen, dining room, afternoon tea room, card room, and ballroom. Upstairs had the Library, grooming room, and vour bedroom suites. Each room, both upstairs and downstairs, contained multiple chandeliers that danced with dazzling crystals.

The outdoor spaces were equally extravagant. A pair of large and lush gardens flanked either side of the home, each consisting of winding gravel pathways and flowers embedded with crystals. Beyond the gardens was a pasture, filled with fresh clover and plenty of galloping space. Completing the enchantment was a large courtyard made of iridescent cobblestone with a white marble unicorn shaped water fountain.

The proprietress of the enchanting estate was Madame Serafina Belmont. To those in her inner circle, she was London's finest unicorn shifter matchmaker. Her sharp eyes and keen senses made it easy for her to bring destined mates together. That was the purpose for her business, to bring love, and pleasure, to those she deemed worthy.

Serafina knew the trials and tribulations that accompanied love, having endured three failed romances herself. She believed she would never find her true mate, but fate had other plans. Two years prior to beginning her business, she fell in love with a dashing unicorn shifter named James Belmont, and the two of them married within six months of their courtship.

Serafina smiled to herself, her dark amethyst eyes falling onto the dazzling diamond and amethyst ring on her left ring finger. She adored James, not because he was a wealthy land owner who just so happened to own a townhouse right next-door to hers, but because of the fact that he was completely and utterly supportive of her business. He was never appalled at what she did, supporting her endeavors with poise, grace, and unadulterated love.

Her thoughts turning away from personal matters of the heart and onto the task at hand, Serafina's gaze traveled to the neatly arranged stack of invitations on her desk. There were 100 handwritten and elegant invitations total, each one being delivered to the unicorn shift or family that was addressed on the envelope. These invitations were for the annual matchmaking ball that would be held in a week.

Reaching forward, Serafina rang a small silver bell, waiting for one of the household servants to come and collect the invitations to send them out. She held these matchmaking balls at the beginning of every social season, inviting 50 gentlemen and 50 ladies to come and meet their true mate. Throughout the evening, she would watch each couple carefully, making sure that they were behaving accordingly. If three couples were immediately matched before the ball was through, those three couples would be chosen to stay at Belmont Castle and get to know one another more intimately.

Moments later, the door to Serafina's private office opened, and a male servant, Shepherd, stepped into the room. He nodded before picking up the invitations. "Are these all that you have to send out today madam?"

Serafina nodded. "Yes, thank you Shepherd."

Shepherd nodded once more before turning and leaving the room.

Rising from her seat, Serafina moved to the large glass window overlooking one of the gardens, a soft smile on her face. Within a week, the ballroom would be filled with the sounds of laughter, music, and a touch of magic. She knew, without any trace of doubt or uncertainty, that the matchmaking ball for this season would be brilliant and successful, just like her previous ones had been. Her smile grew as she turned away from the window, making her way out of her office to begin preparations. Let the matchmaking begin.