Myra
Donning the red wedding dress made from the finest cloth and the most exquisite veil I had ever seen in my life, I was finally ready to leave my home and aboard the carriage that was sent by my husband-to-be along with my father and sister. Harmony had helped me to get ready, a gloomy look marring her face, she tried to smile for my sake but we both knew that it was a pretence. My father was no more bothered than he was when the vampire lord had asked for Harmony's hand. He was already waiting for us in the carriage.
"You look beautiful", Harmony said with a tremulous smile, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. She was looking at my reflection, she too, was looking beautiful, wearing a green gown that belonged to our mother and a simple necklace, her hair was tied up in a fancy bun that she had learned from one of our village maids.
I looked at her through the veil, reining in my emotions, I slowly stood up and turned to face her. Embracing her I whispered, "You look prettier than me, Mony", my voice quivered a little. She pulled away all too quickly and busied herself to straighten a non-existent crease on my veil, "Don't say so, I wish I could do something Myra", her lips wobbled as a stray tear rolled down her cheeks, I hurried wiped it with my glove clad fingers.
"I....hope, he makes you happy", she murmured, fidgeting with the sleeve of her dress, her voice sounded so hopeful and earnest that I could not argue but nod. I never had any notion of living happily ever after with the lord. Even though she sprung the news upon me this morning, I doubted whether I will be loved by him.
"Let us go then", she said mustering up a cheerful grin, I smiled back and together we left.
~~~~
The carriage was an ornate one, as soon as we stepped out of her house a man had leapt off from his seat and hurriedly opened the door for us then he helped us get in. The carriage was spacious and tasteful. I moved the curtains a little to peek out, I saw a few of our neighbours peeking out from their windows and doors but no one even bothered to come and say farewell.
"You both are late", my father had grumbled which both of us ignored.
Silence prevailed as the carriage inched towards its destination, the sound of horses' hooves and occasionally the sound of whips filling in the otherwise quiet atmosphere. The curtains were pulled back on the side my father was sitting, giving us what little view we could get at this time of the night.
The castle was situated deep in the woods. No one but high officials and aristocrats had ever been to the castle. My heart pounded as the destination approached.
~~~~
The carriage came to a halt, increasing my heartbeat and jolting my father out of his nap. My sister's eyes flickered to mine, concern lacing her gaze. I took her hand and squeezed it lightly, reassuring her. After a few moments, the man opened the door of the coach, "We have arrived Misses, Mister. Lucas", he announced with a short bow. I nodded in acknowledgement. He offered his hand to help my sister and me out of the carriage after which our father got down.
I quickly checked if he was alright which he was, I suddenly heard a sharp intake of breath. I turned to see that Harmony was looking ahead with her mouth slightly agape. I followed her gaze and let out a gasp.
We were standing in front of a beautiful castle that was shining like a beacon of light in the dark woods, illuminating the area as much as it could. I couldn't take my eyes off the beauty. Each window, it appeared had been lit up with lanterns, the towering beauty looked mesmerizing. I was so in awe that I did not realize the man standing at the threshold along with a few attendants.
"Miss", the man from earlier cleared his throat bringing me out of my trance. I blushed and lowered my gaze, ashamed at such inappropriate behaviour. He simply smiled and said, "I am Andrew by the way and his lordship is awaiting your arrival", he gestured towards the entrance and then did I see him.
My breath caught in my throat as I looked at him, he was looking as handsome as he did when he visited our house. Even though the veil, I felt his gaze boring into mine, my cheeks heated.
"Let us proceed with the ceremony then", my father said gruffly.
The word 'ceremony' suddenly brought me back to reality, reminding me of the reason we had arrived here in the first place. My father offered me his hand which I took gratefully. My sister walked silently beside him.
If the outside decor was beautiful, the decoration inside the castle was even more captivating. The entrance gave way to a foyer lit up by a huge chandelier giving way to a red carpet clad wide staircase. I glanced at my father and sister who did not deem to conceal their wonder, their eyes taking in the view.
I saw his lordship walking ahead of us, his attendants trailing behind. Even though he had been standing at the entrance he did not being to welcome or greet any of us which irked me a little. We soon reached a huge ballroom which had been richly decorated with satin and flowers. There were no guests, no one except the few of us.
A wave of sadness washed over me. This is not what I wished for. A sob threatened to break free. Damian went and stood on a raised dais, in front of a portrait beneath which was a velvet-clad table.
Please go and take your place miss", Andrew said politely directing me to stand opposite to his lordship. My father escorted me till the dais, I took my place silently, uncomplaining.
I glanced at him through the veil, his face remained impassive, never sparing a glance at my way as he took up a golden goblet from the table and drank its contents a little. Then he offered it to me and finally looked at me. It felt as if his onyx orbs had pierced my soul, he murmured, "Take this and drink its contents", I obeyed. Lifting up my veil a little in order to drink I took a sip, the liquid tasted tangent and metallic, I realized a little too late that I had taken a sip of blood! My suspicion was confirmed when I looked into the goblet and then looked up at Damian, whose lips had slightly tilted up, forming a smug half-smile. His eyes glimmering with amusement. I felt a little nauseous.
My hands trembled a little as I handed back the goblet. He placed it back on the table.
"Give me your left hand my lady", he murmured gently, his tone husky yet soothing. I offered my hand, he brought it to his lips, all the while looking at me and then lightly kissed it. The cold sensation seeped through the fabric of the gloves, sending shivers down my spine. I held in a gasp.
He then produced a gold ring adorned with a red gem and slid it on my fourth finger. It fit snugly.
"And now you may kiss the bride", someone said from my right, I did not bother to look as I was captivated by Damian's gaze. He slowly lifted the veil, his eyes searching my face. For a fleeting moment, I imagine I saw a foreign emotion in that cold gaze before they were gone.
He cupped my chin with his thumb and forefinger, his touch cold and clinical, and placed his cold lips on mine, sealing my fate and entwining our paths.
MyraMy mind was reeling even after he pulled away, the kiss was not what one would say 'chaste' and neither was it passionate. It was rather cold and detached like my husband.Husband.Who would have thought?...My eyes had shut on their own accord, I slowly opened them when I no longer felt the cold lips. I opened my eyes to the face that I would have to look at, every day, from this moment on. His eyes twinkled with amusement even though his lips did not reveal as much.Hr turned towards to face the others, I mimicked his action. He looked at my father and said, "Your debt has been paid. You and your elder daughter shall live the rest of your life comfortably. Bastian will show you your rooms for the night. Your meals will be served there". His tone held finality so much so that my father who always had the final say, did not even utter a sound.My eyes landed on Harmony who was dabbing the corn
MyraI was awoken by a soft knock on the door. Even though I had slept fitfully for the better part of the night, I might have dozed off at dawn. It was the same lady who had attended to me last night. She entered the room after giving me a cursory greeting before busying herself with tidying the room, opening the curtains and making up the bed.I scrambled out of the room, my cheeks turning hot as I was not at all used to these services. Back at home, it was me or Harmony who did the house chore."Uhm...Miss...there is no need-", I began too embarrassed by such a thing but she interrupted me, "I am the housekeeper of this manor m'lady. My name is Beth Jones, I am responsible for cleaning the Master's chamber", her monotonous voice had an edge to it and her eyes did not even attempt to conceal the disapproval.I lowered my gaze and mumbled, "Pleased to meet you, Miss. Jones". I let her be as she barely acknowledged
MyraI wiped away my tears hurriedly even though I knew he had seen everything. I straightened and looked at him square in the eyes, my jaw set. "Welcome back my Lord", I greeted with a short bow. He did not move from his position, he was observing me. I clenched my fists. The weight of his stare was too much for me to bear at the moment. I turned away and stomped to the cupboard. I sifted through the clothes idly because there was absolutely nothing else for me to do in the room to avoid his gaze."Why were you crying?" his voice was nearer, he had definitely entered further into the room. He gave him a cold shoulder. It was almost noon and my dear husband just wishes to saunter into the room and ask me why I was crying. Ridiculous."That is none of your concern, my Lord", I answered through clenched teeth as my hold on an evening dress tightened."Loosen your hold, my lady", he murmured right beside my ears and I stood dumbfounded a
Myra"So...is everyone in this mansion, like Lord Damian?" I asked Alice, reluctantly. She was helping me get ready for Damian's guests that were supposed to be arriving today. The thought had not occurred until recently. The comb stilled. I looked at her through the mirror. Her eyes had widened, "Why would you say that?" her voice was almost a whisper."Uh...I apologize", I chuckled nervously. She resumed combing my hair, her lips turned downwards, "No...no my lady I beg your pardon for going beyond my station", I could feel the rhythm of the combing faltering."Ah...don't be", I mustered a smile, my ears heating up. I subconsciously caressed the silver ring, the metal felt cold against my warm skin. She mumbled, "To answer your question, most of us are humans. His Lordship is really kind to us poor people. I am an orphan and my dignity was at stake. Had it not been for him...rescuing me on time...I would have..." she trailed
MyraMy ears were ringing. Alexandra's lips were titled up into a sardonic smile, no doubt relishing my speechlessness. She regarded her red varnished nails as she conversationally asked, "Wish to hear more?"I balled my fists, "I don't believe you. There is no way my sister will do such a heartless thing and my father? He might be an irresponsible man but he will never stoop so low either". I glared at her unperturbed reaction. She clucked her tongue, "So naïve". Her gaze locked with mine, "Tell me then Myra, why did your sister and father leave without meeting you? Or why did your sister tell you that you were to marry lord Damian on the wedding day itself? Did you not question this?"I opened and closed my mouth, unable to say anything. My heart was pounding in my chest. My heart was denying the very possibility of father and... Harmony doing such merciless work. My sister's guileless smiles, her caring nature, her protective
MyraMy ears were ringing as I stared at him, open-mouthed. His gaze was unflinching. He was spewing lies, I whispered, still denying the fact, "No. You- you cannot. They...how? Harmony?" My voice quivered, the question barely making any sense. Damian's gaze turned gentle. He averted his eyes, "My lady-" I held up my hand, sniffling, I felt faint. Even though he would tell me the whole truth at some point, but at the moment, I had no intention of hearing it.I lowered my gaze, my vision had blurred with unshed tears, my mind was reeling with this unforeseen revelation. My hands trembled as I kept the book aside. Silence ensued and I don't know for how long it prevailed before I heard Damian sigh."Your father was indebted to me, Myra, but he had no other choice than to-""-marry me off to you to pay your debt?" I glared at him. He huffed out a laugh, shaking his head, "Oh, if it only were the way you say it". He locked his gaz
MyraFor a while, the only sound in the otherwise silent room was my sobs. My whole world was crumbling. I felt nauseous, so this was Damian. The sob turned into gasps and black spots marred my vision. Am I dying? Well. death will certainly not be unwelcomed. Death felt enticing, a better option than living a life as a maid despite being married to the master of the mansion, being humiliated in the process and not knowing the end of this ordeal. Yes, death would be significantly better. After all, no one needed me anymore, neither my family nor whom I considered as my family or my estranged and superficial husband. My body tilted sideways, I felt light-headed and succumbed to the darkness.~~~~It might have been a sharp yank, or maybe a harsh shake that awakened me. I blinked my eyes open, wincing at the bright sunlight streaming into the room through flimsy white curtains. A groan left my lips, I realised I was not sleeping in the proper
DamianThe stretch of my lips felt so plastic that it felt more like a grimace, and even Greyson could detect it as his grin widened. The word 'pet' grated my skin like a jagged stone. Greyson and I were turned on the same moonlit night. High Queen was the one who took it upon herself to execute the Change. Since then, centuries have passed, seasons have come and gone, and I have managed to remain in the High Council's good graces, steadily rising in rank and maintaining my position as one of the esteemed Royals of the court. With fame comes envy, and I wasn't ignorant about it. A few vampire leaders did not back down from leering at me and taunting me in open while many spoke about me behind my back. Unfortunately, my blood brother surpassed them all. Being given the position of an Elite instead of a Royal irked him to no end."Won't you give me permission to at least bid farewell to my better-half?" I implored, the pretentious genial grin plaster