Chapter four- The arrangement

For the first time in centuries, Lucien regretted leaving before he had answers. A day had gone by since the incident at Wickery Bridge. Every time he closed his eyes, the images from that evening returned. 

The cold water, the weight of her body in his arms, her pulse, proof that she was still alive. She was human. Too human and too fragile. Did she see his face? Feel his strength? 

Maybe he shouldn't have saved her. That thought was cruel but he risked exposing himself. The rules he had lived by for centuries were once more broken in seconds. 

But when he remembered her struggling, her running out of air, her fragile body, he knew he would do it again without hesitation.

He asked himself why he was bothered about her. She probably didn't remember. Humans tend to forget. The shock, trauma and anxiety could have had its effects on her. She probably woke up to think it was a miracle.

But then she opened her eyes briefly, even if unfocused, she had looked at him. And Lucien had lived long enough to know that some moments carved themselves into memory whether the mind wanted them to or not.

He turned away from the window, pacing the room. 

His thoughts drifted to where he didn't want them to. Where was she? Where did she live? Did she survive without complications? Was she alone now, waking up confused and searching for answers only he could provide but still couldn't give?

This pull he felt made him unsettled.

It was not desire, it wasn't hunger, it was something much more heavier. It was an urge to know. To see her again. To be certain she was fine.

This terrified him.

Because Lucien did not chase humans. He never involved himself with them. He wasn't the type to allow any moment to turn into attachments. Especially not now with the situation he had with his father. 

Not now where duty and power was waiting for him. Yet, no matter how hard he tried to push the thought away, one question kept returning.

Did she remember him?

Just then, Lucien sensed someone come in with full speed. 

Lucien heard him before seeing him. He instantly knew who it was. 

“Brother! Wow you look terrible”

Lucien turned to see Nicholas leaning on the door. Hands in his pocket, relaxed like he didn't just walk into the house uninvited.

“Nicholas”. Lucien called out. He didn't seem quite surprised to see him. He already knew why Nicholas was here. He barely came around, and whenever he did, it was always for a reason. 

Nicholas was his younger brother. Their father had turned him into a vampire just two years after turning Lucien.

“You always announce yourself like that?” Lucien asked.

“Please,” Nicholas replied. “If I didn't, would you have let me in?” 

He looked around and then threw himself on the couch 

 “Well, this is depressing.” 

Lucien didn't even bother sitting.

“Go home, Nicholas” 

“Yeah, that's the thing. I can't.” Nicholas said with a smirk.

“Father sent me”.

Lucien rolled his eyes.

“You know he's furious right?” Nicholas continued, his smile still plastered on his lips. “Could've at least listened to what the old man had to say or maybe pretended you would consider his request.”

“So let me guess. He sent you to talk sense into me? What? Because you're the reasonable one to him now?” Lucien asked. He chuckled. “How about you marry her? I mean you are also his son.

Nicholas had no clear expression on his face.

“I don't have a duty to uphold. Father trained you for that. Never much considered me capable.” Nicholas said.

“I'm not here to argue, Lucien. Father sent me here because he has made an arrangement.” 

Lucien turned towards him. Confused.

“What arrangements?.”

“Tomorrow. 12, noon. The outdoor slush cafe. Very civil and very open”. 

“And Lilith?” Lucien asked even though he already knew the answer to that question.

“Oh, she will be there. It wouldn't be much of a meeting if she wasn't present, would it?” Nicholas gave his smirk again.

There was silence in the room.

“You don't have to like it. You have to be there. So just show up.” Nicholas said and left without further exchange of words from either of them.

Lucien knew he had to go. Not because he wanted to but he knew better. Maybe going would make his father back off a little bit. He would meet with her simply for formalities.

The next day, Lucien headed out to slush cafe. When he arrived, he picked a spot and sat. The view was beautiful- Humans going about their day peacefully, without a care in the world. 

A few minutes later, a lady walked up to him, she looked like she was in her middle twenties. Black long and lush hair. 

He immediately knew it was Lilith. 

“You must be Prince Lucien”. 

He took off his shades.

“I am. It's a pleasure meeting you”.

 He stood up and pulled out the chair on the other end of the table for her to sit.

“Thank you!” She said politely as she sat. 

She looked very composed.

“ I have heard a lot about you.” Lilith said, smiling. Her eyes were sharp. Scanning him carefully.

“Good things I hope,” Lucien replied politely but firmly. 

He ordered coffee for both of them.

“I understand how you must feel about this,” she began.

 “You must know I am doing this because it is required of me. Simply politics”. She paused, taking a sip of coffee. “Our families understand that alliances are built on usefulness not affection.”

 Lucien raised a brow. “You are very direct.”

“I believe time is of the essence. My coven needs protection and influence, which your people and your family have to offer.” She replied.

“And what do you offer in return?” Lucien asked. Studying her.

“Power, access and loyalty which this union will bring forth. As long as it continues to serve my people.” she answered.

Lucien was almost amused.

“You don't seem like someone eager to be married into royalty. You're quite young too.”

“Truthfully, I am not,” Lilith said. “ Marriage is simply a contract. One that benefits both parties.”

They were both silent for a while listening to the movements around them.

“My father thinks this Union would strengthen his rule. Of course it is for his benefit.” Lucian broke the silence.

“So you agree with him?” she asked.

Lucien looked directly in her eyes. “I do not like being controlled.”

“That makes the two of us.” she said. “But resisting only means your father pushes harder.”

“That is why you agreed to meet with me”. He asked.

“Yes. To see if cooperation is possible or if it will become unpleasant.” she said.

Lucien gave her a slight humourless smile. 

“What if I refuse?”

“Then your family and mine will go in pursuit of what they want. With or without us. But I'm sure things won't be so pleasant with your father.”

“ I admire how calm you are about all this.” He said.

Lilith smiled. “Like I said, Lucien. This isn't personal. It never was.”

“You don't hate me”. He observed.

“No. But I don't need to like you. She stood up, picking up her coat.

 “Think of this as an introduction, not an agreement.”

Lucien stood as well. 

As she turned to leave, she paused briefly. “For what it’s worth, Prince Lucien… I hope you choose wisely.” She smiled. “It was nice meeting you today”. 

He nodded and watched as she left.

Lucien remained standing for a while before taking his seat. The conversation had ended just as he expected it to end- cold and inevitable.

And yet his thoughts still betrayed him. His thoughts weren't of politics or duty. Not of witches and not of his father. 

His thoughts were of her. The girl he saved that evening at the old Wickery Bridge. He wanted to know more. Something inside of him pushed forward, demanding answers and this time he intended to follow it.

 He was going to get to know her.