Serving House Beneviento

11

"And you will be back in a week?" Donna questioned for the thousandth time as I packed away some medical supplies, food rations, and cloth into a small backpack. I nodded toward her.

"Yes, about a week."

"And you will be right back home?"

"Right back home."

"And then we can be done of all this Cathleen nonsense?"

"You are correct."

"And you'll still want to be with me?" I looked back at the timid expression as she fumbled with a doll in her hands. Angie was resting back in her room and it was the first one she had on standby.

"That will never change." She took in a nervous breath as she over exaggeratedly nodded. Her bun bobbed as she did so, and a smile cracked on my face. I walked over to her and kissed both of her cheeks before I pecked at her lips and nuzzled against her forehead. The setting sun turned the room orange and gold as it fell. I looked over Donna. She glowed like an angel. "Everything will be alright."

"You're coming home."

"I am coming home." The sounds of the doorbell rang through the manor and she groaned. I pecked at her lips again and pulled her into an embrace. "I'll get the door." She frowned as I let go of her and headed downstairs. I was greeted to Lady Demistrecu and Elena. Both of them had somber expressions on their faces. "Welcome to House Beneviento." I stepped aside and they walked in. Well, Lady Demitrescu crouched in. I noticed the trail of bloodied bite marks that fell along the side of Elena's neck as she stood at my side. I shut the door quietly as Donna came from the top of the stairs with the veil on her head and my pack in her hands.

"Nikolai is still walking down the path," Elena murmured in my ear. "We offered him a ride, but...he was down to say the least."

"I don't think anyone is necessarily happy," I whispered back as Demitrescu greeted Donna.

"How did it go here?"

"Not...not good. Bad fight, but we made up." She nodded.

"Same."

Nikolai came to the door a few moments later by himself. His eyes were still a bit puffy, but he had a smile on his face. My heart broke for him as he entered the estate. The three of us looked toward the two lords with heavy hearts. I walked up to Donna and carefully took the pack from her hands. It felt heavier than I had expected as I threw it on my back.

"I will be back in a week. I'll be sure to stop by the Duke to bring groceries. He reassured me that he would bring it to you this week." Donna slowly nodded her head.

"Same here!" Elena waved up to Lady Demitrescu. "I'll be back in a week and then we can relax with a good book." The vampire smiled back at her as she took the girl's hand and gave a chaste kiss against the back of it. Donna walked over to me and wrapped her arms around. I hugged her back with equal strength.

"Check your pack," Donna whispered into my ear. I nodded against her shoulder. "And please, please come home."

"I will come home." Donna nodded against me before she pulled herself away.

"You won't have to worry as much Caiden," Lady Demitrescu said. "I know that Donna hasn't been feeling the greatest. She will be in my care at the castle while you are away. Her and Angie will be showing my daughters how to make their own dolls. I'll make sure she is in good care." I slowly nodded my head.

"Thank you, Lady Demitrescu. Your generosity knows no bounds." Elena smiled softly as she turned to Donna.

"Watch my lady for me, please? She is a hopeless case on her own." Donna's shoulders shook in her silent laughter as she nodded and folded her hands in front of her. We waved our goodbyes and walked out the door.