A Century's Love

Prologue

The year was 1864, the city Mystic Falls, Virginia. The air was cold as the carriage traveled through the night, four passengers inside, the windows open to let the air lick the skin of the travelers. "Katherine, when will we be arriving?" one of the travelers asked her companion, her dark curly hair coiffed up in the latest fashion. Katherine smothered a smile. "Patience dear friend, we will be arriving soon," she said. Katherine admired the girl's persistence, wanting to get to their new home as soon as possible.

Only a month ago, there had been a terrible accident at the Grant estate, resulting in her companion moving in with her. Four months ago, Katherine's entire household had been destroyed by a terrible fire; they, along with their maids, were the only ones to survive.

A crow's cry rang through the night, prompting Emily, Katherine's ever caring maid, to close the windows. The soft patter of horse hooves continued down the dirt road, lulling the party to a calming sleep. That is, everyone except for the dark haired beauty, who kept watch over her companions. Soon, she drifted into a sleep, her hands cradled in her lap, twisted into her skirts.

As morning dawned, the party awoke, straightening their hair and skirts before they arrived at their destination, the Salvatore mansion. A small party of servants were waiting outside, ready to attend to the women's needs. The door to the carriage opened, Emily Bennett getting out first then turned to help her mistress out. Katherine's eyes scanned the area. Yes, this will do wonderfully, she thought to herself. There was a boy, no more than 17 years of age, standing in the doorway of his home.

It must be Stefan Salvatore, the youngest of the Salvatore brothers. "You must be Katherine Pierce," he said, walking down the stone steps to greet her. "Please, call me Katherine," she said, giving a curtsy as she extended her gloved hand. Stefan dipped his head, pressing a kiss to her hand as Hattie stepped down from the carriage, her deep brown skin reflecting the light beautifully.

"Is that your travel companion?" Stefan asked. Katherine nodded as the dark haired beauty stepped out of the carriage. Stefan looked at the girl, her pale skin like alabaster, her dark coife of hair like coal. "Madelyn Grant. Mister Salvatore, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance," she said, her voice smooth like silk as she dipped in a curtsy.