Written in the Stars

Chapter Three

When they arrived back at the townhouse the only sign they had that they had a guest was the increased security. It looked ridiculous the amount of people in black who were clearly armed who were stood outside their building.

But Celeste knew how important security was to Izabela. She had required more put in when she had lived with their family at the castle all those years ago. It had been a ridiculous situation, this 9 year old girl, new to court and almost a nobody, requesting to the King of Sweden that they increase the number of knights and soldiers in the palace. It was almost as if she had feared for her life from members of the court and merchants who most likely had had no idea who she was.

Celeste hoped that Jean had been nothing but courteous to Izabela and had not tried to get anything important out of her as was his custom. If he was to let on to Izabela who he was to Celeste it could all come crumbling to the ground. It was likely that she still had the same temperament as the first and last time they had met and Celeste would do everything in her power to avoid anyone having to deal with that.

She heard Astrid get out of the car and slam the door behind her. Celeste turned to her as her sister came to stand next to her. Astrid reached for Celeste's hand and she allowed it to be gripped. This was going to be a very rare occasion after all. Celeste could only hope that it stayed that way and this didn't become every Sunday. It was already a day she didn't look forward to.

"It's been a while since either of us have come face to face with her. Just know that I will do whatever it takes to make sure she does not ruin what we have here. I respect and love you and Jean too much to not try. She may be my Sire but I am old enough to at least attempt to push off her actions. Please know that if I turn on either of you it is against my will and when I realise what I have done I will do all in my power to escape her grasp. Please know that I love you." Celeste took a deep breath and felt Astrid grip her hand tighter. It would have crushed anything else's hand.

"I know. I love you too. Good luck." That was all she could say and Astrid's anguish could be heard in her voice. Celeste just hoped this went the way they all needed it to. By Izabela leaving as soon as possible and causing the least harm possible. This was most likely to be a pipe dream but she could at least let herself believe in it for the time being.

They advanced up the stairs hand in hand before letting go right at the door as it was opened for them. Any display of weakness could be used against them and neither was willing to let that happen.

There were bags in the entrance way. They were dark brown leather and looked to be at least 200 years old. Celeste knew they were most likely older. With a mental scan she found Jean and Izabela in the formal sitting room. Jean had made a good decision, Celeste thought and she sent positive vibes his way. She could feel his mind warm as he realised it meant she was home. Celeste had treated partners badly in the past but she refused to let that happen to Jean. They had been together for almost as long as he had been turned and she was determined to keep him. It sometimes felt like their love was written in the stars. But not in the way Astrid and Alaric's was.

"They're in the parlour." Was all Celeste said before advancing into the room and sitting next to Jean on the love seat. She smiled at Izabela as Astrid joined them and sat on the wing chair next to the matching one their guest was sat in. Jean took Celeste's hand in his own. Celeste hoped it wasn't a mistake.

Astrid spoke first, "So Izabela, what can we do for you?" Her tone was nothing but polite and yet displeasure flashed over Izabela's face. It was clear from her body language she was only here for Celeste and Celeste was more than grateful that Astrid had been the first to speak. She wasn't willing to find her voice around her Sire yet. She also kept her mind carefully blank, going out of her way to think of nothing important that might tip Izabela off to anything they didn't want her to know. She knew that Izabela had the same gift as her as that was why Celeste had it in the first place. There was a reason their house was lined with silver after all and it wasn't to make sure Jean didn't try and get hands on with home renovations.