Love is like a violin, the music may stop now and then, but the strings remain forever.
The sound of a violin being played in an empty room made its way through the open door. The fingers of a girl were dancing on the black fingerboard making a captivating tune. A light breeze approached her making the light strands of her cocoa hair be lifted. Little did she know that someone was listening to her play.
"You're not good at being invisible Will." She stopped playing and turned around to meet her older brother's dark orbs. "Your playing is just enchanting." She chuckled while removing the shoulder rest and loosening the bow, placing them both in the case. "Hmmm...I wanted you to keep playing." He smiled hugging his sister. "I know but it's your punishment for stalking!" Diana exclaimed, "where are your manners, young lady?" She rolled her eyes "Is that a way to behave for a princess?" "Why isn't the king sitting on his throne?!" She beamed "I want to have dinner with you tonight and please dress up nicely because I would like you to meet an acquaintance of mine." He announced. "If it's going to be another boring dutch for me to get married to I swear-" "Don't worry Diana." Her brother cut it short and hurried out of the room. Diana has never seen fear in her brother's eyes but a hint of it was visible this time.
The evening made its way closer and the girl had to get ready for dinner. The maids helped her get dressed.
The shoulders of it hung loosely, and the white fabric tightened around her waist reflecting Diana's hourglass figure perfectly. The chest of the dress was decorated with different but simple patterns and so did the lower part.
She walked down the wide marble stairs as William shook hands with an unknown face.
"Diana please come here." She walked closer to her brother and saw the man's face. His hazel eyes drew Diana's attention, charcoal-wavy locks coming down to his sharp jawline. The princess was mesmerized by the figure but hid it and bowed instead to show respect. "Timotheé Kurtis." "Diana Vespertine." Introducing themselves, Timotheé had a deep intimidating voice and a dark aura that slightly made Diana uncomfortable.
"Let's have dinner shall we?" William led the way into the huge dining room which wasn't exactly necessary since there were only the two of them who lived in the castle. Timotheé let Diana enter first, for she was the lady. They took their seats at the table with the two men sitting next to each other and Diana opposite them.
During dinner, Timotheé and William talked about the half-done work the sibling's father left undone. Timotheé knew about the background story of the people he was visiting, so he knew most of the reasons behind almost every action.
Diana's father died because of poor health and her mother got assaulted and killed after. William became king a few years ago and was doing a good job even though he didn't have any experience. William spoke to his sister gaining her attention. "Diana, this man here is the king of Ferrcoal." Diana lifted her head shocked to hear the name. Most people say that place is almost hell itself. But what was the most terrifying man sitting at their table having dinner? "Are you here to kill us in person?!" Timotheé chuckled while William told her not to be rude. "Why? You know a man of his was the cause of our mother's death!" Diana was raising her voice letting her anger and pain be heard. "I want you to pack your things since you'll be staying at his home for the next 18 months." William started feeling sorry for his sister. "Excuse me?" She asked seriously even making herself surprised by the confidence. "Please don't make it any harder than it already is." William slightly begged her. She harshly stood up from the table and rushed to her room.
The girl heard a soft knock on the door and it opened slightly. "Can I come in?" She heard her brother's voice. Diana didn't answer so William entered. He went up to his sister wanting to hug her but she pushed him away. "Why are you doing this?!" She was outraged by the decision her brother made. "To save us..." those were the last words that left his mouth before Timotheé entered the room as well. "Are you ready?" The cold voice asked. Diana held her violin and pushed the man standing at the door to make her way out. "Remember the deal or she dies." The figure went after her.
Both of them sat in the carriage in silence. A tear left Diana's eye and remembered her brother's words "to save us..." questions popped into her head. But she kept silent and waited for it to end.
A thunderstorm started mid-way through the trip, which calmed Diana down. She loved storms and the beauty within them. She felt like the sky was feeling the same way she was.
The two of them arrived at a dark, ominous castle. The outside of the castle was not taken care of, which made the place even more creepy.
Timotheé got out of the carriage and went inside his home. Diana opened the door and walked to the gates taking her time and enjoying the scenery opposite her. It was dark with the stars shining making light to see. The tree's branches moved along with the wind.
A bitter voice called the girl's name. She hurried inside to see the man waiting for her. "Come with me." He commanded. They both went up the stairs into the north wing. "This will be your room. Don't leave it unless I tell you to." He ordered. "Who are you to tell me what I can do?" She asked, "I can send your brother's corpse to you if you prefer." She was taken aback. "thought so..." He scoffed and left the room leaving Diana alone. She looked around the room and saw only a bed and a wardrobe, a door led into the bathroom, and then the room came to an end.
Fiddling with her necklace she strolled towards the bed, lay inside it, and drifted off to sleep.
