Waltz of Seduction (Completed)

Chapter 11. 1816

On a clear and lovely morning towards the beginning of May, James Karina Arthur and Margaret were married at Westminster abbey. The service was short sweet and to the point, lasting about 45 minutes. Once the two couples exchanged rings, vows, and shared a passionate kiss, they escorted their guests outside to the carriages waiting for them. Climbing inside their vehicles, everyone was transported to Rochester Manor for the reception.

Nestled against James in the carriage that was carrying the two of them, along with Margaret and Arthur, Karina felt beyond elated. She was the Duchess of Bedford. She was married to the love of her life, and couldn't ask for anything better. She and Margaret had chosen to wear similar wedding gowns. Both were composed of cream silk with off the shoulder sleeves, cream silk gloves, and ivory lace decorating the sweetheart neckline. Both had their hair fixed into a chignon with a single curl dangling at the bottom.

James was just as exuberant. He was happily married to the one he adored, his beautiful Karina. Margaret was happily married to Arthur, which made him feel even more exalted. He and Arthur had similar outfits as well, a three-piece black silk suit with a cream button up shirt cravat and black boots. He leaned towards Karina, his lips a few inches away from her ear. "Do you believe if I could steal my wife away for a moment before the ball this evening?"

Karina giggled. "And why do you plan to steal me away?"

James took her hand. "I want us to have the blood drinking before our wedding night. That way we won't have two things to worry about."

Karina nodded. "Of course, I agree with you. All right, I believe we can spare five minutes before going inside."

Once the carriage came to a stop in front of Rochester Manor, the two couples stepped out and made their way inside. James and Karina told Arthur and Margaret of their decision, telling them that they would be joining the party within five minutes. Arthur and Margaret agreed, and the two couples separated. 

James escorted Karina to an empty chamber, closing the door behind him. He turned, taking her face between his hands. "We can do this either one of two ways, from the wrist or from the neck. Whichever one you feel more comfortable with, it does not matter to me."

Karina examined his neck, and then his wrist. She met his eyes with hers. "I believe from the neck would be more sufficient. The question is, how much to take."

James. "Three mouthfuls for both of us. Once that's finished, the bond is nearly complete. All that is going to be left is our coupling and the conception of our son."

Karina. "All right, that sounds easy enough."

Kissing sweetly, they moved so that they were lying on the bed, their face is close to one another and their fingers intertwined. They didn't have to take turns, because they were wanting it to be done together. Staring deep into one another's eyes, they found one another's neck, and with a little pressure, punctured one another's skin with their fangs. Once they tasted each other's blood, they held one another tightly, beginning to drink slowly.

Karina closed her eyes, moaning softly as she felt James swirl his tongue along her neck, taking the required amount of blood that was needed. Her heart started pounding as power exploded through her. She had felt her husband's emotions before, but they were much stronger now. She felt his happiness, his excitement and exuberance. She felt his love for her and no one else.

James was having the same experience as he felt his beautiful wife drinking from him. He felt power cascade through his body, felt her emotions of love delight and excitement flow through him. Everything was so much stronger at that moment, and he wasn't about to let it go. He had his wife. And no one was going to take her away from him.

Finally, after the three mouthfuls of blood had been done, they came away from one another. Their eyes held in a magnetic gaze as power poured between them. Instead of their eyes being their normal brown and blue green, they were a brilliant and dark red. But then, after a moment, their normal color returned.

James gave Karina a sweet kiss. "I love you my darling. I cannot wait to finally make you mine this evening."

Karina immediately returned his kiss. "And I love you my dearest. I cannot wait to make you mine this evening."

Exchanging one last kiss, they licked one another's neck clean, exposing a small heart shaped scar on their skin. Rising to their feet, they made their way into the ballroom of Rochester Manor for the reception. In that moment, everyone was going to know that the Duke and Duchess of Bedford had almost completed their Bon. And that bond wouldn't be broken by anyone.

***

Several hours into the reception, Karina noticed Arthur making his way toward her while James and Margaret were having a dance. Examining his face closely, she realized that something had happened, something significant.

Arthur took her hands. "I've just spoken with uncle, and he has told me some news that I believe is going to be very relieving to you."

Karina stared at him with confusion. "And what news is that?"

Arthur took a deep breath. "Francis and Charlotte are taking the boys and moving to France."