I stared out the window, absent purpose, as we approached the large mansion. It had been in Adrian's family for centuries. My father quickly filled my ears with nothing but stories of the respectable Cavick family during the drive. Apparently they were royalty in vampire history. I only scoffed at the thought. What did that status mean now? Did Adrian consider himself a prince. Maybe he should go back to the old country and live in a castle if he thought himself so high and mighty.
The mansion was located far out of the city of Vercantia. Farm houses became more frequent as the drive continued on. I hadn't accepted this forced fate my father arranged for me and he was careful not to push to hard. At the end of the day I would do what I was told or risk being killed. The only vampire that could take you from this world was the one that created you. So respect was quickly learned. But I still preferred that we all pretended I had some choice in the matter. Marrying Adrian wouldn't be right away. sure it would take some time till I grow to accept him as a mate. Once we made a blood connection, love could be a possibility, that or hatred, in which case I could try all I wanted to rid myself of him.
A large gate opened as we arrived, the massive stone walls looked withered with centuries of ageing and yet still impenetrable, as though it could withstand anything. Scaling the wall was not completely impossible, it could undoubtedly keep more inexperienced thieves out. I enjoyed free climbing as a hobby, and briefly thought of one day escaping over this wall. Sitting on top of it alone would give you a view of most of this land. I imagine seeing Adrian one last time, he would be standing in the grand entrance, the door wide open and a frown finally forming on his perfect lips, I would give him a quick wave before hopping over the side, never to return.
The sun beat through the car windows. My skin crawled and it felt as though my blood was seeping through my pours and evaporating into thin air. We looped around a fountain that sat as a centrepiece in front of the large estate. I felt for my purse strap across my chest once more as my door was quickly opened for me. My hand found Adrian's as he whisked me out of the car gracefully. My heels found the solid pavement and I soon felt the reality of my situation. This was now my home.
"You look.... stunning" Adrian's voice was soft, hesitant almost; he seemed to choose his words carefully.
I stepped out of his arms and readjusted my purse strap as it felt unusually tight. My black dress was verging on semi formal, but I felt the need to wear it as this was the funeral for my freedom.
"Thank you" I looked into his eyes, he hadn't eaten today, his pupils were slightly dilated. The staring competition cut short as my father interrupted to ask about a tour of the property. I shook my head, I didn't wish to parade around any more with false excitement. Adrian extended his arm to escort me. My father eyed me expectantly, he looked half ready to grab Adrian if I didn't. "You both go ahead...I wish to freshen up."
Adrian's eyes sharpened back to the ones I was used to, the ones I had first seen when he entered our house and spewed his words of chaos and destruction of society. "Of course...Faith" A young girl dressed in maid garb approached. "Show Miss Emma to the powder room."
She nodded her head and began to lead the way. I followed, while tucking loose hair behind my ear. We entered the large doors and immediately I smelled the dust and age of the building, candles burned vanilla and distracted from the other memories that seemed to seep into the air.
There were dozens of paintings lining the walls, that had to of been from the sixteenth century as walking by one, I remembered the familiar smell of lead. It wasn't until I saw a painting that resembled Adrian that I even became aware that all these pictures were of his family. I examined the picture further, the same eyes watched me, and the lips withheld a secret depression weighing down on a thin smirk.
"Miss, right this way. Did you need me to wait on you." She pointed into the small powder room.
"No," I quickly stumbled for the girls name as my surroundings had distracted me from purpose. "Thank you Faith, that will be all."
