Your Love From The Night Sky

Chapter 8 - A Dinner of Revelations

The dining hall of Arizona Castle was a grandiose spectacle, with its high vaulted ceilings adorned with ornate chandeliers, and a long mahogany table that could easily accommodate a dozen guests. The soft glow of candlelight bathed the room in a warm, inviting ambiance, creating an atmosphere of both elegance and intimacy.

As Alucard entered the dining hall, his steps were measured and deliberate, his demeanor composed and regal. He was dressed in formal attire, a stark contrast to the disheveled look he had moments ago in his room. The transformation was remarkable, showcasing his ability to effortlessly shift between roles.

Miya, too, had taken a moment to freshen up. She had chosen a simple yet elegant dress that complemented her youthful charm. Her cheeks still held a hint of the rosy blush from her earlier encounter with Alucard, and her heart fluttered with anticipation as she entered the dining hall.

Layla and Estes were already seated at the table, engaged in a lively conversation with Odette. Layla's eyes lit up as she saw Miya and Alucard enter the room. "There you are! We were wondering if you two had gotten lost in the castle."

Miya chuckled, feeling a sense of ease wash over her. "No, we just had a little... detour."

Alucard nodded in agreement, his gaze never leaving Miya. "Indeed. But we're here now."

Odette, the Queen of Arizona, smiled warmly at the sight of the young couple. "Please, take your seats. Dinner is about to be served."

As they settled into their chairs, the servants began to bring out a sumptuous spread of dishes. There were platters of roasted meats, an array of colorful vegetables, and bowls of fragrant rice. The tantalizing aroma filled the air, making everyone's mouths water.

Layla couldn't contain her excitement. "Wow! Everything looks so delicious!"

Estes, the elder brother, chimed in. "Indeed, it does. It's been a while since we've had a meal like this."

Miya couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude. She had come from a humble background, and such opulent feasts were a rare treat for her. She glanced at Alucard, who seemed completely at ease in this environment, and couldn't help but wonder about his past.

As they began to eat, the conversation flowed effortlessly. Odette inquired about their journey to the castle, and Layla and Estes shared stories of their adventures along the way. Miya, too, shared her impressions of Scotland, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

Alucard, however, remained somewhat reserved. He listened attentively to the conversation but didn't offer much about his own experiences. Miya couldn't help but notice the air of mystery that surrounded him.

"Alucard," Odette began, her tone gentle but probing, "it's been four years since you've returned to Arizona Castle. How have you found your time away?"

Alucard's eyes flickered, and for a moment, a shadow passed over his face. "It has been... enlightening, Your Majesty. I've learned much during my travels."

Miya sensed that there was more to Alucard's answer than met the eye. She knew that beneath his confident exterior, there were layers of complexity and untold stories. She was determined to uncover them.

The conversation continued, with topics ranging from the history of Arizona Castle to the customs of the land. Miya found herself increasingly drawn to Alucard's quiet strength and enigmatic presence. She couldn't help but steal glances at him when she thought he wasn't looking.

Alucard, too, seemed to be aware of Miya's gaze. He turned to her and smiled, his eyes locking onto hers. "Is there something on my face, Miya?"

Caught off guard, Miya blushed and stammered, "N-no, of course not! I was just... um..."

Alucard's laughter filled the room, a rich and melodious sound that sent a shiver down Miya's spine. "You're adorable when you're flustered, you know that?"

Miya's cheeks turned an even deeper shade of red, and she glanced down at her plate, unable to meet his gaze. "You're impossible, Alucard."

As dessert was served, Estes excused himself, citing his need to prepare for the evening service at the Church of Arizona. Layla, too, departed, claiming exhaustion from their journey. This left Miya, Alucard, and Odette alone at the table.

Odette, ever perceptive, regarded the young couple with a knowing smile. "It seems you two have grown quite close during your time together."

Miya's heart raced, and she stole a quick glance at Alucard, who remained composed but attentive. She couldn't deny the truth in Odette's words.

Alucard nodded, his eyes never leaving Miya's. "Yes, Your Majesty. Miya has proven to be quite the unexpected companion."

Miya couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth at Alucard's words. Despite his stoic exterior, she could sense a genuine connection between them.

Odette's gaze turned serious as she leaned forward. "Alucard, there are matters we must discuss, matters of great importance to the kingdom and your future."

Alucard nodded, his demeanor shifting to one of seriousness. "I am aware, Your Majesty."

Miya watched as Odette and Alucard engaged in a hushed conversation, their voices too low for her to hear. She couldn't help but feel a sense of unease, wondering what secrets lay behind those closed doors.

As the night wore on, Miya found herself in Alucard's company once again, this time in the castle's grand library. The room was adorned with shelves upon shelves of ancient tomes and scrolls, a treasure trove of knowledge and history.

Alucard, dressed in a more casual attire, guided Miya through the labyrinth of books, his finger tracing the spines as he spoke of their contents. Miya was captivated by his passion for learning and the depth of his knowledge.

As they reached a cozy reading nook with a plush sofa, Alucard turned to Miya. "I hope you don't mind the change of scenery, Miya. I thought you might enjoy some time in the library."

Miya smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude for his thoughtfulness. "I love it, Alucard. This place is like a dream."

Alucard nodded, his gaze softening. "It holds many secrets, this library. Perhaps one day, I will share them with you."

Miya's heart skipped a beat at his words, and she couldn't help but feel a growing connection between them. She moved closer to him, their shoulders brushing against each other.

"Alucard," she began, her voice soft but determined, "there's something I've been wanting to ask you."

He turned to her, his eyes searching hers. "Ask away, Miya."

She took a deep breath, her heart pounding in her chest. "Why did you leave Arizona Castle four years ago? What happened during your travels?"

Alucard's expression shifted, a mixture of sadness and longing in his eyes. "Miya, there are things in my past that I'm not proud of. I left to find redemption, to seek a purpose beyond the confines of these walls."

Miya reached out and placed her hand on his, her touch gentle and reassuring. "You don't have to carry your burdens alone, Alucard. We all have our pasts, our regrets. But it's how we face them that defines us."

He looked at her, his gaze filled with a mixture of gratitude and vulnerability. "Thank you, Miya. You have a way of seeing through me, of understanding me in ways I never thought possible."

As the night deepened, Miya and Alucard continued to share their stories and dreams, forging a bond that transcended time and place. In that moment, amidst the hallowed halls of the library, they were two souls drawn together by fate, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.