For Love of a Vampire

Chapter 8

I remembered all too well how tiring the transfer through time was. I'd also needed time to adjust. I led her to my bed and helped her get comfortable. Elizabeth hadn't been notified of my return and she wouldn't be looking for me until it was time to dress for dinner. This gave Isabelle a few hours of rest before we had to worry about her presence in my room.

I moved around the room as quietly as I could so as not to disturb her. Even though I'd been the recipient of Isabelle's surprise visit, I was still anxious to learn as much as I could about Margaret. After fingering through her meager belongings, I sat in one of the armless baroque chairs placed against the wall opposite the room's entry. I took a moment to admire the remarkable comfort of the seating while stroking the thick floor to ceiling tapestry that hung on the wall. Its intricate wooded scene was breathtaking. I couldn't resist running my hand along the artful design. I became so obsessed with following the fine lines of the artwork that I stood to make it easier. As I did, the heel of my riding boot slipped from beneath me and I lost my balance. Rather than catching myself with my hand against the wall, I fell even further as I quickly discovered that the tapestry was covering a large opening in the wall.

I was about to look behind it when I heard Elizabeth in the adjoining sitting room of my suite. I couldn't believe how the time flew by. She was obviously coming to help me dress for dinner. I looked out at the position of the sun and was surprised to see that it wasn't in the right position to indicate the approaching dinner hour.

I looked worriedly at Isabelle as she lay peacefully on my bed. Panic was creeping in. How would I explain her presence to the household? I'd been so focused on studying Margaret's belongings that I hadn't taken the time to devise a story. My heartbeat wildly as I listened to Elizabeth approaching my door. She wasn't alone. I assumed it was a servant with my bath. I went riding, after all. My mind raced at what to do. Memories of my lessons with Isabelle flooded forth. Thoughts and ideas of magic she hadn't even gone over were almost overwhelming.

Without even thinking I said in a firm, hushed voice, "In the light of day or the dark of night, hide this woman from their sight. If by chance her face they see, let it look exactly like me."

I watched the energies swirl around Isabelle's peaceful body as her dark features transformed into my light ones. Satisfied, I slid into the opening behind the tapestry just before Elizabeth entered the room.

I heard her gasp and shush the servant accompanying her when she saw my friend and mentor's sleeping form.

"I had no idea m' lady was returned," she whispered. "Be as silent as you can, Garth. 'Twill not do to disturb her rest."

I heard heavy footsteps cross the wide planked floor toward my bed. I held my breath and waited.

"She looks the angel," Garth whispered. "I have ne'r been this close before."

"You should not be so now. Be about your business and be gone," Elizabeth snapped.

I listened intently to the bustling of Garth and Elizabeth as they prepared my bath and laid out my clothes. I worried over the fact that their activity did nothing to disturb Isabelle. I wanted to check on her to make sure she was okay and prayed the servants would leave soon.

To my dismay, Garth left, but Elizabeth stayed behind.

I had no idea what to do. It was only a matter of time before Isabelle woke up. With Elizabeth in the room, I certainly couldn't just pop out from behind the tapestry. I had no idea what was behind me, but it seemed like a deep dark hollow or corridor. It was definitely creepy. I didn't like the feeling I got while hiding there and it had nothing to do with the fact that I'd cast a spell to disguise Isabelle and I wasn't sure how long it would hold. There was something about this hidden room or hallway that bothered me. It was more than the fact that it was dark and dank. Since the castle was primarily built of stone and there was no electricity, dark and dank was a common thing in rooms that didn't have a fire or proper window for light and ventilation.