The Vampire's Court

Chapter 16- Brothers in Arms

Two weeks had passed since Seraphine's ill-fated attempted escape, and the constant presence of guards had become a maddening reminder of her captivity. They weren't directly behind her, but always lurking, their eyes fixed on her like a hawk watching its prey. She felt like she was living in a state of perpetual unease, never quite alone, yet never quite seen.

Seraphine sat in the tea room, her fingers moving listlessly over the embroidery hoop. She was trying to focus on the intricate stitches, but her mind kept wandering back to the guards. They seemed to be everywhere, their presence a constant shadow in the corner of her eye. She couldn't shake the feeling that they were watching her, waiting for her to make another move.

As she worked, Seraphine's hands began to tremble, her fingers stumbling over the needle. She tried to steady herself, but it was no use. The more she tried to focus, the more her hands seemed to shake. Frustrated, she slammed the embroidery hoop down on the table, the needle flying out of her grasp.

"Oh, for goodness' sake!" Seraphine exclaimed, "Can't they just leave me alone?"

Effie, seated across from her, looked up from her own embroidery. "Patience, dearie. They're just trying to keep you safe."

Seraphine's laugh was bitter. "Safe? From what? Myself?"

The tea room door creaked open, and a guard slipped inside, his eyes scanning the room before coming to rest on Seraphine. She felt a shiver run down her spine as he nodded to her, his expression impassive.

"Ah, yes. Safe from myself," Seraphine muttered, her eyes flashing with anger. "As if I were some kind of wild animal, needing to be contained." Effie gave her an understanding look, eyes full of sympathy.

Seraphine huffed, her frustration simmering just below the surface. "It's all so... suffocating. The guards, the constant watching, the engagement party planning, the wedding looming over me like a specter."

Effie set her embroidery aside, her expression sympathetic. "Dearie, try to understand. Dimitri only wants to ensure your safety. And at least he was kind enough to give you some time away from Mrs. Pembly to plan the engagement party in peace."

Seraphine's smile was tinged with irony. "I can't 'plan in peace' when I have 20 guards looming around me at all times."

Effie's hands fluttered in a soothing gesture. "You know what I mean, Seraphine. Dimitri can't let his guard down, not even for a moment. You're to be his wife, after all."

Seraphine's eyes flashed with a hint of rebellion. "Ah, yes. His wife. A mere possession, a trophy to be won and kept under lock and key."

Effie's voice took on a gentle reprimand. "Seraphine, don't be dramatic. You know Dimitri cares for you deeply."

Seraphine's laughter was light, polite, but with an edge. "Oh, I'm sure he does. As deeply as one cares for a prized horse or a valuable gemstone. I think he actually does cares for his prized horse more than he does me."

The guard by the door shifted uncomfortably, his eyes fixed on Seraphine with a mixture of curiosity and wariness. Effie shot him a reassuring smile before turning back to Seraphine.

"Dearie, try to see reason. Dimitri will make a wonderful husband. He's kind, and gentle—"

Seraphine's interrupting laugh was like a delicate crystal shattering on stone. "Gentle? Ha! He doesn't know the meaning of the word."

Effie's lips parted, then closed, as she wisely chose not to continue defending Dimitri. She knew Seraphine had struck a nerve, and that her words were laced with a truth Effie couldn't ignore.