The Vampire's Court

Chapter 23- A Wedding

The abrupt knock jolted Seraphine from her sleep, a harsh intrusion into the quiet of her morning. As the door swung open, Dimitri appeared in the frame, his expression tight with the familiar edge of irritation that seemed to perpetually surround him these days.

"Get dressed," he commanded sharply, his tone brooking no argument. "It's late and we have things to do." Without waiting for her response, he shut the door with a definitive click, leaving Seraphine to simmer in sudden annoyance.

Frustrated yet curious about his urgency, Seraphine quickly dressed, choosing an outfit with care despite her irritation. As she walked briskly down the hall to the grand staircase, her mind raced with possibilities about what urgent matters could demand such an early start. However, the scene that greeted her as she descended was not what she had anticipated.

The manor was alive with activity, the staff moving with a purposeful haste as they continued their meticulous wedding preparations. But it wasn't the flurry of activity that caught her off guard—it was the sight of her father and her stepsister, Narcisa, standing near the base of the staircase. Dimitri was there too, speaking with them in a tone that was polite yet distant, a stark contrast to the sharpness he had shown her moments earlier.

As Seraphine approached, her father's face lit up with a warm, welcoming smile—a stark contrast to Narcisa's more measured, almost suspicious gaze that flicked between her and Dimitri. Seraphine couldn't help but mirror Narcisa's wariness, her eyes narrowing slightly as she studied Dimitri's interactions.

"Sera, darling!" her father exclaimed, opening his arms for a hug which she returned, feeling a mix of relief and surprise at their unexpected visit.

Dimitri turned to her, his demeanor softening marginally in the presence of her family. "I hope you enjoy your afternoon with your family," he said, his voice smooth and controlled. "I'll take care of the preparations for today." There was a curt, almost dismissive nod from him before he turned and sauntered off, leaving Seraphine with her father and stepsister.

As Dimitri's figure receded, Seraphine felt a confusing pang—was it annoyance at his earlier brusqueness, or a reluctant appreciation for his thoughtfulness in arranging this visit? She shook her head slightly, pushing those thoughts aside to focus on the unexpected pleasure of her family's company.

The presence of her father and Narcisa, though surprising, was a welcome distraction. As they moved into the drawing room for tea, Seraphine caught herself glancing at the door through which Dimitri had disappeared, her mind grappling with the enigma of the man she was to marry, and the subtle shifts in his behavior that left her both bewildered and oddly intrigued.

In the lush tranquility of the manor's garden, under the shade of blooming rose bushes and the gentle rustle of leaves, Seraphine and her family gathered around an ornate wrought-iron table set with fine china and an assortment of pastries. The air was filled with the subtle fragrance of flowers and freshly cut grass, a serene backdrop to the reunion. Morgan, ever the attentive father, poured tea for everyone, his eyes filled with concern as he broached the subject of Seraphine's life at the manor.

"So, my dear, how has your time been here?" he asked gently, handing Seraphine a cup of steaming tea.

Seraphine hesitated, her spoon clinking softly against the china as she stirred. "It's been... complicated," she began, unsure how to encapsulate the whirlwind of emotions and events since her arrival. Her gaze drifted to where Dimitri stood in the distance—close enough to intervene if needed, yet far enough to afford her some semblance of privacy. His presence, both protective and imposing, sparked a flicker of irritation in her.

Before she could elaborate, Narcisa interjected with a sudden intensity that drew surprised looks from both Seraphine and Morgan. "I'm worried about you, Seraphine," she said, her voice laced with genuine concern.