The Vampire's Court

Chapter 25- Sights and Fights

Morning light spilled through the curtains as Effie's gentle, yet unmistakably excited, voice roused Seraphine from her slumber. "Good morning, my dear! Today's going to be a splendid day!" Effie chirped as she flung open the drapes, filling the room with the gray glow of London's diluted sunlight.

Seraphine, still nestled under the soft duvet, smiled groggily up at her. Her hair was a tousled halo around her pillow, and her eyes sparkled with the remnants of sleep. "What's on the agenda?" she asked, her voice thick with sleep but tinged with curiosity.

"Oh, we've got a grand tour planned!" Effie exclaimed, her hands animated as she listed the places. "The Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and even a lovely stroll through Hyde Park. And that's just before lunch!"

As Effie continued detailing the day, Seraphine sat up, stretching her arms above her head. "Effie, thank you for the snacks at my door last night," she said, recalling the late-night treat. "They were a lifesaver."

Effie paused, a puzzled look crossing her face. "Snacks, dear? I didn't leave any snacks at your door," she replied, her brow furrowing slightly.

Seraphine's smile faltered, confusion flickering in her eyes. Just as she opened her mouth to question further, a subtle creak from the hallway caught her attention. Turning her head, she just caught the glimpse of a shadow darting away from her door—it was unmistakably Dimitri, moving with uncharacteristic haste.

Effie, following Seraphine's gaze, let out a soft chuckle and gave her a knowing smile but chose to remain silent on the matter. "Dimitri has set up a wonderful day for all of us," she continued, her voice bright and cheerful as if nothing unusual had occurred.

"All of us?" Seraphine asked, her interest piqued as she swung her legs out of bed.

Effie placed her hands on her hips, her expression playful. "You didn't think you were going to have all the fun alone, did you?" she teased, her eyes twinkling.

With a laugh, Seraphine's previous confusion dissolved into excitement. She jumped out of bed and hurried to get dressed, energized by the prospect of exploring London and slightly warmed by the mysterious care Dimitri had shown, even if he was too stubborn to admit it openly. Today promised to be filled with discovery, not just of the city's treasures but perhaps of new facets of her relationship with Dimitri.

Effie led Seraphine to a wardrobe filled with an array of dresses, each more beautiful than the last. Her hands deftly flipped through them, pausing to pull out a stunning Victorian ensemble that was perfect for a London outing. The dress was a rich, pastel periwinkle and ivory, made from fine silk that whispered luxury with every fold. The bodice was exquisitely tailored, accentuating the waist and flaring gently at the hips into a full skirt that brushed the ground gracefully. Delicate lace adorned the neckline and cuffs, adding a touch of elegance and softness to the structured formality of the dress.

"You'll have every girl in London green with envy," Effie remarked with a satisfied nod, helping Seraphine step into the dress. "This is the very epitome of fashionable London society."

Outside, the London air was brisk, carrying a hint of warmth that made it a perfect day for sightseeing. The sky was a pale canvas of clouds, providing a soft diffused light that illuminated the city with a gentle glow.

By the carriage, Dimitri's voice carried a hint of frustration as he spoke with Mickey. The carriage waiting for them was significantly larger than the ones they'd used before—a necessary adjustment given the size of their party. "It's an inconvenience, Mickey! I have to babysit my brothers on my own honeymoon because they can't let me have a moment of peace," Dimitri complained, his tone half-irritated, half-resigned. "Had to go out of my way to rent this ridiculous carriage."