The Vampire's Court

Chapter 33- Something's There

Dimitri entered the library, the sanctuary of calm and quiet, his heart thrumming in his chest with an uncharacteristic nervousness. Admittedly, he had been avoiding Seraphine for the last three days since the tea room incident. Partially to make sure her wound was mostly healed, not wanting to take any chances, and also because he loathed having to go along with Mickey's ridiculous excuse for it all.

As he navigated through the rows of towering bookshelves, his gaze found Seraphine in her favorite reading nook, a secluded corner where sunlight poured through a large stained glass window, casting colorful patterns on the plush black and emerald green furnishings. The sight of her, bathed in the dappled light, momentarily stole his breath away. She was dressed in a soft blue gown that contrasted strikingly with the darker tones of the nook, her red hair a vivid flame against the fabric.

Time seemed to slow as he watched her, the serene expression on her face as she lost herself in a book. It was moments like these he wished could last forever, untouched by the chaos that seemed to follow him like a shadow.

Eventually, Seraphine felt his presence, her emerald eyes lifting to meet his. A warm smile spread across her face, lighting up her features. "How are you feeling?" she asked, her voice carrying a gentle concern mixed with a playful undertone. "That was quite the nasty thud I heard."

Dimitri managed a smile, the corners of his eyes crinkling slightly. If ever there was a moment to roll his eyes at the absurdity of the situation Mickey had spun for him, it would be now. Yet, he maintained his composure, playing along with the tale of his supposed aversion to blood. "I'm fine, thank you," he assured her, though a flicker of annoyance might have been visible in his eyes for a brief second.

He approached her slowly, each step deliberate, as he tried to gauge her mood and thoughts, wondering if she suspected more than she let on.

Dimitri eased himself into the seat beside her, casting a curious glance at the open book in her lap. It was a tome on fae spells, intricate and detailed in its descriptions. "I see you've taken my advice to heart," he commented lightly, acknowledging the silent agreement between them about her burgeoning powers.

Seraphine flashed him a grateful smile. "Thank you, truly," she said, a soft sincerity underlying her playful tone. Their conversation flitted effortlessly into a series of playful, sarcastic exchanges, the kind that had slowly become the undercurrent of their evolving relationship. Dimitri delivered a particularly sharp quip that earned a bright, genuine laugh from her, the sound echoing pleasantly in the quiet of the library.

As her laughter tapered into a series of chuckles, she looked at him with an expression of mock surprise. "I had no idea you felt that way about blood. I thought there was nothing you were afraid of," she teased, her voice light but her eyes sharp with scrutiny.

Dimitri caught the subtle shift in her demeanor, the way her eyes narrowed just so, searching for any hint of deception. He maintained his composure, his voice steady as he replied, "I absolutely cannot stand it. It's revolting, truly." His tone was convincing, his usual cool demeanor leaving no room for doubt.

Yet, as he spoke, he noticed Seraphine's skepticism didn't waver. She leaned forward slightly, a mischievous glint in her eye, pushing the boundaries of their banter. "Ah, so once a month I should probably hide—" He cut her off quickly, a hint of sternness in his voice. "Alright, that's enough of that."

Seeking to shift the focus, Dimitri reached into his pocket and presented her with a beautifully crafted ivory music box. The intricate carvings on its surface danced in the light, a distraction from the tension that had briefly flared between them.

Seraphine's eyes lit up as the delicate music box filled her gaze. "This is beautiful, Dimitri. Thank you," she said, genuinely moved by the thoughtful gesture. Her fingers traced the intricate carvings of the music box, appreciating its craftsmanship.