The Vampire's Court

Chapter 35-A Witch in the Woods

Dimitri found Seraphine in one of her favorite spots in the manor, the cozy nook in the parlor near the window where the soft moonlight streamed in, casting a silver glow over her as she worked on her embroidery. Stella was curled up contentedly in her lap, purring softly as Seraphine's fingers deftly guided the needle and thread through the fabric.

Dimitri paused in the doorway, taking a moment to simply admire the scene. Seraphine looked serene, her focus entirely on the delicate work in her hands. She was wearing an ivory gown, simple yet elegant, the color reminding him of how she looked on their wedding day. The memory stirred something deep within him, and he found himself smiling softly.

Without looking up, Seraphine's voice cut through the silence, playful and light. "Are you just going to stand there and gape at me, or do you actually have something interesting to talk about?"

Caught off guard, Dimitri blinked, his smile turning sheepish as she glanced up at him, catching his expression. A soft giggle escaped her lips, the sound like music to his ears.

He stepped forward, taking a seat beside her on the plush sofa. Stella stirred slightly, blinking up at Dimitri before letting out a soft mew and curling back into Seraphine's lap, content to resume her nap.

"She's gotten big," Dimitri remarked, reaching out to gently stroke the kitten's fur.

Seraphine nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "She has. She's growing up fast."

Dimitri's gaze shifted from Stella to the embroidery in Seraphine's hands. With a curious tilt of his head, he reached out and gently pulled it from her grasp, wanting to see what she had created this time. Seraphine didn't resist, simply watching as he examined the piece.

It was an exquisite work, depicting a bridge in Hyde Park with two graceful swans gliding across the water. The scene was instantly familiar to Dimitri—it was from their honeymoon in London. The detail was astonishing, each stitch capturing the beauty and serenity of the moment they had shared.

A smile spread across Dimitri's face, his admiration for her skill evident in his eyes. "It's amazing how you can make these things from memory," he said, his voice filled with genuine appreciation.

Seraphine shrugged modestly, a playful glint in her eyes as she reached out to snatch the embroidery back. "I just do what I can," she replied, her tone teasing. "Now, to what do I owe the pleasure of you gracing me with your presence?"

Dimitri's smile turned devilish, a spark of mischief dancing in his icy blue eyes. He leaned back slightly, studying her with an intensity that made her heart skip a beat. "I've been doing some thinking," he began, his voice smooth and inviting. "I realized I've shared some things about my mother... but you've never shared anything about yours."

Seraphine's playful demeanor faltered slightly, her smile dimming as she looked down at the embroidery in her lap. "I never knew her," she said softly, her voice tinged with a hint of sadness. "My father said she passed when I was an infant."

Dimitri nodded, understanding the weight of her words. "What if there was a way to get to know her?" he asked gently, his gaze searching hers.

Seraphine looked up, her emerald eyes filled with confusion. "How?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Dimitri didn't answer immediately. Instead, he stood, offering her his hand with a small, encouraging smile. "Come on," he said simply, his tone inviting yet mysterious.

Seraphine hesitated for a moment, her mind racing with possibilities, before she placed her hand in his. As she rose to her feet, Dimitri led her out of the cozy nook, his expression filled with determination and something else—something that made her both curious and slightly apprehensive.