A Sealed Fate (Watty's 2017)

21. Christmas eve. (2/2) *graphic

The ride itself was quiet for the most part, but it was warm. Vladimir smiled as Tricia went through her new things. He had spoiled her with winter cloths. Since all she had with her was summer and spring/fall cloths. A few parts of boots, and a helmet. She wasn't sure why the helmet but Vladimir assured her she'd need it later.

The car stopped in front of the castle doors, Tricia got out first with Vladimir following behind. A butler who hadn't really been seen before carried all of the new items to Vladimir's room.

Tricia and Vladimir went to the dining room. Victor, Vanessa and Victoria sat at the table eating on some turkey and other festive food. "Aw, started without us?" Vladimir joked dipping his finger in some mash potatoes. Vanessa swatted his hand and glared. "Don't be so childish Vlad." Vanessa scolded him, he did a snarl of a smirk and rolled his eyes.

Tricia looked at them all and frowned. "I'm going to go take a nap. I'm kind of worn out from shopping." She paused and pulled a box from her coat pocket. "Here Victoria. I bought you this." Victoria's eyes lit up as she opened it. Inside the box was a glass unicorn figurine. Victoria got out of her seat and hugged Tricia tightly. "Oh thank you thank you thank you! It's so beautiful I love it!" Victoria giggled as Tricia hugged her back. Vladimir had been curious why she bought the figurine but smiled that she had been thoughtful of his niece. Tricia excused herself once Victoria released her and walked to Vladimir's room.

She sat at the vanity and stared into the mirror, before laying her head in her arms. "That was awfully sweet of you." Came Sarah's voice as Tricia peeked up. "So I wasn't dreaming that I saw you last night?" "No, amazingly not. Of course, I'm just a voice inside your head. The image of me is only to comfort you." Tricia sighed and felt slightly disappointed. "So you're not really Sarah and I'm semi not losing my mind." Sarah seemed to ponder that for a moment. "Yes, that is correct." She'd say with a smile. "Then go away." Sarah frowned but vanished. Tricia hid her face and sighed. A knock came at the door and Alfred opened it peeking his head in. "Come in." Tricia smiled at him. Alfred nodded and entered. "Lord Vladimir wished me to check on you. Would you like me to run you a hot bath?" He'd ask kindly. Tricia looked towards the bathroom and shook her head. "Can I ask you something?" She'd turn to him, Alfred walked closer and sat on the bench beside her. "Most certainly." He seemed concerned, Tricia took a breath in. "Do I really look like lady Sarah?" Alfred looked slightly surprised a moment that she'd use such formal titles. He quickly went back to his normal self.

He tilted his head, looking her face over. "I believe you do in a way. But you have different eye colors. Hers were a bright blue, and yours are almost a greenish blue in color. Or perhaps silver." He squinted to try to find another difference. "Hair color as well. Hers was as bright blond as in the painting. Yours is a almond brown." He paused and shook his head. "Otherwise you two look quite similar. I wouldn't count it as a bad thing." Tricia furrowed her brow at his remark. It brought her slight comfort, to know she doesn't look like Sarah.

Still it bugged her slightly, that there wasn't much difference. "How about personality? What was she like?" Tricia asked, seriously hoping it was different. "From what I've seen m'lady. Very opposite of you. She loved to play piano, but hated the classical musics. She loved art museums, but could not do actual art. She was very quiet, but friendly." Tricia sighed and mumbled. "So I'm not friendly?" She tilted her head. "Not to m'lord you haven't been. Though I pay no mind considering he likes that about you. You're artistic, musical, and quite loud at times. But that's not a bad thing." Tricia sighed and looked to the bathroom. "If you don't mind..." Alfred nodded understanding and went to prepare the bath for her. "Hey Alfred... Um, if it wouldn't be to much trouble. Is there any female butlers here? You're sweet but I um..." She blushed red.

Alfred chuckled. "A female butler? I'm sure I can talk to lord Vladimir about a maid being assigned to help you instead. It's not an insult to me. It'd be more of an insult if you were not happy." Tricia smiled at his understanding. He finished the bath and patted her shoulder. "For the record, I'm not into females. So you'd be safe around me. But I'd rather you be comfortable than not." He gave a reassured smile and left her to enjoy the heat from the water. She closed the door and stripped her cloths off. Climbing into the hot water, sent chills down her spine that quickly faded to the warmth.