Persephone

19. The Garden

Persephone jumped when Alastair's cold hand gently clasped her elbow. She was looking out the window of their bedroom, glancing longingly at the tree surrounding them.

Alastair came to stand beside her, running his fingers through her chocolate locks. He pressed a kiss to the side of her head.

"You look lovely, my dear."

And she did. Shortly after Persephone had finished breakfast,  Martha had appeared in their chambers. She had hurried to the wardrobe in the corner and ruffled through brightly colored dresses until she had found one she deemed suitable for this occasion.

Moving Persephone to a trifold mirror, she began to work. The dress Martha had chosen had an outer layer of ocean blue opening near the front to reveal a skirt of rose. The fashion resembled what Persephone pictured 18th century dresses to be, however it had more of a modern flare. No corset was required and the skirt was only layered with a simple petticoat, the edges of the dress trimmed in white. The dress was beautiful, if out of date.

While Persephone gawked at herself in the mirror, Martha moved to her hair, settling for a simple look, pulling the front strands of her hair into braids that met at the back of Persephone's head.

"Thank you," she murmured, eyes cast down, not wishing to meet Alastair's.

Taking her hand, Alastair placed it in the crook of his elbow and began leading her down the hall away from their chambers. He was taking the long way around so she would not know the door leading to outside was only down to the end of the hall and to the left. Even though she seemed calmer now than she had in the past few days, he still did not trust that she would stay if given the chance to leave.

"I believe you will enjoy the garden," Alastair spoke, filling the silence as he led her through a maze of hallways, "I have flowers of different varieties from around the world. They grow all year round."

"But-" Persephone frowned up at him, meeting his eyes for one of the first times that morning, confused at how he could have flowers survive the notoriously harsh New England winter, assuming they were still in Maine.

Alastair smirked, showing a glimpse of his fangs, "My darling, I am the king of Vampires, do you really think I do not have powers of my own?"

A red tinge crossed Persephone's cheeks as she turned her gaze at the floor.

A cool hand covered the one tucked into Alastair's arm, causing Persephone to look up, "I can give you all you wish in the world, all you have to do is ask."

Persephone bit her lip, the only thing she wanted from him, he wouldn't give to her.

~~~~

Finally the pair arrived at a pair of French doors nestled neatly into a wall on what Persephone thought was the opposite end of the house. On either side of the doors was a guard in full uniform. Persephone didn't know if it was to keep bad things out or her in.

Without a glance at the pair, Alastair opened the door with a flourish, letting go of Persephone's hand and allowing her to move by herself out into the garden.

Persephone gasped as she felt the sunlight hit her skin for the first time in what felt like forever. Surrounding her was not some courtyard garden as she was expecting, with a few flowers here and there, but Eden itself. All around were trees and bushes and vines, a mix of tropical, Asian, European and American plants all in full bloom, the sweet aroma of them was almost drugging. Moving away from the building, she began to wander into the maze of a garden.

Alastair watched, always a few steps behind Persephone, giving he space but keeping a watchful eye on the girl, not only for assailants but making sure she did not wander to far.

He smiled as she moved from flower to flower, smelling and examining each one before moving on. His girl seemed more happy than she had since he had captured her. He would take her here everyday, she only needed to ask.

Suddenly, a voice sounded in Alastair's head, someone was contacting him telepathically, one of his lords telling him of how a deal went across the kingdom. He stood still and responded. The conversation lasted less than five minutes, but when his eyes refocused, Persephone was no where in sight.

A/n: hello sorry this is on the shorter side but I wanted to update considering yesterday I graduated.
Much love,
E