The Baron and his Lady

Twenty-four: Vows

The beyond
Krista's pov

I tucked my hair into a neat bun and made a crown of flowers to hold them in place. I didn't have a fancy veil to cover my face or a white dress to match the occasion. Instead, Lucian lent me a cream shirt that fell above my knees.

I peered at the riverbank to watch my reflection, I looked like fairy in a nightdress.

"Are you ready, love?"

Lucian stood behind me, his hair was tied in a classy ponytail. His face as handsome and attractive as ever. God, I love this man.

"Yes." I stood and linked our arms. My fingers fisted an important surprise for him.

He took me back towards the slates. There was a lone peach tree in the middle whose leaves provided enough shade for us.

When we arrived, I saw a makeshift altar carved in stone. There, he placed the ring he inherited from his mother. Tristane was wrong, it wasn't given away. Lucian had it all this time.

"You look lovely Krista..."

"Not as lovely as her..."

His hand froze in mid air as he was about to touch my face. Crap. I just ruined the moment.

"Don't say that mi amour. She may have been my first love but she no longer holds my heart... Yra, she..."

"Forgive me Lucian." I threw my arms around him, "I have this habit of blurting out the first thing that comes to my head without thinking first."

He sighed, "I know... but I understand." He cupped my face so I would meet his gaze, "You are the loveliest woman for me Krista. I have been a fool not to fight for you all these years, I was weak but I should've at least tried. Now that we are together I am not letting you go."

"Oh Lucian..."

"Now love, don't cry just yet. Not until I've said my vows."

I smiled, "Of course. Carry on my lord."

Lucian released me from his embrace and took the ring from the altar.

"I," he began, "Galbraith Adrian Norwood take thee Kristania Vinna Neville as my loving wife. I promise to love you, care for you, through sickness and health till death do us part."

I couldn't help the tears back, the emerald ring felt comfortable on my finger. I brushed off the tears and extracted my surprise for Lucian. An onyx ring.

"Krista, where did you—"

"I've been wearing it around my neck, but lately I kept it hidden. It belonged to my grandfather, Dina's Dad. After my parents separated, Mom no longer wanted it." I held his hand and looked my gaze to his, "I, Kristania Vinna Neville take you, Galbraith Adrian Norwood as my husband. I promise to love you, care for you, through sickness and health till death do us part."

Grandpa's ring fitted him perfectly. Lucian stared at it with admiration, it may not be as grand as a noble's heirloom but the Onyx stone gleamed beautifully.

Lucian pulled me close for a kiss, "Wife, I'll kiss you now."

I raised my lips and we sealed our vows.

Outside world
Tristane's pov

I still could not understand how it was possible that Claus had taken over Patrick's body. Part of me wanted to run and go to Emma but the other part stayed with him.

Claus/Patrick sat on the bed, totally confused. His eyes surveyed the area as if he was seeing things that are not supposed to be there.

"This is Penthurst Manor."

"Yes.." I replied.

He stood slowly, "You are a Mayer."

I gulped. This feels bad.

"I am a descendant, yes."

"Where is that witch ancestor of yours?!" His eyes showed so much hatred that I had to step back.

"She-"

"This is all her doing! I have been trapped in this body for so long and now I've finally taken over I can kill her with my own hands."

Claus caught my throat cutting off my oxygen. I fought back but he was stronger. I knew Patrick worked out a lot and is in the best of health. His body stood taller than me, giving Claus the advantage.

"You have the same dark magic flowing into your veins, do not worry. I will kill you instantly to spare you such curse, you'll thank me later.." he cocked his head, "or perhaps not."

His grip tightened, my throat quaked. Blood stopped right under his hand and I could no longer breathe. My vision was getting blurry, I gave one last gasp and saw darkness.

The beyond
Krista's pov

As husband and wife, Lucian and I spent the time devouring each other. We could never have enough, we took pleasure with each other's bodies. In a world with eternity to spend, it was the best thing to do this time.

We lay spent and sated afterwards. Lucian's breathing was heavy and so was mine. His eyelids fluttered before finally falling asleep.

I stared at him. My husband. How odd it sounded yet it felt so right. The man who invaded my dreams was no longer a vision of the past but a living, breathing, wonderful man.

He was always gentle with me, I've been showered with endless promises of his undying love. I wonder if I deserved it all.

Lucian flipped on his side but didn't wake. I smiled. Silly Krista, how could you ever doubt your worth? This man wanted you. Only you. End of story.

I laid my head down and welcomed the arms of sleep. The world beyond hummed with satisfaction. There won't be sadness or loneliness anymore.