Lost Through Time (On Hold)

V

They danced into the house of Karstairs, Adelaide twirling around the grand hall where the stairs lead to what felt like infinite possibilities. Yet, she couldn't shake the feeling of loneliness that accompanied her joy. Lucien had told her before, but seeing the finished picture was almost heartbreaking. She wanted to join Lucien forever in his home, not just out of love, but to make sure he was never alone again.

"Welcome to Karstairs Manor!" Lucien announced, with his arms in the air in grand fashion, "Let me show you around." He lent a loving hand, smiling so bright he himself could resemble sunlight.

"I'd be honoured to, my love." replied Adelaide, smiling just as bright as Lucien. She took his hand and let him whisk her away upstairs.

"The Dinner Hall is boring, Living room and parlor the same. Down here is where the interest really lies." He rushed her through the hallway leading to what to Adelaide was the most beautiful room of all. "The Library!" Lucien announced again, being grand yet one more time.

"Luc, it's wonderful," Adelaide tried to catch what was left of her breath, "It. It's bigger than mine!" She made a pouty face like a child facing to Lucien, who was chuckling in response. "I can see why you lead with this first."

"And it has the most amazing view of the countryside as well. This is where I like to be in the house. Since I was a child, I've read just about every book my parents ever collected through the years. Including my own small collections from time to time."

Adelaide looked through the various books, her eyes as fixed as a predator to its prey, "So many books. I've always wanted to read these, by my father never let me borrow his from his study."

"Then you are welcome to borrow mine." Lucien grinned, knowing she would jump at the chance.

"Don't you go tempted me." Adelaide responded, wagging a finger in his direction.

"Is that a challenge my fair lady?"

Adelaide winked at him disappearing behind one of the many book lined shelves, pulling out a few that caught her eye. Lucien sat back in a leather bound desk chair watching her quietly. She danced through the isles only stopping to pull out another book flipping through it and placing it back on the shelf.

She'd been silent for a few minutes now and Lucien grew curious getting up from his chair in search for her. When he found her she held an old leather bound book with intricate silver filigree. He couldn't make out the title but she stared at it intently.

"How do you have this?" She asked looking up to him storm clouds brewing in her eyes.

"My father collected everything here, he probably brought it back from one of his travels." Lucien didn't see the importance of the book until Adelaide showed him the cover. His eyes grew wide.

"Has he ever gone to Romania?" she placed the book delicately on a side table.

Lucien just stared at the book in silence.

'Dragos'.