Welcome Duchess

Closer

Alighting down from the bed I opened the door and walked down the hall of the manor. I liked it much more than the palace, with its cozy and soft lighting. It was different from the blinding decor of the palace. I quickly found Mary who was carrying a lantern down to a lower floor.

"Mary, can I see Ellen?" I questioned.

She nodded quietly before continuing to walk, I could only assume she meant for me to follow her and so I did. We went down a few sets of winding stairs before reaching the lower levels where Mary pointed to a room, after which she walked down the opposite end of the hallway.

I peaked inside the room and found an awake Ellen, she spotted me and her eyes lit up excitedly. I hurried in and hugged her tightly, I was truly glad she was alright. Ellen patted my back gently with a smile.

"My lady, I was worried something had happened to you!" she said.

"I was far more worried about you Ellen, those horrid bandits didn't do anything serious did they." I said worriedly.

"No my lady, the Prince came just in time, they only ripped my clothes." so consoled me.

"Humph, that Prince is just as bad as those bandits." I pouted.

"Why do you say that my lady?" Ellen looked confused.

"He kissed me forcibly and even took off his shirt in front of me. Then he picked a fight with Vincent. Royalty is truly insufferable." I said scornfully.

Ellen laughed surprising me, "My lady you seem to have a knack for charming men in high positions. I only wish I had such talent." she giggled.

I curled up next to Ellen in the bed, " It's a curse...I don't mind Vincent, but that Prince seems to be up to nothing good." I sighed

Ellen gently combed her fingers through my hair, "Well my lady, perhaps tomorrow we should go out with the lord accompanying us. Afterwards, didn't you say you had more shopping to do? The engagement ceremony is only a day away and we still need to attend to your wardrobe."

"Are you so eager to go out again Ellen after what happened? Also that means Pamela will have to come along as well."

"I know we will be safe with the lord there. Additionally, it will open more opportunities to mock that Pamela for entertainment." Ellen snickered.

"My, my Ellen you have quite the mean streak!" I raised an eyebrow.

"Only for her, my lady. I can't stand her disgracing you so." Ellen said truthfully.

"Well a mean streak isn't so bad in this world..." I said softly.

"My lady?" Ellen tilted her head to the side.

"Nothing, I should return to Vincent's room. If you feel well tomorrow please do attend me in the morning." I instructed her.

"I would not miss it my lady." Ellen smiled before waving me off.

When I reached the room Vincent and I shared, I could smell a warm, deep scent. It smelled like pine and fresh dew drops. Vincent was definitely inside, alright time to shine. I pushed upon the door, and prepared to have a show, but my words and schemes were stolen from me when I spotted him.

His hair was loose and curly about his shoulders and the night breeze from the window he'd opened up brushed it back slightly. He swirled a red bottle around idly, staring outside at the moonlight.

Even though my plans went better this way, why did this Duke have to be so handsome...it made things...difficult. Vincent heard the sounds of my footsteps and turned to look at me smiling softly. He held out a hand and I walked closer to him taking it. I allowed him to pull me closer.

"Naomi...I don't want you to ever feel forced to do something with me. I'm more than willing to wait for you. We have all the centuries we want. I just want you by my side." he gently kissed my forehead.

"Why..." I could help my clench my fists, my plans were coming together so perfectly, but somehow I felt sick to my stomach.

"Hm?" Vincent questioned, confused.

"You barely know me or anything about me...why are you so devoted. What if I betray you?" I said harshly.

"Hmm maybe, but you're the first person I've been comfortable with. That's too rare to just let go." he mused.

"You seem pretty comfortable with Pamela." I pouted.

"Oh, is my dear wife jealous? A man has needs..?" I knew he was teasing me but I couldn't help but get irritated, much to his happiness.

"Humph." I turned away from him.

"Calm down. Now that I have you I have interest in such a prideful woman. I only liked her because her cruel nature was rather amusing." he seemingly waved Pamela off.

"Really? You wouldn't mind playing a little prank on her with me would you?" I grinned.

"Look at that evil little expression of yours. You truly are interesting Naomi. I'll help you with your little prank." Vincent agreed.

Before I could celebrate he held up a hand, "But, I have one condition." he smiled.

"What is it?" I questioned.

"I'd like a kiss from my very own dearest." his mischievous grin revealed his teasing nature quickly.

"I-...fine- You better do your best!" I got up on my tippy toes and kissed him.

I pulled away hoping that my face wasn't as red as it felt.

"Good girl~" he patted my head cheerfully.

"Now as for my prank I'm going to lead Pamela around on a leash and all you have to do is be your usual cold self."

"My, my. I've caught a rather cruel wife haven't I?" Vincent picked me up into his arms bridal style catching me off guard.

I placed my arms around his neck holding on, this little vampire...am I falling for him? He definitely was an upgrade from my previous boyfriends. But there was no way in hell I'd be fine with just being a simple housewife to a Duke. He placed me down onto the bed,

"Get some rest. I'll be back." he tried to tell me but I grabbed his wrist instead pulling him down on top of me.

He blinked several times, "Naomi...this didn't end so well last time..." he warned.

"That's because you got too eager to peek under my nightgown you pervert~ You should go slow with the girl you like. We're getting married soon for publicity, but that doesn't mean you don't have to court me~" I murmured

Our lips were inches apart from each other, but Vincent pulled away,

"So then are you choosing to let me court you properly~?" he smiled.

"Don't disappoint me~" I whispered in his ear.

Vincent's eyes shimmered dangerously in the dim lit,

"You have no idea how much I want to take you right here and now." he said slowly, causing a shiver to spread up my spine slowly.

"Maybe on our wedding night~" I teased before wriggling out from under him and turning over in the bed.

Vincent sighed, "What am I going to do with you~" he chuckled.

"I mean you could do anything, since you bought me-" I responded.

"I'd much rather take time to love you slowly." he decided.

"There's your answer then my Duke." I yawned tiredly.

He wrapped his arms around me and we fell asleep together.