It was now dinner time, and Kat made her way to the dining hall, she was surprised to see Josie not seated next to Lucian but in her own seat. Kat gave Josie a questioning gaze as Sebastian came forward to pull out the chair for her.
"Since I won't be around after tomorrow, you should get used to sitting there," Josie pointed out, passing Kat an apple.
"Mmm, I see," Kat responded ,then subconsciously passed the apple to Lucian. she had gotten used to Josie passing apples to Lucian, who would cut them into small bunny shapes. She glanced at him for the corner of her eyes, though his expression remained indifferent, he seemed relaxed.
"Brother Lucian, will you be joining us for the Equinox Fair tomorrow?" Josie asked, though she didn't expect he would.
"Mmmm, my schedule is most occupied this week, so I'm afraid not" Josies eyes squinted at lucain, "hmmm you are always busy, to even spend a day with you little sister" Josie fummed. Lucain eye's darted to his sister's fuming face "if it makes you feel any better, we would go Apple picking when I'm back tomorrow" satisfied with lucains words she didn't persist further as she didn't expect he would have time to go in the first place.
That night, Kat had trouble sleeping and decided to take a walk. She stepped out of her room, closing the door behind her with a lantern in hand. She didn't go downstairs, remembering her last unsettling experience, and stayed on her floor. After a while of her walking through the corridors with no specific destination, eventually making her way to one of the balconies.
Her footsteps were as light as possible. Before she could reach the balcony, she paused when she caught a glimpse of someone already there. She subconsciously gulped 'another vampire?' taking in a silent breath she leaned forward slightly to take a peek at the person. When she finally saw who it was, her eyes widened slightly, not in shock, but taken aback by the sight of Lucian sitting on the railing of the balcony. He had his face turned away, but Kat could still see part of his profile. He luxuriously leaned his left hand on the railing, the moonlight settled on his pale skin, his black hair flowing steadily with the night wind. 'mmm I never took him for someone with such an introspective side' kat thought to herself.
Despite the serene scenery, and his obvious calmness, he still emitted the same dark aura she always felt around him. For a moment, Kat found herself gaping at the devilish man before her. He is always everywhere, she thought to herself.
Kat readied herself to leave quietly but was caught by Lucian's words. "It seems you are always quite energetic at night, as you are always wandering out of your room?" Lucian remarked not looking at her, kat stood abruptly, as she hadn't expected him to notice her, she was really quiet with her movements, and he didn't even look back. "I couldn't sleep" came here small reply. lucians dark gray eyes turned to look at her. Kat's heart beat picked, but her expression remained calm. And he gestured for her too come forward, She walked over to him, stopping two feet away.
"I didn't think it would be a problem if I wanted to get some air," Kat said raising a eyebrow, she didn't stay Infront of him and moved towards the rail, letting both her hands rest on it, but still keeping her distance from Lucian, she let out a breath, a pulb of misty air, escaping her lips before vanishing Into the cold air.
"I wasn't aware that the oxygen in your room had been suppressed," Lucian commented sarcastically.
"Well, you are now," Kat retorted with a sarcastic smile, that immediately dropped after her statement.
Lucian's expression stayed impassive as he looked at the girl before him, dressed in unfamiliar clothing. Her figure leaned forward against the railing. His eyes narrowed slightly, taking in her appearance. He had never seen her in this particular clothing, a simple silk shirt and pair of shorts he took to be no less than a undergarment, a fair share of her legs were exposed to is eyes. Any other women would have hide in shape standing before a man in such clothing, but as it was accustomed in her world she couldn't be bothered.
Her hair swayed along with the wind. Something about her seemed abis at the moment. Though she was only mostly jovial and talkative around his little sister, and something sabastain. But at the moment her face held a plain expression, somewhat indifferent, but her eyes said otherwise. They looked distant, as she stared at the sky, as though reminiscing about something, before it flickered away.
"I see the last event didn't teach you to stay in your room," Lucian said, referring to the time she had almost been killed by a vampire.
His right hand brought up a cigarette to his lips, before his lips parted to let the smoke out.
Kat's gaze moved to Lucian. At first suprised by the cigarette, she wanted to roll her eyes at his words "Didn't think there would be something of danger to me outside." She said.
In the blink of an eye, Lucian stood bedside her, and her gaze snapped to meet his, he stared at her intensely. "Is that so? I would advise you to think again," he advised, a smile found it's way up his lips and kat gulped, she could smell the faint smell of the cigarettes mixed with rosewood.
His face was merely few inches away from hers. Kat's heart skipped a beat when his eyes changed. Unlike the way she had seen vampire's eyes turn red, a spark of red, almost like a tiny flame, danced around his pupils as though reflecting of something, as fascinating as it was to look at, she felt a chill run down her spine.
Lucian's back had arched to be at eye level with Kat. The girl would always found a way to cross his path at the wrong time and places, almost like she wanted to be his meal. She smelled nice, like scented rose petals and baby oil, an innocent yet addictive scent that made him wonder further how she tasted.
Kat found herself momentarily captivated by the devil's eyes. Lucian leaned close to kat ears, his words falling on the shell of her ears "little children shouldn't wander around at night, haven't you heard monsters eat kids that do" Lucian nose took a rift of the scent of her hair it smelt like coconut, a warm and inviting scent and he whispered his last word "Go back to your room Katherine, or you might get eaten".
She snapped out of her thoughts and stepped away from him, if he wanted her dead she would have been dead a long time ago, She had only seen him kill by the strength of a sword, she had no clue how is vampire side could be. It wouldn't be wise to gamble with her safety this man was never sane to beginning with He could snap at anytime. He was right it was dangerous, and he was the danger, Kat thought to herself, " it's getting cold out, I will head back to my room" she turned to leave, making her way back to her room, Lucian' gaze followed the girl until she was out of sight.
The next morning in the castle. Breakfast went on as usual, but Lucian seemed too busy and didn't spend much time before standing up to leave.
"Excuse me," Kat said, also getting up to leave. As she walked out, her eyes searched for someone, and she spotted him. She wanted to call out to him but wasn't sure how. Calling him by his name was too direct, even though he did so to her, and she couldn't call him by his title, her pride wouldn't let her. She hurriedly walked towards him until she caught up.
Lucian very much knew she was following him but ignored her until she blocked his path. "We need to talk," Kat breathed out.
Lucian tilted his head. "What about?" he asked.
"I need money," Kat said. Lucian didn't say anything but just stared at her.
"So let's make a deal thirty gold coins, and I would feed your cat for two more days," Kat said, tipping her chin.
A crooked smile appeared on Lucian's lips at her words. "Five gold coins," Lucian said, dropping the amount without hesitation. He didn't bother asking why she wanted the money.
Kat's gaze narrowed. Not only was he a devil, but stingy too. How could he bring the price all the way down to five? "Eighteen gold coins," Kat countered.
"Four gold coins," Lucian replied.
"Sixteen gold coins," Kat insisted.
"Three gold coins."
"Fifteen gold coins and twenty silver coins." She responded getting more annoyed.
"Nine gold coins," Lucian responded, his tone calm yet taunting.
Kat took a deep breath, seeking a bit of peace despite her growing irritation. "Why be so greedy? You're a freaking king," she muttered. She then tried to compose herself and made one last offer. "No one remind rich by recklessly giving away their wealth" lucain pointed out. Kat gaze narrowed "mmm, 13 gold coins."
Lucian paused for a moment, as though considering her words. "Mmm, ten gold coins. I'm busy," Lucian deadpanned and turned to walk away.
Kat grubled to herself, " Wait," Kat called out, "twelve gold coins and fifteen silver coins."
Lucian stopped and glanced back at her. "Ten gold coins 10 silvers," and didn't bother to wait for a response.
"Settled" Lucian said, then turned and walked away without another word. Kat watched him leave, really wanting to strangle him.
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The vibrant hum of the Equinox Fair greeted Kat and Josie as they stepped out of the carriage. The air was filled with the mingling scents of sweet treats, the chatter of excited fairgoers, and the distant sounds of music and laughter. Colorful banners fluttered in the gentle breeze, and the fairground was alive with activity.
Stalls lined the path, each one brimming with various delights and wonders. Josie immediately gravitated towards a booth selling candied apples, her favorite treat. "Ooh, let's try these!"
"Sure," Kat replied. They received two gleaming red apples from the vendor. Josie passed one to Kat and took a bite of the other, savoring the sweet, tangy flavor.
They both wore plane simple dressing, not wanting to draw attention and blend in with the town's folk's, and just wanted to have a fun time at the fair like everyone else. but despite that the two beauties still caught the attention of people passing by, some men wanting to approach them but not having the confidence to.
They continued to explore, moving from stall to stall. Josie dragged Kat to a booth displaying intricate jewelry. "Oh, Kat, look at this!" she said, holding up a delicate silver bracelet adorned with tiny charms. "Isn't it beautiful?"
"It is," Kat agreed, admiring the craftsmanship. The memory of their last shopping experience flashed in Kat's mind, and she hurried Josie away from the store. "I think we have enough jewelry already," she added, remembering the trouble they got into last time and her now limited funds of ten gold coins and a few silvers.
They moved from stall to stall, taking in the sights and sounds of the fair. There were performers juggling fire, acrobats twisting and turning in the air, and musicians playing lively tunes that made the crowd want to dance. Josie's laughter was infectious, and Kat felt like she was in a storybook.
Eventually, they reached a quieter area of the fair where children gathered around a storyteller. The old man's voice was rich and melodious, weaving tales of magic and adventure that captivated his young audience.
As they continued their exploration, they came across a small, dimly lit tent with a sign that read, "Madame Tessa - Reader of Fortunes." Josie's eyes lit up with excitement. "Oh, Kat, look! A tarot reader! Let's go!" she exclaimed, tugging at Kat's sleeve.
Kat hesitated, glancing at the tent. "I don't know, Josie. I'm not really interested in that sort of thing," she said honestly.
Josie grinned. "Back in Davina, I had my cards read, and I was told I would meet someone new and worthwhile and form new bonds," she said, jabbing Kat playfully. "And then I met you! See? It all came true!"
Kat chuckled at Josie's excitement but remained unconvinced. "I think that's just a coincidence, Josie. But I'm glad it worked out for you," she said.
Josie pouted slightly, giving Kat a pleading look. "Oh, come on, Kat! Just one reading. It'll be fun! Besides, you might learn something interesting."
After a moment's hesitation, Kat sighed and relented. "Alright, alright. Let's go see what this so-called reader of the future has to say," she agreed, following Josie into the tent.
The tent was dimly lit, casting shadows in every corner, with the scent of incense wafting through the air, creating an atmosphere of mystery and intrigue. In the center, a table adorned with a crystal ball and a deck of cards awaited their attention. Seated behind the table was the tent's owner, a woman who looked to be in her thirties, with an air of wisdom beyond her years and a gothic yet welcoming presence...