NIGHTS OF HALLOW

The walk to Sthena’s Chambers was a short one as the room of Perdita was almost located in the same direction as Sthena’s room.

Behind Perdita were the three maids who walked two steps behind her in uniform steps. Seeing Perdita in her attire and the way she elegantly walked, she exuded the aura of royalty. A trait that has always been in her demeanor since she was little. Even though she had lived most of her nineteen years in the village of Woodbridge, the unmistakable aura was still found in her actions and that of Marco’s.

Two maids were already in front of the door to Sthena’s room and as Perdita got near, they bowed their heads in greeting before pushing the double black doors open.

Perdita’s steps paused at the door, as her eyes took in the dark decor of Sthena’s room. Her heartbeat accelerated at the thought of being alone with him in such a dark place, but then, she shook off the thought and slowly made her way inside.

The maids swiftly closed the door as soon as Perdita walked in and they were quick to leave the vicinity of the King’s Chambers leaving only the duo inside.

The King’s chamber was a dark, majestic lair, illuminated by the soft, eerie glow of candelabras and a grand chandelier, its crystals refracting shards of light like a thousand tiny knives. The ceiling above was a vast mirror, reflecting the room’s somber splendor and casting an illusion of infinite depth that seemed to pull Perdita in.

A soft, black floormat, plush as a midnight cloud, silenced every footfall, leading to a magnificent four-poster bed, its black silk canopy embroidered with silver thread. Tapestries depicting dark, mystical forests and moonlit hunts hung from the walls, their colors muted, yet vibrant, like the King’s own dark majesty.

The chandelier, a masterpiece of black iron and crystal, hung like a dark star, casting an ethereal light upon the room’s dark, polished wood paneling. Every surface seemed to absorb the light, only to reflect it back in subtle, mysterious ways as if the very darkness itself was alive and watching.

In this lair of shadows, the King’s power and mystery reign supreme, where every detail whispered secrets of the eternal night, and the mirror ceiling above seemed to reflect the very soul of the vampire. This was indeed a room befitting a king. Perdita thought as she stared in awe.

Perdita’s green eyes took in the spacious room of Sthena which she wasn’t able to do the last time she was in here. She recalled the first time she came to the castle. She had been unconscious then, and of all the rooms Sthena would take her to, it was his room.

Her cheeks turned pink at the thought and thinking of the devil, Sthena emerged from one of the doors in the room.

”I was wondering if you would come or not. Would have carried you myself if you didn’t.” Sthena commented as soon as he saw Perdita in the room. His red eyes went from Perdita’s head, down to her toes and then back up again, his eyes glowing with the thoughts that swirled in his head.

”As usual, you look absolutely beautiful.” He remarked and slowly made his way towards Perdita.

”Thank you,” A warm beautiful smile graced the lips of Perdita and she replied, ”You don’t look bad yourself.” She noticed he also changed the clothes he had worn earlier to a more dazzling black shirt tucked neatly into his pants that were crisped ironed with no trace of wrinkles.

His long red hair combed to the back fell in gentle waves behind him, the beauty and luscious texture unhidden to the eyes. Some strands fell over his face sculpted to perfection. His strong jawline, his beautiful red eyes, his perfect pointed nose down to his thin sinful lips that were of red hue appeared more prominent than before, making him look dangerously handsome in the darkness of the room.

Perdita’s eyes went down as she was hypnotized by Sthena’s handsome face. Her eyes trailed down to his broad shoulders, and his strong arms that glued to his shirt. She blinked, her throat suddenly turning dry when through the shirt of Sthena where three buttons were undone, she saw his chest that would definitely be smooth to the touch.

Her fantasy of staring at Sthena was abruptly cut off when Sthena interrupted with a sly smile on his face, ”I would have allowed you stare as much as you wanted, but I bet the food will turn cold if you continue to admire my handsome self.”

”Ah...” Perdita quickly looked away utterly speechless, her face flushed as the floor became the only fascinating thing in the room. This narcissistic vampire. She chastised in her mind well aware that the person who needed to be chastised was her who had stared lustfully at him.

”This way, darling,” Sthena gestured with his hand outstretched for Perdita to take.

Perdita slowly but cautiously placed her hand in Sthena’s hand. His large hands enclosed hers as he led her to the door which he came out from earlier.

Perdita’s eyes widened in sheer surprise when Sthena opened the door that led to the balcony of his room. To call the place beautiful was an understatement as the suitable words for it were mesmerizing and enchanting.

The balcony was like a majestic oasis. As the king and Perdita approached, the soft glow of wall lamps, fashioned from intricately wrought iron and adorned with delicate glass panes, cast a warm, golden light upon the scene. The air was alive with the sweet, heady scent of blooming flowers, carefully arranged in ornate planters and hanging baskets to create a vibrant tapestry of color and fragrance. The scent intoxicating to the senses.

Velvety petals of crimson roses and lavender blooms spilled over the balcony’s edges, entangling with each other in a dance of the evening breeze. Delicate tendrils of ivy and clematis wove a lush, emerald-green canopy above, providing a sense of seclusion and intimacy.

The balcony’s stone floor, polished to a soft sheen, seemed to glow with a soft, moonlit light, inviting the King and Perdita to take their places at the elegantly set table. Candelabras, bearing slender tapers that flickered like fireflies, cast a soft, ethereal glow upon the fine linens, sparkling silverware, and glittering gemstones that adorned the royal pair.

As they sat down to their feast, where Sthena held out the chair for the stunned Perdita, the king, and Perdita were enveloped by the enchanting ambiance, surrounded by the gentle rustle of leaves, the soft dance of candlelight, and the sweet, intoxicating aroma of the flowers. It was a setting fit for royalty, a magical haven where the beauty of the night world came alive to enchant and delight.

”This is so beautiful and mesmerizing. Like nothing I have seen before.” Perdita couldn’t help but compliment all that her eyes saw. From where she sat, she could see the castle’s vast land covered in the greenery of the enchanting garden.

A warm smile tugged at the lips of Sthena who smiled warmly at Perdita’s response. He responded to her words, ”I’m glad it touched your heart, darling.”

Perdita stared at Sthena, not knowing which was more beautiful, the decorations of the balcony, or him. They both looked breathtaking.

”Thank you for this, Sthena.” She expressed, her voice thick with emotion her eyes swirled with.

”You are welcome, darling—” Sthena drawled as he placed a napkin on his lap. His red eyes glinted in the slightly dark balcony, a mischievous smile on his face as he went on to say, ”—though I don’t take appreciation in words.”

Perdita’s gaze faltered for a second as she also placed the napkin on her lap. The aroma wafting from the delicacies arrayed on the table drew her in to take a bite.

In reply to Sthena’s words, she asked, ”What then do you take as a form of appreciation, Your Majesty?”

”Action.” Sthena stated, his eyes darkening in response to what he said, ”I prefer action to words, especially from you. So, if you want to thank me, you put in some action.”

”Action?” Perdita’s brows squinted in confusion as she questioned, ”What kind of action do you mean?”

”You ask a very dangerous question, Perdita,” Sthena uttered, her name rolling out of his lips sweetly and sensually.

Perdita’s swallowed a lump in her throat, her body tickling in response to her name on Sthena’s lips. Her green eyes daringly stared back at Sthena’s hypnotizing gaze. She asked, ”What if I still want to know?”

”Will you do it then?” Came the next question of Sthena. ”Will you thank me with an action and not in words?” A teasing tone laced the words of Sthena. His eyes subtly challenged Perdita.

”Ye—” Perdita began, her voice failing her at first. She cleared her throat and then boldly asserted, ”Yes, I will.”