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What a wonderful thing, stars were. Marielle had been given lots of time to observe them. Night being one of the only times she could be outdoors, truly enjoying her surroundings. While she couldn't remember much from her childhood, Marielle could remember that her father used to tell her wondrous stories that stars were just souls, ones that have passed away. It was a pleasant thought, that you could be something so beautiful after death. As dusk turned to night, the girl, no older than nine, felt herself getting impatient. Her evergreen eyes looked over the skyline of Sicily, Italy, her head on her arms as they rested on the window sill.
She wanted to go out, she was tired of staying in this hotel room, spending the day with the curtains closed tight, practicing her academics. Her father had left her with plenty of books to read while he was gone. In a strange circumstance, Marielle actually wished her sister was here. Even if she annoyed the hell out of her most of the time. Her father was here on some family business, and she didn't really know what that meant, but, she knew she wasn't included. Much to her dismay. The brunette girl could hear faint sounds of music and chatter from the city below. And oh, how she wanted to join in. It had taken quite an amount of begging to get her father to take her on this trip in the first place, and now she was cooped up in this room.
Loosing a faint sigh, the young vampire girl stepped away from the window, making her way to her bags, sitting at the foot of her bed. Kneeling down, her sundress touching the floor, she dug through her bag until she came out with a book. In French, unfortunately. She actually preferred English literature, even if French was her first language. Curling up in one of the armchairs, Marielle opened her book, awaiting her father's return. The nights in Sicily were warm and inviting.
No one could go anywhere about the place without it showing some form of excitement and romance. Growing up in a country like this people were wise to either take advantage of it quickly or be stuck in a muck trying. Nevertheless, on this particular evening at about eight o'clock the Parrino's had arrived back to the hotel villa with their courtly chaperone. The place in all honesty looked like a mansion separated from the rest on top a large hill. A young boy still very short for the age of twelve whom had yet to reach his growth in puberty managed to keep his composure the whole day during the conducting of business affairs.
Naturally, the only thing he wished to be doing wasn't playing like a dog to a leash but rather 'playing catch' instead; arguably so with or without the company via beast or human. By this way of thinking he was sharp and witty beyond his years. Words rolled off his tongue sarcastic to anyone. The only two people that stopped him from acting on his own "abrupt" accords were his father, Danilo and his mother, Arabella. When the door opened the curious boy looked around.
Upon the walls were large paintings of French noblemen and woman. Tapestries containing a royal coat of arms that hung from the foyer along two corresponding crystal chandeliers. By the looks of things he could tell that his father had friends in 'very' high places through all facets of life. This didn't surprise the boy anymore than the villas gaudy decor. It was however better than having to meet up in any mysterious alleys away from the eyes of Catholic protestants.
Danilo wasn't by any means a saint but certainly he was also not a terrible sinner. His morals were what had gotten him, his family and his country further in the rising world of commerce. Before the young Jethro who was already bored out his mind could muster a sigh he was greeted by the houses chambermaid. An older woman with a slight cleft in her footing who reeked of cheap wine and lilac."Come little master, per di qua." [ "This way." ]
Of course he had been in disillusion to not care that his father and his friend had now brought it upon themselves to offer the idea of meeting a new play mate. He narrowed his burgundy eyes and glared over at his shoulder as the two walked out of the foyers entry into what looked like a study or a library. The annoyed youth swiftly turned his gaze back to the seemingly composed drunkard and followed her up one set of the villas imperial staircase. They had passed many hallways almost as if they were both caught in some incomprehensible labyrinth. Upon a doorway carved in marvel there were cupids with pointed bows. The door itself was made of a tropical mahogany that carried a tint of red. As the housekeeper opened the two sets of framework his eyes met with that of a girl who seemed to be drenched in sorrow and boredom.
[ "Give me a break!" ] "Ma dai!" the words were murmured effortlessly from beneath his breath. He was clearly not amused by anything anymore and his patience that had been dwindling had finally managed to run out of fuel. Baring the energy to walk inside, the maid closed the door behind gently not to make any disrupting noise before carrying herself back to her work.
The petite yet strapping handsome boy stood in the presence of the girl who was jut a few inches taller than him equal in disgust and embarrassment. He kept his hands within the pockets of his pants and noticed the book she was reading. "La Princesse de Clèves?" he let out a slight chuckle in utter amusement. Although he wouldn't admit it, he was actually quite surprised that she of all would be reading such intricate and classical literature. The book was well beyond the years of a child's comprehension and etiquette or; at least the children he knew. Most couldn't handle anything short of a nursery rhyme. Suddenly, his interested was peeked to her with curiosity."How far have you read?" Jethro removed his hands from his pockets and took a seat next to her. Stands of his long brown curly hair covered his left eye and the smell of roses courted the air as this was his mothers. She never left him. Indubitably was also his sweet nature, even if many who knew him well argued, there was simply no denying the strong attributes the nearing teen had resembled so strongly of her. When he wanted, his charm and grace were easily turned on like a fires flame to a candles wick.
'How tragic, really,' was all that Marielle could think as she read the novel before her. Why authors would write such wonderful stories and then it with such sadness was beyond her. She had read Princess de Clèves several times lately, partially because it was her tutor's favorite for her studies. And Marielle was starting to get sick of it. She was not a vampire girl with so little control to want to feed right now. She was perfectly capable of holding her appetite until her father returned. Yet, still, her evergreen eyes darkened a shade.In the middle of turning one of the worn pages of her book, Marielle heard movement outside the double doors of the study, also smelt the faint scent of humans. She realized it wasn't just her father before the door even opened, and hadn't let herself get excited. Her eyes locked with the boy's that entered the room and she instantly felt annoyance and fluster. A child? Now Marielle couldn't really talk, she was obviously a couple years younger and a human child. What was her father thinking but he was nowhere in sight for her to ask. Sitting up straighter, her bright eyes traced him as he crossed the room. Had her father mentioned a visitor earlier and she hadn't heard?
It could be seen, even with Marielle at such a young age, that she was going to mature beautifully. The boy, perhaps a few inches shorter than her, was around twelve years old. She smirked when she saw the look of annoyance flicker across his face. When he spoke, he was revealed as Italian. The Villa that her and her father had been staying at was beautifully Italian. Though she did not particularly like being locked up on this hill. Even if the view was wonderful."Hello," she said rather quietly. "I have just begun." Her voice had the French accent and etiquette, much beyond her age. "But I have read it before." Marielle was still a child. And that was often forgotten. And she couldn't help but wonder if he knew who — what, she was. She ran her tongue over her teeth, looking over at the boy beside her."What's your name?" she questioned, a tad awkwardly. Marielle had next to no experience with other children. Especially boys for that matter... She looked down at her slim hands, her cheeks tinted pink against her pale skin. He studied the girls reactions. Taking note to every movement, every action and details. Jethro was an excellent observer. Not that it was meant to be perceived in a creep way; he just did it to find either keep note of certain refinements in life. Some would prove fatal in important times while others were simply to appreciate. Gazing into her evergreen eyes, the slightly less irritated young boy smiled. He answered her question politely and like a gentlemen. He took her left hand delicately within his palm and gave a kiss; his lips were smooth, pale like a peach. When this was done he announced his name just as it had matched that of his cordial formality. "My name is Jethro, Son of Danilo and the only living heir to the house of Parrino." Jethro could tell this might have been the best way to approach her. She seemed have this aura of wallflower. A beautiful one. He recalled his father telling him stories of how his mother was the same before they had met. Something about the way she stopped and stared every time she was in the marketplace to look at the clocktower, her hair glowing like hue of saffron and ember in the sunlight.
He knew then in that moment cupid had stuck him with love."And you are?" The words rolled off his tongue with ease, his boyish charm knowing no bounds, however this was his chance to finally figure out where he was. As he recalled a whole day had gone by so slowly but now he could enjoy company and retrieve answers that his father wouldn't discuss with him. Even after they were home, Danilo kept secrets hidden. Jethro understood that it wasn't easy, for a life with many secrets was like having to baring weights upon shoulders that in itself were only human enough to break if they slipped into the wrong ears. He removed a few strands of the girls long dark hair pulling it behind her left ear. He wondered if this was her first time in Italy? The customs were different from other countries and greeting someone for the first time often entailed kisses on the cheek, but again he wouldn't want to make the other before him feel uncomfortable. The thoughts of his mothers advice and her subtle green thumbs had taught him more that there was to know about precious blossoms.'Flowers are delicate. They like to be watered but if showered with too much they will drown. If neglected of any, they will wilt.'Jethro patiently awaited an answer, 'La Princesse de Clèves' had rested within her lap. The pages opened to the first chapter.
His sudden change in attitude and charm surprised her. Though, she kept the small confusion off her face. But then came the way he introduced himself. Such formality. Obviously he was important. A sole heir? The name Parrino did ring a bell from the quiet conversations she had over heard in her father's study. But she didn't know enough to really assume who he was. The thing that really hit her was the gentleness of the kiss he placed on her hand. Perhaps it was just that she wasn't expecting it. The only people that had treated her in a such a way were visiting relatives or close family adversaries. It made the young girl stare for a moment. She realized that she hadn't yet answered when Jethro reached up to brush one of her hairs out of her face and behind her ear. Her face again reddened a shade, but she sat up straighter. She did not have such poor etiquette."I'm Marielle." She paused, contemplating what to say next. It's not as if her father, William, would have brought him here if he was completely clueless. "Marielle Everett," she finally completed, a slight smile coming to her face. With a sharp intake of breath, Marielle opened her eyes, staring at the locket sitting on her bed side table. The antique pendant seemed to stare back at her, she could barely remember why she took it off in the first place. She barely ever removed it. Sitting up from the pillow, she buried her hands in her dark hair, resting her elbows on her knees as she thought about what had just occurred. Perhaps, it was more like a memory she relived than a dream. It had been about two centuries since then, so she had to wonder how she now remembered it so clearly. But, of course, of all days, the memory had resurfaced today. Her pointer finger on her right hand ran over the base of her ring finger on her left. There was nothing there. Not right now. Taking a deep breath, she pulled back the covers, letting her feet hit the floor.
The rooms she had been occupying in her aunt's estate had been quite lovely. Through the white curtains, some of the colorful late morning light came through the stain glass window of her bedroom. The light painted the wood floors a rainbow of colors, and she stayed well out their way. At this point, sunlight didn't so much as harm her, as irritate her. Although she supposed if she stayed in the light long enough, it would harm her in some way. Maybe it would be a pleasant day, for once since she had arrived, but she could see the grey clouds rolling in the distance. She supposed she had to dress for the weather then.
Making her way across the room, Marielle lazily pulled up her length of hair, tying it up just to keep it out of the way. Her sharp features were cleared from her mess of hair. Although she didn't necessarily look tired, at all, she definitely felt it. Since her aunt's death a couple years ago, Marielle's cousins had been in charge of her estate in England. They had kindly let her stay here until she got herself... arranged. Standing in front of the mirror in the bathroom, she put her hands on her hips, loosing a sigh. She met her evergreen eyes, no longer cute or childlike, but piercing and stunning. Marielle had too many things to do today. So many things for her to deal with. But, the first and most important one, was Jethro Parrino.
When Stephan and opened the door Jethro was busy in his study, much as the afternoon had already intended on his vigorously precocious commodities. He wasn't exactly in the right mind to be completely analytical towards anyone visiting at his doorstep either. Day after day the administers of business were hounding, biting off far more than what they could chew. The only thing that was stopping him from slamming his head against the table was the fact he'd be helping his country and the political estates if he could replace the old underground policies. This was going to need more time. Time that he didn't have but would have to make the most out being while in England. The sound of distant footsteps rang closer to the door the vampire let out a sigh. Stephan, the butler who managed the manor he had purchased years ago while in London devoted his services to the house of Parrino as an undead himself. He carried a certain presence that duly noted chivalry wasn't dead. Any immortal that was willing to admit otherwise was simply a fool. Jethro ran his fingers through his hair, stubble around his chin trimmed and symmetrically precise. Then there came a knock at the door."Sir, there's a visitor here to see you. She says it's urgent?" The male rolled his eyes and sighed once more, the time taking a longer inhaling thereafter. "Okay Stephan, let them in." His voice had called out loudly enough for his servant to hear but not too pugnacious to be labeled a nuisance. Over the last few days Jethro had been quiet the nocturnal fellow, always keeping the curtains closed. He had read in one of the local newspapers that the forecasts would be different in the upcoming weeks. Rain, partly cloudy with a chance of slight drizzles. Now that was more like it. He could plan a final meeting and close the deals he had been strangling hurdles over for months.Suddenly, the sound of a faint clicking came from the doorknob.
Jethro stood from his seat, pushing the chair back into the desk. He was dressed as he would be if the warm weather could be appreciated without too much technicality. A black dress suit with a burgundy tie to match his eyes. His hair was combed up in a pompadour the same way he hand kept it during the past decades. Looking down at the silver watch that wrapped around his wrist he took the time.1:43pm. Just as Marielle swept the locket off her nightstand and headed for her coat sitting in the armoire, there was a knock on the door before someone poked their head inside."Where are you going so dressed up?" Alissa, her cousin, asked before slipping inside, closing the door behind her. There was not much similarity between Marielle and her English cousin. While she had the dark hair and jewel eyes, Alissa had waist long golden hair and dark brown eyes, her figure willowy and tall."I'm not." Marielle began, but knew there was so point in arguing with her right now, she had somewhere to be. She adorned a dark blue three quarter sleeve sweater, and a white lacy skirt that went to about her mid shin. It was nice, not too flashy, professional."So where exactly were you going today, Ellie?" her younger cousin questioned, causally looking through the trinkets and jewelry at her vanity. The vampire rolled her eyes, walking up behind her and snatching a beautiful hair clip from her hands, before twisting her dark hair up with it."You know I don't appreciate that nickname," Marielle said as she sat down on an armchair for a moment, slipping on her hair of black medium heels. "Not that it's any of your business, but I have some things to attend to today. So if you could kindly show yourself out." She gestured to the door, walking towards the antique armoire once more, her shoes clicking lightly on the hardwood. When she turned around she could only hope that Alissa was gone.
Not that she despised her cousin, she was just a tad nosy and spoiled. She had her moments though. She was a decent person to talk to if you're up for dealing with her gossip. She was family after all. Slipping the black coat over her slim shoulders, Marielle turned around and sighed out of relief when she saw no sign of Alissa still snooping around her rooms. Taking one more look around, she took a deep breath. There was so much she had to face today. Things she had been avoiding since her week of being in England. Making her way toward the door, she reassured herself one more time that she would be fine, and listened to the door click shut behind her. Before she could really process what was about to happen, how the next few moments could rearrange her entire life, Marielle Everett found herself being instructed where to go to reach an office. Rather than stressing, rather than getting upset with what she was being forced to do, she focused on the sound of her shoes on the floor, something to keep her sane. However, too soon, she was standing before a door, her mind reeling, her nails digging into her palms. Marielle was no complete stranger to Jethro, that dream was proof enough. But, she has not seen him since then, since they were both children. She was no fool and knew that things have very much changed since then. She knew this would not be simple in the slightest. Her hand reached out for the doorknob, gripping it in her slim hand for a moment before turning it. There was a quiet click and she pushed it open, stepping in slightly before stopping, out of politeness."I'm sorry, I did not mean to bother you," Marielle said in her slight accent, but stopped, green eyes scanning the room for a moment before landing on the male who seemed to be awaiting her. She stopped short, but it didn't show on her face, she had enough self control. Yet still, there was no way that... if he had changed and matured that much, then she was worried that perhaps he wouldn't recognize her himself. "Hello," she said this time, confidently, almost as if testing the waters.
Without warning he grabbed a bottle of bourbon from the desk and popped the cap. The liquid was then poured into a short glass before taking a sip. "A bother maybe but a nuisance you are not. That is where I draw the line. Can I offer you a cup a tea with some fresh blood, AB positive will do you fine, won't it?" Personal tastes were complimentary of the house but if she had preferred anything else, that could also be arranged. The Kingpin however could smell it. This was no surprise. A blood a vampire was no mistake and completely recognizable, although things became much more clear the moment he made eye contact.
Jethro's burgundy hues latched in a gaze that was still processing her every fiber with great analysis. He couldn't actually believe he was staring at someone with whom he knew only from a moment in time that as silly and as perplexed was but augmented. There was no denying her features had changed, that was just a compliment to time. No matter whom desirably or not with it came age, that could never be stopped— unless of course bitten by the undead manifestation itself. Keeping his composure, the gentlemen walked over to her. Things were different since the last time they had met. For one, he was taller his feature less baby-like. Arguably so the tone in his voice had dropped as well, it was deeper and could in many ways be heard that way even through different dialects."Que me vaut le plaisir?" [ "To what do I owe the pleasure?" ]
Parrino took to her left hand gently and adjusted his lips courting her with a kiss. Rather than closing them, this time he kept them open. Gazing into her natural irises of beauty nearly the same he had done many centuries ago with a smile coiling to his face. He could never forget the wallflower with eyes and hair of a forrest, luscious and evergreen. Jethro cordially took his bow within her presence and allowed himself to seat her. Formidably there was so much to talk about, many subjects to cover. Questions upon questions as a few answers that were mysteries had just been mentally noted— solved but not announced.
The Don of Italy would be polite and let the lady have the honors first. The sudden movements of Jethro shocked Marielle slightly, had he been speaking to himself? No matter, she was here now. She was here in front of him. Centuries later. At his words, she felt the corner of her mouth twitch upwards. "That sounds lovely." It was no surprise he guessed her blood preference, especially with it being so rare. Standing there, fiddling with her locket idly, her mind was abuzz, bubbling over with questions and things to say. They both had changed so very much since they were children. So much so that they both stood there analyzing each other for a moment. Jethro had no doubt matured in body and mind, and the charm was still there. Marielle's accent was still present, though perhaps not as thick now. Also, she was obviously not a little girl anymore.
A soft smile came to her lips at his French, pleasantly surprised that he made the effort. She was about respond, but he took her hand, giving her a kiss, just like when they were children. Though, now, it felt much more... intimate. Like there was something more to it. But she pushed the thought away, gazing into his burgundy eyes."There is no need for such formalities," she said, in reference to his bow, but smiled anyhow, giving him a light curtsy. Marielle sat down, crossing her legs in one fluid moment, folding her hands in her lap. "I am not here in an effort to force anything on you. Nor am I eager to rush into anything," she began, but paused, taking in a breath. She had never really admitted it out loud. "But we are to be wed, Jethro." It was one of her father's last requests to her, besides looking after her sister. Both requests have stressed her since then. Her marrying Jethro Parrino was something that confused her. Their father's had known each other, but she had to wonder what his goal was. Not that she could ask now. "This was thrust upon me as well, and I don't want to jump into things too quickly." She stopped herself before she could ramble anymore.
After she was seated Jethro found himself to his chair located at the opposite end of the large desk. Her words she had spoken were being severely contemplated in a repetitive notion deep within his head. Perhaps it was all a joke? Clearly they not spoken in years— centuries to be exact. There came a soft warm chuckle from between his lips as a rather suggestive metamorphosis. Taking his elbows to the top of the sleek wooden table his fingers met, interlocking between one another."Good one. Really, that's great. Let me guess, this is just your way of trying to break the ice after so long, isn't it? Well my dear, you got me. It's lovely to know that not only your appearance have changed since we were children but your sense of humor too." The vampire kept his eyes locked ahead, staring at her with a coy smirk."We haven't seen each other in what?— Nearly two hundred fifty years and yet at the first emergence we get to rekindle exchanging a hello you're telling me to say 'I do'? You know how silly and ludicrous that must seem, no?! There's no denying your father was a great man, even I had my doubts about my own from time to time but quite frankly my dear if our parents did intend for us to wed we would have already?" Jethro's brows lowered in state that represented that of more confusion mixed with a hint of humor. He couldn't put himself into processing the idea, it was that eccentric, nonsensical. He retracted his fingers leaving the bottom of his palm to harness the weight upon the side of broad cheek.
Closing his eyes he tried to imagine what married life would be like but felt nauseous. If royal families were anything like they had always been: family, money and traditions he'd be taking on the responsibility indefinitely. And as it so happened being a vampire meant he definitely had the time to not. Jotting away from his thoughts and back into the reality Jethro let out a sigh."Have any proof?" The male knew his father well enough to justify that he was beyond intelligent of providing such information, there wouldn't be a shot in hell a Parrino of his stature could forget the basics. Contracting, documenting... any proposal must have had this. It was a way to conduct business with those who fancied order. The puzzled Jethro had given up leading on anymore theories. He wanted and needed evidence. Suddenly, there came a knock at the door. It was Stephan, he was there to deliver tea."Come in, come in." The entrepreneur gave permission clearly. Once his butler had arrived, for filling his duties swiftly he left as promptly as he came. The door closed shut and the two remained at the desk ready to carry on with their discussion.Awaiting his response, Marielle nearly laughed. For two reasons, actually. One, he actually thought it a joke. Two, she wished it was as well, deep down. But she kept her face passive. "It is not a joke, Jethro," she stated simply, leaning forward in her seat slightly. Somehow she wished it was. If she were to marry someone after so long, she would have liked it to be on her terms. Coming here and dropping such huge news on him out of the blue was not something she wished to do. But his father, while a great man, had left him without a clue. Unlike the piece of paper that lay in her pocket."I do not want you to panic, or feel as if you have some kind obligation to love me. You don't. I couldn't very well say I'm in love with you and truly mean it at the moment. I always saw myself marrying for love." Marielle stopped, trying to push through it. "But this is supposed to happen."The look on his face, of confusion and amusement made her heart ache more. He honestly had no idea, did he? And here she though that this would be simpler. What a fool she was for thinking he knew. How could he have possibly known? Over two centuries of being something close to alive, and she had never really known true heartache. She'd had lovers, obviously, but something true was hard to find within Vampires, especially when she was someone of such high status. They were all after her money and name, not her love. And that hurt her enough."It was stated in my father's will," Marielle said finally, pulling an envelope from her pocket. The old style wax seal had been broken, her family's family crest upon it. "If you truly want proof, read it for yourself."A portion of the will explained simply what she had just told him. That they were to be wed. That her father wanted her to have a chance at happiness. In waiting, she chews on her lip, her finger circling in rim of her tea cup. The male picked up the parchment. Clearly it was aged just by the touch, anyone would be able to tell. The seal of course had remained the same, since the first day he remembered walking through their villa doors and seeing the crest of the family sown even on double hung tapestries. When his hues of burgundy had skid the pages he sat back in his chair almost so happily dazed yet confused. Not only had this been revealed as the truth but there was his father's signature at the bottom of the last line. Signed in black ink along side the others, a legal bond even till death as stated in paragraph two.'Like a fella' said, ain't that kick in the head?'
The music of Dean Martin had rung in, melody in melancholy. "Marielle, I'll do it but there's something I have to do first." Jethro stood up from his chair and finished his drink. "Don't worry about the cost for everything, I'll pay it. Trust you with the planning and reservations. Just promise me you'll leave an invitation open for myself plus one." The kingpin didn't care about money anymore. He had all the cash in the world that marrying a rich childhood friend wouldn't matter, he could careless about the materialistic shit."I have to travel back to Italy and take care some of some business, after which give me a call collect from off a landline when you've made up your mind as to the final decision should it change within a weeks time." The vampire placed the document back on the desk and walked out of the room. Things were happening fast. Oh, so fast. He'd look up at the ceiling and let out a deep sigh as his hands held the door knobs at either side. "I have to go pack."Himself and Alison would have to leave immediately if he was to get her back to safety once again. Deep inside, cupids arrow had been stuck in his chest but ripping it out would prove to be much more painful. For years he had suffered enough having to let go of anyone close including his family although the thought of starting his own seemed worse which was another reason why he had chosen to go on all these centuries to not.
Marielle Everett opened her mouth to speak, before closing it again, several times. What was she to say? She had no business in prodding in what he could possibly be attending to in Italy, and his words held no question. So she merely nodded, eyes flicking between focusing on his features. "As you wish," she said simply, taking a quick sip from her cup before licking her lips. The vampire didn't move for a moment as her gaze followed Jethro out of the room. As soon as he was truly gone, she rose from her seat, dusting off her skirt, even if it was spotless. She rested her cup on the desk and picked up the document once more, folding it up and placing it in her pocket. It seemed to carry so much weight to her.
Showing herself out, she said nothing to her driver, or rather her cousin's driver, as she made her way back to the manor. She was surprisingly calm. One step at a time, she supposed. A weeks time, she could very well survive a weeks time on her own. She would envelope herself in wedding planning. If she was being completely honest, she never really saw a time like this coming. And an even more honest self was looking forward to it. It was still raining. Did it ever truly stop raining? The green-eyed female paced the study back and forth, clutching the phone in her hand tightly. With her born strength, it could very well break if she squeezed any tighter.
Marielle stopped and glared out the window, looking at the rain in malice. If it dared rain on—She cut herself off as there was a knock on the door. "Come in." A blank tone, barely laced with the stress she was feeling now. She caught a glimmer of golden hair out of the corner of her eye and turned, raising an eyebrow at Alissa. She would admit that her cousin had become somewhat helpful this past week, this wedding planning thing was not really her forte. Perhaps because she had never once thought about it."There's a couple details I need you to take a look over..." she began but trailed off once she saw Marielle lightly chewing on her lip. "When was the last time you drank anything?"The brunette frowned, running her slim fingers through her hair for the hundredth time that day. "I don't know. A couple days?" Which wasn't really all that bad all things considered. Yet, her being this busied and not drinking a drop of blood was worrisome, to Alissa at least."I'll send for some tea and blood," she said. Not a question. Marielle sighed and flopped down on the couch before the fireplace, letting the crackling fire calm her."Fine," was all the said before the younger cousin was gone to find a maid.
Her mind had been abuzz with a million thoughts. And the reason she was holding the phone was the biggest one. All these plans, and yet she still hadn't truly decided if she could truly go through with this. She thought she had made the decision a week ago when she had spoken with Jethro, yet here she was. Rubbing her temples, she sat up, eyes resting on the raindrops hitting the windows. What a mess she truly was.
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