Blood Oaths and Wooden Stakes

Lucia von Burren settled on the plush armchair, the soft cushions cradling her as she delved into the world of "A Bride for the Vampire."

Nelia Nicklebone's words danced across the page, transporting her to a realm of mystery and romance. The flickering candles casted a warm glow, and the rain pattering against the windows created a soothing melody.

Just as she reached the climax of the chapter, a gentle knock on the door broke the spell. 

Lucia's brow furrowed. "Who could it be at this hour?" then she heaved a sigh, "Give me a moment."

"My Lady," Anna hissed from the door in a quiet voice.

"And I said give me a moment." Lucia responded with a small smile, still not taking her eyes off the chapter she was reading.

"Lucia," The knock was insistent and she put the book aside.

"Come in." Lucia replied, expecting to see her Lady-in-waiting's cheerful face, instead her cousin August stood, looking every bit the confident nobleman.

"August, what are you doing here?" Lucia's tone cooled. 

August smiled, his brown eyes gleaming. "I've come to discuss a matter is great importance, dear cousin." 

Lucia's instincts pricked. "Can't it wait? I was in the middle of my book." 

August's smile faltered. "This can't wait. Lucia, I know you were the only one for me. Will you marry me?" 

Lucia's eyes widened. "You can't be serious." 

As August dropped to one knee, producing a pink diamond ring, Lucia's shock turned into an outrage.

"You think interrupting my reading is an acceptable way to propose? Do you know how treasonous that is?" Lucia's voice rose.

"No, I don't. But is that a yes, Lucia?" August still on his knees, said in a nervous voice.

"I'd rather spend the rest of my life reading to a tree than accept your proposal. Do you know how dangerous it is to interrupt a woman when she's reading? It's a crime closely related to treason!" Lucia yelled and turned on her heels.

August stuffed the ring in his pocket and followed after her. "Oh come on, Lucia. You know I love you."

"That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. Even book men say it better." Lucia turned in the direction of her bedroom.

August was still relentless in his attempt to woo her. "But why won't you marry me? I am intelligent, wealthy and I have status. I own over 60 acres of land. What more do you want? What is wrong with me?"  

"The list goes on and on, August. Where do I even begin?" Lucia gave a dramatic gasp.

"Do as you please. Begin from somewhere. Anywhere." August pleaded.

Lucia counted her fingers as she made her list. "Fine. You're as charming as a wet sock, your ego rivals the castle's tower - - 

He cut her with both his hands raised in midair. "Of course, I'm egotistical. That's the personal quirk of every man."

"Yours is disgusting." Lucia had almost arrived her chambers when she heard the church bell toll.

The sound of the church bell tolling in the distance announced the time for prayer. 

"We should head to the chaple." Anna reminded Lucia. 

As they exited the drawing room, Lucia shot August a withering glance. "Don't follow me." 

The von Burren was the only noble family in the kingdom of Drakensberg that had a chaple built on their estate. And like many other nobles, Lucia found the idea absurd for surely chaples were meant to be God's house and not in her father's house.

"My Lady." Anna, Lucia's Lady-in-waiting said with a bow as she stepped into the hall with a white head covering.

That piece was a beautiful embroidered chiffon Lucia's late mother had made before her passing and Lucia's had kept it dear to her ever since.

Lucia fisted the material, turning the opposite direction.

"Is that all?" August asked, referring to her list.

"Oh no. I'm afraid I'm just getting started." Lucia flashed him a grin that made his blood run cold.

"Carry on, then." August heaved a frustrated sigh. 

Lucia's green eyes sparkled with glee. "With pleasure. You're short, old, crippled - -

"No, I'm not crippled. I have one good leg!" August protested.

"It's the same thing." Lucia went on with her list, "You're delusional, bubbly, harsh, you swear almost all the time and worst of all, you're my cousin. I see it a shame in marrying my own blood."

"But it is tradition. Every priest blesses the marriage of every von Burren." August replied.

It was Lucia's turn to roll her eyes. "Oh please."

They arrived at the chaple and like the drama queen Lucia was, she pushed the door wide open and walked in.

Anna trailed behind her. "My lady, your head covering."

"I know," Lucia adjusted her embroidered chiffon head covering. 

As soon as she got to the middle pew and took a seat, the whispers began.

"Isn't that Count von Burren's daughter?" 

"Aye. It's the one who reads too much. Such a poor girl hasn't found a suitor. I fear she will grow old, single and alone like her Aunt Mayberry." A woman whispered with a scottish burr voice.

Lucia would recognise that voice even in her sleep. It was Aunt Melissa, August's mother.

The whispers went on and no longer became whispers as Lucia could vividly hear them speak.

"Do you think she is diseased? Why does she keep rejecting suitors?"

"I don't know. Go ask her. She's right there."

Lucia was fed up with the whispering and cleared her throat. "I believe we all came here to find God and not husbands."

They all pursed their lips. The priest presiding over the prayers approached the alter in solemn steps and the congregation took to their feet. 

The priest began in a loud voice. "In the name of the father... and of the son and... of the holy spirit."

"Amen!" They all chorused.

Before they could all sit down, the door opened. Everyone turned around to stare as usual, including Lucia. Tall, handsome gentlemen dressed in armour and dripping of rain water walked into the church hall. The knights had arrived. They always arrived a day before the ball.

Every year, Lucia's father, Count Eric von Burren hosted the "The Secret Garden Soiree," an annual ball that served as a networking opportunity for nobles both vampires and humans alike to forge alliances and secure business partnership. Among his list of guests were nobles; Dukes, Marquesses even knights. And on the day before the party, they would all pray in his chapel. Lucia still wondered why they do that.

Lucia heard a squeal and it was from her single cousins and nieces. She rolled her eyes. Of course, they've found husbands. Bridget, the shameless one, even invited one of the knights to her seats. 

"I believe this is all of them?" The priest asked.

"No. We still have one left." One of the knights Lucia recognized to be Sir Adams replied.

"And who might that be?" The priest said.

"The one they call the dark knight." He replied.

Gasps filled the hall at the mention of "dark knight," leaving Lucia puzzled.

"Who is this dark knight?" Lucia whispered to Anna, her curiousity piqued.

Anna swallowed her nonexistent saliva. "The dark knight is a man from the legends."

"Yes? And why is everyone scared including the priest?" Lucia asked.

"He's a vampire." Anna exhales.

Gasps echoed through the chapel. Lucia's eyes locked onto the mysterious figure, sensing a world beyond her books awaited.