by Auriane Bell
Vivian’s focus immediately returned to her.
“Are you satisfied with your new home?” It was a friendly question but there was also a hint of pride. It was undeniably justified.
“Mondstein castle is overwhelming. I can’t help but feel like a somnambulist on a stroll through the realms of a magnificent dream.”
Mairin blushed. She had told him her feelings with such flowery language. The good part at least. She had kept to herself that she didn’t feel quite at home yet. In fact she hadn’t felt at home for a very long time.
Vivian nodded unaware of her thoughts. “There are still many places for you to discover.” Again a smile had appeared on his attractive face. Mairin tried to avoid staring at him and instead gazed at the large basin that was standing on the far side of the table. It contained several candles that were floating on the water surface and looked like small sea roses. Amidst them she thought to recognise the figurines of a woman and a unicorn that were looking much like the mosaic in her room. All the splendour proved to her once again that the immortal had to be a very rich man.
“To own all this... are you a prince?”
Vivian chuckled.
“I once was a king. Now I’m just a very wealthy landowner with mostly incompetent staff instead of not-so-loyal subjects.”
Mairin was irritated by his answer and raised her eyebrows. “That’s not a very nice thing to say, even if it were true.”
“That may be so, but I’m afraid it’s true nonetheless.” Vivian remained calm and cheerful. He didn’t give the impression that he had been offended by what she had said.
Mairin though felt the urge to defend her personal maid. So far she hadn’t done anything to deserve a remark like that.
“Hilda seems to be hardworking and trustworthy.”
“Hilda?”
It angered her a little that the master of the castle apparently didn’t know who that was.
“She is the girl who took care of me until early in the morning. You must have noticed her when you came to see me.”
“Hmm… so you do remember.” Vivian leant back in his chair to make way for the servant who had returned with their drinks. “Yes, she seemed to be diligent. But the exception proves the rule, right?”
Mairin didn’t know what to say and took a sip of her drink. The ice-cold thick orange liquid tasted fruity and sweet.
“You said you were a king, but how can that be? I’m sure you’re not yet thirty and nobody ever mentioned a king.” Mairin observed Vivian’s face as she asked the question. He looked surprised.
“There is a reason that I’m called immortal. I thought you were aware of that.”
There was no such thing as immortality. If anything, he had to be delusional and not immortal.
“But it simply can’t be true that you are immortal. People say that you’re just the heir to the title – one of many heirs.”
Vivian was amused. “Believe me, I’m much older than I look and far older than people think I am. You’ll find out soon enough.” This time it was he who took a sip from the glass. His emphasis made clear that he didn’t care about what others thought of him. Besides that, Mairin wasn’t able to fully comprehend what he had just told her. Was there even a slight chance that he was telling the truth? What was her purpose then?
“So… I’m not here to give you an heir?” The immortal almost spilt his drink. Mairin felt the heat rush to her face. He wasn’t the only one who was surprised by her courage to ask a question like this. Maybe the darkness in the room played a part in it. Or was there something in the drink?
“No. I don’t need an heir. I believe there are enough sons and daughters already. Your duties will be revealed to you in time. Don’t worry about them yet.”
That wasn’t an easy thing to do when one’s whole life depended on it. And did he really have that many children? Had all the brides chosen before been only his? Mairin wasn’t deluding herself – Vivian wasn’t in the need for a companion. There were plenty of women surrounding him already.
“Will you tell me one thing at least? Am I still going to become your bride?”
Vivian nodded. “If that is your wish. The decision is all yours, but first you have some catching up to do. I believe you have already noticed that there are things outside Traumstadt that differ very much from the world you are used to live in. You’ll receive further education until you’re fit to decide.”
Mairin was relieved to hear that she at least still had a say in this.
“Thank you,” she mumbled.
“Don’t thank me yet. Everything comes at a price.”
Was she mistaken or did Vivian’s words sound bitter? If the price for staying was equivalent to living at Mondstein castle it was certainly high. Yet what did she have to offer besides herself?
“What could I possibly-“
Vivian calmly interrupted her.
“Let’s not talk about it anymore tonight. If you truly want a hint, tip your head back and look up at the ceiling the next time you take a bath. But be warned, I’m afraid you won’t like what you’re going to see.”
Mairin fell silent and lowered her gaze, trying to avoid his eyes. Her mood had changed and she was convinced it would have been better not to ask.
“Please excuse me for a moment.” The immortal got up from his chair, waved one of the maids closer and silently started talking to her. Mairin thought he looked like he was giving her instructions and inquiring after something. The maid surely seemed to be eager to comply with his orders, regardless of what was asked of her. Mairin sighed to herself. Was he angered even though he had sounded that calm? Feeling the need to do at least something to occupy herself, she decided to focus on her drink and once the glass was empty it was immediately replenished by one of the servants. Mairin was still wondering what kind of drink it was. The juice was certainly delicious and it was curious that the more she drank the more relaxed she started to feel.
Finally Vivian returned to his chair, gazing at her empty glass and when the servant once again approached to refill it he stopped him with a quick gesture.
“I’m sorry I took so long. Did you enjoy your drink?”
Mairin nodded. “I keep wondering though about the peculiar taste. It must be some kind of fruit but I just can’t put my finger on it.”
Vivian grinned. “Don’t drink too much of it.”
He had given her another peculiar warning but this time she didn’t feel intimidated.
“Will Adrijan join us for dinner?”
“Ah, Adrijan, il servitore di due padroni.” The immortal smirked. “I hope not.”
Mairin could guess what he meant by ‘the servant of two masters’ but still found it hard to believe that Adrijan really was a priest. Maybe this was her chance to confirm her suspicions.
“Adrijan really serves God… and you?” If he really did, wasn’t it blasphemy?
“He neither serves me nor him.” Vivian put his arms on the table and leant closer. “But he assists me and sometimes does his work. Is that what you wanted to know?”
The mysterious answer was more confusing than it clarified.
“Tell me, is he really a priest? He… at Sunflower Garden… I don’t think he is a priest.” Even though she felt that she had more courage than before, she couldn’t make herself talk about the incidents at the boarding school.
“You might find him unusual but he has been a priest for a long time.”
Disappointment hit Mairin like a slap in the face. She hoped Vivian hadn’t noticed.
“Won’t you ask me why I don’t want him to join us?”
Mairin was about to oblige when Adrijan entered the dining room.
“Ah… there he is, the chaperone.” Vivian laughed and waved him closer. “Join us, frater.”
Adrijan wasn’t certain he liked finding him in a good mood. Without a doubt he wished his best friend and brother no evil – as long as he behaved – but seeing the stunning master of Mondstein castle ne
xt to Mairin in an ambience like this made him feel a twinge of envy. Perhaps he should have chosen different attire than his cassock for tonight. Adrijan condemned the thought the moment it crossed his mind.
“Good evening… Father Adrijan,” Mairin welcomed him shyly. In the dim light and with her back to the door he couldn’t see much of her. Why was she calling him ‘Father’ again?
“My apologies for being late,” he said, indicating a bow and sent a grumpy look towards Vivian, once Mairin had turned back to the table. Adrijan wearily sat down to Mairin’s right, declining the drink a maid was about to serve him.
“Just some water please.”
“Aw, you’re no fun, Ade.”
He decided to ignore the immortal. After the heated discussion with the security staff Vivian’s teasing was the last thing he needed.
Now that he was closer to Mairin, Adrijan could see that her hair had been put up and make-up applied to her face. He wasn’t certain if he preferred her current looks. The outfit Vivian had chosen for her certainly made her appear different to the innocent girl he had saved the day before.
“Is… is your arm any better? Does it hurt a lot?” Mairin’s worried voice abruptly raised his spirits.
“Thank you, it’s fine. In fact most of the time I hardly notice the wound is still there.” Adrijan was delighted to discover a smile on Mairin’s face even though he had stretched the truth to make it appear. After Vivian’s treatment, a day’s rest and a dose of painkillers he did feel better but the pain was still lingering.
“I’m glad to hear you’re recovering. It was my fault after all...” Mairin fell silent.
He didn’t want her to blame herself for the injury but found himself at a loss for words. Vivian unexpectedly came to his aid.
“Ah, don’t worry about him. Adrijan is tough. He has already been exercising again today.”
It was true, even though he hadn’t done much. Especially nothing that had required the use of his arm.
“Exorcising?” Mairin was alarmed and raised her eyebrows in puzzlement.
“No child, not exorcising – exercising.” Vivian corrected her laughingly.
Mairin blushed. “I wasn’t aware priests did that too,” she quietly admitted.
Adrijan disliked how he had become a listener to a peculiar conversation about him.
“It’s nothing spec-“
“How else do you think would a priest have a body like that?” Vivian interrupted him. “He didn’t get it from praying.”
Mairin’s cheeks were glowing and Adrijan didn’t feel comfortable about the comment either.
“I’m sure many more people would spend their days in prayer if that worked.”
Vivian laughed. Like him, Adrijan hadn’t anticipated Mairin’s sharp remark that he thought didn’t befit her usually timid behaviour.
The conversation was interrupted when a servant approached the table and whispered a few words to the master of the castle.
“Well, well. It seems food is going to take a while longer. Would you care for a dance?”
Mairin was visibly opposed to accepting the offer but the immortal pretended not to notice. On his signal contemporary music started to play. Adrijan wasn’t surprised that it was a slow, romantic song Mairin surely didn’t know how to move to, even if she had received dancing lessons. Although she looked irritated, he was guessing that it was mainly because she failed to locate the source of the tune. Vivian sensed it as well.
“Just more magic you’ll soon learn about,” the immortal explained with a charming smile and reached out his hand.
Mairin glanced sideways at Adrijan in a beseeching manner before she put her hand in Vivian’s. Adrijan frowned. There was nothing to be done. Mairin belonged to Vivian and as long as his approach remained harmless, he wasn’t to interfere. Regardless to his wavering feelings, he owed Vivian that much, him and Magdala. Adrijan took a sip of water, wishing he had accepted the alcoholic beverage instead. Set on avoiding watching the pair dance, he stubbornly gazed at the water basin close to him, but after counting the thirty-something floating candles four times over, his temper finally got the better of him.
He let his gaze drift through the room, searching for Vivian and Mairin and at last discovered them standing close to each other in a small free isle amidst the sea of lights. The immortal had raised her delicate hands to his broad shoulders and put his own sturdy ones on her waist. It was obvious to him that she felt uncomfortable yet had decided to bear with it. In the end they all succumbed to his brother’s charms.
Adrijan waved one of the servants closer. He had decided to treat himself to a drink after all – just one. As he poured down the cold sweet beverage in a manner that showed that he didn’t really care for its taste, he watched the immortal carefully guide Mairin’s movements to the sound of the music, while whispering into her ear. Adrijan noticed how her tension slowly eased and instead of standing still, her slender body soon started to go with the rhythm. Adrijan gulped down another drink. He couldn’t blame Mairin. Heck, if he were a woman, he would fall for Vivian.
When the maid once more filled his glass he had stopped to mind. Unfortunately it would take a while for him to get drunk from these. While listening to the music, he watched as his brother charmed his future bride. He had to hand it to him. Vivian had done well with the choice of the songs. Which girl wouldn’t melt in his arms listening to something like that? Oh, and what lyrics! Another drink went down his throat. Adrijan sighed to himself, rotating the empty glass with his thumb and index finger. It had been he who had advised his brother to change his strategy to win her over. Again the maid put a drink on his table and removed the glass he had been playing with. How were they even able to prepare them this fast?
“Oh, there’s more of the tasty juice!” Mairin giggled and took the drink. Distracted by his pondering he hadn’t noticed that she had stopped dancing and returned to the table. Adrijan stared at her as she thirstily imbibed what had been meant for him.
“Mmmmh.” Mairin energetically put down the glass and let herself fall on the chair causing her already revealing dress to slip over her leg and show her knees. Adrijan raised his eyebrows. Just how many of these had she already consumed? He reproachfully glared at Vivian who simply shrugged smiling innocently and joined them at the table.
“Water for everyone?”
Mairin pouted. This certainly was a side of her he hadn’t seen yet.
Before he could spend another thought on it, three maids approached the table, carrying the first course of the meal. Dinner was finally served.
Mairin slowly followed Hilda downstairs, feeling drowsy and full. The three course meal had been delicious. First there had been soup and Adrijan had explained to her that it contained strips of pancake. Mairin had disregarded the information, wondering if he was making fun of her. Next they had served grilled meat on a variety of salads and then chocolate pudding as dessert. A few steps away from the bottom of the stairs Mairin stopped. Maybe she had eaten too much. Why was she feeling so awfully lightheaded? Regardless, she had to continue if she wanted to keep up with Hilda. Not all hallways were lit and the ones that were, were still dark enough for Mairin be frightened of being left alone.
“Miss, are you alright?”
“I’m sorry, I’m fine.” Mairin was too proud to tell Hilda how she was really feeling and stubbornly caught up to her. Besides, if she put what was troubling her into words she wouldn’t be able to ignore it any longer.
“Very well, Miss. This way please.” Hilda continued showing her the way of which she hardly took any notice. Instead she was focusing on moving forwards and conjuring the image of her bed that was bearing the promise of rest and recovery.
Despite her resolve, the way back was long and exhausting. Even the last few steps to the entrance of the bathroom took great effort. Without a word, Hilda opened the door for her and entered after her mistress. The bright light that suddenly illuminated the room hurt Mairin’s eyes.
“Oh, let me do something about that, Miss!” Hilda hastily turned to the wall and used a rotary knob until it was almost too dark for Mairin’s preferences.
“It’s not the best light for removing make-up but it will have to do,” her maid muttered, led her to the chair she had already spent quite some time in only a few hours before and took her cape off. Mairin was feeling sick and the constant movement of cotton pads drenched in crème on her face did nothing to improve her condition. Every time she had to close her eyes it became more difficult to open them again. When Hilda was finally done with removing the make-up she started to pull out the countless hairpins that held up Mairin’s curls. It was a slow and painful process but once all pins were gone and her hair loosened, she came to realise just how much pressure the hairstyle had put on her head. Unfortunately her relief was short-lived. Hilda had decided to comb her hair and it was no surprise that the tool kept getting stuck in the chaos of entangled curls. After a few minutes of torture Mairin was barely able to suppress her tears and upon Hilda’s suggestion to wash her hair in the shower to avoid more pain, she willingly got up from the chair. It was better to feel sick under the shower than to continue suffering Hilda’s rough treatment. Of course she would have preferred to head straight to bed but the look on her maid’s face showed her that that wasn’t an option. Before doing anything though she had to use the water closet that was well hidden behind an inconspicuous wall. Its tiles were used so ingeniously that it blended in with the other walls perfectly and from several perspectives gave the impression that the small room behind it was non-existent. If she hadn’t asked her maid about it, she might not have found it at all.
Mairin appreciated the privacy of the small separated space and decided to undress there without being watched. Luckily it was a lot easier than it had been to put everything on and soon she returned to Hilda with the clothes in her hands. She did her best to keep the time spent in the shower short and even felt a little better when she finally left the small cabin with her wet yet from the balm soft and no longer entangled hair. Hilda quietly handed her a towel which she hardly used before slipping into the white nightgown the maid gave her in exchange for it. Again it was a pretty garment and Mairin hoped there was no deeper meaning behind it other than that it was for her, a special guest of Mondstein castle. Mairin’s head felt a little clearer now and still standing close to the bathtub she remembered Vivian’s mysterious hint. Even though she had been nervous in his presence, she hadn’t despised his company. He had been surprisingly attentive and friendly and she reckoned that even without the mysterious power of the delicious drink she would’ve felt more at ease soon. Naturally she had been relieved and also happy that Adrijan had joined them, but she had to keep in mind that she was Vivian’s bride and not his. And that wasn’t all there was to it. The immortal had confirmed that Adrijan truly was a priest and as such he surely didn’t seek a future with her. Even after Vivian had told her that she still had a say in what was to become of her, she was aware that in reality it wasn’t so. There were still the fates of her sister Renga and her brothers to consider. Tonight though had helped her to believe that Vivian was perhaps not the evil person she had thought him to be and that the smile on his face when he had been beside her bed had been authentic. This was the main reason for her decision not to heed his warning and take a look at ceiling above the tub. Mairin couldn’t believe that he would ask something terrible of her – other than marry an eccentric man she might not love – a fate she had neither hoped for nor dreamed of but was willing to comply with. Perhaps her feelings would change over time and she would learn to love him. Vivian was a handsome and fascinating noble after all.