“Certainly Madame, please follow Me.” instructed the man.
Edward Whispered in Venus's ear “Since when am I your husband?”
“Edward...” started Venus with a smile “...the train is full, besides they would never allow a young woman alone in the same compartment with another man who isn't a family relation or her husband.”
Once in their train suit the steward bowed and as he was about to leave he asked “Shall another bed be readied for sir?”
“Obviously!” said Venus in an arrogant voice, immediately realising how strange of a conduct it may have seemed she instantly corrected herself and added “Though that can be done during dinner, please have some tea sent.”
“Immediately.” the man finally left leaving them rest for the long voyage waiting ahead of them.
Seated upright on the cradled couches sipping tea in some beautiful porcelain cups Edward questioned Venus on the origin of the trip. Venus's had seemed to have made a grimace as questioning his questioning with “What have you heard of Transylvania?”
“They have lovely landscapes.”
“They do, but do you really believe that I would be going all the way over there in the middle of winter to go admire their scenery.”
“No, I don't presume that that would really be the nature of your excursion. So why are you going to Transylvania Mrs. Charleston!”
“You’re not going to stop with that are you?”
“Well the title is quite intriguing, suits you well.”
“Don't get too attached to it...” Started Venus “... I imagine that you're not quite familiar with what I'm about to tell you. Long ago I met Vlad III Dracula. I actually fell in love of him for the first time, until I realised that he was trying to kill me intending to turn me into his procession.”
“Alright then, what was his terrible power?” questioned Edward.
“You're like a kid, only interested in the nonsense.”
“I'm curious that's all.”
“He drinks a soul by their blood, the moment his sharp white fangs pierced through my skin I...” she took a pause “... it's difficult to explain, I did not die, but my condition degraded thus every full moon my soul would travel to the Underworld, leaving my body as lifeless as you found it.”
“I he tried to assassinate you Venus why in the world are you joining them for a Christmas toast.”
“When he drank from me I weakened him enormously almost to the point of death, he fears me and I see in him nothing but a monster.” As Venus spoke out she could not stop her heart from weeping for the love they once shared was greater than anything on could imagine, but that was the past. The betrayal felt wounded her humanity forever. “As for him I am not sure what he wants from me all I am aware of is that my path leads there.” The train whistled, as entering the unexplored side of Europe, making it the only familiar sound to hold close to the heart.
One night Edward seemed unable to sleep, sitting on one of the lushes chairs he starred into the window, the train passed numerous fields all darkened by the night. In the distance he thought he began to see a shadow running in the field, it approached their wagon. He sat there waiting for his eyes to confirm his fear, as the shadow grew closer his heart beat speeded up. Was that Juliet he thought to have recognised? Something touched his back, which made him jump in fear, thankfully it was only Venus. “You can't sleep?” she asked.
“Venus you scared me to death. I saw a shadow approaching our wagon.” He replied, immediately after Venus Closed the curtains, he could hear her speak in the dark.
“Never look out the window at night, not when I'm with you at least.”
“Why?”
“That was probably a Duplyreflexion. It would have taken the form of someone you care for and make you follow them until your death.”
“That's marvellous!”
“From now on be extremely vigilant, we are entering the kingdom of fear.” declared Venus as lighting a candle. Edward nodded in understanding and made his way to bed; reaching for his covers he turned away from the window towards the wall and closed his eyes.
Was it a scream or the whistling of the train that woke him up, all he knew was that he was in the bedchamber alone and that the windows were wide open letting the morning light invade the capsule? He got up and tried to shave but the moving train could not stop him from imagining that his blade would slip and slight his throat. Out of his pyjamas he fastened his pants and as he was about to button up his shirt Venus barged into the room. Her eyes seemed to have stared one moment too long making her skin tone rose up with embarrassment, all the sudden she told him “Someone was killed, Meet me in the saloon as soon as you can.” As she left she couldn't help but notice how well built he was, the idea terrified her, he was her friend that was it, was it not? But she had worse to worry about.
Edward continued to button up his shirt; it was a scream after all that woke him up. He combed his hair, put on his shoes and placed his wallet in his jackets hidden pocket right on his chest. Out of his suit he made his way towards the saloon, there sat Venus staring out far into the open land. he sat down and poured himself a glass of orange juice; as taking the first sip Venus began to speak “The victim was a little five year old. Edward they're hunting you down.”
He placed his glass back down on the table and slowly swallowed the remaining ice cold juice sitting in his mouth. He wondered “I don't understand. Why would they be hunting me down? What have I done wrong?” Venus faced Edward and thought to herself that he had done nothing wrong. It was all her fault that he was stupidly risking his life by accompanying her, the guilt felt to strong that she could not hold back her emotions. Edward saw the tears raining down from her golden eyes. Immediately he took out his tissue and gave it to her so she could wipe off her unending misery off her velvet face. Determine Edward spoke out “Venus, I am not leaving you.” At that moment the train whistled again, everyone seemed to think of the same this was it another scream or merely a fragment of their imagination.
Chapter Ten
When Edward got off the Train once arrived at destination, he posted a letter for his little sister Juliet saying:
My sweet little flower,
Mother and father are probably furious about me running off, but you were completely right my Juliet, Venus us one of a kind. Never will there be another one as her, that I'm pretty sure! Have a wonderful Christmas and a happy new year. I'll write again as soon as I can, since I don't know when we'll come by another post office in the future do not worry. I'm sorry I didn't leave you a better present, but your kindness will always be cherished by me.
From your loving brother,
Edward.
Since no one wished to drive them to their destination, they had to buy the carriage and horse off of some one. All they managed to find was a wooden sled, but Venus insisted that the horse must be black. Once on the country carriage they drove off by themselves. Edward Commented “Interesting combination, from luxurious first class trains to dirt roads and snow, you impress me Venus.”
“Actually I'm impressed by you; usually someone from your rank would already be terrified to death, literally.” She said with her cheeks rising into a smile.
“Are you trying to say that I'm courageous?”
“Definitely not you're stupid, to risk your life this way, but you're not the first.”
“By not being the first can you be a little clearer?”
“You may not have noticed people consider me relatively attractive, I wasn't named the roman goddess of beauty for nothing. Those people have a ridicules ideology thinking that they should protect me thus they usually end up dead.”
“Not that it's any of my business, I curious to know, well, how many lovers have you had.”
“You're right it’s not a very popular question, but I'm sure you're dying to know so let’s approximate...” Venus began counting on her fingers “... none!”
“None!” repeated Edward unbelievingly.
“That's wonderful!” He said sarcastically, thinking in which category he was placed in by her criteria's.
“Wonderful, I've had nobody to truly love for more than a millennium...” Her voice was getting coarser “... Everyone I came to care for has died. Such death I welcome, for even if I wished to settle down my children would grow old and I would have to carry the terrible burden to see them die. This is why Edward I have hardened my heart eternally, for I may not permit myself to love until I am restored to a mortal, and thus is my quest.”
Edward seeing the grief she had selfishly could not help but hope that one day he would have a place in her heart. As he pondered on how to unlock it Venus suddenly handed over the gearing. She reached back for a brown bag of which the content was filled with garlic. Curios Edward asked “What is all that garlic for?”
“Good question! It is to attract blood sucking mortals.”
“Great, but why would we attract them if we are trying to evade them, your logic isn't quite clear.”
“Haven't you heard that garlic repels evil, of course you haven't mortals are so ignorant? Well it’s completely the opposite, with the smell of garlic here and there...” as she spoke she threw cloves of garlic on the ground “... they'll believe superstitious mortals are camping out there thus making them a perfect feast. Hopefully we will fool them, thus with the distance we will cover they'll leave us alone.”
“That's intelligent, where did you learn to do that?” asked Edward.
“Merlin taught me!”
“You're kidding?”
“Yes I am, he taught me a great deal more.” She said with a smile.
After reaching the deep country side a mysterious village appeared engulfed by mist all you could here were the villagers shutting their windows under the new comers’ noses. “They're certainly very welcoming around here!” thought Edward aloud.
“These people are quite accustomed to such traditions, don't blame them. They must have suffered so much; it's for their security, who knows we may be predators.” Exclaimed Venus hoping that Edward would understand what those villagers must live through, constant fear.
They stopped at an inn; Venus got off leaving as Edward watched over the sled. She went to have a word with the innkeeper but the old woman denied seeing them, screaming them to leave. The old woman's voice was muffled from behind the safety of her door, by this hour no one could come in or out. The night was young.
“A very elegant lady…” Edward exclaimed in a mocking tone.
“Edward the sun is setting, and the fearsome nightmares of the night are commencing.” reposted Venus with the voice of an angle of another hemisphere. “If you want to live through the night, we must get you to safety.” She looked straight into the setting sun and decided “There is nowhere safer than by the side of the enemy, trust me with this. I am taking you to an old friend.”
“Another one!” said Edward referring to how disastrous meeting the last king of France was.
“She's exclusively vicious, so never wonder off anywhere without me. Promise me!” She ordered. Edward nodded in agreement therefore Venus reminded him. “Hold your promise this time.”
An eye breaking view of the villages’ cemetery gave them Goosebumps from head to toe. Multiple thousands of graves invaded the landscape. No wonder this was the non-forgiving land of fear. The horse fought the weight of the sled up the hill and once they cornered the all-seeing tree, they could finally see the breathtaking gothic medieval fortress. “Don't make a noise, and hide under this.” She instructed as throwing an ice cold heavy quilt over him.
Venus got off the sled and rang an ancient massive bell at the front gate; it seemed instantly after that a pale looking young woman appeared at the gate. “Who may you be?” slithered the woman.
“Florence, is that you?” asked Venus.
“Oh, Venus it has been such a long time...” Florence Looked around to see if there were any one else around. “Why are you here?” She asked in a frightened delighted tone.
“I was invited for a ballet.” replied Venus.
“I thought Vlad was still frightened by you.”
Venus had an amused expression on her face when she heard Florence's reasoning, but then Edward sneezed, triggering Florence to locate him instantly thanks to the proximity of his sent. Her friend approached him slowly when suddenly Venus grabbed her arm and said “I have a favour to ask of you.”
“So he's not a present I assume.” retorted Florence.
“I have a tendency of never bringing that kind of presents.” answered Venus.
Florence took off the quilt from Edward centimeter by centimeter. She observed his every move then declared to them “I have to warn you I am sometimes unable to control my hunger.”
“Florence you are a dear friend to me.”
“One can simply not control their nature, am I frightening you little man?
“If anything happens to him I'll deal with you personally.” warned Venus.
“Follow me!” Replied Florence coldly.
The carriage was driven to the doors of the castle, Florence showed them through one of the numerous uncharted roots hidden throughout the walls, toward the guest chambers they went, the more discrete the better. What Venus meant by dealing with Florence referred to her liaison with Count Dracula. Long ago lived an immortal young man, he finally managed to seduce the incarnation of Roman beauty. At a tender moment the bit into her neck, only to realise that she was beyond immortality. Venus cannot defy gravity nor cast enchantments but the gift she possesses (besides not being able to die, which she considers a curse,) is that all immortals who seek to feed on her flesh and soul are condemned to die. As Dracula began to drink from her, his immortal spirit was coming to an end. It was only Venus's love for him that saved him from his fate, for the love she had for him was purer then snow and stronger then crystals. Consumed by the demoniac trick her love committed, she departed for her unending journey to restore tranquility to her soul. It enraged her so much that she never permitted herself to love again.
Exhausted from caring their luggage through all the spiral stair cases Edward dropped them to the floor once they arrived, to his amazement they entered a vast room lit by hundreds of red candles. Edwards’s heart pulsed wildly, tempting Florence to approach him. With the light of the burning candles she could clearly see his face, all tender and innocence, but strong with handsome features. Florence got closer “You are very young...” said she as running her index onto his neck “Aren't you afraid, you heart beat is so irregular I could dance to it.”
Venus forecasting Edward as a meal to her friend tried to derive the subject if conversation in hope that Florence would abandon her prey. “Where are the others?” asked Venus.
“Your little friend seems exquisitely tasty, they're out for dinner. I was going to join them but you caught my attention.”
“You haven't eaten?” asked Venus darkly.
“No, and I'm getting awfully hungry.” stated Florence staring directly towards Edward.
“Why don't you take our horse on a ride?” Suggested Venus “It's a black beauty, your favorite!” added she taking the initiative of getting rid of her friend’s possible attempt of choosing Edward as her meal. The tension seemed terribly high, Venus waited patiently for her friend’s decision, and thankfully she chose wisely.
“I would love to.” Replied Florence perched at the edge of the window, she then laughed dramatically before letting her self fall-out. They were finally at peace.
Attempting to dine they were cooking together a stew on the cold fire. Venus turned the content as watching Edward cutting up the onions. “You're crying!” called out Venus seeing
tears run down from Edward's red eyes.
“It's the onions!” explained Edward.
“Really.” challenged Venus.
After finishing their meager bowls, they sat on the velvet cushions and furs arranged by the fire on the stone floor. Edward commented “That was delicious! Where did you learn to cook so well?”
“Don't be a hypocrite you did all the work!” glared back Venus.
“Honestly where did you learn everything?” asked Edward.
“I've had many teachers and tutors.” retorted Venus.
“You're terribly intelligent and educated, I'm sure Oxford wasn't your first taste in university studies. You must have multiple gratifying documents from such institutions.”
“Yes, but you do not need to have a written official document to dictate you what you can and cannot do. I've already been to oxford a few times, I've studied medicine, law everything really. My favorite of all will always be humanities.”
“Why do you continually repeat the same courses if you’re already wiser then the teacher?” asked Edward out of curiosity.
“Good question!” Stated Venus bored from the repetitive questions she laid her head upon a pillow and observed in amazement the painted ceiling. “Look Edward.” She instructed pointing towards the ceiling. He crouched down holding his head with his arm as a support and looked at the richly painted ceiling. “Isn't beautiful.” thought Venus.
Edward gazed towards her admiring her fascination, the longer he stared in her direction the stronger a surreal force pulled his lips towards hers “You're beautiful.” he confessed looking straight into her eyes, but the moments before his lips met his desired, Venus turned herself and faced the other side of the room exclaiming,
“Good night!” as she closed her eyes. Disappointed by his ridicules attempt Edward dropped his head onto a cushion and waited till his desperation putted him to sleep.
The morning light blazed through the window awaking easily Venus from her troubled sleep. All around her she looked at the chandeliers coated and stained by the melted wax of the hundreds of dead candles lit yesterday night. She got up and looked out the window onto the glacial appearance of the outside. The sunlight was blinding as it reflected off the snow. Venus arranged the wood in the fireplace waking up Edward with the noise. Still unaware of how Venus reacted from his attempt from last night he politely offered himself for starting the fire. He lit the flame and watched it grow into a fire.
The Tormented Goddess Page 5