Sold?

Chapter 73: A place where he was genuinely happy

"Where are we going?" I could clearly tell that we weren't going back to the mansion, forget about that we weren't even going back to the city.

After the rain had stopped one of Arius's men dropped the car for us.

"There's a place. I have to visit every year."

"Why are you taking me?"

"I had no intention to take you but since we couldn't go back to the mansion yesterday we're short of time. The drive is long."

I slumped back against the seat.

A place he has to visit every year?

"How far away is it?"

"Quite. It'll take about 7-8 hours."

"7-8 hours!!?" I looked at him in awe, "Why would you drive that long? Just to go somewhere? Where are we going anyway?!"

"To a small town founded by the family. And don't worry we won't be staying there. We'll make the return trip at night."

"The Alucard family? When was that?"

"Hmm." He kept his eyes on the road, "About 120 years ago?"

"120 years?" I raised my brows.

"Or was it 150?" He clicked his tongue, "Oh well, whatever. You can go to sleep or do whatever you want."

Like hell I can go to sleep. All I did yesterday was sleep!

I folded my arms and looked out. The green meadows stretched as far as the eye could see. It was peaceful but boring.

I sighed and looked at Arius.

"So..." I started, "What's your favorite color?"

He chuckled and raised his brows, "My favorite color? No one's asked me that before." His eyes were fixed on the road, "Uh- Blue?"

"Food you like?" Boy I'm so bored I'm actually asking him these questions.

"I'm not picky with food."

"Wow. Such a good boy." I patted his head.

"Really now? You're patting my head?"

I giggled, "What were you like as a kid?"

"As a kid huh..." His tone seemed a bit distant. Did I ask something wrong? "As a kid," He spoke, "Everything was normal." He smiled, "I was a normal kid." He spared me a glance, "That time was perfect."

"I see..."

I wonder when did he join in all this mafia business. Should I ask him?

There is this huge part of me that's telling me not to, because somewhere deep down I have this feeling that I'm not gonna like it.

I shifted my position and just continued to look out.

***

We walked in the town after parking the car outside in a huge car shed.

The town was old styled, with narrow streets of stone. All the people were busy preparing for something, hanging lights, putting up stalls.

It was like , "A festival?" I whispered.

"Bingo." Arius heard me, "It's the yearly town festival."

"For what?"

"It's foundation."

"Then why are we here?"

"Well.'I'M' here because the town is under direct protection of the Alucard Family." I saw some people jog towards us, "So I have to visit every year or whenever I have some business to attend to."

"Sir Arius!" The middle-aged white haired man along with two young females reached us, "You're finally here. It's almost evening! We have your clothes ready-" He looked at me, "Oh you brought a- lady."

"My date." Arius smiled. I shot my head towards him with wide eyes. EXCUSE ME?!

"Oh I see..." He seemed a bit disappointed.

"You always asked me about bringing a date." Arius slipped his hand around my waist and pulled me next to him, "So this time I brought one. Have her dress ready too."

"Yes." He looked at me with suspicion, "Reah, Leah. Take Miss-uh."

"Azalea." I said

***

I looked at myself in the mirror.

The clothes were middle-ages style, with my dress being a royal blue gown with white lace around every joint. It reached till my knees.

As I went around the place I noticed how the theme was focused on old cultures but somehow it was appealing.

So many stalls, filled with food, handmade accessories and games.

The sky had turned dark with a bit of purple hue left.

I spotted Arius and stopped.

He was wearing a cream colored medieval style shirt with tight leather pants and long leather boots.

He looked good in the costume, it fits him perfectly.

He spotted me and came over, "Since I already brought you here." He extended his hand towards me, "Let's enjoy the festival."

I wonder why? Ever since we came here, he seems more relaxed. Like he really just wants to enjoy himself.

I placed my hand over his.

Music erupted in the streets as he guided me around.

It was fascinating. Seeing the kids parade in the street with candles in their hands.

Eat dishes I've never heard of before. Like seriously, nutella naan? It even tasted good.

A young group of friends performed on one of the squares of the town. Their musical ability sucked and people even booed them yet they continued.

It was actually fun to watch.

"Here." Arius handed me an apple candy.

"Oh Thanks."

He walked ahead of me with a smiling candy in his hands.

He has such broad shoulders...

We reached another square where a stage was set up. The music higher and a bit more funkier as people danced on the stage.

It was fun to watch them dance. Probably because it all was so different. The music, the dance, the custom.

"Want to try?" Arius asked.

"Huh?" I looked at him and realized he was asking me to dance with him, "What? No. I can't dance. Especially not this kind."

I looked at the stage again, the fire stands around its four corners burned brightly while the sky was completely dark.

I felt a hand intertwine with mine and I looked at Arius again.

He pulled me up to the stage with him gently.

"Arius!"

"Don't worry." We stood on the stage, "Just relax." He held my other hand and started dancing.

Twirling me around, grabbing my waist and hopping with one foot and then the other.

He brought me close next to his chest, then pushed me out, then twirled me around again.

In the excitement, I felt my heart pound. The cool air brushing my cheeks made it tingly but I enjoyed how he grabbed my waist and swung me in the air, then spun with me on the stage.

The music seemed to fade in the moment as I stared into his eyes. They seemed more majestic with yellow lighting everywhere and for once I felt like they were sweet.

He let go of me and stepped back. Tapping his shoes on the floor, he did some solo steps.

I followed what he did and united back with him, coupling my elbow in his as we went for another soft spin. Then he held my hands and pulled me closer again.

I seemed to have lost myself in the dance that's probably why I was severely disappointed when it ended.

Arius grinned at me as we both breathed heavily

"Arius!" I heard the voice of some females and looked at the stage stairs. A bunch of ladies came running towards us and surrounded us, pushing me away.

"That's not fair Arius! You have to dance with us!"

"That's right"

"Me first!!"

They fought around him and he laughed. So wholeheartedly I couldn't help but stare.

"Ladies!" Arius placed his hands on his waist, "I'm all yours tonight!" He winked at them.

I looked at him as he danced with them from the ground. He sure knew the culture...

I wonder how I could even dance like that? It was easy to follow his lead...

I stared at him as he grabbed the waist of another girl and swung her in the air.

Something stung me in the chest. An odd feeling.

I left the place and found a quiet alley to sit down. I was probably exhausted.

"This place must mean a lot to him." I whispered to myself, "He seemed really relaxed here."

I laid my back against the wall.