The Countess And Her Knight

The after party was a dreadfully boring affair at least for Caroline who wasn't well acquainted with anyone there. The Count had more important things to attend to so Caroline was left to greet guests by herself. Most had arrived by now so Caroline began to get somewhat laxed. This does not last long, the large door slams open, springing Caroline back up to attention formation.

A woman entered, who Caroline vaguely recognized from her late appearance to the ceremony. Seeing her up close; Caroline recognizes just how striking the woman's appearance is. The woman had long silky red hair, deep black berry eyes, and smooth tawny, olive, sun kissed skin. She dressed in all black, signalling that she was in mourning. Despite being a little outdated, her dress was somehow one of the most extravagant gowns in the room.

Caroline greets the woman first. "Thank you for coming."

The woman turns to Caroline; making eye contact with her. Looking her in the eyes, Caroline felt pulled in. "The pŀėȧsurė is all mine, excuse my tardiness."

"It's quite alright. I'm glad you could make it."

"I believe that this is the first time we've met. I'm Valencia Castilla." There's a glimmer in her eyes, as she speaks. "I'm Cecile's cousin."

"Really I haven't met much of my husband's family."

"Didn't he tell you about me? I'll be staying with you guys for the next few weeks, to help you get adjusted to your household duties."

"What? I hadn't heard anything about that-" Caroline's cut off by a tap on her shoulder. She turns to see Sir. Elton. "Can I borrow you for a moment?"

"Oh I-"

Elton smiles. "Nothing, you just seemed a little uncomfortable greeting everyone by yourself." His smirk quickly turns into worry. "You seemed like you could use a break. I'm sure you've had a long day."

Only a small number of guests were yet to arrive, and the Count was long gone. So who's to stop her from having a little bit of fun. "Hm, I suppose, but only for a moment."

"Of course, I couldn't dream of stealing the hostess away for too long." Elton's smile turned into a smirk, as he grabbed her hand. Caroline, and Elton inconspicuously slipped out of the hall, and into the garden; that they had spent so much time together over the past few weeks. The two make their way through the decrepit garden hand in hand.

Once they are far enough from the party; they stop, and sit on a bench in front of what's left of the flower patch. They talk for quite some time before leaving.

“Thank you, for bringing me out here, the fresh air is nice.” Caroline's smile turns downward. “But we should get going back.” Caroline lifts herself upwards, stepping on her dress in the process.

“Caroline we have this bond, and I know you feel it too. Don't you?” His voice dripped with desperation.

“Elton, I'm married.”

“I know but-” Caroline cuts him off. “We can't. My family needs this marriage to work.”

“Your family? What family? Your father is nothing but a drunk, and a cheat, who sold you off to cover his debts. He cares not for you. And as for your brother, he’s old enough to handle his own affairs-”

“But Caroline-”

“Lady Boushley, what are you doing out here?" Both Caroline, and Sir. Elton turns to see a confused Valencia.

She averts Elton's gaze. "I just came out for some fresh air. I was just leaving." Caroline puts on a fake smile. "Would you like to head back together?"

"Of course." Valencia takes Caroline's arm in hers, before walking off, leaving Elton alone in the garden.

Caroline didn't run into Sir. Elton again that day; which in honesty she thought to be the best after what had almost happened. She spent the rest of the evening mingling with the rest of her guests. Most embarked on their long journey home that night, others like Caroline's father; who were unable to, stayed the night at the manor. Although most didn't stay because they were passed out from having too much to drink, like he did.

That night Caroline's room was moved to the main wing of the manor since she was now a part of the Van Allen family. The room was more spacious than the one she had stayed in prior, and was directly across from her newly married husband. He was to see her that night, to consummate their marriage but he left her in wait for hours to work on God knows what in his study. Three hours in, and Caroline was no longer able to keep her eyes open, she fell asleep before her husband had arrived.

Caroline knew that the Count came sometime later, and had awoken her, but after that it's mostly all a blur.. All she could really recall after that was a searing pain in her neck.