Under the vampire Lord's protection-Chapter 605: A heavy crown

"And last but not least," Grishnak’s yellow eyes turned to none other than Arabella, "Lady Arabella Eleazar, formerly Sterling," the goblin gave her the time to advance before him, "For the great sacrifice that you’ve made which resulted not only in the rescuing of your loved ones but also... This entire country. On behalf of this syndicate, on behalf of Umbraria as a whole, we thank you and we recognize that we will forever be in your debt. Please accept this token that we offer as a reminder of these accomplishments,"

Arabella’s knees remained stuck for a few seconds before bending and allowing her to lower herself, thus accepting the golden crown that was very delicately placed atop her head.

The jewelry was quite bigger than the other diadems that had been bestowed to the women preceding her.

Not that she cared. It was simply worth noting.

First came the weight of the gold then quickly followed the sound of applause, deafening every other melody.

And then... The sight of all those faces that had their eyes strictly on her and only her.

Lady Orpheus, Lord Foy and even Lord Dragomir stood among them...

Something in his stance and eyes had changed since the last time their paths crossed.

Never mind that as there was no time to consider such a thing. Floriel and the other fairies rushed her the second she turned around, squishing themselves against her cheeks without any mercy.

For the entire hour that followed came a train of congratulations and thank yous’ towards Arabella and her friends.

The gathering went on for at least three hours. That was when things started to die down, allowing Arabella and Silas to slip away from the rest.

"How are you feeling?" he asked, eyes climbing from her face up to the crown on top of her head.

"This is certainly not what I expected to happen," she shook her head.

"I may or may not have expected it," he averted his gaze.

"Why not tell me when I asked?" she pouted.

"Well, I was not sure of the outcome and... I did not wish to spoil the surprise,"

"What a surprise that was!" she turned her face away and raised her chin.

"Are you going to be mad at me for long?" he leaned closer.

"I don’t-"

She had started but froze in place at the sight of Allegra who faced Dragomir further down the hallway.

"Should we interfere?" she murmured.

Silas stared pensively ahead momentarily without a response, but then took his first step forward, "Let us move closer,"

And move closer they did only for her to catch the last shards of their conversation.

"It is the only thing left of him," Allegra did her very best to keep both her spine and voice steady.

Dragomir appeared to hold a small, black box in hand. It was open, shielding what lay inside from Arabella’s eyes.

The look in the vampire’s eyes however told many stories...

"How... How have you been?" Dragomir had to clear his throat multiple times throughout his question.

"I am well, my Lord," she nodded, "I am surrounded by my family and loved ones," she held her head high, pressing on some letters as she spoke.

"Did he...," he never finished the question.

"He had chopped off one of my fingers, yes,"

A breath hitched in his throat as his eyes flickered straight towards her hands.

"Madame Morgana fixed me," after a short pause, she added, "He never was loyal to you. He’s always been his own man,"

"I see that now," he nodded, then his attention turned to Silas and Arabella who stood behind them.

When Allegra turned around to see them, her face shifted from the strain to a bright smile, "Great! I was looking just for you! Shall we leave?" she chirped.

"Yes," Arabella smiled, "We were heading out as I believe the others are already preparing to leave the castle,"

Allegra intertwined her arm with Arabella’s and began walking until they passed by Dragomir’s figure.

"Wait!" he flipped around at once, "When will I see you again?"

"Preferably not anytime soon," she said without looking back.

Silas did not wait and followed the women.

"May I ask what it was that you gave him in the box?" Arabella spoke sheepishly.

"It was a pin from Lauden’s vest," the vampiress stared ahead while speaking, "It truly was the only thing left once the prince was done with him,"

"I see,"

Nothing was said between them after that. They simply all exited the castle and made their way towards the carriages prepared in their honor.

Inside the vehicle, Silas held the hand of his wife and kept it warm. Ada’s head fell on Morgana’s shoulder as she succumbed to sleep, null doubt exhausted after the many hours of traveling, the suspense and then the reveal of everything.

Arabella merely copied the action of her friend and laid her head on her husband’s shoulder. Many images flashed before her eyes the second she closed them... Lulled by the rocking that the moving carriage did, slumber came easy.

Even the weight atop her head vanished as if removed by someone else’s hand.

The memory of her standing in front of Grishnak, receiving the crown and listening to all the praise she had been showered with.

Saved the country, did she?

Did she truly have a hand in that or was it all a series of events that followed each other, leading them to such an outcome?

Probably the latter...

Not once did she ever dream of being seen or dubbed a heroine. Had anybody told her that such a day would come, she would have thought they were out of their minds.

"Are you alright?" Silas’ voice came so soft, as though afraid it would break her.

"Yes!" she straightened at once, "I merely dozed off," she cleared her throat.

"I did not mean to awaken you; however, your eyes were tearing,"

"Were they?" she hurriedly wiped at her eyes only to confirm his words.