***
– I'm sorry, I was wrong," I said to Markus, alone with him, and added with just my lips. – She called. It's okay.
– Is that why you ran out of the castle like a madman? – grinned his brother. – Is she there yet?
– Yeah. She's probably on her way to the hotel now, but I'll call her back tonight.
– Well, I'm glad you're not going crazy now.
– I'm sorry, I'm so embarrassed I almost broke you and Grayson up. Has he called back yet?
– Not yet, but I think he's been in England for a while, and he's not interested in me right now. Said he'd call me later. Damn it, Cedric! I can't believe I'm getting married!
– You're a lucky man," I smiled at that. – You've earned it, Markus.
– How about we drink a bottle from the dungeon? – my brother suggested with a mischievous grin. – I heard rumours that fresh blood was brought in last night!
– How could I refuse such a gallant offer? – I laughed.
I was in a marvellous mood.
***
I was awakened by an icy touch on my cheek. I didn't want to get up, but just snuggled into my blanket.
– I had a nightmare… As real as the one I had seen on the way to Brno. Do you remember? – I mumbled without opening my eyes.
– Poor sheep. Did an evil vampire scare you? – There was a creeping voice. And it wasn't Cedric's voice.
I opened my eyes sharply and saw Grayson sitting in the chair at my feet, staring at me.
– No, you're just a horrible dream! – I whispered in desperation, tucking my head under the blanket.
– Even if I do this? – The vampire abruptly pulled the life-saving blanket off me and set me on my feet. – What were you dreaming about?
– How you kidnapped me! But, alas, it wasn't a dream! – I replied with emotion.
– Ungrateful girl! You should be grateful that your kidnapper was kind enough to find you a pillow and a blanket! – Grayson laughed.
He was right: there was a small white pillow and a wide white blanket on the couch, which I'd used to cover myself all through the cold night.
– Are we in England yet? – I asked quietly, not intending to thank him for the favour.
– Yes, and from now on you'll enjoy nothing but my company. – Grayson smiled a beautiful, wide smile, but then his face grew serious. – Now wash up and clean yourself up. Don't forget to brush your teeth: you'll find toothpaste and a guest brush in the loo. Go! – He pushed me roughly, and I obediently went into the small toilet. When I looked in the mirror, I didn't recognise myself: crying, sleepy, with dishevelled hair. After washing my face and brushing my teeth, I managed to comb my hair with my fingers.
– You're taking too long. Come on," the vampire said in a disgruntled tone as I reappeared in the salon. He picked up his black umbrella that was leaning against the wall, opened it, and dragged me behind him.
When we got off the plane, it was as if I'd gone blind: the sun was shining so brightly that my eyes hurt from the sudden change of shadow and light. And squinting, I saw a black car with tinted windows standing outside the plane, very expensive looking.
There was another vampire standing by the car – it was obvious: he, too, was hiding from the sun under a large black umbrella.
– Welcome home, sir," he said in a pleasant voice to Grayson, opening the car door for him. – Welcome home.
– Thank you, Eric," he said with a smile. – Tell Mitchell to order the servants to vacate my castle for the time being, and let him go himself.
