Under the vampire Lord's protection Chapter 616: Before home

Arabella wouldn't stray from Arthur's side. She held onto his arm throughout the entire day, only letting go when separation was absolutely unavoidable.

Following their discussion on Grace, Silas pulled back and gave them space, yet Grace herself, the vampiress, appeared at his door right after stirring from her hibernation.

She lingered at the doorway for a moment, as if assessing the room's atmosphere.

"Is everything alright?" her voice came out timidly, her gaze flicking back and forth between Arabella and Arthur.

"Yes, everything is,"

Noticing Arthur's response, Grace's hands dropped to her sides while her eyes grew wide. In a flash, she appeared before him, her arms unsure whether to embrace him or hold back.

"Oh, my Lord! You speak!" the words tumbled out hesitantly, though they didn't falter entirely.

"Yes! He does!" Arabella exclaimed at last.

"This is wonderful! I... Well, I always knew you would recover. Of course!" An awkward laugh escaped her, her hands still fumbling uncertainly near him.

Arthur ended her discomfort by taking her hands in his, offering a warm smile as well.

Her already flushed face turned an even deeper crimson, almost luminous from his gentle touch.

"I always knew I needed to speak up too," he nodded, "I just wasn't sure how to begin after all this time."

"Well," she squeezed his hands lightly, "I'm thrilled you've found your voice again."

"Grace," Arthur cleared his throat, his smile fading slightly, "I've already talked to Lord Silas about it, but it's only right that I ask you directly, if that's okay."

His words erased the smile from her face too.

"You've been so kind showing me around and filling the silence when I couldn't speak, so I'd like to ask if you'd trust me enough to let me return the favor—show you my lands as you've hosted me these past days," he cleared his throat again, "What I'm really asking is, will you stay here in Lustris with me after your family leaves? Just for a little while, of course."

Silence fell after his request, with Arabella observing as Grace's mouth opened and closed several times, speechless.

No one could gauge Arthur's anxiety during the pause, but Arabella's stomach twisted in knots. Grace had been dropping hints all night, right?

Could she have misread it completely? Did Grace even want to remain with Arthur?

"Yes!"

As the tension threatened to drain every bit of air from the room, Grace finally answered. The joy in her eyes revealed no real doubt in her reply.

"Then, as Lord of these lands, I vow to protect you in your weakest moments. I swear no harm will befall you."

That seemed to be all Arabella required to hear. She slipped out, leaving the pair alone together.

In the gardens, Edgar strolled the stone paths with Persephone on his arm, while Allegra and Katherine engaged in their own discussion.

Rubius stayed by Silas near the exit until the young woman approached.

"How are they?" the elder inquired the moment she drew near.

"They’re chatty," she laughed softly.

"Did she agree to stay?" Silas placed a gentle hand on her lower back.

"She will stay,"

The vampire's eyes gleamed briefly, "He'll soon regret extending that invitation."

She hummed in response first, "With everything settled, I wonder just how much Arthur has changed," her expression turned thoughtful.

"What do you mean?" Rubius glanced up at the ceiling following her look, then back to her.

"Neither of you knew Arthur the way I did. If he's anything like his old self...," she trailed off, "I can't say who'll wear the other out first."

"You are right," Rubius agreed with a nod, "I never realized Arthur could talk so much. It's tough picturing him that way, honestly."

"You didn't spend much time together, and even then, you never really connected," her smile gradually dimmed, "He restrained himself a lot around father."

"I am sure he did,"

Little more passed between them afterward. Rubius took his leave, allowing the couple their private moment.

"Are you prepared for tomorrow's journey?" Silas shattered the peaceful quiet as they wandered the gardens, "I mean, it's fine if we or you want to linger longer with your brother."

"My brother will be occupied enough already," she chuckled, "Besides, this house isn't my home anymore. You wouldn't credit it if I merely said how eager I am to return."

"No. That I can believe," he halted suddenly, "What I can't fathom is that we've reclaimed the pendant," his hand drifted down to the pendant on his belt.

"Neither can I," she shook her head, "To imagine I thought it gone forever. I'm grateful the crown prince is such a fool. That was our sole stroke of luck."

"It was indeed,"

They continued down the path, savoring their final night at Sterling manor before departing for home.

Indeed, Sterling manor had never felt like home to her... A prison? Perhaps, but never a true home.

A mere roof that sheltered her briefly claimed that title, seizing it effortlessly from its prior holder.