Chapter 15 ENCUMBRANCE
NARRATIVE POINT OF VIEW
“No one, Viscount… I was talking to myself” she held her head low, staring at the carpeted floor feeling pensive. He clicked his tongue as he got closer, he stopped to stare at the crown of her head and noticed that she’s soaked whilst still wearing the tattered dress. But that was none of his concern, he held her by the neck to make her face him. She bit her lips upon seeing that piercing stare burning through her skin. He pushed her head to the side to expose her neck even more.
He sighed, he got carried away by the looks of it. The bleeding had stopped but the mark of his bite remained. If someone were to see that, it’ll definitely cause a stir.
He knows it. Several men had been tailing him these past few months, but he hasn’t made a move as though it might be them. He hasn’t encountered the Reeves for a good decade, and if they were the one after him, then fighting back would be a foolish decision to make, not unless he’s able to tarnish the reputation of the Duke. Then, he can flee.
Out of nowhere, he pulled her out of the room. She followed him wordlessly, just staring at his hands which is gripping her tightly.
He had touched her several times, they even shared each other’s flesh but it was the first time she noticed that he feels cold like walking corpse. She thought that it might be the effect of immortality, but what does she know about his being. They got downstairs and there she saw the long pair of chains scattered on the floor.
They stood in the middle and he let her go, walking towards a pair of shackles in which the chains are connected. He held it and walked back towards her, taking one of her hands and binding it tightly, after that, he did the same to one of her feet.
Agatha expressively showed her dismay, looking at the man kneeling before her as he tightens the grip of the shackles, she felt even more restrained. The Viscount stood up after doing so, Agatha noticed that he seemed to be going somewhere by the looks of his fancy clothing.
His white cadaver fluttered as the wind coming from outside entered the open windows of the hall, he brushed his hair and met her gaze. “Clean up, I will be gone for a while” he commanded. Agatha nodded, the words that came out of his mouth ringed her ears. He’s leaving the house, which means that she’ll be alone for the time being.
The Viscount leaned closer, she gasped as his sudden grip tightens, clutching her face with utter strength. “Don’t you ever dare escape if you want to live” he whispered angrily, throwing her face away in an aggressive manner making her fall on her knees. She was shocked, but she quickly recovered and stood up.
He them turned to his back as he was about to leave.
“I’ve no reason to flee Viscount, what more can I ask for if you’re here with me?” she bravely asked, making him halt midway. “What happened last night…. it proved that you once loved someone. I know you mistook me for her but… I can be your Emil-“
“Silence!” he yelled. “don’t speak of that name ever again. If you do so then I’ll end you” he said as he slammed the entrance shut. Agatha heaved. Another detail came to light. “Who would've thought that even vampires can love”
She eyed her bounded feet and hand. "Tsk, he left but how am I going to escape this?!" she murmured as she lifts her hand up, making the chains clang. She scanned it and figured out that it was connected from a pole in the middle of the room, it was well thought since she can move around freely but was unable to reach the main door. The length was precise, so she’d no choice but to obey and believe that the perfect time will come.
A loud cheering on the platform came to life as the popular Viscount made a visit, he strolled the place together with Lord Baron. Needless to say, the merchants were showing jubilance as the nobles waved. The Viscount were evidently adored by everyone, and it’s not even disclosed that he was the one who sponsored it. He’s just the perfect example of a chivalric noble, and that’s a trait rich people rarely possess.
Their public stroll came to an end as the roaring of the Blazing Ferry came about, she stood tall and mighty but not like the one resting next to her. They made their way inside the giant vessel accompanied by the servants and the star class crew of the ship. They sailed before the night falls, just around the area to run the engines of the newly furnished vessel.
Lord Baron toured him, showing all the intricate details of the ship which, he owns. They ended up at the deck and there, the meals were served.
The Viscount was all smile, nodding and listening to the antics of the greedy man digging the dish that was served. He straightened his back, held the utensil and began digging on his own. With every swallow, he was poisoning himself. He had no idea of what causes it, but human food is something that puts his life in great danger. As a result, he’d always has to flee the moment his stomach reacts.
“is it good, Viscount Claude” Lord Baron asked whilst chewing and nodding his head out of delight “this is premium meat, flown all the way from Milford” he said boastfully, Viscount Claude nodded in agreement as he wipes his mouth in a gentle manner.
He eyed the horizon, the dark sky was filled with twinkling stars, it was peak beauty seeing it away from the polluting lights of the city. “It was great Lord Baron. However I do need to apologize since I have to leave soon. May we ask to turn back?”
Lord Baron chuckled “Well, I do know that you’re a busy man. Ludwig! We're heading back!” he yelled from his seat, gazing at the captain beneath the open deck. “Don’t worry, we’ll reach land in an hour”
Viscount Claude smiled, but deep inside he was worried sick. An hour is far too long, but he has no choice. He took out the envelope resting in his vest, it was the main reason why he decided to meet with him. “Lord Baron…” he called for his attention as he reaches it out to him “I have a letter for you”
The Lord furrowed his brows, he chuckled “is this from a lady or was it from you?” he asked as he was about to open it.
“Wait…” the Lord came to a halt “The person said that you must open it a week later, and yes...it’s from a woman”
Lord Baron widened his eyes “who might this woman be? is he interested in me?” he joked.
“You’ll know when you see the letter, and you do not have to worry. She’s uhh…a fine young lady” Viscount Claude winked, and the Lord was delighted despite being married.
“very well then, in a week I’ll open this. Maybe there’s magic resting inside” they laughed in unison, the kind that bores deep in the mind of anyone listening.
