The next morning, I awoke to chatter outside my door from the Sisters passing in the hallway to eat breakfast in the Dining Hall. Sunlight streamed through my window and I panicked slightly because I had usually been the first one to wake up in the mornings to get my chores started. I’d guess it was because of the late night I had and all the excitement. My nerves were shot from finding out vampires were real and the King of them all, was coming here to see me, of all people. My mother had left me a note in secret telling me basically the same thing that Sister Marjie always told me as I grew. I was the light to cast away the darkness in the world. I wasn’t so sure that was true though. I hadn’t even stepped foot out of this Sanctuary before and already my life has become complicated. I couldn’t imagine what this would mean for me once the vampire King arrived.
I sat up and yawned while I stretched, swinging my legs over the side of the bed and continued with my morning routine. Hopefully it’ll be a better day than it was yesterday. I didn’t need anymore surprises coming from anyone today.
After putting my flats on I headed out of my room to enjoy the company of the Sisters before setting to work with my chores. I was finishing up the dishes when Sister Marjie found me.
“Little Raven, I have some news about the King’s arrival.” She said quietly as she gazed at me with an unreadable expression.
I nodded. “Okay, tell me, please.”
She sighed heavily and handed me the note with the King’s seal. “He’ll be here tomorrow night as soon as the sun sets. We must be prepared for what is to come.”
“And what exactly is to come? I don’t know him, why does he want anything to do with me? I just don’t understand how this all reverts back to me.” I questioned as I started to panic on the inside.
“Sweet girl, calm yourself. I believe he only wishes to speak with you. I know everything is so new about that world but don’t stress yourself over it right now when you don’t know what is going to happen. Alright? I will be there with you the entire step of the way, no harm will come to you.” She stressed as she rested her hands on my shoulders to soothe me.
I took a few calculated breaths before I spoke again. “What do I do if he wants me to leave with him? I don’t know what to expect and that is killing me. I know, I know, don’t fret over it. It’s still hard not to. I’ll try to keep myself busy with my chores so I don’t think about it.” I turned away from her and finished up the last few dishes.
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“Sounds like a marvelous idea, little Raven.” She walked up behind me and gave my shoulder a gentle squeeze before returning to her daily chores and prayers.
I let my shoulders droop and my head hang as I thought about tomorrow night. My nerves were already fried from feeling so scared last night to finding out the King wants to meet with me.
****
It seemed time was not on my side this time around because the next thing I knew after I was finishing the last few remaining dishes from dinner, the sun was beginning to set. The clouds were beautiful with the sun's rays bouncing all around them, creating a master painting in of itself. The lilac and the peach hue were scattered throughout the area of the setting sun. It gave me hope that maybe, just maybe, things would go well. I gathered myself and headed to my room to get a quick shower and change before the King arrived tonight. We were to meet him in the garden where I saw that creature with the red eyes watching me. I shuddered at the thought. I had a feeling that one was evil, the kind of evil you wanted to stay away from entirely.
I decided to french braid my long hair and keep it over my shoulder out of the way and put on my dress that was nicer than the others that I usually clean in, it was still black instead of the faded color that the others were because of all the cleaning products I use daily. I sighed as I slid my feet into the flats and walked to Sister Marjie’s room. It seemed as though she knew I was coming when she stepped out of her door and shut it behind her, a smile already gracing her cheeks.
“Are you ready, my dear?” She asked me quietly.
I shook my head. “I don’t think I could ever be ready for something like this, but if I must, let’s get it over with as quickly as possible so he’ll leave all the more sooner.” She chuckled at that and held out her elbow so I slid my arm through hers and we headed towards the direction of the gardens.
My heart was pounding inside my chest, the chill of who I was to meet sent a shiver of fear down my spine. I swallowed back the fear and lifted my chin slightly to appear more confident than I felt on the inside. And once we reached the door with Sister Amarie and Sister Jasmine trailing behind us, my mouth went dry and my heart was pounding faster. I couldn’t decide if I wanted to run and hide, or slam the door open with all my might and tell the creature to leave this place and never come back. The anger I felt inside was unwarranted. I couldn’t describe this feeling because I’d never felt such anger before. Why was I acting this way? Only one way to find out, I supposed.