Chapter 4

I'm starting to throw in some references to locations and a time period. I know I've kept a lot of things ambiguous up until now, and while I plan to continue that with the reader character, I'd like to paint a more specific picture for the setting.

I own neither Castlevania nor it's characters.

You blushed deeply at his profession, as well as at his delicate gesture. The way he gently took your hand, all while still cupping your chin, and kissed it with the softness of a butterfly's wing, was truly breathtaking. You didn't know what you had done to become the recipient of such an act, but you most certainly were not complaining. Staring up into those beautiful golden eyes that stared so deeply back, being held so gently by those cold, smooth hands, standing so closely to that tall, strong, broad-shouldered frame, you drank in the sight before you and without realizing it a sigh escaped your lips.

She sighed at my touch… what an intoxicating sound… I must hear it again… Adrian thought, fully enraptured by you.

Realizing what sound you've just produced, you gasp and immediately flush in embarrassment, covering your mouth with your free hand.

As usual, your flustered state incites a chuckle from him, "I'm honored to know I'm able to bring you such comfort, but alas, we have a journey to complete, so we will have to resume this at a later time. Come now, my sumptuous student." With that he released your chin with a caress, and tucked your hand into the crook of his arm.

You clear your throat and take a deep breath, doing your best to get control of yourself. He continues to lead you, keeping your hand firmly in place on his arm, his close proximity is making it difficult for you to maintain the control you're attempting to garner though. You need a distraction, so you decide to bring up a topic that brings you to your comfort zone: academia.

"Lord Tepes?" you ask tentatively, he looks at you, "after seeing your incredible library, study and laboratory I must ask, what's your focus of study?"

He appears thoughtful for a moment, "I'm not sure I have a particular focus. I've tried to keep myself well-rounded, focusing more on the pursuit of knowledge itself rather than on one area in particular."

You think for a moment, there has to be something he prefers, "Then perhaps I should rework my question, what is your favorite thing to study? What brings you the most joy?"

Again, thoughtful, "Fencing, I enjoy the discipline of the sword."

Smiling sheepishly you peer up at him, "Fencing? How interesting. I've never even held a sword, much less fenced. Is it difficult?"

Eyebrows raised, he meets your gaze, "You've never held a sword and yet you travel the countryside unescorted, it's no small wonder trouble didn't find you sooner. Would you like to learn?"

Excitedly you agree, and the rest of your journey is spent eagerly discussing what lessons and topics your new tutor feels you need.

Before long, your hometown comes into view, and suddenly your stomach is in a complete know, "Let's visit my parents first, I'm arriving later than they anticipated and I'm sure they're worried." Adrian nods in acknowledgement, "lead the way."

Together you approach the modest home, it's small and rather plain, a cream color with green accents and a tented roof, but it feels welcoming. It sits fully detached, surrounded by a well manicured and fenced in lawn. You give a swift knock on the door before opening it, stepping into the sitting room.

"I'm home!" you call, and not a moment later both of your parents appear to greet you, smiling at and yet eyeing your companion.

This seems as good a time as any to introduce him, "I'd like you to meet Lord Adrian Farenheits Tepes, I ran into a bit of trouble on my way home yesterday, but luckily for me he helped me, he even took me in and served me dinner, I owe him a huge debt."

Their eyes widen and suddenly they're smothering the two of you, you with concern and him with thanks. Gripping Adrian's hands in her own, your mother pleads, "We can't thank you enough for what you've done, we always worry about something bad happening, but she refuses to listen!"

"It's not like I have a choice," you attempt to defend yourself, "Headmaster Christina has chosen me, and if I want to keep my job then off I go! Besides, who else can she really send? I'm one of the youngest, and definitely one of the most worldly. But all of that aside, there's actually something Lord Tepes and I would like to speak with her about."

Adrian took this as his cue to speak up, "Yes, you see, I come from a very scholarly background, my castle is brimming with the tools of learning, and I'd like to propose that rather than traveling the countryside in pursuit of knowledge, your daughter could instead study with me. My castle is only about a four hour walk from here, and I would gladly escort her here and back to ensure her safety." Once he finished talking, your parents all but mauled him once more, crying thanks and pleading relief.

"But," your mother began, concerned, "how could we ever repay you for all of this kindness? We are far from being rich people, but there has to be something we can do for you in return."

Adrian looked stunned, "I do not make this offer in the hopes of being reimbursed, my 'repayment' is being granted the opportunity to pursue knowledge alongside your daughter. There is no greater payment you could give me."

His words touched you deeply, you couldn't believe how highly this heartbreakingly handsome scholarly nobleman was talking about you: a plain, unexciting, middle-class school teacher. What had you don't to earn such admiration from the likes of him? You stumbled into his home uninvited, attracting unsavory characters in your pursuit, begged him for assistance that put him in danger, ate his food, wore his clothes, and then slept in one of his beds. You've done nothing but be a burden, and yet here he was, treating you like you're the one who saved him. But as guilty as it makes you feel to accept this unearned kindness, you're unable to say no to him. You look into those warm, golden eyes and all you can think about is how much you want to be close to him, how safe it must feel to be wrapped in those arms, how soft those lips must… STOP! Stop it! You're getting carried away again!

Throughout the duration of your inner monologue, Adrian and your parents spoke about his plans for you.

"Now that that's settled," Adrian beckoned for you, "we should be on our way to meet with your headmistress. I'm sure our meeting will be pleasant and brief, but I know it leaves you anxious."

You welcome the distraction from your thoughts and bid your parents farewell for the time being, Adrian promising your mother that yes, he will stay for dinner. You lead Adrian through your town, explaining the sights along the way, pointing out your favorite places, occasionally greeting a familiar passerby. It wasn't long before you arrived at your school, a rather large stone building that sat attached to a convent and cathedral.

"Headmistress is probably in the garden," you tell Adrian, leading him through the front gates, he nods in acknowledgement. Sure enough, you were correct. There she sat, on her knees, hunched over a former cabbage patch.

You gulp, wringing your hands together, "Headmistress Christina? I have returned from my latest pilgrimage, and I bring a guest." As you finish, the older woman looks over her shoulder at you, then begins to rise, "Welcome back. How did thee fair on thy travels?"

She's now standing fully erect, facing you head on.

"I faired well, the sisters of Agapia send their regards. My only hitch came during my trip home, but thankfully I was saved by this man," you finish, gesturing to Adrian. Adrian bows, "My name is Adrian Farenheits Tepes, I've heard much about you and am honored to make your acquaintance."

Headmistress gives him a cool look, scrutinizing his features, "You come here to ask me something, what is it you want? Repayment for your deed?"

If her words shocked Adrian, he didn't show it. You, on the other hand, almost hit the floor.

Calmly, he responded, "I do come to you with a request, but it isn't for anything monetary. I wish to be her tutor. My castle holds not only the knowledge contained within every abbey and convent in Romania, but even beyond. There's no need for her to travel such distances, alone, when she can study in the safety of my castle."

"Tell me, Mister Tepes," the older woman stared him down with icy eyes, "are you looking for a student, or are you looking for a wife? Because I am not in the business of matchmaking, I'm not sending off one of my teachers to be your mistress, so let us be clear in our intentions."

"Headmistress!" you exclaim, but before you can continue Adrian puts his hand on your shoulder to stop you, "My intentions are pure, your concerns for her safety and her chastity are unwarranted. She will be treated with the utmost respect, and with time she'll hold more knowledge than even the library of Alexandria once did."

Her eyes were still stony, but now the older woman appeared thoughtful, directing her gaze at you, "Is this what you want, child?" Confidently, and with a nod of your head, you responded, "Yes."

"Very well," the headmistress nodded, "classes begin in two weeks. Do what you will until then, but be prepared to share what you have learned, I expect it will be much. After that, we can decide what you will do going forward. Understood?" "Yes Headmistress Christina," you respond, shocked, but doing your best to appear unfazed. "Now go, you have a long journey ahead of you," she dismissed, returning to her cabbage patch.

You and Adrian briskly took your leave, you all but held your breath until you finally left the gates.

"I think that went rather well, don't you agree?" Adrian smirked at you. You all but passed out. he continued, "And how lovely that she gave us her blessing to wed! we must share the momentous news with your parents!"

This time you choked, "Are you insane!" That entire exchange was absolutely torturous, Headmistress Christina was so forward and, and, and rude! How can he still joke after being accused of such unseemly things!

Adrian bowed deeply, still smirking, "I apologize my mistress, I didn't mean to be presumptuous, we don't have to be wed, I know I'm not worthy of your hand."

"What! No, that's not what I meant!" You screech, now beet red, waving your hands in front of you.

"Ahh so I do have a chance then, how lovely…" Adrian spoke dreamily.

All but at your wits' end, you begin to laugh. Who is this strange man? Why would he choose to fight for your company so fervently? You don't know what to say or do anymore, it has overwhelmed you, all there is left to do is laugh. Laugh at how crazy these last two days have been, laugh at Headmistress's accusations, laugh at Adrian's completely lackadaisical response to the ludicrous exchange. Laugh because you know you're standing on the edge of a slippery slope, one that ends with you falling into the arms of this beautiful, mysterious man, a man who could break your heart just as easily as he did, but you're ready to let yourself slip.

Adrian, while surprised by your laughter at first, joins you, and before long you're both in hysterics, leaning on each other and wiping the tears from your eyes. He watches your face, watches the way your eyes squint up and your cheek bones rise, how your nose scrunches and your supple lips stretch, he swears your laughter is the most beautiful sound he's ever heard, like a wind-chime, and he's completely smitten. He takes your hand and tucks it into the crook of his arm, "Come now my future mistress, my in-laws are awaiting us."

You give one last giggle, falling into step with him, "Whatever you would like, my future husband."