Chapter 8

"Dracula…" Emma let the name roll off her tongue with both fear and wonderment.

"But as I have said, that name no longer means anything to me. I gave it up, trying to change previous actions."

"But… you kill people, Eric!"

Eric shook his head. "I have not killed someone in hundreds for years… and even then, I regret it. Times have changes now. There is no longer a need to kill for sustenance."

Emma stared at a spot on the carpet, not knowing what to think of all this.

Eric sighed and stood. "I would never force you into this Emma. If you no longer wish this, all you have to do is say so."

"And what about the contract with my father?"

"If you choose not to marry me, your father will still receive his money and all will be well. You will never see me again."

Emma finally raised her head to meet his stare. "Money? What money?"

"Your father has required I pay him a sum of money for the right to marry you."

Emma felt tears come to her eyes. It was no surprise that her father would con money for himself, but to put a price on her happiness? Now she wanted to run from everyone in the world and be left alone.

"Emma… I will give you the choice. If you still wish to be my bride, simply come to the wedding, ready to walk down the isle, wearing the pin a gave you. If not, then do not show up."

"What will you do if I do not show up?"

"I will leave for my homeland, and you will never see me again."

For some reason, his statement left her feeling cold.

Eric gently knelt down in front of her again and took her hand. "Please know Emma… Whatever you choose, I only wish to see your happiness. Even if it means never seeing you again."

He gently kissed her hand and walked towards the window. Emma watched him disappear into the darkness.

Emma sat there, unable to comprehend all that was said.

Vampire… He's a vampire…

Emma gently lay on her bed, thought swirling in her head.

She had a choice to make… and didn't have much time to choose what she wanted.

Just as Eric had said, as soon as morning came, there were people running in and out of the house. They either were carrying packages or were working to decorate the house accordingly.

The dining room was filled with silver platters and crystal goblets. The garden was the most extravagant place once the servants were done with it. Eric had wanted Emma to be moved to tears at how wonderful her small garden could look.

Eric arrived at the home at about ten in the evening, ready for the wedding and Jack at his heels.

Emma's father had been pacing in front of the stairs, waiting for his arrival.

Eric walked up to him. "Everything set and ready?"

"Yes." He said simply. "The girls are getting ready, the dinner is cooking, and the garden is ready."

Eric nodded his approval. "How is Emma?" He knew it was stupid to ask her father questions concerning Emma, but he needed to hear something… anything.

He shrugged. "I haven't heard from her all day. Probably just her nerves."

Eric nodded again and turned to go see the garden. "The priest will be arriving anytime now."

"How many guests will be coming, sir?" Her father was following him.

"Just some people from around town. Some of my servants." His people never really valued human marriages. They knew what ceremony was important, and they would know when it happens.

"When will I get my money?"

Eric wondered when he would ask that. "It's on it way with my servants who will be attending. You will get it before the ceremony."

Eleven forty five came around quickly and all the guests had arrived. Most of the guests were family friends or Former business partners. Eric only had a few servants, all looking bored and tired.

Eric stood in his place, under a small arraignment to special roses. The garden was filled with white candle and white lace.

The priest was ready, rings and bible in hand. Eric hated the use of religion and the bible in the ceremony, but didn't have a choice but to deal with it.

Five minutes until the ceremony started, Eric wondered what she had chosen. His servants were well informed about her choices, and were prepared for either option.

The plan was for the clock to strike midnight, and for Emma to walk down as the clock chimed. Eric only had a few violins on the side of the garden. He saw no need to have a large band.

One minute until midnight, Eric was starting at the door Emma would be coming out of. The guests were already standing so it was hard to see. Her father had been staring thru the door, searching.

Finally, the clocked chimed, and everyone stood staring at the door. The girls were slowly walking down the isle, all wearing the same red dress. Susan came after, wearing a slightly different dress. The violins were playing there gently tone as now all that was left was the bride.

Eric stopped breathing as the girls were all at the arch, everyone waiting. The clocked had stopped its chimes.

Eric let his breath go and looked at the ground, eyes closed, away from everyone else. She had chosen.

And for the first time in centuries, his heart felt broken.

Suddenly, the violins started playing and Eric looked up.

Emma was there, her father leading her down. The veil she wore was simple and covered her face. The dress, also simple, suited her well. Eric's breath seemed to be caught in his throat as she was finally handed off to him.

Emma was shaking all over. Before the priest could begin, Eric leaned down to her.

"Emma… Remember what I said. You don't have to do anything you don't want to do."

Emma released his hand for a moment, and raised the veil over her head. The rose pin was nestled in the small bun she had on the top of her head.

Emma took his hand… and smiled at him.

Eric smiled back and listened as the priest chattered away.

….

We ceremony was quicker than anticipated, and everyone was in the dining room, eating the wedding dinner. Emma hardly ate and Eric seemed to only enjoy his wine.

Emma was seated at the end of the table with Eric on the opposite end. She hated stupid traditions such as this. Her father was merrily eating his meal, finally receiving his large sum of money. Her sisters were all flirting with the men around the table. All but Janet, who seemed content to glare at everyone.

When Emma was done, it didn't take long for Eric to rise and go to Emma's seat. He gently helped her to her feet and led he towards the door. Everyone else rose and followed, ready to bid them farewell.

Eric stopped at the stairs. "The servants have packed everything for you. Go change and make sure they haven't forgotten everything."

Emma nodded and slowly walked up the stairs. Once at he top and out if sight, she collapsed on the floor, tired and dizzy.

She smiled as she leaned against the wall. Although sick and tired during the ceremony, she made it thru. And the dinner hadn't caused and problems. Emma tried to stand as she heard a small noise from behind her.

"Emma?" It was Susan.

Emma smiled as Susan hurried to help Emma to her room.

"His majesty suggested I come help you."

Emma smiled as they made their was to her room. She was glad to have one final moment alone with Susan.

Emma's room has stripped down except for her bed. A change of traveling clothes had been laid out on the bed. Susan helped Emma change and final faced her sister.

"Emma…" Susan said with tears in her eyes.

Emma smiled and embraced Susan. "I'll write every day. And I'll visit whenever I can. I promise."

Susan smiled and embraced Emma back. "I'll miss you, Sissy!"

They stayed like that for a few moments, and then left to go meet back with Eric.

….

Before leaving, the servants retrieved the wedding dress and finished the packing. Emma said a quick good bye to her sisters, who really didn't care that she was leaving. Janet ignored everyone there while her father quickly went to Emma, kissed her cheek, and walked to further socialize.

Finally, Eric took Emma's hand. "Are you ready?"

Emma nodded and Eric helped her inside, following after.

"Why do we need so soon? It's so late."

Eric smiled gently. "We need to leave as soon as possible. My ship sails tonight. If your tired, you can sleep until we reach the ship."

As he talked, Emma yawned and tried not to sleep then and there. "How long will it take for us to reach your home?"

"Probably a week at sea."

Emma nodded and let sleep take hold of her.

…..

When Emma woke, she was laying in a soft bed, with no recollection of how she got there. Quickly, she sat up and looked around and began to panic until a gently tug at her shoulder brought her back down on the bed.

"Sleep." Eric demanded lightly. He was shirtless, with blankets covering his waist and his face in the pillow.

"Where are we?" She asked, confused and still worn out.

"Ship" he said simply, pulling Emma back into his arms.

"Eric… did I mess up our wedding night?"

He laughed and brought her closer to him. "No, love. That night will wait until we reach our home. A ship is not exactly the place I would like to spend it on."

Emma sighed and leaned back into the pillows. Eric gently kissed her cheek and nuzzled her neck.

"We will be home soon. Sleep."

As soon as the words left his mouth, Emma let sleep take over.

…..

More soon! Next chapter contains sex so… yeah… don't read if your under 18! - (Just kidding. Like I can stop you! Just be professional and serious about it.)