A thick layer of fog quickly spread across the countryside. This was nothing out of the ordinary for Translyvanian weather, but the weather outside was being reflected on the inside of Gabor manor. Bela was saddened for his daughter, whom he had not seem as sad since the death of her mother. Verishka was saddened because she was now doubting her ability to survive three months without Vladislaus. Finally, Vladislaus was distraught because he, although trying to be the brave one, was also wondering if he could survive three months without Verishka.
Pulling on a black dress with a golden trim, Verishka felt a single tear run down her cheek. She quickly wiped it away, not wanting the count to she her in her deepened sorrow. Just as she entered the hallway she saw Vladislaus. Immediately she went to him and was met by and open embrace.
"Mei iubire, I feared I would not see you before my departure," he said gripping her tightly.
"I know, I know, I feared that too," she said, nuzzling herself against him. After making sure that the hallway was empty, the two of them passionately kissed. Both of them praying that it would somehow last them for three months. Just as they stopped they heard footsteps. Suddenly they saw Van Helsing rounded the corner.
"Hello Gabriel," Vladislaus said, trying to act like Gabriel hadn't just interrupted something.
"Good morning Vladislaus, Verishka," he said. Verishka would have preferred if he had called her Lady Gabor under the circumstances, but she let it go.
"Do you know how long until we leave?" Vladislaus asked Gabriel.
"About an hour," he replied. Van Helsing then saw Verishka's face grow grim and, wanting badly to see her smile again, said,
"Do not worry my lady. These three months will pass quickly, and you shall be reunited with your count." Verishka smiled at the comfort.
"Thank you my lord," she said.
"Please, call me Gabriel," he said.
"Gabriel then, thank you," she said again.
"Well I'll leave you both to your final hour together," he said, walking away.
"Where were we?" Vladislaus asked. Verishka pulled his head closer with her hands, and again their lips met. The count reciprocated it and they stayed that way for awhile. After they pulled away, Vladislaus pulled her closer, he then began rubbing his face all over hers.
"I must savor every inch of you my darling. The castle of the king will seem cold and unbarring compared to this," he said.
"This house will be as dark as a tomb, and I shall wait here, dwelling in sorrow 'til your return," she said, a single tear again running down her cheek. Vladislaus flicked it away with his finger.
"Verishka, may I ask you something?" he asked.
"Anything, my love," she said.
"I realize our marriage was arranged, but given what has happened I feel the need to do this," he said, getting down on one knee. He then revealed a silver ring with a black stone in the center.
"Verishka, will you marry me?" he asked. She gasped for a moment, having been completely caught off guard.
"Yes, it would be my greatest honor," she said, beginning to cry tears of joy and sorrow all at once. Vladislaus gently placed the ring on her left hand, and then stood up to face her. Her eyes were watery and she gazed at him with a pleading look that he wished he could stop by staying.
"Now you have my word," he said, "the moment I am freed from the horrid company of the king, I shall return to you."
"The two of them began the long, and treacherous walk towards the front hall. The burgundy carpet that lined the stairs seemed to tug at their feet, trying to pull them back.
When they arrived, some of the other knights were already there, including Van Helsing and Verishka's father. Just before they reached the bottom of the stairs, Dracula whispered so only Verishka could hear,
"Besides my dear, if I do not jump on this chance to marry you, I'm sure Van Helsing will."
"Do not be foolish my love, you are the only one I'll wed," she whispered back.
They then reached the bottom and Van Helsing said,
"I see you brought your fiancé with you for one final goodbye."
"Yes, you know she means the world to me, and I part from her only with great difficulty," he said. It was a few more moments before the rest of the knights were there. As they mounted their horses, Vladislaus kissed Verishka's hand and said,
"'Til next we meet, my love." Verishka simply nodded her head. Once they rod off and Vladislaus was no more than a speck in the distance to her, Verishka's father approached.
"Did I not tell you he was a fine man?" he asked her.
"You did father, however you did not do him justice," she said, smiling.
"Promise me one thing my dear," he said.
"Anything father,"
"I cannot survive for three months without your smile," he said. Verishka gently felt the ring that Vladislaus had given her. The silver massaging her finger.
"Yes father, I shall try to smile before then,"