Several more days of rest saw Verishka back on her feet. Although when she did, Vladislaus became extremely protective, not allowing her to leave his side. To him she was like a porcelain doll, able to break at any moment. Not that Verishka minded, though. Bela was also pleased to see that his daughter was so well cared for.
Eventually as a light layer of snow began to fall, Verishka and Vladislaus began walking outside, and Vladislaus noticed the original radiant beauty return to the love of his life.
"It is so hard to believe, the day of our wedding is now in sight," Verishka said, leaning her head on his shoulder.
"Yes, I also thought this day would never come," Vladislaus said as he tightened his grip on her hand.
Vladislaus turned to face her, then pulled back the hood of her velvet cloak to gaze into her deep, brown eyes. He then pulled her close for a deep, passionate kiss, wrapping her in his arms. He was pleased when he felt her lean into him, showing that was what she longed for.
As Gabriel Van Helsing drew closer to Gabor manor, he was able to make out two figures in the distance. One in black, and one in navy blue. Not being near enough to distinguish their identities, he kicked his horse harder. Feeling his horse speed up, he was now able to see their faces. Vladislaus Dracula, and Verishka Gabor. The thought of Verishka being known as Verishka Dracula made him shiver.
As he got off of his horse, he began to walk towards the both of them.
"Hello my friends. Verishka I feared the worst," he said concerned, kissing her hand politely,
"Yes, well you know she's a fighter," Vladislaus said, giving his friend a hug, "weren't you suppose to stay with the king for another week?"
"Draco decided that I had lived without knowing Verishka's fate for long enough. Besides, what kind of friend would I be if I wasn't here a week before my best friend's wedding?" he asked, smiling. Despite the fact that mentioning the wedding actually pained him. "Might we go inside? I am simply exhausted."
"Of course," both Verishka and Vladislaus said. As Verishka spoke, Van Helsing got a chance to look at her. Her brown eyes were like fire to him, a burning one, cloaked in desire. The manner in which her rich, dark brown hair laid on her shoulder, made him wish to savor every inch of her. But he was snapped back into awareness as they began to walk towards the manor again, and snow began to fall.
"So Verishka, how have you been fairing?" Van Helsing asked.
"Fine, thank you," she said.
"I cannot begin to say how concerned I was," he said as they all entered the manor. The house was fairly busy with people preparing for the wedding, which was to take place at the manor. The two would then leave for Vaseria, Dracula's homeland, which would be their permanent home.
"Allow me," Gabriel said, assisting Verishka in taking her cloak off.
"Thank you Gabriel," she said with little sincere gratitude. She didn't mind it when men were courteous around her. With her great beauty she got that all the time. But with Gabriel it seemed to be something more than being a gentleman, and that bothered her.
"Might I suggest that we continue this conversation in the library?" Gabriel suggested.
"Fine idea," Vladislaus said.
The three of them walked up several flights of stairs and down several hallways, with Verishka holding on the Vladislaus's arm.
Once they entered, they were met by the same blaze of the fire place that was present in almost all rooms in Gabor manor. All other corners of the library seemed dark, but for the center that glowed from the light of the flames.
The three of them sat down, facing the fire place, none really daring to look at the other.
"Verishka you seem awfully quiet," Van Helsing said, breaking the silence.
"I'm merely tired," Verishka said quietly.
"That's understandable. You've had a very stressful month," Gabriel said. Verishka nodded, eager to get back to the silence.
That silence did remain unbroken for several more moments before Gabriel and Vladislaus began sharing stories of their time together as young boys. Verishka was amused by picturing the two structured gentlemen that stood before her as young, untamed children. They seemed to take great pleasure in recalling their memories together. Verishka found herself grateful to Van Helsing. Vladislaus had been so worried and troubled with her health, that she was pleased to see him happy with his best friend. She even joined in from time to time. By the end, when they left the library for supper, Gabriel had risen his standings with her greatly.