Seven
Serana ascended the stairs. She reached the hallway and looked to each room.
"Where am I sleeping?" she asked.
"Master bedroom," he called from the alchemy lab. He had just made a batch of blood replenishing potions. He drank one and placed the empty bottle on the table. He wiped his mouth and left the room. He ascended the stairs to find Serana looking around the room.
"Oh there you are," she said. "I was wondering where you were."
"I was in the alchemy lab," he replied. "Making some...potions."
She didn't press the matter. She knew exactly what kind of potions he had been making.
"So where do I sleep?" she asked looking at the immaculate Queen Size bed.
"In here," he said.
"What about you?" she asked.
"In the spare room," he said gesturing with his head.
"Why?" asked Serana.
"Because...we're not married,"he replied. "Shouldn't we lay next to each other after we get married? It's traditional."
Serana beamed at him and threw her arms around him.
"You're a half Breton-half Nord mortal whose chosen a century old undead Vampire to be his wife,"said Serana incredulously. "I think tradition left Tamriel on a dragon."
He chuckled. There was no arguing with that.
"Come to bed, don't let me sleep alone," requested Serana. "Besides, I'm waiting for my bedtime story."
She kissed him lovingly. She then released him and walked to the bed. She took her boots off and slid under the covers. He turned to look at her as she made herself comfortable. He awkwardly began to unclip his armour. The shin plates dropped to the floor. This was followed by the breastplate and shoulders. This left him standing in a ragged shirt and trousers. He turned to look at Serana awkwardly.
She smiled and patted the pillow next to her. He gingerly climbed into the other side of the bed. When we was comfortable he slid over to Serana. She rested her head on his chest and glanced up at the ceiling, listening to his heartbeat. He then picked up the "Yellow Book of Riddles" and opened it to the first page. He began to read.
After a few minutes, he had reached the end of the book.
"That's all?" asked Serana.
"Yes," he said. "I jest you not."
"That was a little anti-climactic," said Serana disappointedly.
He placed the book down on the bedside cabinet. They lay in silence for a moment. Stefan then began softly singing something, without even thinking.
He began,
"Can you hear me?
I'm trying to find you.
I'm waiting by a hollow tree.
Come and find me.
Can you see me?
I'm clad in dress white,
Illuminated by the moon light.
Waiting for hours three."
Serana looked up at him. She moved her head, to make herself more comfortable. He continued, stroking her long black hair softly,
"'Twas this night
By the white of the light,
Our hearts were to be bound,
But alas, you were nowhere to be found.
For a man in black,
And a heart he did lack
Paid a visit to your humble abode
A steed of fire, the horse he rode.
Our sweet rapture, and light.
It ended this night."
He finished his ballade. Serana had fallen asleep. He could feel her body rising and falling gently. She was so graceful as she slept. Her long hair fell over her face and her cold hands clutched his waist. He kissed her hair. Serana kissed his neck, scratching his skin with her fangs.
"Good night Serana," he whispered.