I'm back guys with a new chapter. I hope you like it.

While Your Lips Are Still Red
By: BG
Chapter: 2

Dark Hair for catching the wind.
Not to veil the sight of a cold world.

We got into the carriage and took off to my new husband's castle. I was silent most of the way, but Daihmin struck up a conversation.
"You're very lovely, you know" he said.
"I appreciate your compliments, but don't expect anything of me".
"What is there to expect?"
"Do not expect me to be in your bed anytime soon".
Daihmin appeared to be surprised for a moment, but quickly recovered. "There are two ways to consummate a marriage to a vampire, Caitlin. You know one of them. But the other is an ancient vampire tradition".
"Which is?"
"The Bite".
I wanted to stand right then and there. There was no way in hell I'd let his mouth come anywhere near my neck! He saw the distress in my face and responded to it.
"You have no idea how much I want to, Caitlin, but I won't do it unless you want me to".
"Why not take what's yours?"
"Because you are not mine. You are your own. Who am I to take that freedom from you?"
"My husband".
Daihmin sighed. "Look, Princess, I'm not any happier than you about this. But I need allies, you know that. I had no choice-"
"Speaking of which, I'll have no part in your war with the wolves! Those poor creatures suffer enough!".
"I never expected you to want to join in. A battlefield is no place for a lady".
I couldn't help but feel offended. I had ridden into battlefields several times as a child. He acted as if I had never seen someone die before. I have…several times. I knew how to use a bow and arrow quite efficiently, thank you very much. I also knew how to use lances, swords, and staffs. I knew how to fight. Women were trained to fight in case someone threatened the home while the husband was away. But as for his comment, I made no reply.
"Do you hate me?" his voice drew me away from my thoughts.
"Do you want me to be honest?" I asked.
"Yes".
"Then yes…immensely".
"You know I can make you do whatever I please".
"Don't threaten me like that!"
"It was no threat, but just a small piece of valuable information. The only thing I can't make you do is love me".
"Which will never happen".
"You never know…it could".
I was disgusted. He had quite some nerve, talking like that. We arrived at his castle in about an hour. At first, he opened my door, but I turned him away.
"What's wrong? Your new home awaits".
"I want to be left alone for a time".
"Very well" Daihmin closed the door and walked on without me, taking my things with him.
When alone, I finally let the tears fall. I felt betrayed, dirty, unwanted. I was married to a monster who had threatened to control me….I just didn't know if he'd live up to those threats. I personally hoped he didn't. I couldn't believe this…how could my father betray me like this, toss me away like this? I knew I had to be strong, but that wasn't exactly easy. Not when you're confronted with a monster you hate.
"Please…please don't push me, Daihmin….not ever…".
In my sorrow, I let my hair down and let it cover my face, I sat with my face in my hands, and couldn't stop crying. I tried to calm down, I couldn't let Daihmin see me like this. I was a princess as said, I couldn't show any weakness to him or anyone.

After a few minutes, I left the carriage and went inside. The inside was beautiful too. The furnishings were…autumn colors. My favorite ones. Red, Gold, earthy colors everywhere. How was that possible? Vampires hated lighter colors. I looked confused and touched one of the large red satin curtains trimmed with gold.
"Do you like it?" Daihmin's voice interrupted me.
I turned quick, startled. "Jeez you scared me!"
"I do apologize. What do you think of this place?"
"It's beautiful".
"It is due to an enchantment that I personally placed here. Whoever sets foot in this castle sees as they want to see it. It is your ideal home" he smiled.

I looked around for a moment, then turned and faced him. "You mean this place looks however I want it to?"

"Yes. But it looks however the way anyone wants to see it, with their favorite colors. In your case….Autumn colors?"
"Yes".
Daihmin smiled. "You look lovely in autumn colors".
"How do you know? You've never seen me in autumn colors".
"Nonsense, I see you in them now".
I looked down and couldn't believe my eyes. I was wearing traditional elf garb, crème colored with gold traditional markings and tied with a red sash. My eyes widened with shock.
"How did you-"
"It wasn't me, it was the enchantment. It's why I never need to buy clothes. Imagine what you want to wear and it's on you. Wonderful little trick if you ask me".
"Where will I be staying?" I asked.
"In my quarters of course"
"NO!" I went straight right then and there, "I want my own room".
Daihmin sighed. "You do not trust me enough".
"We are complete strangers. We shouldn't trust each other".
"I guess not".
I saw his eyes again, they were still that same violet color. I narrowed my eyes in curiosity.
"How do you do that? Change your eye color?"
"Oh…my eyes….it's a hobby of mine. I change my hair all the time too".
"Really?"
"Oh yeah. I like being different from others, appearance and otherwise. Anyway, your bags have been moved my guest quarters. If you need me, you'll know where I am, either in my study or in my room. The castle is your home now too, so you may go wherever you like, Caitlin. I hope you'll like it here".
"I hope so as well".

I grimaced as a I walked off. I already knew that this was going to be no good. Me and a vampire living together, not a good combination…

Hope you guys liked it. Hope to update again really soon.