It was quiet the next day as I sat in my room, reading when I heard a knock at the door. I got up quickly and hurried to my door only to find Lord Davenport there. "Lord Davenport; I thought I made it clear I didn't want to hear from you again" I said, about to shut the door again. "I know but I felt obligated to at least inform you that last night Daniel murdered himself. I wish I could understand why the engagement was called off and I wondered if you would please come to the memorial this afternoon" Lord Davenport answered.

"Very well, society will probably think me the grieving fiancé before word gets out about the split. What time is the service" I asked. "At three this afternoon" he answered. "Alright" I agreed and he left. I watched him leave before I closed my door and wrote a message to Alexander, accepting the invitation to dine with him. Once I had written the message, I hurried to change into a proper mourning dress.

I left the building to find a messenger and then buy a couple of roses to take to the cemetery. I felt a little sorry for Lord Davenport in that he had lost his son too soon but I was secretly grateful for a chance to escape that dreadful sham of a marriage.

After paying a messenger and picking up some roses; I found a carriage to take me to the cemetery. Right now, I had to let go of all my feelings of relief and thought back to the night that made me the saddest: watching my family home burn after my dad was murdered by the very man I felt even the slightest bit of pity toward. Inside, I had nothing but hatred and grief but none of the public would see that. The carriage soon came to the cemetery and the driver helped me down. I paid him before joining those who had gathered at the grave.

I noticed it was a bunch of men wearing the same purple shawls across their coats and the shawls had the same crest embroidered on them. At first, I thought them just friends of Lord Davenport but I soon realized that they were the other members of the Order of the Dragon which Daniel's lover, Lord Laurent also belonged too though I found it odd he wasn't present for his own lover's funeral. I knew this order had done some unholy deeds in the name of goodness and I wouldn't stand for it. I wanted revenge on them for my father's death but I lacked any ability to pull that off. I stood there silently throughout the service and then threw the roses on top of the grave. Everyone gave me condolences, saying they were sorry and how beautiful the wedding might have been.

I played my part and thanked them kindly for their condolences before going to the gates to hail a carriage when I saw the same man who had interrupted mine and Alexander's dance. I think Alexander had said his name was Renfield. "Miss Everwood, Mr. Grayson wishes to dine with you this evening" he told me. "I could come at once but I would first like to change into something more appropriate for supper" I answered.

"Of course Miss Everwood, permit me to escort you back to your flat so that you might change" Renfield offered. I nodded and he helped me into the carriage after I had given the address. I sat quietly for the ride back to the Westernra residence.

We got back and I hurried inside to change into a nice blouse and skirt. I finally grabbed my cloak and went back outside and got back in the carriage. Was I truly ready for what lay ahead this evening and the change that could present itself?

Alexander's P.O.V

Upon receiving Skyla's message; I had ordered a nice meal prepared for this evening. Renfield went to get her from the cemetery and all I could do now was wait. While going through some notes, I heard the carriage arriving and then the front doors opening. I got up from my chair and walked out to the foyer.

She stood in the center of the main floor, looking around as I walked down the stairs. "Lady Skyla, I'm grateful you could finally accept my invitation for supper. Truthfully, I have been wanting to know more about you since that minuet that we shared" I told her. She jumped a little, startled by my presence at first as she looked up. "Alexander, I'm delighted to join you. I understand you're usually a busy man" she answered. "Well Skyla, I can always make an exception for the company of a beautiful lady like you" I told her.

I led Skyla to the sitting room and had the maid get Skyla some tea. We talked for a long time and she saw the piano in the corner. "Do you like music" I asked. "Yes, I love music. My father and grandfather used to play the flute. I miss the sounds of their soothing songs" she answered. "Did they teach you to play" I asked. "Yes; father and I used to work on music every night for an hour from the time I was six until the time he urged I go live with Lucy, which was a week shy of my turning eighteen" she replied, a slightly distant expression gracing her beautiful blue eyes. "I have a flute on the shelf above the piano that you're welcome to play" I told her as she shifted in her seat slightly

Skyla's P.O.V

"I couldn't possibly do that" I answered, slowly rising and approaching the shelf almost as though in a trance. Right then, I was grateful when the maid announced dinner. "Perhaps you might play for me after supper" Alexander said, offering me his arm. "If you're certain that it's alright then I can try. I haven't played in a year" I replied, taking his arm and he led me to a smaller dining room.

He let me go and pulled a chair out for me and I sat carefully before he pushed me up to the table. The kitchen maid came in and sat two covered plates in front of us and a glass of bold red wine in front of Alexander and a glass of a crisp and fruity white wine in front of me. "I'm surprised you knew I liked white wine" I commented, taking a sip. "I remembered at the ball that you wouldn't go near the red wine" he replied with a smile. I blushed, surprised that he remembered that and we started to eat when the lids were removed.

During dinner, we talked more and something about him made it easy to open up to him. We finished our supper and were on our way back to the sitting room when I heard a very loud, rather startling crack of thunder. He heard it too and looked at me. "Skyla, I'm afraid there is a storm brewing tonight. I insist you stay as my guest. Clarissa will show you to your room when you're ready to retire for the night" Alexander told me. "Thank you kindly" I answered as he took my hand. "Now Skyla, will you please play for me if I join you" he asked.

"Of course" I answered hesitantly. He sat at the piano and began playing a beautiful melody. I raised the flute to my lips and began to match the melody. I closed my eyes, the sounds of the music filling the halls and in that moment, I forgot the storm and my fears. In that moment, I felt safe, like I was meant to be here. I still hadn't forgotten the warning I received the night of my father's death about the threat of me being the bride of Vlad Tepes but I shoved the thought out of my head.

Alexander's P.O.V

I continued to play for awhile and then quietly faded out once Skyla was playing a lot stronger. It was a beautiful sound. I gazed upon her lost in the music. So far, she still hadn't made the connection that I was planning to take her as my wife and fulfill the vow I had made all those years ago. She was still angered at the order and I knew she would love to have her chance at the men who killed her father. She soon stopped playing and looked at me. "Lady Skyla, that was indescribably beautiful. You were taught well" I told her.

Her cheeks turned that soft shade of pink as she replied "Thank you" before hesitating a moment and added "I am going to retire for the night." "Very well and pleasant dreams Skyla. I shall see you in the morning" I told her, kissing her hand. "Thank you and the same to you Alexander" she answered, cleaning the flute and putting it back.

I watched her leave the room with Clarissa and then took the flute and placed it in the case to give to Skyla. Tonight had given me a chance to learn a little more before she would learn my true intentions and surrender her life to me.