Chapter 82: The Tough Truth
The look in Lucy’s eyes was one filled with relief as she watched Ivan dismount from his Midnight-black steed. He had worn a long dark cloak over his regal attire, and when he sensed the two maidens were about to openly refer to him as Lord Ivan, he placed a finger to his lips, indicating they should stay silent to avoid drawing attention from the passing villagers.
Not everyone was physically acquainted with the Vampire Lord himself.
"Are you two alright?" He asked in a hush tone, his gaze studying their condition and feeling half-relieved that no harm had been imposed on the two of them. As if on cue, they nodded in unison, stating they were both fine, and while the maidens shared a look of concern, it was clear they had made up their mind on something before returning their gaze to Lord Ivan.
"Where’s my little lamb?" He asked, noticing his little lamb’s absence, and one could see the clear worry reflecting in his crimson orbs. If the three of them were abducted, then they should be together, should they not? Then why was he seeing only the two of them? Was he too late??? But he could perceive her redolent scent lingering around these parts, it was still pungent, and there was no mistaking it for anyone else.
"My Lord she....she left." The head maid proceeded to inform Ivan with her gaze fixed to the ground, and when he glanced at Lucy to confirm if it was true, she nodded her head in accordance with the head maid’s words. Unable to hide her discomfort since she was sincerely worried for her friend, she lowered her head in front of Ivan, clasping her fingers together and pleaded softly.
"I have no right to ask this of you, I know I shouldn’t request such a favor but... we both know it is not safe for Samantha to wander around all by herself, and at night, with no one to look out for her." She said, "As her friend I am concerned, and although she doesn’t want to be found I know that you’re the only one who can keep her safe so please, if you can find her and ensure she’s safe, I’ll be really grateful to you, My Lord." Lucy looked pleadingly into his eyes, hoping he wouldn’t refuse her, and she wasn’t hallucinating when she noticed the same uneasy feeling in his frantic eyes.
"Where is she heading?" He asked, and Lucy could hear herself let out a breath of relief.
"She didn’t say, she only said something about finding her brother, but she didn’t point out where." Responded the head maid.
"I think I know where she’s heading." He clicked his tongue before getting back on his horse. "It’s not safe for the both of you either. When you get to that crossroad, take your right and you’ll see an inn not Faraway. The owner is familiar with the Palace, mention my name to him and he’ll let you stay, you can return to the Palace tomorrow when you’re more fit to do so."