Genuine Love-Chapter 13

My eyes opened to a vision of Adrian..he stood over me, a worried
frown on his face. His kiss left me breathless with passionate desire,
but Desiree's mind clashed against the will of my body. " Stop your
foolishness, this instant! " She ranted and raved. " You're going to
ruin all the best laid plans of Kermes Twa..plans to keep..." Silence
reigned supreme.

Adrian continued his assault on my mouth as my body responded to him in
ways I couldn't comprehend. I resolved to push him away from my heart
and soul, but that notion failed as the unknown voice stated in
triumphant merriment,
" Desiree's not here with you, but I am! " Adrian's kiss was charged
with electricity, a current of sensational pinpricks pouring through my
veins. I wanted him to make love to me, show me how much love he had
for me. I felt his hands on my face..touching, caressing as if he
couldn't believe I was real.

" Bethanie, my Darling. " There were tears in his eyes.

I spoke in words I had no intention of saying. " Yes, Phillipe. I've
waited a life time to be with you again. " My arms were thrown around
his neck and a fevered longing took control. His hands traveled all
over my body, as intense emotions raged. " Don't ever let me go,
Phillipe. I love you, " she murmured with my lips.

**********

Confusion reigned in my mind as I woke from realistic dreams of sharing
my body and love with Adrian. Valera sat by my bed and crooned a
lullaby, smoothing my brow as she sang.

' Hush my love, my darling one
There are no more tears to cry
The stars of night are yours alone
Their brightness sings your lullaby

The moon shines down in shades of gold
Don't be afraid of changes taking place
The Goddess Great her thoughts unfold
She gives you pleasure in her Grace

" Valera, what's happening to me? I don't feel at all like myself. Do
you have any idea if Adrian's been present in my room? "

" Nancy, I checked on him a few minute's ago, and he's sleeping
peacefully in his own quarters. " She sighed. " The Great Goddess has
imparted her sentiments to me..with Adrian's blood flowing in your
veins, your understanding of Bethanie and Desiree' will be revealed
entirely as she deems fit. " She tenderly held my hand. " Your dreams
of Adrian are puzzle pieces that must be solved. "

" Valera, what day is this? I've lost track of time. " There was no
division to separate the hours and days that flowed into one
another.

" Nancy, it's barely past midnight, Thursday morning. " Dark circles
underlined her eyes. " Marcus has need of your fresh blood..without it,
he grows weaker by the minute, giving up on hopes and dreams that lie
hidden within his heart and soul for a future you'll share with him.
Your mission is to return to Castle Desiree'. " She was adamant.

I shut my eyes, willing my thoughts to cohesiveness. " Marcus has hurt
me to the quick, only wanting to be with his precious Bethanie. " My
heart plunged to the floor as I remembered his actions to bring her
back.
" I don't think I matter much to him as me. "

" You're wrong about that, Nancy. What Marcus feels is genuine love for
you. " Valera paused at the door. " It's your choice entirely though.
"

I was considering my options when Kermes Twa intervened on Marcus's
behalf. " Your destiny will never be revealed unless you return to
Marcus today. Go to him, Nancy. See, feel, taste, touch, and hear for
yourself. His actions and reactions will be proof positive. "

Valera returned to my room as Kermes Twa left. " What time should I be
ready to go, Valera? "

Desiree' exploded with excitement. " Nancy, being back at my castle
with Marcus is music to my ears! "

Kermes Twa whispered, " Nancy, even Desiree' has love in her heart for
Marcus..I know that's what you want to feel with him, also. "

" I'll wake you at 8am. " Valera handed me a cup of lime blossom
tea.

I drank its tart sweetness and fell asleep with visions of Castle
Desiree' dancing in my head. A knock at the door woke me and I felt
refreshed after a night with no dreams. Angelo poked his head in. "
Good morning, Countess Nancy. I hope you're feeling better than you did
yesterday? "

He swung the door open wide and Valera swept through, bringing me a
fruit platter of apples, apricots, blackberries, oranges, pears,
raspberries, and strawberries and a milk and wheatgerm shake on a
silver tray. I was quite hungry, and ate and drank until I was filled
with contentment.
" Valera, I haven't felt this good since..."

" Since the last time you were with Marcus? " She questioned me
gently.

" Valera, that's doubtful..I was mixed up emotionally, but I do need to
go back and see what could happen for Marcus and me. I know in my
deepest heart that Castle Desiree' is my home because it's Desiree's
home. "

That still small voice made a grand entrance. " It's not my place of
residence! If you return to that wretched dwelling, I'll send your soul
packing! " I shook my head from side to side, but hellish laughter
permeated my entire being.
" If you think you can rid yourself of me in one fell swoop, then
you're sadly mistaken! "

" Countess Nancy, what's wrong with you? " Angelo held me close to him
and I immediately calmed down.

" Just trying to clear the cobwebs from my mind. " They were draped in
every corner, nook and cranny.

The voice was soon forgotten as Desiree' spoke reverently. " Nancy, I
know you've been upset and confused about your feelings for Marcus, but
our return to my castle is the dream that Kermes Twa says is right for
you and me. " Her smile lit up my heart as she dug deep into her soul's
storehouse.
" I was privileged with the best time of my life when Marcus and I
first married..the joy and love I felt for him transcends any other
emotions I've ever had, but it faded and died when I was forced to
remain in prison with no protection and no hope of rescue from my
tormentors. I would've rotted away in that miserable hellhole if not
for the mercy of Kermes Twa and Valera. They saved me physically and
spiritually, showing me the way to eternal life. Under their guidance
and direction we'll be happy and
complete, " and in a whisper that floated on the wind, " and forever
loved. "

Desiree's words motivated me..I gave Angelo my hand and he helped me
off the bed. " Angelo, I'm feeling back to normal. "

I uttered the words too soon as the unmistakable scent of Night
Blooming Jasmine filled my senses. " Ducky, it's gotten to the point
where you wouldn't know normal if it came up and shoved you off a cliff
into the wild blue yonder! " A prima donna whose acting abilities were
guaranteed to keep me off center-stage, waiting in the wings!

I gathered my wits. " I've had a wonderful time being your guest,
Angelo. Thank you for the marvelous dinner last night and the grand
tour. " I gave him a peck on his cheek. " I need to talk to Adrian
before I leave. "

Angelo was polite, but cool. " I'm very pleased that you've visited my
humble home, but Adrian's still resting from last night's festivities.
I'll make sure he knows the reason for your departure to Castle
Desiree'. " My heart lurched in horror as intense feelings for Adrian
stirred inside my soul. Even though I wanted a future with Marcus, the
danger of a relationship with Adrian beckoned. " My nephew'll be
staying here for the next few days and if you wish to contact him,
here's my private number. " He slipped a piece of paper into my palm
and I heard his footsteps echo down the hallway.

Gustav appeared at my door. " Your bags are all packed, Countess Nancy.
We'll leave for Castle Desiree' whenever you're dressed and ready to
go. "

" Thank you Gustav, I won't be too long. " He left and Valera closed
the door.

" Valera, I don't know which way to turn. " All my thoughts converged
into the mind of the frightened little girl who was raised in the
orphanage.

" Countess Nancy, focus on breathing. " I took a deep relaxing breath,
then Valera clasped a pure gold bracelet around my wrist..hanging from
its center was a black mirrored, flat teardrop amulet. I gazed at my
reflection. " That's good. Now turn it over. " I expected to see
nothing more than my features again, but Marcus stared back at me. He
looked forlorn, a man deprived of everything near and dear to him and I
felt like weeping on the spot, wanting to relieve him of all his
misery.

" Nancy, you do indeed love Marcus..the obsidian doesn't lie when it
comes to the truth of feelings. You'll always be able to see your face
on the one side and the countenance of your beloved on the other. " The
cashmere sweater I slipped over my head was the color of China asters,
and I pulled on long wool pants of smokey teal. " This black stone was
purified in volcanic fires by the rapid cooling of molten lava and
signifies the Fire Sign of Sagittarius, a ' Protector ' for those who
wear it. It's favored by Kermes Twa for it's access to many dimensions
of Soul Retrival. "

I laced my nubuck ankle boots, grabbed my brown leather coat and purse,
and we walked downstairs. Angelo waited at the door for us, took my
hand in his and kissed me warmly on the cheek. " Countess Nancy, it's
been my ultimate pleasure to have met you. " He looked me straight in
the eye.
" Do come back to see me. " He was gone in an instant, but not before
sliding another note into my palm.

I climbed into the back seat of the Mercedes for privacy, while Valera
sat in front with Gustav. The square piece of paper read like an omen
from a fortune cookie.
' Guard against taking reckless chances by believing that new
beginnings will solve all your past problems. Your past presents
various opportunities to discover your future. ' I wondered what it
meant.

I didn't recognize any landmarks when Gustav pulled off the main
highway into a small strip mall parking lot. He got out and lifted the
carhood.
" Something seems to be wrong with the motor, Countess Nancy. Why don't
you and Valera do a little window shopping and I'll come get you when
I'm finished. " One store in particular caught my eye..Ye Eald Bok
Sceoppa.

A silver bell jangled overhead as Valera and I entered the store. The
place was crammed from floor to ceiling with numerous books on various
topics. An older gentleman with white bushy hair walked towards us from
a back room. " Good day, Ladies. " His smile was bright and friendly. "
My name is Carl Simmons and I'm the proprietor of this fine
establishment. Do you know why people like books? " He gave us no
chance to answer, but continued talking. " Books are like family and
good friends. We feel comfortable in the presence of the stories told
and lessons taught. " He removed his glasses.

I laughed. " You certainly enjoy your work, Mr. Simmons..that much I
can tell. It's been quite some time since I've had the pleasure of just
reading for reading's sake. I noticed the sign over your doorway..what
does it mean? "

" ' Ye Old Book Store. ' It's taken from middle English and if nothing
else,
it attracts customers! " He beamed.
" Now tell me, what type of stories do you enjoy reading? "

" I'm mainly interested in family histories and diaries. " I always
hoped to discover something about my past.

He grinned. " This way, Ladies. " The first section focused on famous
and noteworthy people, but none of the titles intrigued me enough to
remove them from the shelf. " These aren't exactly what you were
talking about, were they? " Mr. Simmons spoke in a hushed whisper. " I
do have a private collection I'd like to show you. " We followed him to
a large office. " I've traveled to many antique auctions and have been
fortunate enough to pick up many personal belongings and novelties for
a mere pittance. " Tucked away in the corner was an old steamer trunk
with the initials ADA inscribed in gold lettering on the side. " I've
glanced through the items and although they're nice, they're not my
usual fare. Maybe you'd consider taking it off my hands for..say $100?
"

Valera didn't hesitate, but handed him a crisp $100 bill and he hauled
it out to the car. Gustav unlocked the luggage compartment for him and
I asked Valera if she knew what was inside the trunk. " No more so than
you do, but I've never been one to pass up a gift horse, so to speak. "
Her eyes twinkled.

Desiree' piped up. " Nancy, the Great Goddess led us here for this very
purpose..this trunk's contents will supply us both with answers to many
questions, if it belongs to who I think it does! "

Desiree' and I both wanted to plunge into the hidden articles, but
Valera quashed that idea. " Sher's expecting you for lunch, and you
don't want to disappoint her, now do you? "

Gustav slammed the hood and we were on our way. The landscape changed
into familar territory and uneasy excitement took my breath away as the
castle came into view. Would Marcus still want to see me?
Desiree' was ecstatic. " It's good to finally be home! Stop being a
whining ninny, Nancy..Marcus'll be overjoyed at your arrival. "

" Too bad that others think your appearance puts a damper on their
activities! " That backwater voice couldn't hold her peace.
Sher stood at the frontdoor entrance with a huge smile on her lips. "
That smile's so frozen on her face you'd have to use an ice pick to
remove it! " How do you gag thin air?

Sher wrapped her arms around me in a crushing bearhug. " Nancy, we're
all so pleased that you've decided to return. " She reminded me of an
animated cartoon character. " Life hasn't been the same since you've
been gone. "

" I can't tell you how much I've have missed Castle Desiree' in the
short time I've been away. Thank you for your warm welcome. "

" Looks like someone's moving in permanently! " I felt the scowl on her
face transfer itself to me. Servants carried bags and luggage from the
trunk, carrying them to..where did I fit in now?

Sher draped her arm around my shoulders and we followed them in.
" Let me take your jacket and we'll chat over lunch in the kitchen.
We're having tunafish sandwiches, fresh veggies, and herbal tea.
"

We sat down in a cozy area near the glass-paned French doors where the
sun splashed diamond facets of light on the floor and walls. " Sher,
this is a beautiful spot. " I wanted to see Marcus smiling at me from
across the table, yet that thought scared me to death. " Sher, how's
Marcus doing? "

" He's confused and quite angry with himself, because true love's
eluded him all his life. "

" Except Miss Sher seems to think he can find it right underneath his
nose, and I'm not talking about you, Ducky! " Were those words truth or
lies?

" When Desiree' came back she'd changed so much, he didn't recognize or
want the kind of love she offered..and Bethanie is the Love he thought
would last a lifetime. " Sher continued her spiel. " Nancy, you're a
horse of a different color..I must admit that Marcus found his life's
purpose after meeting you and your future will be assured if you can in
fact, cure him. "

" She knows how to keep you off-guard..after your argument with Marcus,
Sher was quite certain you'd never return to Castle Desiree'. She
doesn't believe that Marcus feels any real love for you, but has his
own agenda..to use you, then toss you away after you've served your
purpose. Sher might accomplish that feat in the coming days and then
have Marcus all to herself once again and one guess as to who'll be in
charge of your body! " I wanted to ask what she was babbling about, but
was left to face this audition alone.

" Sher, I'm taking my life one day at a time. " I decided that honesty
was the best policy with her as conflicting emotions danced inside my
head like a three-ring circus..did he really love me or was I just a
substitute for his precious Bethanie? I pursed my lips. " I don't know
what the future holds for Marcus and me. "

I took a deep cleansing breath, feeling suddenly famished and I ate
with gusto. " Sher, could we take a walk outside after we eat? I've
tons of energy
to spare. "

" Of course we can. The grounds have many nature trails to explore. "
As the dishes were cleared away, Sher told the cook we were going for a
walk in the woods and would return before dinner.

" Or have snares and traps that are set in plain sight for the
unsuspecting victim! " Her breath was a thin vapor in the wind, but I
almost caught her name.

The path began at the edge of the pine trees and holly bushes. " These
are my favorite hollies. " Sher had a fevered expression in her eyes as
she fingered the bright red berries. " These are called Dragon Lady
Holly and are favored by Hella Dracon, the Imperial Goddess. The blood
of her living sacrifices adorns these bushes. " I should've paid more
attention as Sher's attitude changed back into the friend and
confidante I remembered from the night Marcus had proposed to me.
She pointed out the different holly breeds. " Sky pencil, dark purple
halla, and September gem. " We came to a shadowed grove of green-leaved
oak trees that surrounded a large spring of cold clear water. Wild
mistletoe decorated the tree branches and in front of the well was a
bench carved from natural stone. We sat down and Sher grasped my hand
in a vice-like grip. " I really want everything to work out for you and
my brother. I'm pleading with you to stay..let him prove his love for
you is real. " Her voice dripped sincerity.

" Sher, I promise to try, but I don't make commentments I don't intend
to keep. " The fragrance of Mother Nature was a safe haven and I
sighed. " I can let my soul drift freely on the air currents and become
one with the universe. "

She smiled. " You're a poet whose words can soothe the savage beast.
Nancy, I've always wanted a sister. " She drew closer. " I'll let you
in on a little secret..we're already related by blood and marrying my
brother can only make our relationship that much stronger. "

" Sher, you have me totally bewildered. " Shapes darkened considerably
as the sun faded in the west. " Let me clarify this for you. Marcus and
I have a close relationship and when Desiree' turned him into a
vampire, she changed my life as well. One warm spring day Marcus helped
me retreive a special scarf that'd gotten tangled in the hedgerow
thicket. He ended up with many deep scratches on his hands and used
that scarf to wipe away his oozing blood. " She paused for a moment. "
Some of his blood transferred itself to me and suffice it to say I
became a vampire in the process! Marcus has never forgiven himself or
Desiree' for turning us into what she was and is. He's supplied me with
just enough of your life force so I can live as long as he does.
"

Desiree' surfaced. " Even though you're becoming wise in some areas,
beware of lies hidden in partial truth. " Another riddle for me to
solve.

" I might be selfish, but if you can cure Marcus with your innocent
blood, then you can certainly cure me. " Sher sobbed and carried on,
but in sudden clarity I only saw tears of the crocodile persuasion.
Twilight slowly replaced the blue sky and the air held a sudden chill.
" We must return to the castle before Marcus wakes. " Sher had regained
her composure.

I walked back along the path at a snail's pace, and thought I heard
Desiree's voice. " Tonight we'll offer homage to Kermes Twa and
Aequalis, this being their Annual Winter Union Feast Day. To Honor them
we'll have a candle light procession to their Holiest of Shrines, which
you've just visited. You'll need to pick leaves and berries from the
Dragon Lady holly bush and collect wild mistletoe sprigs which grow on
the oak trees by the sacred well..it's there we'll lay our Ceremonial
Sacrifices on the stone alter. Valera, CeCe, you and I will celebrate
after we've seen Marcus. "

Sher was soon out of sight and I lingered in the cool forest air,
weighing my conflicting feelings about Marcus. Desiree's laugh wasn't
harsh. " Nancy, you think too much. Let things happen as they will
tonight with Marcus.
' Hwaet aefre welken beon, welken beon.' Whatever will be, will be.
"

" Where's the sarcastic attitude I've grown to know and love, Desiree'?
Are you taking on aspects of my nature? " I sighed. " What you've said
is accurate, but I don't have any set ideas when it comes to Marcus. "
I wanted to add Adrian's name to my list as well.

" Hrrumph! " Desiree' wasn't pleased with my assumptions of her. " I
thought you could use some good sound advice! Even though he's hurt you
deeply, what you want in your innermost heart and soul is to be
with Marcus. "

She disappeared as Sher showed up. " Valera's upset with you and so am
I! Can't you see the sun's already set? "

We quickly ran to the castle and were met by Valera..she scolded me as
if I were a small child who couldn't be trusted. " Give me one good
reason why you stayed in the forest for such a long time! I was ready
to let Gustav lead a search party for you. " She inspected me with an
eagle eye.
" Those woods are dangerous for a girl alone and if an accident had
happened..well, Marcus isn't a forgiving man! "

" Valera, I'm sorry if I scared you, but Desiree' and I discussed
Marcus. She thinks I should go with the flow and let nature take its
course with him. " I kissed Valera on the cheek, then headed towards
the shower. " I don't want Marcus to think I'm a ragamuffin! " That
brought a laugh from Desiree' as well as Valera.