An Uninvited Guest

An Uninvited Guest
"Valerie, will you marry me?" Vladimier murmured, giving me a tender gaze. "All these years, I've only had one regret."

"Regret?" I whispered, still unable to believe what was going on.

"Yes." He responded as a hint of sadness crossed his face. "Since the day that I lost you, I've always regretted never properly marrying you. I thought that having a vow ceremony was enough, but now I see it wasn't."

"Vlad..." Closing my mouth, I found myself in distress over what to say. I loved him, and I was sure of that, but something in me screamed to say no. "Can I have some time to think about it?"

I knew this wasn't the answer he was expecting. The flash of pain that was quickly covered up was proof of that. However, I just couldn't shake the confusion and doubt I was feeling.

"Of course, take all the time you need." He said, standing up. "I know this must be a lot, especially after you've just had your memories returned. I should have thought of your feelings before doing something so spontaneous."

"No, no!" I gasped, my eyes growing wide in surprise. "That isn't it; it is just..." Just what? I didn't know, and I couldn't explain. "I'm sorry." I finished lamely after continuing to come up short on how to explain.

"Remember this," Vladimier said as he wrapped his arm around my waist and drew me against him. "You never have to say sorry to me."

Never say sorry... Feeling like the biggest idiot for being unable to say a simple yes to this man's proposal, I simply nodded.

"Thank you for understanding." Feeling everyone's gaze on me, I wrapped my arms around Vladimier and buried my quickly turning red face against his chest. "I love you."

I knew a simple "I love you" wouldn't fix the embarrassment and hurt I was sure I caused him, but it was all I could seem to say. This was all a little too much, and there was an annoying, nagging feeling in my heart that I just couldn't shake.

"Shall we dance?" I asked, trying to push away my quickly growing discomfort. "I remember that you are a master waltzer."

"Don't feel too astonished and step on my feet." Vladmier chuckled, beginning to lead me from the stage and onto the dance floor.

Lifting his hand, he snapped his fingers, indicating that the string quartet that sat just to the right of the room could begin playing. Soft string music immediately filled the room, drifting towards us as Vladimier placed a hand on my waist and took my hand in his. Slowly, he began moving us to the steps that I vaguely remembered.

"Do you remember this song?" He asked, leaning in so close that his breath tickled my ear.

"Is it..." I gasped as the memory of the first dance we ever danced to flashed before my eyes. "You still remember..."

For the second time that evening, I felt tears prick at the corners of my eyes as strong emotions washed over me. Again, I felt like the biggest bitch for not answering Vladimier's proposal, as he proved time and again how much he remembered of us and showed that his love never wavered.

"It's alright." He murmured now, pulling me close. "I don't blame you."

He didn't blame me. But I blamed myself. I blamed myself for forgetting every single moment with him, allowing myself to fall for someone else, and betraying our love. How could I possibly stand beside him now? I was tainted, while he remained pure.

"Do you mind if I step out and get some air?" I asked as the song drew to a close and the rest of the partygoers began to crowd the dance floor.

"Are you alright?" Vladimier asked as worry began to form on his face. "Are you tired? Do you want to call it a night?"

"No!" I said quickly, holding up my hands. "It is just a bit stuffy, and I would like to get some air."

"Do you want me to come with you?" He pushed, continuing to not be convinced that I was alright.

"It's okay." I assured, placing a smile on my face. "It looks like Tristan may want to speak with you anyway."

To prove my point, I pointed towards where Tristan was looking slightly anxious as he considered how to get Vladimier's attention. Looking from me to Tristan and then back, Vladimier gave a sigh while running a hand through his hair, mussing it sexily before nodding in defeat.

"You go." He said, finally kissing my forehead. "Come and find me once you return."

"Of course."

Giving a smile, I waited until Vladimier made his way toward Tristan before letting a long breath escape me. Looking around the dance floor at the many couples that had begun to dance, I caught a few women peeking over their partners' shoulders to take me in while not bothering to hide the looks of disgust on their faces. Narrowing my gaze on one in particular with bright red hair and freckles, I decided that it was time for me to make my escape so that I could be alone to breathe for a bit.

As I began to move, I swayed in and out of the crowd before finally arriving on the outskirts of the dance floor. Grabbing a flute of wine from a waiter's platter, I began to make my way towards a large arch that led to a stone balcony overlooking the grounds to escape the party and the crowd.

Once outside, I felt myself relax bit by bit as I headed towards the far end of the balcony, which was shaded by a large potted willow tree with a wooden bench sitting beneath it.

Taking a seat, I lifted my drink to my lips, wincing as the bubbly substance fizzed down my throat and into my stomach. Looking around, I took in my surroundings. I was still having trouble imagining just how vividly bright and pure it all looked compared to the nightmarish land that Elias and his people were forced to live in. How was it fair that the people here got to enjoy this and remain human while Elias couldn't?

Gasping, I immediately stopped my inner turmoil, realizing that I shouldn't be thinking of Elias or Allsbrook at all. Didn't I swear that I would forget and move forward here? Then why was I still dwelling?

After regaining my memory, I understood the reasoning for all of this, but after spending time in the kingdom of Allsbrook, I couldn't help but feel pity and sorrow. Yes, that was it. I simply pitied them; that was all.

"Penny for your thoughts." A much too familiar voice asked from just beside me as I began to relax again.

Slowly, I began to turn, bracing myself for who I was about to see again after everything changed, but not quite believing he could be here.

"Why are you here?" I asked, slowly feeling my heart begin to pound wildly in my chest. "It isn't safe."

"Did you not miss me at all?" He countered, stepping from the shadows as he spoke.

Letting a small yelp escape me, I lifted my hands to my lips as I took him in. He was most certainly Elias, but he wasn't the Elias I was familiar with. His dark hair with white streaks was now a lighter shade of brown with golden streaks. His pale, translucent skin was sun-kissed and glowing, but the thing that got me the most was that his eyes were no longer red; instead, they were a light shade of blue that I couldn't stop myself from getting lost in.

"Elias..." I murmured, standing up and taking a step. "But how?"