Chapter 31

Chapter 31

When they arrived at the tailor's shop, Cassius helped her step down from the carriage. She scanned the surroundings, taking note of the side glances from the people. They were not happy to see her.

As the tailor took her measurements in the room, they gave her wedding dresses to try on. The maids were there to help her with everything. She stepped out of the dressing room, walking towards Cassius, who sat on the sofa with a broad smile.

"How do I look? Does it fit me?" She asked, swirling around so he could see every part of the gown.

"Looks good," he said. "But it covers too much skin."

She frowned slightly. "I was thinking you were going to approve this one?"

He smiled before returning his gaze to the parchment paper in his hand.

Anastasia walked back inside the dressing room and changed into another gown. Unlike the first one, this one was breathtakingly beautiful. It wrapped around her body, hugging her perfect curves. When she stepped out of the room, she walked towards Cassius to see him at a loss for words. His eyes were fixed on her, and he placed the parchment paper down before getting up.

He walked towards her, his breath falling on her skin. She gasped when he brought his hand to touch her cheek. "How do I look in this gown?" She whispered.

"Absolutely gorgeous and mesmerizing," he remarked, with a smirk. "If you continue looking at me with those eyes, I will be tempted to take you in that room," he murmured.

She smiled, feigning ignorance. "What eyes?"

"Those blue, seducing siren eyes," he replied, his voice low and husky. "We will be getting married soon, so it shouldn't be a big deal," he declared. "I can no longer resist those full lips."

"Cassius, people are watching," she warned.

"Let them watch," he whispered, leaning closer and capturing her lips with his mouth. Anastasia found herself closing her eyes when she felt him kiss her. This was her first kiss, and it felt extraordinary. He licked her lips, a small gasp escaping her mouth. She stepped back, feeling her back collide with the hard wall. Cassius placed one hand above her head, sucking her lips slowly. It felt so good that she could feel her knees going weak.

When she felt a bite on her lip, she opened her eyes to see him step away. His eyes were bleeding black, and his fangs were out. He turned around.

Anastasia raised her hand to touch her lip, which was bleeding. "Cassius?" She called out, her voice trembling.

He looked at her, his expression remorseful. "I'm sorry... I didn't mean for that to happen."

"It's okay," she replied, her voice soft.

"I will take this gown," she stated.

"The maid will bring it to the castle. We should start returning home," he announced.

Anastasia nodded, stepping inside the room to change into her clothes. She left the tailor's shop with Cassius, and they went inside the carriage to ride home.

Throughout their journey in the carriage, Anastasia couldn't stop thinking about the kiss. The way he had held her carefully, like an egg. She had felt safe in his arms. A small smile formed on her lips as she brought her hand to touch her bottom lip, where he had sucked.

"Why are you smiling?" She snapped her head to Cassius, who was staring at her intently.

"Nothing," the smile quickly faltered from her face.

"Thank you," she said, placing her head on his shoulder.

"For what?" He whispered.

"Thank you for everything. If it weren't for you, I would have been dead by now. I would have been killed by those guards," she said.

Cassius looked at her, surprised. "You know I also tried to kill you by taking your blood."

"And you stopped," she said.

"You had every right to take my blood because I killed your father. The people see me as a traitor, Cassius."

"But I don't see you as a traitor," he said, his voice soft.

She raised her head at his words and looked at him. "I see you as a young, beautiful woman with a strong heart," he said.

She smiled before placing her head back on his shoulder.

A time will come when she will be far away from here. She would be living in another kingdom, staying out of trouble. Maybe she could even learn more about her kind. It's been a long time since she saw Marina. How was she doing in the water?

"Come with me," Cassius said, holding her hand and dragging her inside the castle. They walked upstairs to his mother's room. He walked towards the cupboard, drew it out, and fetched a box. She saw him open the box and retrieve a diamond necklace from it. Then he walked closer to her.

"Cassius?" she asked, her voice filled with curiosity.

"This belongs to my late mother, and I want you to wear it to our wedding," he replied, placing the necklace around her neck.

"Why are you acting as if this marriage would last forever?" she asked, walking towards the mirror to see her reflection. She smiled, tracing her fingers against the diamonds.

"It suits your pale skin," he commented.

"But it belongs to your mother. Shouldn't you be keeping this forever?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.

"My mother is dead, and I already moved on a long time ago," he said, his voice soft. "If she were here, she would have also given you one of her accessories as a gift."

Anastasia turned to him, her eyes filled with empathy. "She would have accepted me? A human?"

"My mother treats everyone equally. Whether you are a vampire or human, she loved everyone," Cassius said, his voice filled with nostalgia.

"It is so sad that she died," Anastasia said, placing her hand on his chest.

"She might be dead, but she still lives in your heart. She is watching you from above," she said, her voice filled with comfort.

He smiled sadly before shrugging his shoulders, his eyes filled with a mix of emotions.