Chapter 49 - The Years That Followed

After our wedding night in my room, we had breakfast with the King and prepared ourselves for the travel back to Phillip's Kingdom that would take place that night. We stayed in the room for about two hours after breakfast because Phillip wanted more of last night before we left. It was scary how much I wanted him, too.

- What's wrong? - he asked, lying next to me, caressing my arm on the bed.

- I was thinking about everything. I'm worried. - I said, coming back from my thoughts.

- Worried about what? I thought you had thought it through and made up your mind. What happened? - He said, turning to me so his eyes looked deep into mine.

- What if we suffer another attack? What if someone comes for Claus again? What if you die? - I started to tremble, and he held me in a hug, while I buried my face in his chest.

- My sweet queen, there's no point in thinking about the future, there are many what... calm down, just feel how much I love you and how I'm here, with you now and forever. - He tightened his embrace around me a little more.

I began to feel protected, and how could I not be, in the arms of that loving vampire who loved me more than any other being in the world.

I spent most of the way to Phillip's kingdom sleeping, it seemed like I had been hypnotized to do so, and I think he did it so I wouldn't feel the transition at the entrance to his kingdom, which didn't work very well, because when we passed the magical border I woke up with a strong pain in my stomach that made him stop the carriage. I had to get out to vomit. Unlike the first time, this time, after the terrifying episode of completely emptying my stomach at the border, I saw everything go dark in my vision and fell to the floor.

I woke up lying on a bed that I didn't recognize. I think I was in Phillip's room. Someone had changed my clothes, and it was morning. I sat up in bed and looked around. I seemed to be alone in the room.

I got up and walked to the door and heard Phillip's voice behind me:

- Where are you going? - I turned my head and could see him get up from a chair facing the window and quickly reach me.

- A... are you here? What happened? - I asked, disoriented.

- We arrived two days ago. You got sick at the border and passed out. Our doctor tested you because you wouldn't wake up. I think the spell that protects me from the sun is bad for you, so I'm thinking about removing it. - Phillip said, holding me by the waist.

- NO! - It came out louder than I imagined, I said, turning to face him.

- If it's bad for you, you won't stay there. - he said, lifting my chin so I could look into his eyes.

- No, without the spell, you would be locked up inside the palace during the day., I don't want that! - I said assertively.

- But... - I don't let him finish the sentence and kiss him. - I was really afraid of losing you when you passed out. - he says, moving away a little.

- It only happens when I cross the border. - I said, trying to calm him down, but I saw the terror on his face.

- Has it happened before? The last time you were here? - He holds my shoulders tightly

- Yes, whenever I enter or leave the magical border, but it's not something I'm going to do very often, is it? - I said, pulling him closer to me and towards the bed...

- Your Majesty just woke up after two days. This might not be safe, my dear. - he says, trying to avoid getting too close

- I'm fine, hungry, a little thirsty, but fine, and I want you. - I say, throwing him on the bed.

- I can ask them to prepare a meal for you, before... - I kiss him again, and this time he doesn't try to resist.

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We tolerated the border issue for years, rarely crossing it, but despite that, we maintained the spell. Gradually, I noticed some signs of the passage of time in Phillip, initially a few strands of gray hair, which was very unusual for a vampire, and some wrinkles. I also aged, and contrary to my friend the Count's expectations, we had three children: a girl, Alice, and two boys, Tommy and James.

After more than 70 years together, Phillip passed away from old age... not even my friend Luke, who still kept in touch through letters, understood, but we realized he had aged. I did too... all of this was very frightening, but at the same time, joyful.

Our three children stopped aging when they turned 18, another frightening fact. All three had human characteristics, could be exposed to sunlight, and vampire characteristics, being extremely strong and with a frightening palate, and could only eat raw meat.

When they turned 15, they realized they were different, so Phillip and I decided to tell them about their father being a vampire. They understood, but still questioned some strange things that were happening to them.