“My room?Not ours?”
“While under the capitol’s dome, we have separate quarters until after the thrall ceremony.”
“Oh.I didn’t realize it was that big of a deal.”
“For the most part, this will be a type of wedding between us.”
“But you’re permitted to marry if you find a vampire you want more,” she said, ignoring the dart of jealousy that pierced her heart.“I will only ever be your kept companion.”
“Vampires do not adhere to human sanctity notions,” he said.“Taking a thrall is equal to taking a wife.I am serious about our commitment to each other, and for me this will be as faithful as any marriage.So, until tomorrow evening, we’ll have to endure tonight without one another.”
“Okay,” she said, happy with his explanation.It had weighed a bit on her mind that she might be replaced one day.
Their entourage came to a stop on the large circular drive located in front of the portico.Immediately, servants rushed to open their doors and take any luggage that was brought.Gareth placed a hand on her lower back to help guide her up the steps and into the humongous entrance lobby.Calacatta Gold marble floors, eight chandeliers trailing each way down the reception hall.Their twinkling lights refracting over the white wainscotting, making it look like diamonds were sparkling everywhere.
People mingled.Or perhaps the more accurate term was the vampires mingled.Several women smiled at her and she smiled back.It took time to make their way through the growing crowd as Gareth was greeted over and over.Adalyn made sure to keep a smile plastered on her face as she was introduced, however, there was no way she would be able to remember so many names.
Eventually, they made their way past the pomp and circumstance, and a servant escorted them down one of the many corridors.
“This place is huge,” she whispered.“It’s like its own zip code.”
He grinned.“Designed for us to eat, sleep, and work here so we don’t waste any time driving to hotels or homes.”
They used an elevator to travel to the fifth floor, and Adalyn wondered how much further they were to go when the servant stopped in front of one door.Gabi immediately opened it and stepped to the side, as was proper etiquette.
“Rest up for a bit,” he said, kissing her knuckles.“Gabi will dress you in proper thrall fashion for tonight and then we’ll head down.”
“Okay,” she said, smiling at him.She watched until he disappeared back into the elevator, then stepped into the room.“Wow.”
“I know,” Gabi remarked.“I hope I don’t get lost.”
The room was decorated in cream and taupe.The canopy bed had a stepstool leading to the top, where a velvety soft duvet rested.
“The bathroom is even more opulent than this room.”Gabi clapped her hands excitedly.“This is going to be so much fun!”
“I’m nervous,” Adalyn confessed.“What if I do something wrong?What if I choose the wrong fork?What if I embarrass Gareth?”
“Sh,” Gabi said, taking hold of her arms.“You are going to be amazing.You are nice and kind and Lord Huntley wouldn’t have chosen you unless he saw those awesome traits as well.He truly cares for you.”
Adalyn gave a grateful smile.“Thank you.You are such a great friend.Marilisa would’ve loved you.”
“And I’m sure I would’ve loved her.”Gabi gave her a quick hug before pulling back to clap her hands together.“Now, this afternoon is the thrall luncheon, and tonight is the Gathering Ball.Mandatory color is gold.”
“Do I have a gold dress?”
With a cheeky grin, Gabi went to the enormous closet and opened it.There were so many clothes inside, it was like a fashion boutique threw up in there.
Adalyn’s eyes widened.“Where did all these come from?”
“Lionel had everything delivered.There are different color themes for each gathering.”
“Oh?Really?That seems excessive.”
Gabi shrugged.“It’s vampires.Everything is excessive.Why don’t you rest while I get your bath ready.”
“I can shower.”
“Brace yourself.”She placed her hands on Adalyn’s shoulders.“You’re about to be pampered.”
