The darkness broke the haze of sleep cleared as Aria woke. She breathed deep the air, recognizing the sweet warmth of rose scented candles. She stretched and opened her eyes to the soft orange of candle light.
Her ribs felt tight and compact like a giant vice had been slipped around her waist, back, and chest. Aria looked down and gasped at the quantity of lace and beading attached to piles of white gossamer, silk, and chiffon that flowed down her front. A corset hugged her chest, shoving her breasts into an unnatural position designed to attract the attention of men.
“No,” she groaned and forced herself up from the bed that dripped in the same blood-red and black velvets that matched the drapes. Deep cherry wood elaborately decorated the room in Louis XIV furniture.
Scrambling, Aria hoisted her many skirts and charged for the mirror she spotted across the room. Her hands flew to her mouth as she gazed upon the 17th Century Victorian bridal gown she wore. While she slept, her hair had been preened, twisted, and pinned into place. She looked like something pulled right out of the story books.
“Screw this,” Aria muttered and, collecting her skirts, ran for the door. Certain it was locked, she gave it a hard twist, but the door clicked and opened.
“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”
Aria jumped at the sound of Kylie’s bored drawl.
There, perched in the window sill. Kylie sat in her Gothic garb, picking at her black nail polish.
“Where am I?” Aria asked.
“You’re in the bridal suite of Singer Castle.”
“Like hell I am,” Aria said. “What am I doing here?”
“At the moment? We’re waiting for Caius.”
“Release me,” Aria said.
“As much as I love to annoy Caius, I can’t do that, Aria.”
“Why not?”
Kylie dropped her eyes to her hands and waited.
“Kylie. Please,” Arias said. “You’ve helped me before. Help me climb out the window. Do you vampire jump thing and carry me down. Just give me a second to get out of this dress.”
“I’d love to help you, Aria. Really I would.”
“Then help me,” Aria said.
“I can’t.”
Aria sighed and dropped herself in chair. White gown puffed everywhere.
“Why am I dressed like this?” Aria gasped. “Did Caius see…”
“No,” Kylie said. “He’s not allowed. Not yet, anyway. The servants and I dressed you.”
“Why?”
Kylie stood from the chair and walked to the window. In the distance, Aria could see the Weeches spread out all across the horizon. The moonlight shone down upon them.
“Vampires wed their brides at birth,” Kylie said, hugging herself tight. “Right after the vows, the bride is sent away somewhere until she’s reached sexual maturity. When that’s all done…when the girl has reached her 18th winter, the Vampire reclaims his bride and consummates the marriage.”
Aria crinkled her brow. “I don’t understand.”
Kylie sighed and lowered her head to her hands again.
“What are you trying to say, Kylie?”
Kylie remained silent.
“Where is Caius now?” Aria asked.
“Caius is preparing the consummation ceremony right now.”
“Consummation ceremony?”
Kylie turned from the window..
“You were wed to Caius at birth.”
“I’m married!?” Aria shrieked, standing from the chair.
“He’s been looking for you for a year.”
“Consummation ceremony!?” Aria shrieked again. “No one is consummating anything with me! I am not sleeping with a vampire. Ew! Just…Ew!”
“It’s Vampire Law, Aria. You really don’t have a say.”
“I always have a say! And it’s hell no!” Aria paused and scrunched up her face in disgust. “What do you mean, Vampire Law? What is that crap?”
“They call it Vlaw,” Kylie said.
“Vlaw!? That is the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard!”
“Yeah, I never did like the name.”
“With a name like that it’s meant to be broken!” Aria said. “I’ll not do it!”
“You have no choice. It’s Vlaw.”
“Stop saying that!” Aria said. “Seriously! The word is so stupid!”
“Stupid or not, you are Caius’s wife,” Kylie said.
“I’m not anyone’s wife! I’m 19! Who gets married at 19!?
“You were married at birth.”
“Who does that!?” Aria said.
“Vampires.”
“This is garbage! This is stupid! I’m leaving!” Aria scooped up her skirts and stomped to the door.
“You can’t break the Vlaw, Aria!”
“I’m breaking it!” Aria said. “I’m walking out this door! See this! I’m breaking it!”
“Aria!
Aria yanked open the door and fell pale. In the doorway, between her and her freedom stood Caius decked out in full suit and tie. Had he not been there to claim his bride forcefully, he would have looked somewhat attractive…If he hadn’t been a blood-sucking carnivore that is, with a taste for human flesh.
“Is there a problem, wife?” Caius asked.
Aria jabbed a finger into Caius’ chest with every word.
“I am not your wife.”
Caius threw his head back and laughed.
“Oh, am I looking forward to a lifetime with you,” Caius said. “Kylie!”
“Right.” Kylie stood from her place at the window and slumped toward the door.
“Kylie!” Aria called.
Kylie stopped and looked back over her shoulder. Only then did Aria noticed the swollen redness in her eyes. Had she been crying?
“He’s your brother. Say something to him,” Aria said.
“Brother-in-law,” Kylie clarified.
Horror filled Aria’s eyes. “Please. Help me,” Aria whispered.
In silence, Kylie turned back to the door and closed it behind her.