For many days and nights after that incident, the young woman remained in the room she had awoken in. The vampyre did not force her to stay there- fear and shame gripped her like a heavy pair of shackles tied to the bedposts. What could she do now? Could her family possibly accept her now? What about her fiance'?
Finally, one night, she slipped from the room and made her way out of her enclosure. It appeared to be a very large mansion, though she was not paying much attention to its details as to where its passages led. Making her way into the cool, dark air, she feld into the night. Some how, someway, she was able to find her love's house. She sighed in relief as she heard his footsteps coem eagerly to the door, but her anxiety quickly returned- upon seeing her face, the young man turned pale and abruptly slamed the door in her face. Confused, she cried out to him, but only cruel accusations of 'b***h' and 'whore' answered him. Tears streaming down her face, she dropped the ring from her finger at the doorstep and trudged down the yellow-lit streets to the last safe place she could think of- her parents' home.
It was not the reunion they were hoping for. Ana had been so swept up in school and planning her wedding that her mother and father had fallen to the wayside; now, instead of returning with happy news, she was bawling in their arms. But they did not judge her; they kept silent and comforted her throughout the day. When twilight set, she was finally able to rest.
Through the night and next day she lept, and was only awoken by her mother telling her a strange man had come looking for her. For a moment, she just laid there; then, grasping her mother's hand firmly, she walked downstairs to face her life's antagonist. Her stood in the living room, opposite of her sitting, contemplating father. After being led to the couch, discussion began to swirl about the room. It was carried on in a low, hush tone, a taboo matter being deliberated. The young woman paid it no mind- what good would it have done? Quietly, she rested on her mother's shoulder, letting the soft, matronly hand caress her weary head.
At last, her mother rouses here; a decision had been made. Based on the reaction of her now ex-to-be, family honor, and the mysterious man's ability to provide for her, Ana's father approved of his proposal for his daughter's hand. His wife also added in whisper that he had kept her alive, so she should try to learn to love him, if possible. Though she still carried her reservations, she accepted, for her family's well-being and her own.
The following evening, in a white gown meant to grace the day, she walked down the aisle with moonlight gleaming through the windows. In a small, private ceremony, a ring bound her to a man she hardly knew and a chilling kiss sealed her destiny.
Thus, the peasant became a queen.
~*~
