Married To Darkness
Chapter 269: The Night Invitation

Chapter 269: The Night Invitation

As he pieced them together, his breath hitched. He stood abruptly, his eyes wide with shock, a whirlwind of realization coursing through him.

The message on the tomb wasn’t just cryptic—it was revelatory. It wasn’t about Alaric’s lineage or the mysteries surrounding Lucius’s own resurrection, but something even more significant.

It hinted at the location of the fabled City of Vampires, a place thought to be lost to time and myth.

"This... could change everything," Lucius murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. His hand lingered on the tomb as if seeking confirmation of what he had just read.

He straightened, his expression hardening with determination. "I need to get to the castle. Alaric must know. And Jean..." He paused, a rare softness crossing his face at the thought of her. "I need to make sure she’s safe."

Lucius glanced at the small window high above, where a sliver of fading daylight filtered through.

The sun hadn’t yet set, and he knew he had to wait. For now, he would prepare.

Nightfall couldn’t come soon enough. Only then could he deliver this revelation, protect Jean, and help set in motion the discovery of a place that could rewrite their entire world’s history.

~~{────────

In the castle

Seventh princess chambers

~~~~~~~~~~~~}~~~

After dining, Alaric and Salviana courteously escorted the dressmaker and his apprentice to the castle gates.

The evening air was crisp, carrying the scent of rain-soaked earth, and Salviana couldn’t help but feel a small pang of excitement as the castle quieted down for the night.

As they climbed the grand staircase to their chambers, Alaric glanced at his wife with a faint smile. "Are you planning to paint more tonight?" he asked, his tone light but curious.

She shook her head. "No, not tonight. I think I’ve done enough for the day."

When they entered their bedroom, Alaric leaned against the bedpost, a glint of mischief in his dark eyes. "How about we do something else, then?"

Salviana raised an eyebrow. "Something else?" she echoed, sliding off her shoes. "And what might that be?"

He smirked. "I was thinking we could head out tonight. Maybe catch a few bad guys while we’re at it. Interested?"

Her green eyes sparkled with enthusiasm, and she clapped her hands together. "Yes! Absolutely!"

Alaric chuckled, shaking his head at her boundless energy. "Alright, let’s get ready."

Salviana darted to her wardrobe, pulling out an outfit suitable for action—a sleek black tunic paired with sturdy leggings and her favorite boots.

Alaric, meanwhile, swapped his regal attire for something more practical: a dark leather ensemble with reinforced stitching that allowed for movement without compromising protection.

As they dressed, Salviana suddenly declared, "We’re taking an umbrella."

Alaric turned to her, one eyebrow arched. "An umbrella? Why?"

She gestured toward the window, where the faint rumble of thunder could be heard in the distance. "In case it rains. I’m not ruining my hair or getting soaked while chasing bad guys."

Alaric laughed softly, fastening his belt. "I don’t think criminals wait for sunny weather, Salviana."

"Exactly why we must be prepared!" she countered, grabbing a compact yet sturdy umbrella and tucking it under her arm. "Plus, it could double as a weapon if necessary."

"That’s my resourceful wife," he teased, pressing a quick kiss to her temple before strapping on his sword. "Ready?"

Salviana nodded, her excitement palpable. "Let’s go."

With that, the dynamic duo decided to step into the night, their determination and playful banter lighting the way as they prepared to uncover whatever danger the darkness held.

Alaric smirked as they stepped out of their chambers. "Before we do anything, we need Lucius. I’m sure he’d be devastated to miss this thrilling opportunity to get his boots muddy."

Salviana giggled, adjusting her umbrella under her arm. "And I’m sure Jean will love being pulled into your schemes."

The two made their way to Jean’s quarters, where Alaric knocked firmly. A moment later, the door opened, revealing Lucius, shirtless and looking half-asleep. His dark eyes narrowed.

"This better be good," Lucius said, running a hand through his disheveled hair.

"It’s better than good," Alaric replied with a grin. "It’s a chance to catch the castle’s resident bad guy in action. Thought you’d like to join."

Lucius groaned. "You couldn’t catch the bad guy without dragging me out of bed, could you?"

"Well, I could," Alaric quipped, "but then who would I blame if it all went wrong?"

Lucius shot him a glare. "Do you ever take anything seriously?"

"Rarely," Alaric admitted, his grin widening. "Now, get dressed. And grab Jean while you’re at it. This is a team effort."

Lucius turned his head. "Jean, your prince demands your presence," he called, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

Jean appeared behind him, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "What’s going on?"

Salviana stepped forward with a warm smile. "We’re going on an adventure," she said sweetly. "There’s a bad man in the castle, and tonight’s the night we catch him."

Jean’s brows lifted. "An adventure? I’m in." She turned to Lucius with a playful smirk. "Come on, grumpy. Don’t you want to be a hero?"

Lucius rolled his eyes but relented. "Fine. Give me a minute."

As Lucius disappeared to get ready, Jean stepped closer to Salviana. "You’re really bringing an umbrella?"

"Of course," Salviana said, holding it up proudly. "It’s going to rain, and I refuse to chase criminals with wet hair."

Jean laughed. "You always think of everything, don’t you?"

Salviana winked. "That’s why I’m married to the prince."

Lucius returned a moment later, now dressed in dark, practical attire similar to Alaric’s. "Happy now?"

"Ecstatic," Alaric deadpanned. "You almost look useful."

"Careful," Lucius retorted. "One of these days, I might just let you fend for yourself."

Jean stepped between them, her smile placating. "Play nice, boys. We have a mission."

"Indeed we do," Alaric said, offering Salviana his arm. "Shall we?"

"No carriage?" Lucius asked as they stepped out into the crisp night air.

"No need," Alaric said, his tone full of confidence. "We’re creatures of the night, after all."