Almost immediately, a group of vampire attendants appeared as if they had been waiting for their arrival all along , their faces pale and perfectly composed as they bowed in unison.
A woman with silver hair and black eyes stepped forward and smiled politely as she bowed.
"Your Highness. Welcome to Dark Valley , I am Matilda , the head of the household staff. His Majesty is otherwise engaged and he extends his apologies and wishes for you rest from your journey ". She concluded and Princess Eleanor nodded in response.
"Please, follow me". Matilda added and without another word she turned and the entourage parted, creating a path.
Without another word, Princess Eleanor and a wide-eyed Liora were swept inside the grand entrance hall and up a sweeping staircase of polished black marble.
They were led down a long, tapestry-lined corridor and finally Matilda stopped before a set of double doors.
"Please, Your Highness ". Matilda bowed and Eleanor stepped in.
The room within was cavernous and breathtaking. It was dominated by a massive four-poster bed, hung with curtains of deep velvet chiffon and a bolster and feather pillow laid on the bed.
Eleanor's nervous eyes darted around, taking in the sheer scale of the room. It was at least thrice the size of her chambers back at home.
A vaulted ceiling disappeared into the shadows overhead, from which hung a chandelier of crystal and wrought iron.
A fireplace large enough to stand in dominated one wall , a cheerful fire already crackling within though it's warmth did little to dispel the chill in the Princess's soul.
The furnishings were opulent and simple , wooden chests , wrought iron and aged wood chests , chairs, benches, stool, a dresser , table adorned with candelabras. All in one, the room was well furnished.
Glancing around , the Princess hugged herself, suddenly feeling very small and very human in the huge space.
Matilda watched her and a faint , almost imperceptible gentle smile touched her lips for the first time that evening.
And as if she could read through Eleanor's mind , she added.
"The King's quarters are in the opposite wing. You are to reside here, he will send for you when he is ready."
A wave of relief washed over Eleanor at Matilda's words. At least, she wouldn't have to share a room with him yet.
"Then what about. . . ". Eleanor began pointing at Liora who was standing with the others behind the closed door but Matilda interrupted.
"Your maid will be taken to the maids quarters where she would be taken care of and taught the castle's rules and she may attend to you as required. I assure you, she'll be well taken care of".
"Okay". Princess Eleanor murmured.
"So, is everything to your taste?". Matilda asked, her gaze sweeping critically over the room.
"Yes". Princess Eleanor replied automatically.
Matilda nodded in acknowledgement. "I am glad everything here is to your taste. Let's get you bathed now, a long journey leaves its grime."
She didn't even wait for agreement as she immediately gestured to one of the four silent, young vampire girls flanked beside them.
"Lysette, prepare the bath and the rose salts and the oil".
The girl nodded and immediately swung into action.
Matilda then turned to Eleanor. "Let us help you get undressed".
Princess Eleanor froze. The idea of these strange, predatory women, their cool fingers on her skin, their sharp eyes seeing her at her most vulnerable sent a bolt of pure terror through her.
She had never been bathed or dressed or attended to by anyone but Liora and she was so used to her but these women. .
What if the scent of her blood was so much temptation and they could take it or what if they accidentally scratch her , wouldn't she then be a sacrificial lamb.
Matilda probably sensed her unease, as he added. "I assure you, Your Highness. I'm quite capable and I've been doing this for centuries. There's no need for worry".
But if anything, her words failed to sooth the Princess nerves and as if summoned summoned by her mistress's spiralling panic, Liora pushed the door open and stepped in.
"I can take it from here ,if it pleases you". Liora said and upon seeing that familiar face, the tension in the Princess shoulders eased and she smiled.
Matilda's nodded as she realized the change in the Princess. "It seems you are accustomed to your personal maid only. I understand".
She then turned to Liora. "You can manage alone?".
"Yes, madam. Perfectly."
With a final nod, Matilda and her silent entourage left the room, leaving the two humans alone.
The moment the doors clicked shut, Liora let out a huge gust of air she seemed to have been holding and spun in a slow circle, her eyes wide as saucers.
"Sweet heavens above". She breathed, her voice full of awe. "Wow. What a big room!".
Princess Eleanor managed a weak nod, her own anxiety beginning to recede now that a familiar was here.
"It is". She agreed. "It's almost thrice the size of my bed chamber at home."
"You haven't even seen the whole room yet."
A familiar, warm chuckle came from the doorway and both women instantly jumped and turned.
Orion leaned against the doorframe, a familiar, teasing glint in his dark eyes. In his arms were two small woven bags.
"By the way". He said, hefting them slightly. "You forgot these in the carriage and I thought to bring them up and . . well give you a proper tour since Matilda is more about business ".
"That's thoughtful of you, Orion". Princess Eleanor smiled.
"It's my duty ". He replied and pushed open the door , stepping fully into the room and dropping the bags on the table.
"This is the main chambers ". He said, gesturing around before leading them through an archway to the left. "And through here is your private solar, away from the hustle and bustle".
The solar was a cozy nook with a large comfortable cozy chair and a floor-to-ceiling window that looked out over a mist-shrouded garden.
Then he guided them to a door opposite the fireplace. "And this". He said, pushing it open. "Is the bathing chamber."
Liora gasped. In the center of the bathing chambers was a wooden tub, large enough to contain three people with steps leading down into it.
A silver fixture shaped like a coiled serpent poured steaming scented water into the tub. Shelves were lined with bottles of oils, salts and lotion.
"It's beautiful, I like it all". Princess Eleanor smiled as they headed back to the chamber.
"Exactly ". Liora echoed with a huge grin.
Orion looked pleased. "I'm glad you like it".
"Orion... was the room and everything else prepared by you?". Princess Eleanor asked as she turned to face him. "Thank you. Thank you so much for the thoughtfulness. It... it means more than you know."
Liora, ever the pragmatist, chimed in. "You must definitely always come to check on us! Since you're the only one we're familiar with here." She gave him a wide, encouraging smile. "Anyway, thanks again for the thoughtfulness of preparing the room. It was very sweet."
Orion's easy smile faltered and a flicker of panic crossed his features. He rubbed the back of his neck, suddenly unable to meet their grateful gaze.
The credit wasn't his to take. The King had been obsessively specific about every details. The dimensions of the tub, the specific type of rose salt, all of it had been dictated by him though it was Orion who prepared it and the maids who arranged it under his supervision.
Accepting her thanks, wouldn't he be stealing credits then.
"No, I mean—yes—you know what, never mind". He stammered, uncharacteristically flustered.
"It's nothing, really. You should take a bath and rest. It was a long journey. I'll... I'll be nearby if you need anything." He concluded and rushed to the doors before either of the woman could say a word.