Nowadays, I spend most of my afternoons with Mistress Alvena in the garden. She prefers to go to where I first met her—the hidden garden.

When I remind her it is time for dinner, she'd only look up at the sky with a sad expression on her face before letting out a troubled sigh.

"What's wrong, Alvena?" I would customarily ask, hoping that one of these days, she would be a little more jovial.

"Sweet Evie," she would would say and then cross her hands over her baby bump. "If only I could run away."

I would then easily reply, "Mistress, you're seven months pregnant. It's best you stay put."

She would then pat her stomach and smile a sad smile. "It's best I stay put," she'd repeat after me, as if trying to convince herself the same.

But no matter how many things she tells herself, nothing seemed to override her feelings concerning what happened a month ago that caused all this frustration in the first place.

About a month ago, six months down motherhood, Alvena lived a perfect life. She had a great husband, though of a different species than her inferior human counterparts, who loved her dearly. Though a Mistress by title, everyone in the Dietrich castle cherished her as the direct lady of the house.

Everything was going fine. Master was happy. Mistress was happy. Lucien was happy. They said I looked happy so I guess I was happy too.

That was until we found Valerie waiting on our return to Argid. She came unannounced, surprising even Master.

Master, of course, was hospitable. Alvena didn't think much of her sudden arrival as anything more than just a celebratory visit as others have done.

However, Valerie was quick to let her know otherwise.

It was Master's will to keep their marriage a secret from Alvena until the Pureblood was born—even I heard that part. Thus, to ensure Master's words were followed, I accompanied my human mistress everywhere she went during the entire course of Lady Rosegarden's visit.

I never left Alvena's side until, on the day of sending our guest away, Master requested that I assist with some personal matters. And upon my return from the short break I took away from Alvena, it happened.

"Niko and I enjoyed your company these past few days," Alvena said with a friendly smile—those you'd give to a close visiting friend. "Please visit us again. And next time you drop by, please let us know ahead of time. You are very important to Niko so he's a little embarrassed too for not making grander preparations."

I'm sure Alvena meant it on amiable terms, but Lady Rosegarden didn't see it the same way.

"I can drop by Argid anytime I please. Alek never required me to first announce my arrival before visiting him. Do not mistaken me as a common outsider," Lady Rosegarden responded sharply.

I didn't say a word. I just hoped it wouldn't get messy.

"Of course not! Like I said, you're precious to Niko so you're precious to me."

Alvena is indeed innocent, yet even I can tell that her statement only challenged Valerie more.

Maybe because Alvena is just used to calling Master by his true name, she's just rather casual. But Valerie, until she is given permission, is not allowed to call him something as intimate as his personal name.

To make matters even more complicated, we vampires—well, nobles in particular—tend to have high ego.

"Unfortunately for you, you're not precious to either of us," Valerie responded with a smug look.

I should've known that it was time for some intervention on my end, but I didn't know.

"Valerie," Alvena looked at her sternly before continuing, "that's not something you would know."

During my time with Alvena, I learned that humans also have some sense of pride.

My mistress felt proud of her husband and the love he had for her. She would tell me tales of how sweet Master is every single day. She would gush nonstop until Master showed up and then she'd get all quiet and embarrassed. Well, she was quiet but her heart definitely wasn't.

On the contrary, Master's heartbeat would gradually slow before regaining a little more speed. It was an interesting sight indeed.

That was when I knew Master was serious when he said he loved her. I overheard him telling that to Lucien. I wanted to tell Alvena, but I deemed it best to have the man tell her himself.

Which 'till now, has yet to happen...

...if only it happened sooner.

"Alek and I are getting married soon. Did he not tell you? That's probably how precious you are to him."

I stiffened. What am I supposed to do in this situation? Master never taught or instructed me on how to react.

So, I called London over. London kindly escorted the lady out.

Thank you, London. I didn't want to do that job.

Nor did I like the job I did ended up doing.

I ended up fetching Master who was in his study.

He was just about to open the door when I walked in.

"Evelyn, just in time," he said. "Ask Alvena if she wants to head out to the village."

Recently, Master has been very diligent in finishing his work early so that he could accompany Mistress to places she likes.

I too want to bring the same good news...but I have none.

"Master, Lady Rosegarden just left and Alvena wanted to see you."

"Then she will," he said, hastening his steps.

"She found out," I blurt out. "Alvena knows about the wedding with the Rosegardens."

At that, Master disappeared in front of me, not bothering to walk with manners. I tried to follow, but by the time I caught up, he and Alvena were already behind closed doors.

I stood guard, but was dismissed.

Master was extremely angry. He specifically ordered me to not let anyone near, myself included.

But alas, Master seems to have underestimated my hearing. Even though I stood at the opposite end of the hallway, I heard muffled sounds that I could piece into words.

"Why didn't you tell me you were getting married?!?" Alvena's voice pleaded. "Is it true?"

At first, Master started off very soft.

"Yes. It is."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"It wasn't necessary to tell you."

Master, why do you say this when your heart thinks otherwise?

Alvena was quiet for some time. "You don't think I deserve to know?"

"No. It doesn't concern you," Master replied apathetically.

I do not understand why he chose to answer like this.

"It does! I knew that it would be only a matter of time before you had to take a wife. And I told myself that when that time came, I wouldn't make it hard on anyone. But at least it should be someone who actually loves you for you! You deserve better!" Alvena exclaimed, her pride on the line.

"Who are you to judge Valerie?" Master bit out angrily. "How is she not good enough?"

"I can tell she doesn't look at you the same way I do," Alvena revealed quietly, saddened by her own words.

"I do not need her to look at me like a human does a vampire," Master responded coldly. "She's a well-bred noble. I do not expect her to act any differently."

"Nikolaj, listen to me. Valerie isn't -"

"That's enough from you," Master concluded coldly. "Know her place, and know yours."

After that day, Alvena wasn't ever the same.

Master tried making up, inviting her on short day trips in which he knew she loved so much. Alvena would politely tell me to decline.

Master tried bringing up topics during meals that would usually interest her. Alvena would courteously excuse herself from talks between the high nobles, saying that it wasn't her place to sit with them.

Master tried visiting her room at night. Alvena would always fall asleep before then.

Master tried going to the gardens. Alvena would stop going.

And then, Master sought me out.

"Is she doing well?" Master asks, failing to act unconcerned.

Master, why have you not just asked her yourself?

"She is well."

"Is she eating well?"

"Yes, she is eating well."

"Is she upset?"

I look up at Master, slightly disappointed but mainly upset with myself.

"No. She is not upset."

Master took a moment to contemplate.

"Did you rehearse this, Evelyn?"

"Yes, yes I did with Mistress," I confess, all too willingly. "I can only answer a few more questions and then I have no more answers."

Master let out a deep sigh.

"Will she...see me?"

I haven't seen Master so lacking in confidence.

These few weeks have done no one any good.

"Only if it's an order. Otherwise, it's best to keep some distance," I recite, remembering the exact instructions my Mistress gave me if confronted with such inquiries.

"Then can I ask you to help deliver a message?"