“How? Why?” I shake my head, confused.
“I’ve made many deals during my recent travels.”
“I agreed to do this for a fee. I have waited a long time for someone like you to come along and help me with a task. One day soon I will come and ask a favor.”
I nod slowly.
“By officiating, he was giving his approval of our union.”
Holy shit I was kind of married by Dracula. Now I can’t stop staring at him, despite the rudeness factor. He glances up as Cristobal fills out his part of the paperwork and catches me staring.
“I’m sorry.” I study my hands.
“Sign here, dove.” We prick our fingers and add a few droplets beside our names.
Vlad signs the bottom. “I will send this to the archives.”
“Thank you again, Vlad,” Cristobal says.
He nods. “You’ll forgive me for not attending the celebration. I do not enjoy large crowds of strangers vying for attention and talking politics. I will give you time to settle in before I call upon you.”
“We’re at your disposal.” Cristobal bows.
Vlad studies me once more. “You will be my savior or my ruin, Ms. Esçhete.”
He’s gone before I can respond.
“What?”
“Yeah, he has that effect on people.” Cristobal laughs.
“What did you agree to do?”
“It’s more about what you can do. Don’t worry, it’s not a big deal.”
“You know our opinions vary greatly on that statement often.”
“Not this time.”
He pulls me from the room, and I’m bombarded by hugs. I let the issue go. I have an evening of schmoozing and avoiding traps to get through. Swept away on the infectious excitement, I exit the cathedral in high spirits. A few months back I wasn’t sure if we’d live to see this moment, and now it’s already in our rearview mirror. I can’t say what the future holds for me, but I know it won’t be dull, and I won’t be alone. Can anyone really ask for more than that?
The End