Heart to Heart

Elisabeth   Mysterious, handsome, romantic, respectful, powerful, that's my type of man. But God is it hard to find those.  "You're a liar!"    I definitely wouldn't have lied to the man of my dreams.    "I didn't lie. I said we would live happily ever after. You didn't trust me. You said it's impossible. Miss Elisabeth, do you believe in a happily ever after?"   Well, unless half-truths are considered a lie because I do say those a lot.   "Yes and no, Mr Brown. But that's not the point here."   I look at yet another couple quarrelling in my office, boringly enough for me to think about other things. I understood early enough that breaking a fight is not going anywhere. Better to give them time to say everything and to find the root of their problem. Of course, before they start killing each other.   "I have a rather important question for you, Mr Brown. Why do you think your wife doesn't trust you?"     Mr Brown didn't answer. He knew why and he was embarrassed enough to not admit it.    " It's ok, you don't have to answer. We know what the issue is. But, if you don't overgrow your insecurities and mistrust you won't save your marriage. That's specific for both of you, Mrs Brown."   The woman opened her mouth to disagree but thought better of it and just leaned on her back, defeated. She then looked at her husband and with teary eyes whispered.   "I'm sorry for giving you such a hard time."   Mr Brown looked at her in surprise. He's not used to her apologizing. With teary eyes, he stood from his seat and hugged his wife.   "No, I'm sorry Kayla. It's all my fault. I should have never broken my promise or lied to you. You're an amazing woman, my woman and I'm so sorry for taking you for granted. I love you so much."   "I love you too."   They were both crying by now in each other's arms and hell be frozen if I didn't feel tears in my eyes too. It was for those moments that I still believed in marriage.   I got the tissue box out of the drawer and put it on the table. The Browns broke their hug and wiped off the tears, still sitting next to each other.   "We're sorry, Miss Elisabeth. We don't know what got into us."   "It's ok. It's progress actually. Once you realised your mistakes it's time to fix them. Now, your task for the next week: Do things that remind you of the romantic times before your marriage. And best of all, get to enjoy each other in the bedroom. "   I winked at them as Mrs Brown excitedly blushed. After changing pleasantries, they both got out and I closed the door behind them.    I sight, tired of the heat of this city. I just can't move yet. I'm 28 and I thought it was a great idea at 23 to open a marriage council office in the capital of Florida. It actually was, the business is throwing, the money is good and I created an image that sells itself at this point, but this is not my place. I'm reluctant at moving my business elsewhere because I would have to make a clientele from scratch and it is too much work for me now, at 28, when I pictured myself in a happy marriage and 2 children at this age. But fate had other plans.   I leave the door reluctantly and go to the coffee table to blow out the candles. I stop the air conditioning, turn off the lights and leave my office for my lunch break. Since I didn't have breakfast, a good medium stake sounds awesome. In 15 minutes I enter the "King of meat" restaurant. Vladimir   The pilot announced that we are starting the landing in 10 minutes. I buckle my seat belt and look at Dimitri, my counsellor and my best friend.    "Again, why are we going to Tallahassee?"   Dimitri sights and starts again the explanation. He is exasperated and I get that. But I can't get rid of the feeling that this is not a job, it's a desperate tryout to change my mind about marriage. And, of course, he chose to ask for help from my sister, the ruler of the Blood Rose community of vampires in the centre of Florida.    "Orlando, the Ruler of Blood Rose reported of problems with rogues that spoke Russian and is cautious about an attack that might tension the relationship with you."   I look at him in disbelief. Orlando is my sister's husband. Being married to the princess of Russia, he doesn't give a damn about the Russian rogues, he has an unbreakable alliance with us and nothing can change that, nor a bunch of vampires who does or does not speak Russian.   "And the real reason?"   Pierced by my cold stare, Dimitri shifts his place in the chair defensively. He won't dare lie to me about this being the real reason, because he knows I can sense a lie. And he is a terrible liar too.    He sighs, giving up.   "Your sister."   Cold shivers go down my back. I fell my fangs piercing the lips, overly alert.   "What happened to my sister?"   "Nothing happened, she is ok. She's just worried about you and your lack of patience"   Anger feels my mind like a red fog, trying to ignore the unbearable ache in my heart.   "Lack of patience?"   The other man in the plane shiver, but not Dimitri. He is used to my temper and sorrow, but he still straightens his back and looks gravely at me, trying to fight the urge to submission.   "You know my opinion about your latest decisions."   I actually do know it. We had a huge fight about it because he doesn't understand. He may be the only one that knows the best and the worst of me, but he's not a king. He doesn't get the mistrust of my nation in me just because I am alone. The queen is supposed to bring empathy, happiness, and love to the king as to the people. But without her by my side, I am doomed to rule fearless, cruel and unforgivable. But that comes with a cost. When rumours were spread about a rebellion coming, I understood that I had no choice. I had to pass on my dreams and do what is asked of me: find a queen and bring happiness to the nation. I even considered a few candidates, but Dimitri here got desperate to stop me and sent me away from Russia hoping that I'll change my mind. I won't. Not unless I find, in some miraculous way, my beloved.   "I know indeed. And you do know mine. But still acted at your wish."   Guilt reflected in his eyes. He was aware that he acted against me and wanted to apologize, but I turned away and looked out the window.   My life got miserable year by year. I still remember the day I turned 18. I was so enthusiastic, ready to meet my mate and live a happy-ever-after. But it didn't happen. Not that day, not the next one, nor 150 years later. But there is as much a man can take. There is no more time, no strength to continue the search and the hope. It's time to move on.   The plane started the landing. In no time, we were good to go. Black massive cars were waiting for us at the exit of the private jet. I got in one of them, with Dimitri driving. Tallahassee was just 20 minutes away from the secret airport, reserved for only supernatural beings. Before the arrival, I felt hunger overwhelming me.   "Stop somewhere to eat, before we go to Lea."   "I'm sure she'll have something for us..."   " I said to stop somewhere. I can't face her on an empty stomach."   Dimitri nodded and changed the route. In few minutes, he parked the car in front of a small, vintage restaurant.   "In case you are thirsty, the owner is a vampire. He'll give you what you need."   "You coming?"   "No. I am full from your accusations."   I crack a smile, although the statement does not amuse me. Once I get out a startling feeling forms in my stomach. Like a premonition of something happening. I'm sure it's just the hunger, so I follow the magnific scent of food and look up at the name of the restaurant.    "King of meat. Huh, funny."