Eternal love

Isabel was breathing heavily, resting her head in his lap and holding on to his hand. She would never forget the evening they met. She was young and innocent, protected against life’s atrocities by her parents. She had just turned 18, and there she was, staring into the most mysterious dark eyes she had ever seen. His mouth formed a smile, showing off bright white teeth. She thought it was the most wonderful creature, yeah, that was the word… Creature, not man. Even though he stood there in front of her, on his own two legs, but his smile, his movements and not to mention his eyes… Yeah, it was a man, but creature was the word that stuck in her mind. He bowed and asked for her hand, and she blushed… For the first time in her life, she blushed. She hurried and took his hand and almost dragged him into the dancing crowd, so her parents would not see her reaction. He had grinned and pulled her close, too close for a stranger to a royal, but she had not minded at all. In fact, she was enjoying every second of it. His strange smell had filled her nostrils, and his cold touch felt exhilarating against her skin. How old could he be? She guessed in the end of his 20’s. She knew she wanted him… in every way. She had taken herself in blushing again. He was almost laughing out loud when she gazed back into his eyes.

The next months was a long battle, filled with arguments and verbal fights. But within the year, they were together. She had renounced the throne and her royal title, and somehow, she felt free for the first time in her young life. He had loved her just as much as she had loved him. They had been living a secluded life, as he already had the means to get by. In fact, he was quite rich. They had been through so much together, she and him. Exploring lost and abandoned cities, underground caves, stargazing in the African savanna, surrounded by wild creatures. But no one was wilder than him… Her beloved husband. He had protected her fiercely against robbers, wild animals, hunger and draught. But as years had gone by, they both knew that the one thing he couldn’t protect her from was age… Against age they were defenceless. But their love never faded, and they lived life as everyone should do. Break the chains that hold you down and follow your heart. Isabel’s heart had always followed him. But he had also always followed her. They were equal, like it is when the love is true and pure.

Isabel coughed, and a gurgling sound followed from her hollow chest. Her spirit was just as strong, but her body had faded away the last years. They both knew the inevitable outcome, so they kept going. Laughing, drinking wine under the stars, still exploring the world. But now… They both knew it was the end. My beloved husband, Isabel whispered. All your life you’ve taken care of me, loved me, even when my body grew old and ugly. Stop the nonsense he brushed her off gently. You have the most beautiful soul I have ever met, and you have always kept it pure and intact, so it has been my pride and joy to have been your husband for all our years. Your withering body have not made you any less, in fact our love have grown along with our marriage, and I love you now more than ever, he smiled at her and said. Isabel lifted her hand and caressed his cheek. Look at you… You handsome devil. Not a day have you aged since I met you, she laughed. The laughter was followed by a new cough that made Isabel see stars… A single tear ran down his cheek. Isabel gasped and took his hand. My dear… I didn’t know vampires could cry. He lowered his head towards her chest, and his voice was filled with sorrow “Neither did I my love… I guess my love for you woke a human side in me”

Never have you stepped away from my side, even though you forsaken so much for me he whispered with clenched teeth. I was lost for centuries, until I found you Isabel. You gave me so much, and you taught me so much. But the biggest gift, if it can be called a gift, was your love, your faith in me… in US! I thought I knew how to love, after all those years, but only with you have I ever truly loved, and been loved. The tears was running down Isabel’s face now, and she kissed his hand. Armand carefully lifted her head as he bent down to kiss her on her lips. My beautiful and wonderful wife… I honestly don’t know how to keep on existing without you in my life. Well, I should always be able to exist, but it’s not really enough, when you have tasted life and love. After that existing will always be filled with longing, grief and emptiness. Colours and tastes lose their power to enchant and excite, and what gave meaning before will become meaningless. My dear Armand, Isabel whispered gently; “You know I will wait for you on the other side. I will be patient, just like you have been with me. My spirit will be waiting by your side when you will take your last breath, my beloved husband.” Isabel’s eyes were bright and clear despite of her age and sickness, and the love made them glow, as she wiped away another tear on Armand’s cheek. For one of the first times since I became a vampire, I feel powerless Armand said, as if thinking out loud.

Are you going to offer me one glass, Isabel laughed gently, pointing at the bottle of wine. Armand smiled warmly at her as he poured two glasses and gave her one. Slowly she sat up and raised her glass to Armand and said, “To eternal love”. He answered the gesture “To eternal love” and they both drank to eternal love. Isabel coughed and her glass shattered as it hit the floor. Armand let go of his glass and had his strong arms around her to protect her from falling down, long before his own glass hit the floor. I always envied your speed she smiled through her pain, and blood coloured her lips. She coughed again and drops of blood were running down her cheek. Her face had turned ash grey in a few moments, and Armand knew… He was about losing the love of his life, in more than 600 years. His only true love… Without effort he lifted Isabel up and held her in his arms. He opened the door. The bees were buzzing eagerly around in the meadow, and the smell from thousands and thousands of flowers hit against them. They looked at each other, and they whispered together “To eternal love” as Armand with Isabel in his arms stepped out into the sunshine.