Isobella stared at her favorite blond for several seconds, she was in disbelief. Drasna had asked to stay the night with her, it was unexpected but as soon as she heard she realized how much she wanted this. Isobella ran over to her desk, leaving the door open for Drasna to enter and close. She flipped through her ledger, once, then twice, and then a third time in frustration. The chateau was fully booked, and she wouldn’t have her Drasna sleep in the staff rooms. She would have to kick someone out, Drasna deserved only her best room.

  “I would love to have you stay, Drasna, but the chateau is fully booked and in use. It's the travel season, but don’t worry! I’ll just kick someone out and give you their room!” Isobella declared.

  “Hey hey! You don’t need to do that for me! I could sleep on a couch or, I mean we are girlfriends now, maybe we share a bed?” Drasna suggested

  Isobella paused, processing the suggestion, it made her heart beat like a drum. An entire night with her beloved Drasna was within reach, she had no doubt it would be the happiest she would be all month. She closed her ledger and looked into Drasna’s lavender eyes.

  “That’s an excellent idea, I’ll have Tristan prepare everything! Do you require anything to wear?”

  “I don’t think so, I brought a bag with everything I’ll need for a night”

  Isobella nodded and took the bag, she handed it off to the closest maid and had it sent to her room. Once the matter of Drasna’s things was settled, Isobella continued her time with Drasna as normal. They walked the garden, sipped tea, and listened to music via records thanks to the mysteries of magic. Isobella was rather fond of the more otherworldly tunes, but grew to like the calm and energetic ones Drasna enjoyed. Isobella was thrilled to bits, because the monk was staying the night she stayed much longer. It was as if they had three dates all at once, before the light of day dimmed. They watched the sun set atop the roof, it was Drasna’s idea. Isobella clung to her out of fear of falling, but never came close. They remained there to watch the stars, an activity Isobella had never partook in, but quickly became a fan of. They got down by jumping. Isobella remained safe in Drasna’s arms as she seemed to float down slower than she should’ve.

  “The hour grows late, shall I show you to my room?” Isobella struggled to whisper.

  Drasna grinned, “Today was great! I think we should do this more often…maybe you’d like to come up to the monastery some time?”

  “You mean up the mountain? I would much rather not, but if it would make you happy, I would join you. You will need to give me notice beforehand however. I have…responsibilities I must tend to, ones Tristan may not do for me.”

  Drasna grinned with excitement, “Of course! I know you’re a busy girl, which is why I appreciate it when you make time for my visits!”

  “I make time for you, because you are important and irreplaceable to me…”

  Drasna pulled Isobella into a hug, her hands positioned boldly close to the noble's bottom. Isobella had gotten used to the crude display and placed her hands the same. Drasna leaned forward and gave Isobella a kiss, the act doubled Isobella’s internal temperature, but it quickly dropped back down again. Isobella led Drasna to her room, within the chateau she lived on the 2nd floor. Her room was large with purple wall and black trim, her bed was large with a fancy canopy. The room was decorated with soft velvet chairs and ornate wood furniture. Isobella walked inside as normal, but became puzzled as Drasna looked around in amazement.

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  “You know, sometimes I forget you’re loaded.” Drasna admitted.

  “Are you, put off?” Isobella inquired.

  “No, I’m just afraid to touch anything, it all looks so expensive.”

  “It’s nothing to worry about, most of the things in this room belonged to my parents.” Isobella explained

  Drasna cocked her head, “You don’t talk much about your parents, other than that bit about your father.”

  Isobella deflected, “You don't speak about yours either.”

  “My parents? Not much to tell honestly, My dad is a shoe maker and my mother is a hair stylist, I had an older brother and a younger brother. We had enough money to stay out of the street, but not much else. The winter boot rush and a rare noble hair cut earned us more, but it was always tense.”

  Isobella listened closely, but interrupted, “Cobblers are important to the well being of any civilization. Perhaps not so much for your mother, but she still had a rare skill.”

  Drasna nodded, “Thanks, anyway my big brother became a guard and my little brother eventually started cobbling too. I didn’t want to be courted, so I left to lessen the burden. I like the monastery, because nobody worries about money, we all try to be our best self by supporting each other and I’ve never been happier. I don’t really like money, I understand its purpose, but it seems to gatekeep people's good mood.”

  Isobella thought for a long while, living in luxury was all she had known, yet she always felt bland and unhappy. Drasna always seemed to be in a good mood, with less than half of what she had, it was puzzling. There was a new fear that crept into her mind now; however, it was only cordial that she reveal more about her family. Doing so would likely reveal more of her true nature, it was a scary thought. Isobella had grown to trust that Drasna wouldn’t judge her too harshly for the truth.

  “Thank you for sharing, I suppose it would be equitable, if I did the same?”

  Drasna shook her head, “It’s ok, I don’t wanna pry!”

  Isobella shook her head as well and began, “My father as I told you was a collector of magic items and occult knowledge. He was very jealous of the might of sorcerers, or the talent of wizards. My father attempted to gain these powers himself, the price was the soul of my mother and myself.”

  Drasna looked horrified, but chose not to interrupt.

  “My Father selfishly accepted the contract, but in his excitement never quite bothered to read it in full. Instead of gaining his powers, it was his soul along with my mothers that was taken. The powers became mine, at least that’s what my dearest patron told me.” Isobella explained.

  Drasna took a moment to respond, “You’re a warlock!”

  Isobella nodded, “Yes, I’m sorry if that makes you uncomfortable, but I promise I have never used any of my powers on you.”

  “I mean, I guess it explains a few things, but it's not like that changes who you are. The only difference now is that I know.” Drasna rationalized.

  Isobella threw a tight hug around Drasna, “I’m so happy you understand, I was worried you would leave me out of fear!”

  “Aw, I’m not so easily scared off, but you’ve gotta show me some of those fancy powers sometime!”

  Isobella grimaced, “Yes…of course, though they may not be what you’re expecting.”