Darkness fell heavily over the mountain forest as storm clouds roiled in the sky. Tall pines swayed in the growing wind and raindrops began to spatter the rocky terrain. At the edge of the forest, a forbidding structure stood, all stone and ironwork. It looked like no one had entered in centuries but one window showed a flickering light, the silhouette of a woman prominent against the glow.
He was late. She peered out into the gloom, searching for any sign of him. She began pacing the stone floor, her bare feet cold against the slabs. She hugged herself against the damp chill in the chamber. The room was almost cavernous, dark grey blocks of stone dimly reflecting the large pillar candles placed around for light and warmth. A massive, oaken four poster bed dominated the room. Black velvet hung from its frame and draped the downy mattress.
Frustrated and worried, she decided to draw a bath in the hopes of relaxing and distracting herself until his arrival. She entered the small bathroom, a golden glow welcoming her from the many small and large candles scattered about the claw foot tub. She filled the tub and let her scarlet colored robe fall to the stony floor, her ivory skin shimmering in the light. She piled her mahogany waves on top of her head with a small barrette and slid into the water, closing her eyes as the warmth enveloped her chilled skin. She let her thoughts drift, even if they constantly returned to him.
He pushed his horse harder than ever before. The raven-colored steed cut a sharp track through the puddles, its hooves pounding the hard ground as it struggled up the steep slope towards the castle. He knew she was waiting, feeling a tug deep within, drawing him to her despite the worsening storm. He was like a man possessed, his eyes shining unnaturally bright. He drove the stallion to its brink as he finally approached the imposing, iron gate surrounding the estate. The horse skidded on the slick stones as he flung himself off its back and rushed towards the entrance.
Her eyes flew open. She sat up abruptly in the bath, water sloshing over the sides and splashing the marbled floor. He was here. A slow smile spread across her pink, full mouth when she heard the pounding of his footsteps on the staircase. She gracefully stood up and stepped out of the tub, patting her skin dry with a plush towel. The bedroom door flung open, the rusty hinges creaking in protest. She could barely contain her excitement at the first sight of him, panting and dripping from the rainy ride.