Characters/Pairings: crush Strauss x Adelheid, Bridget
Author's Note
: Adelheid's first-person perspective scares me a little bit. And let's just say that Strauss got rid of the "May he live forever" thing when he became king. And people? I know you're seeing this. I would really appreciate someone dropping a line, even if only for a request.
Word Count
: 765
Disclaimer
: I don't own Record of a Fallen Vampire.


I, Adelheid, princess of the Kingdom of Night, am prone to either skipping or walking at a fast pace (It is not running, I insist to myself and anyone who might ask) whenever I wish to go somewhere and am not in the company of my father, his gracious Majesty King Gottfried (May he live forever). It is a childish habit, I know, and not one fit for a lady of my station and the age of twelve, but I can not help it. Truly. And is it really so harmful?

At the moment, I am skipping (skipping, I tell you) down a hall in the south wing of the palace. I believe some of the nobles from the more distant lands take up residence here when they are paying court to my father (May he live forever).

As I pass a door, it opens. Before I can react, someone steps out and we collide. Neither of us fall over but we both take a step backwards and I feel slightly dizzy.

Lady Bridget gazes bemusedly at me, not recognizing me at first.

Lady Bridget Irving is a young lady from the north, maybe ten years my senior. She is very tall (standing a good foot and a half taller than me), and to my eyes beautiful as well, stern-faced with pale, clear skin, piercing blue eyes and corn silk hair. Beautiful, but just a little imposing, and, for some reason that I have never been able to fathom, she never smiles when she sees me, even if she is perfectly polite and cordial.

When Lady Bridget recognizes me, she immediately sinks into a deep curtsey, head bowed and practically on her knees, her plain, dark velvet skirt spread out on the floor. "Your Highness," she murmurs, not meeting my eyes.

I dip a shallower curtsey (I am the princess, after all). "My Lady." I have to admit, it has always been more than a little awkward to have others bow to me and stay on the ground. "You… You can get up, my Lady."

Lady Bridget's eyes, as ever, are veiled as she does so, rising to her feet with feline grace.

"Is the Lady Ghislaine well?"

She nods. "I believe so." Lady Bridget was not raised by her mother and does not keep in close contact with her; therefore, I suppose she would have some excuse for not knowing exactly what state of health she is in. "And His Majesty, may he live forever?"

"He is quite well, thank you." To some extent, it is treason to discuss the health of the king. But as far as I know, it is only treasonous to do so if his Majesty (may he live forever) is in a state of health other than the desired robust health. Lady Bridget is so kind where it concerns his Majesty (May he live forever). She inquires after his health even beyond the required pleasantries.

I frame a somewhat nervous smile. "Are you enjoying your time at court, Lady Bridget?"

Again, she nods deferentially, still not smiling. "Yes. It has been a pleasure to—"

Once more, someone steps out of the door, but instead of colliding with one of us, he moves with almost inhuman grace to stand behind Lady Bridget.

I can't help but stare a little bit, as he catches my eye and smiles gently. This man is even taller than Bridget, with pale blue (what an odd color) hair and the crimson eyes… The crimson eyes of a full-blooded male vampire.

There is only one full-blooded vampire who lives in the south wing.

"Bridget." He has a warm, friendly voice, the sort of voice that makes me like him immediately. "I take it you have been accosted?"

For the first time, Lady Bridget smiles, her face practically melting. "Ah, yes. I'm afraid I haven't been able to—"

"Well, no worry. We will just have to go get the documents together." The man stops to bow low in front of me. "Forgive me, your Highness, but I must cut this meeting short."

All I can do is smile, foolishly. My normal talkativeness has deserted me.

There is only one man this can be, if he lives in the same apartment as Lady Bridget. Akabara Strauss is… different, different than what I expected of a young general of the Kingdom of Night.

As I watch them leave, I no longer possess the desire to skip. He saw me as a child. I do not wish for him to look at me and see a child anymore.