3. THE NOBLEMAN
In my experience with men, I've come to the conclusion that there are three very distinct classes. The Alpha Male: a devilishly attractive, particularly brawny, man who reasons with the world around him by means of his sexuality and confidence. Though his physique is oftentimes more advanced than his intelligence, the Alpha Male has little to worry about when wooing a prospect. Second, the Beta Male: a more intelligent, yet less attractive and muscular than the Alpha. Though a Beta Male may have to work a little harder to find a mate, their average looks and slightly higher intellect may be an endearing quality that many other females fancy. Lastly, the Omega Male: being the most supreme class of male, the Omega Male is aptly named for their ability to attract a female on pure charisma without her knowing the game has ended. They have the superior body and good-looks of an Alpha coupled with the heightened intellect of a Beta, but surpassing either at both. They are the most dangerous of the three classes, and it wasn't long until I pieced everything together: this man was one of them.
"Miss?" he said, studying me as I tried desperately to steady my breathing.
"A moment, my lord, whilst I collect myself," I sighed, wiping the fear from my face, and leaning against a nearby tree.
"By all means."
I measured him up and then measured him down. His clothing would suggest he were a nobleman of sorts. Given this, I had no reason to fear him. Nobles of that time, unlike commoners, walked a narrower path in society and had little inclination towards the raping or ill-treatment of women – with few exceptions. After a few more deep breaths and a long heavy sigh, I looked back to him.
"You startled me, my lord!"
As much as it pained me to address him so formally, it was only common sense to do so. It was disrespectful to use raised voice when in the presence of a nobleman; however, at that moment I did not particularly care to curb my upset.
"I really must apologize."
"What were you thinking: sneaking up on me like that?" I asked.
"Sneaking involves intent. I was merely walking by, milady, and wished to bid you a good evening. It would be rude of me to not exchange words in passing."
"I didn't see you," I mumbled.
"Then excuse me once more, I always was one to tread softly."
If he apologizes one more time, I will vomit. What nobleman is so kind?
These foreign ideas wearied me.I couldn't help but study this man for he seemed… strange. I hadn't ever met a nobleman before with such a polite demeanor toward a peasant.
"That's alright. I stopped here for a moment. I thought I…"
"Yes?" he questioned eagerly.
"I thought I needed some rest."
"I see… What is your name kind miss?"
"Emmeline," I answered without thinking. "And yours, my lord?"
"I am pleased to meet you Miss Emmeline. You may call me: Vlad… And what," he added, "are you doing out so late? Do people of this edge of the world often travel the roads alone by night?"
"No, not usually. I had an errand that ran later than expected."
I could tell that he wanted to delve even deeper into the subject, but decided against it. I didn't know him. Why indulge his inquisition?
"And what errand deprives you from the warmth of your home, milord?"
"Just Vlad, if you please," he smiled, permitting himself a step toward me.
Who was this man and why is he so… humble? No nobleman would ever have a commoner address him in such an informal fashion. I say "informal" because formally he should have trampled me over before he'd bid me a good night. I could not help but be curious at his unorthodox approach to the echelon of society. It discomforted me.
"As you please," I curtsied.
"'Riding' is the unfortunate answer to your question, dear Emmeline," he said; so matter of fact. I looked up the road beyond him and did not spot a horse or carriage nor hoof prints.
"Then where be your horse?"
"That's the unfortunate thing you see, I took my horse out for a good ride in the forest.
It wasn't too far from here that he got away from me," he said sheepishly, denying me eye contact for fear of the delightful expression that was across my face. It could not be contained. I found his current situation endearing; like a duckling struggling to keep up with its family while crossing a road.
"Wha-," I said suppressing a giggle, "What exactly happened?"
"The snow was deeper then I'd expected; he slipped and fell. Before I knew what happened, I was thrown off. He was terribly frightened. When he recovered he galloped down the road this way. Naturally, I came looking for him." He sighed in defeat. "The further I search, the further I am from home. Not that I could find it by mere moonlight at this hour."
It was a crossroad. Either bid him farewell for a lovely night or invite him to stay with me and my family. I wouldn't want him to freeze to death. God only knows how far away he is from home… though on the other hand I wasn't particularly fond of his dreadfully gorgeous good looks, his undeniable charm, and his easily dealt respect for me. I thought on this during a shared moment of silence. How oddly perverse it was to distrust and dislike this man over good character. Yes, he was a man of seemingly good nature, but a woman of my nature knew better than to trust him first and know him second.
"It's getting late. I really must be going."
"Yes, yes, you should," he agreed. There was a brief silence.
"And I don't think I should walk alone."
"I don't think you should either," he agreed once more, "I should say you'd be better off if someone walked you home… to make sure you arrived safely."
"Indeed," I said, desperately fighting the urge to attack his delicious lips that had curved up into the smile I detested so much. I looked out at the road to distract myself and avert my eyes elsewhere.
"Well then," he said, derailing the awkwardness.
"Well then," I said, gulping down a gasp, "it's settled… though this does not mean that you are invited to stay with my family and I. That authority lies with my father."
He took a few steady steps toward me. Never breaking his gaze from mine, he lifted his elbow with grace as any respectable escort would.
"Then let us hope that your father finds it in his heart to pity the fool who took a tumble and lost his horse."
The rest of the way home was a little uneasy at first, though slowly my apprehension began to dwindle as we talked. Small talk went on to conversation; and conversation lead to obvious banter. He spoke to me as if I were an equal; which eased tension and made liking him much easier – if at all possible. I would divulge anything. All it took was his smile.
When we arrived, we stopped in front of the door. I looked up at him, grasping his arm to gain his attention. Firm and muscular, does he possess any flaws aside from keeping horses?
"I should let you know… my family may be little too hospitable. They aren't used to good company."
"Well that's a relief."
"What?" I asked.
"You think I'm good company," he smirked.
I hoped that he had not noticed my blushing and had mistaken it for winter rouge… though I knew he wasn't naïve enough to think it was. With that, I lifted the latch on the door and entered; him right behind me.
A small swirl of flakes blew in after us as I shut the door behind him. As I stood at the door unwrapping myself from the soup blanket, I felt the warmth of the blazing fire wash over me. The prancing flames emitted mirrored shadows on the walls and ceiling. The empty wood rack and Father's abandoned chair could only mean that he was out behind the stables chopping more wood. I never understood why he didn't chop enough during the day. Closest I could guess was that he needed to satisfy his unyielding need to constantly work. Mother sat in her chair, Adrian on the floor beside her. She was teaching Adrian to mend clothing. Adrian was an obvious amateur in comparison. That fact became apparent to her when she realized that she had just sewn her dress skirt shut. She looked upon the garment forlornly for a moment before noticing me; but more importantly: him.
"Mama…" she whispered.
Mother looked up from her work, interrupting her diligence and realizing what her youngest daughter was referring to. I could tell the interruption was well justified as I watched both their faces snap-to with looks of astonishment and approval in the wake of Vlad's untamable natural allure. After a moment, Mother began stammering for words. I pardoned her, raising my hand, and took the liberty of introducing our winter guest myself.
"Mother, this is Vlad," I announced, extending a smirk in his direction and hoping he didn't notice. Without breaking her gaze, she leaned down to Adrian.
"Tell your father," she whispered, "Be quick."
And with that, Adrian laid down her botched dress and stood up. As she was about to run passed us, she stopped and looked up at Vlad. She gave a look of confusion. At this, he grinned and gave a small bow. Her embarrassed expression and rosed cheeks prompted a swift curtsey as she fled out the front door, chilling my ankles as it swung open and shut. Mother rose to her feet, laying the dress she was mending over the back of her chair. She studied Vlad as she stepped closer. She curtsied with her head hung low as a peasant should: like an obedient dog; yet she did so with the grace of royalty.
In her smooth alto voice she greeted him saying, "Good evening, my lord."
Vlad stepped forward, towering over my petite mother. He then cradled her hand in his, granted it a light and soft kiss. An importunate little twinge of jealousy poked me in the side as I witnessed this. My mother receives the kindhearted kiss that should've been given me. What misfortune!
"Good evening, ma'am," he said, "And please, call me 'Vlad.' I am not the Lord, nor do I wish to diminish his greatness by having others refer to me as such."
Mother wasn't used to flattery. It was somewhat of ancient myth now that she was married and age was taking its toll on her in every way possible. Father never was one for flattery – figured it was useless to state the obvious. So, I wasn't surprised when she let out a juvenile chortle in response to Vlad's flattery.
"Oh! What a gentleman!" she exclaimed.
"You're too kind."
"What brings a gentleman such as you out this way?"
"Misfortune and your lovely daughter," he answered, this time catching my smile.
"Oh? What happened?"
"It's a long story, mum," I interjected, "He's stranded and far from home."
"I'm sure it would be alright if you stayed with us for the night, dear, though it's her father that has the final say in that."
"So I've heard... If he would not have me as his guest by invitation, I would gladly pay for my stay here."
"That won't be necessary, dear," she reassured him, "Something tells me he'll think you'll do just fine!" Confused, he looked down to me, and then back at Mother, who was unnaturally happy at the moment. Cursed flattery! I shot her a look of disapproval at the suggestion of courtship.
"Let's sit," I said motioning him to the dining room table a few steps away, "Father will be in momentarily."
"Your cloak, dear?" asked Mother, extending her helping hands. He untied it and gracefully handed it to her. She then walked around to the hearth and hung it there to dry away the dampness from the snow. From the corner of my eye, I could swear I saw her clutching the collar of the cloak, pressing it to her nose therapeutically.
I pulled out the chair that I sat in and gestured he take it. He did, and I walked around to Adrian's chair across the table. I sat down, and took a deep breath.
During this brief awkward silence I allowed my mind to wander, pondering a thing or two. Why would Vlad have ever kissed my Mother on the hand? No nobleman would have ever reached out to a peasant in such a manner under any circumstances; yet he did. There was something strange and unsettling about this man that I could not deny any further. However, before I could proceed with my questions, Mother got ahead of me.
"If you don't mind my asking, where are you from?" she asked, "The tongue in which you speak is foreign to me. I've not heard it before; Germanic perhaps?"
"I hail from a place far beyond these shores or that of Germany, madam."
"Where are you from then?" I requested, masking my incredulousness with curiosity.
"I'm from-"
Just then Father came bursting through the door, nearly tearing it from its hinges. It stopped with a crack and a snap against the wall. Snow rolled into the house. Father stepped to the side of the hearth next to Mother setting the bundle of wood on the rack, and after him came Adrian. She shut the door for Father, who hadn't the wits at the time to close it himself, and then carried her small bundle to the rack as well. She then walked over and sat with Mother, both of them wide-eyed and attentive with anticipation.
"Where is he? I'd like to meet this fine young man!" he cried with unbridled excitement, looking to Mother for an answer. She gestured over his shoulder behind him.
"Turn 'round, dear."
"Father I'd-"
"Good evening, sir! Welcome to our home!" he interrupted, never-minding my formal introduction. He trotted round to his side and grabbed his hand, shaking it firmly with all the gratitude and respect he felt Vlad deserved. He rose to meet his hand shake properly so as to not appear rude, though as a noble it was his right.
"What brings you our way, sir?"
"Well... um…"
"Oh that doesn't matter!" he recanted, "Sit down! Sit down! Make yourself comfortable. Please."
"Thank you."
Vlad did as instructed, looking to me for a way to quell my overwhelming father's fascination. Father walked passed us and sat in his familiar chair at the head of the table.
"Father I'd like you to meet Vlad."
"Pleased to meet you."
"And you as well," Vlad replied.
"Vlad was abandoned in the cold by his horse, so I brought him home. I couldn't leave him out there with not but the clothes on his back for warmth. Would it be alright if he stayed just this night with us?" I implored.
"Oh yes, that'd be quite alright! We'll get you something to eat and you can take your stay here. You can sleep in Emmeline's room tonight if you'd like," he solicited. I shot Father a murderous look of disapproval over Vlad's shoulder, to which he ignored.
"No thank you, sir, that isn't necessary. I'll do fine on the floor with a few quilts."
"Nonsense. You may sleep in my bed tonight," I said in confidence. At this his eyes widened.
"And I will sleep on the floor next to Father," I continued. "Ady, that means you too."
I could tell she was less than thrilled with me for forfeiting our room without her approval, though she would not protest in Vlad's presence. So she simply nodded and that was that.
"Tomorrow I'll take you home; where ever that may be, first thing," said Father.
"Thank you; I'm flattered by your generosity, but I do not wish to overextend your services any more than what's necessary. I can manage the journey myself," Vlad assured him.
"Nonsense! It's no burden to me at all, really."
"I'm sure I'll do just fine on foot, but thank you for your offer," he smiled
"Have it your way..." he said sheepishly, "Vlad. Now that's a name I've not heard before. What be your surname if you don't mind my asking?"
It wasn't until Father asked that I realized he'd never given me his surname. Come to think of it, noblemen would always introduce themselves by first and last name followed by their title. Back then, prestige and lineage were held in the highest regard. Why would he have kept this from me? Had he forgotten to mention it? Not likely. The more time I spent in the presence of this man, I kept finding pieces to a puzzle that didn't match. I was walking the fine line between curiosity and paranoia.
"Yes... What is your surname? You've not mentioned it," I questioned.
"I am Vlad Dracul the III, Prince of Wallachia."
Prince? Either I'm trapped in an elaborate dream or just damned lucky!
"A prince?" asked Father with childish delight.
"Yes, sir," he assured him.
Lucky!
"Well did you hear that, Ingrid?" he called to Mother, "A prince!"
I think Father was more excited than I was.
"I heard, dear," she said.
"And where exactly is Wallachia? France?"
"Oh no, not France. It's in Romania."
"Romania, eh? Oh I've heard nothing but terrible stories 'bout that place," he said darkly.
"Really?" Vlad asked, "What kind?"
"Well… to be honest sir, they're stories of tyrannous rulers…" he confessed.
It was then that I noticed Vlad clutching his hand into a tight fist, his eyes forming hard thin lines. He stood up then said something as civil as possible; trying to mask his anger or frustration.
"My father was a noble man who looked after his country with greater care than any man ever could. I'll not have his name tarnished by folk tales and slanderous gossip." There was a brief silence. Everyone was taken aback at his reaction, though it was well-justified. Father cut through it with a few words of sincerity.
"I'm sorry, sir… I did not mean to offend you… was just sharing what I've heard is all."
"It's alright... You must forgive me; I did not mean to be so harsh. My father meant the world to me. I am in need of rest, so I shall go to bed. Never mind the food for now. Perhaps I'll eat later…"
"As you wish," he said humbly, "Emmeline, will you show this fine lad to his room and fix it neatly for him?"
"Yes, Father," I said obediently standing up and motioning Vlad to follow me. "Ady? Will you assist me?"
"Yes, Sissy," she agreed, standing up and meeting us at the base of the staircase.
"Good evening. Rest well," Father called, as Vlad and I began our trek up the stairs.
"And you all as well," Vlad replied.
I led Vlad up to our room, feeling that my home and my family were inadequate for him with every creaking step I took. He seemed different somehow. Father really had offended him. I knew better than to speak of it though. The exchanging of words between men were meant to stay between men. Women held little sway in those days and the last thing a man wanted was our input.
I opened the door to our room, revealing a quaint couple of beds set on either side of a window. On Adrian's nightstand she kept a doll, the ugliest little thing, but loveable in its ugliness. It was her only childish obsession. On mine, I kept a small hairbrush that we both shared. At the foot of our beds was each of us a chest for clothing and other such belongings. I felt a wave of embarrassment as he took a look around our room. I knew it wasn't up to his usual standards; this fact bothered me. Though he did not make a point of it; I could see that he admired its character.
Adrian and I took the two beds and pushed them together to make one large bed. I took the blankets off Adrian's bed and set them on the floor. Then I pulled the blankets from my bed across the both of them. It was fit for a king, or in this case, a prince.
"There you are. Pleasant dreams," I said, mustering a smile.
I then picked up Adrian's blankets and was about to walk out the door before I felt a hand on my shoulder: his hand.
"Emmeline, wait," his gentle voice requested.
"Yes?"
"Thank you for everything. Your hospitality knows no bounds. You've been most helpful tonight."
"It was my pleasure, Vlad. Please, excuse my fa-"
And before I knew what had happened, Vlad pressed the lips I'd longed for all evening against mine. They were cold, but that did not ruin the delectability of their silky softness as they riddled my lips with passionate soul-binding serenity. I allowed his aroma to fill me with untouchable pleasure. And before I knew it, he broke away from me. He then gave me that devilishly arousing smirk.
"Goodnight," was all he said, and with that I exited my room, adrift the sea of love.
I danced down the staircase into the living room to my family. Father and Mother were talking in a hushed tone and Adrian was lying on the floor watching the flame dancing the tarantella in the fireplace like a caravan of gypsies passing a lake in the night. I went to Adrian, knelt down and laid her blankets beside her. She had a far off look on her face. She seemed bothered.
"Sissy, what's the matter?" I whispered.
With her eyes still fixed on the fire, she whispered back, "Something's not right about that man."
"What do you mean?"
"I'm not sure, Emma... I just don't trust him," she admitted.
"He seems to be a fine gentleman that comes from a respectable lot of people. He's just had a rough night. I'm sure he'll be right fine tomorrow after some much needed rest."
"I still don't trust him," she sighed, rolling over onto her back.
"Alright... Well, here are your blankets. If you could spare one for me tonight, that'd be nice. I'm going out to the stable to see how Gideon is taking to the cold," I said, void of enthusiasm at the chore.
"Don't be too long."
I left the house and walked to the stable, but not before grabbing Father's coat. Gideon was curled up in the corner of the stable on his bed of hay. I called to him in the same tongued clicks that I always did. He stood up and approached the gate; shaking off the cold. I stood there like I always did and stroked his nose for a little while.
I entered the stable and went to the back, taking the blanket and saddle from the post. I brushed him a bit before saddling him up. I laid the saddle blanket over his back, and then strapped the saddle on over it. After I put on his halter and bit, I took the reins, opened the gate, and led him out. Then I latched the gate behind me. Putting my foot in one of the stirrups, I heaved up, and sat upon him. This was very important exercise for Gideon during the winter and even though it was troublesome for me, I still enjoyed it. He needed it to get his blood circulating and beat the cold. We went out down the hill trotting along without a real destination in mind. I talked to him as I always did on our nightly walks. His hooves beat deep into the snow with each heavy step he took.
"How are you doing, boy? Are you warming up?"
I paused, taking in the cold, sharp air.
"I met a man tonight. I was on my way home from Mary's and he was left stranded by his horse. You wouldn't leave me stranded would you?" I smirked, "Of course not, you're too brave to be spooked."
He snorted, exhaling a plume of breath through his nostrils. I thought for a while as we moved along, and before I knew it my turmoil was too much to contain.
"I have far too many questions about this man, Gideon. He seems to be very upstanding and polite, but there is something… unsettling about him. I'm willing to give this one a chance. I think he was just a bit on edge tonight because he wasn't well rested. I'm sure he'll be fine in the morning... Adrian doesn't seem to trust him, but I'm sure she will grow to enjoy the benefits of his company... Perhaps I'm letting my emotions cloud everything… Let's head back. You should be fine now." A few kicks and we were already started back.
I talked to him a bit more as we made the trek back up the hill. He trudged further and further until finally for some reason, he stopped. He began to jostle and jerk back and forward. Something had him scared.
"What is it, Gideon? Calm down, boy. Everything is fine we're almost home now," I said softly, leaning down to brush his neck, "Look around, there's nothing-"
It was then that I looked up and saw ominous rolling clouds of black smoke rising above the trees. It filled the night sky and muddied the sight of the pristine full moon. I wasn't sure where the smoke was coming from, but knew that it seemed far too large for a chimney fire.
"Come Gideon, make haste!"
I kicked him in the side and he knew just what to do. He reared back, spooling confidence before digging up snow in a full force gallop. He snorted hard as he took us faster and faster. His hooves sank deep, but that didn't stop him. The trees whisked by so fast I couldn't catch the slightest glimpse of detail. We retraced our tracks back, around the bend, and up to the top of the hill. When we reached the crest, I could not believe my eyes. He halted immediately in front of the home we both knew so well; engulfed in a sea of fire.
Flares spat out the windows of my room as I watched its roof collapse. I rushed Gideon to the stable and tied him to the gate, then ran to the front door, ignoring the flames that fell from the thatching of the roof. My heart beat hard in a rhythm that was in consistent and unusual. I had to see if everyone was safe. My family was all I had and I didn't want to lose them.
I threw open the door and a small flare shot out with a crackling hiss. I turned to cover my face and lost my balance, falling to the ground. The glow of the embers on the doorway waved with heat. When I looked up I saw someone. I couldn't tell who it was through the plume of heat at first, but when my vision cleared I saw the most terrifying thing I'd ever witnessed. There knelt before me was Vlad, on the floor with Adrian in his arms and his teeth sunk deep into her neck. The fire surrounding them had crawled up the walls and chairs, which were strewn about. She stared at me with lifeless glazed eyes. Blood streamed from her neck down to her shoulder; it spilled down her arm, staining her blanket and night gown. I screamed in terror as I watched my sister be bled dry by our winter guest. The floor boards snapped and hissed with heat as the flame came creeping up through the cracks between the boards. As Vlad unsheathed his teeth, he looked up and met my eyes.
He stared at me for a moment; my sister's blood running out his mouth, down his chin, and neck. His expression conveyed a remorseful apology; realizing the pain he had caused me. He knew he could never truly feel the terror that had consumed me. Seeing no solution, he slowly, he laid her down, rose, and walked toward me; ignoring the fire around him. I sat there crying and shaking as he approached me. I couldn't move. The house was falling apart and fire was everywhere. I knelt on the ground in defeat. God spare me the pain and please have mercy.
He grabbed me, picked me up and put me back on my feet. I was still in shock; limp and weak, but he held me steady with his hands on my shoulders. The apologetic remorse hadn't left his face.
"They're all dead Emmeline. All gone. Your mother, father, and now your sister. I didn't want them; I wanted you. Our kiss compelled me. I could not deny your sweet taste any longer, and they were the next closest thing… She knew from the beginning, you know. Yet you are alive and she has passed. Forgive me my demons…"
He forced his piercing stare upon me.
"Come now," he hissed, his eyes emblazoned by reflection of fire, "I shall grant you the serenity that has been denied me."
In one swift and fluid motion, he spun me about into a dip. My head whipped back, and for the briefest yet most life altering moment of my life, I saw Adrian's discarded body, heaped on the floor. Her eyes, barren of life, etched their likeness into my mind.
His teeth entered my flesh like searing hot iron rods; deep and hard. I felt my blood flowing from my neck and down my breast. Darkness was consuming me, as slowly, he drained me of life. I cried out in brutal agony as I felt his cursed venom course through my veins. Then in that moment, just as I felt all hope was gone, he let me loose, shrieking in pain.
I dropped to the ground, faint and unsteady. I looked up to see him turn around with an axe imbedded into his spine. In front of him was Father; who was barely standing and bleeding from the head and brow. He had planted the axe into Vlad's back and I could tell he hadn't a plan that went passed that point. Vlad fell to his knees in anguish as he began to unhinge the axe.
"Emmeline," Father commanded, "take Gideon and ride hard! Make haste and don't look back! Run!"
I staggered to my feet, and called for Gideon doing just as Father instructed. I stumbled, dragging myself toward him. He was still tied to the stable gate and was trying all he could to loosen himself, fighting for a chance to escape the horrifying scene. I untied him, mounting up as well as I could and Gideon took off up the road. Mary's house would be the safest place for me to stay. Mary could help me, besides she was the only friend I had now.
I began losing strength as Gideon ran onward. I began to feel tired and dizzy. My head hung, I watched the snowy grasslands of Britannia fly by. Through the trees we travelled. I could see Mary's house. Her firelight shined through the window in the dark. Closer and closer; I could see it. The bleeding didn't stop, it couldn't be lessened. We drew near and I began to call out her name, again and again, and when we reached her yard I called out to her once more. I was covered in blood... My eyes could no longer stay open... I fell off my valiant steed onto the ground; dying the snow to crimson red.
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