An Immortal Promise
Short Summary: Very AU! 1537. Jane Seymour is married to King Henry VIII while Anne Boleyn was spared from the executioner's block has been sent into exile. Although, when Henry invites Anne to the court for Christmas, she meets the mysterious Count Dracula, whose presence drives her to very edge of temptation, is determined to win her heart and soul - no matter the cost.
Detailed Summary: Very AU! 1537. Jane Seymour is married to King Henry VIII while Anne Boleyn who was spared from the executioner's block is put under house arrest at Hever Castle. While in exile, Anne begins to have visions of an enigmatic stranger who whispers of forbidden pleasures in her dreams. It is only when she is summoned back to court for Christmas that Anne meets the mysterious Count Dracula, who resembles the stranger from her dreams, who is also determined to win her heart and soul - no matter the cost.
Pairing: Anne/Dracula
Rating: T
Disclaimer: I do not own any Tudor characters or Dracula.
Author's Note: NO FLAMES! I use them to cook marsh mellows. Thanks for the reviews, favorites and alerts! I am glad this story is gaining popularity.
Author's Note 2: This is a very hard story to write, also, this is the last time I am re-posting this story, after a year, I am going to say, enough is enough! Oh I almost forgot, I am bring in Van Helsing into this story the next chapter! It is from the 2004 movie if you must know. I wanted a twist on this story, I am bring in a lot of different characters just to help me out. Okay, on with the chapter!
Chapter Four: Eternal Hunger
Chapter Summary - Anne vowed to never to feel warmth again but that promise is broken, but be warned the hunter is coming.
26th December 1537
Hampton Court Palace, England
The next morning, Anne emerged from her dressing chamber in a deep red dress with her black hair flowing down her back, "Constance, I am going to get some fresh air, please have breakfast here when I return." Within a few minutes, Anne was strolling through the garden to enjoy the fresh crisp air. The wind was cold but blew gently in Anne's face leaving her cheeks nice and warm.
She could not stop thinking about the Count. The very thought of the him caused heat to erupted from her core that sent shivers down her spine. Anne could still feel his striking blue eyes staring deep into her soul.
The way he looked at her last night, it was as if she were the only woman in his world.
Henry use to look at her like that once a long time ago. After everything that had happened, how could someone was still be able to look at her with such a passion in his eyes? It confused her at the same time. Why would he stare at her so when she was just a discarded Queen, an older woman with no choice of producing children ever again. Why would he not pick a younger girl?
She was getting ahead of herself.
Anne did not even know if he felt something for her and probably never would. Why would he?
Anne turned a corner colliding with something hard. Strong arms wrapped around her middle before she fell over. "I am sorry sir-" Anne began but stopped dead as she stared into those familiar blue eyes. They were filled with the same passion as they were last night. "Your Highness, pardon my clumsiness. I was not looking where I was going."
The Count chuckled but kept Anne close to him, it felt wonderful to hold and feel her again. "It is quite alright my lady, I applaud your clumsiness."
His voice was deep and seductive, making Anne's body explode with warmth. "My lord, you can let go of my now."
"My lady, would you fancy a ride with me?"
Anne giggled, "I would love too. Let's go before I have to meet Elizabeth." Anne slipped her arm around his as they both began to walk to the stables.
Once there, Anne came up next to her horse petting his nose. The Count came up behind her and Anne found herself blushing slightly as he once again put his hands on her waist, to toss her into the saddle, and was amazed at how strong he was. It was one thing to help a lady down from her mount, but to lift her up as though she weighed nothing was very impressive, and in her state of surprise, she commented on it as he settled into his own saddle.
"Forgive me," She apologized. "It was terribly rude of me to say such a thing so forwardly. But I must say that I have never seen a man perform such an act with so little effort on his part."
A soft chuckle from the Count's lips startled her, "To satisfy the curiosity I'm sure you have, I believe I should inform you that I take great pride in my strength and exercise frequently. I thank you for your compliment."
Anne grinned before rushing her stallion forward. The Count watched her disappearing form before kicking his stallion chasing after her.
A few minutes later, Anne motioned her stallion to stop in a clear meadow turning to face her escort. Slowly, Anne leaped off her horse as the Prince of Transylvania did as well. Anne strolled towards him as her dark mane traveled freely over her shoulders.
"Count are we here?" She said suddenly.
He took the young woman in his arms hearing her heart beat intensify. "You called out to me." He took his hand lowering it over her face. Anne blinked for a second and he felt her body swaying about.
Her eyes fluttered shut.
Anne felt that she was losing control of her body. Her mind was descending into a dark hole and Anne could not move or speak. What was happening? "I have crossed oceans of time to find you." The Count's voice echoed all around.
Dracula slowly lowered Anne onto the snow covered meadow. Her black hair fanned out as she breathed in deeply. He touched her beautiful face softly. Anne moaned for a second, fluttered her eyes open, put her hand against his. "What are you doing?" She whispered softly.
He rubbed her flushed cheek before bending over her to kiss her red blood lips. "To take you away from all of this hurt and pain, don't worry now, everything will be alright."
Anne closed her eyes as she fell deeper into his spell. "Promise?" She asked.
"Yes." Dracula turned his head away from Anne, his eyes turning red, and his fangs sharpened within his mouth. The King of Vampires turned around to face his chosen love, intending to bit turning her into his countess.
He stopped when he took another look at her beautiful face. Anne breathed in slowly as she lay on the ground under his spell. She was still holding his hand with such trust.
Dracula reached down touching her face. He couldn't do it. He couldn't damn her. Anne had a daughter to care for and Elizabeth deserved her mother at her side. That little child could not be left alone in this world.
"I am sorry my rose." He muttered, slowly releasing her from his spell.
Anne's eyes fluttered open, she smiled and whispered. "My love,"
The last few hours were a blur or a haze. The only thing she remembered was feeling as if she were falling asleep. Anne strolled into the castle with some courtiers nodding their heads in acknowledgment of her presence. The second wife of King Henry VIII just kept walking towards her daughter's rooms with great enthusiasm. Her precious Elizabeth was her pride and joy and if anything happened to her.
Some ladies curtsied to her as she entered the outer chamber. "Mama!" Elizabeth exclaimed as she ran into her mother's embrace.
Anne kissed her daughter's rosy cheek, "How are you this morning my darling?"
"Wonderful, I am learning Latin right now."
Anne looked into her daughter' eyes, she was so intelligent! "That is wonderful my darling, come there is someone I want you to meet." She took her daughter and held her all the way out into the courtyard to where the count was waiting for them. This is his Highness, Count Vlad III Dracula, Prince of Transylvania but you met him last night at the banquet.'
When her mother set her down, Elizabeth curtsied deeply to the prince. "My lord Prince, it is wonderful to see you again."
Dracula chuckled, "My lady it is always a joy to see you, I have present for you."
Elizabeth's eyes went big with excitement, "Another one? I have your rose in a vase in my room. It was very pretty."
Anne watched as Dracula spoke to her daughter sighing deeply. The prince seemed so interested in what Elizabeth had to say. How could a prince of all people pay attention to a cast off wife with a small daughter who use to be heir to the throne of England? Why?
Suddenly Dracula grabbed her daughter waist lifting her into the air. Elizabeth laughed with delight. It felt like her papa lifting her into the air as he use to do. He did not do it anymore.
A chuckle filled the air and Elizabeth clutched Dracula's neck giving him a hug. He halted hugging the little princess back warmly. She sighed.
"It is alright little princess."
She closed her eyes. "My Papa."
Dracula smiled smoothing the young child's bright red hair. "My Elizabeth." He softly spoke in her ear.
Anne could feel small tears in her eyes.
He holds my child as his own. A new wave of love floated into her being as she stared at the picture in front of her.
Love for the man who loved them.
A family.
Off in a far window, Henry watched Elizabeth hug the Count as if he were her father. Anne stood there next to them just watching them. He should not feel this way about seeing Anne with another man. It wouldn't bother him. Although, the sight of Elizabeth looking at the prince like a daughter to her father, it was too much to handle.
26th December 1537
Hampton Court Palace, England
In the queen's chambers, Jane paced pack and forth with ladies and the Lady Mary watching her. "Why has he not come to pay his respects to me?" Mary Tudor had ever seen Jane this upset before, she was always so gentle spoken.
"My lady, the King told him that you must rest and he is probably respecting that." Mary said to defend the Count, even thinking of him sent shivers down her spine.
Jane sighed, "I know but he has been spending time with the Lady Anne too much time it is said."
Mary's heart stopped altogether, the image of the Count and that whore together made her blood boil! Oh course the concubine had latched her claws into another royal It was not fair! The prince was to be her betrothed! First her father and then her future husband, it was too much! "Jane, don't worry. That whore is a passing fancy. The Count will come to pay his respects to you soon." Jane Boleyn, widow of George Boleyn said to claim the pregnant queen down and unknowingly the Lady Mary.
Mary breathed in slowly, Lady Rochford was right, Anne was a passing fancy and the Count would be her husband soon enough.
"Yes Lady Rochford, I am sure His Majesty will permit a visit soon so I may look upon the face of our stranger."
26th December 1537
Hampton Court Palace, England
As Elizabeth ventured off with her governess, Anne strolled around the gardens with the Count. "How long do you plan on staying my lord?"
"To be honest, I came here to find a wife."
"Oh, wonderful, the Lady Mary would make a good wife."
Dracula grabbed her arm, "I was not thinking of her." Before she could say anything, the Count pulled her into an embrace, he began to kiss her. Vlad was rewarded with a sigh coming from her mouth against his lips and her arms circling his neck were a sign of approval.
Anne moaned as one of the Count's strong arms circled her waist and the other held the back of her neck, to hold her in place.
It felt so wonderful to be held by a man again. To feel so safe and secure in this terrible world. Anne had longed for her husband's touch in the later years of their marriage. Just the tiniest gesture would have put her at ease. It had never come. She had felt so cold in a last year - secretly yearning for a touch.
This man who held her now, royalty or not, gave her the feeling of love again. A few seconds later, Anne withdrew to breathe. Her eyes remained shut as she leaned her forehead against his.
30th December 1537
Hampton Court Palace, England
Over the next few days, Anne would sneak off to meet with her lover in secret. His visit was only suppose to last a few more days and he would be out of her life forever. One such night, a few candles burned offering enough light for a silent dinner prepped for lovers. Wine was poured by the gentlemen caller across the short table for his lady love. On the other side of the table, a beautiful woman dressed in blood red with her long black hair spilling down her shoulders brought strawberry to her ruby red lips.
From across the table, Dracula watched Anne sip on her wine while watching him with her entrancing eyes. "Tell me my love," She began as she set her wine goblet down on the table. "How do you find England?"
He chuckled at her, "It is beautiful during the winter time. It's white milk fields and dark night sky."
Anne's spine tingled with excitement, "Is you home beautiful?"
"It is the beautiful place in creation." He spoke firmly.
Anne believed him, but slowly, Anne could see a picture of trees, rivers, mountains and green grass come to life. "Yes, it must be. A land beyond a great forest, surrounded by mountains always covered with snow. The trees always green with life."
He came over next to her, "You speak as if you can see it."
Anne turned back around, "I can - it is the most beautiful place I ever laid eyes upon." Anne walked away from him to the window. "Is the court wonderful?"
He turned towards her, "Yes, the most beautiful."
"And the princess?" Anne spoke again after a second, 'There is always a princess isn't there?"
Dracula tried to cover his eyes, his wife Elizabeth had passed away many years ago before he was one of the undead. He walked behind Anne, "Yes there was...but the prince was heartbroken. He never thought he would feel the warmth of love again." A tear came from Anne's eyes, Dracula spoke softly in her ear. "Until his gaze found the most beautiful woman in the world...with eyes like dark hooks for the soul." Anne was crying as she turned towards him. Her lover wiped the tears away from her lovely face. Anne closed her eyes as Dracula kissed her lightly on the lips. "Sweetheart," He purred.
"My love," She whispered before he kissed her once again.
"I know we have not known each other long but I wish for you to become my bride, Marry me Anne," He asked silently.
Anne looked deep into his eyes, and replied "Yes." He kissed her softly.
"I will talk to the king tomorrow." He said easing her mind. In truth he did not care about the fickle king but there was a young child involved.
He had a plan for the royal family and by the end of it all, Elizabeth would be sitting on the throne as Queen of England.
30th December 1537
Vatican City, Rome
Across the continent into Rome a man in a leather trench coat went into a booth crossing himself. "Forgive father for I have -"
"Sinned, yes I know you are very good at that." Van Helsing, monster-hunter, winced at the bitterness from the holy man. The cardinal opened the door between the booth window. "You shattered the Rose Window."
Van Helsing held up his finger, "Not to split hairs, sir, but Mr. Hyde did the shattering."
"13th century. Over 300 years old." Th cardinal said, "I wish you a week in hell for that."
"It would be a nice reprieve." Van Helsing replied.
"Don't get me wrong. Your results are unquestionable...but your methods attract far too much attention. Wanted" posters? We are not pleased."
"Do you think I like being the most wanted man in Europe? Why don't you and the Order do something about it?" Van Helsing snapped at the holy man.
The cardinal opened his window again. "Because we do not exist."
"Well, then neither do I." Van Helsing snapped.
As he was about to get up to leave, the cardinal pressed a button making a pair of bars to stop Van Helsing from escaping. "When we found you crawling up the steps of this church, half-dead..." The cardinal crossed himself, "it was clear to all of us that you had been sent to do God's work."
"- Why can't he do it himself?" -
"Don't blaspheme." The cardinal started stepping down some stairs on the other side of the booth though a secret tunnel. "You already lost your memory as a penance for past sins. If you wish to recover it... I suggest you continue to heed the call. Without us, the world would be in darkness. Governments and empires come and go... but we have kept mankind safe since time immemorial. We are the last defense against evil. An evil that the rest of mankind has no idea even exists."
Van Helsing followed him down the stairs next to the cardinal. "To you, these monsters are just evil beings to be vanquished. I'm the one standing there when they die... and become the men they once were."
"For you, my good son, this is all a test of faith. And now, we need you to go to the West." The cardinal snapped his fingers and a map of England came on. "In recent weeks, a series of murderers have taken place. It starts in Romania and ends in England." He snapped his fingers again, "We believe it to be the work of Count Dracula."
"Dracula?"
"Yes. You've never faced one like this before." A picture of Dracula appeared on the screen. 'For some reason, he has left his homeland and traveled to England. We searched his palace and found three female vampires dead and a painting of a human woman" He snapped his finger again. "Oh Anne Boleyn," He said with distaste in his mouth.
Van Helsing knew that name by heart, it was whispered throughout Europe and in Rome. Anne had caused King Henry VIII to break away from Rome. "Why does he want her?"
"We are not sure," The cardinal replied, "It cannot be good though." He turned to Van Helsing. "The King of England remarried to a Jane Seymour who is pregnant with child. The king also has his daughter, The Lady Mary return to court." A painting of Mary Tudor came up onto the screen. Van Helsing held his breath as he looked upon the picture. "If Dracula is there, the royal family is in danger. We need you to go there, kill him to protect the royal family."
"So you're sending me into hell."