Author's Note: Warning: This chapter contains FLUFF! X)) ... and then pain. XDD
Chapter 7: Deadly Temptation
Aibfinnia was watching snowflakes drift through the chilly air outside the window. Some time in the night, she had been moved to another room and placed in a comfortable reclining chair facing a large window. To her delight, she could see more than just the sky. She saw bare trees and white hills of snow across an expansive yard, and a frozen pond in the distance through the layers of drifting snow.
She remembered that once, without the knowledge of her father, her friend the Knight had taken her to a land of snow and ice, and they had skated accross a frozen pond... On discovering her breif departure, the King had become so angry that he had placed the Knight in the dungeon for ten years. When she visited him in the cold dungons, however, he had told her over and over not to be sorry- that the time they spent together was worth a thousand years in the dungeon.
Outside the window, she could faintly hear the sound of singing and bells. Though she could not make out the words, the singers sounded like a happy bunch, and she smiled, wondering what the cause of such a joyous sound.
"Carollers, dear."
She jumped in surprise.
"Oh, I'm sorry if I startled you. But I do enjoy the sound of carollers. It's my favorite part of the Christmas season."
Christmas. She had never heard of it.
The man moved into her vision, next to the window, and looked out in search of the jolly singers, then when he could not spot them, turned and looked at her. He smiled warmly.
At that moment, with the snow falling gently behind him and the dim light from the grey sky casting a celestial glow around him, he looked like an angel. She breathed in suddenly, her throat catching. He was kneeling beside her in an instant.
"Are you allright, Maddie? Do you not feel well?" His voice sounded so full of caring and compassion that all she could do was look back into his sea-blue eyes in wonder. Their eyes locked for a moment, then, with a great effort it seemed, he pulled his gaze away and stood abruptly.
"I'll- fetch another blanket, shall I...? Yes..." And without another word, he strode out the door.
...
That had been too close.
He splashed cold water from the sink on his face, peering at himself in the mirror. He had almost lost it. But he wouldn't allow himself to give into temptation. He wouldn't take advantage of or hurt her.
She had looked so vulnerable, so beautiful, lying wrapped in blankets and pillows like a package under a tree, just ready for the taking... and oh God, he had almost...
Grabbing at the nearest 'V' embroidered towel, he patted his face dry, then looked into the mirror again. He nearly jumped out of his boots as he saw another reflection besides his own. Swerving aroundand dropping the towel, a wave of relief washed over him as he recognized the armor-clad figure before him.
"Ah, it's you, friend," he said, composing himself. "I hope you have a good reason for this intrusion," he added with a hint of malice.
"Yes. I believe I do." His glowing eyes were impassive.
"Have you had any luck finding the kidnapper?"
"Yes, I have."
"Really?! You know who it is?!"
"I do."
"Well, out with it, man!"
"You."
Then, with a sharp pain on the top of his head, Vlad's world went black.
