The second night we were meant to dine together, was considerably more of a social occasion. She'd nearly felt tears prick at her eyes at the realization that every single one of these people there would talk to her if she put herself out as wanting to be talked to. This was so normal that it was more like a dream rather than what she used to know of reality.
There was, however, a great deal of strangeness to it. Firstly, Eveline did not arrive with the Count, nor see the count for the first hour of mingling before the feast which was apparently late. And secondly, though not second in level of importance, was that Vladimir had decreed that supper would not be held in his own abode. An hour she rode in a stagecoach which appeared to go nowhere except darkness, until in the clearing of the thickest forest, a castle not nearly as elaborate as the one he lived in, appeared to her like a beacon.
Standing amidst the people, who in spite of not having yet been fed, were chatting amicably among one another. It was amazing to consider that each of them were below the Prince, and yet, she found them twice or even three times their rulers age. The thought caused the lightest of smiles to appear on her full lips. Leaning back into the wall, it was a great weight lifted off a slender frame to not have to consider vengeance even just for a moment.
Her solitude did not last long for she soon felt a presence, and turning before he even had the chance to speak, her form had already recoiled. Along with the extremely negative emotions that pounded into her form every time the Impaler was near, there was also the agitation that he had to appear in that very moment. But her breathy greeting was lost in confusion as she met eyes that were similar, thought not utterly identical, to that she had been expecting. So instead of allowing the stranger a 'hello' to her, or her hello still holding onto her lips, the incredulous female inquired.
"Who are you?"
The man's greeting fell of a now smiling mouth, his eyes crinkling up and sparkling in a way she would have never seen his near doppelganger do. She noted the differences now, between the count and this man. The count was taller, while the guest was of wider shoulders and none of the feminity that could be seen in the other's face (only in certain lights, of course). The near offensive tone she'd had in demanding his name hadn't offended the other, his head tilting.
"I am of relation to who I think you're mixing me up with."
The blush, familiar from her life before the Prince, felt especially hot on her face this night.
"Oh, I'm sorry, you look so much like him. A brother? I think that I heard he had a brother."
Unbeknownst to her, it was this doubt and lack of knowledge of her father's Murderer, that would cause the next events to unfold. It was also her doubt that sealed a portion of her doom, for this would mean an easier job for the person still smiling at her sweetly. Such a kind face, one that he was going to attempt to use in no way but to harm.
"Yes, I am Radu. Though I haven't spoken to my brother in a long time…We have many differences."
From there the chat was smooth and relatively easy. What she saw as resemblances before were now something that seem to further distance this man from his brother. It was hard to imagine that they were anything alike at all.
"So…How is that you have come to know, the Great Impaler? There is talk of him holding a woman prisoner, would you be her?"
For a moment, she felt truth nearly escape her lips. So desperately needed to be recognized. But this form before her was a brother to a demon whose death she had planned in countless of different ways. Besides, it would be the perfect way to build the lie and gain the horrid Prince's trust if his own brother was to tell how highly she spoke of him.
"Do you think a guest would be allowed to attend such a marvelous party? No, I'm sure that's what he wanted to disprove by inviting me here."
As she knew he would, Eveline was already planning the response to his next inquiry before he even said it.
"So what is your opinion of him, or your relation? If you don't mind me asking of course."
Unable to think of the Impaler even as she lied, her mind strayed far, thinking of nothing to displease her as she spoke so that he would not see the farce hidden in her eyes.
"He is truly something special. I've come to hold nothing but respect and love for him."
Radu's eyebrows raised in mild surprise. Leaning closer to her as if exchanging secrets, his voice respectful, but full of eager curiousity.
"But…Did he not kill your father?"
The question caught her off guard. She had not known that it would be so well talked of. The next facades caught in her throat.
"Oh…"
The soft noise was accompanied by all of the air escaping from her lungs. Attempting to gather her thoughts and stem the sudden tears that flowed without her knowledge and much against her discretion.
"Well I…"
Quickly, her mind searched for the explanation for her tears. There was no way he would not find out her act if she spoke frankly. But if she lied, it would not fit the sudden brine falling from her eyes. So perhaps with a bit to much force, she grabbed onto Radu's firm upper arm, biting on her lip before continuing.
"It is..Impossible to describe my life with my father and family"
This was true, and for a moment she was able to contain herself. Though the next falsehoods caused her to tremble with the mere dishonesty shaking her frame.
"There was no one I hated more than my father, but inwardly I still loved my mother and could not leave her to that awful creature! You must please understand me, I tried to keep my family together and I know I am a sinner for saying this…"
Her voice trailed off, and she hope that his concerned calculating eyes took her feigned guilt and hatred as a reason for the tears.
"But I am glad he's dead."
The strangled whisper had barley escaped her throat. And bless him, like the good soul he was, her heart leapt when he took her into his arms. For a moment after her tears dammed themselves into her eyes, there was a moment of awkwardness, the hollow feeling resulting in the further damage of her soul sinking in. His arms didn't falter, and trying to find an appreciative way to get him off of her, she was thankful for the chime alerting the company of their prince. With happy sighs and a unanimous bow that Radu and Eveline had to part for, they all started to fill into the dining hall. It was a feast in memory of Vladimir's late father, and meant to be a happy occasion despite the fact that she was sure many of these noble men, like her father, had something to deal with it. Still, she turned with good words in mind of the late Dracul, to Radu. And found him gone.
The puzzlement of the sudden empty air left her wanting for some way to ascertain that he had been real in the first place. Assuming that perhaps he may have already retired with the rest of the guests seem unlikely, but decidedly more likely than just leaving, she made her way there as well. During the few steps she found her eyes wondering, half expecting the prince to find her personally. Though sitting down at the table without even so much of a glance from him, she found herself faced with the realization that his thoughts did not rotate mostly around her, as her thoughts did him. Granted, she would not wish for his thoughts on her, and the notions she had for him were far from pleasant.
Yet even this banquet could take one's mind off of murder, and if one found themselves not charmed by the food and company in and of itself, the heavy wine would certainly do the trick. She had a silver goblet, soon filled twice more, and was feeling properly warmed and only a touch dizzy. Never one to dally in the possible pleasure of intoxication, this was a true representation of how the change had become her this past month. It wasn't just her, however, even the women of the family's were laughing much louder than normal after the first glass. As time led on, she did not see one person up to their full wits. Granted, she wasn't feeling like a genius herself either
The conversation was light and thoughtful, her laugh surprising her with the ferocity of such an emotion. Still, when she did dare to glance up to the head of the table where Radu was meant to be seated, she found no one but the Count who looked as if she'd called his name. Even the warmth of wine could not hold off such a still as one got from such a stare. As if a signal had been sounded, his lean body folded with the intent to stand, her eyes quickly went back to the food, suddenly looking grotesque to her under the candlelight. With dread knowing where his gliding feet had been headed there was no unexpected thrill when the cold hand laid on her shoulder. Announcing the company, who had fallen silent due to the Prince's rising, that dessert would soon be out and he had to walk off the heavy meal, he then held out the same hand for her to hold.
The uncustomary formality was no doubt in need of the many forty pairs of eyes that watched, though hooking her arm with Vladimir served no human comfort. Attempting to match his quiet evenly with her own. Upon exiting the lavished home, however, his nod to the man who was lingering outside the house and party stirred her senses. Through the intoxicated haze she recognizes the strangeness of him locking the door behind them, and once they were several moments away from the exit she turned to her company slightly as they walked.
"What did he lock the doors for?"
Until she'd risen, Eveline hadn't realized the extent of the drink. Her tongue was heavy with the toxin, and her legs felt unresponsive, never had such a heavy drink been had by her right. In spite of the utter revulsion of her arm on his, only minutes in her walk did she feel unstable enough to physically not want to let go. If he noticed any of these signs, he gave no real notion in his answer.
"I have to make sure that my guests don't try to escape their dessert."
The sincerity covered up the sinister tone, and not in the proper mind to question any information, her eyes traveled up to the moon. A general feeling of strangeness came over her, tugging at her sleeve with it's want for attention.
"But why did you take me on a walk?"
He gave the lightest of smirks, unseen to her, though his eyes never wandered far from the pale woman's face, hers didn't flinch from the stars filtered through the trees.
"Well I wanted to see what you would look like under such a wonderful moon."
This time, he did glance upwards. Their walk had slowed now, having already strayed much from where they were meant to reside. Not sensing the patronizing tone in his voice this time, her head fell forward to look at the monster with heavy suspicion. The bland look he returned to her suited the tone of what he spoke next,
"Were you enjoying the little party?"
Forgetting herself for a moment, Eveline rocked back slightly before nodding.
"Yes…"
Her voice was softer now. She felt indescribably sleepy, and warm.
"I much like your brother, he seemed like a good brother."
There was a pause, and with amusement, he regarded it must be the drink to make this woman talk so.
"Eveline, you are confused. I only have one brother and he would not be here tonight."
The words brought on a scowl, though she had to remind herself to open her eyes again, having found solace in the darkness behind her eyelids for just a moment.
"No…No. His name was…Radu? Radu, I believe, and he was very nice to me."
The smile immediately faded from the Count, his face becoming a nearly indescribable white, hardening like the bone color it represented. The shift did not escape her notice entirely, though the more accurate reason to turn to find the face near her would be that, fearfully speaking, she found everything around her to be darkening. This was at the point where she saw the barest of the most horrifying faces she'd ever seen. It couldn't possibly belong to a man, no, a demon looked at her. A demon with red eyes and hair that seemed to move of it's own accord and a deep gash of a mouth. Almost crying out at the near sight, this was soon deemed impossible by the backward motion she was forced to participate it. Slammed up against the tree, she felt the splinters bite into her skin where the outside of her elbow first made contact. The slip of her own blood soon blossomed on the delicate skin of her upper arm, though hardly a comparable concept of the force of a demon putting his body over yours with his hand at her throat.
"What did he say to you, what did you say to HIM?"
The roar that echoed made her eyes widen, though her head swooned. Her body felt far away, as if she'd fallen off the ledge that held her to herself, and now watched as she continued to get smaller. The fear was ever present, even though she now fought to see him, she desperately clawed at her throat for the soon need for oxygen which he hadn't thought she'd need in her answer, so great was his fury.
Upon this realization, he thrust her against the tree, stars blooming in a now dark vision. Only shadows and sparks met her even with the pain of the strike upon her cheek.
"Idiot, you drunken whore!"
The words didn't matter, all she knew is that she was scrambling to the point that she hoped was meant to lead her upright. Before she even straightened, she'd broken out into a run, nearly falling into the pieces of vegetation, their spiny branches reaching out with ghostly fingers to take hold of her hair and dress. Oh god, any moment her body nearly toppled, she expected to feel a jolt as she woke in her bed, but instead, the bitter taste of dirt entered her lips, no doubt breaking her bottom one which would explain the copper taste intruding onto her taste buds.
The screaming met her ears as if through water, most of her body being numb and, detachedly she realized that this could not be from any normal drink. Groaning, Eveline realized with a dim shock that was not her throat that the source of shrieking came from. It appeared one woman had avoided the poisoned wine.
With irony, she felt herself smirk lightly into what she thought was the grass, the heavy earth filtering through her nose. It was ironic that he got her with the same intentions that she meant to do him away with. Though, she doubted it was the same sort of poison, she certainly no longer felt her body. Perhaps her father had been right. In that as long as she could see the dead of this world, she was tied to this world with them. Well, that would be all right with her, if that was to be it. Bitterly, she felt herself being raised and surprise made it's way through the hum of her mind for a moment. Her body was still being lifted to the Lord above? Was it supposed to feel like this? Well, there was no way of knowing given she hadn't yet died before.
It was a harsh check to come to terms with when the jolt of arms felt roughly around her, the earth now gone from her grasp. Struggling, she dug her nails into the pale arm, stronger than any man's she'd felt to this day.
"N-no…no."
Rolling her head, as he tossed her into his arms, ignoring her struggles as if she were nothing more than a newly borne cat, she caught a glimpse with now open eyes the intense brightness against the forest air. It appeared she'd made it to the house after all. The screaming from inside had stopped, perhaps they had all become susceptible to the wine. It was only then, that she realized, that through the bars which covered the now broken windows, a fire raged inside the home where the previous feast lay.
This would be the last alarm she would sustain with a tired mind, her feet now dragging through the dead leaves of the forest floor as she felt herself hoisted into what was probably a carriage.
She dreamed of walking, there was this indescribably long path, and behind her she kept hearing someone call her name. Though everytime she turned, she found nothing. Suddenly, the ground gave her a vicious shake. Knocking her to the ground. From then on, the earth began to quake as if it were trying to rid itself of some great chill. With a shout, she awoke from this state to find herself in a carriage, though not seated, she existed on a bench in the back nothing like any stage coach she'd ever known. Almost screaming in the immediate confusing terror of wakening, her fists balled up in some meager defense for what she saw. Radu.
The dizziness of her head not to mention the jostling it was going through due to some travel over obviously bumpy roads, only furthered at the sinking realization that her hands were tied firmly behind her back.
Radu watched her struggle with it silently, and she could recognize him, despite the strange garb he wore. After a moment, she recognized the Turkish emblem with shock, the symbol of her nation's greatest enemy.
"I don't…understand…"
The weak voice was simply mystified. And giving her a cold stare he'd only finally graced her after a profound quiet.
"It was a good thing you drank that whine, given the break in my finger now, I'm sure you would have put up a greater fight."
Her mouth opened indignantly, but he plowed on.
"Furthermore, he pulled you out of there even after drugging you."
A wicked grin covered his face, even if he was on the ground of a carriage with the a now labeled prisoner, the man's bloodline never showed more clearly.
"Vladimir must really like you."
Moving toward her carefully now, no matter the vicious ride they were both undergoing at the moment.
"Do you think that he'll make you his bride, that he'll shower you with presents and given you royal sons?"
The patronizing tone did not escape her. Though she was quite unable to agree to such a statement, and her hesitance was weighing heavily on what to say, her chin held high.
"If he must, Vladimir will send out the entire Walachian armies for me."
She declared icily, though inwardly watching his face for the reveal of her mistake or well played ace. Comfortably, the grin never leaving his face, the firstborn monstrosity of the Dracul family leaned his back against the wood once more.
"We'll count on that, pet, thank you so very kindly for the tip."
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