I forgot to say that Sarah's dress from last chapter in my imagination was the blue dress Yvaine (Claire Danes) wears in Stardust.
Chapter 9: Tales of love, manipulation and care.
Yes, she was flying; at least it felt like it. She didn't resist to him, she was kissing him back, like she wanted to do since that dance. She was afraid that things would be different with him on his human form, but somehow it wasn't. But the dream faded away as their lips separated.
-Sarah, I should not have done this.
Yet, he wasn't really sorry. But he cared for her, after so many years, he had found someone to care about besides his son.
-Let's pretend this didn't happen.
Yes, Sarah, great idea.
-Alright, we should probably go back home now.
He lifted up and offered Sarah his hand so he could help her rise up. The walk back was silent, the skies were pure and the fields were green, and after a while they passed by some peasant young women, one of them was really beautiful, but she looked chocked, she was looking at Sarah with a sad expression, like she had being stabbed or something. Then Sarah looked at the Count, he seemed a little embarrassed, and also noticed the peasants whispering to each other, probably calling her a mistress, if only she was a vampire here... But she didn't care about the peasants, actually she worried about that girl being a mistress of HER husband. Was he in love with that girl? He look concerned. Krolock…
Once the path was more quiet and just the two of them, Count broke the silence.
-Sarah, maybe we should talk about what happened.
-Why? I probably just another pretty woman you wanted to kiss, but thank god there are thousands of girls just like me for your delight!
-What are you talking about?
-You know what? I should not offend your sweetheart. She probably means something to you. Not just some random stranger you found in your property.
Sarah was sounding really pissed; he didn't owe her anything here, still it did hurt her the idea of her husband loving another woman than her, even in a really remote past.
-You are talking about Ileana.
-Beautiful name.
-She is a really kind and sweet young woman.
So why don't you go kiss her and invade her private bath? Instead of it, Sarah said:
-So she is important to you. You two probably-
-She just helped me once. The least I can do is respect her honor.
-So you like her?
Was she jealous? He had to contain the inappropriate smile. Could she?
-You don't really measure your words, Miss Chagal.
-I've long have find bravery in my path, and are we back to the formalities?
-Only if you wish.
She looked down and crossed her arms.
-This is not of my business, I should have stayed quiet.
He didn't mean to be rude.
-No, no. I'm sorry, but Ileana doesn't deserve people to think the wrong way about her. You must know that you don't have to be afraid of being yourself around me. I promised to fix up the last night mistake only to make another one.
The last part sounded like a frustration.
Mistake? Kissing her was a mistake? It kind was since he was married and stuff, but this was about them! Sarah and Von Krolock, the ones who had a total eclipse of the heart. She could not cry, no, but the tears were out any way.
-Sarah, please don't cry. I never meant to offend you.
He was hugging her. Being next to her wasn't the best idea now, but he couldn't stand the thought of hurting Sarah.
-I know, I'm really fine, just a lot confused.
-The only thing I can say is that I'm here whenever you need.
Back in the castle, during the middle of the night.
It was almost close to midnight, and she didn't manage to sleep, Sarah was enjoying his human companion in these last three days, but it was also a torture!
She was wandering past the castle halls without really knowing where she was going, she didn't care.
-Don't you miss me, dear?
Female voice, not the Countess though.
-I told you that it is over between us, we aren't and never were in love to begin with! You don't need me, then why the insistence?
-Because you need me! And I can help you, but no good deeds come without a price.
-You have nothing I want.
-Really? What about your freedom? Also, I will provide you with power. Think of it. No more playing games but setting the rules.
That woman, she didn't look totally human, and Sarah was positively sure that she was a vampire.
-What do you mean?
-You like to play with others mind, Count Von Krolock, don't deny it, I'm offering the possibility of doing it in a much bigger scale.
She was touching his shoulder, probably wanting that neck.
-I'll let with your thoughts and your ordinary life. But I'll be back soon.
She made a dramatic disappearance. Sarah walked fast and silent as she could, she didn't want to be near him now. So this is how it happened, that woman is whom turned him into a vampire! Of course she got back around the time he became a vampire! How should she act? Is she going to interfere? If she does, he won't be a vampire and they won't meet in the future, no, no, no… But would she be able to stay still as that stranger hurts her love? He harmed her that way so they could be together, but somehow the thought of doing nothing as someone bites his neck was haunting her. Finally she could have a glimpse of what Alfred felt in the midnight ball.
She was getting near somewhere now, both of her task or lesson, and to her room. She opened the door to find a really upset Herbert sitting in one of the chairs.
-Herbert, what are you doing here?
-Sorry to disturb you so late, but since you requested me a favor the other night…
-You do not disturb me, darling. What is the matter?
-Mother did it! She invited Duke DeVale and his daughter to come here tomorrow, she wants… she wants…
His voice was shaking, he seemed really upset.
-She wants me to propose to her!
-The daughter?
-Yes, her name is Mikaela, I can't stand that girl, and her hair is so big that you could hide things in it. Mother said it would be a great agreement for our family, but I don't want… I don't want to take care of business or to pretend to be a husband…
-It's alright I'm here.
He hugged her, his head pressed to her stomach, he was crying.
-You're not alone. We must make some plan for her not want to marry you as well.
-That won't help! I don't know why but she really likes me. Besides I don't think our parents would care for our personal opinion.
-But your father will!
-I don't want to put him against mother again. They always fight and it is always my fault. I should be more grateful to them and do the right thing for the family.
-But the wrong thing for you. You weren't born to live up at other people's expectations.
She put her hand in his face and brought his face up so he looked into her eyes.
-I know that freedom sounds like selfishness sometimes, but it is your life and you are the one who will be facing the consequences.
-I don't know what to do. One way I'm stabbing them and the other way I'm stabbing myself.
-Everything will turn out fine, you will see it.
The next day.
-Sarah was sitting in the library looking to nowhere until Herbert broke the trance.
-Sarah! They arrived! They are here!
-Who?
-The DeVales. They are talking to my parents.
-Why aren't you there?
-Because mother wanted a good impression of our estate to ensure Mikaela answer to the…
-Proposal?
-That.
-What are you going to do now?
-I was thinking running away, you could come with me.
-Or we could face this like adults. Let's hide and listen to their conversation!
-So much more mature.
She giggled. And they did hide behind the door, so they could listen.
-You have an impressive estate, Excellency.
-Thank you for the compliments, your Highness. Must say how honored we are to receive such an important guest.
Said the Countess more charming than ever.
-I do find myself really found of your family, where is the young Herbert? Forgive the indiscretion, but my daughter is really content to the idea of seeing your son.
-Herbert is reading poetry, he is really found of it, especially the ones about love. I will order him to be called, he will be more than pleased to see Mikaela.
-Wait a moment, dear. If you forgive my indiscretion, but we all know here that the object of this meeting is an alliance, a marriage.
-You don't use to be this direct, Alexander.
-When it is about my son I don't see the point to play games. I do have to be honest, I don't approve this engagement.
-I beg your pardon.
-Let me finish, your Highness. You see, Herbert is a Viscount, this marriage would be disadvantage for you and your daughter.
-What are you insinuating, my husband?
-There's no need for modesty, your family's name is great and your son is a noble man. Besides, this marriage will provide Mikaela not only security but her happiness, she is really infatuated with your son.
-For Mikaela's felicity I am interfering. Herbert is a child in so many ways, and your daughter holds both the beauty of young ladies and the temper of a mature women.
The girl was blushing and Krolock looked straight to her. He was doing what he does best, using people desires and vanity to get what he want.
-I would be more than lucky to be this remarkable young woman's father-in-law, you see I never had a daughter and somehow I feel really protective of her, maybe because I know her since her childhood.
-Then why are you trying to apart our children?
-Because knowing Mikaela and Herbert, I know they can't be happy together, she would have to look out for him. He needs more time to prepare himself for a marriage, but clearly your daughter doesn't, she is a fine lady who will receive lots of proposals, there is no good reason why I should insist you to hold her back for my son's sake. I would never be that selfish.
He picked Mikaela's hand and kissed him.
-Can you forgive me, my child?
-Of course, Excellency, I must do what's right for me and Herbert. Thank you so much for the words, I didn't know how much you cared about me.
-Mikaela, my angel…
Said the Duke with concern.
-Papa, understand. Do you really want my marriage to be a mistake.
-Of course not, darling. I appreciate your honesty, Alexander. We must go now. I'm looking forward to tomorrow's ball.
Sarah and Herbert walked away from that room, once they were safe.
-I'm free!
-See, your father settled everything.
-I need to go to… Well…
-Go.
He walked away, but it seemed like he was dancing.
Von Krolock always protect Herbert, he loved his son so much. Sarah knew he would never let his son suffer, and she was feeling really proud of her husband now.
Answering review
queenmedesa
Don't you worry, no sex scenes, this fic is a rated T. I do like some sexual tension, but I don't think there need for a sexual explicit scene in Feeling Lucky, there's going to be one more scene with sexual tension, but really light.
Hope you are enjoying, so please review.
