Chapter 10: Curse or bless?

-What a shining night! Dad? – Herbert stepped in complete darkness of the room looking around for his father – Daddy? Where are you?

He stepped further until he saw a shadow in the shape of a cloak and it was produced by the moonlight. Von Krolock stood in front of the big glass window looking to nowhere.

-You like some drama, huh?

-I'm not on the mood, Herbert.

-This is about that girl, right? I knew she was trouble when she walked in.

Krolock turned around to face his son, but said nothing.

-You weren't like this last night. Something must have happened.

-Nothing did and nothing will. It does not matter anyway. You know, Sarah has made quite a progress in those last few years, she does not hide her feelings anymore. She said out loud in my own castle to my guest of honor that I'm a monster. How dauntless!

-Dad.

-Not so naive and innocent as one you thought. I should shut her and her pretty smile out!

-Let's calm down for a second, shall we? Why don't you just talk to Sarah?

-She does not want anything to do with me, why bother?

-Because you do what you want! Why don't you invite her for a dance?

-I'm not organizing another ball now.

-Not a ball! Just an encounter. Music and moonlight, and see what happens?

-I see what you are trying to do.

-No, you see what you want to do. Just go there and invite her. This is the perfect opportunity to find out what she wants here. And keep her away from Elisabeth, she is not going to steal my friend too!

-Sarah did not steal the boy, he came here for her not you. By the way, did you know they are engaged?

-No, I did not.

-But leaving him alone in Paris is a bit odd though.

-They are living in Paris?

Now Herbert is doubled envy.

-So, Sarah came here leaving Alfred in Paris, that must mean something. But now is the time for action. Let's go to where the Empress and Sarah are.

Krolock followed his son, after all the boy was right.

Herbert knocked on the door of the reading room Elisabeth was in.

-You may enter.

-Good night, dear Empress Elisabeth! Where is Sarah? We thought she was with you.

-She was indeed. Quite a pleasant conversation, but she retreated for a bath.

Sisi wasn't used to inform anyone about others whereabouts. Maybe she should have left the bathing part out.

-That is perfect!

Count was moving out but Herbert grabbed the cloak.

-No, no! You can't do the same thing twice.

-Twice? What is happening right here?

The two vampires were behaving weird, Elisabeth was getting more and more intrigued.

-Father is just going to invite Sarah to a dance, don't you think it is a marvelous idea?

-Indeed.

-I will go for now and leave you two to talk. And please, Herbert, do not tire Your Majesty.

-I'm a perfect companion. Besides, Elisabeth and I need to practice our Hungarian.

Herbert was fluent in Hungarian and that was another quality Elisabeth admired in him. It would be nice if he coud somehow serve her, then they could make fun of the Viennese court together. But of course, the son of such powerful vampire would never work for her.

Count left the room, and as he walked and walked past the halls, and who knows how much time he spent wondering in his halls. Until he finally was passing by Sarah's room and he could hear some singing, but not the singing she did when she was on bath. Great. He knocked.

-Come in.

Von Krolock opened the door and he could see that Sarah was putting a dress on top of the bed.

-I wasn't expecting you would come right way. – She started to raise and finally look to her visitor -Oh, it is you!

Sarah looked lovely, he could not deny. Her hair was completely loose, the curls falling around her shoulders. She had no hair pins like last night. She was in a night gown with an open silk robe that she closed right after noticing his gaze.

-You look surprised.

-I wasn't expecting you.

-Who were you expecting?

-Your Majesty. We talked a few moments ago.

-I'm aware of it.

She looked a little embarrassed, but stepped closer to where he was.

-May I help you?

-I'm here to make an invitation.

-To what?

-A dance, a talk, an encounter tomorrow night.

-A ball?

-No, not a ball. Just you and me, no other vampires – he paused – or hunters.

She giggled a little. It was hard to believe that just some hours ago Sarah called him a monster. There was no hatred in eyes, they still were very bright, although she carried some caution and sadness in them now. Krolock decided to close even more the distance betweem them and his hands went to hold her arms.

-Do you accept it?

Sarah hated his eyes! That shade of intense blue was very hypnotizing. It was annoying how someone with such peculiar appearance could be so charming at the same time. Well, Der Tod was also very attractive in a peculiar way, or Sarah was the one who saw beauty on unexpected places? But it wasn't just the Count charm that worried her. Krolock always knew what say and what to do, a very difficult opponent to beat. Thankfully, she was also good in seducing others.

-Yes, sure. I could use some distraction till my departure.

Sarah moved to get herself out of his, but one of her curls ended up in her face and before she could tuck it behind her ear, Count himself did it.

-And what are your plans for this night, if I may ask? Don't want any of my guests bored.

-I thought about going around and grab a bite.

He smiled a little, maybe he found it humorous somehow. Alfred did not like to play with the food, so she avoided statements like that.

-Then I see you tomorrow. I will wait for you in the ballroom.

-Alright.

He looked at her one last time and left.

What things were waiting for her tomorrow? Tod promised her that nothing bad would happen to her. Strangely, he wasn't here now. She deserved some gratitude after talking to Elisabeth. Yes, Death was annoying, but somehow Sarah found his presence entertaining. She got used to him showing up out of nowhere all the time. No, she could not miss him…

Short chapter this time, but hope you liked some father and son love ;)

I thought it would be nice for Herbert to speak Hungarian since Maté is from Hungary and real Elisabeth loved the language.

Thank you for all the patience. And please do review and tell me if you what you are liking, what you are hating and any suggestions are more than welcomed!

Till next time!

Answering Reviews

Wolfs bane wicked

Awww. You make me blush! Love you too, nice reviewer. Hope you like this chapter too.

queenmedesa

Well, Der Tod wasn't spying on Sarah's bath, he just stood there because he knew she would not bathe with him looking. But honestly, both Der Tod and Krolock couldn't care less, they are supernatural stalkers, so. Hope you are liking so far.