super short author's note because i'm actully supposed to be working on a civics project...-hehe-

ok, enjoy.

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CHAPTER 14

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Someone had opened the curtains while she slept and a scintilla of moonlight crept into the chamber through the large balcony window. The silvery light bathed Fleur's skin in its soft glow and she turned her head away as the light hit her vulnerable eyes. Pulling the silky sheets further up, she buried her head in their warm depths, a rare lazy smile gracing her lips as she reveled in the alluring feeling of the smooth material caressing her body. The soft sound of a doorknob turning suddenly reached Fleur's ears and her head shot up as her reflexes kicked in,her mind instantly cleared of it's sleepy state. Her body tensed and she sat up; drawing the sheet closer around her body as the door quietly opened. A head of shaggy brown hair peeked into the room from the lit doorway and green eyes flashed with humor at seeing her sitting up in bed.

"Finally awake I see," Caliburn said, slipping into the room and shutting the door softly behind him. Strolling across the room the werewolf captain came to perch on the edge of the bed.

"What time is it?" Fleur asked, relaxing her tense muscles and settling back against the mountain of pillows.

"A little past midnight," Caliburn answered, his eyes gazing out the open window to the nearly full moon, "you've been asleep for almost fifteen hours…"

Fleur's eye widened in surprise but she grudgingly admitted to herself that the last few days had completely exhausted her of her energy. Between having to constantly keep her mind guarded while she was awake combined with the fact that she hardly ever got a good night's sleepdue to her nightmares, Fleur realized that the strain must have slowly drained her both physically and mentally. Perhaps if she could find a place to just rest her mind for a while…

"Caliburn, does this place have somewhere I could go just to be alone for a bit?" she asked.

Caliburn thought for a second. "I would usually recommend the library but lately Gavin has gotten in the habit of prowling the bookshelves so that probably wouldn't work…" he continued to run through the places he usually went when he needed time to himself. He couldn't bring her outside the mansion so going for a ride in the city was out of the question. She probably wouldn't enjoy the thrill of watching the werewolves at battle practice so he couldn't bring her down to the armory…so where, then, could she go?Caliburn's eyes light up as a sudden brilliant idea hit him.

"I know the perfect place!" he said excitedly, turning back to her expectant face.
"Really? Where?" she asked, smiling as she watched Caliburn's eyes sparkle in amusement.

He shot her a particularly wolfish grin as he rose to his feet. "It's a surprise," he said, "I'll send Banu in a few minutes with some clothes and then we can go. Are you sure you're well enough to be moving around?"

"I think so," Fleur answered, moving around experimentally in the bed. Yes her back still stung with a vengeance whenever she moved it too abruptly and her ribs ached slightly but Fleur decided finding a little solitude would be well worth the slight inconveniences. "Don't worry Caliburn," she said reassuringly, "I've had much worse-" she stopped abruptly, her face paling.

Caliburn didn't know whether to be reassured that she was okay or to worry that she'd been a recipient of beatings worse than his master's…

Tucking the disturbing piece of information in the back of his mind Caliburn acted like he hadn't noticed her slip of tongue and forced a cheerful smile to adorn his face. "Very well," he said executing a small bow as he backed out of the room, "I'll return in half an hour for you."

The door shut with a small click leaving the huntress alone once again. Fleur lifted her hands to her face and buried her head in them as she cursed her stupidity. Had she really just let that slip? God she was losing it! Pulling herself slowly out of bed she wondered how she could have been so careless. It's probably because you feel so relaxed around the man, her mind told her, but why? He was one of Dracula's men, she tried to remind herself but all she could see when she recalled him in her mind was the wolfish grin, almost too-long hair, and the clear eyes that reflected every single individual emotion within their light green depths; a mischievous boy in the body of a grown wolf. She was becoming too trusting, she told herself as she went to look out the open window. The moon shone brightly down on Bucharest so beautifully that even the most evil of occupants couldn't taint the radiance it exuded. As Fleur continued to stare out the window, she realized that she wanted to trust Caliburn. But would she be far too trusting…or just trusting enough? One simply can't go through life suspicious of everyone in it, that was no way to live. "But how do you know whom to trust?," she asked herself quietly, doubt and confusion creating turmoil within her uncertain mind.

How do you know who to trust?

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Fleur once again found herself in awe of the beauty of the mansion as she walked side-by-side with Caliburn down its busy corridors. She could probably see it better during the daylight, she thought, but something told her the gorgeous hallways and craftily decorated corridors just wouldn't be the same without the flickering torches or the light of the moon shinning in through the occasional opened window. Lesser vampires darted to and fro cleaning, dusting, and doing errands for the master's many guests and visitors as Caliburn and she walked past. It seemed the higher vampires were quite demanding indeed Fleur observed as she watched the third servant that night run from a room nearly in tears.

Caliburn had insisted upon taking her for a tour around the mansion before he showed her his surprise. So far they had visited the armory, library, ballroom, dinning hall, and kitchen which, Fleur was relieved and surprised to discover, did cook actual food. When she asked why, Caliburn explained the food was actually for the higher ranked werewolves that visited the mansion.

"No offense but I always thought vampires ruled over werewolves," she stated honestly as they walked.

"Well, technically I suppose some of them do," Caliburn replied, not in the least offended. He was actually quite proud of how far the werewolf race had come in the past years. "But," he continued, "ever since the creation of the 'lesser vampires' you could say they replaced us in the servant niche of society. Werewolves are now a more military race; picked and respected for our strength, size, and speed."

Fleur considered this aspect of the vampire nation for a second. It made sense, she decided, that in a world where the strongest rule supreme werewolves would never be called completely inferior. But, she also realized, lesser vampire were a completely different case – with hardly any enhanced abilities they were really only a step above humans -- it fit that they should fall into a lower class. She felt almost…sad for the weaker side of the vampyric species. Too be condemned to a life of perpetual slavery…Fleur shivered.

Caliburn noticed a frown unconsciously form on Fleur's face. "Everyone has a place," he said gently, knowing what she was thinking. "and while I don't entirely agree with the treatment of the lesser vamps, I cannot deny the advantage it has given to us werewolves."

Fleur nodded; she could understand Caliburn's loyalty to his kind, but still…. "Do they resist?" she asked, suddenly curious, "surely they must dislike the treatment of their kind; do they ever fight?"

Caliburn nodded, a scowl appearing on his face. "Indeed they do, but these rebel leaders…they do not fight for liberation," he said, fire suddenly burning in his eyes as the mere thought of the subject sparked his temper, "they fight for power, and greed, and their own ambitions. They gather support by promising not freedom, but destruction. They fight to destroy all the higher vampires and werewolves so then they will become the strongest species and can rule unopposed over the humans. They do not deserve slavery I admit, but this dream of death that some of the rebel leaders fight for…it is sick. I don't approve."

Fleur blinked in surprise. She hadn't known there'd been such turmoil within the vampyric nation. It was astonishing in itself that Dracula hadn't managed to stamp out this uprising yet and it unsettled her a little. Perhaps he was not the legend people made him out to be…

Caliburn waved his hand in a clearing manner as if trying to brush aside the issue. "Let us not speak of such ill things friend, I had promised you a surprise and here I am rambling about things that, no doubt, bore you," he said the fire in his eyes dying down into a soft twinkle as his playful manner returned. God she realized, he had the same emotion span as his master. All fire and hell one moment and cool charm the next; Fleur could hardly keep up.

"It's this way," Caliburn continued entering a wide staircase that led up into one of the bigger towers.

Fleur allowed a small gasp to leave her lips as they reached the top of the stairs and she stepped into the large circular room that was sheltered by a huge glass dome. Even with the little light the moon provided, Fleur was still able to make out all the exotic colors and shapes of each plant – there had to be thousands of different species in here! Lost in awe Fleur stepped further into the room and let her hand brush over the different textures of leaves and petals as she wandered slowly through the long rows of plant life. The blending of hundreds of different aromas combined with the musky, humid air made Fleur want to simply sit down and soak in the peacefulness of the atmosphere. Letting her hand fall from the smooth bark of a tree where it had come to rest, she turned to look at Caliburn who had followed silently behind her as she explored the magical room.

"I thought you'd like it," he said quietly, the look in her eyes being all the thanks he'd ever need; "I'll leave you to your enjoyment."

He turned to leave when he suddenly felt small arms wrap tightly around his back giving him a quick, strong hug. "Thank you," he heard Fleur whisper and he gave her a quick smile that said he understood before he turned and silently left the room.

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High above the ground a lone vampire watched the touching scene curiously with cloudy eyes. He'd long wondered about this descendant of Gabriel and now it seemed she'd unwittingly come right to him. Gazing down he found himself comparing her to her infamous grandparents. She has the shape of Anna's eyes, he thought, but the brilliant green must be a gift from her mysterious father. Her hair was a cross between Gabriel's and Anna's. The color being Gabriel's rich chestnut but the texture was all Anna's. Soundlessly the vampire shifted from one tree branch to another, coming closer to get a better look at the so-called 'Betrayer'.

Her injuries still pain her, he realized as he noticed her stiff walk The master hasn't healed her yet? The vampire scowled, he didn't care if the woman had spit on the master's feet; Lucas never should have hit a lady, much less so hard and in such a vulnerable spot…

The onlooker watched inquisitively as the woman meandered leisurely through his greenhouse, all the while sensing her mental blocks weakening slowly as she relaxed her stressed mind. How easy it would be to peek inside her thoughts, the vampire observed, but quickly dismissed the idea before it became a temptation. No, he told himself sternly, one's thoughts should forever remain their own. It was not his place to step in where he had no business being.

The vampire sighed and wondered for the millionth why he clung so desperately to codes of chivalry long forgotten. Honor was not an especially admired quality among vampires, so why pine for it? And for the millionth time since his siring, the vampire answered his own question. It was how he had been taught and to deny those lessons would be to deny the very character that defined him. For what was a man without his beliefs? A monster,his mind told him, a monster indeed, and if there was one thing Rumus Bauxindress of Cornwall was not, it was a monster.

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Fleur wandered the dank conservatory till she came to rest at the base of one of the few trees that resided in the large room. With its thick trunk and long gnarled branches that nearly spread the width of the room, Fleur thought the tree looked like it belonged somewhere exotic and unconquered, somewhere where tropical birds would come to rest in its protective leaves before the sound of their song would fill the air with a timeless melody. In this cold, dark land, however, the beautiful tree looked sorely out of place and time. Kind of like me, Fleur thought ruefully; something so obviously foreign and different, surrounded by a sea of classification and rigid social structure.

The sound of someone politely clearing their throat behind her broke the silence and Fleur spun around, simultaneously closing off her exposed thoughts. Could she not have but one moment of peace? Standing nonchalantly a few feet from her was the vampire she recognized from the parlor. Rumus, she thought, and began inching backwardsshe didn't care if he used to be a knight, a vampire was a vampire. Tall and dark like Gavin, he seemed to give off an aura of quiet dignity while those gray eyes radiated such an intense gaze that Fleur seemed trapped in them. Like master like apprentice.

"You needn't appear so worried my lady," he said, taking an unthreatening step forward and grasping her limp hand lightly in his palm as he bent and placed a chaste kiss on the back of her hand. "Allow me the pleasure of introducing myself formally," he said watching her expression, "I am Sir Rumus Bauxindress of Cornwall, perhaps now better known as the master's second high lord."

Fleur nodded, she knew all this. "I'm Fleur," she stated simply, "but I'm sure you already knew that."

"Just Fleur?" he asked inquisitively, releasing her hand as he took a step back.

"Yes," she said, her eyes narrowing, "just Fleur."

Rumus held up his hands in truce. "Peace my lady, I mean no offense," he said, "I was only curious. We already know your identity; there's no need for you to hide your surname any longer. I only wish to know whether to call you Lady Velarious or Lady Van Helsing."

Fleur blinked surprised, that was not the answer she'd expected; a crack at her heritage or some kind of patronizing remark yes – but simple curtsey; certainly not. What was this vampire's game?

"I'd rather you didn't call me lady," she said, "I have never been a 'lady' nor will I, most likely, ever be one. Fleur is fine."

"Very well Mistress Fleur," he responded courtly and only inwardly grinned as a scowl appeared on Fleur's face; ignoring it, he continued, "and what, pray tell, are you doing in my gardens?"

The scowl disappeared and was replaced once again with surprise. His gardens? "I'm sorry," she apologized, "I didn't know this was your domain. I was only looking for a place to rest my thoughts and Caliburn thought I'd enjoy it here."

"There's no need to apologize little mistress," Rumus replied, "I find the serenity of this room comforting too when I need to get away from court. Perhaps 'twas fate that led us here tonight. I must say though, the alpha leader was quite careless to have left you here alone; had it been anyone but me resting in the trees I doubt the encounter would have been enjoyable for you."

Fleur sobered at the thought but quickly rose to defend the werewolf leader. "No, no, it's not Caliburn's fault. I asked him to leave me to my thoughts. I only needed some time to think."

Rumus nodded and looked at her thoughtfully. "Indeed, maintaining those mental blocks of yours must be quite tiring," he said and then chuckled as her eyes once again narrowed in suspicion, "you shouldn't be so quick to judge, young one. I would never dip into your thoughts unless I had too; I find it quite a rude trait vampires have developed over the years."

"Really?" Fleur responded, relaxing slightly at the undead knight's words, "So if I let down my guards right now, you wouldn't take advantage of that?"

Rumus shook his head, slightly offended she would even think him so dishonorable. "Of course not my lady."

Fleur looked into his eyes; although she was no judge of vampires, something told her the man behind the vampire still stood whole and that that man, was someone worth trusting. Giving a huge leap of faith Fleur allowed her mental blocks to finally crumble, feeling as if a heavy weight had been lifted from her shoulders in the process. She felt lighter, actually…too light. Fleur swayed on her feet and Rumus quickly shot forward slipping one hand around her waist while the other firmly grasped an elbow.

"Steady now mistress," he soothed, "just relax for a second. Give your mind time to adjust."

Fleur nodded and lifted a hand to brace herself against the thick trunk of the tree as her mind quickly recovered; despite the short-lived lightheadedness Fleur felt worlds better. Shaking her head she looked at Rumus gratefully.

"Thank you," she said genuinely; Rumus gave a small smile.

"If you would like to rest alone, I can retreat to the other side of the gardens and make sure no others interrupt you," he offered kindly.

"Oh no," Fleur quickly cut in, "I'm fine alone, you don't have to stay. I'm no expert on vampire physiology but I don't think plants are a high topic on their lists of interests."

"Plants, maybe not; but tasty mortal females, absolutely," he said, pointedly eyeing her, "it's no inconvenience really, don't fret. I shall be over near the ivy and violets if you should need anything."

Fleur only nodded and then watched impressed as he seemed to melt into the jungle background, his steps never making a sound. Moving towards the base of her tree Fleur sat down and laid her back against the strong trunk as she shut her eyes and simply reveled in the wonderful feeling of having an open mind and unhindered thoughts. Sometimes not needing to guard her secrets was the greatest freedom.

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this chapter is especially dedicated to shorty because [I quote "your chapters are way short!" haha, so I tried to make it a little longer this time shorty, I hope you enjoyed.

TEASER:::: ok, I finally get to do my mini battle scene, a secret is revealed, disturbing plot twist, maybe a few more answers and maybe a few more questions...um, i'll also try to add a little Drac/Fleur scene since i realize that he was sorely missed this chapter. i apologize for that. i missed him too.

ok reviews because tomarrow is monday and mondays suck and I will be needing a pick-me-up tomarrow morning so I'M COUNTING ON YOU!!!!

chow.