Our army had arrived. Dracula quickly produced an emerald green, velvet robe, with an ermine collar, to protect my modesty. I ran my fingers over the fabric as I wore it, ever amazed at the luxury of my new home. If I was going to die, I wanted to enjoy all that my union with Dracula had afforded me…even if only for a short time.
I felt a draft. Dracula had put his pants back on, and, still bare-chested, opened the door. Standing in the doorway was a group of twenty men and women, their eyes searching for something.
For me. They were curious about their new Queen.
"Come in, please, my brothers and sisters." Dracula enthusiastically opened his arms and led the group into the large foyer. Peering back at me, he extended his hand, beckoning me to come. I stepped forward, slowly, and took his hand as he presented me to the loyal villagers who were risking much to come to our aid.
I could tell they feared me. My approach resulted in the entire group taking a step back. Being as hungry as I was, I'm sure my appearance was ghastly, and, being a relatively new vampire, they were probably unsure of my ability to maintain composure surrounded by fresh blood. And, oh, could I smell it. My mouth moistened and my head spun.
"Please, my friends," Dracula said, breaking the deafening silence. "Allow me to present to you, at long last, my wife, Jenna, Queen of the Dracul." The men and women glanced around at each other before hesitantly bowing before me. I held up my hand.
"Please, don't bow." I said. Just as hesitantly, they straightened. "You have made a rough journey to come here, knowing what we will be asking of you. Knowing this, it is I who should bow to you." And I did…a deep curtsy that took my knees to the floor. Dracula's hand was still in mine, and with a subtle yet determined tug, he joined me in my reverence of our friends by lowering himself to one knee and humbly bowing his head. When we rose, we were met by the confused, astonished gazes of our congregation. They had never laid eyes on a King and Queen bowing to their subjects, and, knowing Dracula as I did, I am certain it was the first time he had ever entertained the idea.
No one spoke, until finally, Dracula broke the silence.
"Please, come to the dining hall and make yourselves at home. There is wine and ale, and a feast that could never be rivaled. I urge you all to enjoy the spoils of this evening. By dawn, you will have a more…restrictive diet." I was amazed that no one flinched at that harsh reality. They had all obviously made peace with their decisions. Like a wave, they moved in, and walked quietly to the dining room. Dracula and I followed them in as a manservant closed the large doors to the palace behind us.
A long and ornate wooden table stood in the center of the room, draped with a deep red cloth and covered with amazing food. A large roasted pig, loaves of fresh baked bread and home churned butter, the richest cheeses…a feast fit for any noble. Huge jugs of the finest wine and casks of potent ale surrounded the fare, and gigantic candelabras lit the hall. Finally, I heard the sound of voices as they buzzed in wonder at the spread. By the looks of these men and women, this kind of meal was not common. They all hurriedly found seats and immediately reached for drink. As they poured, Dracula and I took our places at the head of the table. As hands reached across the table for their spoils, Dracula raised his, begging for one more moment's pause. He was quickly obliged.
"Before you begin, friends, I must make sure you are all aware of my…rules. None of you shall be childless. You must all have at least one child, preferably grown and free from the threat of youthful illness. The only exception to this rule is if you have been declared barren by one of the physicians I have provided for you over the years. I cannot give immortality to anyone who has not perpetuated the Dracul line. Furthermore, once your…transformation …has been completed, you must never return home to the village. As it is I who has begged you for this sacrifice, I have acquired a large piece of land deep in the Carpathians, with enough homes where each of you can safely relocate. You may choose to be nomads instead, but I urge you to carefully consider the risks of being a nosferatu out in a world that is bent on destroying you. Furthermore, in thanks, I have prepared suitable inheritances for your sons, and enviable dowries for your daughters, to ensure they are financially sound for the remainder of their lives." The crowd erupted in applause at that announcement, and I was moved by my husband's generosity. I only hoped that once they realized the pain of the separation from their lives, as I had, that they still felt all Dracula afforded them was enough.
They continued their feast after that, and while I was pleased to see they were enjoying their last meal, the hunger in my gut had finally gotten the better of me. I stood to excuse myself from the table, and immediately fell to the floor.