CHAPTER 3: Balaur

A secret of name is revealed.

Already a 2nd day, she is a stranger in her own bed, which Dracula has not given up, and tries to convince her further not to run away from its comfort either. He still complains about his poor health (this will never change - he must be always the centre of everyone´s universe), which has improved significantly - scars from silver pipes are already a thing of the past, and he enjoys the comforts of the 21st century to the fullest. He hasn´t thought about the soil from his homeland once, even though few days ago he was convinced that the regeneration would be impossible without it. Now he can't even imagine his day without TV. In those few days, he managed to watch a significant number of documentaries about the last century, and Agatha is constantly flooded with a number of questions, in an effort to develop a discussion, to satisfy his hunger for knowledge, longing to spend as much time with her as possible. However, it is difficult to persuade her to talk and spend all her time with him. It was easier with her on the ship. Nevertheless, this still encourages his stubbornness and will to achieve his goals. That's why he gets out of bed even now and walks to the living room, where the second TV is turned on. The fact that the same film that he is watching in the bedroom is being played on the screen does not surprise him at all. Agatha will fight with herself for a long time to come. Wouldn´t it be easier for both of us if she just admitted that she cares more than she claims?

- I see that we have the same tastes darling. - he begins nicely after the silence, with a slow stride of the seducer approaching the large creamy-white sofa. - Thus, I don´t understand, why two TV´s must be turned on, instead of one ... you know, I don´t bite ... not you anymore. - he smiles at his own joke, not pausing at the absence of a response. - You are the biting one. Isn´t it strange that those scars from your fangs are still visible? - he throws innocently, subconsciously running his hand over them. To be honest, he likes this visible memory. Proof of love. - Agatha, don't be so stubborn. - he is already standing by the sofa, placing his hand on the armrest. However, Agatha does not respond, ignoring his presence and words. Count Dracula has had it enough and not waiting anymore, just joins Agatha on the couch. What he finds? A sleeping vampire, in a half-sitting, half-lying position, clutching a decorative pillow. - I can't let you sleep here darling. You wouldn't forgive me that. - Dracula murmurs softly (being aware that quite the opposite might happen and she wouldn´t forgive him taking her to the bed …) and so, essentially congratulating himself on this happy little coincidence. Dracula strokes Agatha's cheek, from which he brushes off a few disobedient strands of chestnut hair. So soft and fragrant. Without asking for a permission (as has been the custom in recent days) he takes her into his strong arms, lifting her so easily as she would be just a feather and carefully as not to wake her up (she would stab me with something, I am sure), he carries sleeping Agatha to the bedroom. Once Agatha is lying in the large bed, he lies next to her and does not have to wait long until the sleeping beauty subconsciously approaches him, gradually snuggling up to her nemesis. The legendary warlord smirks contentedly and speeds up the whole process, embracing her with his left arm. Turning down the volume of the television, Dracula this time really fully, enjoys every whim of the new age ...

-/-

The smile of a curious observer turns into a smile of an enchanted man. After an hour of observing her sleeping figure, quite comfortable snuggled up to him, he notices the first signs of her awakening. Now he can´t wait any longer.

- Good afternoon, sleeping beauty! - Dracula wishes her sincerely, without other unnecessary words. Agatha is not responding at first, just huffs, adjusting her face to its original position in his neck. Unwisely …

- Shut up, Vlad. - she murmurs sleepily, sighing silently, not realising momentarily, that she certainly did not go to bed with him in the early morning. - Sleep or leave. - tired Agatha adds, taking him by surprise. Dracula now totally omits and forgets the fact that his vampiress grips him like a large, soft, comfortable pillow. Vlad? His mind focuses only on this detail. How does she know? No one knows. Certainly, I did not reveal my name to her!

- Vlad? - he repeats in astonishment. It sounds so weird, distant, almost unfamiliar after all those ages he did not pronounce the combination of these 4 letters. - How do you know? - being silent is now not an acceptable option.

- Agatha! - Agatha only mutters:

- I am a historian as well. Don't you remember? - she sighs with a hint of annoyance. I should not have called him by his name. Not yet. As if that should have explained everything, she becomes silent again, still burying her face into his long neck, arm resting across his wide chest, long legs intertwined with his strong, muscular ones …

- Agatha. Repeat it. - strange request, drags her further from the dreamland, closer to the reality. His voice is just a whisper, however even that disturbs her, thus she turns to the other side, leaving his body.

- Count Vlad III. Tepes Dracula, prince of Wallachia, member of Societas Draconistarum, the mysterious Mr. Balaur. - silent shock leaves Dracula with wide open mouth. On the 2nd thought however, it´s not that shocking. She had 123 years to find it out, study whatever she wanted. It´s logical after all. - I know you. Satisfied? -

- Hm, very well, Countess. - his tone of the voice changed to sincere joy. - You know your husband very well, my dear. - he smiles, delighted by her interest … she always was absorbed in him... in the past, that was the reason they met, the reason he re-discovered his human remnants. Agatha though protests.

- Don´t call me like that. I am not your wife, Dracula. - still desiring to return back to the sleep, she tries to get rid of his hand, caressing her exposed shoulder. I should have left him in the lab. She thinks, even though not persuaded by the correctness of this thought at all. With teasing smile, he takes her in his arms again, this time embracing her tightly around the waist, pressing her back to his chest, nesting closely.

- What happened with the familiarity, my dear? Hm? - Agatha is trying to free herself from the tight hug, encouraging him only in his attempt to hold her as close as possible. She needs to realize we are meant to be together. - You claim you are not my wife, yet you are wearing my ring for 123 years already. Your blood flows in my veins and mine in yours. Of course, you are my wife, Agatha Dracula, Countess of Wallachia. - now the named one really groans in frustration, awakening completely.

- Let me be, Dracula. Keep your hands for yourself. - she struggles again to free herself. - Keep your titles, keep your ring., shut finally up, crawl back to your coffin and leave me be. - her effort to free herself from a firm embrace (she has the strength to do so) conjures a wide smile on his red lips. His voice with the upcoming answer is however gentle and tender, so unlike of his old self.

- The ring is already yours, Agatha, like it or not. In exchange, you just need to select one for me, as I believe married men are wearing now those as well. - Agatha huffs in disagreement. - I have no coffin, and since you proved again that I don´t need Transylvanian soil to rest properly, I prefer our comfortable bed. As I recall correctly, you gave me the option to stay here, even if indirectly and thus I will keep you comfortable during your sweet dreams. - that mischievous chuckle! Devilish! … not that much.

- Nothing about this is comfortable. - that did not sound that much persuasive, but yes, the hint of frustration can be heard. Agatha is stubbornly trying to prove her words. - You are cold, hard and so infuriating, Dracula. -

- Vlad. - he protests, preferring this over Dracula, kissing her rich hair and with a smirk adds a fuel to the flame. - You are wrong, Agatha. Not hard. Not yet, my dear, but do continue. Your passion is consuming and heating me up. - she groans heavily, punching his abdomen with her elbow, evoking a silent ouch from him … nevertheless, if there was still life in her, she would certainly blush … vivid memory of his naked body, so fresh, sneaks back to her mind.

- You are disgusting, Dracula. All you do is pissing me off. I am slowly starting to regret taking you out of that lab. Just one more stupid word, inappropriate touch or gesture and I will call them to pick you up and take you back. -

- You wouldn´t do that, Agatha. - he whispers directly to her ear, however changes his mind and this time resists the urge to kiss her again.

- Wanna bet? - she asks, turning her head slightly to face him. - Give me one good reason why not. - it´s more of a statement than a real question, nevertheless overly self-confident Count Dracula uses his chance to praise himself even more. He missed this so much after all. The constant teasing, passionate talks, discovering her mind, understanding her. So beautiful …

- Hm. - self-assured Mr. Balaur shrugs. She won't send me back. If for nothing else, then for fears that his DNA analysis and its further research, would really contribute to the development of the super soldier (that´s what I am - a perfect Warlord) such ego ... - Well, I am a pleasant companion, with a great sense of humour, that you absolutely love, darling. Handsome face and great body, physical form par excellence are my secret bonuses for you. Certainly, I can´t omit the fact, that we look good together, especially now that you got rid of that habit. - he smirks with amusement, not sparing with self-praise. - And then … No one understands you the way I do. We have an eternity in front of us. Now that I am here as it was supposed to be 123 years already, you would certainly miss me badly. - valid arguments. No doubt. It´s been a week and Agatha must admit, that it is a "welcome" change not having the house so quiet, even though she enjoys the silence. He is right too, he is the only person to understand her, certainly has more experience with such long existence. On the other hand, it´s still his fault that she has to live forever. His doing, that she had to suffer, supressing her thirst and will to kill. She was left all alone with that new reality of her life. With his money at start at least and knowledge from his blood. Her wicked part of consciousness that loves to argue with her mostly, reminds her gladly of that as well.

- You are horribly narcissist, Dracula. - again, Agatha turns her head away from him.

- I would call it honest and realistic, my dear. -

- Don´t call me like that. -

- As you wish, darling. - he just can´t stop provoking her. Now truly annoyed, not completely by him, but by herself as well, she frowns.

- Go to hell, idiot. - she groans, however Dracula laughs.

- Vlad. Darling or my dear would do as well, even "love" would be appropriate. Husband is not that personal, but neither the worst. -

- Dream on, Dracula. - it's getting too warm here, the bed seems to shrunken, his lips too close to her neck … he wouldn´t bite this time … but kiss probably … which is even worse … is it though? It wasn´t that unpleasant being kissed by him. Get yourself together, Agatha. You are laying in the bed with a beast … fuck you too … fuck me … jeez …

- Vlad. - again, Dracula corrects her. - You started it and I like it. Be so good and call me by my 1st name. It´s a privilege only you have had during all my immortal life, Agatha. - Agatha rather stands up unexpectedly, which completely surprises him. He swallows empty, gazing at her long, exposed legs, that always fascinated him. He did leave out this particular detail of the previous events ... he revealed ... her ... basically.

- Alright, Vlad, satisfied? Now you can enjoy the bed just by yourself. There´s just no way for you to be quiet when you are bored. Such an excellent HUSBAND you are. - she spats mockingly. His words infuriated her, but her own internal response even more. She does not even notice something is wrong … except his strange gaze and loss of words.

- Agatha, dress. - Agatha´s look slides down her own body. She has a crumpled blouse that hangs strangely on her, exposing one shoulder, a bra underneath, but where there were dark blue jeans a few hours ago, there is nothing now ... as if reading her face, Vlad Balaur explains further. - I removed the jeans. - Dracula's shoulders lower a bit and biting his lower lip he continues. - They seemed to be rather tight. Not good for a peaceful sleep. -

- You what?! - she places her hands on hips in a scolding position. Another ill-considered act, distracting Dracula's mind even more. When she rebukes him in this position, all sorts of feelings are revolted in his mind and sensual impulses as well as the organs connected with them are awakened. The culprit smiles sheepishly. He definitely struggles hard, trying his best not to gaze with open mouth at her centre, removing those unnecessary pieces of clothing at least with his guilty eyes (like you haven´t seen her naked before ... not in this century! … those are just panties ... but hell, what a sexy look it is!).

- Darling, I did my best to keep you well suited. - he defends himself, really wondering why she hasn't thrown something at him or tried to get dressed. - Anyway, if I remember correctly, I woke up in just boxers 2 days ago as well. Exposed more than you are now. -

- Next time I will make sure; you are dragged through the streets naked. That´s how you like it, don´t you? - she throws back indignantly. Why is it all suddenly so difficult? Dracula frowns. Confused.

- Agatha, why do you act so ...? - how to name it the best? She explodes very easily and for no serious reason. Even if … 123 years ago, it was a little different. She wanted to win over him, study him, get to know his behaviour, and he basically wanted the same thing. Honestly, he calculated with a scenario that they would continue in that direction even now, (with little changes though) but Agatha smiles less than she had on the ship then. And he literally drank her blood at that time.

- So what?! -

- So angry. - He doesn't understand. - You have nothing to be ashamed of. - after all, he is not ashamed either, and now he does not just mean the fact that he really has no problem with nudity, especially in her company. - But dress now, darling, it was easier when you were covered by the blanket. - he murmurs pleadingly.

- Then you shouldn´t have undressed me. - despite the offended facial expression, she no longer stands as if nailed on one place, but quickly hurries to the closet and turns her back on him (now Dracula sighs heavily, allowing himself to gaze at her body again ... she doesn't see me after all) and hastily pulls out clean pants.

- I think you are just frustrated because you actually like it this way, Agatha. - he says wisely with a look of importance and self-confidence. - You and I. In bed. Together. Sleeping. Or… you know… being intimate. There is nothing wrong about it. - he defends his opinion, truly convinced about the correctness of his own words. - I don´t mind it, actually I like it too. - only now he winks at her. She does not need to see him to know what the grin on his lips must look like or what his eyes shine like.

- Don't flatter yourself, Dracula. Heavens, you can really be a pain in the ass. How could I have forgotten that ?! - he deliberately ignores the indignant tone of her voice, selectively choosing only what he likes.

- My dear, speaking of asses, that of yours is quite gorgeous. The shape, the texture ... don´t you want to come back and cuddle a bit more? -

- No! Shut up! - it's a dangerously tempting proposal.

- Come on, Agatha. You must have known what kind of a person I am and what to expect. - just so stubbornly, without a plan, she would not throw herself into such a complicated action with possible far-reaching consequences.

- It seems I did not think about it that thoroughly as I should have. - she finally admits and, with jeans on, turns to him again and sighs. - You have never acted like this. -

- Like this? - He doesn't feel that he has changed in any way. Well, he doesn't want to kill her but spend the rest of immortality with her ... he wanted to do that even then, and that's why he had to ... kill her. Essentially. Something has changed, but it's natural. Agatha is like him. One of her kind. Created for him. His saviour, opponent, companion. - I have always been flirty with you if that is what bothers you. - even Count suspects that this goes deeper than that, he is very well aware of it ... maybe that's why. It's all new. Not only for me, as it seems.

- Not like this. - Now it's not such an innocent, harmless flirtation. She repaid him with the same card always. A dance with the Devil. That's what she called it. - It was just a game then, Dracula. Each of us did the best to survive, to win, to defeat the other one and such things were just part of the tactics. - she muses quite correctly. Dracula nods slightly.

- Well, the situation is different now, our roles changed, we don´t intend to harm the other one, at least I don´t want that ... come on, Agatha ... now that you are like me, darling. It´s just you and I against the world. - Agatha sits on a low stool in front of a dresser, really trying to find out if he means it sincerely.

- The problem is that I am not against the world and the world is not against me. -

- Yet. - Dracula nods. - The fact is though Agatha, that you have stolen a precious toy from the hands of the army. That might complicate this little illusion of a happy world, driving us even closer to each other. Don't you think? - now he would like to stand up, head straight for her and calmly take her in his arms (although she doesn't need comfort), but he is well aware that this would only unnecessarily complicate their situation.

- What I think is that we need to properly talk, discuss it all. Without sarcasm, sincerely. - Dracula nods, smiling contentedly.

- Ladies first. - to his surprise, however, Agatha twists with havoc. Should I start? The visible reason for the confusion is rather explained immediately.

- Later. I have to deal with a more urgent matter first. - What could be more urgent than our common future?

- Why? Where are you going? - He also jumps out of bed as Agatha leaves the bedroom with a sudden step. He catches her in the hallway.

- I have a work to do. - Agatha answers a little calmer, narrowing her eyes for a moment. - In my office. Please, don't disturb me in the next few hours. Understood? - Dracula nods, leaning against the door frame.

- I don´t mind postponing the actual talk to later but I really hoped, we would go to the City. Just taking a look, Agatha. As you promised. -

- Behave and we might. - after all, she smiles at him and then rather leaves.

- / -

- Definitely, I will consider it in the further experiments and optimize the dosage. - The movement of the left hand of a young medical student on paper is lightning fast, which corresponds to an unreadable handwriting. However, Agatha looks satisfied. This medic is promising and could one day be a member of the Carfax team.

- Yes, that should resolve the issue with responsiveness of the stem cells, Mr. Bakker. - She finally smiles. Work always brings her to other ideas. Detach from those of Dracula ... Vlad. - You'll provide me with another report in five days. In the meantime, send me your notes, just rewrite it on your computer. If you still have any questions, email me, we can arrange another video-consultation, okay? -

- Of course. Thank you, Doctor. Balaur. I really appreciate your help and guidance, the more, when you are already leaving Amsterdam. -

- No problem, Arthur. It´s still my research and job to help you. Now take care and good luck. -

- Take care, doctor Balaur and goodbye. - With that, the video call ends. Skype announces the termination of the connection; thus, Agatha closes this application as well. However, the computer does not turn off. In the next few minutes, she expects the final documents from the University of Amsterdam, where she worked for 6 years. Carfax profited from our joined research too and I needed a change of scenery.

- Doctor - unnoticed, a sound from behind the door, which remains slightly ajar reaches Agatha´s ears. - Balaur. - it startles her when she hears Dracula's shocked voice.

- It's rude to listen behind the closed door, Count. - She frowns and, turning off the computer, turns to face a figure coming out of a dark corridor. - You promised me something. - the addressed one just waves his hand.

- That man called you Balaur, Agatha. - Dracula smiles again, pleased, and though uninvited, he sits down on the bed opposite Agatha's desk. She just rolls her eyes, already knowing where this conversation will go.

- Doctor Balaur, but correct, yes. -

- You kept my surname then. -

- Not specifically yours, but I did. - she nods again still calmly, in the next second smiling mischievously like Mr. Balaur. - After all, Agatha Van Helsing was never a passenger on Demeter, but Agatha Balaur was. - his smile widens as his gaze slips into her lap, where her palms are folded. His ring. Family heritage worn on the little finger of Wallachian rulers, never a woman, now crowns her left ring-finger … he thought he lost it when the ship exploded … - And that was another secret of yours, Dracula. -

- Not a secret. You knew under what name you travelled and admitted it now and back then as well. -

- I am not talking about the surname specifically, but the marriage certificate itself. - oh! So, she knows…of course she does.

- I wanted to have everything settled before the arrival to England, Agatha. I am a practical man, you know me ... Anyway, you kept that ring, darling, even though it must have reminded you of me. If that does not say it all ... - mockingly again, he raises his eyebrow cockily, smirking in amusement. - That should resolve our complicated situation. You are my wife; I am your husband. Hm? - Agatha just shrugs, looking at her precisely manicured blood-red nails.

- Yes, I kept it. But not because of what you think. It´s simple. As a Balaur I did not have to start completely from scratch. You know that already. It was easier to pretend being a widowed woman with no interest to re-marry again and focus on my own interests. - Definitely in those days. A single woman without a partner had no position in society, but the widow of a rich count ... - The only way to be free. There are no hidden meanings behind it, so don´t look for them unnecessarily and as I said, keep it, I don´t need it anymore. - to demonstrate her words, she wants to remove the oval signet ring from her finger, but Dracula nears her within a second and stops that movement.

- No, Agatha. - he murmurs softly. - I mean what I said in the bed. The ring is already yours; I don´t want it back. - a man of tradition and superstition, he believes that if she returned it now, she would never be his again. - Look, you were right, I am a pain in your sexy buttock, but let´s discuss everything first. You cannot deny that we are connected now. Not only by blood and immortality, but the risks that the future might bring alike. Hm? -

- Why do you have to complicate everything, Dracula? - she asks without the bitterness that previously poisoned her voice, releasing her hand from his gentle grip and adjust the ring properly on her finger.

- Vlad. - he insists, with a relieved grin. Agatha rolls her blue eyes, sighing. Now one thing is certain. She won´t get rid of him. - To answer your question … well, I don´t know … on the other hand, your mind likes complicated rebuses. Doesn´t it? Now you have a perfect option to solve me. -

- Tempting, really. - the answer is full of sarcasm, but luckily, Agatha´s face is beautified by a hint of smile, not only utter annoyance and previous frustration.

- Now that we are on good terms again, I need your phone. -

- What for? - up until now he preferred the TV over internet access.

- Menu selection. - Oh. Sure. He can´t just take the first available blood bag. Always picky … I shouldn´t have shown him the QR code reader.

- 5 minutes. - she hands him the device and adds: - In 15 be ready to leave the house. -

- What?! - the feelings of peace and confidence are gone. - You can´t be serious, Agatha. You want to throw me away?! Now? After all that I said? - Dracula frowns, his forehead wrinkles with disagreement and resistance. Onyx eyes, that just 10 minutes ago had pleasant chocolate colour, are full of mixed emotions, among them a visible worry and a hint of anger combined with disappointment. Agatha just shakes her head and tilting it to one side, simply smiles.

- No. - that wouldn´t even a be funny idea. - For now. You need your own phone, Vlad. I am not willing to share mine and - her speech is interrupted. Somehow, she just finds herself again in Dracula´s arms. - Just don´t. - she can see another kiss in his big, again pleasantly chocolate brown eyes.

- Fine. I´ll behave and prepare myself to leave in 15 minutes. -

- And keep these 3 words, I will behave, on your mind the entire evening. - again, out of his embrace, she can breathe freely. - One misstep and we are done, Dracula. -

- For you, Agatha, it´s Vlad. - then finally, he exits the office, or a provisory bedroom of no use, leaving her alone for a moment. With heavy sigh, she collapses into the leather chair and raising her left hand a little, looks at the signet ring. Indeed, it would be hard to give up that ring or the surname. I am no longer a Van Helsing, but Balaur … my life, my work, my reputation … it´s all connected to him …

-/-

Sorry for another long chapter, however, I can´t write short ones 😁. Hopefully, Dracula is not overly sweet here, but what we saw in the series, at the beginning of the 3rd episode, where he really looked hurt upon discovering Agatha is not Agatha but Zoe, I came to a conclusion that our dark lord has fallen in love with his nun. Agatha is full of confusing emotions, which angers her deeply ... next chapter will take place in the shopping mall 😁 Hopefully you will like it. Don´t hesitate to comment ... I miss the reviews and even negative critic is better than none ... or? Take care and enjoy 😉

- TBC -