CHAPTER 7: Past era

Hello, my friends,

At first, I would like to thank all of you for kudos and precious comments. I really like to interact with my readers and similar Dragatha addicts as am I. Your support is heart-warming and I am looking forward to furthering the discussion and involvement of other readers as well.

Back to the chapter though . The week is finally over and the self-employed Count Dracula working mostly in home-office is glad that his wife is finally home, not spending her time in Carfax Clinic. However, he wants to involve her in his plans and really desires to visit the City and enjoy the nightlife of this century. Agatha is not that eager but agrees to a compromise … not knowing, that this evening will forever be written deep in her memory as one of the best moments of her life. At least, until … Stay tuned and enjoy reading!

- What if we went to the City, Agatha? - working on the presentation, which she is to present to the scientific society next Saturday, is interrupted by the somewhat neglected (in his opinion at least) Vlad. Although he had promised her more personal space two weeks ago, at least on the weekends he hoped they would spend much more time together. It's Saturday night and although he enjoyed the morning properly (once again sunbathing on a beach chair in the garden full of flowers, reading all the available articles published by Doctor Balaur); he would like to leave their residence and discover the night-life city little bit more ... with her. Agatha, who has taken a short pause from the computer, disappeared into the bedroom a few minutes ago, now peeks out of it in a modified outfit. The presentation slides are already crawling up her neck, and her eyes need a break from the laptop screen for a moment.

- Oh. - It's not the worst idea he could come up with, but she doesn't really like spending time in bars and unfortunately dinner in a restaurant is not possible. - Well, I have slightly different plans. -

- I see. - Dracula´s face is really dissatisfied and loured in an unpleasant grimace. - You just didn't tell me in advance about them, whatever they are, because I see that they probably don't include me, not like mine, including both of us. - Agatha sighs. It might have occurred to her. Her husband wants her for himself, maybe not quite possessively as few days ago, nevertheless not giving her up. Agatha knows that Dracula has always loved society and enjoyed solitude during his immortality more than he wanted to.

- It'll only be a moment, Vlad. If you want, go alone to the City or wait for me. Then we can go together. The night is still young. - she hopes that if he sees her tired again, he won't insist on the bar exploration when she returns ... unless he runs out of patience. However, he still does not quite like the idea. It still indicates that he will have to stay home alone.

- On my own? Without your supervision? - He finds this idea absurd. - Would you really risk it? - Agatha doesn't trust him that much. He's sure of that. - Where are you going anyway? -

- To the park. I want to clear my mind. - Regular jogging always helps her come up with different thoughts and forget about worries associated with work. Recently, however, she has neglected this activity considerably and the reason stands right in front of her. - At least for a while being with my thoughts only. -

- I want to go to the park too! Will you be scaring mortals without me? Do you want to practice with bats secretly? - just start purring and crying Vlad ... Agatha can't hold back a smile, which infuriates him even more. How could he think of such activities? Doesn´t he know me at all?

- Just don't cry here. - Agatha jests, which is not the best decision in this situation. - I'm not going to scare anyone or practice my vampire skills. I just want to jog. -

- Jog? You want to run? - this statement evokes in him just and only doubts. Why running? - And don't you happen to need some relevant motivation for that? For example, to recall a little past life and be haunted by a bloodthirsty vampire? I can provide my services. - The proposal is really appealing in his understanding. A spark of mischief reappears in those dark chocolate eyes. However, Agatha does not need a chase. It could be exciting, but not in the middle of London.

- Running is a normal leisure activity today, a form of relaxation, thus I don't need any roleplay. - instead of excitement screaming she prefers silence or good music from the mp3-player. - It'll be an hour at most, Vlad. -

- Then take me with you. - Did Count Dracula really lower himself to a heart-breaking plea? Are those big puppy eyes? With tasty chocolate flavour? (Not that I remember that taste). Those puppy eyes have improved significantly since the last time. - Problem solved. I can run. In several forms. -

- You don't have appropriate clothes. - his choice of outfits is monotonous. He prefers high quality suits, predominantly tailor-made, and his closet includes fewer jeans and T-shirts among the less formal pieces. (Recent shorts as well. Agatha vehemently rejected his idea of basking in the sun only in boxers or, God forbid, as naked as on the day he was born.) In any case, she would look in vain for some sweatpants in his closet.

- Agatha, I can run literally in anything, even without clothes, when there is no other option. - Count Dracula has various arguments ready. He clearly rejects the idea that he should stay home alone on Saturday night. He will accompany Agatha to the park. Guaranteed.

- That you really can't afford. You are now in a civilized world. - Being chased by the police probably isn't the best idea. Although. He would run away from them sooner than they realise he is indeed naked. Funny idea.

- I will run with you. I want to vent my head too. - he states resolutely and purses his lips in the same emotion. Is it so hard to understand that my life, in contrast to hers, is very limited and lonely? - I'm not a relationship expert, - he comes up with other arguments, while Agatha crosses her arms on her chest, still not quite convinced that it's a good idea, - but I bet that spending time together and sharing some hobby activities are beneficial for a successful marriage. -

- What an expert you are. - normally, such assumption would be correct and certainly similar advice is often given by every marriage counsellor. Every lifestyle show says exactly the same thing. Indeed, she begins to ask herself what is Dracula watching on television when she is not around. - All right. Just don't hypnotize me with that look. - she finally surrenders, already expecting Dracula to rush to her again and kiss her. This time, however, he is kept in check. He just gives her a wide, triumphant smile ... - I'll help you choose something to wear, but you'll be quiet and try to fit in, run like a normal person and not like a vampire chasing its prey. -

- I will try. - Agatha sighs resignedly and motions for him to follow her. The overly satisfied Dracula tails her enthusiastically like an obedient puppy. Wolf, like he pointed out the last time ...

-/-

- When was the last time you saw the stars on the night sky? - he asks her surprising question, completely out of the topic of the previous conversation and looks again at the night sky above them. Agatha looks at him in wonder.

- Pardon? - rather she asks and pulls out a Bluetooth headset from her ears that Dracula has not noticed before. She doesn't know if she heard correctly.

- Stars. - he points his index finger at the night sky and, with a little discomfort on a wooden bench, tilts his head back again. - I don't see any because of that ubiquitous light, although I hoped that in this forest-like environment it will be different. - a good question to which Agatha does not have a clear answer this time.

- Probably never here in London. - However, she never needed to observe them ... that she must admit as well.

- The last time I saw the stars was the night you blew up Demeter. - It could have been a beautiful evening after all. With only the two of them left on the ship, (at least he thought so), when their conversation took on a suggestive tinge (second time that day), he kind of expected them to spend the rest of the night in cabin # 9 in a much more pleasant atmosphere (as in the morning he made her forget).

- I hope you don't want to discuss it again, Vlad. I really don't feel like remembering the last night of my life right now. - currently, she begins to regret that she took him with her.

- I don't want to, I'm just sharing my observations. - the assurance is sufficient. Fortunately, Dracula does not return to the subject, his face still innocent, but his eyes tear away from the sky, looking at Agatha again. - What´s that in your palm? - That little object is familiar to him. He knows he's seen it somewhere in his knowledge-rich bloodstream.

- This? - Mrs. Balaur asks, picking up casually a small handset. Dracula nods. - Put it in your ear. - the advice is followed and curious Count puts the appliance in his ear with confidence and, forgetting himself for a moment, opens his mouth wide. Agatha, just subconsciously reaches out and touches his jaw from below, closing his mouth again.

- Orchestra playing right in my head. - How come I didn't come across it before? Music on TV, or from the car radio even directly on his laptop, hasn´t stopped fascinating him, but that something so complex could fit into such a small thing ... and then what about microchips. He realizes immediately, remembering again the information from the blood he consumed two days ago. - What are we actually listening to? I don't know that. -

- Shostakovich. Waltz No. 2. The first half of the last century. - Dracula is smiling. He obviously likes this masterpiece.

- Russian? How come it is full of joy? - with this remark, Dracula laughs. Agatha has not heard anything like joy there. Just the day before yesterday, he was truly appalled by all the information about events in Russia after his departure from East Europe, which he essentially slept through. The end of grandiosity, pompous balls and all for ... the rights of workers, the elimination of the nobility ... as if it worked for them. And now he's talking about joy. - You know, the balls at the Grand Peterhof Palace were the most engaging and majestic. No other matched it. Budapest, Vienna, Paris ... they could hide in the shadows. Guests. Meal. Music. And that environment. - he is transferred to the environment of grand dance halls at least in memories and puts his hand on the back of the bench, behind Agatha's back. - The lights of hundreds of candles, which shone like during the day due to the ubiquitous gold everywhere, illuminated the entire room. Particular company. Rich colours. Grandiose music that is unmatched by any recording played through the sophisticated devices of the 21st century. - A dreamy look and a nostalgic smile shine on his face.

- I'm a master dancer and I'm not exaggerating at all. I danced through a lot of nights. Tireless. There is probably no substitute for such entertainment these days. -

- Probably not. - Agatha nods as well, though she's never experienced it. But all she has to do to perceive it that way, is seeing the longing look in his eyes. Therefore, Agatha hands him her mobile phone, gently offering. - If you want, pick something. There are enough waltzes here. - unlocking the screen, she quickly shows him the playlist. Dracula starts looking for the best songs and selecting eventually the 1st waltz. - I have never been to Russia. - She was never even attracted by that country specifically, not even its history caught her the way the others did. She visited many states, saw beautiful castles, admired historical monuments, but due to the harsh regime in that country, which has not changed so much even after the fall of the Iron Curtain, she was never interested in visiting it.

- Then I'll take you there one day, Agatha. - to travel the world in her company, to discover unknown nooks and crannies that he has never visited during those 5 centuries of his existence (and there are quite a few of them), would be amazing. - It won't be the same anymore, but I'd like to remind myself of those times. At least taking look at those palaces again. -

- How many nobles disappeared forever on average in one night? - Dracula doesn't expect such question. He basically didn't think that Agatha would want to develop the theme of ball season further.

- The ball season lasted several weeks. I couldn't slaughter all the time. - No massacres took place. However, Agatha is relentless. With a suspicious smile, she continues to tease:

- So how much? -

- Usually one, maximum 2 if they were interesting people. I can control myself. -

- If you want to call this a self-control ... - brown eyebrows are raised in disapproving look, however a pleasant smile still beautifies her face. - Have you ever danced with the Tzarina, Vlad? -

- Which one? - he had more than one opportunity to dance with most of them.

- With Catherine the Great. -

- Of course. Not only once. Could you resist my charm? - so much self-confidence. In essence, however, Agatha did not expect any less. Modesty really doesn't suit him.

- I could and successfully do resist. - that she proves all the time, although his last attempt to seduce her was almost successful. He got rid her of her bra ... - But do continue, talk about it when you started, Count Dracula, every woman's heartbreaker. - a mocking tone is absent in her voice and is replaced by sincere interest. - Enchant me, enthral me by that era. I want to see it through your eyes, Vlad. -

- A few drops of blood and listening to my voice would really reveal it to you in detail. - Tempting offer. He wouldn't hesitate ... But Agatha isn't as excited about the idea as he is.

- No. I know very well that you can reveal me your memories using only words. - However, Dracula stretches his neck to the opposite side, exposing it to her admiration quite nicely and revealing the still present scars of Agatha's fangs.

- Come on, darling. Suck. Just a bit. - he urges her in an enticing voice, with one hand even sliding on her shoulder, partially snuggling her to him.

- No. - shaking her head in disapproval, Agatha still resists his proposal, but does not try to free herself from his embrace.

- Yes. Trust me, Agatha. I´ll stop you in time. You are strong enough, not to succumb to the thirst like I do. - slowly giving up, Agatha sighs, surrendering to his tempting offer. Even the warm breeze seems to push her forward, to meet his arms.

- I'll leave you at home next time. - Mrs. Balaur finally declares, looking at his neck. The last time it was a virtue, out of necessity, now her own desire to know him even more

- Next time. - then on his neck the Count feels the touch of his wife's lips. However, it is not a kiss as he would like it to be 15 minutes ago. Her mouth opens and the fangs he would like to see with his own eyes perforate his thick skin. At that moment, the longing husband snuggles his hesitating wife towards himself, wrapping his arms tightly around her shoulders and, like her, closes his eyes. Pleasant music plays in their ears, which only enhances the atmosphere of the entertainment of the 18th century nobility. When Balaurs open their eyes, they find themselves in a completely different world. The high interior palace walls are covered with gold from the beautiful, patterned, marble floor to the ceiling decorated with a giant fresco. The tall windows on the sides are not shaded by heavy curtains, thus letting the light of the moon into the hall, which, however, disappears in the illumination of the bulky crystal chandeliers. The hall is already full, the entrance door is wide open and in front of them, on both sides, there are footmen in powdered wigs and a presenter, who announces new guests constantly. Baron here, prince there. Everywhere there are beautiful (even less beautiful) women in colourful, fancy dresses that are complemented by even more expensive jewellery. Diamonds. Rubies. Sapphires. Gold. Silver. There is an abundance of all this. Agatha is excited. Words describing this majesty could not be summed up so well. Vlad was right.

- Are you ready? - he asks her, a little surprising and disturbing her in the middle of admiration. Agatha does not understand what he means, what is more than obvious. - Joining other guests. Taking a closer look. Mingle with the crowd. - the significantly changed Count Dracula summarizes in a nutshell. The dark blue T-shirt with trousers, which remotely resembled sweatpants for running, are replaced by a royal blue evening attire, which resembles a tailcoat in combination with a military uniform with a high stand. His chest is crossed by a wide red sash with a sapphire brooch. A decorative sword is hanging from his right hip. The dark black hair is stylishly combed back and an enthusiastic spark in his chocolate eyes softens his sharp features. Even Agatha is not wearing a jogging suit and a comfortable sports bra, again is replaced by the corset, which slims the already slender waist, even pushing her breasts up in an ultramarine high-class dress. Her neckline is decorated with a heavy sapphire necklace with diamonds and a similar piece of jewellery also decorates her ears and hair combed up, which is crowned by a silver tiara. She had never worn anything like this before, and would think that movement in such a dress is impossible due to its weight. The gown she wears is however as light as a feather. Although Agatha never intended to, never dreamed of being a princess, she feels like a real one right now. Unusually beautiful, majestic, completely different person.

- Let's dance, my dearest. You will be the gem of the evening. - Dracula's proud voice pulls her out of the momentary thoughts again. Doctor Balaur suddenly becomes uneasy, and not only because she is week in the knees due to such praise.

- Do they see us? - This revelation is shocking and exciting at the same time.

- Yes, my dear. Everyone can enjoy the sight of you or me. Come on. - Dracula is simply a walking conceit, but this time he doesn't exaggerate that much. They both look breath-taking. Agatha, however, is troubled by doubts and especially fears that her awkwardness will embarrass not only herself but also him...

- But I can't dance, Vlad. Remember? I am no princess! -

- A Countess, though. - he corrects her, knowing very well, that she is wrong this time. - And don't worry, Agatha. We are sharing blood, now memories and knowledge as well. My ability to dance is yours and believe me, it´s exquisite. Come. You have started a beautiful evening. Let´s live it to the fullest. Hm? - this time he kisses her at least on the cheek and reassuringly squeezes her hand that he puts into the crook of his arm. Agatha has no choice. She scolds herself for a second that she agreed to drink his blood at all, but on the other hand, it's so thrilling. As a historian, she has the opportunity to participate in events belonging to the past. Ancient for her too. The Imperial Court is directly in front of her…

- Count and Countess Dracula of Wallachia. - the presenter announces them in a loud voice. Quite a few heads turn their direction, many of them politely bow to Agatha and greet her husband in the same way, but the music plays and most of the guests dance.

- Let´s greet the Tzarina and then dance. - the etiquette of the court must be preserved even now, in the illusion of his memory.

- Greet her? How? I mean, I don´t speak Russian ... - Dracula just turns his eyes inconspicuously. He is starting to like it more and more.

- Blood is lives, my dear. That´s all you need to know and keep on your attractive mind, hm? - so I will understand Russian and know how to use it. If Vlad can, so can I. However, this does not reduce the level of nervousness, and thus she continues to anxiously hold his shoulder. Agatha feels that everyone is watching her and evaluating her appearance, gait and behaviour. I am a Countess, that aristocratic behaviour should be present in my veins ... I am literally drinking blood from a Count. And not from anyone, but from Dracula. This somehow cheers her up a little, therefore Agatha Balaur, Countess Dracula of Wallachia takes courage in her hands and ... it's just a polite greeting, a small compliment and a deep bow, and the two of them leave the elevated podium where the plump Tzarina is sitting. Then they start dancing and therefor Agatha finds herself in the Count's arms again.

- This is just the beginning, Agatha. Enjoy it. - enthusiastically proud Count cheers, swaying in the rhythm of Forest Fairy-tale and his own pride. This can be considered also his début. He came for the first time in all his lives with a partner, specifically with a wife. And with what kind! Beautiful, intelligent and charming.

- Just one bite and I can come back here any time. - she makes a notice casually, making him laugh.

- Oh. I'll make you a bloodthirsty vampire again. - This variant was last considered on a ship. He purses his lips again and raises a provocative eyebrow. - Didn't you want to re-educate me on your own image, my dear? You changed your mind and you want to be like me? Hm? - he teases her, leading her footsteps on the floor. They twist in an exemplary manner, fitting perfectly into the crowd, although they still stand out from it by their height. - I won't lie, it's a sexy idea. - Agatha does not need to blush for the first time at a similar flattery. She's getting slowly used to it and has to admit that she secretly likes it.

- Dream on, Count. I am not taking advantage of innocent people. - Agatha repays simply, looking directly into those chocolate eyes, unknowingly stroking gently Vlad´s shoulder, on which her left palm rests. Dracula is on top of pleasure, so to speak.

- Just of me. - he evaluates satisfactorily and receives a positive answer.

- Just of you. -

- Then I am pleased even more, my dearest. - And that's true. He wants to be her only: husband, lover, partner, confidant, even a direct source of blood if she wanted ...

- Have you been attending this ball each year? - his plans for the future are interrupted by her voice once more.

- Yes. With some reasonable pauses every now and then. - Eternal youth to such superstitious, religious people who would not hesitate to go against him even with pitchforks could be suspicious even then. - But today, it's my premiere. -

- How so? - Dracula just admitted that this is not the first time he visited Grand Peterhof Palace … or is it the first time during the reign of Catherine the Great?

- This time, my wife is accompanying me and I am a married man. - in another era, Dracula is a different person and once again uses the tone of seduction. At this time, the five hundred ninety years old Count is more at home than in the 21st century they came from. No doubt it flatters her, as does the fact that he only has eyes for her.

- How many ladies will be broken-hearted by this fact? Should I watch out for any miserable mistresses? - do I hear a hint of jealousy? I hope so … definitely Count grins so …

- Oh darling, I'm a bloodthirsty beast who uses the most sophisticated seductive skills to easily get tasty food and enjoy the fun, not looking for some human-like excitement, that cannot be compared to killing - Even that is not true anymore. Agatha changed my tastes in this way as well ... - At least I was. - talking about this past as a real past, and not present time, although they are a part of it right now, is a bit more challenging and confusing. - So far, I am satisfied with the blood bank. Plus, I didn't leave any survivors behind. -

- Two months ago, I would have been disgusted by such talks. They would ruin my evening. -

- And now? - Vlad Balaur lifts his chin up a little and purses innocently lips. Agatha laughs and sniffs in amusement.

- I'm getting used to it again. -

- I am glad. There is no point in spoiling this moment with old customs or guilt of the past. - they came to take a look originally (although in the end they are quite actively involved in the ongoing ball) and although everything is so very real, it is still just an illusion. But even that can be more than real. We were convinced of that ourselves. The scene with the chess table and passionate love making on it creeps into his mind again. He inconspicuously swallows empty, and the hint of curiosity that evoked this act, in Agatha's warm sky-blue eyes, is dispelled by Count´s sincere bow. - You dance wonderfully and look divine, Agatha. Did I tell you already? - he quickly looks at her again, resting his eyes longingly on her chest for a second longer as if he should. Of course, the younger vampire's keen eyesight does not miss it.

- Try to look me in the eye, Count, and maybe I'll believe you. - It's not a remorse and it certainly doesn't sound outraged. With a gentle touch, she lifts his face once more to look her in the eye.

- This dress complicates things for me, darling. The current fashion is fine, but this one is pompous and … - Giving her a mysterious smile, Count strokes her lower back, pushing her a little closer. - Um, you just look like the perfect Countess of Wallachia. It's not just an empty compliment or a way to get you out of those clothes. - At the moment, he does not want this evening to end. Chess is great, as is the discussion, but they can be so close here. Body to body. The lustre of jewellery, the grandeur of live music, the pomp of aristocratic society, Agatha has never experienced before, and he can offer it to her. - Not this time. - he specifies. After returning to London, to their current home, he would very much like to undress her body and willingly lend his to her alike. Anytime. Now, however, he is completely enchanted by her look and such soft facial expression she gifts him rarely and wants to enjoy it to the fullest. One waltz finishes and the other begins. However, the couple does not stop dancing. In fact, it seems that everyone is constantly spinning around. Count decides to introduce to Agatha a little closer the other participants, add some gossip or a funny note, successfully engaging her interest.

- For example, that one man there, Baron Yakutsin of Tarachov, if I am not mistaken, should today throw the contents of his stomach with a first-class caviar in the neckline of Countess Ritzgenheim. - As if started by him, the scene becomes a reality. A man in his 50s with a flirtatious smile on his face talks with an even older lady, who smiles politely and listens with decency. Suddenly he leans forward and ... Agatha turns her face away from the scene, but after a while she starts laughing.

- You didn't cause that, did you? - she asks with some suspicion in her voice. But Dracula shakes his head.

- It's not within my abilities. - well, he can manipulate wolves and bats, but the human mind is much more complex to change anything else than dreams or memories … even that is done without him knowing precisely how … the chemical substance in his fangs, as Agatha told him last time, is responsible for the hallucinogenic effect …

- Really? Isn´t it? - This surprises her a little. From long distance, she can neither manipulate human mind and actions but nearing a person, she knows how to influence them easily.

- Are you able to do so, Agatha? -

- Only from short distances or direct contact. - Dracula opens his mouth in surprise. Where does it come from? What other superpowers does she hide from me?

- Are you kidding? -

- No. - then Agatha looks at the person closest to them. A young nobleman who just whispers something to the ear of a young woman. - Try not spinning us that much. I must not lose sight of him. -

- Agatha, what do you want to do? -

- Watch. - So, Dracula considerably limits their movement so that Agatha can concentrate on whatever it is. The young vampire looks at the noble man who is definitely looking for an acquaintance for one night. She tries to get into his mind (and hopes, that it will work in this idea or a corrected memory too). In a moment, a success is achieved and instead of nice words, a COCK-A-DOODLE-DOO sounds from the young man's lips. In silent astonishment, Dracula looks at his contented wife, who, with a significant expression on her face, bites into her lower lip. Dracula strays his eyes once at the dancing couple, which became the centre of interest for more dancers, and a moment later at Agatha, who begins to laugh as soon as her husband finishes the following sentence.

- Then he won't fuck today. Not with this girl. - Getting laughter under control is hard, and to cover it up ... spontaneously rather than thinking about it, Agatha sinks her laughing face into Dracula´s throat. Soaking up his pleasant scent, she is simply being carried away by his footsteps. Vlad grows a few centimetres from pride and satisfaction. Now I am her favourite Dracula. Certainly. Dancing them away from the highly ashamed couple, who will probably not start a love affair today, he pays a silent tribute to his wife. - I am impressed. You should develop this talent further. -

- Hm. I don't like to manipulate people. -

- It's a waste of talent. - Agatha shakes her head again, giving him a telling look. - Alright, I'm silent. -

- No, no, just talk Vlad, just don't try to lead me to the side of evil. -

- / -

The orchestra finishes, and a short break follows. Everyone is going to enjoy the luxury food. The presence of Count and Countess of Wallachia in the room is now unnecessary (though if she could, Agatha would definitely like to try the delicious looking courses. This is the thing she misses the most in this era when the food is not that monotonous or tasteless as it was during her mortal life). The count thus decides to take his wife to the balcony, to show her the magical looking gardens, at least this way from a distance.

- Peterhof and Saint Petersburg also are called the Venice of the North, the castle itself is being compared to Versailles. - Dracula continues to woo her with his knowledge.

- It's beautiful here, Vlad. - it´s not hard to agree and therefor Agatha steps a few steps forward, closer to the railing, to see the impressive fountain complex. - Gold-plated statues in the gardens of Versailles are rare. And fortunately, they don't have a hall of mirrors here in Peterhof. -

- So, you visited Paris and its surroundings. -

- Several times. - mostly for scientific conferences, but it also allowed her to find some free time just for herself and visits of interesting places. She even lived in Paris for 2 years in the interwar period. - But I prefer the south. Carcassonne is beautiful. -

- I haven´t been that much to the south. - Vlad approaches the railing of the balcony with an ingenious idea on the tongue. - What would you say to a trip across Europe? - an attractive offer, since they have the means to do so, as well as a lot of time. But Agatha shrugs. She is also attached to England by Carfax. As if her very thoughts were written in her face, Dracula suggests a solution here as well. - I guess Carfax would survive for a year or two without you. After all, you can manage it virtually too, having people there you trust. - Agatha turns to him again and it is clear to her that he is serious. - Look, Agatha, - he begins again, placing his hands on her shoulders, stroking them gently. - the superstition and the belief that I would not survive without my homeland bound me considerably, limiting my options to travel, but now nothing prevents me from traveling and living to the fullest. That is, - he corrects immediately, looking deep into her eyes. - You are now positively bounding me to England too, Agatha, my dear. I don't want to roam the world without you. - Why so? Could it be ...? Can Count Dracula be capable of ... love? She is reluctant to think about it, but it's getting harder to remember that her husband is a bloodthirsty beast that has taken her life. What allowed me to learn, to fulfil all those dreams I didn't even know I had.

- Such a decision cannot be rushed. -

- I don't want an immediate answer from you, Agatha. After all, we have an eternity. -

- I promise, I will think about it, Vlad. - That's enough for him for now. That and ... He still didn't take his eyes off her and she didn't look away from him. Dracula promised to always ask for permission, however, right now? He simply tilts his head and leans towards her. Agatha has a few seconds to avert her face, rejecting his attempt to kiss her again, but this time she won't. Count Dracula's lips reunite with her, this time in a gentle, sweet kiss incomparable to any others they shared. The 1st real, so to say ... but the moment of romance is short and suddenly interrupted. Both are hit by a strong electric shock that would kill an ordinary person on the spot and have to separate. The eyes of both abruptly open wide. Suddenly they find themselves back in the 21st century and they are not alone in it ...

- TBC -

As much as I don´t like the cliff-hangers, I had to split this chapter in two. The real, first romantic moment of our couple, sourcing from mutual feelings and will, is interrupted unexpectedly. It can be said, that for a moment they have forgotten that they live in a different era and both secretly wished to stay longer in Peterhof … however being there longer than planned, has it´s consequences as well…after all, Count Dracula loses blood in favour of Agatha. What do you think, what will happen next?

P.S.: I hope that you liked this chapter as much as I did. Originally, I did not plan to explore the ball itself with them being direct participants but I wanted Agatha to experience the life of a true Countess and it was also a great fun for me to take a look on Peterhof palace and listen to the waltz music, imagining what it must look like … just imagine being held in Count´s arms …

Not exactly the music of the 18th century, but these waltzes will bring you directly to the dance floor with Count Dracula

Russian Waltzes

watch?v=CY298YD2kZw

Shostakovich:

watch?v=phBThlPTBEg