10- Un nou început (A New Beginning)
It was on that night that Kya's destiny would be changed forever. Come the following months Kya constantly met with her dark prince be it after she worked at the Pub - or simply on calm nights when Anna and Velkan weren't home. They shared details about each other that no one would have ever known. Dracula had shared with her his love of literature and in return Kya allowed him to read not only the small poems and stories that she had written but, also show him the books that she preferred to read.
On an oddly warm night in December, the bizarre couple sat beneath a tree within the dense forest with Kya's horse tied to a nearby branch as she and Dracula shared various stories. Kya showed him the work that she had recently done, as well as the few sketches that she had finished since arriving here. She couldn't help but to watch him read her work, it was so fascinating to her to see him here like this. Even now after having his true identity revealed to her she felt, calm, safe and secure, but she mainly felt connected and attracted to him.
With all the talk of him not having a heart or being capable of love, it seemed to her that he can love yet chose not to. He chose revenge over trying to live again after the curse was placed on him. Kya refused to see his existence as a deal of sorts because there was no need for it. He did do horrible things in life but was given another chance to redeem himself. Granted it was under the guise that he was cursed to roam for all of eternity and forced to drink the blood of others in order to survive but at least that is what she was telling herself.
"Your writing is very good my dear."
Kya blushed even more as the Count complimented her work. She smiled happily as she took the small leather-bound book from him.
"It's nothing really. Just simple poetry, and some stories. They aren't anything special."
The Count chuckled slightly before moving closer to Kya under their tree. He had also grown very attached to this little human woman. He was never interested in common women, always ones from wealthy families. To him they were the most fun to corrupt and break and yet as he had begun to form a relationship with Kya he did not wish to break her, he did not wish to corrupt her in any way. He just simply wanted to be with her because she drew him in. There was something different about her that his brides never offered before.
Compared to Aleera, Marishka, and Verona she held none of their refined skills, nor their dagger-like tongue when it came to an argument. Kya was humble and had experience in the human world that none of his brides did, experience that they will never gain. Kya knew the value of hard work, she knew the heartbreak and pain that came from losing someone dear to her, the loyalty she had towards her extended family. The need to do good with her life, if anything Kya was the exact opposite from what he desired in his Brides and yet here he was. Sitting beside her in the forests surrounding Frankenstein castle, reading with her and talking about books, authors and other points of culture. He did not even feel the need nor the desire to drink her blood, it was such an odd feeling for him.
Perhaps he was changing?
Vlad simply let that thought pass as he knew that their relationship will not last past her death in the future. He was an immortal creature and she a human, and that was how it needed to remain for a long time. He knew that if they were to remain together they would have to become closer than they were now, but without her telling him, Vlad knew that the woman beside him was shy and unsure of certain advances. It would take all his strength and cunning to convince her to release that hidden part of herself.
"Kya, my dear. Have you ever wanted to visit an Opera?"
Kya's heart leaped and she smiled as though remembering something from her past. Her father had always told her about what beautiful music and stories Operas told. He promised to take her to one before he died and she had forgotten about that moment up until now. True that she did want to see one in person, however, she was still a common woman. One that did not own the clothing required for such events. She couldn't afford it, nor could she find someone within this small town where her family resides but in Budapest as well. It simply could not be done within the restrictions given to her.
"I have, a long time ago, but now... I wouldn't be welcome among that crowd. A common girl like me trying to pass herself off as a high-class woman with high social standing." Kya couldn't stop herself from laughing at that thought. "Its unheard of."
"Then allow me to change your way of thinking then? I wish for you to accompany me to the Opera in Budapest once the snow melts from the trails."
Kya looked at the immortal man beside her and was completely shocked for words. This man beside her was going to give her the chance to see something that was forbidden to her by her social class?
"But I'm still just a simple maid, I don't own any fancy dresses as the wealthy women do. I couldn't ask you to buy them for me that would simply be rude of me."
"And what if I offered to purchase such clothing for you? I have no need for money and I wish for you to accompany me."
Her heart skipping slightly as she lent back against the tree she sat under, trying to figure out what to do. She truly did not wish to take his money yet she was at an impossible choice. But that was when she remembered that Anna was a princess before she turned to a life of hunting the damned she must have had a wardrobe to choose from. Ones that would have been tailor-made for her to fit any and all occasions. Perhaps she could use one of those? Then again Anna would most likely ask to meet whoever it was that she was going to Budapest with and would rather cut off her own arm than allow her own family to be alone with The Count. Unfortunately, this forced her to accept the Counts offer. With a sigh, Kya looked towards the man reluctantly.
"Alright, I may not like it but I will allow you to purchase the dress, but it must be one of my choices." She stipulated, as she half expected him to dress her in something extremely revealing and inappropriate for the venue.
With a slight bow of his head, the Count agreed to her terms and told her that there was a shop in Budapest that catered to any all manner of patrons. If she went there to choose a dress all she need do was to tell the shop keeper that Count Vladislaus had sent her, the gown would be fully paid for. And that is exactly what happened.
As promised once the weather began to change in mid-January their meetings became more about their travel plans than anything else. The greatest problem that Kya needed to face was telling her cousins about her time away. Although she was twenty-one, she was an adult and had been for quite some time. All she need do was leave a letter explaining that she had taken a short holiday in Budapest to enjoy the city. To convince them even further she had taken a small dagger and vial of holy water with her for protection. Not from her immortal companion, but from the other creatures that prowled the dark streets of Budapest. Rapists, and theives that sought after young women such as herself. The morning before she was set to meet the Count at the Opera house, Kya packed up her horse to leave, being careful to pack only what she needed as she had already chosen the dress that she wanted several weeks before and it would be awaiting her upon her arrival in Budapest. Leaving a detailed letter in the care of the head maid for when Anna and Velkan returned from their trip to the mountains later that evening.
For all that Kya knew she may be led into a trap, where she could very well lose her life to the Count. However, he had not shown any hostility towards her before so she had no reason to doubt him now. As she mounted her horse, Kya took one last look at the castle behind her and made sure that her cloak was tightly tied as she began to carefully ride her horse towards the edge of town. The entire trip to get back to Budapest lasted several hours with very little interruptions. Only utilizing one short break to rest her horse and herself as well by a small stream. During that small break, she took a few moments to her self to look at her surroundings and fully enjoy the fact that she didn't have to have an escort. She didn't need to follow any societal norms and rules with Vlad. All she needed to do was be her self. In part that is what terrified her most about this entire experience. Even though she was able to work in a noble house, she did not know any social cues outside of staying in her place. Keeping her head down and her mouth shut.
That is what she knew best. After letting her horse rest for a little while Kya climbed back onto her horse and set off again towards Budapest. Thinking of what sights she may see with the Count this time. As she had spent more and more time with him she began to realize that his courting her made her... happy. She had never felt like this towards another person before in her love. Sure she had loved another before such as her parents but this feeling she held in her heart was different. She did not feel fear like many others felt when near him, nor did she feel as though she were in any danger with him. In fact, she felt safe calm even when she was with him. Just being able to sit with him in the forest was enough to make her feel at ease. Kya wasn't sure what this new feeling was but she did not concern her self with it just yet. Turning her focus back to the trails ahead of her, Kya was able to make it to Budapest just before sunset. The Opera was not set to be shown until the next evening so this would give her some time to get her bearings and figure a way to hide her feelings. Though they confused her, she knew that she could not tell anyone about how she felt. Not even the Count.
After finding her lodgings for the night, Kya was given a warm meal by the mistress fo the grand inn that had been arranged for her. The building its self appeared to be one that was meant for a wealthy family to stay in during the summer months. When Kya was given the address of the Inn, she had no idea that shed been given such luxury. Her room was larger than the one that she had taken at the Castle and was decorated with gold and silver shades. All of the bedclothes and the furniture matched and nothing was out of place. This was clearly a place for the upper crust of society to stay and nothing made that more plain to her than getting her meal from the mistress. She was given a silver tray with fine china on it. On the tray was a glass of wine, and a fully cooked meal. Meat and potatoes with other food items on her plate that she had never seen before. The meal was better than what basic food she helped make at her cousin's castle. Finely cooked meat filled with flavor, and wine that did not taste sour to her. It was sweet and had small hints of cherry in it, compared to the other where it tasted more like vinegar and water.
Kya shook her head and focused more on the gowns that she had been able to choose from. All of them was fit for high-class ladies and no matter what one she chose, she'd be taking it home. That was one thought that never escaped her. It was too late to visit a shop now but the mistress of the Inn apparently had connections with the Count and had a trunk filled with them brought up for Kya to look at. All of them were at the height of fashion now, with costs coming with them so Kya could achieve the perfect figure for them. After looking through the mountain of fabrics she finally settled on a lavender colored gown. One that had sleeves that would cover her arms down to her elbows and cover her cleavage as well. Giving her peace of mind as well as maintaining her modesty. All the required undergarments were set with it as well to allow her to have the maids of the Inn help her dress the next evening. The skirt of the dress wasn't as full or as long as many of the others, allowing Kya to still maintain her own sense of security while walking in such a fine dress. If this were a ball she would have no choice but to wear a much larger and finer gown. One that she remembered helping her previous mistress into had a metal and cloth cage to fluff the skirt as well as three petticoats as well.
"Such fine clothing for a simple maid. You spoil me, Vlad." Kya said softly to herself as she ran her hand over the satin skirt, smiling slightly as she gently placed the top of the dress against her chest.
Looking into the mirror to imagine herself in it and how the next evening will play out. Kya knew that she would be given all the luxuries of a fine woman. Wine, food, and possibly even a maid to assist her should she need it. Just the mere thought of being treated as a high-class lady made her laugh. She had never known such a life. She had helped the high-class many times over but she did not have any memory, nor desire to be treated like one. To her, they all seemed like hot-headed bigots with no real sense of the world. Anna and Velkan were different. They preferred to work alongside their people, help them where they needed it and try to protect their people to the best of their ability. In England, you would never see Queen Victoria doing the same for her subjects. Times were changing and to Kya, this was just a small change in her life that felt like the world. That night she was hardly able to sleep, thinking of how the next night will turn out. Being beside the Count for several hours, without the threat fo being discovered by her cousins. Without the worry of being forced apart at dawn when they lost track of time. She would have complete access to her escort with no interruptions. Attending a show that she had not heard of, nor even imagined that she'd ever been able to attend in this lifetime.
By morning Kya had barely managed to rest as her mind was a mess of random thoughts. In order to calm them, she sat down at the desk in her underclothes from the night to write down her thoughts. Using her journal she began writing about what she had imagined the night would be, what questions that she wanted to ask the Count should she have the chance as well as making small drawings of what she imagined his suit to look like this time. She had noticed that he had worn the same thing over and over again when she had met him in the forest, but that could easily be explained due to the fact that he doesn't shed skin as a human does. He no longer has the bodily functions of a living and breathing person, so he would have no reason to change his clothing. Throughout the remainder of the day, Kya was able to eat something small to calm her nerves only slightly before bathing.
Wanting to take every precaution to ensure that she was presentable for the count, Kya bathed and allowed the young maid that was sent to her room to help her with her hair but nothing more. She insisted that she be allowed to dress on her own as well as use what little makeup she needed to enhance her face. Although makeup wasn't being used much these days, Kya felt the need to use it to enhance her eyes and lips. She felt her complexion was pale enough and clean enough to allow for her to pass without anything there. By 6 pm, she had dressed in the fine silk and satin gown, pinning the last of her hair up and putting on the minimal accessories that were given to her when the maid brought her dress back up from the main floor. Her hair was pulled up into a bun with several unruly strands of hair falling into her face. She was given some small earrings to hang from her ears and a small necklace to rest down over her chest. Neither of them was silver, however, they were pure gold. Apparently, they were sent as a gift, from whom Kya could only assume would be the Count.
By this time the sun had already set and that was the indication that the night had begun. She was now a noble lady and needed to act like one as well. As Kya slipped on the shoes that matched her dress a light knock came to the door before one of the maids spoke.
"Lady Kya, your escort is waiting for you in the main lobby when you are ready."
This was it, her time to shine as a Lady for at least one night. No one to bother her, no one questioning her intentions with the Count. Only him and her alone together in the Opera house for nearly four hours. Kya took one last look at herself in the mirror and gently ran her hand over the satin skirt.
"You've got this Albarn. No fear, and no hesitation." She said softly to herself before picking up the wrap that went with her dress and began making her way down to the main lobby of the Inn.
Just like the rest of the Inn, the lobby was very well decorated, the floor was made of polished marble. Standing just beside the door stood her escort. Dressed completely in black just as she had expected, the Count looked very calm surrounded by humans going in and out of the building. As Kya made her descent down the staircase she noticed that his cloak was resting over his arm and it had a dark red trimming inside. Something different from the normal all-black cloak he wore but she had no doubt that it would be any smaller or lighter.
Without looking away from the staircase Dracula watched as his pet walked down the marbel stair case. He had spared no expense for her and would do it again if he could see that she was happy. Or at the very least in some kind of comhport. He smirked slightly to himself as he saw that she was wearing something very conservative, stil retainingn her natural shyness while wearing elite clothing. He had no doubt in his mind that she would be keeping the wrap that was draped over her arm currently, around her at all times this evening. But his intentions werent to harm her in any way, nor to kill her. He wanted to see her reaction to seeing a show such as this. Although he had a cruel sense of humor when it came to the show that was going on this evening. He had already fed tonight to ensure that he would be giving her his full attention. If he could bring her under his controll then he was one step closer to eliminating the Valerious line.
Kya stopped at the bottom of the stairs to drape the wrap over her shoulders only to be stopped by a gentle gloved hand. Looking up from the ground she smiled slightly when she saw the Count. He still had the small gold hoops in his ears as well as his hair tied back, but his eyes were a brighter shade of blue. An unnatural shade that she could help but look into.
"Allow me my dear." He spoke softly and with purpose as he gently took the long fabric from her hands and draped it over her shoulders.
Kya couldn't help but blush as she pulled the wrap over her arms and made sure that it was secure. "Thank you, Sir." She teased softly as she watched the Count put his own cloak on.
The thick fabric fanned out to cast a shadow around her before settleing on his shoulders. As the Count pushed back one side he offered his arm to Kya and smiles slightly. Flashing part of his teeth to try and unsettle her with no success. Kya simply rested her right hand on his arm and smiled kindly to him.
"Ready?" He asked.
Kya nodded slightly. "Yes, lead the way."
Alright you guys, I hope you all liked this chapter. I had to break this part in half so I can make sure I get the details right with the Opera. If anyone has any guesses of what one they are going to see leave it in a Review. They are my crack so I know if I'm doing good or not. Please R&R! I'm also leaving a link to the dress I used as a reference for Kya's dress in this chapter.
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