Prince Of Darkness
Chapter 6
All through the night, Duo kept thinking about Hilde. He still could not understand how she was not afraid of him even when he almost tried to hurt her. She was such a gentle creature who didn't deserve the life that she was given. Hilde was a kind and delicate girl, her beauty nothing like he had ever seen. Duo finally realized that he cared about her a lot. She saw him for who he was and not the demon that had possessed his body. With her every touch, warmth filled his entire body, making him feel at peace with himself. Was she his salvation?
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Hilde woke from her slumber in the late morning, the previous day had just worn her out. She crawled out of bed and decided to take a long hot bath. After soaking for awhile, she got out and walked over to the dressing table. She picked up the comb and began combing out her long ebony hair, she was going to leave it down today. She then dug through the armoire to find something to wear. Hilde selected another white dress, plain but very beautiful. It was snug around the top but flared out at the bottom just slightly, causing it to flow with every step she took. The long sleeves fitted her thin arms perfectly, enhancing her delicate figure. As soon as she was dressed, she left her room, it was almost time for lunch.
Duo was in the library when he heard the gentle foot falls coming from the stairs. He got up and turned around to see Hilde descending the stairs, she looked like a princess coming to her ball. Hilde looked up and saw him and said, "Sorry for waking up so late. I was really exhausted."
"I understand. There is food in the kitchen if you are hungry," said Duo.
"Thanks, I think I will take you up on that offer," she said as she made her way to the kitchen. Horus was perched up on one of the upper bookcase shelves watching their exchange of words. He could see the way Duo was looking at her and he just smiled. 'Maybe she is his salvation' he thought to himself. Horus then swooped down and landed on Duo's shoulder. "You have become very fond of her haven't you sir?"
"She's not afraid of me Horus, even if I am a vampire. There's something about her that compels me to her, like some weird aura of sorts. I'm just afraid that one of these days I will hurt her and things will change. I don't want things to change Horus, I enjoy her company, I have not had any for so long. What should I do?"
"I don't know sir, I guess that is for you to decide."
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Hilde was in the kitchen nibbling on some grapes when Duo entered. "Oh hi Duo, didn't hear you coming," she said sweetly.
"It's apart of my nature. Hilde, tonight I want you to find the most beautiful dress and wear it to dinner at 7pm. I will meet you in the dining room, if you don't know where that is, I will have Horus escort you. Good day," he said as he turned on his heel and left.
Hilde was a little curious about all of this and as to why he was doing it. He had never had a meal with her since she came here. The thought of it all was exciting to her and she was eager for the moment when it would happen. After finishing up her grapes, she made her way upstairs and to her room to find a suitable dress. She flung open the doors on the armoire and began fishing through the remaining dresses. After tossing all of the ones she didn't like on the bed, she finally found one that she adored. "Perfect," she said admiring the fine piece of work. It was a royal blue satin sleeveless dress that started just above her chest and ended at her ankles, it even came with matching satin gloves. She held it up to herself in front of the mirror and admired it in its entirety. "This is absolutely gorgeous." She then laid it over the back of the chair and walked back out of the room.
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"That's a fine idea sir, she will truly enjoy it," Horus said as he commented on Duo's idea.
"I just hope she does enjoy it. I really care for her Horus and I want this to be a special evening for her. Is my suit ready to go?" Duo asked.
"Yes it is sir. It is hanging up in your wardrobe. Would you like me to take her outside so you can prepare everything?"
"Thanks Horus, I would appreciate it. Take her out to the garden, she seems to enjoy it there."
"As you wish sir," Horus replied.
They then heard Hilde coming back down the stairs and they ended their conversation. "Hello Miss Hilde, would you care to go outside on this glorious day?"
"I would love to Horus. Bye Duo," Hilde said as she followed Horus out the front door. Duo then went to work.
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"Horus, do you know what Duo is up to?" Hilde asked curiously.
"I know about as much as you do miss," Horus replied as the two walked out towards the gardens.
Hilde's curiosity grew even more, but the anticipation made it all worth while. They reached the water fountain and Hilde sat down on the brim, Horus sitting in front of her. "So Horus, what's the story with you?" Hilde inquired.
"To tell you the truth, I really don't know where I originate from. I met Duo after the wars and he was amazed to see a talking bird. I decided to keep him company through all of this, he needed someone to keep him somewhat sane."
"Oh I see, maybe that was your purpose, to help Duo through this difficult time in his life."
"Maybe so, and if I were found out, I might be held in captivity so they can study me day in and day out."
"You're a good friend Horus, Duo needs you more than anything," Hilde said as she twirled her finger in the water.
"He needs more than that I'm afraid. To tell you the truth, I think you are what he needs. You make him at peace with himself and you give him the special gift of human touch, the one thing he craves the most."
Hilde looked at her reflection in the water and then said softly, "I care about him Horus, I wonder if he has the same feelings towards me."
"Only time will tell Miss Hilde, only time will tell," Horus said looking up at the sky. "Miss Hilde, it is getting late, I think we should head back so you can get yourself ready."
"All right," she said as she got up off of the fountain and headed back towards the castle with Horus.
Duo finished what he was doing and ran up to his room to get ready. It was only a matter of time now.
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Hilde had went up to her room eager to put on that magnificent dress. She peeled off the white dress and tossed it gently on the bed. Wearing nothing but a sheer slip underneath, Hilde walked over to the dresser to try and figure out what she should do with her hair. After looking at it in almost every style she could possibly think of, she just left it down, it still looked pretty anyway. She walked over towards the chair and picked up the dress. She slipped it over her head and pulled it down on to her body carefully. After she zipped it up, she went to go pick out a pair of shoes, blue satin heels was her top pick. She sat down on the bed and slipped on her shoes. For the finishing touch, she slipped her tiny hands into the gloves. Hilde walked over towards the mirror and twirled around in front of it, checking each inch of her dress. A light knock on the door made her jump slightly. She composed herself and said, "Who is it?"
"It is me, Horus. Are you ready Miss Hilde?"
"Yes, hold on just one second," she said loudly. Hilde took one last look in the mirror and went to the door. When she opened it, Horus's eyes widened, she looked beautiful. "You look exquisite Miss Hilde. Come this way."
Hilde stepped out of her room and shut the door. Just as she turned around to go down the hall, she saw Duo standing at the top of the stairs, waiting for her. Duo was dressed in an all black suit, his hair cascading down his back like a chocolate veil of silk, Hilde blushed wildly, he looked amazing. Duo then looked at Hilde, she looked absolutely gorgeous. The blue of her dress accentuated her eyes and seemed to fit her body just perfectly. Her silky black tendrils fell down her smooth back, enhancing the look even more. His body felt as if it was on fire as she neared him. He held his hand out to her and said, "You look beautiful. Shall we go?"
She nodded and took his hand as he led her down the stairs to the dining room. Duo opened the door for her and as she walked in, the aroma of the sumptuous food aroused her senses. Her eyes widened at the spread before her. Cornish hen, wild rice, steamed vegetables, rolls, and for dessert, a chocolate mousse. All of the food was served on sterling silver platters. "Oh Duo, this looks absolutely wonderful. You didn't have to do this," she said in astonishment.
"I wanted to," he said as he pulled out the chair for her. "Enjoy Hilde."
Hilde took her seat and took her first bite of the delicious meal that Duo had cooked up for her. It was the first real meal that she has had in a long time. After eating her last bite of dessert, she dabbed her mouth with the linen napkin and said, "Duo, that was wonderful. I didn't know you could cook."
"I've picked up a few tips here and there," he said smiling. He then got up and walked over to her and helped her out of her seat. Duo took Hilde by the hand and led her out of the dining room. Hilde had no clue to what Duo had planned. Before she knew it, she found herself in front of the ballroom. Duo opened the door for her and escorted her in. The room was dark but with a snap of his fingers, the candles flickered to life and music filled the room, playing a beautiful waltz. Hilde turned to Duo who had his hand held out towards her, "Would you care to dance?"
She took his hand and said, "I would love to."
Duo slipped his hand in hers and gently put his hand on her waist as Hilde did the same. Duo led Hilde across the dance floor with such grace and ease, not once taking his eyes off of his partner. They danced to song after song, not once wanting to part from each other's embrace. As the last song came to a close, Duo leaned in and whispered in Hilde's ear, "So Hilde, have you found your prince?"
He pulled away and looked into her deep blue eyes. She smiled a tender smile and said softly, "Yes and if he let's go, I might wake up from this dream. Please Duo, tell me I'm not dreaming."
He looked deeply into her eyes and leaned in closer, and whispered upon her lips, "Dreams don't feel like this." His lips then claimed hers in a soft kiss. Duo slowly broke away and looked at her once again. "I guess I'm not dreaming," she whispered sweetly.
Duo then took her by the hand and led her off of the dance floor and out of the ballroom. They both ascended the stairs and went to Duo's room. "Come this way Hilde," he said leading her inside. Hilde walked over to his bed and sat down on the soft crimson sheets. Duo sat down beside her and leaned in for another kiss. Hilde returned the favor and deepened the kiss even more. Duo's hands started to ease her strap down her shoulder, his hands running over her soft skin. Fire coursed throughout Duo's body as he was lost in the moment. All of a sudden he snapped, his demons completely taking over his body. He suddenly became more aggressive, causing Hilde to break away. "Duo, what's wrong?" Hilde said at the sudden change of behavior.
Then she looked at his eyes, they had turned blood red, this was not Duo. Duo threw Hilde on the bed with tremendous force and then pinned her beneath him. Hilde let out a shrill scream, a call of help to Horus. Hilde looked at Duo, a hungry look possessing his eyes. She saw his fangs emerge, ready to sink into her soft flesh. "Duo, please stop, this isn't you, you don't want to do this!" she screamed, trying to reach the old Duo inside.
Horus heard the scream and dashed upstairs and into the room. He looked as Duo had Hilde pinned beneath him, preparing to claim her as his next victim. Horus immediately flew over to Duo and bit him hard on the arm, causing Duo to break from his trance. The pools of red dissipated from Duo's eyes as he tried to focus on what was happening. He looked down at Hilde, who was looking at him wide eyed and trembling with fear beneath him . "Dear God, what have I done?" Duo said in disbelief. Tears began to run down his face and he said, just above a whisper, "Oh Hilde, I'm so sorry. I knew I shouldn't have done this."
Duo filled with anger and his voice escalated. "Damn it!" he cursed and flew off into the night.
Hilde slowly sat up and looked as he flew off. "Miss Hilde, are you ok?" Horus asked as he flew upon the bed.
"Yes Horus, thank you. Poor Duo," Hilde said sadly.