Anne could still remember the first time she had seen Vladislaus. He had been horseback riding with Intessar around the Vaseria, and she had been seated in her ornate carriage, pulling back the curtains that had been meant to keep her from being harassed by the sun or shocked by any of the villagers somewhat barbaric ways. But she had spent the entire time enthralled by the people, and by their ways. There was a truth to them, a basic almost humble lifestyle that she had never seen in Portugal. The Gypsy's brutality mixed with their spirituality and their values like a wonderful spray of bizarre and wonderful, fearful and appealing. And Count Vladislaus had been the incarnation of everything worthy from the Romany. He had been considerate, kind and perhaps even a little dangerous. He had been like an uncut diamond, something unpolished and mean but belied true beauty and the ability to inspire awe.
While Anne had only been the result of careful, almost painstaking planning and decision-making by Vlad's father. Valerious had wanted someone that would supplement his son's weakness in European culture, while appreciating his resistance to change. He wanted someone who would know how very much Vlad's Romany roots meant to him and would shield them from the Hungarian and altogether Western ideal of civilization. He had wanted someone for his son that would understand that even as a reluctant aristocrat in a far off land, Vladislaus would be a King in his own right. Anne had not only understood that but had loved that.
And Vladislaus loved her too, in his own way.
Anne was a beautiful woman, although she always appeared sad in the way her waves of black hair hung over her narrow face and soft eyes. She was dressed now in a simple linen shirt, with waves of multicolored skirts (the traditional Gypsy woman way of dress) that pooled around her narrow frame. Although it made her lovelier, it also made her appear frailer then she already was. She looked very small in Vlad's arms, and this appealed to his gentlemanly nature. He wanted very much to stroke her cheek and stare into her blue eyes and just rest in her arms. Vlad licked his lips at this uncomfortable revelation and stepped away from her.
"Well?" He chimed, careful to keep his voice playful. "What was this emergency?"
"First off, you must apologize to Intessar for me." Anne countered, looking towards the door. "I don't mean to upset her so, but Feodor…"
"Feodor?" Vlad asked, his voice becoming steely. "What is he doing this time? I've warned him about trying anything…he didn't threaten you, did he?"
"No, I'm fine. He knows better then to touch me." Anne comforted him weakly. Vladislaus knew Anne feared Feodor and that Fedor took great pleasure from this. Vlad was struck however about how reserved Anne looked as she pushed the fear out of her mind and looked at him. "But he has been spreading fear through the villagers."
"About whatever the women are trying to scare away? What is it Anne? Do you know?"
Anne looked down at her hands. "The people are saying it is a possessed man who steals through the woods during a full moon and attacks those who are out. Three people have already been found torn apart."
"A madman." Vladislaus folded his arms over his chest and favored Anne with a slightly scolding look. "If that's all, I'll send scouts through the forest. They'll find him and we'll take care of it."
"It's more then that. I know it is. He's a cursed man, Vlad. A demon that takes the form of a wolf…" She began.
"Anne, stop." Vladislaus cool exterior faltered for a brief second as Anne's words sunk him. Uneasily now, he shifted and leaned against her bed. "You are an educated woman, I won't have you scared by childish bedtime stories."
"I know the difference between shadows and monsters, Vladislaus! It was a werewolf. I know it. I've seen it." Anne rebuked angrily. Bowing her head, Anne inhaled quickly and toyed with the necklace she was wearing. Vlad shifted but had quieted his rebukes so she pressed on. "The women are saying a Witch has brought it here, and that it'll obey her wishes. They have said they see the Witch, dancing under the moon to conjure the creature and say that she…" Anne inhaled uneasily, searching for some way to give Vlad news he would not like. "They are saying she's a foreigner, Vlad. They're blaming Tessa."
"Intessar?" Vlad exclaimed as he straightened up. "Intessar wouldn't hurt anyone and you know it!"
"I do know that, Vlad." Anne whispered as she stepped nearer to him, "But the people do not." She wrapped her arms around his and was surprised when leaned into her again, resting his head on hers. His eyes closed and body slumped slightly, as if he very much longed to rest in her arms, in these quiet rooms and forget everything that was outside. "These people ruled by fear and superstition and for better or worst, these are your people and they trust you. Guard Intessar, but do not turn a blind eye to your people's fears or your enemies will use it to destroy you."
"And should I fear men who cower in corners and under cloaks?" Vlad asked angrily. "I am Vladislaus Dracula and I will fear no man!"
"Then your pride shall be your undoing!" Vladislaus pushed away from her and walked to the door but paused right before it. He bowed his head, lost in thought and despite her iron will, Anne felt her heart soften. She walked to him but was careful not to touch him. She would not accept her husband's affection in a moment of weakness because she could not bear being a woman of convenience for him. She loved him too much to be a whim in his eyes; she could not accept such a fate. Quietly, she opened her door, raised her chin and motioned Vlad to leave. "Yours is a hard, and terrible life, my husband." She whispered. "But it is your life, and we need you to live it. You cannot fail us."
"I can't do this," Vlad whispered. "I'm no hero, no ruler of men. I'm a soldier, I lead armies to destruction, and create death and I'm good at it. What do I know of life?"
"You know how precious it is to protect. Start from there." Anne lifted his chin with the edges of her fingers till he met her eyes. She smiled at him and allowed all the love and awe she had for him to shine through her face to assure him in the only way a woman can. "You are Vladislaus Dracula and no enemy shall conquer you."