Disclaimer- NONE OF THIS IS MINE!!!

I giggled like a giddy school girl. To think, up there with him in the opera house dressed in fine clothes and looking down at the singers. My dress adorned with beads and silk, my neck covered in fine diamonds and pearls, and my hair done in ringlets. I would be the envy of all the women and the object of desire for all the men there.

Stop it!! My conscious yelled in my head, He's tricking you! He wants to flatter and spoil you so you'll stay! Fight the temptation! I blinked suddenly and looked up into his face, which was smiling to see me, so delighted. I thought about what I should say or do, perhaps he was just lonely. I pitied him, having no emotion and being alone for years. I grabbed his hand and beamed.

"Oh," I exclaimed, "Thank you! But, I don't know what to wear. I have no fine clothing of my own."

He then laughed, "My darling that is all taken care of." He then clapped his hands and a short, moldy servant came out with a dramatic red gown, beaded and feathered. It also brought out a pair of white silk gloves, ruby drop earrings, a diamond and ruby tiara, and a pair of white shoes.

My mouth dropped open as I jumped up and down, which is unlike my usual nature. I would have thanked him calmly and inspected the dress, but now that I have seen it, I lost all control.

"Oh my goodness!" I cried as I held it up, "It's gorgeous! Oh I will look like a queen!" I shoved the dress back into the servant's arms and embraced Dracula in a bone crushing hug, "Oh you need not spoil me like this!"

At first, Dracula was surprised, but then returned the hug.

"I will go change into it right this moment!" I cried as I ran over to the servant and snatched the dress out of its hands. I scurried over to my room and slipped on the dress. It was a perfect fit, and it showed off my features. I then pulled my hair back into flowing bun and curled a few loose strands into rings. I donned the gloves and jewelry.

I wanted so badly to see how beautiful I looked, but I had no reflection. I walked gracefully out of my bedroom and twirled around the hallway. I felt so gorgeous, and I wanted to show it off. I was becoming less conservative and more audacious and outgoing.

Dracula appeared suddenly behind me again and whispered into my ear, "You look lovely, my darling."

It made my skin shiver slightly, "Thank you."

He wore dark clothes as usual, but they were a little more refined. His black overcoat was lined with gold trim, and his clothes were woven with silk.

"Come," he said offering me his hand, "We don't want to be late."

Peter was surprised by the strange note left on her table, and decided to investigate her disappearance. He wrapped himself in warm clothes and treaded off into the woods. His breath showed under the dark trees, and he was jerky with every noise and movement. Peter reached an old cottage with a fire glowing on the inside.

He knocked the door quietly as an elderly woman answered it. Her face was surprised to see company at this time. "What can I do for you?" she asked eyeing the young man suspiciously.

He rubbed his hands together and chattered, "I w-w-want to see Alexia, is she h-h-here?"

The old woman looked at him with a confused face, "She was here if that's what you mean. Come in, if you're a friend of hers you are welcome here."

She took his coat, now dusted with snowflakes as he sat by the fire to warm his hands. She came by and plopped into a large sofa. "Did she say she was here?"

"Well," said Peter looking up, "She left me a note saying that she was going to stay the night."

"Well," said Helga as she put her wrinkled face next to his and giving him a menacing look, "she left hours ago with a man with black hair. I saw her leave."

Peter looked at her angrily as he stood up, "What man with black hair?!? She never mentioned anyone!!"

Helga laughed silently to herself, "It sounds like you're jealous."

Peter's usual happy face turned red with rage, "I am not!"

"Look," said Helga as she got up slowly, "There is no use hiding it, I know you fancy her. But it's her life, and if she likes him better than you then so be it!"

Peter folded his arms irritably, "I do not fancy her, and I simply think she is charming. And, and if there is a man that she is meeting with, that I shall find out who it is!"

"Why don't you do that," said Helga as she shoved him out the door, "it's better to get an early start."

The town had a small opera house that was reserved only for the wealthy. Many carriages and horses were lined up in the street dropping off people of all sorts. Women had sparkling dresses laced with dainty fabric and men had finely cut suits with servants following behind them. I was helped out of the carriage by Dracula as we glided up the large stair case. I watched the women eye my gown, jealousy burning in their eyes.

I heard one whisper into her husband's ear, "If only I could have a dress like that..." I enjoyed the attention.

I heard a small, familiar voice emerge from the crowd. A man jumped up and down with tattered clothes and big, thick glasses. Peter. He ran up to me and I tugged Dracula's sleeve.

"Wait for me in the boxes, it won't be a minute." I whispered. He nodded politely and kissed my hand. Peter's face grew red.

"Who is that?!" asked Peter angrily.

"A friend," I replied shortly, "He invited me to the opera. Now if you excuse me, it is very rude to keep him waiting." I turned around to go catch up with Dracula, but Peter grabbed my wrist and held me back. "You don't want to do this, Peter."

"What's going on?" asked Peter, "Why don't I know about this man?"

"I met him one day," I snapped, "Must you pry into my life?! It's none of your business!!"

"It is my business!" shouted Peter, "I don't trust him!"

"You don't even know him! Now leave me alone!!" I hissed, bearing my fangs. He drew back, afraid.

"You're a...." he began, but was unable to finish because I darted off into the opera house. My hands were covering my mouth.