A/N: This is my first attempt at a Van Helsing fan fic, so please nicely inform me of any errors. NO FLAMES! They're not nice, if you must know. OK, well, here I go!
Disclaimer: I don't own Dracula, or Van Helsing, though, Dracula, I'd take any day. Have you seen him in the movie?! YUMMY!!!!
Vladislaus Dragulia
I walked into the ballroom and looked around at all the beautiful women and men conversing or dancing. I noticed my father standing off to one side talking with a man who looked to be afew yearsyounger than me. He had long, brown hair, and was wearing an interesting hat and a long trench coat with the collar turned up. I brushed my hair back as I walked over to them.
"Hello, father." I turned and faced the stranger. "I do not believe I know you." Up close, the man was even more handsome than from far away. His deep hazel eyes fairly drew me into their depths. The face that surrounded them seemed a bit worn, but was still a warm tan color, and had more smile lines than sadness ones.
"Hello. My name is Gabriel Van Helsing. You must be Count Vladislaus Dragulia. Your father has been telling me many interesting stories about you for the past hour or so, Count Dragulia." The stranger said to me.
I smiled. "Please, call me Vladislaus. I hope to get to know the Van Helsing behind the rumors. Your reputation precedes you."
Van Helsing laughed. "Yes, I had guessed as much. Most people know me, no matter what lengths I take to conceal myself."
"What are you doing tomorrow morning? Are you up for a dawn ride?" I asked him.
"Of course! Where shall I meet you?" the handsome man replied.
"Out by the stables." I motioned one of my personal servants forward. "Richard, here, shall escort you to the stables at dawn. I shall see you there." I said as some giggling women came up to me and dragged me away. As I gave in and began to dance with one of them, I glanced back at Van Helsing (whom I had already begun to call 'Gabriel' in my mind) and saw that he was gazing over my father's shoulder at me. He saw me looking at him, coughed slightly, and looked back at my father. I smiled, and then was whisked away to the other side of the ballroom by the crowd of women.