Hector was sure that his hair was turning white. Well his hair was naturally silver but if it wasn't, he was sure that it would be turning grey. The last two days since Lenore was called into Isaac's court have been strenuous to say the least. It was like being back in Dracula's court of vampires again; amongst a pack of ravenous wolves fighting over a stray piece of meat. Except now it was worse, because this time he actually cared about these wolves.

The constant in-fighting in Dracula's court had made him agitated but at least it was clear to him then when those vampires were actually squabbling but being in this Styrian castle was like being in the presence of a perpetual understated tension. As if at any given moment, both of the parties involved would break loose of the shackles of civility and reach for each other's neck.

Isaac always looked unperturbed to him so far, except in those rare moments that broke his mask and displayed a hint of his deep well of anger. Lenore on the other hand, seemed to toe the line between abject civility and egregious nastiness in a way that he not think was humanly possible. Her verbal barbs all delivered with polished finesse of a lady brought up to brawl with her silver tongue.

And he was stuck in the middle between these two headstrong beings playing a reluctant mediator. He was not sure if both the parties involved were this bothered by the undercurrent of stress within the castle but it ended up with putting him in a constant state of unease at all times.

It did not help that the situation in the kingdom looked less than bleak. Of all the twelve counties in the kingdom of Styria only one had sworn fealty to King Isaac. One was currently in a standoff between the humans and the vampires. The third one has shut off any communication with the rest of the country by its vampire Lord and the human population kept unaware of this momentous change in the royal castle. The rest of the counties were still thankfully oblivious to the fact that there was new ruler for the first in a few centuries, especially one who was a human forgemaster. But that won't last long, soon enough the whole country would be erupting in mass chaos and mutiny. Everyone in the castle can feel the tightening of the noose with each passing day. Especially, Lenore and Isaac.

He lowered his head to avoid the low ceiling as he took the stairs two at a time to reach the dimly lit corridors of the dungeon. He surveyed the area until he spotted one of the wolves. The saner part of his mind that was not strained by this constant hostility in the castle only thinly veiled by superficial civility, berated him: This was not the way to think of the lady of your affections!

Well, he was tired and constantly anxious that something awful might happen to her, he barked back at it quieting it down for now.

She had informed him earlier that she was going to take stock of the cold canisters of human blood stored in these dungeons. Her eyes now seemed to be fixed on the royal crest of the Styrian quartet in one of the canisters, yet they somehow held a faraway look. Hector slowed his pace and came to stand a step behind Lenore; her flowing cape brushed his elbows gently. In moments like these, he knew she had fled to the dark corners of her mind that reminded her of what once was, what had been lost and worst of all, a warped version of who she truly was. A being of ceaseless appetite and unquenchable thirst. A vampire.

At least according to the clawed demons conjured by her mind's worst fears. However much, that this interpretation was not faithful or accurate in his own opinion. Doubts still plagued her, rearing their monstrous head from time to time. She ever so often lapsed into silence when summoned by the calls of these dreaded dungeons of her mind filled to the brim with self-loathing. But so far she had been able to fight them when they encroached the fringes of her consciousness tempting her to act on it by stepping into the sun. And that had to be enough, for now.

She still hadn't noticed his presence despite her vampiric senses. Surrounded by all these barrels of blood casting their accusatory eyes on her was probably not helping with her self-doubts either. Her face was impassive but Hector could read her thoughts at the moment as if she had eloquently verbalized them. Her mind no longer a mystery as it once was, her fears lay stripped and bare for him to peruse with ease. Was there ever a time he couldn't read her? How did she manage to fool him?

Maybe he had changed. Maybe she had too, perhaps only in his eyes. And whatever it is that they have between them along with it. For the better, he hoped. He reached out to grasp her wrist and gave it a light squeeze.

"You are needed here", he smiled with an amused expression on his face.

Lenore turned around at the gentle pressure on her arm before refocusing her eyes on his face. She gave him a small but steady smile; she knew what Hector meant by his statement, its implication subtly reminding her of what she had almost done that day. Its meaning reaching to the core of the very nightmares that held her in their grasp just moments ago and providing a lifeline that anchored her and righted her ship. She was needed. He needed her. Her vampire brethren needed her. Her country needed her. But he had framed it as a form of humor in order to give her a way out of addressing it in the open. And for that, she was grateful.

"I did notice you arrive, I simply chose to ignore you", she pouted.

"Oh, I am sure you did", Hector responded raising an eyebrow, "So how much of stored blood do we have in stock".

"Enough to last the twenty eight odd vampires in the castle about ten months. Maybe even a year if we ration them".

Lenore pulled her black, semi-translucent veil over her face. This was the one silver lining due to the reduced number of vampires in the castle. At least they do not have to worry about feeding themselves while finding their footing in this perilous new environment. But she knew that the blood toll collected for the feeding of the vampires would be one of the major points of contention, both within the castle and in the countryside. And she had an inkling which way the kingly bastard shall lean towards, on this issue. She had to brace herself for that conversation with the new King, when the time comes.

"We have this meeting with Isaac on what to do about the cities for Graz and Weiz", Hector ushered her out through the dungeons shifting his hold to her elbow while stroking it lightly with his thumb.

"I know. I will have to change my attire before the meeting though".

"You just wore this one a few hours ago. Why must you?", his gaze shifted sharply sideways to her face.

"Well you know, how daytime does not bode well with me. I just want to change into something more comfortable".

Hector narrowed his eyes; he knew she must be planning something. But she did indeed had to adjust her sleep in order to accommodate Isaac's routine which added to her irritability even more, and therefore he said nothing. He had ensured that the guards pulled and secured all the curtains in the parts of the castle that they were most likely to visit for the day. Isaac had not minded, he after all was used to the darkness and the cold of Dracula's castle. Still, he wondered whether the vampires had an innate ability to sense the sun even within the safe confines of four walls, and whether that added to their discomfort.

They reached Lenore's room soon enough without an incident except for her glaring at every one of Isaac's night creatures along the way. He stood outside while she changed as a courtesy. He still slept in his outhouse building and Lenore in hers. He was sure that whatever his affections for her were, they were potent and ran deep. And he knew she felt the same, despite her only humorously alluding to it once in a while. They had both moved on from the tumultuous beginnings of their acquaintance, and now their relationship was both one of strong intimacy between comrades who had gone through hell together and the beginning of a new courtship. The ties that bound them corded and strong yet tenuous at the same instance. And he wanted things to be right between them this time, but he was not sure who was supposed to make the first move. They were both occupied with bigger things, perhaps Lenore more so than him. Maybe he ought to ask to move in to her room?

The door opened and Lenore stepped out pulling Hector from his musings. She was dressed in Styrian finery, in the red shade of Carmilla trimmed with gold borders and designs that must have taken the artisans hundreds of hours to complete. She looked regal without being ostentatious and took his breath away for a moment. Then he realized her true reason for the change in attire and his original annoyance returned.

"I know what you are trying to do Lenore. Seriously, the only thing missing right now is a fucking crown and scepter", he groaned.

"Oh shush, come along", she pulled him forward after linking one her arms into his.

"Why can't you and Isaac just get along?" he complained but allowed himself to be pulled forward. He knew that it was done in order to increase Isaac's annoyance in a way that he thought was petty and childish. Whether Isaac was aggravated or not he was sure to spend to spend another miserable day in their company while they pranced around in mock civility.

They reached Isaac's council chamber in relative quiet, the room was lit in dozens of candles as the curtains were drawn allowing no indication of the time of the day in anticipation of their visit. Isaac was surrounded by a few of his night creatures; Hector recognized Abel and FlysEyes among them. There were also the two new human courtiers picked by Isaac from the merchants housed in the castle.

Isaac looked up when they entered and intoned evenly while still seated, "Hector", before pausing as his eyes settled on Lenore longer than necessary, Hector was not sure if Isaac was assessing the reason behind her finery or whether he even took note of it.

"Lady Lenore", Isaac finally stated gesturing them to seats.

"Isaac", Hector nodded pulling a chair for Lenore and him.

"My King", Lenore titled her head slightly and took the seat beside him, her fiery eyes locked into Isaac's. Hector felt his unease grow already and they had only just exchanged pleasantries.

"We were just discussing the situation in the cities of Graz and Weiz. I thought we can review and form our plans on what to do for each, starting with Graz. Also these are the two new ministers of my court", Isaac pointed to the older human, "This is Mercer Mace an artillery merchant from county of Leoben and a former Captain of a retinue of human soldiers in that county", he then gestured to the younger companion seated next to Mercer Mace, "And this is George Goldbrass a merchant and a small time banker from the county of Murau".

Lenore assessed the new courtiers; Mercer Mace was built heavily but was also muscled and would stand around six feet tall when he stood. His graying hair indicated he was at least well into his fifties. Also if he were a former Captain of a contingent in the Leoben county then Isaac must have selected him for his knowledge of battle strategies in the event one were to occur in the Styrian cities.

Goldbrass on the other hand looked the opposite in appearance to Mace, with a stout form that must not be taller than her, a balding head despite looking barely thirty and the man was dressed in a flamboyant outfit excessively accessorized with gold. He being a merchant and a banker meant that he was here to advise mostly on the matters of the coin. Lenore noted that his unnaturally round head held two sharp intelligent eyes, which gave an inkling of the cunning prowler underneath the ridiculousness of his appearance. This was the man she had to keep an eye on, she noted to herself.

"So what do we currently know about the city of Graz?" Hector asked adjusting slightly in his seat to her left.

Mace answered for Isaac this time, his voice gruff yet clinical, "Styrian counties are usually named for the largest city in that county and Graz is our greatest city and our biggest county. The vampire Lord is named Viktor; he has an army of over one hundred vampire soldiers. Usually at least a twenty of them would be at various outposts throughout the county, but we have had news that they have all been recalled back to the city. So we can expect Viktor to be there in his city with the full force of his army. Currently the city is under a lock down and we believe the population inside is unaware of the change in ruler", he tilted his head gesturing to Isaac.

"How on earth is he able to keep the human population locked in and under control?", Hector demanded.

Lenore however, was not as surprised as Hector. She knew Viktor and was aware that the vampire Lord was devious as well as very capable. But she also knew that he was honorable in his own way and that she would be able to influence him.

"We are not really clear on the how", Mace responded before unwrapping the map of the city, "Also he still commands an army of human soldiers as well. We are not sure if they would defect upon hearing the news of the new King".

Isaac tapped his fingers on the table before joining in, "What we do know is that they have refused all communication with us. And killed a night creature that was sent to their city."

"We discussed that a rider shall be deployed from one of the merchant's retinue to the city", Lenore finally spoke, "Did we send one?" She paused before adding, "My King".

Isaac raised an eyebrow, "We have indeed deployed a rider a day ago, and he shall reach the city within two days' time. Unless we get some positive news from him, I shall have no choice but to deploy our night creatures to take the city forcibly from him".

"Your Highness, you ought to let me talk with Viktor before any army is sent to the city. I can access their distance mirrors and I am sure that I can talk him down."

Isaac had been presented with this request on all the occasions he had met with Hector's vampire friend. He was however, wary of letting the former vampire ruler speak with another vampire with an army even under his supervision. This was the reason she had been forbidden to visit the prisons in the dungeons that housed the other remaining vampires. He had only allowed her into his council because of any insights she might be able to provide to their plans due to her knowledge of the country. But if she thought that he was gullible enough to be caught in her wily schemes, then she would be sorely mistaken.

"My King, if I may?", Goldbrass cleared his throat finally joining in on the conversation. Isaac nodded his head at the pudgy merchant for him to continue.

"Graz is our greatest city. We cannot hold Styria without it. It is also built to last a long siege. So if Lord Viktor wanted he could necessarily hold the city for at least two years, time we do not have. We need to capture this city before the news of your rule spreads to the other counties. I am almost sure, the rider will not come back with any positive news. Usually taking the city might be difficult but thankfully we have night creatures", he gestured vaguely at the room's other occupants before continuing "Which can fly over the fort walls. So we need to start preparing for a battle now".

Isaac remained silent throughout the vampire's request and the merchant's address. While he was disinclined to cause any unnecessary bloodshed as he was certain that this battle would lead to the death of both vampire and human citizens of the city alike, he was even less inclined to trust any communication between the former vampire queen and her kin. And also he was being increasingly persuaded by the merchant's speech.

"Goldbrass.. You don't happen to be the family of bankers and merchants who deal specifically in the trade of silk do you?", the only feminine voice in the room cut through Isaac's pondering.

"I am My Lady"

"Oh good! I have always loved the fabrics you brought to us at the castle. Excellent pieces, last winter." She gave a radiant smile before adding, "Say, your biggest rivals in trade happen to be in the city Graz, am I correct?"

"Yes", the merchant faltered slightly.

"So your advice to attack the city has nothing to do with the fact that it would decimate the Graz's population and cause mayhem leading to loss of their trade. Which in turn would be advantageous to you?"

"Of course not, My Queen..", Goldbrass stammered before correcting himself, "I mean.. My Lady.. I would never."

"Oh I believe you. You wouldn't dare offer an advise to our new King solely for the purpose of furthering your own needs."

The merchant tried to answer something before Isaac cut him off, "Enough! Once the rider reaches the city in two days time, we can have Lady Lenore contact this Viktor from our castle".

Isaac rose up from his chair, stretching himself out inconspicuously. He felt annoyed, she was craftier than he had expected. And once she cracked through the merchant's docile armor he could sense his greed now, maybe he ought to be thankful. Although he felt anything, but that. At least the other minister Mace seemed straightforward enough for her to actually not be able to string him up for show like she did with this one. And as for allowing her to speak with the vampire lord, a known devil was better than an unknown angel, he thought dryly. For now.

Hector felt Lenore rise up next to him in response to Isaac standing up. The new courtiers then rose up to join her. He felt confused. Was this a courtesy of the Styrian court? In any case he stood up as well before noticing Isaac look slightly bewildered by the entire room suddenly standing up. Perhaps, he thought with an internal groan, this is what she wanted? He would not put it past her. But he wished she would stop needling Isaac, especially so now that he had acquiesced to her request of speaking with the vampire Lord.

"Let us see the plans for the city of Weiz now", Isaac ordered Mace. The heavy set man walked over to collect the maps of the city from the nearby stand. Hector took this reprieve to whisper discreetly to Lenore, "Please be nice..".

She rolled her eyes before whispering back grudgingly, "Fine.. But you are spoiling my fun". Hector gave her a quick glare before turning his attention back to the man laying maps on the table.

They had already discussed that the only way to break the standoff between the humans and the vampires in this city was to take a small army of night creatures and lay siege to the city and request both sides to lay the arms and agree to reconciliation on Isaac's terms. They would likely set up a cabinet that consists of both humans and vampires to take over the governance of the city. But how much that is likely to come to fruition, Hector was not sure. Not to mention the subsequent issues such as the existing blood toll on the humans and any possible retribution that the humans may expect from their vampire overloads due to years of servitude.

Isaac took a step forward to inspect the map, "How many entrances are there to the city?"

"Two", Mace replied.

"Actually three, there is one more gate where an old flood drain used to leave the city.", Lenore leaned forward to point at the map; her red dress complimented her form and flowed gracefully along with her movements.

"Cannot believe you forgot the one close to the south Mace, it is a pretty important entrance although I have never really used that entryway too often before", she added.

Hector snapped his heard towards Lenore. Is she saying what I think she is saying?

"Which one is the best way to enter the city?", Isaac intoned.

"Oh I like all three entrances, I am not picky, which is your favorite one, Captain?", she smiled tantalizingly at the former Captain who looked flustered now.

"That one.. No this.. the southern entrance... My Lady..", the poor man stammered.

Hector noticed that Isaac looked No! he corrected himself, he was oblivious.

"Good idea", she leaned forward even more offering a tantalizing view before grasping the old Captain's hand, "Make sure you go head first".

Hector was sure his jaw punched through the floor and cratered at the bottom. The former Captain turned bright red and tried to say a coherent reply. After unsuccessfully trying a couple of times he seemed to have decided that the best course of action is to remain silent.

"Alright, let us go inspect the artilleries available in the castle", Isaac ordered confused by the Captain's sudden change in demeanor.

Both the humans scurried out, the stoic old former Captain dropping and picking up the maps clumsily off the floor twice before reaching the door.

"What has gotten into him? He has become a squabbling mess…", Isaac remarked looking at the back of the retreating old Captain. Isaac was sure that the vampire had somehow gotten her claws onto the only sane courtier in his cabinet. However, he had no clue what in the world had transpired though. They had only just discussed about the city's plans. Although, he could recognize the artful cadence of a master puppeteer stringing her dolls even if he did not understand the play. But he was still surprised, what on earth was this woman capable of, with that silver tongue of hers?

Hector noticed that Lenore remained impassive, her face once again the porcelain mask of the artists of the old. He tried to give Isaac a non-committal shrug in response. Isaac moved towards the exit, his retinue of night creatures following him. He turned around near the door, "Aren't you coming Hector?"

"In a moment", Hector replied.

"I shall have to take my leave my King and retire to my chambers", Lenore added.

Isaac nodded to the both of them before leaving. The night creatures rocked the chairs slightly and scraped against the walls as they made their way out.

"What was that?", he hissed as soon as they left.

"Whatever do you mean?", Lenore replied with a childlike innocent expression on her face.

"You know what you did!"

"What did I do?"

"That.. with the Captain", he felt agitated and he was not sure whether his annoyance was only because she picked apart one of Isaac's ministers of the court.

Lenore made an exaggerated expression of faux indignation. "I have no idea what you are talking about Hector".

She stepped closer towards him tracing his clavicle with her index finger before continuing, "But if I were to hypothetically accept that I do know what you mean. You must know that it was not all for the old Captain's benefit."

Hector gulped.

"You know hypothetically", Lenore added flashing a genuine smile his way this time before swiftly distancing herself and leaving him alone in the council chamber.

Hector exhaled slowly.

She was going to be the death of him.

NOTES:

This chapter was going all over the place in terms of tone, but I have managed to make the transitions as neat as possible to the best of my ability. Also I am sorry for dumping a bunch of new OCs and lots of geography. It is hard to avoid this in a political intrigue story line. Hopefully I made them clear enough.

I would love to receive comments/criticisms for this chapter so that I can improve in the future installments.

Thank you for reading.