A/N: OO;; I had a MAJOR writer's block problem. Chapter three was already finished for months but I never posted it, sorry. Hopefully it'll be okay with this extra one.

The next morning, Ikalyia was actually the first one up. As she got dressed, she somehow lost her balance and fell, but the only ruckus she made was that she hit Dracula's bed.

"Wassgoinon?" he said sleepily.

"Nothing." Ikalyia whispered as she stood back up. "I was just getting dressed."

"Well, that suits me." he whispered back. He got out of bed and turned to face the wardrobe. Since the curtains were thick, he didn't have to worry about the sun. "Tell me when you're finished. I want you to accompany me to the museum."

"Are you sure?" she said as she pulled on her trousers.

"Yes. I'm meant to protect you, and as the others are still asleep, I can't very well leave you alone. I would also enjoy the company."

"Okay, finished." Ikalyia said. "Alright, I'll come along."

Vladislaus turned and looked her over. He wasn't used to seeing women wear trousers aside from Anna. It would take some getting used to.

He then pulled on his cloak and a pair of leather gloves. He had a smaller cloak, more like a cape, which had a nice, big hood. After making sure he was well covered, he and Ikalyia stepped out of the room.

Later, ignoring the closed sign on the museum, Vladislaus and Ikalyia walked inside. A person working saw them and immediately tried to make them leave. Politely, since he didn't want the prospect of losing customers.

¤Excuse me, my good people, but we don't open for another hour.¤

Dracula was not deterred.

¤I have business with the director of the museum, which would be better handled before open hours.¤

¤Uh, yes…¤ the man looked over his shoulder. ¤The director is in his office. I shall bring you there immediately.¤

Vladislaus followed along, Ikalyia's arm entwined with his. They passed by the ballroom, which had many glass display cases on stands. Vladislaus immediately realised that the director's office must be his old study.

When they reached it, the man knocked softly.

¤Sir, there are some people here to see you.¤

¤Send them in.¤

The man gestured to the door and left.

Vladislaus walked in with Ikalyia. There was a man sitting at what had once been his desk, who gestured to some chairs. As the sun was on the other side of the palace at the moment, he lowered his hood.

¤Now, began¤ the man. ¤what is it you want with me?¤

Ikalyia listened more to the tone of voice and passing thoughts as she couldn't understand the exact words.

¤This is probably difficult to believe, but I am proper owner of this palace. I would not want to force you to lose your breadwinner, so all I ask is that you submit one wing of the palace for myself, the young lady here, and three other friends.¤

The museum director burst into laughter which lasted longer than either Dracula or Ikalyia had ever heard.

¤I would be willing to let a wing, but not give up without fee.¤

Vladislaus laid back in his chair. He did not wish to start quarrel in front of Ikalyia, let alone anything that would attract the eventual attention of Van Helsing and the others.

¤How much?¤

¤900 rupees a month.¤

Vladislaus considered for a moment. The truth was, that was much less than renting a wing would be. But it was also more than could be afforded, given that he wouldn't have the opportunity to go digging for his treasures buried here and there in Transylvania.

¤It is a fair price, sir, but a little beyond our funds.¤

¤800 is as low as I go.¤

Vladislaus felt his temper rising. He had no choice but to go with this.

¤Done.¤

He shook hands with the man.

¤I shall have the eastern wing prepared for you. Five beds, you said?¤

¤Yes, and one of the rooms is to be heavily curtained. I have insomnia.¤

¤Very well. I shall see you tonight.¤

Vladislaus put up his hood as he and Ikalyia walked out of the room.

"How much we will be paying?"

"800 rupees."

"Can we afford that?"

"Maybe the first three months."

Ikalyia fell silent. When they arrived at the inn she asked Dracula to go up without her. She wanted to stop for breakfast downstairs.

As Dracula walked upstairs, he felt the fatigue getting to him. This was not normal waking hours for him. When he opened the door, he narrowly missed an arrow aimed at his head.

A/N: … uh-oh.