Authors Notes: BOOM, HERE I IS! Just thought I'd give out a morbidly obese THANK YOU to all who are still reading this story! And thanks for the reviews, favorites and PM's! I appreciate all of your encouragement! Also, another THANK YOU to my little bro: Deathblade1313, who has been proof reading the recent installments! He's my 'betta'! Get it? 'Cause you know, he's 'betta' at proof reading then me? Eh, eh!?...I guess I'll go away now XD.

Love or Blood

Chapter Twenty: Lachance

I left the Count feeling amazing. I held my hand close to my chest as I made my way down the hallway. He had kissed my hand and it had stunned me. I knew it was a formal gesture that one of noble blood shows to a lady, but that's what shocked me. He looked and acted on the notion of me being a lady. He thinks I'm a lady! Am I, though? Had all this time finally paid off? I certainly didn't think my hands were deemed worthy of his caress…

Knowingly he had kissed the hands of the thief who had meant him ill fortune. I hate myself for doing what I did to him, and for who I was those few months ago. I was nowhere near worthy of him or his kindness. To be quite honest, I don't think I deserved the air he didn't need to breath. But he spared my life, and continues to lavish me with…I don't even know. Perhaps affection is too strong a word, and only recently we have become closer. I think something close to compassion is what he shows me.

But with all this also comes great responsibility. He trusts me now in ways I would have never dreamed nor thought possible. I'm living a life that I could have never conjured up in a dream myself. How did I ever get so lucky and why does it intimidate me so?

xxxx

I entered the Maids Quarters still cradling my hand and thinking fondly of the Count. I wanted to stay with him. His company was like an oasis of light within this dark but wonderful Castle. I found it easier to walk, I felt lighter. The entire evening played in my head again and again. I couldn't stop reliving it and smiling.

Pushing open our bedroom door, I immediately searched for Tualga and was pleasantly surprised to see her in the middle of the room. She was just preparing herself for bed but lucky for me she was still clothed. After all, one shouldn't hold an audience with the Count in their nightclothes.

"Tualga!" I said happily, reaching a hand out to stop her from undressing any further. She stopped and turned to me.

"Well now what could you possibly need, Miss Abby Lynn?" She smiled. I was so excited to tell her my news but I was also fearful. Perhaps the task the Count was going to ask her wouldn't be appealing.

"Please, wait before you go to bed. The Count wishes to see you…" Immediately her demeanor changed. She stopped fussing with her fading-blonde curls and looked curiously at me. She inclined her head, waiting expectantly. I tugged at my sleeve nervously, I hesitated to continue. I felt like a ball of energy but I wasn't sure of the type of energy I was, nor was I sure how to direct it as I answered. "On my behalf."

She paused a moment before speaking. "Is...Hmm. Is everything alright? He doesn't need anything or?" It seemed Tualga was unsure of how to act as well. She was unafraid but also unaccustomed to a surprise evening with the Count at bedtime.

"No," I answered quickly. "Well, actually yes he does. B-but it's not something you need to go fetch for him it's-" I swallowed then. In my excitement I had almost all but forgotten Tualga's free will and ability to say 'no'. Indeed if she did a piece of my heart would break. "It's on my behalf." I repeated.

She laughed, "Aye, I got that much, Lynn." She slipped her shoes back onto her feet and took the candle from her nightstand. "I'm sure the Count will tell me everything. But you little lady need to lie down" She emphasized by pushing me to bed. "I don't know what that man does to ya' but he certainly puts you on the edge! Both the good and bad ones." Tualga laughed again as I did as told and began readying myself for bed. "Don't worry Lynn. I'll be back and let you know what he said. If I'm permitted of course." She flashed me a smile before leaving the room, moving quickly as to not leave the Count waiting.

Once the door was shut I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding and pressed my cheek into my pillow. I kicked off my shoes and shimmied out of my skirt, wondering excitedly, while also dreading her return.

After changing into an old tattered nightgown while still in bed, I settled into my blankets. At each creak or grown the old Castle made I expected Tualga to walk in. My thoughts were racing; desperately trying to keep up with my sleep deprived mind. I touched my hand where the Count had kissed it, and in a dreamlike state I pressed my lips to the same spot he had, but I didn't know why I did. My head was so thick from exhaustion that I barely recollected doing it. But I did.

I fell asleep there sometime later, cradling my hand, snuggled in my bed while facing the door.

XXXX

"You sent for me, My Lord?" Tualga – the maid he knew since the age of thirteen – stood before him. She was a Nord: tall, blonde, blue-eyed and stocky. The Count, being a large man standing proudly at 6'4, had to look up to meet her gaze. She was always bold and brazen, also loud to the point of it being obnoxious. But Janus liked her. She was dutiful. The Nordic servant had started out cleaning chamber pots and made her way up to Housekeeper. Or as the Stewardess put it 'Head Maid'.

"Indeed I did. I have a task for you. Are you willing to hear it?"

His Housekeeper nodded "O'course, Sir. What do you need of me?"

The Count clasped his hands behind his back. "I will be forward with you, Tualga, as I have always found you to be…reliant. This task may be bothersome to you. Perhaps it will be a hindrance. Regardless, I don't care. You will do it." He found himself staring the woman down though she did not falter. Despite the obvious intimidation he inspired, she was obedient.

She nodded toward him. "I shall do this, erm, task without complaint."

"Good," He replied curtly. "Tomorrow when you go to the shops for the day, you shall also take Abigale Lynn with you."

At this Tualga blinked. "Wha-? I beg your pardon, My Lord. Come 'gain?" Hearing Abigale Lynn's name on the Count's tongue was off-putting. For a man who hardly spoke, he spoke her name with passion, as though he said her name a thousand times. More off-putting than that was the so-called task she thought she had heard.

Janus straightened and spoke slowly and dangerously. "You will take my servant Abigale Lynn out with you tomorrow, without question. You will shepherd her. Keep her close and keep her happy. I am allowing her to go with you. I want her-" The Count paused for a moment, unsure how to phrase his desires to the woman before him. In truth it was none of her concern what his desires were. However, he knew all that he said reflected back upon Abigale Lynn, and he'd hate to put her in a distasteful light. So the Count straightened and rephrased. "I trust her to go with you. She is very orderly and can act as my guide to make sure all that is needed is purchased." Undeterred by Tualga's near playful and inquisitive gaze he continued. "Someone always forgets something and we don't need unnecessary trips being made. Also, she could use the sun. It's good for her health and comfort."

"I am quite honored, Sir. Lynn is indeed all those things and I enjoy her company above most girls. I gladly accept, regardless of bein' forbidden to refuse." She bowed to him and Janus was taken aback by her lightness on the matter. He thought there would be some sort of refusal. After all, if Abigale Lynn decided to escape the blame would inevitably fall on Tualga's shoulders. But she did not seem to mind and this brought small relief to the Count. "Is there anything else, Sir?"

Janus nodded and beckoned her to follow him to his desk -the desk he only mere hours ago imagined Abigale Lynn sprawled upon. He found himself shifting around it uncomfortably, as though the desk could somehow communicate with Tualga. He opened a drawer and procured a small chest. From it he took a small purse that jingled with gold.

"You are to give this to Abigale Lynn." He said, tightly voiced. "I'm afraid she won't accept it from me if I tried to give it to her. Tell her it's her wages. Make her purchase something for herself with it."

Tualga winced, "Sir, I'll be blunt. She won't accept it from me either. She doesn't take too kindly to gold, I think. Don't think she thinks she deserves it, or some such nonsense."

The Count paused but nodded. "I'm afraid I have to agree with you. She won't accept this unless I ordered her to, which I would rather not do." He paused and tapped his chin. Then an idea struck him. "You are to summon the Jeweler here. Send him to me tomorrow - morning, preferably. Make it the first thing you do before all else. I want him gone before you all return."

Tualga nodded. "Gladly, Sir. Is there anything else?"

Janus then held out the small purse for his Housekeeper. "You will take this as a gift from me, for your future swiftness and discretion on this matter."

She blinked as the very heavy purse fell into her hands. The kind thing would be to refuse, but one never refused the Count anything if they knew what was good for them. "Thank you my Lord. I will do as you ask. But…" Her eyes twinkled with the unasked question: why all this for her? But Tualga knew better to ask. She shook her head. "Never mind. Thank you, Sir. Goodnight." And with that she left the Count's manor with vigor. She was eager to go to bed for all the excitement tomorrow would bring.

xxxx

"Get up! Get up you beautiful Imperial…erm Breton? Ah, just get up you beautiful girl, you!"

Needless to say I woke with a start. Tualga was happily flitting about the room. She opened my trunk and laid out an outfit for me to wear. I rubbed my eyes and was at first confused and then it clicked. "Y-you agreed?!" I asked excitedly and disbelievingly.

"O'course I did you silly thing! Now get your arse out of bed!" She exclaimed. I happily obliged, throwing the covers off and making haste undressing.

"Oh thank you! Thank you Tualga!" I was so happy as I clasped on my brazier. My fingers fumbled and it took me several times before I had it properly situated.

I gushed out my pure gratification as we dressed and readied ourselves for our trip. I did not know why I had expected her to decline, but I had. Knowing now that I was minutes away from being in town brought on an onslaught of emotion. Excitement, fear and so many others hummed within my mind but I tried my best to beat them down and focus on my happiness. In minutes we were ready, in an hour the small party of staff members was waiting at the Castle door. Some held empty satchels, others buckets and some simply scratched their heads and stared down at the list of goods in their hands.

I couldn't stop fidgeting as Tualga made her way in front of the small crowd. "Alright," She said loudly. "You all know what to do. Stick with your group and we'll meet up at the Queens Inn 'round eight o'clock. Heavy goods and perishables are to be brought back here first. Then, you may come back down to Queens Inn if it pleases ya." She clapped her hands together. "Enough o' that, now let's move! The quicker you go the faster you drink!"

The servants began to pile out of the Castle doors and into the Courtyard. I waited impatiently as Tualga pointed several confused looking workers to the appropriate direction. When she finally made it to me I was squeezing my satchel so tightly it had creased.

"Alrighty," she inhaled deeply and almost looked as excited as I was. "Let's go have a good time!"

She led me by my hand into the Courtyard and for a moment I was blinded by the sun. I wept.

XXXX

The Count watched Abigale Lynn under the cover of invisibility. He was leaning an arm against one of the large pillars that made up the Grand Hall. She was scarred, he knew that. But her excitement was nearly tangible. As his Housekeeper spoke, his maid rocked back and forth on the balls of her feet, she was white-knuckled from gripping her satchel so tightly. Her eyes darted from nameless face to face, never actually resting upon any of them. He liked how her attention was so passionately set upon the door. Though it hurt him as well…

It pained him to know that she very well may try to escape. It brought on physical anguish to see just how nervous she was about going outside again, knowing full well that this apprehension was his doing. He had isolated her. He had cut her off from the world entirely. If she left him he was to blame, but it killed him to let her go, just knowing that the idea of escape might be rolling back and forth in her head.

The doors opened and he shifted away from the light that poured into the Castle. He stood closer now to Abigale Lynn and watched as she put up a small hand to shield her eyes from the Suns' brilliance.

Her hair…it was like fire. The Sun seemed lost within her locks; completely seized by their beauty. As she tilted her head back further away from the light and more toward him, he captured her scent. That beautiful flowery smell now warmed was more intoxicating than it had ever been.

Her skin was white as milk. The gentle blush of her cheeks akin to the petals on a soft pink rose. Her eyes were large, glassy, gleaming and always bright. Their color shone vividly, a blue-green jade. More beautiful and brilliant than any gem he had ever beheld. And her lips…by Gods her lips. Moistened by her own tongue and slightly parted, they seemed to call him. They shared the same tone as her cheeks and were as captivating as her eyes.

He drank her in the best he could. From the long, dark, lashes of her eyes, to the delicious curve of her hip, he burnt her into his mind's eye. Janus swallowed hard and reached out to her. His hand trembled. The idea of her leaving him made him weak. The thought of her never returning made his soul wither. He had only looked upon one other woman with such emotion and she had left him alone….

Janus realized then that he wanted her with him forever indeed, but he was not sure if he deserved Abigale Lynn's constant position in his life. She had once been a mere shell of a girl - a dirty thief who had no hope or promise for life. Now she stood as a woman. A woman who was unsure and still trying to find a place within her small world. Her beauty, her strangeness, the fumbling of her speech, the way she hummed, how she gazed upon him with wonder.

He did not want her to go. But was it fair for him to keep her?

The Count stood immobile with one hand out to her back. He wanted nothing more than to pull her into the shadows with him and beg her to stay…but he could not. The pure happiness in her face broke him. He had to give her this choice, this chance. He needed to know she'd come back to him. He needed her to come back to him.

His Housekeeper came and took his servant by her hand and led her to the Courtyard. The rush of the movement caused several silky fiery strands to slide through Janus' fingers. Then she was gone.

Once the door closed he dropped his spell. He placed one hand back upon the cool column in a vain attempt to compose himself. He felt weak and a great amount of sorrow wracked his heart. Why did I let her go? He thought to himself. She may never return.

He placed a hand upon his brow, confused by the great onslaught of emotions. He needed her and the great realization of it made him quake. Janus closed his eyes. "Come back to me." He said softly to the empty room. No words had ever stung him greater. He had recited them thousands of times in a hopeless endeavor to wake his wife. Now, alone in the hall, all was as it should be; as it had been five months ago. He was alone again and he didn't like it…he was alone again and it hurt. "Come back to me."

xxxx

"Aww Lynn! Don't cry Abbey Lynn! What's wrong?"

The bright sunshine made it hard for me to see. Shadows and splotches of colors assaulted my vision. The air was cool and crisp but the Sun was very warm. Spring was approaching and I was slightly taken aback by the change in the outside world. Before I had entered Castle Skingrad it was autumn, now the light dusting of snow from the previous evening had vanished, and the unmistakable smell of spring was on the wind.

I blinked back more tears and looked down to my quilted shoes. My eyes slowly adjusted and I happily noted a fresh blade of green, green grass tickling my ankle. Truth be told I didn't know why I was crying. I was so very happy and excited moments ago, but once I stepped out of the Castle doors and into the Courtyard, sadness gripped me. A part of me wanted to go back inside. Again, I didn't know why.

Tualga squeezed my hand and jolted me back into the current. "I'm fine." I said, forcing a smile and dabbing at my eyes with my sleeve. "I'm just so excited and afraid." It was a half-truth. I certainly did feel that way but I wouldn't have cried about it. Last night with the Count was…different. And those tears were most definitely ones of joy.

"Don't be afraid now, miss Lynn. We'll walk nice and slow, okay? And you can hold onto me as much as you like." Her genuine concern comforted me. I smiled meaningfully this time up at her. My smile grew more so when I saw how yellow her hair was outside. Like sweet golden hay with a few aged-grey strands.

I nodded enthusiastically. "Okay, I'm ready." And I was. I pushed aside the random onslaught of tears that had me a few moments ago and focused on my excitement and Tualga's always cheerful demeanor. Together we left the Courtyard and soon the Castle Bridge. Town was not far from us.

XXXX

Janus gently placed his boots at the foot of his bed and sat on the soft mattress. He had the mind to undress but felt too drained to do so. He decided it sufficed to just remove his boots and overcoat. He laid down and stared upward at the intricately woven fabric of the canopy. His grand four-poster bed felt larger than usual. It was specially made for him years ago as a gift from his father. The bed itself came from Skyrim and was great enough to have four Nords sleep in it comfortably. His father was quite proud of his tall and strapping son. And being the only child to the richest family in all Cyrodiil, Janus was lavished with gifts. However exotic or unnecessarily large they were.

He felt odd now thinking about his family and all the gifts he was given. He had so much as a child and as a young man but paid it little to no mind. Janus was far too busy going off hunting with friends or chasing maids around the Castle. His sexual appetite started at far too young an age and he always got what he wanted. He felt that was one of his flaws in life. Perhaps the Gods did exist and were punishing him for the way he viewed women so long ago.

But now, with a wedding band on his finger, he laid in his large empty bed. Cold while reminiscing, unable to make out the many faces he had once known.

Janus brought his hand up and studied the golden band on his finger. And what of Abigale Lynn? He thought worriedly. Will I one day be unable to remember her as well?

The Count felt sick, despite the nightmares, he decided to sleep. But just as he settled into his bed did he hear a knock on the door.

"My Lord! You need to open the door this instant!" The Stewardess angrily pounded at the wood. "I know what you did! Do realize what you've done!?" She called louder and more frantically. But the Count was seeing red. He slowly sat up on his mattress. His hearing, though keen and precise, was flitting in and out through his haze of rage. "Your identity is no longer safe!...You!...She!...Abigale!"

Her speech was entirely broken to him. Upon hearing her say his servant's name the Count was beside himself with wrath. He leapt off the bed and stormed toward the door. How dare she presume to question him? How dare she question Abigale Lynn?! She would return. She would!

The Count flung the door open so fast it slammed into the wall and caused several ornaments to shatter.

"WHAT?!"

xxxx

The town of Skingrad was lovely and loud. Clean and prim. Cobblestone streets weaved in-between homes, shops and temples. Beautiful vines of Ivy climbed many of its buildings and wrought iron fences. The people chatted idly in the streets. Despite the beauty around them, gossiping was more to the townsfolk's liking.

I smiled as I passed many familiar stores and market stands. It was strangely bittersweet to me. The last time I walked these stone paths, I was near death. Days had gone by since I had last eaten, and I was clinging to life all in the hopes that the Thieves Guild was going to pay me well enough for the upcoming job.

I laughed aloud at my own thoughts, which caused Tualga to turn to me. She had just finished paying a trader for some silks which she carefully folded and stored in her satchel. Come to find my bag was just for show. I was not to buy anything. I didn't mind. "What's so funny?" She asked smiling. "Did that fat Dunmer look at my backside again? I swear I'll deck em'!"

She looked around and followed my gaze to the bakery. I had gone there daily just to stare in the windows and watch the baker knead dough or decorate cakes. He was very unkind to me. I used to beg him for scraps, he in turn would shoo me away with a broom like a cat. Despite his cruelty toward me, the Imperial baker's business had flourished. He had a little wooden overhang attached to his shop. Beneath it in the shade were several round tables, all filled with chattering patrons.

"Oh ya' hungry? Me too! Let's go get some sweet rolls. Or cakes! Who doesn't love cake at ten in the mornin'?" Tualga rubbed her hands together excitedly and marched across the street with me close behind. I was apprehensive at best. This man hated me. Who was to say he would even serve me after all the 'trouble' I caused him? "Hello, Sir!" Tualga called into the shop as we walked in.

The baker looked up to her and smiled. "Hello! Hello! Good morning to you two ladies! What can I do for you on such a fine day as this?" Another worker, a young Bosmer, walked from behind the counter with a tray in his hands and left the shop. I suddenly was angry. This Imperial baker had told me time and time again that there was absolutely no work to be done for him. Not even for scraps…

Liar.

Tualga and the baker had been talking and I had been lost in my own rare yet hateful thoughts. I jumped slightly when I realized I was being addressed. "Well, Lynn? What you havin'?"

The baker turned and looked at me expectantly as I approached the counter. I stood before him with my fists clenched tightly. He didn't seem to notice. "Everything is exceptionally sweet, my dear! And freshly made too! That I can assure you!"

His face…so cheerful and compliant now made me think back to several months ago. Him swearing heatedly at me, swatting my back and shoulders with the hard-ended broom handle. Said broom was leaning against the far wall. I was shaking. I was angry. But I smiled. I pointed to a large sweet roll.

"Do I look familiar, sir?" I heard myself ask as he wrapped mine and Tualga's treats. Tualga's face darkened, she knew something was amiss, but did not know how to react.

The Imperial baker looked up at me and handed me the bundle. He scratched his head and smiled. "Can't say I do, miss. And I think I'd remember a pretty face like that!"

I laughed loudly. Too loudly, it was false and unlike me. "You'd be surprised! But let us be clear," I leaned forward, my fingers were itching. I wanted to hurt this man but I didn't know how. So I spoke slowly and softly, barely above a whisper. "Had I been blessed by the Gods with strength I would reach across this counter and rip your throat out with my teeth."

"Wha-? No, no Lynn. Dammit!" Tualga threw several Septims at the stunned baker before pushing me out the door. "What in Oblivion is wrong with you girl?!" She stared at me nervously outside the bakery. Her hands were on my shoulders and I had to stop from pushing her off. I didn't want to be touched.

"That man deserves death. It is a pity that I could not exact the punishment he so rightfully deserves. To be frank, it would be bloody."

She startled, "Lynn, you're talking funny. You don't even sound like yourself!" She looked fearfully and curiously at me. "You-you're talking l-like the Count?" Her voice lowered to a whisper. "When he's angry from…well, you know."

"I-" I swallowed hard, coming to my senses. What had happened to me? I hated that baker with every ounce of my being but never had I threatened someone before, at least not directly. And that threat!Dear Gods, did I actually say all those things?! What had come over me?

I felt myself shrink back into my former shell, "Maybe it's the sun." I said quietly, fidgeting uncomfortably. I suddenly felt dizzy. I placed a hand to my forehead and closed my eyes. The world was whirling.

"Yeah! Yeah that must be it. Come on then, let's take a seat." Tualga turned me toward the awning with the tables but stopped abruptly before we both bumped into the man who was unexpectedly before us.

I blinked and looked up to the tall, chocolate-haired Imperial man. He smiled down at me and I found it strange. "My dear lady, you look distressed. May I be of some assistance?"

XXXX

It was a lovely morning in Skingrad. The weather was more than agreeable - the Sun was warm and the wind was just right. He was happy to be doing business in this particular county though his stay was to be brief and the work was…well, not his usual work. Despite being on a personal vacation there was always something to be done. He happened to plan on vacationing in Skingrad, while the Family's personal courier also 'happened' to sprain his ankle. Ah, Irony. So, he was to act as delivery boy on behalf of Vicente Valteri.

It was work that this particular Speaker of the Dark Brotherhood had not done since his much younger years. Despite it though he was more than happy to help his friend, and Vicente had seemed so…reluctant to have him deliver the letter. It made it more interesting. More so once Vicente had given him specific instructions. Said instructions beseeching him to leave a certain member of the Castle's help alone.

Lucien Lachance had always been a curious one. Did Vicente really believe he wasn't going to take an interest because of some halfhearted warning? He dearly hoped his friend wasn't slipping with age.

Lucien smiled and brought the porcelain cup back to his lips. The coffee in Skingrad was finer than its women, much warmer too...or so he thought, until a certain someone he 'wasn't to touch' caught his eye.

Vicente had the descriptive powers that humbled poets. It came with his great age. However, when describing the Count's new pet, he hardly did her justice.

Her hair was wild and red, like gold had somehow melted in a pot of blood. Her skin looked like cream, her lashes like the long stoke of a well inked quill. Her limbs were frail but her breasts were large, plump and pert – much to his liking. And once she turned away towards the other woman she was with, he saw the Gods had given her ample attention to her well-rounded backside too.

The girl's beauty was a dead giveaway. This indeed was the Count's toy. This was the girl he was not supposed to touch, look at, address, stab, violate– any of his usual antics -though all else were free game. But all else paled in comparison…

Lucien wrinkled his nose. His coffee had gone cold. His dark eyes shifted to the cup, then back to the girl. He shrugged, stood, and smiled. Vicente would forgive him. After all, what were brothers for?

Authors Notes: Who'da seen THAT coming?

…Me

XDXD Mmkay, so this chapter was sooooo damn long that I had to break it here. I have a small spoiler here to clear up some confusion over our favorite red-haired protagonist – regarding her behavior. If you don't want a spoiler than you are free to go! See you next chapter! : )

*SPOILER*
Anyone here think Abigale is just a tad OOC? You'd be right! The Count did something to her in the previous chapter. I wasn't vague about it, but SOME people have trouble catching on…Deathblade1313. XDXD So I thought I'd give a quick 'squid pro row'. He marked her as his own. They sometimes share feelings, the strong ones, at least. Like his sadness and when he was so damn angry at our dear Stewardess - 'round the same time Abbey happened to walk in the bakery! Eh, eh? *nudges you relentlessly with elbow* Together their frustration mixed together and they both exploded a little…and not in the good way!

Okay, I'll leave you alone now…

Pssst. Lucien Lachance was gonna be in this story from day one. I'm EVIL. XD