Love or Blood

Chapter Twenty Three: Home

xxxx

We entered the Castle through the Count's private entrance. Once inside he brought me to his bedchamber. He sat me down in one of his plush chairs by the fire, and went to pull on the bell's cord that rang so very rarely in the Maids Quarters.

"Someone will be with us here shortly." He said as he walked over to me again. He took the cloak from my shoulders and sat in the chair opposite me. The Count was quiet for a moment as he looked me over. I felt that he was waiting for me to speak but I did not want to. "You smell of him." He said suddenly, taking me off-guard.

I felt self-conscious and hugged myself. "I'm sorry, Sir. It offends me as well and I wish I could be rid of it."

"Would you like to bathe?" He asked me gently.

I shook my head. "Sir I would but…but I am afraid to leave you at the moment." I felt sheepish and didn't want to meet his gaze. I felt ashamed as I sat there before him, despite not truly having a reason to.

"Come with me then." He said as he stood. I got up as well, though shakily. I still held the parcels that Lucien Lachance gave me in an iron grip. But I tried to keep them from the Count's line of sight. I wasn't sure why I was obeying Lachance's orders, but I was.

The Count walked over to the door that I presumed was another closet. Once he opened it however, I gaped. I was marveled as I beheld a grand bathing chamber. It was immaculately clean, despite me never having set foot inside to tend to it. A large porcelain tub was set into the ground; one could just walk right in.

"Sir," I breathed. "I never knew this place existed."

He smiled softly at me. "It took years to perfect. The room itself is self-cleaning. Once the change had first taken me—" He stopped, as though undecided on what he was to tell me. "Never mind then. The room ultimately became a bathing room. All those tubs you have in the Maids Quarters were smaller trial versions of this." He led me inside and I hesitated entering.

"Sir, this is…it's too grand for me." I looked around the room, it was circular in shape. There were many shelves lined with candles and glass bottles and a small closet in the corner - no doubt the privy. There was also a water basin directly across from the large tub that devoured the room, decorated soaps lining it.

"It's a bathing chamber; it's not grand at all. Nothing happens in here but washing." He looked a little perplexed at me for a moment, and then he smiled. "If you didn't know it was here, did you think me unclean?"

"No!" I said aghast but managed to laugh a little as well. "Quite honestly Sir, the thought never crossed my mind."

He simply nodded. "Well all the same, I would like to offer this to you. It will bring you some comfort and privacy. I promise you won't be interrupted and you can stay in here as long as you like."

I wanted to falter and say no. It was in my nature to do so. But he was so earnestly offering that I feared it would hurt him if I declined. It would bring me comfort and I knew that. I desperately wanted to be cleansed as well. He was trying to help make me feel better and I appreciated it, so I nodded. "Thank you."

The Count smiled at me then. He was very happy that I agreed. I knew he and I were still uncertain of how the others evening unfolded. The Count wanted to comfort me in any way that he could. "When the servant arrives I'll have them fetch you some clothing as well. Nothing is off limits in here, use what you like and take all the time you need." He then pointed to the large tub. "As all the others in my Castle, the bathtub is enchanted. You know what to do."

He left me with that, closing and locking the door behind him. I was grateful.

xxxx

Stripping naked, I felt a bit nervous as well as reassured knowing the Count was right outside the door. I slowly submerged myself in the hot soapy water. I sighed contently as I let my body adjust to the heat. I felt the need to scald myself; the water was as hot as I could stand. After a moment of wincing and hissing, I dunked my head. Saying that the tub was large was an understatement. It was purely massive and could easily fit several people.

Once I came up from beneath the water I grabbed for the soap and began scrubbing myself with a blinding furry. I tried my best to block out all that had happened, but I kept getting flashes of Lucien Lachance's face in my mind's eye.

The way he handled me set my body on fire in many unpleasant ways. I had wanted to hurt him so desperately. He had singlehandedly ruined everything. My day was good, I was happy. He made quick work of stamping out any remaining happiness or reassurance I had outside the Castle walls. In fact, I didn't think I would ever set foot outside of Castle Skingrad again, unless commanded to do so.

Washing the bruising around my wrists made me wince. I thought again of him. Why did he want me to kiss him anyway? He could have just done it against my will, it was at any rate. Did he really enjoy torturing me so? Why was a Dark Brotherhood assassin following me around the streets of Skingrad? To fondle my breasts and swat my behind? Did he truly put me through that entire mental struggle just to do those things?

I splashed at the water angrily and turned to face the opposite lip of the tub. My eyes fell upon the parcel and the letter that was for the Count. I had purposely not shown the Count these things because of Lucien's warning. I feared what was inside and debated for a long while if I should just open it. I sighed and reached out a wet hand and grabbed the bundle. I decided to get it over with.

Just touching the parcel made an image of his wicked grin flash before my eyes. As I tugged at the string that bound it together I could taste him on my lips. I swallowed hard. Was this 'gift' imbued with magical powers that made me think of him? I would not doubt it.

But as the wrapping and twine fell away I was left more stumped than ever at what I held in my hands. "A white rag?" I mumbled aloud as I prodded the fabric questionably. I noticed several small stiches in the fabric then, and realized that it was some sort of clothing article. Finally I reluctantly took it completely from the wrapping to examine it further. That's when I saw it.

I dropped the white cloth to the ground back on its packaging and stared at it in horror. I flew to the other end of the tub with my own hand over my mouth. It was no white cloth. It was a hat, the hat of the baker, and it was soaked with blood.

XXXX

Janus was unsurprised to see Hal-Liurz at his door. Of course she would be the one to answer his call. He had yelled at her quite a bit earlier that day. He did not feel guilty so he sorely hoped she wasn't expecting an apology.

He did not allow her to speak. The Count held a hand up to her to keep her silent. He told her nothing of what happened to Abigale Lynn, decided to make no mention of her at all. Janus simply told her to bring him supper. "The actual food kind." He clarified as the old Argonian eyed him strangely. She did how she was told however, and shortly after returned with a meal on a tray. He quickly took it from her hands and dismissed her. It was stew and bread, probably all that was left for the servants at this late hour but he knew it would do.

As he placed the tray down he realized that by not telling his Stewardess about Abigale Lynn's predicament, he had not gotten her clothes to wear. Janus rubbed the back of his neck and looked around the room. He had plenty of clothes but nothing for a lady. He decided to do what was best with what he had available. He took from his wardrobe one of his long white undershirts and a burgundy bathrobe.

Just then, as he was about to sneak out to the Maids Quarters to retrieve…something more suitable did he hear Abigale Lynn call to him. "Sir?" Her voice was muffled through the door. "I've finished. Did someone bring me clothes?"

The Count approached the door awkwardly. "Well, yes and no." she didn't respond so he continued. "It was the Stewardess who came. I did not think you wanted her to know what happened so I told her nothing. She brought food, as I asked but the clothes…" He trailed off, looking guiltily at the garments in his hand. "It's all I had that is remotely suitable."

The door cracked open and the smell of soap and steam came forth. "Anything is fine, Sir, really." She reached out a naked hand and he placed the bundle in it. The doors closed again. "Sir!" She cried, it made him jump. "T-these are yours! Are you sure you want me to wear them?"

"It's quite alright, I assure you." He spoke to the door. He could imagine the way she looked right now, probably pouting at the door just as he was. "I insist, unless you—"

He was cut off by the door slowly opening. Abigale Lynn walked out looking very unlike herself.

She was barefoot, her hair was wet and messy, and the robe he had given her was many sizes too large and hung on her awkwardly. She toyed with a lock of wet hair and shifted uncomfortably. "Thank you for that." She said, inclining her to the bathing chamber. "And this." She smiled shyly at him as she adjusted the shoulder of the robe.

"I do apologize, I was not thinking coherently." He shook his head. "I can only imagine how you must feel."

"Please Sir do not be sorry. These are much more comfortable than my old clothes anyway." She looked up at him, bright and refreshed.

The Count was taken aback by her sudden change in demeanor. How she quaked in his arms earlier…now she was more composed than he. Janus shook it off and ushered her back to the chair she had previously been sitting in. He was happy to see her accept the food without a fuss and eat. She did so quietly but hungrily. He only imagined the appetite she had worked up through the day. He stoked the fire while she finished, then joined her again, sitting in the chair opposite hers.

"Are you willing to speak about what happened now?" He asked her softly. Abigale Lynn nodded, Janus stayed quiet.

"Today was wonderful. I thank you for it from the bottom of my heart, truly I do, Sir. But this evening…" A foreign look came over her, it was almost thoughtful. "This evening actually began in the marketplace midmorning. There was a man there. I dropped my bag and he returned it to me." She made a little face, trying to recall the details she had probably labeled useless at the time. "He kept trying to talk with me. He asked me if I would meet him later somewhere." She scoffed at the idea. Janus himself felt his hands ball into fists. "After I told him 'no' the day went on. I had forgotten all about the entire ordeal by midday."

"This man," Janus began, unable to keep the contempt from his voice. "What did he look like?"

"He was tall Sir, only a little shorter than you. He was handsome too but…off. And he was a fighter, I could tell."

"How so?" Janus probed, hoping to get enough detail to make an identification. "Did he have any scars or markings?"

Abigale Lynn shook her head. "No. I could tell because…well, when he held me I could feel his muscles. Average people are not built like that." The Count sat back in his chair and allowed her to continue. "A-anyway, at night it is customary for the servants to have a party at the Inn. The celebration was not to my liking, so I left."

"My Housekeeper just let you leave?" The Count asked angrily, his body language immediately went hostile.

"No, no Sir! Please, I begged her to let me come home to you! I did not want to be away any longer. I was tired and I missed being home." He knew she spoke the truth but he was still angry. However he said nothing. He only nodded and waited for her to go on. "She reluctantly let me go. I was halfway here when I noticed the streetlamps being blown out. Then when I turned around I saw him." She shuddered and Janus wanted to reach out and comfort her but feared she did not want to be touched.

"He chased me but somehow he ended up in front of me. I ran into him and fell. He caught me and brought me into an alley." She swallowed hard and looked away angrily, her cheeks flushing. "Where he proceeded to touch me inappropriately. I was not raped, but I was certainly fondled enough to last me a long while."

She shook her head again. "Then he heard you and fled…and here I am."

The Count quirked his brow at the sudden spike of her pulse. "Why do you lie to me Abigale Lynn? What else are you not telling me?"

She bowed her head guiltily "Much."

This flustered Janus greatly but he did not dare show it. "Please, you must tell me all that happened." He forced, gently as possible. He did not wish to make her go over the uncomfortable details but he did need to know them. If he was to find this man he needed to know everything.

She began massaging her bruised wrists. "He made me –" She gulped and shook her head. "I'm sorry, Sir it is embarrassing. It really is." She sighed and looked into the fireplace. "If I was to go freely he wanted me to kiss him…it was strange, and he said to do it passionately. And then h-he told me t-to…to think of you." She forced, still not looking at the Count. "He knew of you Sir. He knew of me too. He was not some random attacker, Sir." Her breath began to get shaky and the Count, now more than ever wanted to destroy this man. He wanted to hunt him down and pull him apart limb from limb. "He was an assassin."

The Count stopped his mental musing of murder and felt something cold coil in his gut. "What?"

"The Dark Brotherhood, Sir. He told me this himself. And I was to g-give you…" She trailed off and reached into the pocket of the bathrobe. She held out a small letter with a red glossy wax seal, twin V's imprinted on it.

Janus' hands began to shake with rage. Some Dark Brotherhood courier took advantage of Abigale Lynn whilst delivering a message from Vicente Valteri?!

The Count stood abruptly. "That damn impossibly foolish undead wretch!" He sputtered as he tossed the letter aside. "I cannot believe he would be so bloody irrational. He knows better than to send someone dangerous here!"

Abigale Lynn stared up at the Count. "Sir, what are you talking about? I don't understand…"

"Vicente Valteri, Abigale Lynn. Vicente Valteri is connected to the Dark Brotherhood. He writes me by courier. Your attacker was his courier." The Count stormed to his wardrobe and pulled out a traveling cloak.

"Sir what are you doing?" Abigale Lynn asked as the Count put on a strange thick belt she had never seen before.

"I'm going to Cheydinhal." He said curtly, making his way across the room. She was aghast as she watched him spell down his sword. "That's where Vicente lives, no doubt his little monster boy too." His sword clicked loudly as he sheathed it in its scabbard.

"What? Sir please no! I-I just don't go please!" She stood as well, holding the robe closed as she walked to him. "He is not a boy Sir! I don't want you to go. I beg of you to stay and I have begged so much tonight already."

"Am I to just sit by idly? Am I to allow this injustice to befall you and not act? I will find this man and I will kill him. Do you doubt me?"

"No Sir, I know it is within your power. But this man has blood on his hands as we speak. I fear he still resides in the city. Please Sir, I-I don't want to be alone. I don't know if he'll kill me too…" She covered her face but was not weeping. "I am scared, Sir. He did something else I have not told you."

Seeing her so frightened helped him to stop seeing red. "What else did he do then?" He asked quietly, it was very difficult to do so.

"The baker in town, he was cruel to me, so cruel back when I lived on the streets. The assassin heard me say I wanted him dead. I don't know why I said it, Sir! I don't wish people dead. B-but he heard me and," She gulped and pulled out a ball of what looked like wrapping and twine. "He is insane." She said quietly as she handed the bundle to the Count.

Janus eyed it warily before taking it from her. He pulled back some of the covering and shook his head at what he beheld. His eyes narrowed as he stared at the bloody baker's hat with mortification. "He killed this man for you."

"I did not want him to die! I did not mean what I said!"

"I know, but he killed this man for you." Janus slowly shook his head. She was not safe to be left alone. As much as he wanted to find this assassin and murder him in the bloodiest way fathomable, he could not leave Abigale Lynn now. This demented courier had something akin to affection for her. His way of showing it made the Count's skin crawl. "Anything else in your pockets?" She shook her head. The Count crumpled the bundle and hat up and cast them into the fire. An assassin's token of affection was not something to overlook. "I won't leave you." He said then. He regretfully began to place his traveling items back. "But I will resolve this."

"Thank you." She breathed.

"Do not thank me yet, for I do not think you are going to like what I am going to do with you tonight."

She looked up at him questionably. "What do you mean, Sir?"

The Count began pacing back and forth in front of the fireplace. "I know my Castle is safe, but most of the staff have not yet returned. You would be alone in the Maids Quarters if I dismissed you. This does not sit well with me. And so I have decided that tonight you are to stay in here with myself."

Of course Abigale Lynn immediately looked confused and disconcerted. "In here? But where would I stay in here? Sir it's not proper—"

"This is my home so I get to decided what is proper." He said sternly, not cruelly. "You will have my bed and remain in here with me tonight. I will watch over you."

She looked very uncomfortable and wrung her hands. "Sir, I cannot sleep in your bed." She looked at him as though the idea was ludicrous.

"I'm sure you know by now that I don't need to sleep very often. I can go weeks without doing so; you are by no means putting me in an uncomfortable position." She continued to shake her head at the idea whiling looking at the Count's very large bed. He believed her to fear the idea of him being in the room with her more than the etiquette of the ordeal. He was a vampire and she would be a sleeping maiden after all. "I know what you're probably thinking." He began with a sigh. "And I understand your hesitation sleeping in a room with a vampire –"

"Sir," She stopped him, and he was quite mystified as to why she sounded annoyed. "It is not that at all." He was stumped then by the truth of her statement.

"Then what is the problem?"

"Sir," She implored, again looking more annoyed. "It's your bed!" She flapped her arms by her sides. "I appreciate the offer, I do. But I do not belong in your bed. The idea of it does not sit well with me. I am your servant."

"You are my friend," He corrected her, taking her by surprise. "And I fear for your safety tonight. It would also bring me much comfort knowing that you are in here, with me, and that you are safe. I can protect you." He looked a little hurt then suddenly. "I was afraid earlier that I did not get to you on time. I feared..." His voice trailed off. It was his turn to shake his head. But the Count's small show of sadness was enough to make Abigale Lynn nod.

"I will stay then."

xxxx

I stood by the edge of large bedside. Much like the Count's bathtub it was absurdly enormous. The Count was a large man so I understood his want for something so great, but I feared I would get lost within it. The bed was beautiful. The blankets were a deep blood-red velvet, golden embroidery weaved its way across every inch and shined in the now very dark room. I swallowed hard and fidgeted again. I could not bring myself to touch the Count's bed. It felt so strange just being this close to it.

I marveled for a moment at the intricate carvings into the dark wood posters and the beautiful heavily draped canopy. I then looked past the bed to the stone ceiling and made a silent prayer to the Gods for strength. Tonight seemed full of obstacles.

"Abigale Lynn." The Count called to me. I looked guiltily over my shoulder. He stood with his back facing me. Since I didn't have my own clothes, I was to wear his large nightshirt to bed. It was just about as long as what I usually wore but it was improper to be dressed in such a way in front of a man. Thus, he waited patiently with his back turned. "Why are you not in bed yet?"

I sighed indignantly. I felt like a child being told to go to my room. I was doing this more for the Count's sake rather than myself…a little. "I'm trying." I answered honestly. The bed seemed so ominous to me. I felt touching it was taboo.

"I don't understand what about this is so difficult." He grumbled. I knew he was getting agitated, just standing facing the wall for five minutes could do that. So I sighed and shakily reached out and pulled back the covers.

Beneath the velvet was silk, red silk. The textures were off-putting to me but I happily realized that there was a sheet that covered the top blanket up. I was to be sandwiched within the silk alone. I crawled onto the bed -It was rather high too – and made my way toward the middle. Once I had nestled in, I was sitting up, holding the blankets to my chest. It felt so strange. I stared at the Count's back while lying in his bed. The thought made me twitch uncomfortably. "I-I'm in your bed now, Sir."

He turned to face me and I found myself squeezing the blankets a bit tighter to my chest. I could barely see his face now that he had put out the fire and only left several candles lit, but I was able to make out his change in posture. His back stiffened and he put his shoulders back a bit. I feared that he would not like the idea of me, a servant being in his bed, despite just washing. However this was his wish and I felt that I was the more uncomfortable one.

"Good." He said, and it was forced. He ran a hand through his hair, an indicative sign that he was stressed, as I had come to find. He sighed then, another telltale sign that he was tense and trying to force composure. "I am glad that you were able. Good night." And with that he turned and walked toward his sofa and chairs by the now cooled fireplace. "I'll be right here, should need me."

And there he sat in his favored chair. He took a book from the table beside it and began to read by the dim light from the lone candle beside him.

I sat there for a long moment but didn't know what to do. "Thank you." I managed as I slowly settled into his bed. He mumbled a 'you're welcome' but I wasn't sure if he meant it.

XXXX

The Count stared blankly at his book as his mind was over by his bed. Abigale Lynn, he would watch over her all night, for weeks if needed be. His mind still seethed at the recent events but he could only do so much at once. Tomorrow he would be writing to Vicente and tell him all that transpired. He would demand punishment, carried out by his own hand if possible.

The great fear he had earlier that evening once he felt something amiss…it worried Janus very much, the anxiety that overcame him was alarming. It was as though death was knocking at his door. It was terrifying and strange.

And now he was feeling similarly ill-at-ease. Abigale Lynn was lying in his bed. Something he had envisioned several times, if he was honest with himself - of course under different circumstance.

The image of her hugging his blankets too her breasts, wearing his oversized shirt, and biting her lip were making it exceedingly difficult to focus on the book he read countless times. And now, after her nearly being raped by a man, made him feel dreadful for the images that were trying desperately to play out in his mind.

He focused on her again. She was still not sleeping despite nearly an hour going by. He knew she should rest for her mind and bodily health. After such a tragic thing the only comfort he could give her was rest but she was not excepting.

Finally Janus sighed and without even putting his book down, spoke to her. "Why are you not yet sleeping?"

xxxx

As I lay awake in the Count's beautiful bed I tried desperately to relax myself and sleep but my mind had so much going through it. Someone had been murdered for me today. Someone who I certainly had no love for but did not want to die…And of course there was Lucien Lachance, the killer himself. How strange it all was to me. It felt like a dream yet was as vivid and real as the blankets I held in my hand.

I tried desperately to feel sadness for the baker but all that came to my mind when I thought of him was being beaten with a broom. Being tossed off the curb and struck so hard that the air left my lungs. I remembered the rain that poured onto the streets, the blood from a small cut in my forehead being whisked away by it. That man owed me nothing but I knew there was something anything I could have done for some bread. Regardless, a simple 'no' would have sufficed. Instead he saw fit to beat me.

I buried my face into the overstuffed pillow. My skin was hot with rage and I grasped then, and only then, that I was not as repelled by Lucien Lachance's gift as I should have been. I prayed the Gods did not hate me for it. I was human and that repulsive plump baker wronged me so. He could never do the same to anyone else again, and that brought me peace. All the same…did he deserve to die for it? I did not think so.

I shuddered then at the type of death that Lucien Lachance gave him. He was Dark Brotherhood, I believed him with all my being once he said that too me, and feared him tantamount. The Count had even verified it. The thought that disturbs me so was the torture he put me through for no reason. He had a reason for his actions toward the baker – not good reasons of course, but are there ever any? So what did he do to him?

The thought shook me and made me burry my face further into the Count's pillow. And I recognized then that this was indeed the Count's pillow my face was pressed in for it smelled like him.

I smiled a little, though feeling uncomfortable by my own thoughts and a bit toward the fact that I was on something personal of the Count's. But it smelt good and it was comforting to my senses. Very clean like his soaps, but also something else, like a spice. It was smooth and crisp and calming to me.

"Why are you not yet sleeping?"

His voice made me gasp audibly and sit up fast. I felt caught, but for what I didn't know. "I can't sleep." I answered too quickly.

"Is there something over there that is not to your liking?" The Count wasn't looking at me but his book. However he did not sound bored or annoyed in the least.

I shifted a little. We had been speaking so much this evening and I was glad for it. Now though, with all calming down I was a bit nervous to speak so honestly and freely. "The bed is so soft." I frowned, and then alarmed myself by my rudeness, added. "But of course I am most very grateful! I-it is just so very soft. Like a cloud. I've never slept on something as soft. And I can't stop thinking." I frowned again, more thoughtfully this time. I could not stop thinking. It was terribly bothersome for I was tired and trying to please the Count by sleeping.

To my surprise he laughed a little. "Well I'm afraid I like my beds to be soft. As for your thinking…think of something else. We both know what's on your mind. Focus on other things."

I propped myself up onto my elbows and looked around. The room was near black, the only light came from the lone candle by the Count. "I have been trying very hard, Sir. It seems near impossible." I murmured as I continued to gaze around the room.

"Try thinking about the good parts of your day, like the Sun for example." He nodded thoughtfully to himself. I felt a pang of sympathy for him then that gripped me tightly. "That is always something to be grateful for, though you may not realize it." And then he looked pointedly at me. This took me off-guard as the room was black except for that one candle. I knew that if I had been in his chair and he in his bed I would not have been able to see him, let alone make eye contact.

Can he see in the dark as though it was day?

I was a bit startled at first and thought it was coincidence, but decided to see if maybe I could ask the Count a question for once, and know for sure. I hesitated doing so as his attention was now set back upon his book, but I took a deep breath and gathered the courage to do so. "Sir?"

"Hmm?"

"May I…ask you something, Sir?"

Authors Notes: Aaaalriiiiight. Stuffs happening now. Sorry that this chapter was so wordy. It happens sometimes...meh. Welp, R&R is always ah'peciated! P.S The next chapter is sooooo much more fun to write!

ALSO

I have a challenge for Disney fans if anyone is up to the task! (Just for fun XD) WITHOUT using any internet tools (cheaters). If you can tell me what other movie Belle from Beauty and the Beast appears in besides her own, and the TIME, I will reward you with a spoiler of your choosing! You can ask any question about LOB and I'll answer you!

Note: You must be the first to answer and you must be signed in so I can PM you. This is just stupid fun, you can totally disregard this message! XD

DeathBlade1313 is disqualified. XDXD Sorry! You already KNOW...therefore you cannot play!