Author's Notes: This is a LONG chapter! Just warning you! And a big random thanks to all who have reviewed! You guys really motivate me, you know that?! XD

Love or Blood

Chapter Thirty: The Second Revelation

xxxx

"Ah, well hello you two. Faring well, I presume?" Vicente asked happily as he walked past the Count. "I could have sworn that I heard laughter, however it is entirely possible that I had hallucinated it. You see, we tracked down some no-good Skooma smugglers right outside of the city border." Vicente chuckled and cast an amused look to Nerah and I. "They made for an adequate supper. Regrettably though, the Count and I are not immune to the drug. What goes in the blood can go in us. Thankfully its potency is lessened."

I looked over to Nerah who was also standing now. She had paled and a barely noticeable sheen of sweat adorned her brow. I followed her gaze back to the bloodied Count. He was still looking at me but his stare was set and strange.

"Vicente," Nerah called with a slight waver in her voice. She then pointed to the Count but her eyes were now fixed on the floor and she looked angry. "You failed to mention that you were bringing leftovers from dinner."

Vicente smiled broadly and made his way to Nerah. "Don't fret dear sister. You know as well as I that the sight of blood is good for you. You're building up a wonderful tolerance as it is. Whatever you see here is for your betterment."

He continued speaking but I tried not to listen to their conversation as I walked over to the Count. As disturbing as his state of dress was to me it was still my duty to tend to him. Once I was before him I swallowed hard and tried my best to look up at him and to be unafraid. "Would you like me to take your cloak, Sir?" I asked as bravely as I could, but like Nerah, I too had a tremble in my voice.

"Thank you," The Count said as he unfastened his cloak and handed it to me. I regretted taking it from him immediately once I saw the full extent of his sullied clothing. I felt myself blanch and my stomach turned woozy. The cloak had hid most of the blood, now its absence showed how ruined the clothing he wore under it was. Everything was red. So very red. I followed the bloodied trail up his shirt and to his neck, only to be mortified at the slightest of stains by his chin. I turned my head away and began folding the cloak hastily. My heart raced, I felt sick and frightened. "Don't be afraid." The Count then said to me quietly, so that he and I could only hear it.

I felt myself nod. "I-I am trying not to be, Sir." I said in equally hushed tones.

There was silence again. Vicente and Nerah were arguing in the back but their voices were dulled by the sound of my own heartbeat. "You won't look at me." The Count stated sadly. I looked at him quickly and then just as quickly looked away.

"You're covered in blood." I lamented. I then took a moment to calm myself, letting out a shaky breath through my nostrils. "I will never question what you do, especially when it comes to your health. But I cannot hide my…I mean I am not used to…" Words failed me and I stared hard at the cloak I held in my hands.

"Don't explain. Why don't you wait for me in the library? I'll make myself presentable again and after that I shall place Vicente and Nerah Vlando in a room for the evening."

I felt myself relax a little at the authoritarian tone that I was so used to. I nodded and forced myself to look up at him, to show that I appreciated what he was doing. "Thank you, Sir." I said as normally as possible as I looked up into his eyes, taking in his slightly disheveled appearance.

The corners of his mouth pulled upward for the briefest moment. I was happy that my small show of courage pleased him. "Off you go." He said softly, holding the door open for me. I left slowly, taking extra care to make sure I did not go scampering off. I did not want him to think that my understanding was false, because it was not. I sympathized and knew he had to keep himself fed, but I was not used to such a thing. All the time I had spent with the Count, he never made his feedings known to me.

xxxx

I quietly waited in the library for the Count. I sat in one of the many plush chairs and stared absentmindedly at the cloak I had folded neatly and placed on a desk. I thought back to when the Count first took me outside a few nights ago, while wearing that very same cloak, and how calm he looked. Just the idea of him advancing on another shrouded or not frightened me. I thought of his fangs, large and sharp, and the pain that must have occurred once he sunk them into his victim and drank.

I shudder violently and found myself reaching up to touch my neck. I did not think the Count would kill anyone who didn't deserve it. However, I could not help but to pity his targets. This man was my employer - my owner – and my friend. Seeing him in such a light brought me great discomfort that I did not know how to ease. I could not judge him for it, I had no place to nor did I have the intention of doing so, but I could not keep from feeling uneasy and dirty.

The room was still and quiet as I glanced nervously around. I bit my lip and rubbed my neck a little harder this time. I remembered when I first came to the Castle; when I saw my first vampire. The fear and pure adrenaline from it all had literally knocked me off balance. I remembered propelling myself backwards with my feet while on my elbows, using all the speed my terribly malnourished body could muster. I thought I was going to die. To this day I am still shocked that he did not make a meal of me then and there. I knew of my powerlessness, especially once the Count took my rusted dagger away by magical means. I had felt so naked and on display, like I was bound on a giant dining platter.

The memory made me grimace. It was comical to me now in a bittersweet way. I had not feared the Count being a vampire for so long now, not even once he had shown me his fangs. But presently I felt it was an issue again. Seeing the man who oversaw me stained in blood rattled my nerves. I was going to have to pretend that it did not though. I needed to act as though I was accepting. In reality I was, I cared more for the Count than I did Skooma smugglers, of course. But I hoped against hope that they were indeed bad people for deserving such a fate. Then again I am no one to judge.

After a short while the Count entered the library and I forced away any confusion that might have been present on my face. He was freshly bathed; his hair was still wet but neatly combed back as it always was. His clothes had been changed too of course. The Count wore a much plainer evening outfit now that consisted of a black shirt, pants, and pair of boots. There were no intricate designs, furs or vests. The simplicity of it all made me smile. It was unlike him to wear such 'ordinary' clothes.

"My apologies, I did not mean to keep you waiting so long." He announced, but his voice seemed uneasy. "Vicente and Nerah Vlando are set up in the Blue Room for the evening. They should be gone by tomorrow night, Gods wiling, anyway."

I smiled at him, though I felt my lips tremble before doing so. I had to act my best. I had to behave myself. "I am saddened to hear that." I forced along with my nervous smile. "I had liked talking to Miss Vlando."

"Yes, she enjoyed your company as well. I doubt poor Vicente will get any sleep, the way that woman continues to prattle." The Count spoke hurriedly and continued to watch me strangely. I felt it mirrored my own actions. "She said you intrigued her?"

I gave a small honest shrug. I did not think I was so interesting but maybe I was to some. I was servant to a vampire after all. "Not intentionally, Sir. We are just very different. I suppose where she comes from she is surrounded by those who think and do just as she does." I smiled as I thought of her wild hand gestures and lewd remarks. It was all so uncomfortable at first but got a bit refreshing as the night went on. She almost reminded me of my older sister. "I myself was interested in her beliefs and reasoning. She's so…bold. I find it strange but not unwelcome."

The Count further entered the room but he now refused to meet my gaze. He stared hard at the bookshelf to his right, his brow furrowing. "I don't like you talking to her." He then said abruptly, taking me by surprise. "She is nothing but a bad influence. Younger she may be but innocent she is not. I don't want you alone with her again."

I was so confused at his command that I could not keep from looking at him inquisitively. "Sir?"

"It was irresponsible of me to leave you with her. I did not question your safety, Vicente has her on a tight leash, but I still do not like it. To see that it does not occur again I had a brief discussion with her. She is forbidden from being alone with you." Needless to say I was stunned. I did not understand his dislike for Nerah Vlando. I wondered if it was her manners, then I stopped wondering and realized that I had just been forbidden from being alone with another person.

The Count then made a show of brushing something nonexistent from his shoulder. After a moment of me gaping at him, he finally looked at me directly. He sighed and stepped forward. "Yes Abigale Lynn, I forbid it, you are not to be alone with her again. Do I make myself clear?"

His words were not angry, they were almost compassionate. Regardless I found myself furious. My mouth hung open for a moment, I wanted to say something but my jaw only quivered. I swallowed hard and bit into my bottom lip. I furrowed my brows and stood rigid. I was angry with him. Very angry. After a long moment of me staring up at him with unmistakable irritation I remembered that I could do nothing.

I could not question the Count's ruling of me whether or not I agreed with whatever he decided to do. Nerah Vlando and I had not become friends but it was nice to talk to someone who did not work in the Castle, someone who I did not have to hide my predicament from. Knowing that I could never converse with her again as I did tonight hurt me.

Finally I bowed my head and looked away from him with narrowed eyes. "As you wish, Sir." On occasion being powerless wounded me. It injured my pride knowing that I had as much say as the walls.

The Count let out a long sigh and came to me, he placed his hands on my shoulders but I refused to look up at him again. "I cannot make you understand but this is for your benefit." He began, running his thumb over my covered collarbone. I said nothing but gave a tight nod of acknowledgement. "Look at me," He then said softly. I took it as a command and tilted my head back. Until then I had not known how close we were. The Count towered over me and our bodies were nearly touching. I was still quietly fuming, I did not like it. "Are you angry with me?" He asked quietly. His voice was gentle and his face was handsome and serene. But again, I was mad and I did not want to look at him.

"No." I answered flatly, regretting it as soon as it left my lips.

"You know you cannot get away with lying to me." He said playfully, his grip tightened slightly on my shoulders. "Especially when we are so close."

I swallowed hard. For once I was in no mood to play with him. I was hurt that I was forbidden from contact with another person that he was currently housing. "I'm sorry." I said to him tersely. He chose not to recognize my indifferent behavior.

"Another lie?" He chuckled. "It seems I am not popular with you this evening. That is a pity. I was hoping that you would talk with me more. This evening has not gone as planned at all." Again, I was in no mood to play with him. In truth I wasn't in the mood to even speak to him. He had perhaps unknowingly hurt me deeply. I was reminded all too well of my enslavement. Something as little as forbidden contact could lead to so much more.

"I'm tired, Sir." I finally said in a huff, trying to mask my current abject irritation. It was honest and it was also my scapegoat. The Count's face fell after hearing it and he quickly took his hands from my shoulders.

"Of course, it is late." He said quietly. I could see the hurt on his face but I was still too hurt myself to pay it much mind. "I want you here early tomorrow evening then, six instead of eight, alright? We can make up for lost time that way and I still owe you a walk."

"You owe me nothing Sir. I shall be here at six precisely." I nodded to him and turned to leave the library. Once at the door I grasped the brass handle, ready to leave, but I stopped when he called back to me.

"I know you are upset with me, Abigale Lynn." He said exasperatedly. "Try to understand that everything I do is for your own good."

At this I turned to face him with reddened cheeks from indignation. "I try Sir. Nevertheless, I am naught but a simple maid. Some things are too far out of my concept to grasp."

His brow quirked and all sympathy left him. He stared at me incredulously. "I think myself a good man and master to you. I do not appreciate you cheapening yourself simply because you dislike my ruling." I said nothing as he walked over to me. "You know nothing of that woman. She is heartless, lewd and obstinate. Nothing good can come of you being alone with her."

I stood still with my back to the door, a cool and calm expression plastered on my face. I said nothing.

"Why are you being difficult?" He demanded in a frustrated tone. "You've never shown me any sort of impudence like this before.

"I do not mean to be insolent. I am tired."

"You do not like this girl, why has this become a problem?" He huffed, crossing his arms over his chest.

I let go of the doorknob and clasped my hands behind my back. His persistence showed me that I was not to leave until he was satisfied. I lifted my chin to him and shook my head. "It is not. I am tired."

He pointed a finger at me, his brows rising. "You are being childish." The Count then chuckled humorlessly. "I give you one order you dislike and you turn into an adolescent girl. You are ungrateful."

I bit my lip hard. His words only made me madder but I tried my hardest to keep my temper in check. "I am very grateful to you and all that you do for me. You know that I speak the truth." I paused for a moment, allowing the Count to listen to my heartbeat. "But no I do not like this order. But I also do not know if I shall ever like that other woman now. She is the first female I was able to speak to who knew of me. I did not have to hide anything or lie and I liked it, Sir." I sighed again, feeling defeated. "I am sorry that I appear ungrateful, for I am not. But I am hurt, Sir. I do not question your orders or your reasoning; you've no need to explain anything to me. I just cannot hide my irritation to this. I'm sorry."

The Count rubbed his temples with one hand. "You've done me in then. You delight in making me question my rationality. You do realize this, correct?" I blinked and shook my head at him. He sighed, long and deeply. "My order still stands, I just cannot risk it, and you are too dear. But I am truly sorry for making you feel isolated. It was not my intention...for once." He smiled at me but it was small and sheepish. "Can you forgive me?"

I sighed and nodded. "Yes my Lord." The relief that spread across his face lightened my mood some, but I was still irritated. Regardless, I felt the need to ask for forgiveness as well. "Can you forgive me too, Sir?"

"You don't need to ask me that. You know I do." His body visibly relaxed and he paused, looking at me perplexedly for a moment. "I think we've just had our first argument. Not bad for being alone together for nearly six months." The Count mused playfully.

"Has it truly been six months already?" I asked amazedly. I paused for a moment as I counted the months in my head. I thought back to Nerah and a particular question that she has asked me. "Sir, what is todays date?"

The Count tapped his chin thoughtfully. "That's an odd request…But it's the twentieth of Sun's Dawn. Why do you ask?"

I laughed though in truth I was astonished. I had unknowingly turned twenty-one several days ago. "Truly? My birthday was on the eleventh, Sir! I am twenty-one now, certainly not an 'adolescent girl' anymore."

The Count blinked. "Why did you not tell me of your birthday?"

"I myself had forgotten. I lose track of time easily." I smiled, feeling much less angry now. In fact I was overjoyed at the news of my personal new year. Despite my early frustration, I am the happiest I have ever been. I looked upon the future with newfound hope. I had a wonderful life now and as long as the man before me was happy it should stay that way. Being as elated as I was, I flashed the Count a cheeky smile and placed my hands on my hips. "Do you still think I'm a baby, Sir?"

The Count and I laughed for a moment as we both looked back on our first meeting. Dreadful as it was for me to have endured it and as scarred as it left me, I thought it well worth the struggle. "No," He began. "You are a woman now." My smile grew at his words and I felt myself blush for an unknown reason. The Count came a little closer, smiling still as well, "A very smart, mildly stubborn, beautiful young woman."

I felt myself freeze and my smile faltered. Beautiful. The Count had just called me beautiful. My stomach flipped and I had to turn away from him. "Thank you, it…it is nice to hear." I swallowed hard and nervously placed several loose strands of hair behind my ear.

The Count did not notice my reaction, probably taking my mannerisms in as bashfulness. "I hardly remember my twenty-first year now…Why don't you stay with me a little longer? I'm sure we could find some way to help make yours memorable -"

"No, no, no b-but thank you." I stammered, my senses suddenly heightened. His actions and words were innocent but the way my stomach fluttered told me that it was time to leave. A strange heat washed over me as I looked up at him. I felt impure at what my mind began to conjure up, and I partially blamed Nerah Vlando for it. I thought of all the racy talk she had said, and seeing a man so adamant on making my life good and meaningful tugged at my chest in a way that needed to be stamped out. "It's late. Goodnight Sir."

Without waiting for his word I spun on my heels and pushed open the door. This time I did not bother to hide how I scampered away from him.

XXXX

The Count approached the door to the Blue Room in his mansion and without hesitation began to pound angrily on it.

Vicente Valteri was quick to answer it with the same grin he always wore. "Ah! The triumphant returns, I hope?" The Count looked at the elder vampire flatly. Vicente's smile wavered ever so slightly. "I see. What happened then?"

"She just ran away from me." The Count moped, leaning against the door. "I gave her no cause to, we were only talking, then she just left…and it was without any warning."

Vicente scratched his head. "I swear women are all touched by the Mad God. What did the conversation consist of before she left?"

"Many things," The Count crinkled his face as he tried to remember. "First I told her of my command. She didn't like that very much but she eventually accepted it and we moved away from that topic." Vicente nodded for him to continue and so he did. "Then we spoke of her birthday that just passed. Neither of us knew until tonight. I asked her to stay with me longer, try and celebrate, and then she ran off."

"By 'celebrate' did you mean make passionate vampire love in your large and lavish bed?" Vicente inquired as he tapped the wooden doorway.

The Count blinked. "What? No actually, it was a completely innocent suggestion."

"Innocent suggestion…mmhmm. Now, what makes you think that's how she saw it?" He asked again with a raised brow and inquisitive expression. "Tell me Janus, did her demeanor either physical or otherwise fluctuate once you made this suggestion?"

Janus paused and slowly nodded. "Now that I think on it she did change physically. She turned warmer…temperature wise. Like a waning fever."

Vicente then looked at the Count as though he had Scribs crawling from his ears. "You are so bloody stunted, boy! If there was ever a reason to chase a woman, it's when you get her all hot and bothered! You don't come to me and complain about it!" The Count looked mildly shocked at his friend and opened his mouth to speak when Vicente quickly interjected. "Remember how we talked about persuasion? Now is the time to do something unprompted! Get your tall Imperial arse after that girl or so help me!" And with that the Count was then greeted by the slamming of the door an inch away from his nose.

Suddenly he felt very on the spot and nervous. However, Janus knew that Vicente was right. Even if the two vampires had misinterpreted Abigale Lynn's body language the Count was determined to try anything. He made a quick stop to his bedchamber, pocketed a small box, and took one of his illusion potions before leaving his manor.

xxxx

I entered the Maids Quarters still feeling flushed and strange. I was happy to be greeted by the mostly empty main room. I walked briskly past several women who were still awake, including Tualga and Rheena, and went into our bedroom. Once inside I closed the door and pressed my back to it. I shut my eyes and took a deep breath. Butterflies fluttered in my stomach and I sought to mentally pluck their wings.

There were many times in my life were I had been complimented on my looks, but I always paid it little mind, I am not so vain. To hear the Count say I was beautiful made me feel different. My usual reaction was absent. I cared for the Count, he had done so much for me and improved my life in ways I never thought imaginable. Knowing he found me attractive and wanted to make me happy thrilled me. But I knew I could not allow such a notion. Platonic or no, it excited and frightened me all at the same time. He was always kind to me, I did not want to reciprocate his generosity in foreign ways and leave him with the wrong impression.

It could have been no more than an offhanded comment. I may very well be overreacting but I could not stop it.

The Count is a good man. He had always been good to me, but I could not let him be too good to me. I refuse any man's affections, less they be friendly.

XXXX

With the same illusion potion he had used on the jeweler, the Count once again looked very much alive. He went down several flights of stairs and rounded numerous corners, all while being completely visible. It was very strange to be visible and yet entirely disregarded by his staff. But the potion was strong and his simple attire did not warrant much attention or authority.

So down to the central parts of his Castle he walked until he came upon the Maids Quarters. The last time he walked in there he had been completely invisible. It was unlike him to stand before a door in public, never mind a door that he owned, and find himself hesitant. But the Count knew meekness did not suit him so he pushed the door open without thinking twice. He needed to speak to Abigale Lynn. He needed to make his affections plainer.

He stepped inside the dimly lit room and glanced about. There were several women still awake and they all seemed to turn to look at him incredulously. All but his two Housekeepers, who looked absolutely mortified, kept themselves in check.

"Who in Oblivion are you?" One short black-haired woman demanded. "You lost? This is the Maids Quarters and you don't look like you'd fit in an apron—"

The Count was for a moment amused by how casually this servant addressed and insulted him. However his amusement quickly faded to irritation. "I don't recall giving you permission to address me, woman." The Count venomously retorted. "Keep your tongue in check." He made his way to further enter the room and speak with his Housekeepers when the black-haired woman's friend called back to him.

"You best get your sweet ass out of here, friend or I'm calling the guards! You don't get to talk to us like that in here."

The Count stopped mid-step and turned angrily at the two maids. "I am your Count you senseless hags! Bow your heads in shame or I shall have your positions stripped!" The girls blinked, unsure if he spoke truthfully. "Don't make me count to three." He threatened lowly. At this, the two women turned away, not willing to risk anymore for their pride. Satisfied by their humiliation the Count made his way over to the small table his Housekeepers occupied. He approached the table and then proceeded to lean over it. "Where is Abigale Lynn?" He asked quietly, calmly.

"Is everything alright, Sir?" The Nord asked a little nervously.

"It will be once I have a word with Abigale Lynn. Where is she?"

The Nord and Redguard exchanged worried glances. "Is she in some sort of trouble?" The blonde questioned again.

The Count sighed angrily through his nose and stared hard at the women before him. "No, but you will be soon if you do not point me to her direction. I need to have a word with her…privately."

"S-she is in our room, Sir." The Redguard stammered, pointing to the door across the hall. "She's been a good girl all this time, I swear it." She then added in a rushed whisper. The Count decided that he liked this Housekeeper, though he could not remember her name…or the majority of his staff for that matter. She gave him the information he wanted while simultaneously protecting his personal servant.

"Thank you." The Count said with a genuine smile. "I'm going to borrow her time and the space she is currently in from you both, but not for too long. Now, if you'll excuse me." He then stood and turned to the door he was pointed to. With his head held high and a straightened back, he knocked.

xxxx

I was in the process of unbuttoning my blouse when a soft tapping came from the door. I assumed it was Tualga or Rheena showing me a courtesy that was rare but not uncommon between the three of us. I had made a show of shutting myself in, so they were most likely testing the waters, seeing whether or not I was in a state for company. Sometimes we just needed a moment or two alone.

I turned to the knocking while still seated on my bed. "You can come in now." I called gently as I then bowed back down to the unbuttoning of my shirt. The door opened and then closed once Rheena or Tualga stepped inside. They were particularly quiet which was unusual. I figured that they were letting their eyes adjust to the dim lighting as I had only lit the one candle on my nightstand. "Sorry about the darkness," I stated lamely as I shrugged off my blouse, reaching back to unfasten the rest of my clothing. "I hadn't lit –" I stopped then once I looked up and saw neither Rheena nor Tualga, but the dark silhouette of a man by the door.

XXXX

The Count stood inside the little room with his back to the door behind him. The chamber was dark; of the three beds in the room only one candle flickered wildly upon a rickety looking nightstand. Shadows from its light played along the gray stone walls, their ambiance accentuating the visage that was presently before him.

Pale skin, so white and smooth, leisurely revealed itself as cloth shied away. Janus found himself so stunned and entranced by the revealed flesh that he was rendered motionless. He swallowed hard as he eyed the feminine curves hungrily. Abigale Lynn sat upon one of the three beds, the candlelight dancing along her body as she undressed. Her large plump breasts nearly spilling from the small yet shameful cotton brassier that she wore.

The Count stared at her nearly naked torso with awe and need. His lower self immediately awakened to the innate call of want, demanding attention. He marveled at her hands and the way she delicately touched and caressed her shoulders, sliding the fabric of her shirt down soft arms. His fingers flexed with longing as he watched her tilt her head, red hair tied back neatly, tickled at her neck and cheek.

The allure of her coupled with her nudity and warmth upon a bed beckoned him. He felt the press of his fangs as prominent as the pressing of his groin against his clothes. His mind reeled as several situations sloppily played out in his head. What would she do if he stepped from the shadows and offered himself to her? He was not partial to begging but if she denied him then and there he would surely grovel without second thought.

Janus then watched as her hands went back to remove the rest of her clothing. Just the thought of watching her breasts bounce freely made him smile. But his smile quickly faded once he realized that he could not touch her, not have her eyes fixed on him, not feel her warmth, and not be able to make her smile; as he was presently skulking in the darkness of her bedchamber…like a perverted predator.

With all the strength and will he had in him, the Count quickly turned his head away and faced the wall. He cared for Abigale Lynn far too much; Janus could not invade her privacy so. Walking in on her was one thing, sticking around to watch her get nude was something entirely different.

He let out a breath and debated on turning invisible and leaving or making himself known. Then Abigale Lynn gasped and he knew she had decided for him. As embarrassed as he was he did not regret a moment of it, he had knocked after all. She invited him into her room, he would have never guessed she would allow another to enter as she stripped.

xxxx

I shrieked and pulled the blanket from my bed and covered myself, ready to call for help. "I knocked…" Came the very tense reply from my visitor, who had his head turned far to the side and away from me. Mortification dawned on me once I registered the Count's features and voice.

"Sir?" I gasped, still clinging to my blankets, perhaps more now than I was before. "Wha- How?!"

"I am sorry. You said I could come in." he answered as he fidgeted, his foot tapping obnoxiously. "When one permits another said one is usually decent. Sorry...I am sorry." He cleared his throat and further faced the wall.

"I-I am sorry, Sir!" I exclaimed as I jumped to my feet and hastily threw my shirt back on, buttoning it up frantically. "I thought you were one of the girls!" My face burned and heart thudded. My first fear of an unknown person in my room left quickly, but was replaced by sheer embarrassment once I had realized that I had unknowingly flashed the Count of Skingrad, and just moments after my earlier inner argument about him, no less.

"You get naked in front of them?" The Count asked the wall, sounding affronted.

I was so stunned by the random question that I stopped my workings for a moment. "What? Yes, yes I do. We do. Does it matter?" I scoffed at myself and shook my head at my own rudeness. "Oh, I'm so sorry, Sir!"

I turned to face the Count who was still looking at the wall. I realized then that he was smiling disbelievingly, while dragging a hand slowly down his face. "I had forgotten what it felt like to be truly embarrassed." He shook his head and chortled into his hand. "This was poorly planned on my part."

I straightened my very crooked shirt nervously. I was not overly fond of the Count seeing me mostly topless but thankfully I am one who wears a brassiere. "I was not expecting guests." I replied, crossing my arms around myself self-consciously. "You could have rung the bell for me, Sir. I-I would have came."

"I know. I am deeply sorry, Abigale Lynn. Now can I look again? I mean, can I look now?" He chuckled again but it sounded more pitiful this time. "Tonight is not my night…I think."

"I am decent Sir." I answered with my arms still crossed. He turned to me then, his eyes were insanely bright and alive. They sought me out quickly and purposefully.

"If I could blush I would be as red as you are now." He stated oddly. The Count looked so very out of place in my room. Like Tualga, his head was close to the ceiling, and even being in plain clothes he looked far too pristine to be in our quarters. We were clean of course, but our room could not hold a candle to the Count. "I am sorry for intruding but I had to see you…I just saw a little more of you than what was originally anticipated." Again he fidgeted oddly; his face seemed strained.

I quirked my brow and went to approach him. "Is everything alright, Sir?" I asked gently. He gave a tight nod to me and adjusted his collar. Then as I watched him move I realized that something could be terribly wrong, and that was why he came down to see me and looked so tense. "Would you like to sit?" I asked even more easily.

"Maybe." He answered quickly. "Where?"

I touched his arm carefully, unsure whether or not I was welcome to. He did not pull away so I thought it a good sign. "Well, my bed's right over there." I noticed how pitiful he looked and I only wanted to help. I swallowed down any remaining embarrassment and gently tugged his hand. "You look pained. Please, come sit with me." The Count followed me to my bed and carefully sat down upon it. I was even more on edge by the expression on his face. "Please Sir is something wrong?"

The Count shook his head and looked at me sheepishly. "You ran away from me earlier. I wanted to see you." It was so very strange to behold the Count in my room and on my bed. He patted the space next to him and I sat beside him at his command. "I feel very badly for walking in on you the way I did. It was not my intention to compromise your privacy. I was just so very surprised by your state of dress…I'll admit I wasn't sure of how to react. I did not want to frighten you, Abigale Lynn but nor did…did I want to le—"

"Please let us just forget it happened." I said quickly, feeling my blush coming back tenfold. Reliving the surprise was embarrassing and made it hard for me to look him in the eyes. When he spoke of it, I found it hard to hear him properly, as though my head was humming. "Besides," I said quickly. "It is not something you've never seen before. You see one woman naked, you've seen them all." I knew it sounded foolish but I wanted to stop the odd feeling inside of me. I felt violated…but not violated. I did not understand it. I felt excited and jumpy but at the same time terribly foolish, embarrassed and shy. I was all nerves as I cleared my throat and watched him stare back at me peculiarly.

"I have to disagree with you there." He remarked carefully. "But if you do not wish to speak of it then it is done. I care for you Abigale Lynn. I care for you deeply. I don't want you to be uncomfortable around me."

"I am not." I answered fast and honestly, perhaps too honestly. "It is just…it happened and now we are moving past it." I fiddled with my ponytail and nodded continuously. I decided to change the topic myself or I felt we would be going back and forth for some time. "Y-you wanted to see me, you had said?"

"I did." He nodded and then I noticed something I had completely overlooked. His eyes were not red, they were a dark grey. As he continued to speak I found myself staring at them oddly with a little anxiety. "I did not know why you left me so fast. I don't like it when you leave in general. It hurt me, I was afraid that you perhaps misinterpreted something I had said to you. I wanted to make amends for missing your birthdate, now more than ever after causing you grief." He smiled apprehensively at me and then noticed my fixed gaze upon him. "I take it you've just noticed the slight change in my person?"

I licked my lips and hesitantly spoke. "Yes Sir. W-why are your eyes not red, Sir?" I rang my hands and leaned away slightly.

He grinned, and I noticed to that the appearance of his fangs had reduced as well. "It is a powerful illusion potion I have concocted. It gives me the appearance of myself before the change took me. Well, it does some justice to it anyway." I looked him over carefully and found myself pouting. Despite the changes being minor tweaking of his vampiric appearance, I found it unsettling; like when a babe sees his mother after she cuts off all her hair. "Do you like it?"

I thought of lying and quickly pushed the silly notion away. "N-no," I answered tentatively. "It is not what I am used to; it does not look like you to me."

He laughed at this and inched closer. "This is me. This is who I was and how I looked. They are slight changes Abigale Lynn. What makes you pull back so?" He seemed genuinely intrigued and pleased – for some strange reason. "Here I thought I looked good." He teased.

"You do Sir, you always do." I answered with a nervous smile, happy to see his grin broaden. "B-but it is not you to me. I have known you to have red eyes and fangs. To be so pale and cold…" I looked away from him and rubbed my shoulder. It was unsettling to see him this way.

"Cold?" He asked quietly and I thought he sounded hurt. There was silence for a moment between us. "Like this?" I was surprised then to feel his cool hand slowly press against my cheek. He turned my head to face him again; I let out a breath once I saw the spell had gone from him. His eyes were red, fangs present and skin pale and cold.

I nodded as I stared back at him. "Yes Sir. I like that very much."

His eyes roamed my face and I found myself mimicking his actions. My breath came in short nervous spurts as my heart began thudding loudly in my ears. "You've no idea how happy you make me, Abigale Lynn. And to hear you like this form more than my previous one moves me." He murmured. His thumb ran across my cheek, nearly touching the corner of my mouth. My body was on fire at his caress, and had I been standing I would surely quake. I felt him begin to gently pull me forward, even closer to him, then my mind reeled and a lifetime of coaching awoke.

My hand reached up as quickly as a shot and pulled his away from my cheek. Thinking quickly and acting on my own honed instincts, I cradled his hand in both of mine and kissed his opened palm. "Yes." I said with falsified happiness and complacency, as I then cupped his hand with mine. "I like you much better this way."

The look on his face was a slightly dazed, slightly bewildered one. Whatever the Count was about to do was his business and I did not need to know it or think on it. Whether he wanted to bite me or do other things was only brought on because of the odd situation we were in earlier. Maybe he liked my body, maybe he was trying to make me feel better about my discomfiture. Regardless, I needed no coddling or affection of any kind from the Count. All I wanted was his friendship. That was all I wanted. All I needed.

"I'm glad of that." The Count said softly as he ran his free hand through his hair. The spell then resurfaced and the hand that I held turned warm, I carefully placed it on the bed beside him. I could not help but to notice the distance in the Count's eyes. He was a man; vampire or not he did not take kindly to rejection of any kind or for any circumstance. "I should probably go." He said as he stood, movements slow. "You need rest and this night has been a long one for both of us." I nodded to him and stood as well. "Again I apologize for earlier…I'll see you at six in the evening." He straightened his clothes and nodded to me. "Goodnight."

I swallowed hard and hugged myself. "Goodnight, Sir." As he turned to leave I felt a gnawing in my stomach, begging me to speak to him. But I remained silent and motionless in the middle of the room.

"Before I go," He said suddenly as he turned again to face me. "I had almost forgotten, but I have something for you, should you accept it." I watched him curiously as he reached into his pocket and removed a little black box. "It is a late birthday gift…don't open it until I am gone." He made a motion as though he was going to walk over to me but thought better of it. Instead he held it out for me to take. I did so without question despite many being plane on my face.

"Thank you." Was all I managed to say before he wished me goodnight again and quickly left the room. I turned and sat back down on my bed, completely overcome with thought and emotion. I kept from thinking too hard on what had transpired and decided it best to act as if it never happened.

After a long while of me sitting in the quiet, I decided to open the small box that was in my lap. Once I did so I broke the silence of the room with a loud gasp. I held before me with awe the most beautiful diamond earrings I had ever laid eyes on.