Vlad lay on the bed that once belonged to his son. His legs were an inch too long, but his thoughts were not to it. He turned his head down and closed his eyes to kiss Ingeras' curly blonde hair. He had taken after his mother.

"Can we go riding tomorrow, papa?"

"Of course we can!"

"You most certainly cannot!'' said the queen. She could over rule the lord Impaler himself.

"Why not?"cried the Dracul men in chorus.

''Because tomorrow is the day of our risen lord."

''Oh of course! That's Easter. What was I thinking?" Vlad teased and playfully kissed his boy again.

When he opened his eyes next, he was in the bath tub.

Mirena asked what had attacked them, and he lied saying it was wolves. She asked what else was wrong and this time he honestly admitted his fear to his wife. But the queen did not fret at the impossible idea of loosing her son. He confided in her that he wanted peae, starting between them.Vlad grabbed her waist and pulled her into the bath and she screamed of joy. He pulled her into him and kissed her all he could. But then his incisors extended through her flesh and she screamed of pain. Vlad opened his eyes and saw the blood pouring down her back. He pushed her away and sat jolted in the bathtub, alone. Vlad leapt out of the tub and was dried and dressed by the count of three. He paced his room like a caged beast, trapped by his memories. He chose to escape it all and violently opened his door to come face to face with Alexei standing guard.

"Home provides you no rest, friend?"

"It haunts me while sleep evades me."

Alexei laughed and landed a hand on Vlad's shoulder.

"Take a walk with me then, yeah?"

Vlad shook his head and followed. They took the long way, avoiding all other life in the castle. The boys arrived at an enclosed yard.

"Tell me you have not forgotten our place, have you?"

Vlad scoffed and turned to his friend's voice, but found himself alone. He fervently looked around him, but couldn't find Alexei anywhere. Not till he had turned a full circle and received a blow that threw him off his feet. A sword fell next to him and the clang of the falling metal covered the hiss that escaped from Vlad upon touching the silver.

"On your feet, friend. Let us see if you are a worthy prince of Transylvania!"

Vlad smirked and found his footing, then he grabbed the cloth bound hilt of the sword and lunged forward with a yell.

"Nyah!" He yelled, victorious over his opponent.

"Is there no one worthy of fighting me? Or do you lack luster to fight your prince!?"

He turned around and was met with a sword a breath away from his neck. His new opponent was dressed toe to head in a loose white outfit, nothing to see except the eyes.

"You wish to fight me in front of a crowd? You will make a jester of yourself!"

The challenger paid no mind to the threat and swung their sword back, preparing to fight.

"As you wish, fellow." The prince swayed his sword as well, readying to fight.

The opponent made the first blow and he blocked, pushing the other sword away with momentum. The challenger was relentless and the fight became mobile, and the casualties grew. Curtains tore, pillars bruised, vases fell and people were pushed over, but the fight went on.

The two fighters were equally matched, and it felt the duel would run for ages, but an unsuspecting messenger came running down to the courtyard.

"Prince Xander!" The lady called and distracted the prince mid fight, making him loose his sword and fall at his opponent's feet, pinned by his own sword and the other.

"My life lays at your feet, princess!" He mocked and splayed his arms open.

The princess took off her veil and shook her hair free, scoffing at her prisoner. She took away the swords and stepped back, letting her captive stand to his feet.

Prince Xander jumped to his feet and brushed off his pants, then diverted his attention to the messenger.

"What is the reason for this interruption?"

The messenger bowed "forgive me. The queen asks for the princess."

The Princess too turned to the messenger.

"Tell the queen mother I shall join her shortly."

The messenger bowed to her as well.

"As you wish," and then she left.

"Caterina, this isn't fair!" I was about to win when the attendant distracted me!" Xander walked after her, pouting.

But the princess was proud.

"Victory is victory, my dear prince! I have defeated you! Remember Xander, a moment's distraction can change the duel's outcome. A slight distraction can bring defeat..." she paused for effect, then spun around to face him, holding his sword at his neck, "... or death!"

Xander scoffed and took his sword back by the hilt.

"Ah, now the novice teaches the master, is that so?"

"Not teaching. Only reminding."

They walked in silence towards the end of the courtyard.

"Let me tell you, your skills are impressive. A good student absorbs the knowledge she is given, swiftly and well!"

"And if I am a good student, then it is because of my good teacher!" She poked a finger on his shoulder.

He was about to continue when both their attention went to the group of courtesans marching in the halls above the courtyard. In the center of them walked prince Aurel, with a high nose.

Xander cleared his throat and caught her attention.

"Your new teacher will be better."

Caterina was caught off guard.

"New teacher? Who would that be?"

"Why the queen mother of course!"

Caterina rolled her eyes and began cleaning her sword.

"She will teach you all that a woman should know! And soon you will be carried away on a palanquin!"

Caterina, unimpressed at the idea, quickly turned with an accusing finger pointed at him.

"But I have a condition first!"

Xander folded his hands behind his back and leaned forward.

"Pray tell!"

Caterina turned away and walked proudly, staring at the sky.

"I will not marry... till father appoints you the crown prince!"

Xander was dumbfounded. He relaxed his hands to his side and strode after her.

"Caterina, you mustn't make unreasonable demands!"

"But it's true! I have heard father praise your skills. He speaks of your bravery, and the many tournaments you have won! You are proficient in war... deserving to be crowned. Now there's nothing to worry about, am I right?"

Prince Xander started to talk, but was muted by the call of the queen.

"Princess Caterina! Are you aware how dishonorable it is for you that I have to come collect you myself! You shall find yourself in my rooms at once!" The queen beckoned and turned away, and the princess went running after.

Xander shook his head at her and chuckled.

"Oh my dear naive girl!"