Dracula's POV

Before me sitting on my desk was a hand written letter by Arnold. Apparently he did not receive my letter regarding Crina for nothing in the letter pertained to any of the questions that were of concern to me. Arnold wanted Crina back which I found to be quite humorous. Take backs were out of the question and with that being said I disregarded the letter into fire place within my study. From our last conversation Crina despised Arnold which pleased me greatly. I was too close to success to ending the Valerious bloodline to be interrupted now.

I was now sitting before the fire watching it burn slowly. It was an omen I thought to myself for the outcome to my goal would come slow to fruition. A soft knock could be heard just beyond the door to my study. I already knew who it was for it was no other than my eldest bride Verona who came to accompany me. " Deep in thought again Vladislaus?" asked Verona as she glided over to a seat before the fire next to mine. " As always my sweet. What do I owe the honor of you gracing me with your presence this evening?" She awarded me with a quick smile before twirling her long straight hair around her finger. If I ever did have a favorite among my three brides it was surely Verona. Her wisdom and calm demeanor I greatly appreciated for at times I lacked that of which she possessed. Her blue eyes like mine glistened from the light of the fire and it caused to me stop to notice for a change. How easily one grows accustom to one another after being together for centuries. " My lord how long do you plan to keep up this charade with Crina? I sense you won't be able to fool her for much longer." asked Verona.

I knew she was right, but Anna Valerious was still alive and my children remained dead within their cocoons. " In time Verona in time. With Velkan already dead that leaves no other than Anna left. I find with Crina that I can be very persuasive for her to do my bidding." " What about our children or did you forget about that?" asked Verona. Her forwardness I tolerated for if it was Aleera and Marishka then that would be a different story. Over the centuries she had earned my respect and I valued her opinion, but I needed her to trust in my plan that I laid out in my thoughts. " Verona I could never forget about our young, however in order for our young to thrive I feel it is necessary to eliminate any threat towards them. Victor has been working for sometime on his creation, but I also want to explore other routes if Victor shall fail." My attention shifted as I heard another knock on the door. The door slowly creaked open to Igor my one cowardly servant who made his way into my study. "Master sorry to intrude ,but Mr. Vasile is awaiting for you down in the main hallway." Said Igor. I was truly shocked for I did not expect any company let alone from an old friend like Arnold Vasile. I knew all to well why he would have shown up unexpectedly, he came for her for Crina, but in no circumstances would I allow that to happen.

Excusing myself to Verona I made my way in haste towards the grand hall of Castle Frankenstein. At the top the stairs I could see Arnold awaiting patiently while his eyes glanced around his surroundings. " Arnold what a pleasant surprise to see you here at my estate. What brings you here unexpectedly?"

Arnold's POV

Clad in black from head to toe was typically how my friend the Count dressed nowadays. Military style black jacket with black riding pants accompanied by black boots that came to his knees. The golden hoop in one ear gave off a sign of aristocracy one that was never bestowed upon me by birth but by hard work. Though I did not envy my long dear friend as I took in my surroundings of the riches that filled his estate , it made greatly regret my decision to let Crina go. " I sent you a letter weeks ago and I feared you may have not received it. I figured it would be best to talk to you in person in regards to this manner anyways."

One of his wives I saw walk over to him from what I could remember her name was Mariska. Her golden satin spun silk wrapped around her arms and covered her legs with a thin see through layer . Dirty thoughts came into mind on how I wouldn't mind if Maria would walk around half naked through my estate. However her constant complaining would simply ruin any provocative clothing she would wear I chuckled to myself. " Please come with me to my study to discuss things of a more private matter." Said the Count. I walked the thirty some steps before following him down the hall. The first door to the right he opened and I could immediately felt the warmth of the fire as I entered through the door way. His collection of books was impressive for shelves upon shelves of books reached towards the tall ceilings. All furniture seemed to be made with the finest fabric of purple and red along with being carved out of Ebony and Dalbergia wood. It seemed I was too enthralled with the detail of his study that i didn't notice he was awaiting for me to be seated by the fire.

" My apologies I couldn't help but admire the craftsmanship of the woodwork within your study." I said. The Count shrugged his shoulders for nothing but the finest he was accustomed to. " I couldn't agree more it is one my favorite places to visit within the castle, however enough of the chit chat I know you didn't come here to talk about decor." " Right, I've been thinking my old friend that I've made a mistake in letting Scarlett leave my estate. I had Maria influence my decision too greatly and fear I made my decision too much in haste." I said. The Count didn't seem surprised at my reasonings for coming, it was as if he foresaw it coming. " I did receive your letter by the way and didn't reply for I have no intention on giving back Crina to you. I'm sorry but I cannot honor your request."

I was indeed shocked by his answer for I thought Scarlett being here would be a burden to him. He had already three other brides and before he didn't seem too keen on keeping Scarlett till he met her. " How come? I literally had to beg you to take her and now you have a change of heart?" "Maybe like yourself the young woman has grown on me. My plans are for her to become my bride after my upcoming ball." Said Dracula. Perhaps his friend could be persuaded y money or riches. I'm wealthy but not as wealthy as the Count and thought long and hard as to what I could offer him. " Count please I beg of you, name your price as a trade off for Scarlett."

I watched as the Count cupped his chin with his hand , he looked as though he was taking my offer into consideration. " Well since your here I did have some questions in regards to the young woman. There was an instance where she had black spikes protruding all over her body. Upon researching the closest thing that I came across matching what I saw was a Nelapsi. Tell me Arnold is that the breed in which you and Maria are?" I sometimes forgot how there were other types of vampires other than myself, although I couldn't recall knowing many others of my species. " You are indeed correct. She must have been scared or angry to almost change into her true form. Both Maria and I have learned to control our urge to transform when unpleasant feelings present themselves." I said.

The count seemed intrigued, in past conversations with my friend it was never brought up when it came to the differences in species that separated us apart. " It always seemed rather odd that you and Maria never had children, how come?" His random questions were awkward, it seemed he was fishing for something, but didn't want to be straightforward and ask. Nevertheless I decided to answers his questions truthfully. " Maria never wanted children. We were always extra careful not to procreate for we didn't wish this curse onto anyone else." " And yet your turned the young woman who is now in my care." Interrupted The Count before I could continue. " I guess I question the difference between a child's circumstance who would know nothing but the world in which we live in versus a fledgling who was stripped of all memory of their past life?" asked the Count.

I was starting to not like how this conversation was going. Condescending was how he was coming across as and it caused anger to bubble under my skin. My goal was to bring Scarlett home, I was her master and her place was with me. " Count I didn't intend to have a conversation about my rationale on things. My soul purpose was to bring Scarlett home. I made a mistake and since I consider you as a friend I thought you would be accommodating." He immediately went to chuckle at my retort before reaching for a crystal glass on the table next to him. Small sips of his dinner he took as it seemed he wanted to savor the taste of each drop. " Arnold have I not been accommodating? I took in a fledgling that you chose to no longer take responsibility for. Please don't insult me for ive done you a favor." " Mariska!" hollered The Count while remaining seated by the fire.

It seemed she immediately appeared before us out of thin air in mere seconds from when he called upon her. " My dear do me a favor and gather Crina for me. Bring her to my study so she can join us." She bowed her head before gliding past the two of us, her silk shaw almost hitting me in the face. " Why do you call her Crina?" I asked. " It seemed more suitable for her than Scarlett." Said the Count .

Crina's POV

Alone in my room ,that is where I spent most of my time. I sat on the window ledge looking at the blankets of forest down below. The place of the Count's I was slowly, but surely adjusting to. I kept mainly to myself for I preferred it that way for it seemed nothing but drama ensued if I attempted to converse with The Count's brides. Mariska was standing in my door way and I didn't even notice she was there till she coughed under her breath. " The master wishes for you to join him in his study." Said Marishka. I kind of wondered if it would be another heart to heart talk like they had the other night. The last conversation we had wasn't all that bad for it actually felt good to open up. Things I kept deep inside I was able release such negative oppressive thoughts. I followed Mariska down the hallway trying my hardest to look elsewhere for her underwear didn't quite cover well everything. It surprised me when I walked into the study to not only see the Count but also Arnold as they turned around in their seats upon entering.

Frozen I felt in the state of shock I was in. It had only been a few weeks but Arnold appeared just as she remembered him. It was a bittersweet moment to see him for part of me felt such an indescribable connection to him. His dark brown eyes seemed to beckon me , overwhelm me , and excite me all at once. However the feeling of betrayal brought me back to reality, when remembering the nights were he violated me. It sickened me to know that I somehow enjoyed it. What was wrong with me I wondered and how could someone have such a profound effect on me? "There you are Crina , I was starting to wonder if you may have lost your way. I'm sure there is no need for introduction when it comes to Arnold here." Said the Count. He walked over to me and gently grasped my hand, leading me to a seat to the right of him.

" Crina I'm sure you are wondering why I had you accompany Arnold as well as myself here tonight. It seems Arnold feels poorly about the decision he had made when he decided to send you away. I think it would be only fair for you to decide where you wish to reside." Said the Count. This couldn't be happening? I thought. Maria wanted me gone and Arnold relented by sending me away. They were both looking at me awaiting for me to speak of my wishes. I felt in a way rushed to make a decision, the clock was ticking and I felt torn. Dracula has done more for me than Arnold ever had. The incident with the werewolf still didn't sit right with me but not once had he tried any sexual advances towards me. He has taken the time to listen to me and continue to help me with my newfound powers. I oh so wanted to say these things about Arnold for he was my original master. " Scarlett you are so missed at home. Would you consider giving me a second chance?" asked Arnold. This was so unfair for my heart and head were not in sync with one other. " I'm sorry Arnold, but I chose to stay here with the Count. I feel you made the right decision by leaving me here in his care." The Count looked Victorious with a smug look on his face while Arnold slouched in his chair looking solemn as ever. " Well it seems Crina has spoken and now you can't say that I haven't been fair." Said the Count.

I hoped I just didn't make the wrong decision. I felt like I had chosen wisely , however if I was wrong I would surely know regret like how Arnold felt just now. " Well it seems I have no choice but to oblige to your request. Please note if you're ever in need, my doors to you are always open." Said Arnold. " I'll doubt that'll ever happen. Crina has everything she needs and more while under my care." Said the Count. Arnold didn't reply back as he now stood up from his chair. He didn't even bother to shake hands with the Count and it felt as if in that moment that their friendship came to an end. There was no goodbyes or pleasantries exchanged between the two as Arnold had shown himself the way out of the castle. " Don't feel guilty for speaking from your heart. Arnold will eventually come around." Said the Count before wrapping his arm around my shoulders. " I actually have something that I think will cheer you up, please follow me." I allowed him to grab ahold of my hand and lead me down another hall that I wasn't quite familiar with. This hallway had three doors all on the right side out looking the stained glass windows we passed. The last door on the right he opened and it appeared to be some sort of room for wardrobes. Almost similar to a walk in closet with several dresses situated on mannequins. I noticed he stopped in front of one particular mannequin that had a strapless white stress on it. It had a floral design with pastel orange and gold flowers. The dress definitely had a princess ball gown feel to it and I noticed how it also sparkled in the moon light. " I had it customed made just for you Crina to wear at the masquerade ball. Fit for a princess don't you agree?" asked the Count. I surely was at a loss for words as my hands ran against the soft fabric of the dress. " I don't know what to say other than I'm already in love with it." Without thinking I embraced him wrapping my arms around his neck as I did.

" The ball is tomorrow and I still have many preparations to attend to. When you awake tomorrow night , you shall fly with Verona to my summer palace to get ready. I want tomorrow to be just as special for you as it is for me. Cause tomorrow I shall make you mine permanently. After tomorrow there is no going back." Whispered Dracula into my ear. I wasn't still entirely sure I wanted to rush into becoming his bride. Though with how quickly things were going I felt I had to go with it, follow it wherever it may take me.

I glanced back my dress once last time before following him out of the room and back into the hallway. He was kind enough to walk me back to my room where I would remain the rest of the night. It gave me a chance to let everything sink. Thrilling, terrifying, and a little bit skeptical of tonight's events for this totally out of the norm from what my days have been like since I arrived here. It was saddening on how everything lead up to this point. I didn't necessarily feel Arnold was a terrible person , but at this point I could only assume why he did what he did. It was just reassuring at the end of the day to know ,if I was ever in need he would be there to catch me if i were to fall.