Disclaimer: Hellsing and its characters belong to none other than Kouta Hirano.

Author's Note: Enjoy this jump in time. Also, did anyone notice that I'm using nursery rhyme titles for each chapter's title?

Integra's Age: 8

Edited: 15/09/18

Chapter 4: The King of France

"Where is your crown, Alucard?" The little Hellsing uttered the question one time on a cool summer's day.

Integra had dragged the vampire outside to bask on the pleasant weather and they had quickly claimed a spot below the dense oak tree just across the back porch. Alucard had long since declared the base of the tree to be his and settled into a light sleep, his hat covering his face and long legs stretched out across the grassy plane. He had taken off his red coat, leaving him in his usual white shirt and red cravat. Integra sat not far from him, just at the edge of the awning, and was busy flipping through a book she brought out from the Hellsing's library.

He had roused from his slumber a few minutes earlier and ended up watching his young master being rapt in the book. But maybe she wasn't that oblivious to his scrutiny.

"Crown?" He mumbled, yawning widely. "What crown?"

"In here it's said that you were a knight, then you were a king." Alucard wanted to laugh at her choice of reading. It was very Integra to pick a history book. "But you're still a king, right?" At his blank look, Integra elaborated. "Both Papa, Walter and a couple of people mentioned that you are the No Life King. Well, if you're a king, then where's your crown?"

Understanding dawned in his eyes and the great vampire snorted. "Those people don't know what they're talking about." He motioned for her to come closer and clasped one of her hand with his. "I want you to understand, Integra. My kingdom has long since fallen, my war has ended centuries ago, and my army has been buried so deep under the earth no one can find them anymore. I am no knight and no king. Now, I am nothing but your humble servant, ready to do your biding and fight your wars. Thus, I have no use for crowns anymore."

It was easier speaking of his failures now. He had accepted his fate a long time ago, learned to live with it, for it was necessary unless he wanted to be miserable for the rest of his eternal life.

Ah, how immortality changes one.

The young child frowned at his words but he could see the gears moving behind those brilliant blue eyes and finally, she uttered a simple, "Oh."

Accepting her response, Alucard let go of her hand and settled back against the tree. He knew his words might be a bit heavy for a child but Integra was intelligent. With that in mind, he watched her settling back into her book and gradually slipped into another light doze.

The next thing that woke him up wasn't a question, but something else entirely.

Alucard slowly opened his eyes, finding Integra curled up asleep against him, her book nestled in her arms. Then he felt something on his head. He looked up to find a… a…

"Flower crown?" He blurted, dumbfounded, bringing a finger to touch one of the petals.

He turned his head to gaze at the young master, seeing her peaceful expression. Foolish girl. Sleeping in front of a vampire. Didn't her father teach her anything?

"Bah. Arthur is a bad teacher." He grumbled, manifesting his coat and throwing it over her. The fabric swallowed her small stature and he was quite surprised to find her nosing it, giving a big inhale before sighing in contentment.

Alucard turned to look up at the flower crown, fingering a petal before plucking a flower from it, a small and dainty aster, and tucked it in her hair.

In a moment of absentmindedness, Alucard let his fingers stay a second longer, watching his charge with an inscrutable gaze. Arthur might be a good father but his teaching skills left more to be desired and Alucard would pick up where his master couldn't. He would shape Integra into the leader Hellsing needed. She would grow into a magnificent, glorious woman and her path would be full of victories and conquests, of war won and blood shed in the name of justice, and people would quake in fear at her name. The young girl would blossom under him and be the Master he deserved.

But for now…

Alucard twirled a lock of blonde hair, his red gaze not wavering from his young master. He brought her hair to his lips and muttered, "Foolish girl."

For now, he was content to lie under this old oak tree and run his fingers through her hair.

End Note: I read somewhere that aster symbolizes patience, elegance and daintiness. It is also indicative of a love of variety so I feel like it's the right flower from Alucard to Integra.