AHHH! It's been FOREVER since I updated! And for that I am sorry!!! It not that I haven't been writing, because I have, it's just the emails not working a few weeks ago were the first problem, and then life got in the way (blah. Life, who hates it? jk Ew, I sound like a recluse), then things spiraled downhill from there. I hope that I've still got most of my readers, if not, it would just tear my wittle heart into a thousand pieces. Well, maybe not that extreme, but I would be sad. Anyhoo, I'm back…

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Sophia attempted to focus her tired eyes in the darkness of the early morning hours, the time when the sun had yet to raise its bright head. Her mother had just waked her and she knew something was very wrong this time by her words and tone of voice.

"What do you mean by 'they are going to take us to the castle'? Who are 'they'?" Sophia asked.

"They are castle guards, and they are outside about the taxes. We don't need to keep them waiting. Wake your sister then get dressed. I must go talk with your father," she answered, then turned on her heels and headed for the door.

"Mother…" Sophia called to her softly.

The woman stopped and looked back over her shoulder. "Yes?"

"What will happen to us?"

Try as she might, her mother could not veil the worry in her face as she answered, "I don't know, Sophia. I don't know."

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Apprehension, dread, fear – the words were the closest to sum up Sophia's feelings, yet none of them were truly strong enough. As she was led through the long, stone halls of the castle, tension mounted to just about unbearable, and she did her best to distract her mind by looking at the things around her. Huge mirrors, elegant vases, fine paintings, and realistic statues were just some of the main décor, along with suits of armor, gleaming weapons and animal skins. Tapestries and rugs seemed to be what was decorated with the most though, and they all looked lavish and elaborately done, like nothing Sophia had ever seen in her life. The sheer size of the castle gave the feel that no one was around, but there were carrying voices seeming to come from everywhere. She could have easily been lost in the bliss, imagining herself to be royalty of some kind… if it weren't for the four huge heavily armed guards with clanking armor that surrounded them as they walked, or the sense of impending doom.

"What do you think they will do?" her sister asked suddenly, while tightly clinging to her arm.

"Alina, I'm not sure," she answered.

"Do you think we will see the Prince?"

Sophia grimaced then whispered, "I hope not."

"Why?"

"What do you mean 'why'? You and I have both heard the stories; we both have seen what he did tothe unlawful Turks outside the village gates…. Don't be so ignorant."

Sophia didn't usually talk to her sister like that but at the time, she was under a lot of stress and unknowingly became ill tempered with her trivial questions.

Even though Alina knew this, she persisted, "But what about the other stories? You know…"

Sophia shot her a skeptical glance.

"You know the ones about how handsome he is supposed to be, don't you wonder?"

"No, I don't. All I want is to get out of here with everyone all right and still have a house to go home too. Besides, it's as they say, 'beauty differs to each beholder's eye.'"

"I know. But they say his hair is darker than a new moon's night and that he has blue eyes like the sea. They also say that he fights and rides like no other man before."

"That's because he is the Prince, of course he will. Where do you get these things anyway?"

"The girls in the village… just the other day they were talking that he is supposed to only have one mistress but in fact he has many others… many, many others." Alina giggled. "That, and they were saying that he is supposedly good in b–"

"Alina," she scolded, nodding towards their parents barely three feet in front of them. Luckily, they were unaware of the conversation. "You shouldn't say things like that and you really shouldn't listen to girls like that either, they will get you into…" her lecture trailed off when she saw they had stopped moving and were now standing in front of two enormous wooden doors.

The guards were muttering between themselves and she strained to hear what they were saying, but to no avail. Nervousness began to pool in the pit of her stomach. What could possibly be beyond the doors? What fate awaited them? It was most likely her worst nightmare…

After a few nods were exchanged, three of the four guards took their former positions and the one pushed the doors open. Sophia and her family were led into a large hall. Her jaw went slack and she turned three shades paler when she saw whom they had to face – the prince.

He sat in a bulky, tall-backed throne and appeared completely poised and unmovable. His expression was cold, hard, stern, like chiseled marble, with a slightly arrogant curl to his lips, and a searing look in his blue eyes that could bring anyone to their knees. If it weren't for his hair that seemed to have a mind of its own, he would look nearly unreal, made of unfeeling stone. Beside him was a smaller, more elegant throne, but it was empty. While gathered around him were little over a handful of advisors, servants, and the such.

The guards parted leaving them alone and vulnerable to the Prince's gaze. Bravely, Sophia's father moved closer to the throne, his family following right behind him in his footsteps. When he was about three yards from the Prince, he stopped, and then dropped to his knees. Sophia, her sister and mother, followed in the same manner. They all knew being called to face the Prince himself was not something that happened often and usually the outcome far from pretty. There would have to be a lot humbling on their part, and more than likely, a lot of pleading too.

"My lord," said Sophia's father respectfully.

The Prince's kept his face emotionless, as he knew he had to be, though he really wanted to smirk in triumph. He had guessed right; she was from that family. At the moment, she kneeled in the back, the farthest from him, but he could see her honey-brunette hair and bright eyes peering up at him from under her brows. Just a glance at her and something stirred within him. He would play a cunning game for a valuable prize… she would be his. He would make sure of it.

He raised his head higher before speaking, "Do you know why you have been brought before me?"

"The matter of taxes, my lord," Sophia's father answered.

Dracula rose from his seat and stepped closer, clasping his hands behind his back in a relaxed yet formal position as he towered above the older man. "And what about the taxes?"

"They are… late."

"Yes, they are. Dreadfully late. As a matter of fact, I believe it's by a few months. Care to try and enlighten me on why?"

"My lord, we haven't the money to pay them."

"Of course you haven't." He chuckled. "And yet, how is it that everyone else can manage the meager amount that I ask, but you are so impoverished as to think you are exempt? You don't look poor, nor do you look starving."

"I am a carpenter; people don't need them as they do tailors and farmers. I didn't want my family to starve. We live on simple means, nothing any bit elaborate."

"Ah yes, we have searched your home," Dracula stated nonchalantly. To his delight, he caught a brief glimpse of the horror on Sophia's face. "Sadly, it seems you are correct. You own no possessions of value but that still doesn't settle the debt you owe me." He put his fingers together to form a steeple and began to walk around them, slowly, one foot in front of the other, taking his time. His air – menacing.

"Perhaps, my lord, we can pay it over some time?" Sophia's father tried. Things were beginning to look bleak for his family.

"I doubt it. Do you know what we do to people that do not and cannot pay the taxes?" By now, Dracula was striding past Sophia and she held back a shutter.

"You lock them in prison?" the man tried, although he knew it wouldn't be the answer.

The Prince chuckled darkly. "No. You see I don't particularly care for poor people and families; they take but have nothing to offer in return. They are of no benefit to the country. Usually we just…" he strode back in front of his throne, "kill them."

"But my Lor-"

"Guards!" he ordered the armed men near him. "Get them out of my sight!" He motioned away with his hand and sat back down, resting an elbow on the arm of the chair and massaging just above the bridge of his nose between his thumb and index finger.

It seemed a whirlwind to Sophia what happened next as the guards violently grabbed them by the arms and wrists, yanking them to their feet. Alina began to shriek and her mother tried in a useless attempt to calm the girl. Her father looked dumbfounded and completely unsure what to do. While to poor Sophia time stood still and the world seemed to spiral out of control. The guards yanked brutishly at her wrists, bruising them almost instantly and tears sprung to her eyes. Her head throbbed as they pushed her forwards, towards the doors, this time her family would be following behind.

Her father, despite the struggle with the guards, managed to turn facing the Prince, shouting, "No! No! Please don't do this! My wife and daughters are innocent! Take me in their stead! Just don't hurt them! Them are innocent!"

Dracula laughed, the sound so wicked. "Old man, how many times must I tell you that you have nothing of value?" He rose from his seat again, causing the guards to halt in their tracks, and moved towards the family. "But still, you persist. I must admit, though, when I said you own nothing of value, I meant objects, possessions, but there is something here that could be considered of very high value. " He was getting closer to Sophia whose heart was going at a maddening pace. "Something that if I obtain…" he began to circle her like prey just within grasp, "could spare each and every one of you," he stopped before her, "…from death."

His gaze so intent, so impure, that Sophia blanched and immediately lowered her head in respect and to avoid his eyes. She knew he was blatantly suggesting that he wanted her, but what she didn't understand was why? She wasn't anything special in her own eyes. What could he possibly want her for? Unless he wants me to be a servant or maid, she thought in partial naivety and in part not willing to accept the truth. Yes, of course, that has to be it.

"You… wa-want me to trade my daughter in our stead?" her father asked, shocked. Concern was on his face and even more in his mind.

"Yes," was Dracula's casual reply. He shifted his eyes from Sophia to watch her parents' response.

"But she's our eldest daughter," her mother pleaded, her voice quaking. "Please, anything but her…"

The prince snarled. "You have nothing. It is this or death."

Sophia trembled. What choice did she have? None. She and her family would die if she didn't. There was no way she could let that happen from fear. Fear of being in his castle, seeing the things that happened there first hand, being under his command and control…. No, she wouldn't fall trap to fear. She would be strong… she had to be.

"Mother, father…" she turned to them, "I… I can do this. I can. We… I don't have a choice." She was trying to stay strong but it was hard watching her sister burst into tears.

"I know," her mother said, stroking Alina's hair trying to calm her… for Sophia's sake.

Sophia turned to her father; he looked grave, years older almost. He smiled faintly and gave her an understanding nod. She could swear there was an amount of respect, thankfulness in it. Finally, she looked back at the Prince and softly sighed. Closing her eyes, she dropped gracefully on her knees before him.

"My lord, I willingly put myself in your hands, so long as you spare my family."

"Good. I will, as I keep my word." He put a finger under her chin and tilted her head up. "Stand and say your goodbyes," he said coldly.

She rose and at once, her sister threw her arms around her and sobbed.

"Alina," she rubbed the girl's back, "calm down, you must calm down. Everything will be fine. I'm going to be fine. I promise. You're going to have to be strong and help mother now, understand?"

Alina sniffed hard and nodded, before unwillingly backing away, allowing her parents their chance.

Sophia's father came up and took her face in his hands. "You are strong. You always have been. I love you, you know this."

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"I do. I love you too," was all she could muster as her father hugged her tightly then let go.

Lastly, it was her mother's turn. Sophia could tell she was struggling to hold back tears and just seeing that forced Sophia to look away, blinking so she wouldn't cry. "Mother, please…"

"I know," she wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes. "It's just…you're my little girl…"

"Mother…"

"Shush, I know, but it's hard for me." She took her by the shoulders. "One day, if you ever must give up a child, you will understand, but I hope that you never see that day. I will pray for you, every night, and every morning and… oh, I'm going to miss you so…" She threw her arms around the girl and clung tight to her.

Sophia forced a laugh, trying to lighten the air. "I'm not dying! I will likely be a servant or something. I will be fine."

"I pray so," her mother mumbled, her daughter's blissful innocence only making things worse for her. She hated to think how such a beautiful thing would probably be ruined.

"I love you," Sophia said.

Her mother took Sophia's face in her hands and kissed her forehead and cheeks repeatedly. "I love you too," she finally said, her voice low with grief and anxiety filling it.

Sophia reluctantly drew away. Things were becoming too hard for her, any longer and she would not be able to go through with it. She turned to the Prince; her eyes unwillingly giving him the silent consent he needed to send them away.

"Guards," he said, "take these people outside the gates and let them go free… completely unharmed."

With tear-filled eyes, Sophia watched as they lead her family out. She forced herself to look away as they left through the doors, the thought that she might not seem them again rushing through her mind. She choked back tears.

Dracula moved over to a young, female servant standing nearby, his eyes fixed on Sophia as he spoke in a low tone, "Oversee that she gets cleaned up, a new dress, and a permanent room in the east wing."

"The east wing, my lord?" the young woman made sure she understood correctly what the Prince was asking.

"Yes," said Dracula. "The east wing."

The servant nodded, understanding fully what was happening, what was being asked of her, and how much turmoil it would bring the castle. She went over to the Sophia, who was all but trembling in shock, sorrow and fear.

"Miss, you must follow me," the servant said before hurrying out the doors.

Sophia took a deep breath. You are going to be fine, she reassured herself, and quickly followed the servant, giving the Prince one last fleeting look as she was leaving.

She could have sworn he was smirking.

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Yeah, so that was it. Honestly, it is my least favorite thing I've written so far, and I've edited like a thousand times… give or take a few hundred (lol)… and I'm still not too happy with it. But at least from here the ball really starts rolling with the story. Oh, you know what makes my week?

REVIEWS!

Oh yes, they do. They make me all happy and giddy! So you guys go ahead and make my week!