Hello, my dears! It's been too long since my last update, hasn't it? Well, I got back from Austria a few weeks ago, and I feel like I should share a little about my trip with everyone!

Vienna was amazing! If you have seen pictures in books, that's pretty much what it looks like. It's all very artsy and cultured. Most of the stores seemed pretty expensive, of course, and they had souvenir shops on nearly every corner. They also had many 'human statues.' You know, the people that dress up in full make-up and silver or gray suits and stand very, very still until some unsuspecting person like my friend goes up to take a picture with them and then they move, effectively scaring the living daylights out of that person and putting them on constant watch to make sure that even the Virgin Marys don't come off the cathedral walls. Speaking of which, St. Stephen's cathedral was freaking huge and wonderful in all its gothic (architectural) beauty. I got a real laugh out when we walked in and there was a guy on a really tall ladder vacuuming(yes, vacuuming) the gold filigree stuff; there were also catacombs underground, which I completely flipped out about, but sadly, we couldn't go in because we didn't have the time. I liked the inside of St. Peter's church better though, maybe that's because there were many frescoes and amazing looking alter pieces, along with martyrs' remains in a glass coffin in the wall.

The camp in Aigen (Austria still) was so much fun! We stayed sorta halfway up a mountain, so we could look down on the village and the view was breathtaking (especially at night, when the houses were all lit up). For at least two hours nearly each day we went hiking and the woods reminded me so much of something out of VH. In fact, once I was listening to Evanescence's "Haunted" on a friend's mp3 player as we were walking, and I couldn't help but think, 'if Dracula stepped out of the woods right now, I wouldn't be surprised.' (Well, I would probably think I was going insane from severe lack of sleep, but that's beside the point.) The last three days we were there, it was rainy, and there was so much fog. Seriously, it was so thick, you could see it swirl around you. Very creepy and cool.

All the kids there were really nice, and about a handful of them were Romanian. I really clicked with this one Romanian girl, who, to make a long conversation we had short, not only liked vampire lit and movies, but read fanfic, and had seen VH. When we were pretty good friends, I would randomly go up to her and be like, 'I love your accent!' then start talking like her. One day, I was being exceptionally crazy and I went up behind her and (I kid you not) said, 'I vant to suck your blood!' We laughed so hard about that afterwards.

The 'day' we were supposed to spend in Czech (Krumau, to be specific), actually turned out to be three hours! I wasn't too happy about that, but, hey, what could I do? Anyway, out of all the places I went, it was definitely my favorite. It was very… 'old worldly,' I would say; like Vienna in a manner, but smaller and more… worn. It would be very easy to forget what time you were in there. The shops were also smaller, less expensive, and had a lot of handmade and antique stuff in them. I was practically in heaven.

Now, the whole trip I didn't see a one dark and mysterious figure. How disappointing.

…Maybe my muse kept giving them the idea I was taken. xD

So that was a short summary of a few places I went and things that happened. Now to what you're really here for…

000000000000000

Sophia was going room to room in the east wing, cleaning. She carried a bucket of water in hand, a stool in the other, and had a duster and a few rags tucked into her apron. At the moment, she was heading for one of the smaller, more secluded studies to clean. She didn't give it a second thought as she opened the door and entered without knocking. After all, the room was barely used.

"Can't you knock?!" shrieked Nedezda from within the room.

Sophia was successfully pulled from her own little world as she very nearly jumped out of her own skin. Looking over to a couch, she saw Nedezda stretched out across it and reclining against the arm, but she wasn't the only one there. The Prince sat at the opposite end, with a book in one hand and the other idly resting on Nedezda's covered legs that were positioned over his thighs. Both their eyes were on her.

"I'm sorry," Sophia stammered out. "I didn't think that there would be anyone in–"

"Just go!" Nedezda practically hissed. "And don't let it happen again!"

Sophia spun on her heels to leave.

"Stop," Dracula ordered and she turned, looking back into his crystal-blue eyes. "You may continue your work in here. So long as you are quiet, it's no trouble to me. Is that fine with you Nedezda?"

Nedezda reluctantly nodded, not willing to admit that it did.

Sophia moved back into the room and started systematically cleaning from in a corner, the one farthest away from them. She dusted off a table against the wall and wiped down the mirror above it, and then she went to a bookshelf, pulled up her stool and dusted from the highest she could reach all the way down to the very bottom. The whole time she cleaned, she could feel the heavy weight of eyes on her.

Dracula had been reading to himself before Sophia entered the room, but now it took a good bit more attentiveness to focus on those white pages with scribbled writing across them. This was a battle he was losing. Whenever discretion allowed, his azure pools would glance over the top of the pages just to catch a glimpse of her working. Right now, she had her side to him and was standing on a stool, cleaning yet another shelf above her head. Even in that horrid, gray dress, she looked lovely and he was amazed at how such stiff fabric could hug her so well. It was like she had put a spell over it. He noticed she had taken to pulling her hair up in a loose bun, that he rather disliked, but thought it cute because the more she worked, the more waves fell out. There was also a smudge of something on her cheek, dust probably, seeing as how every so often she would bring the back of her hand over her forehead. Watching her work was truly making him wish things hadn't gone wrong between them.

Now, he wasn't the only one secretly watching. Nedezda was keeping observation of both him and Sophia below her semi-closed eyelids. She was pretending to be 'resting' but was really fuming at how the Prince seemed to be so intent on this silly little maid. She didn't understand what that child had that she didn't! But there was nothing she could do, she had already put in her opinions and had been quickly and harshly shutdown by him. His wrath was something not to be provoked. It was dangerous.

About an hour later, Sophia had finished dusting and cleaning everything imaginable. She stood back, scanning the room to make sure she hadn't forgotten anything; when she didn't find a thing, she turned to leave. But froze. She almost forgot the head maid wanted her to bring back the tapestries from every room to be washed. She groaned, looking at the large window dressing that had to be taken down.

It was going to be nearly impossible for her to get down… but she didn't have any choice.

She took her stool and set it under the window, then climbed up to the top step. The legs of the stool were somewhat wobbly but she had managed fine all day. This couldn't be too hard… except for the fact she had to stand on her tiptoes to reach the curtains.

Carefully, she began to undo the multiple pieces of fabric tied up with decorative cord. The stool shifted and she put a foot on the edge of the windowsill to keep her balance. There was a specifically tied knot that she just couldn't seem to get undone, no matter how hard she tried, and it was beginning to frustrate her. Finally, after a minute or two, she got it. But by then, the whole thing was frustrating her. She pulled and tugged trying to get the pieces apart so they would come off the wooden rod.

At this point, the Prince had long given up trying to read, too absorbed in the humor of Sophia struggling with all her might to get the curtains down. He had to withhold a chuckle at her determination as she had one foot on the window's edge and another hand on a fabric panel to keep her balance.

Still, Sophia fought and fought, that was, until the one piece suddenly came loose. The sudden release caused her to sway backwards but she caught herself, only for the wobbly stool to throw her off balance even more. She grabbed what was in reach – the curtains, as she fell back, her foot slipping from the stool, the other soon following. And she was tumbling, gravity taking hold.

Everything happened so quickly, that a split-second later, Sophia found herself flat on her back in the floor… caught up and tangled in the entire window-dressing with the rod. She didn't move, blinking, a shocked looked in her eyes.

Nedezda burst into a fit of cackling. "Oooh… you… stupid… clumsy… girl!"

But she didn't laugh long when she saw the Prince, right away, move her legs off him and go to Sophia's side.

"Are you all right?" he asked with genuine concern, kneeling down beside her. "You didn't break anything, did you?"

Sophia carefully sat up, rubbing the forearm she had landed on that would surely bruise. "I don't think so," she managed out, her face immediately flushing with embarrassment and shame.

He stood and offered her a hand, which she timidly took, and he helped her stand out of the dusty curtains. "That's good," he said and then chuckled. "I believe you didn't take them down… they took you down."

She forced a painful smile, before lowering her head, not being able to face him. "I-I'm so sorry. I didn't mean–"

"It's quite alright, it was an accident," he said, tilting her chin up and brushing a strand of hair out of her face. "Nothing more. Though next time try to be more careful…you might really break something."

"Yes, my lord." She gently withdrew from his grasp and quickly gathered her nearby things, including the much struggled over fabric panels, before hurrying out of the room.

"Have someone else get the curtains down for you today!" he called to her, shaking his head and chuckling, then returned to his seat on the couch and picked up his book.

Nedezda's dark eyes burned like a wildfire as she silently fumed.

00000000000

The rest of the day, Sophia continued with her ordinary work and taking the Prince's advice at being extra cautious when taking down the drapes. However, the embarrassment didn't leave her for one moment and even after she fell into bed, she couldn't get to sleep. She was excruciatingly sore all over, and her forearm was badly bruised…another reminder of her clumsiness. She tossed and turned, the restless time giving her a chance to replay the day over in her head. Although the fall she took was humiliating, it was her spirit that was truly broken. This was her new life. And how she hated every minute of it! Salty tears filled her eyes and she sat up, knowing if she didn't escape the claustrophobic room she was in, she would go insane.

Silently, she slipped out of her bunk, still in her white, muslin nightgown and tiptoed to the door. She opened it carefully, knowing there was a spot where the hinges creaked and she slipped out before it hit that point, closing it behind her. Looking down the halls, she knew where she wanted to go. It was risky for if she got caught, she could be punished severely, but the chance was well worth it in her mind.

She began down the candle-lit hallway, alertly turning corners and keeping an ear open for any sound of movement. Even though she knew the room she was headed for was just a little a way, she couldn't help the adrenaline that coursed through her veins.

Then a soft but unknown sound hit her ears and she ducked down beside a close table, her heart feeling like it was going to beat out of her chest. She waited for a moment, and when nothing happened she slowly stood up again.

You're so nervous, your imagination is working overtime, she told herself.

At last, she got to the door to the room and slipped inside. It was a parlor and, as she guessed, nobody was using it – but that was not why she wanted the room in particular. Still silent as a mouse, she crept to other side of the room, where there were two doors and opened them, revealing a gorgeous balcony.

She stepped out on it and tilted her head up, the night sky was beautiful, the stars above twinkling and shining like she had never seen them before. She moved over to the ledge, and put her hands on it, looking down. The balcony was so high that it almost made her sick to her stomach… not to mention, below was the Argeş River. It was picturesque, the moon casting its pale, white light down on the smoothly flowing water causing it to shimmer and glisten. She could hear its sound, the tranquility of it soothing her. A light breeze caressed her face and blew her hair gently. It was calling to her, whispering her name.

That's when her heart plunged.

She didn't want to be here. She hated it here. She wanted to be home with her family – but couldn't. This was her new life, her new home, and nothing would change that.

Slowly, she slid down the balcony's edge, until she was sitting on the ground, her knees pulled up to her chest. She placed her head on her knees, taking in sharp breaths, trying not to cry, while her vision blurred.

This is your life now, she repeated in her head. Why can't you just deal with it? You messed up. What if you had given the Prince a chance? You might not be where you are now… would it have been worth it? She honestly couldn't answer that question now.

Warm tears began to roll down her cool cheeks as light sobs racked her body.

I just want to go home. I just want to see my mother, and father, and sister. I just want to have my life back… to be free. I'm so tired of cleaning, dusting, and working. It has only been a week… one week… and I'm already exhausted. Oh, what I would do to be free again! But that won't happen. No, it won't happen…

0000000000

Steady footfalls echoed through the silent corridors. This wasn't his territory but Dracula found solace from a day's stress in only one place… and it was at this end of the castle.

His day had been full of disappointments and frets over the realm, but what happened in the few hours he had as a break, gave him something to keep his mind sane – Sophia. The little 'acrobatics' she done, gave him quite a chuckle every now and then, but that wasn't the extent. Just seeing her face for that small amount of time offered him some sort of drive that even Nedezda couldn't give him… even if she was around for hours.

What was it about that girl? She was so common, simple, but there was just something about her… he couldn't place it. And wondered if it even mattered. Either way, there was no going back. Not a thing he could do would change the past.

For once, he wished the castle wasn't so big and the halls weren't so long.

00000000000

"I would go back," Sophia whispered to herself between sobs. "I could handle it all… anything the Prince wanted from me… as long as I didn't have pick up another rag again. But I can't go back. There is nothing I can do… nothing-"

"Sophia?" said a low voice.

After jumping from being startled, Sophia looked from her knees to the shiny, black boots that were standing nearby, her eyes quickly scanning up, over the black-clothed figure until they were met with piercing blue.

"My lord," Sophia choked out, trying to quickly stand.

"No, no, you need not stand," he told her, but she didn't listen.

Once she was on her feet, she offered a respectful curtsy and stood before him, her head facing down, not speaking a word. She was caught.

"Why are you crying?" he asked. "Are you sure that fall didn't hurt you?"

"I'm sure," she said, answering the latter question but avoiding the former.

He sensed she didn't want to talk about it, so he just turned away, putting his hands on the ledge of the balcony, his arms stretched out before him. "It's magnificent out here, isn't it?" he mused. "The night is so calming and tranquil… I almost prefer it to the day. But I enjoy the river the most and how the moon looks on it. It's as if someone placed a thousand diamonds at the bottom. I frequently come out here when I need to be alone… it appears that I'm not the only one…" he said playfully, glancing Sophia's direction, only to find fresh tears on her cheeks. "Don't cry," he spoke softly, reaching into his jacket and pulling out a handkerchief then offering it to her. "Will you tell me what is bothering you so?"

Sophia took the handkerchief and wiped her eyes, before speaking up, "I couldn't sleep. I know there is nothing you can do but…" the tears began to flow more, "but I don't want to be a maid anymore. I don't want to clean anything else. Everyone is so cold and treat me like I'm an outcast. I know I'm not used to their way of life and I know I'm not any better than them… but still they treat me like I look down on them. I just can't do it anymore. I can't do it. I… just… can't." She burst into another sob, pressing the soaked handkerchief to her eyes.

Dracula didn't know what it was, but something about Sophia made him pity her. He didn't really pity Nedezda when she cried, just tolerated it. Yet, Sophia was actually tugging on his heartstrings. She was in pieces before him… and for the first time in his life, he wanted to fix something, not break it. And he thought he had an idea that just might do that.

"I know things didn't work out between us at the start, Sophia," he said softly, "but would you be willing to go back? To try again?" Sophia looked up at him, her face silently telling him to continue. "If you are willing, maybe we could start differently, get to know one another better… I won't force you in a situation you aren't comfortable with again." To humble himself so much was hard, but inside he was hoping, praying, that things would turn out for the better.

Sophia lowered her head again, thinking and contemplating over his words. She would love to never have to pick up a rag or duster and clean again, but in going back, she knew what her place would be… and the chances of being forced in the same compromising situation. Was it worth the risk? She had already made up her mind, and it wasn't her head that she was listening to, but her heart.

"I think I can try again," she said, nodding. There was a release in her words, like a burden was lifted and she was doing the right thing.

Dracula had to avoid the temptation to scoop her into his arms and kiss her since he was positively thrilled beyond reason, so he turned and looked back out to sky, a smile inching its way across his usually stern features. He almost couldn't believe she was his again. This time there was no room for error.

The two of them stood alone and quiet on the balcony for some time – the soft touch of the breeze, the woodland smell of the air, and the churning sound of the river calming them. Although, neither was ready to admit that the presence of the other's company was more enjoyable than anything else, even in the silence. They were finally getting used to being around each other… but it was getting late.

"I'm going to retire," said Dracula. "You may sleep in your former room when you are ready yourself. Can I count on seeing you tomorrow?"

She nodded a 'yes,' not all to fond of him leaving now, but happy that she was going to see him again. It perplexed her – why did she suddenly care?

"Very well then. I will leave you to your stargazing," he said slyly, walking to the doors then stopping under the arch, just before he entered. "Sophia…"

She turned, her eyes connecting with his; they were perfect mirrors of the stars… the thought made her quickly blush, recalling what he just said. "Yes?" she asked.

"Might you do me a favor?"

"Um…" was all she could get out.

"Smile for me."

His words were so sweet and genuinely warm; it didn't take much effort on Sophia's part to offer a full, lovely smile. Not to mention, she could feel her bare toes curl under – that ridiculous nervous habit.

"Thank you," he said, returning the favor only briefly before leaving her alone on the balcony.

Sophia put a hand on the ledge for support as those strange, delightful feelings made her head swim and wondrous sensations made her body tingle. Oh, how did he always manage to do that?

000000000000000

Cue: AWWWWWWW! lol jk So, I'm pretty happy with the ending to this chapter – it's all mushy and crap. We also learned that along with being perpetually naïve, Sophia is pretty clumsy (I LOVED writing the scene where she falls off the stool). And Dracula can be reasonable. xD

Alexandra: -blushes- Thanks! I'm thrilled you enjoy it. And I hope this update was good!

Okay, people, you know the drill!!!