Ferne's Thoughts: I'm having a lot of fun writing this fic. I hope you're having fun reading! Also, in case you couldn't tell, every chapter will end with Seras falling asleep. It just feels… right, you know?

*** I don't own Hellsing, but I'd like to think I own this universe. What is this universe? Fuck, dude, I don't know. All I know is that I own it. Fight me m8 ***

Seras pushed into the body next to her, fully aware of who it was. I think I may fancy him. He's genuinely kind and sweet to me. She yawned and held onto an arm draped around her. She felt the thick muscles beneath and ran her hands up and down it. She heard the master of the manor hum at her touch, his face nuzzling into her hair.

She began to fall asleep again when she heard the door to his room open. She didn't open her eyes, instead preferring an attempt at sleeping. A voice called out and she felt Vlad stiffen behind her.

"Master? What are you doing? I thought you said you wouldn't…" Seras' eyes fluttered open and she saw Wren standing with his face a mask of worried concern. Vlad sat up, removing his arms from her body.

"Wren," his voice was stern and warning. She moved and watched as he got up from bed and grabbed the boy by his arm. He dragged him to the door, yelling the entire time. "How many fucking times have I told you to knock before entering my room? Are you an idiot? Do I need to beat you, boy?" He continued to yell at the boy in Romanian and Seras flinched with every snarl sent by the vampire. He exited the room, yells filling the halls. She sat up in the bed, tossing covers away. Eventually, Vlad came back into the room, visibly agitated.

She looked at him as he cursed under his breath, finally turning and looking at Seras. He sighed and brushed his thick hair from his face. "He knows not to enter my room without permission."

"What did he want?"

"He wanted to tell me something irrelevant about Sebastian. As if I give a damn."

"Oh. Well, why did he act so strange when he saw me?"

"I told him I wouldn't hurt you, so he assumed I was taking advantage of you. Idiot boy." Seras laughed, getting his attention.

"Wren thought you were forcing me? To sleep next to you? Ooh, how scandalous." He smiled and his face softened. Seras stood and walked dramatically. "The lord of the castle caught sleeping with the wench of the woods!" He laughed and sat on a settee, laying down and crossing his legs.

"It will be the rumor of the century! Wren certainly seemed shocked."

"I think that may have been because you were yelling at him." Vlad chuckled and popped his neck, turning it side to side. Seras admired his muscles as he moved. She went and sat on his legs, causing him to raise an eyebrow. "Am I too heavy?"

"No. I should mention that you also look healthier today. Your cuts and bruises seem to be healing nicely. How about that wound though, I wonder?" He pointed at her shoulder and she shrugged. She looked to the clock to see that it was late in the afternoon.

"It's 2 in the afternoon."

"I know. It's early." She cocked her head and furrowed her brow at him.

"This is early to you?"

"Mm. I don't really have a sleeping schedule, but I typically sleep during the day when I can."

"I would have thought that vampires don't need to sleep."

"I can go several days without sleep, not that I've needed to do such recently."

"Intriguing." He clucked his tongue, chuckling.

"Would you like to stop saying that?" She smiled.

"No." She looked down at herself and decided it was time to change into something decent. She rose from his legs and he looked at her confused. "I'm going to go change." He looked her over once before nodding.

Seras opened the door and crept along the hall to her room, taking long, bounding steps. She looked around carefully, to ensure that nobody saw her. She made it into her room without anybody seeing her, and she sighed a breath of relief. "Funny how all of a sudden I'm worried about somebody seeing me in my nightclothes, even though I just let a vampire cuddle me as I slept. Perhaps I'm the odd one." She sighed once more and walked further in the room to find that a pile of clothes sat on her bed. As she picked them up, she realized that they were her own, original clothes. Even her bodice had been cleaned. Her dress had been repaired and tailored, as pristine and white as ever.

She happily pulled on her clothing, dressing quickly. She found a hand-mirror and looked at herself through it. She did look better, her skin less sickly and the dark circles beneath her eyes disappearing. She even looked a bit thicker, healthier. She smiled and tousled her hair. Setting the mirror down, she slid on her shoes and made her way back into the hall.

As she walked back to Vlad's room, a noise somewhere behind her caught her attention. She turned and looked down the long, curved hallway. Something moved, though she couldn't tell what. She walked further down the hallway, searching for the source of the noise. That sounds like a… There was a muffled scream and Seras started running towards the source. Is somebody in trouble? I have to help!

The screaming continued, getting louder with each one of Seras' bounding leaps. It finally stopped, followed by a heavy thump to the floor. Seras rounded a corner to find a tall, blond man standing over what appeared to be a dead body. She stopped, several feet from the scene. Her mouth dropped, eyes wide as she felt her heart beat slow and hard. She finally spoke, getting the man's attention. "What on earth…?" Is she alright? Is she dead?!

The man turned around and Seras recognized the man as Sebastian. He smiled awkwardly, teeth stained slightly red. He wiped his mouth before speaking. "Oh, hello! Seras, right?" She nodded slowly. "Well, I just… It appears that… Uh…" He cleared his throat as he shuffled. Seras remembered that Vlad said Sebastian was also a vampire.

"Did… Did you kill her?" His eyes widened and he shook his head quickly.

"No! Of course not! I'm no murderer!"

"You are a vampire though, correct?" He blinked for a moment, eyebrows rising. His face became a blank slate until he sucked his teeth and walked over to her.

"What do you know about that?" She looked up into his scarlet eyes.

"Vlad told me." He cocked his head.

"Vlad? Vlad told you? You're joking right?"

"No, I asked if he was a vampire and he told me he was. He also said you were." Sebastian's eye twitched. "Are you alright?" He shook his head and walked past her quickly, shouting.

"VLAD! WOULD YOU MIND EXPLAINING SOMETHING TO ME?" He disappeared around the hall and Seras followed. Eventually, she heard a hard banging on a door and rounded a corner to see the blond vampire outside Vlad's room.

Vlad opened the door, taken aback by Sebastian's anger. "Would you stop yelling, Sebastian? You're being outrageous." The blonde laughed.

"Me? I'm being outrageous? You told that peasant girl that you're a vampire!"

"Well, to be fair, she guessed it." Vlad was grinning and looked to Seras as she walked up to them slowly.

"You told her about me."

"So?" Seras cleared her throat and spoke, interrupting the men.

"You left that girl's body back there." Vlad's eyes widened before narrowing toward Sebastian.

"You fed from one of my maids? Were you planning on telling me, or were you just going to toss the corpse from a window?!" His voice was warning, though he wasn't yelling.

"I, uh, I didn't think you would mind."

"You didn't think I would mind? You didn't think I would mind you eating my servants?" Seras fought back a laugh at the man's nervous stature.

"Well, when you put it like that, it doesn't sound quite favorable." Vlad sighed and rubbed his dark eyes.

"Sebastian, go and take care of it. Now."

"But what about her?" He pointed to Seras and glared. She smiled and waved.

"What about her?"

"She knows things one shouldn't; if they would like to live."

"Are you threatening her?" Vlad's voice was a threat in itself, as if he's implying that threatening me would be a mistake. He certainly doesn't care about me… does he? Sebastian was silent for a moment before replying.

"If I was?" Vlad took a step towards the man, grabbing him by his collar and leaning in close to his face. He bared his teeth as he spoke.

"If you were, Sebastian, I will have you executed for treason against the King. I will tie you up with silver chains and leave you to burn in the sun. Surely, you understand how painful a death that would be." Sebastian looked away and Vlad came in close to his neck. "Now, tell me. Were you threatening my guest?"

"No, your majesty," the man grumbled and Vlad dropped his hold and smiled.

"Good! Now, if you go and take care of any mess you made, I won't bother you about taking one of my servants. I suppose I can find…" He looked to Seras as she stood against a wall. She met his gaze and shook her head.

"Not me." Vlad cocked his head, grinning.

"You did say you wanted to repay me, did you not?" I will not be a maid. She sighed and nodded. "Good. You can repay my kindness in saving your life and giving you sanctuary by replacing my lost maid!" Sebastian looked between the two before chuckling and walking back down the hall. He stopped right in front of Seras.

"I'm sure you'll have fun." Seras glared at him and he laughed cheerily, walking away. Makes you wonder doesn't it? If there are any normal people here. She returned her gaze to Vlad, leaning against the door frame.

"I promise not to order you to do anything too… out of your abilities. With your injuries, you will most likely just follow Maya around." She stared at him. No. He smiled at her. No. He cocked his head. No. "Please?" He allowed the word to flow out smoothly, like soft silk running through the air. Damn. She sighed and walked up to him.

"Fine." He smiled wide. "But I'm not calling you 'Master'."

"Yes you are."

"No, sir."

"Oh, yes." She laughed and shook her head.

"Oh, no. I'm calling you Vlad."

"Master." She smirked, arms crossed as she looked up to him.

"Vlad. Vlad, Vlad, Vlad, Vlad!" He nodded, still grinning.

"Master Vlad, then."

"What? No!" He sighed.

"Oh, fine. But you will obey my orders, just like my other servants." Seras looked down at her clothing.

"Will I have to wear what they do as well?"

"No, this will be just fine."

"How long will you have me work for you?" He pondered the thought for a moment, booted foot tapping at the ground.

"Until I say otherwise." Seras laughed.

"So until I die?"

"Well, I suppose that's one way to put it." He grinned and she couldn't help smiling as well. "I enjoy your presence, your company. Do you blame me? I find it refreshing to spend time with and individual who doesn't fear me." Seras searched the bloody waters of his eyes to find that he appeared to be genuine. She smiled gently, putting her hand on one of his.

"Didn't I already tell you? You haven't given me any reason to fear you. You saved my life. I would be dead if not for you. I don't fathom I could ever fear you." He stared into her eyes. It's true. Hell, I wasn't even afraid when I saw Sebastian over that poor girl. "Do you believe me?"

"No." She chuckled.

"Well, if I'm to be indebted to you until my death, I better make sure that you believe me eventually." She tried to search his face for any sign of emotion, but found none. Sighing, she decided to change the subject. "You know, I was wondering if perhaps… I could stay in your room?" An eyebrow arched.

"Certainly you don't mean that you would like to share my bedroom, do you?"

"Well, I suppose that's exactly what I mean." His eyes widened slightly. "I liked sleeping with you last night. I felt… safe. Secure. I felt like… I felt safe. I haven't felt safe in a long time. I understand if you don't-"

"Yes." She blinked.

"I'm sorry?"

"Yes, my room is now our room." Seras blushed.

"Oh, well, thank you." He shook his head.

"It's no issue." Seras was about to speak again when her stomach growled. Vlad smiled. "You're hungry?"

"I hadn't noticed, but I suppose I am," she chuckled.

"I'm sure we can find you something to eat."

"As long as it's not a maid." Oh lord, I hope that wasn't in bad taste. Vlad laughed and turned to her as they walked to the kitchen.

"Sebastian is spoiled. He believes he's entitled to everything and everybody. One of these days, I swear he's going to do something completely idiotic and have to face the consequences. But, for now, one maid isn't too big of an issue."

"Except to the one that lost their life." Vlad shrugged.

"I suppose that's true. Who knows? Perhaps she prefers death to a life of unending servitude."

"Why did he call you 'your majesty'? What was that about?"

"Did he?" Seras narrowed her eyes.

"That was a horrible attempt at avoiding my question. You also said he would be executed for treason against the 'King'? Who's the king and what does Sebastian threatening me have to do with him?"

"I can't recall having said that." Is he lying or teasing? Surely he remembers.

"You can tell me. I won't tell anybody else – I don't know anybody to tell." He chuckled, still walking. The large doors to the dining hall came into view and Seras followed him closer to them.

"Seras, I'm afraid I can't help you." She sighed and walked through the door that Vlad held open for her. He came in after her and allowed the heavy door to slam shut, making Seras jump. He noticed and turned to her. "Oh, did that frighten you? A door frightens the brave Seras, but blood-thirsty monsters don't? You're ridiculous." He spoke to her through a grin.

"Loud noises aren't my strong-suit." He arched an eyebrow, still smiling. "And besides, maybe I'm secretly a monster hunter, getting ready to kill you." He laughed deeply.

"Oh yes, I can believe that. Just look at the cruelty in your eyes! Pure evil." He leaned down and tapped her lightly on the nose. He turned and walked to a door on the left. "I have full faith in your ability to slay me." Seras followed him and found the room to be a large kitchen. There wasn't much food in the kitchen from what she saw, but she saw a bowl of fruit sitting atop a solid looking counter. She immediately walked to it, ignoring the vampire behind her.

She picked up an apple from the bowl and bit into the sweet fruit, juice filling her mouth and senses. She turned to see Vlad pressing a sharp looking knife into his arm. Her eyes widened and she nearly dropped her apple. "What are you doing?!" She walked over to him and took the knife from his hand. "You're going to hurt yourself!" Vlad looked at her incredulously before smiling.

"Seras…"

"No, what were you thinking?"

"Seras, I –" She slammed the knife down.

"Are you insane?" At her words, he began laughing, making Seras even more flustered. "Stop laughing!"

"Seras, I'm… How do I say this?" He calmed down and spoke. "Oh, that's right. A vampire. A knife won't hurt me, you silly girl." Oh. That's… I remember now. Right.

"It won't?" He shook his head, still smiling. "Well then why would you even play with it? You're a foolish vampire if there ever was one."

"Such bold words from a wealth-less maid." She gasped and brought the knife up, stabbing him right through the hand. His eyes went to his hand as it bled, large knife stuck in it. "Well would you look at that. It appears you've stabbed me." Seras let go of the knife, bringing her hand to her chest to cradle her apple. Oh no. I hope he isn't upset at me. Can't back down now, though. Stay strong.

"Bloody bastard. You deserved that." He looked back to her, knife sill in hand. After a moment of looking into her eyes, he began to laugh. He really is insane. He pulled the knife from his hand and set it down on the counter. Seras watched as the wound on his hand healed, skin stitching together. How odd. I wish I could do that.

"I suppose you're right! Well, Seras, I apologize. Do you accept?" Make him wait for it. Wait for it. Make him think he's gone too far.

"I don't know." She turned her head away from Vlad, nose up in the air. He hummed and walked over to her. She felt something under her chin as her face was brought up to look into his.

"Seras Victoria, would you be so forgiving as to accept my apology?" There is no way that I fancy a man that I know nothing about. No bloody way. She looked to his lips to see that they look so soft. I wonder if he kisses well. What a perverted thought. Surely he'd never want to kiss me. He's just a friendly person. Looking back into his dark eyes, she felt her resolve breaking. She sighed.

"Fine." He dropped his finger from her chin and smiled.

"Good. It would be nice if you refrained from stabbing me again." She laughed.

"I'll try."

Seras stayed in the kitchen with Vlad, eating apples. They spoke of nothing important. They teased each other, Seras even going so far as playing with his thick hair and teasing him about his mustache. He teased her about her inelegant accent and short hair. Seras truly enjoyed his company, much more than she'd ever enjoyed another's company in her life. I just don't understand why people say he's intimidating. Even his laugh is sweet to the ears.

Seras was pressed up against his firm chest, reaching her short arms up in an attempt to reach the apple he held above his head. He laughed each time she jumped to try to reach it. "Just give me the apple!"

"If you can reach it, you can keep it!" Both of their laughs filled the kitchen and Seras jumped again, her fingernails sliding against the apple.

"Ha! I touched it!"

"That means nothing." She stopped jumping and looked into his eyes.

"You said if I could reach it, it's mine." He brought his free hand in front of her face and wiggled a finger.

"Oh no, you misunderstood. I meant that if you can grab it, you can keep it." Her mouth fell open.

"You cheat." He chuckled.

"Here, I'll lower it." He did, about a centimeter. She narrowed her eyes and pressed herself against his chest harder, this time standing atop his boots. Laughing, he brought an arm around her and she felt a fluttering in her stomach. He tightened his hold on her as he dipped her down, resulting in a squeal from Seras. He chuckled lightly as he brought the apple in close to her face. "Go on, take a bite."

Her face was close to his, with only the apple blocking his lips from her own. She could smell the sweetness of the fruit and brought her mouth up to it. Her lips rubbed against the smoothness of the apple and she wished for a fleeting moment that it was his mouth. She was about to bite into it when a voice called out behind her. She leaned her head back to see that it was Maya. She looked back to see that Vlad hadn't looked away. She smiled shyly and took a bite of the fruit held in front of her. She felt a little self-conscious as she felt his eyes on her mouth. She swallowed and he pulled her back up, pushing hair from her face.

Vlad handed her the apple and turned to Maya. "Did you say something?" She narrowed her eyes at him and Seras bit her apple once more, now standing at his side.

"I asked why you two are in my kitchen."

"Seras was hungry." The blonde girl nodded and held up her apple.

"I like apples," she spoke with her mouth full. Maya sighed and placed a hand on her hip.

"I'd appreciate it if you didn't do… whatever it is you were doing in here again." She glared at her master and he cocked his head.

"Are you telling me what to do?"

"Of course not. But I don't think a kitchen is the best place for…" Seras interrupted the woman.

"We were only playing. Vlad is a cheater and wouldn't give me my apple." Maya looked confused for a moment before Seras turned to the tall man. "You cheated and you know it." The vampire smiled, teeth showing.

"I gave it to you, didn't I?" Seras giggled and bit the apple, leaning in towards him.

"Master, may I speak with you?" Maya's voice was insistent. Vlad looked back at his servant.

"I suppose."

"Alone?" He sighed after a moment of silence and nodded.

"Seras, why don't you wait outside?" Seras looked between the two vampires before nodding and walking back into the dining hall, leaving the two alone. When the door shut closed behind her, she immediately pressed her ear to it. She could hear slightly muffled voices, but was able to understand what was being said.

"What happened to 'I won't touch her'? Did you just throw that to the wind? What are you trying to do now? Eh? She's but 19, Master! And she must bloody well feel as if she owes you something. You're practically taking advantage of her." What is she talking about?

"What exactly do you believe I'm doing? We were playing, as she said."

"Master, you don't play with anything unless you plan on eating it." Well then maybe he really does want to eat me. A deep laugh sounded through the door.

"She's… Interesting to me. I enjoy her company. Is it that odd?"

"For you? Yes."

"Then you should be glad! I certainly feel to be in a better mood. That should be good for you, no?"

"Master, please. I'm begging you. Don't hurt that poor girl. She's been through enough."

"I know exactly what she's lived through, Maya. You should mind your own business. Have you forgotten who is the Master and who is the servant?" His voice was warning but not cruel.

"No, I have not, Master. That is precisely why I have concerns." Somebody scoffed. I'm betting it was Vlad.

"Rightly so, Maya. But I can handle my affairs, I needn't any assistance from you."

"You slept with her last night. And what's this I heard about you telling her-"

"Yes, yes, I told her I was a vampire. What of it? She was going to find out sometime while staying here. She didn't even seem phased by it, as if I told her about the weather. No, I believe she would act more affected if I did tell her about the weather. She has no fear of it. I haven't decided if I like that or not." I think you like it, good sir.

"And does she know who the King is? Have you told her that?"

"Seras needn't concern herself with undead politics. She doesn't need to know of my position, just that I have authority over anybody who dare challenge it." He makes it sound like he's… the… king. A king of vampires? How ridiculous. That's got to be a joke. "And you should know, I've given her a position as a maid, since Sebastian got greedy. I don't actually want her doing anything, just let her follow you around or hold things for you… Something of the like."

"Master, you can't mean that. The girl is hanging together by a thread." I'm more sturdy than they think.

"Which is exactly why I said that she shall not be required to do any actual work. I merely wanted to give her something to amuse herself with. Will this be a problem for you?"

"No, sir."

"Anything else you want?" There was a silence. "Good. Oh, you should know, Seras shall be sharing my room from now on, so if you require her assistance for anything, go there."

"Sharing your room!? That is incredibly improper! She is a young lady!"

"And I am an old monster. What is your point? She wanted to."

"That innocent little thing wanted to stay in your room? Even knowing what you are?"

"Like I said; she did not seem phased by it."

"And you're completely fine with being so brazen?"

"Brazen?" Laughter made its way to Seras' ear and she smiled. "What is so brazen about that?"

"A man, sharing a bed with a woman? Especially so in this case? How is that not brazen? You couldn't be more obvious if you told her you wanted to sleep with her." What?

"I beg your pardon?"

"Do you not want her?"

"Maya, you're treading on thin ice now."

"Well if you're going to be so blatantly unashamed of your escapades, I believe I'm allowed a say."

"Watch yourself. Seras and I are nothing. And if we were? It would be none of your concern."

"Fine. Don't fraternize in my kitchen."

"I will fraternize anywhere I please. This is my castle, my home. Do not attempt to order me around, Maya." There were heavy footsteps coming towards the door and Seras quickly moved across the room, pretending to admire a vase.

Vlad came out of the kitchen and Seras looked to find he appeared to be slightly disgruntled. She smiled to him and he nodded, acknowledging her. She looked into the kitchen before the door shut to see Maya huff and walk away. Seras walked over to him, apple still in hand. "What was that about?" He looked to her.

"You should know. You were listening." She paled and he laughed. "What? I don't blame you. I would have eavesdropped if you were speaking of me." She smiled awkwardly, chuckling.

"I didn't… Oh, fine. I just wanted to know what you were speaking about. Why is she so concerned?"

"She probably expects me to take advantage of you, kill you." He leaned down to look into her eyes. "Just the things I plan on doing to you."

"Once again, you're not frightening me." He nodded and clucked his tongue.

"I will." Seras took a bit of her apple and pointed to his chest.

"I look forward to it." Seras wiped her mouth and a thought came to her mind. "Can we go outside?" He cocked his head. "I haven't been outside in several days. I'd love to see the grounds."

"You haven't yet, have you?" She shook her head. He stood for a moment before nodding his own. "Yes, we can go outside." Seras lit up, a smile filling her features. Vlad smiled back. Smiles are contagious.

Seras followed him to the front door, admiring the elegant foyer. "This is amazing."

"My last castle was better." Seras laughed at his spoiled tone.

"Quite the modest man you are!" He turned and looked at her, grinning.

"You would have liked that one as well." She felt the subtle stinging of a blush on her cheeks and looked away quickly. He opened the doors, a pair of tall mahogany slabs, and ushered Seras forward.

Seras' eyes narrowed at the sudden light and she blinked the sensitivity away, walking down stone steps. Vlad followed and stood by her side. Seras took in the scene; in front of her was a finely paved trail, forking and one leading towards what appeared to be lush wood and the other stretched on far away. Trees, shrubbery, green plant life surrounded the trail as it stretched on. It was beautiful and Seras was in awe. "This is beautiful. I was under the impression that past the forbidden forest was nothing but barren landscape." She looked to him. "I love this." He smiled gently and motioned to the two trails.

"We can go to the woods, or we can go towards another village. I'm personally more fond of the woods, but it is up to you. I should mention that we also have a rather large garden on the back grounds."

"Truly?"

"Mm."

"We should go see it. After we go into the woods. I love woods, despite being chased through one." Vlad chuckled and nodded, walking on the trail. Seras followed, skipping up to him.

Walking deeper into the wood, Seras inhaled the fresh scent of the pine trees, enjoying the smooth breeze through her hair, kissing her tender flesh. She smiled against it, looking over to find Vlad looking to the darkening sky. It was still cloudy, a storm still brewing. "I adore weather like this."

"Most people take it as depressing."

"I don't. It makes me feel alive. I love running in the rain, the smell of the clouds and of the storm. The only times I didn't enjoy it was when I had to sleep in it."

"Was that often?" She hummed in reply.

"Mostly during the winter months. People were less likely to show me kindness. Wet hay isn't very comfortable, but I made do."

"You won't have to do that any longer." Seras saw a glittering stream to her left as she was looking around, and her eyes lit up. She started to walk towards it and found that a large rock was perched at its edges. She sat on it gently and pat next to her, calling out.

"Vlad! Come over here, it's so pretty." He stood on the trail for a moment, looking up at the sky before making his way through the grass and twigs. She scooted herself more to the side to make room for his wide body. He sat next to her and she took her shoes off, placing her small feet in the still water. There were small fish swimming to and fro, but she didn't mind. She watched as the stream flowed gently past her feet. As she looked out, several animals made their way through the forest. Deer, rabbits, squirrels, they all walked by, sometimes taking drinks from the stream.

Seras sighed at the sight, at the beautiful nature in front of her and looked to find Vlad looking to her. "This is beautiful. It's so green and pure and calm. Gorgeous." He hummed and nodded.

"It is."

"You're not even looking."

"Yes I am." Seras looked away, chuckling nervously. She kicked her feet in the water and listened to the rustle of leaves and the slowly running water of the crystal clear stream. Fully calm, she leaned her head on his arm. His arm was thick and hard, the muscle taut beneath his clothing. She nuzzled her head into his arm and heard him murmur something. She wasn't paying attention though, only listening to the smooth sounds of nature. He spoke once again and Seras payed attention. "If you want, you may lay on my lap." She moved her head and looked to him.

"Really?" He nodded. Seras smiled and adjusted herself, letting herself fall into his lap. She faced towards the wood. "You can put your hands on me. I've touched you plenty, it's only fair." He laughed.

"Don't let Maya hear you say something like that." She felt him playing with her hair and she smiled, a hand resting on his thigh. She sighed against his light touches. This is so calming. Laying on the lap of a man who is not my husband; how unladylike. He doesn't seem to mind though. Perhaps when you're a vampire you stop caring about society. I suppose I don't care for such things, myself. But others would blame that on my upbringing. I don't think I've ever quite cared about doing what's 'good' or 'correct'. Perhaps that's what's wrong with me. Perhaps if I cared more, tried harder, I…

"There is nothing wrong with you." She moved her head to look at Vlad.

"I'm sorry?" He looked down to her.

"There is absolutely nothing wrong with you. Don't think such thoughts. That is absolutely preposterous." She furrowed her brow.

"Did… Did I say that out loud?"

"No, but thinking it is just as pathetic."

"You read my mind?" He nodded.

"How often do you do that to me?"

"Only when you're abnormally silent. When your mouth is shut, it's quite the anomaly. It often means that you're over-thinking." She smiled and chuckled.

"I've been conscious for what, a day? Two?"

"It's a common human trait."

"Please don't invade my personal thoughts." He smiled, cocking his head gently.

"I can't promise a thing." Seras looked back to the nature scene and noticed that it was becoming increasingly dark.

"Should we go back? It's getting dark. I really wanted to see the garden though... I suppose that can wait." Vlad sighed.

"Yes, I suppose so." She raised from his lap and slid her shoes back on. Standing, she turned to see Vlad looking slightly disappointed.

Seras was left to have supper with Wren as Vlad left with Sebastian to, presumably, feed on humans. Seras was a little unnerved by the fact that they were going to kill people, but she brushed the thought aside. Everybody has to eat, I suppose. Wren spoke about a girl he met while taking the castle's dog, Baskerville, on a walk. Seras spoke about her time spent with his Master, much to Wren's surprise and slight disgust.

"It's not as if we're courting or anything. We're just… friendly."

"You've known him for about 24 hours. Just wait. He'll show his true side soon enough. I'm sorry, it just disgusts me to think about somebody fancying the evil vampire I serve."

"I don't think he's evil. Perhaps just… misunderstood. Honestly, I don't know much about him just yet. Does he ever speak of his past?"

"I can't say he's very fond of speaking about… anything. You're the first person I've ever seen him be quite so friendly to somebody."

"I don't know why. I just feel so… I don't know, he says he enjoys my company, I can't help but say the same. I feel comfortable around him, as if we were meant to meet."

"You don't truly believe in such things as 'fate', do you?"

"I'm not sure. I just know that I'm here, alive, right now, for a reason."

"Wishful thinking, don't you think?"

"Perhaps. All I know is that I can't wait to learn more about Vlad." Wren shook his head slowly, drinking from a large cup.

"Don't hold onto that thought." Seras took one last bite of a carrot on her plate and spoke after a moment.

"When do you think Vlad will be back?" The boy shrugged, flipping his long hair from his face.

"You'll be lucky if he's back before midnight. He usually spends a while feeding. The more blood he drinks, the more time it takes for him to get hungry again. Just like everything else, but he can go weeks on a few people. You're lucky you haven't seen him when he's hungry yet."

"Why?" Wren laughed, shaking his head.

"You don't want to know."

Fully satisfied with her meal, Seras stood up and decided to go explore the castle. Wren bid her goodnight and Seras set through the halls, going ways she'd never gone before getting lost. As she looked around her, she suddenly realized that she didn't remember how she got to the place she was currently at.

She found herself in a long hallway with three doors. "It's as if I was in some sort of trance. Why the hell did I not pay closer attention?" Not knowing how to get back to the dining hall, she decided to go see where one of the doors would take her. She chose the one on her right, taking in the ornate door handle. At first, the door wouldn't budge and Seras took it for locked until she pushed once more, the door opening and nearly causing her to fall.

She walked in and was greeted to a dimly lit staircase. This must go down to some sort of cellar. She took another step on the rickety wooden stairs and made sure to leave the door cracked open. I don't want to get lost down here as well. With each creak of the staircase, her heart began to race. She hadn't the faintest idea what would be down further, and her imagination was full of the most gruesome discoveries. What if he keeps people prisoner down here, to ready them to be bled? What if he brings people who don't pay him on time down here to torture them?

She went further down the descending stairs, the room below slowly coming into view. The subtle smell of decay ran up her nostrils and she wrinkled her nose. The farther down she went, Seras had to fight purging her supper at the pungent odor. Are there corpses down here? She took a few more steps before she heard a voice calling out in the room. It was quiet, the voice, but it sounded as if it was begging.

"Please, please, help!" Seras froze, heart pounding in her chest. She wasn't yet at the bottom of the stairs, and couldn't quite see details of the room. From behind her she heard another voice.

"Why is this door open?" Maya? "Better lock it up before Master returns." No! Seras turned, running up the stairs in an attempt to reach the door. She tripped on a step, falling on her face and sliding down the rest. She looked up and called to Maya just as the door shut, enclosing her in the dim candle light of the cellar.

"Don't… leave me here." Seras sighed and turned around, now sitting on the floor of the room. She looked around to find it was incredibly large, but also filled with various tables and slabs. She stood, moving around to see that there were chains attached to the tables. "That's odd." She furrowed her brow as she ventured deeper into the foul smelling room. She heard a shuffling and froze in place. "Hello? Is somebody there?"

"Did they put you down here too?" Seras looked around once more, but couldn't find the source.

"Who are 'they'?"

"The King's servants. Did they?"

"Where are you?"

"I'm at the back of the room. I can see you." Seras looked around once more before noticing the room continued around a corner. She walked to the very end to find a young boy chained to the wall. He sat in a pile of his bonds on the stone ground. He was attractive, if not filthy. He had blonde hair, matching Seras' own, and his eyes shone with a pink hue.

"Are you a vampire?" The boy nodded. Seras crouched to her knees and came closer.

"My name is Evanos. You are not a vampire." Seras' heart sped up a bit.

"How do you know that, Evanos?" The boy's lips quivered, his fangs glittering in the dim light.

"I can… Smell you. You smell delicious. You're a virgin." Seras blinked, taken aback by his words.

"I'm… what? How did you know that?"

"I told you. I can smell it in your blood." He cocked his head, eyes going up and down her body. "I haven't eaten in weeks. Little more than a few drops at least. Do you think you could… Help me?" He wants my blood. I… I don't feel comfortable doing that.

"I'm sorry, I don't think so. Why are you here, Evanos?" He licked his lips, eyes concentrated on her neck.

"I challenged the King. My punishment was to be tortured until death. I've been here for so long, I don't remember how long."

"So… The… the King tortures you here? How?" Certainly he doesn't mean Vlad.

"It varies. Sometimes he cuts me open, removes organs from my body, only to give me blood and heal me. Then he does it again. Other times, he just starves me. He's cut my arms, my legs off. Pulled my teeth out, cut my tongue out. Anything, really. Anything but kill me so far. I fear my time is running out, though." That's horrible. I feel so sorry for him. So, this room in some sort of torture-cellar. How gruesome. Perhaps Vlad really is as cruel as I've heard... I'm not convinced though. "Do you work for him? Why are you down here?"

"I'm his… friend. His friend with a horrible case of curiosity who came into the wrong room." Evanos laughed, the sound dry and coarse.

"A friend of the King is human? How strange. Are you sure you're not a maid?"

"Well, I suppose I've recently acquired that position, but I'm his friend. He saved my life."

"The King saved a human's life… Perhaps he's just waiting to drink your blood. It certainly smells delicious." This is getting incredibly unsettling. Seras looked at his body to find that he was wrapped in the chains.

"That must be uncomfortable. Do you want me to help you?" The boy looked to his arm, where the chain was wrapped, and nodded. Seras moved closer to him, her neck mere inches from his face as she unraveled the rusty chains. As she pulled the last loop from his arm, her finger slid against a sharp edge, resulting in a deep cut on her finger. She hissed and brought her finger to her mouth, drops of blood flying onto Evanos' arm and chains. He greedily licked the blood up as Seras stood and sucked on her wounded finger. It wouldn't stop bleeding so she pushed it into her hand, making a fist.

"Your blood is amazing. What did you say your name was?" She looked to the vampire, eyes narrowed.

"Seras. My name is Seras." The creature nodded, and Seras heard the door open, followed by heavy footsteps.

"That's him! You need to hide." Seras nodded rapidly and looked around for a suitable place, not wanting to be caught where she didn't belong. She came to a large steel chest, quickly perching behind it out of sight. Seras could hear her heartbeat in her ears and she figured the vampires would, too. She stayed quiet as the footsteps came close, passing her and going in the direction of Evanos. Seras kept her head in her hand, sitting on her knees. She heard Vlad's voice.

"It seems that you're still alive."

"Technically I'm already dead."

"Tonight is your lucky night, Evanos."

"How so, your highness?"

"Tonight is the night you get to die. Permanently." There was a rustling, and then the clinking of chains. Seras had her eyes closed tight, convinced that if I can't see them, they can't see me.

There was a smack, and Seras figured Vlad had moved the small vampire to one of the slabs she saw when she entered. Chains clinked once more as he was, presumably, secured to the slab. After several moments of shuffling and sharp metal noises, screams filled the room, followed by the sickening sound of flesh being sliced. Seras flinched as the wet sounds continued, screams more desperate.

"Your screams are dreadfully annoying. How about I rip your lungs out? Would that make you shut up?" The screams turned to laughter before Evanos' voice spoke.

"You know, your wench Seras probably wouldn't approve of this." Seras froze. How dare he! How could he just say that? Oh no, what if he tells Vlad I'm here? Dammit! It was silent for a few tense moments before a slow voice spoke.

"How do you know of her?"

"Her blood is delectable, you know. Sweet, pure, yet with just a hint of depravity. An orgasmic flavor, it truly is."

"Hold your tongue! How dare you speak of her? How do you even know of her?" The slow voice was now a slow snarl. Seras' flesh was covered in goosebumps.

"That's my secret." There was a loud bang and Seras flinched.

"You lie! You know nothing!"

"I know that little Seras has feelings for the King. Her blood told me that. From the few small drops I tasted, that was the first thought running through them." That's a lie. I do not have feelings for him! Nothing but gratitude.

"You filthy liar! I should have killed you much earlier!"

"Have you not smelled her yet? She's still bleeding." Damn him! The room went silent once more and Seras didn't know what to do. She opened her eyes and looked to her hand to see it covered in dark blood, from the cut on her finger. She leaned against the wall, still out of immediate sight. She thought about wiping her hand on her dress, but didn't want to stain it.

Suddenly, screams filled the room again, followed by the sound of tearing flesh and the sharp crack of bones. Seras flinched, finally peering over the metal chest to find Vlad, standing in front of what appeared to be a pile of ash. She sat back against the wall and heard Vlad's heavy footsteps make their way to her. She kept her eyes on her hands, not sure if he could see her or not, and not wanting to risk looking into his.

"You're bleeding." She looked up slowly. His eyes weren't angry as she had expected, they looked more worried, sympathetic perhaps. They were soft as they looked over her. He walked closer to her and leaned down next to her.

"I know." He brushed her cheek with the back of his hand and Seras leaned into the soft touch.

"He didn't bite you, did he?" Seras shook her head. "Good. Why are you down here?"

"I got lost." Vlad stared at her for a moment before smiling softly. He took her bloodied hand in his and brought it up to his mouth, licking several spots. Seras felt as though she were on fire with the heat of his tongue on her chilled flesh. She fought back a small moan as he went to her wounded finger, taking the tip into his mouth and suckling gently. He released it after several moments and licked his lips, returning his gaze to Seras' wide eyes.

"You're so clumsy. How is it that I have to keep looking after you?" Seras laughed softly.

"You don't have to."

"I do." He released her hand and she looked it over to find that the wound on her finger was gone. How? Is it a vampire thing? If so, why doesn't he just heal my other wounds as well? Vlad chuckled. "Do you want my tongue all over your body?" Seras paled.

"You read my thoughts again?!" He nodded.

"They were practically yelling to me." She stared at him.

"Are you angry at me?" He looked to her, shook his head once.

"I'm not angry. I'm… Don't come down here." He stood and held out his hand to Seras. She grabbed it and he pulled her up.

"I won't. I just got lost and found this room and… I'm sorry." He shook his head.

"Did you see anything?"

"No."

"Good." He sighed. "Why don't we go up to our chambers?"

"Our chambers?"

"Well, it is late, isn't it?" Seras smiled.

"It is."

Seras lay on the bed, looking at Vlad as he read a book in one of the large chairs of their room. He looked over his book and arched an eyebrow at her. She cocked her head.

"Aren't you going to say anything about tonight?"

"There isn't anything to say."

"Really?" He sighed and placed the book on his lap.

"You wandered about, went into a room you didn't know you weren't to enter, cut yourself on something or other, and tried to hide like a child. There isn't anything to say. Would you like for me to yell at you?"

"That would be more favorable that you ignoring me." He chuckled.

"I'm not ignoring you. You're such a silly girl."

"That's rude." She flipped over on the bed, now hanging upside down.

"Do you want me to call you something else?" She nodded. "Seras, you're an idiot." She narrowed her eyes at him, his upside-down image smiling.

"Well you're a bastard so there." Seras blinked and Vlad was gone from the chair, a weight now on the bed. She moved her head to look up and he leaned over her.

"You would call a man a bastard in his own home? His bed? How brave of you, little Seras." He bared his teeth and ran them over her neck. Seras was tempted to wrap her fingers in his long hair, to press him into her body, but she refrained. Instead, she chose to tease him.

"If you want to bite me so badly, just do it. Perhaps I like that." Seras felt his body tense and he pulled away, chuckling.

"Of course you would." Seras sat up next to him and took some of his hair in her hands, playing with it.

"Tell me something about yourself."

"Such as?"

"Well, I know that you're the King of vampires. How does one get such a title?"

"I haven't any clue of that, myself." Of course.

"Then… What's the one thing you want more than anything? The thing you crave?"

"Power." Oh… I don't know how to make a conversation from that.

"I doubt that." He chuckled and turned to her, their faces inches away.

"Is that so?"

"Mhm. You may think you want power over everything, but that's only because you don't know of anything else to want."

"Ah, so all of a sudden, Seras knows everything about me, eh?" He smiled at her and she knew he wasn't being malicious.

"Am I wrong?" He was silent for a moment.

"I suppose not. There may be one thing I want more than power."

"And what would that be?" He hummed before answering, placing his hand on her thigh. Seras jumped a bit but payed it no attention.

"I don't know yet." Seras gave him a shy smile and he kept his hand on her thigh, turning his gaze to it as well.

"What did you and Sebastian do tonight?" He rubbed his thumb over her shift, the smooth fabric rubbing into her skin.

"We fed."

"Where?"

"Why?" Seras scowled at him.

"I want to know." He sighed.

"Just the neighboring town. I've got to go back tomorrow to see if McEllerson has payment for me yet."

"And if he doesn't?"

"I've told you; he dies." Oh, so it's that man.

"So, what, you'll kill him right there?" He nodded. "Can I come with you?"

"You want to see me kill a man?"

"Well, not entirely, but I do want to visit another town." He was quiet before speaking.

"Fine. You may come. But you will keep your mouth shut, no matter what happens." He turned to her. "If you try to intervene, I will punish you. Do you understand?"

"Yes." He nodded. "How many people did you kill tonight?"

"Five? I want to say around five. Sebastian only fed on two."

"Your voice is nice." He all but jumped as he turned to her.

"I'm… sorry?" He looked absolutely confused, and Seras giggled.

"Your voice is nice. It's silky and pretty to listen to. I like it. Maybe it's your accent, but I'm not sure. I think it's just your voice and the way you say things." He looked at her for a while before moving his eyes back to his hand on her thigh.

"Thank you, I suppose." She nodded.

"What's your last name?"

"Why?"

"Why can't you just answer a question?" He sighed. "Please, I just want to know you."

"I've gone by many names."

"Tell me one."

"The most popular one given to me was Vlad Tepes. 'Tepes' means 'impaler' in my native tongue. So, they call me 'the impaler'." At this point, Vlad bit at the air by Seras' face. She laughed and moved away.

"Why do people call you that?"

"Oh, I don't know. Perhaps it is because…. I impaled people?" He made an impaling motion with his hand and his tone was sarcastic, cutting through Seras' skin and making her laugh despite herself.

"That would be a good reason." He smiled at her and Seras smiled back. I just don't understand how a man with such a beautiful smile could be evil to people. The way his eyes light up and crinkle when he laughs, the way his cheeks puff slightly. He's just so handsome. Even when his face is blank… He's just so attractive. I wonder what he thinks of me. I shouldn't be thinking this way about a man whom I just met. Even so… "Do you find me attractive?" Vlad looked at her, eyes soft.

"That seems rather obvious."

"What does?"

"Of course I find you attractive, Seras. Does anybody not?" The girl blushed, heat stinging her cheeks as she smiled, embarrassed. "Now, what of me?"

"Hm?"

"What do you think of me?" As she looked back at him, he smiled.

"I, well, I… I happen to find you very handsome." She looked away from him. I'm being rather upfront, aren't I? Well, he asked. Vlad still had his hand on her thigh and she felt as he gently squeezed her once before removing it.

"I'm flattered that such a beautiful woman finds me appealing. Especially so, being a monster."

"Beautiful woman? My, my, aren't we being forward! And here, I thought you were a gentleman." Vlad laughed, throwing his head back.

"Draga mea, I wasn't even a gentleman when I was human!" Seras shifted on the bed.

"What were you like when you were human? Were you different?"

"Oh, I think I've changed a bit."

"For better or worse?" He cocked his head.

"I'm not sure."

"Well, I like you just the way you are. So there." She poked him in the chest. Seras yawned suddenly, not even aware that she was tired. Vlad noticed and spoke.

"Would you like to sleep?" She shrugged.

"I suppose I'm a bit tired." He smiled at her and laid down on the bed, making the candles lighting up the room blow out. Seras was left sitting in the dark and Vlad spoke, his silky voice making its way through the darkness.

"Well it's well past midnight. Come. Sleep." She sighed and crawled over his body, much to his amusement.

"Stop laughing! Not all of us can see in the dark." She crawled over his thick chest to lay by his side, gripping his arm. "You must be really strong." He shifted, turning to face her, making her let go of his arm.

"Why do you say that?" She ran a finger over his chest.

"Because of all this." He chuckled, his chest moving.

"You really are tired, aren't you?" Seras had to admit, her head did feel fuzzy and heavy. She hummed and pushed her face into his chest, feeling his arms surround her. She brought a hand up to wrap around his neck and fell asleep to the whipping sounds of the wind and the soft breathing of Vlad. "Sleep well, Seras." She mumbled a reply against his masculine smelling shirt.