Ferne's Thoughts: Hey guys, sorry for the delay! This chapter just wouldn't upload for some reason. I guess there was a problem in the type of file it is, but I'm not sure how I fixed it. Anyway, here it is! Chapter 6! Ta-da! Also, I am now enrolled in several college classes! I'm taking psych, sociology, and english (duh)! Congrats, me!
"Is this really necessary?" Seras blew strands of hair from her face as Maya attempted to put it up. There were still hours before Vlad said they were to leave, but Maya insisted on torturing the young girl.
"Yes. You need to look presentable."
"Am I not ordinarily presentable?" How rude. Seras hissed as the woman pulled at her hair. She pulled away from the vampire's grip and turned to her, pulling pins and clips from her head. "I'm done. I don't care if I'm not 'presentable'. I'm not changing the way I look- especially not if it's this painful."
"But your hair is so straight and boring! Come now Seras, just let me put it up a little bit. Move some of that hair from your face?" The blonde shook her head out, putting the strands back in place over her forehead, longer ones resting on her cheekbones.
"No! My hair is fine. I'm fine. I look fine," Seras grabbed Maya by the shoulders, "Everything is fine!" Maya narrowed her eyes.
"Just let me move that piece-"
"Stop." The woman sighed, turning away from Seras and Seras let go.
"Fine. You can keep on looking like a plain peasant, but don't come home running to me, crying about how they all looked down on you." The girl laughed.
"Everybody has always looked down on me. It doesn't bother me any." Maya glared at her before huffing and stalking out of the room. Seras giggled softly at the woman's display of petty anger before sighing herself and walking over to the bathroom to peer into the mirror.
Her hair was frizzy and big from the past thirty minutes of attempted primping. She sighed and ran her fingers through it, dropping the clips to the ground. She took a few seconds to fix it the way she liked it. Upon further inspection, she did come to the conclusion that her hair was slightly boring. Looking down past her feet to a pin on the ground, she picked it up and decided to pin some hair behind an ear. Simple, yet different. How can you go wrong?
She smiled at herself. Having already taken a quick bath, she decided to go and get dressed in the night's clothing. She still knew nothing about where she was going, and anxiety pushed through her chest. Though she wasn't one to often fall victim to nervousness, she was a bit uneased by the thought of being placed into a room full of not only nobles, but vampire nobles. She wasn't so much worried for herself, but for Vlad. She was worried she might embarrass him, or make him look bad in front of his subjects. He had reassured her that she would do fine, that she couldn't possibly embarrass him, but she wasn't so sure. He had never even seen her at a party. Granted, the only one she had ever been to, she had snuck into, but even that one she had made a fool of herself at.
She was glad, however, that the dress Wren got for her wasn't much different from what she liked to wear typically. It was a gorgeously plain dress, a satin black gown, length nearly longer than her own. It was beautiful as it laid on the bed, but she had no idea what it would look like on her body. It almost seemed as though her chest might be too big for it, but as she sighed, she picked it up. She felt the smooth fabric.
With her clothing peeled off, she slipped into the gown, one leg at a time. The long cut on her damaged leg seemed to simultaneously sigh at the soft feeling of the gown, and scream at the sensation of clothing rubbing against it. As it slipped over her body, she wiggled in it, setting it correctly on her curves.
She knew she was going to look attractive, and maybe even scandalous, but she didn't care. She never really cared about things being said about her. "No doubt some of those ladies will be wearing much more revealing outfits than me. But I'll still look better." She smiled and reached her arms over her head to button the back up. She walked back over to the mirror and found that the dress did take to her every curve, highlighting each asset of her body. The dress stopped just at her ankles, making her look much taller than she actually was. She was grateful for it, being as short as she was. In comparison to Vlad though, she would still look like a child.
Fully dressed and ready for the night, she fell onto the bed, nearly slipping off of the smooth bed. The door opened but she kept her eyes shut.
"Well I'm glad to see you're ready. Most women take ages to get dressed."
"And just how many women have you witnessed getting dressed?" Seras smirked at Vlad and he grinned.
"Do you really want to know?" The smirk fell from her lips and she looked away.
"No." His deep laugh flowed through the room and she felt weight dip into the mattress. "Why haven't you told me anything?"
"About what?" Fingers brushed through her hair.
"Where we're going? What to expect? Anything, really."
"Hmm… I suppose," his voice was slow and thoughtful, "that may be because you will find all that out once we get there."
"So I am supposed to stew in a constant state of ignorance whenever we are to do something together?"
"Exactly." Seras sighed lightly.
"That can't be healthy."
"You're going to have scars." She looked up to him, confused. He placed a hand on her shoulder, lightly brushing his fingers over the healing wound.
"Oh…" She watched his hand, best she could, for a moment before smiling cheerily. "I don't mind. I like them. They always have stories behind them, history. I happen to find scars to be beautiful." The vampire next to her chuckled lightly before removing his hand.
"Seras… You truly are a captivating creature; I hope you know that." She felt her chest tighten at his words, a quick fluttering pushing through her core before she laughed it away. Her blush remained, the pink tint stinging her cheeks. She sat up, leaning her head on his large shoulder. She felt him tense, muscles jumping before relaxing once more. Laying a hand on his thigh, she spoke.
"Trust me, I know. I mean, honestly, who could resist my charm?" They both laughed, his deep one merging harmoniously with Seras' smooth trill. She looked up into his eyes, the crimson orbs overflowing with softness. She smiled widely before her grin softened. She moved her hand from his thigh, moving his arm and slipping under it.
Vlad went with her movement, wrapping his arm around her waist gently, pulling her close to him. He sighed in contentment, Seras' head rising and falling with his chest. Her fingers danced along his collarbone, teasing the exposed skin. She focused on the feeling of it, how rough yet soft it was all at the same time. Vlad's fingers did a dance of their own on her waist.
"I certainly can't resist it."
"Really? I think you do a fairly good job at it."
"Is that so?" Seras nodded. "Well, then you must not pay very good attention, now, darling." Though she knew he was teasing her, the term of endearment still sent subtle chills down her spine.
"Did Sebastian already leave?"
"Mm."
"Oh. Does he like me? I feel as though he doesn't."
"Why? Are you interested in him?"
"Well, he's not the one that I kissed, now is he?"
"No, I suppose not." He paused a moment before continuing. "Yes, he is quite fond of you. A bit too fond of you." She smiled.
"But he doesn't even know anything about me."
"I'm sure I've told him enough." Her head snapped to him.
"You… You talk about me?" She smiled slowly as his face froze.
"Not often." She narrowed her eyes.
"Oh, I'm sure." He glared at her before moving from her body. He laid down on the bed, leaving Seras sitting.
She followed his action, crawling up to lay next to him. They lay side by side, and she decided to wriggle her hand into his own. His hand immediately opened, fingers intertwining with her own. I didn't expect that. Though she didn't expect it, she enjoyed it and placed her head against his arm.
"I wish I knew what you were thinking all the time."
"Funny, whenever I feel like that, I just read your thoughts."
"Sadly, I don't have that ability."
"Perhaps you will, someday." She blinked slowly, sighing.
"Perhaps I will."
They wasted time by teasing each other and speaking of unimportant things. When the time came for them to leave, Vlad rose and brought Seras with him, their hands still connected.
"We should leave, unless you want to make a scene upon entering."
"Oh, god no. Let's go." She slipped on her shoes and they left the room.
Seras walked behind him for several minutes, before he commented on it.
"Why do you always walk behind me?"
"I don't want to get lost." He looked behind him.
"Truly?" He laughed and she glared.
"Yes." She quickly walked up to his side and hit him. He placed an arm around her shoulder, keeping her from retreating back behind him.
"Well, I prefer this."
They slowly made their way to the front doors, Seras locked tightly in his grip. "Shouldn't you be dressed better? It is a ball."
"Do you not think I look fine?"
"You're not dressed much differently from usual."
"Ah, that's because I always dress well. I am a king." Seras laughed as he smiled down at her.
"So, what, no armor tonight?"
"No, I don't think that would be very comfortable to dance with, do you?"
"You plan on making me dance? Good luck."
"Do you not know how?"
"Not exactly."
"It's good for you that I happen to be an amazing teacher then, isn't it?"
"Is that so? And just who has told you that?"
"Well… Nobody, but, you could be the first." He took his arm from her to open the door. As they walked outside, Seras heard Maya and Wren arguing, some other voices included. She walked quicker than Vlad, making her way to a large carriage, several horses whinnying and moving as servants connected them to the vehicle.
"What is happening?" Maya and Wren stopped arguing and turned to her, smiling.
"We're just getting everything ready for you two. You're not wanting to leave… now, are you?" Wren's smile widened awkwardly as he spoke. Seras rose an eyebrow, face taking on a mask of confusion.
"Well, yes, I do believe that was Vlad's intention." The red-headed vampire stepped forward.
"Oh, don't worry, we're nearly done. Go on, you can go inside if you'd like."
"This… this is for us?" She felt something ruffle her hair and looked up to find Vlad walking forward.
"Of course it is. Can't risk ruining that gorgeous dress on a horse, can we?" He walked over to the servant fastening the reigns on a rowdy horse. "Move." His voice was gruff and demanding, and the young boy moved out of the way quickly. Within an instant, Vlad had calmed down the horse and secured it to the carriage. Seras smiled softly, the oddest sense of pride blooming in her chest. Maya and Wren looked between each other before moving out of the way of the carriage doors.
As Seras walked forward, Wren opened the door and helped her in. "I've never been in a carriage," her voice was quiet and timid, a slight brush of fear crawling through her.
"It'll be alright," Maya's soft voice comforted Seras as she sat on one side of the carriage's seats. "You look beautiful, Seras. Be careful." Seras looked to the woman as she smiled softly towards her. The girl nodded.
"Yeah, you look really, really stunning. Amazing. Beautiful. Absolutely intoxicat-" Wren's words were cut off as a hand hit the back of his head.
"Shut up." Vlad pushed Wren out of the way and took a seat across from Seras. She laughed despite herself as Wren made a face, mocking his master. Vlad looked at her questioningly before she covered her face.
"Thank you," she mumbled toward Wren and Maya. Maya nodded and Wren turned to walk away. The woman stepped forward however, and whispered to Seras.
"Be very careful, all right? Don't trust anybody, and be on your guard. Don't do anything stupid." Seras nodded. Maya smiled once more before closing the carriage doors and leaving Vlad and Seras alone.
Vlad looked up from his nails that he was inspecting to look to Seras. "You know, Wren was right. I think I may have to make sure men know their place around you."
"You think I look good enough to entice more than one vampire? That's good for my ego." Seras smiled but gasped as the carriage started to move. Vlad laughed as she gripped the seat in sudden fear.
"Would you like to sit on my lap? It might be safer for you." Glaring at the chuckling vampire, Seras regained her composure.
"I am perfectly fine over here, thank you." The carriage jumped suddenly and Seras was flung into the air several inches before landing roughly back onto the seat. She caught her breath, listening to Vlad's mocking laughter. "As I said," she crossed her legs, "perfectly fine." The man smiled, the crinkling around his eyes adding to his handsome features. Seras smiled back sheepishly before sliding over to a window. She pushed the short linen drapes out of the way and looked out.
Trees and lush nature passed by for minutes and miles, and Seras stared in silence. She felt Vlad's eyes on her the entire time, but waited for him to speak. He never did, so she never did either. The sky turned bright shades of pink, blue, faded purple, until the hazy sun fully set behind mountains. The stars shimmered shyly in the sky, constellations taking up all of her focus. Suddenly a thought came to her mind.
"Who is directing the horses?"
"One of the younger servants… Edmond or Edward or something of the like." Seras hummed in response.
"Are we close?"
"Yes, just a few minutes now."
"Great," Seras muttered as she sat back in her seat. She turned to Vlad to see him staring at her. He appeared to be studying her, and Seras didn't understand why. "What are you looking at?" Vlad seemed to be snapped from a daze and cocked his head.
"Whatever do you mean?" A smile grew on her face.
"You were staring at me."
"Was I? Hm." He looked away from her, breathing deeply. Seras was confused, and wondered what he was thinking of, but pushed the thought away. I've been doing that a lot lately, haven't I? Just… forgetting and letting things go. I suppose there's not much I can do about these things anyway. Oh well. I do wonder, though…
The carriage stopped soon after, the two still silent. Seras looked around the interior of it, eyes wide and open for something to happen. She could see the dark outline of her reflection in her date's eyes, her own seemingly doe-like. Vlad smiled subtly, the corners of his lips curling as he fought to conceal it.
The door to the carriage opened and Seras looked out to see the shiny sky. She looked from the sky to the nicely cobbled ground and sighed quietly. From what she saw, the fraction of her surroundings, it certainly seemed that Lady Evianna was well off. In the blink of an eye, Vlad was standing outside of the carriage with his hand outstretched. Seras stared for a moment, confused.
"Are you going to make me wait here forever?" He moved his hand once more, closer to the girl, and Seras blushed. She laughed her blush away and took ahold of his hand.
She hopped out, landing softly on the stone ground. She stood next to Vlad as he spoke to the servant he brought to drive them. She looked around them to find a gorgeous chateau sitting close by. She marveled in its beauty, plants and vines growing gracefully up the sides of it. A finely groomed garden was surrounding it, green bushes and vermillion roses blossoming. The moon hung over the highest peak of it, illuminating the grounds in ghostly light. Lamps were lit along the stone path, not as though they were required, what with the bright natural light. Slow music swam into her ears, faint as it was.
She fought to keep her jaw from dropping. Though Vlad's home was much more extravagant and lavish, the beauty of this one still shocked her. Other carriages lined the path, and it seemed as though many people were invited. She felt her heart pound harshly deep inside her chest, breath catching at the thought of being surrounded by so many people, much higher in status than she. The fact that they were all inhuman creatures didn't scare her so much as the other fact, and she felt some strange sense of irony in it.
She felt her arm behind tugged and was snapped back to the present time to see Vlad starting to walk forward. She followed. "So, since you're the king, people have to treat you a certain way?"
"Unless they want to die."
"Does that mean that since I'm accompanying you, that they have to treat me the same?" Vlad chuckled, looking down at Seras as she questioned him.
"Oh, indeed. If anybody has the nerve to treat you like a commoner, I'll gut them." With every word, his grin widened.
"Oh will you? How kind!" Seras couldn't hold back her laughter, pushing herself against him playfully. "Just make sure not to get blood on my dress."
"It's much easier to wash out than you may think."
"Oh lord." They finally made their way to the main doors, two huge slabs of shiny wood. The doors were manned by two burly men, near rivalling Vlad's size. Vlad never stopped walking, and the men opened the door quickly, eyes avoiding Vlad but lingering on Seras. She gave a sheepish smile, looking down to get away from their eyes.
Her head lifted as soon as they entered. Dim, romantic lights filled the entire chateau. Seras' eyes almost had to strain, but she slowly adjusted to the dimness. The music was louder, but the room they were in, the foyer I think, was empty. Seras looked quickly to her companion.
"Do you know where to go?"
"Of course I do. I've been in Evianna's home many a time." She cocked her head quickly, head becoming hot. She chuckled humorlessly before pulling her hand from his.
"Is that so?" Her voice was more bitter than she had hoped, but Vlad didn't seem to notice.
"Mm. I just wanted to wait for a moment; prepare myself for the inane prattle of both drunk and sober men trying to get in good with me. Not to mention the whores throwing themselves… Oh, have I said something?" Seras could feel her cheeks burning harsher now, her jaw open and face blank. She hid back her jealousy as best as she could, but Vlad's laughter made it rise higher. "Are you jealous, Seras? How adorable! That's positively charming."
"I'm not jealous of anything, you damn arrogant bastard! Christ, you're so pompous and full of yourself. Not everything is about you, you know! I wasn't even listening to you, so there." Seras huffed as her words fly from her lips, both hands now held in Vlad's as he grinned down at her. He pulled her closer to him and movement behind him caught her eye. There was a couple, a man and a woman, staring on in amused awe. They were clearly nobles, dressed in glamorous garb.
"Well, well, well! Did my King just get scolded by a little girl? A human, at that?" Vlad's eyes left Seras' after a moment as he turned to face the voice. "Are you going soft?"
"Why don't you try, Gabriel? I'm sure you won't get as far." The man, Gabriel, laughed and walked forward, the woman following. "And you've brought a date? Or a meal?"
"Oh, she's much too bitter for me. She's better as a body to sleep next to." The woman gasped and hit Gabriel roughly. "I wasn't being serious, bloody hell." The woman shook her head, blonde curls falling around her face. Her face took on a calmer mask as she breathed in deeply. She turned to Seras, smiling pleasantly. As Seras looked into her red eyes, she could have sworn she saw something akin to hunger among the happiness.
"Why don't you introduce us, sire?" The woman smiled from Seras to Vlad as she wrapped her arm around Gabriel's. Vlad sighed before nodding.
"This is my… companion, Seras Victoria. Seras, this is Sinead Turner," he let go of one of her wrists to motion toward the pretty blonde. He then went to introduce Gabriel, but the man moved forward and took ahold of Seras' free hand. He brought it to his lips to place a soft kiss on the skin, sending sudden shivers down her spine. Gabriel looked up into her eyes from her hand and he spoke against her flesh.
"And I, my lady, am Gabriel Beaumont. It is quite the pleasure to be in the presence of such a lovely woman." Seras was frozen as she looked into his eyes. He rose, licking his lips. She heard Vlad cluck his tongue and looked to him, seeing him staring at Gabriel with narrowed eyes. Gabriel turned to him and smiled. "She truly is a delicious creature, isn't she?" Seras cleared her throat quickly before speaking.
"It's very nice to meet you both." She smiled towards both Sinead and Gabriel before Vlad spoke, still looking at Gabriel.
"Well, now that you've all been acquainted, why don't you two go ahead inside? You did come here for the ball, I assume." The bitter edge in his voice caught Seras' attention, but the two other vampires didn't seem to notice anything odd.
"Oh, yes, Gabriel, I don't want to seem late. Let's go," Sinead smiled at Seras, fangs shimmering in the light. Gabriel took one last long stare at Seras before walking away with the woman. Seras turned back to Vlad.
"What's the matter?" He looked down to her.
"What do you mean? Nothing's the matter." Liar.
"You seem upset."
"You seem confused."
"I'm not confused."
"Obviously you are if you think something is the matter. Come on, let's go in."
"Wait." Seras held onto his arm, pulling him back. "I'm… I'm nervous." Vlad's face softened immediately, his lips taking on a sweet smile.
"I can tell. Your heart is beating extraordinarily fast. But why?" She looked around the glamorous foyer, collecting herself.
"What if I do something wrong? Embarrass you, or myself? Make somebody angry or, or… I've never done something like this. I don't know what to do." Fingers brushed her cheek, resting underneath her chin. They brought her head up, making her look into Vlad's eyes as he spoke to her.
"You're an idiot." Oh. And here I thought he was going to be romantic. Of course not, Seras, don't be hopeful. "There is absolutely nothing you could do that would embarrass me. I've already told you this. Just be yourself… But try not to insult anybody, please. I don't think I feel like saving your life tonight." Seras laughed, despite her anxiety. Vlad brought his face close to hers, so close their lips brushed when he spoke once more. "I have complete faith in your ability to be an absolute fool… But, I also have complete faith in your ability to do what you do best."
"And what is that?"
"Take my breath away." As a fluttering sprung free in her chest, she raised herself on her toes and pressed her lips to his. He didn't pull back as she expected him to, instead pushing into the kiss.
Their lips mingled for a moment, her hot ones warm and needy enough to melt his frozen ones. When they pulled apart, Seras sighed deeply, eyes opening slowly. "So are you ready to go in?"
"No. But I will." She smiled at Vlad, finding his face to be filled with contentedness and longing. At least I think that's what I see. Or maybe he just longs to get away from me.
"Alright." Vlad wrapped his arm around Seras' waist, directing her towards a pair of doors further down the foyer. The doors were seemingly pushed open by nothing, not a hand, nor arm. They just opened as Vlad and Seras neared them. Perhaps it's… Magic? A vampire-kind of magic. They entered the ballroom.
The whole room seemed to still as they walked inside, eyes and heads turning to the pair. Seras looked on to find that most, if not all faces, were doused in a layer of confusion. She turned to Vlad to find that he looked unimpressed. He walked her over to a table where crimson beverages were sitting in crystal glasses. He picked one up and sipped from it. He let go of Seras. She stared at the liquid filling the glasses.
"Is that blood?" Vlad nodded.
"Want to try?" He moved the glass close to her face, moving the glass in a small circular motion. Seras furrowed her brow for a moment before smiling and raising an eyebrow.
"Yes." Vlad's teasing grin fell and the small blonde took the opportunity to pull the glass up to her mouth. She tipped it, warm, thick liquid pouring into her mouth. The metallic taste of blood wasn't unfamiliar to her, but the quantity in which was filling her mouth was nearly suffocating. It overwhelmed her senses and she fought back the urge to cringe. It was an odd feeling, the thick blood slimy and sharp tasting. She swallowed, the warmth trailing down her throat. The taste remained in her mouth, and as the blood flowed down her body, she found herself becoming more acquainted with the taste of the fluid.
Vlad looked as though he were in the thralls of euphoria, his mouth open slightly and eyes nearly glazed over. She smiled and let her hand fall from the glass in his. He brought it back to himself. "Well, as different an experience as that was, I don't think I'll take to drinking more blood tonight." She watched on as Vlad bit his lip subtly, inhaling sharply.
"More for me then," he said quietly. At this moment, Seras didn't care about the eyes she felt on her, the murmurs she knew must have been about her display. All she cared about was teasing her companion, seeing how far she could push him. Being around so many people made her want to show off her relationship with Vlad, perhaps make a few people jealous.
She felt her body thrumming, partly from the look Vlad gave her, and partly from her remaining anxiety. She opened her mouth to say something but was interrupted by a voice.
"Vlad! I'm positively ecstatic that you chose to come to my little gathering." Seras found that the voice belonged to a gorgeous woman. Long, dark hair fell effortlessly past her shoulders, soft waves throughout. The woman was tall, much taller than Seras. A flirty smile played on the woman's blood-red lips, her matching eyes lusty and wide. The woman smiled wider as her dark eyes made their way to Seras, ivory teeth showing. She cocked her head, placing a hand on her hip. "And you've brought me a snack! How generous, really."
Seras gasped quietly and looked to Vlad quickly, her own hair nearly blinding her in the process. Vlad was silent for a moment, as if thinking of something to say. Instead of going on an angry tirade, as Seras had expected, he simply wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close to his chest. "The only lips her blood may touch are mine, Evianna. Not yours, nor anyone else's." Seras wriggled her way from his grasp and walked closer to the leggy brunette.
"Her name is Seras. It's nice to meet you." The blonde put a hand out, but when Evianna ignored it, she brought it back hesitantly. "You have a beautiful home." The lady chuckled humorlessly, eyes narrowed as she looked down to her.
"I know I do. It's what wealth and power earns a person. Obviously, that's not something you're used to, judging by how positively plain you look. Really, Vlad, this is the best you can do? What is she, a peasant? I'm much better if all you want is something to eat." Seras' teeth bit down hard on her bottom lip and she forgot to breath, dislike growing bigger and bigger for the woman with every acid-dipped word flowing from her ruby lips. If it's a fight she wants, it's a fight she'll get. She stepped forward. I hope this doesn't backfire.
"Now, Evianna, is it?" Seras paused, allowing the woman to nod pompously. "Well, you may be beautiful, and quite possibly more beautiful than I, but the words that you push from your mouth are rather ugly. I don't know who you think I am, but one thing I'm not, is threatened by idiotic women who want something they don't have and simply cannot attain. And I assure you; I am not. You should be kind to me! I'm really not the right person to make an enemy of… Especially not with him on my side. Besides, you're a lady! Act like one. It's much more charismatic than acting like a little brat." Seras held back laughter as the vampire's eyes opened wide, jaw clenched in anger. "Oh, I'm sorry, did I strike a chord? I apologize, I was simply standing my ground." Evianna sputtered for a moment before finding words to respond.
"This is my home! I refuse to be disrespected in my own home, and by a filthy human at that!"
"Well, if I'm a filthy human, you're nothing but a wealthy corpse."
"How dare you?" Seras noticed Evianna's hands ball into fists at her side, whispy black tendrils flaying at her feet. "How dare you? You think you can speak to me like that? I am above you. You are nothing to me!"
"Are you trying to convince me, or yourself? Or perhaps the rest of your guests? Either way, it doesn't really matter. I'm something to Vlad, and I think that's all that really matters in this case."
"I should rip you apart." Fire ran throughout the brunette's eyes, her anger making her even more beautiful.
"What you should do is calm down. You're making a rather impressive scene." A deep chuckle came from Seras' right, and she recognized it as Vlad's. Evianna seemingly remembered his presence and walked to him, pointing at Seras as she spoke.
"What are you doing? Just letting her disrespect me? In my home? Sir, she wasn't even invited! She doesn't have to be here!"
"And what exactly is your point?"
"Keep your damned bitch on her leash or you won't have her anymore, that is my fucking point!" each word escaped her lips in rough growls, eliciting several loud gasps from the audience watching on. Seras wasn't as bothered by the interaction with the woman, even though she thought she should have been.
Vlad breathed in deeply, setting the glass in his hand down from where he got it. He stretched slightly, eyes closed until they opened slowly a moment later. He clucked his tongue before laughing. He leaned down to Evianna, inches from her face as he spoke. "Are you commanding me?" The woman's eyes opened wide, her angry stance melting down to one of submissive fear.
"N… No, I just-"
"Have you forgotten who rules you? Because I would be happy to show you who you answer to. Mind your place or you shall have it no more, do you understand me? Your petty anger is pathetic, though amusing." The woman seemingly whimpered an apology, though Seras heard no words, only saw the movement of her lips. "No, I'm afraid, that's not good enough. By disrespecting my Seras, you are disrespecting me. You know what happens to those who do so, correct? You're an idiot, Evianna. This may be your home, but I am the one who made it possible for you to acquire it, remember?" The woman nodded. "Good! Then you should have absolutely no qualms with Seras' presence in it.' He rose to move and face the crowd. "This not only goes to you, but to all of you. Seras is mine. You shall treat her with the exact respect and reverence as you do me. If anybody thinks, says, or does something I don't like in regards to her, they shall be punished, severely. Once more, she is mine. Oh! And, if you touch her," he paused for a moment, "you'll die."
Seras watched on in awe as Vlad defended her publicly. Nobody has ever said those things, defended me in such a way. He called me his. Does that mean he loves me as well? Or does he mean it in a more literal way? Technically I am his possession, he does own me. But he would never take advantage of it. I'm positive. He is so amazing. But why did I feel such a need to speak to Evianna in the way I did? That's unlike me. Well, not quite. But it usually takes throwing hands to make me be so sassy. I just don't like her, that's it. She thinks she has a right to Vlad. She doesn't.
Vlad turned to Seras and smiled. "That's satisfactory, no?" Seras chuckled and nodded, smiling herself. "Fantastic. Now, how about you all pretend we're not even here and go back to your own business, hm?"
As if a flip were switched, the ballroom came back to life, people continuing their dances and conversations. Vlad walked back to Evianna and grabbed the glass he had sat down. He tipped it in her direction, giving her a smug smile. She looked up at him like a chastised child, before looking to Seras with fury in her eyes. "Don't worry, my liege. I'll take care around your little pet."
Vlad acknowledged her with a quiet 'good' before she made her way away to the another woman in the crowd. Seras looked back to Vlad and he came close to her. "Though you didn't embarrass me, you did manage to make quite the scene." His smirk gave away the light heartedness of his statement.
"It's a talent of mine. How do you manage to stay so calm all the time? Certainly people talk to you the same way she talked to me, at least sometimes." He nodded, taking a drink.
"Indeed they do. But it never manages to end well for them."
"It seemed to go well for her."
"Oh, no. She knows she's on my bad side now." Vlad leaned in close, as if telling a secret. "The element of fear is the best power you can hold over another being. Remember that."
"I don't think I managed to scare her very much."
"Ah, but you did. Her mind was reeling at your words, at your boldness. In her own home, insulting her? Berating her? The nerve! No, I don't think she was completely afraid of you, per se, but taken aback by your actions. She was afraid of the fact that you didn't fear her. It's not common to find a human that doesn't fear for their life in the presence of a vampire, especially a noble. Afraid of the fact that you treated her as though you were equal, which she obviously doesn't believe.
Furthermore, it frightened her that you didn't fear me. Only the bravest of souls, or stupid of souls, don't fear me. I haven't met very many people like that, and Evianna, well, she's met even less who didn't hold fear for the great king." He embellished his title with a smooth flow of his wrist.
"Is she always such a… a…"
"A cunt?"
"Yes. Is she?"
"Oh, most definitely. Don't concern yourself with her too much though. She eventually backs down from competition once she realizes she's lost." Seras raised an eyebrow.
"Competition?"
"That's how she sees you. Even though you're a human, she sees you as competition; another woman who may rise through the ranks of vampiric nobility to quite possibly outrank her. In my opinion, there is no competition. But if there was, you would have already won. There's no comparing you two. You're much better in every way." Seras felt herself begin to blush at his compliment, though she was sure he hadn't meant it to be one.
"I'm not quite sure I agree. Or that anybody else in this room would agree. Are you sure nobody is going to try to drink my blood?"
"I told them not to, didn't I?" She shook her head for a moment.
"But they aren't your children."
"Well, in a sense they are. Everybody in this room has my blood running through their veins, no matter how diluted it may be. Aside from you, of course."
Seras took that into consideration as she watched couples dance to the music playing in the room. Expensive looking gowns swung around, grand hairstyles falling and swinging as women were dipped by their men. She watched on, standing next to Vlad in silence until he sighed and moved in front of her. She cocked her head, furrowing her brows. He held a hand out to her.
"Care for a dance, lady Seras?" Seras snorted a laugh and he grinned at her.
"Do not call me 'lady', please."
"As you wish. But you still haven't answered me; would you like to dance?" Seras took his hand.
"Out there?" She pointed to the dancefloor with her free hand. He nodded. "I don't know how."
"It's a simple dance." The song changed, then, moving on from the quick paced song to a slow one. She laughed as he pulled her onto the floor, putting a hand on her waist. With his other, the one holding hers, he raised it up past her shoulder. "Put your hand on my shoulder." She did. "Now, just follow my movements. It is simple, just don't think about it very much."
"So, what, I'm just supposed to do, and not think?" He nodded as he started to move his feet. Seras followed his moves, pushing her face into his chest so that he wouldn't see her nervous blush. With her cheek on his chest, she could have sworn she felt a heartbeat. Deep, strong, steady… pounding away in his chest, throughout him, throughout her. She was entranced by it, having assumed his heart couldn't beat since he was a vampire. She almost didn't notice when his hand tailed farther down her back, resting right above her bottom. She did notice when his head nuzzled hers, his lips brushing against her ear. He whispered into it.
"Seras, you're perfect." She pushed her face harder against his chest. "I want you to stay with me forever." She nodded against him.
"I will."
"Swear it. Swear you'll never leave me… I want to hear it."
"I'm going to stay with you forever, Vlad." She looked up to see his eyes. They were half open, but filled with longing and softness. She gave a small smile. "I will." He smiled back, and Seras felt him pull her closer to him.
"And I, you." He took his hand from hers and stopped dancing. He lifted her face up to his and placed his lips upon hers.
They kissed deeply, passionately. The warmth of both mouths mingling with the other. Seras moved her arms to wrap around his neck, holding herself up, afraid she might collapse from the fluttering she felt. She kissed him hard, pressing her lips roughly against his. His hands rested upon her lower back, holding her to him.
She felt her own body vibrating as the surroundings faded out. All sound aside from the pounding in her ears from her heart was drowned out. I don't want this to ever end. Is this even real? I must be dreaming. But reality hit her hard when she felt something sharp push through her flesh. What? Her lips slipped from Vlad's as blood started to drip from them. Her lungs locked up, and she opened her eyes to find Vlad staring at her. That's the first time I've seen fear on his face.
Seras fell to her knees, pawing at her stomach instinctively. She looked down to find her hands covered in crimson. She felt a whimper fly from her throat as she fell back, head hitting the ground. Her eyes fought to stay open as pain shot through her nerves. She heard yelling and focused all her energy on understanding it.
"I will not allow you to take a human girl!" A woman.
"So you decide to kill her? I will never understand you humans!" That's Vlad. He sounds so angry. Am I dying?
"It's the only way to ensure that her soul will go with god!"
"How dare you? This goes against our treaty and you know it. Integra, you truly are a fool." Vlad's voice was lower, full of ferocity and a clear threat to the woman, Integra? What kind of a name is that? She stabbed me to keep me from going to hell? Is that it?
She felt herself being lifted and her head rolled back. Her eyes fluttered open and she could see that she was in Vlad's arms. "Let me go! Get your bloody shadows off of me!" Integra shouted, her voice strained.
"I'm going to kill you Integra. But Seras isn't going to die. You will, but my Seras won't. All you did was stab her. That's nothing! She's strong." Fingers stroked her face. She whimpered again, feeling nothing but pain throbbing through her core. She whispered, her voice harsh.
"It hurts so much. So much."
"I know, darling. Just close your eyes, and when you wake up, everything will be better." She did what he said. I can't think about anything. Just the pain. It's not that bad. Christ, I'm going to have so many scars aren't I?