Hey!

I'm sorry for the wait, but my Beta-reader was stuck in the finals and I've also been in the "end-of-year-hassle". But here is the next chapter, finally.

Shadowsteed: Thank you so much for your review. I'm always happy to hear if people like my stories.

Queenmedesa: Yes, of course, but I think Herbert, as the princess in the castle, doesn't count as a "man" on dances :-)

Liliana: Thank you also very much. Wow, this is a great compliment. Don't be afraid, I've translated the whole story and I will update, as soon as my beta-reader finds time.

A very special vampire

Alfred had wanted to cry "stop" when the dress fell down, but he had managed to restrain himself in the last moment. What he couldn't prevent was a relieved sigh when he saw that there was nothing to see that he didn't want to see. Siliel had worn a slinky white satin-dress underneath the main-dress. Only now Alfred realized that the main-dress had left many "holes", the way it had been draped around Siliel's body. Without the undergarment one could have seen practically everything. Still, the small dress showed a forbidden amount of skin, but since Alfred had expected a lot worse, he was simply relieved.

Siliel giggled and turned toward a small table. She took a carafe standing there, pouring two cups of bloodwine. She gave one of them to Alfred, who still stood rooted to the spot. Smiling, she raised her glass to him.

Alfred watched her drinking for a moment, realizing that Siliel sipped way more seductively on the goblet than normal drinking required. Alfred decided to take his eyes off her, now regarding the liquid in his hand with mild interest without drinking, wondering what the hell she wanted from him.

"I told you, I'd like some company," Siliel answered, unmoved, as she put her goblet back on the table and pulled a face, grasping for her neck. "Dancing always leaves me with a stiff neck," she complained. "You surely wouldn't mind..." she asked with big eyes and put her hands on her shoulders.

Too late Alfred realized that she was waiting for an answer and there was an awkward silence, during which Siliel just continued staring at him pleadingly. Eventually Alfred stammered: "Eh... no... of course not."

A fleeting smile passed Siliel's face when she turned around, sitting down in a chair by the table. She took her goblet again, drinking and waiting. Alfred saw that the time for acting had come. He put his still full cup back on the table and started to massage Siliel's shoulders, hesitantly and insecure. He had done this quite often in the last weeks with Herbert's shoulders. He knew he wasn't bad – at least Herbert said so – but he didn't dare to really put some force into it. And the French vampiress said promptly: "Come on, I'm not made of sugar – yes, that's more like it, see? Not too bad, really."

Alfred grew more secure with every grip. He wondered if the vampiress needed eye-contact to read another person's mind. If that was the case, he was in a good position now.

"No, unfortunately not," Siliel just sighed and Alfred bit his lip, as if the thought had been its fault. "Always and everywhere people and vampires scream their thoughts at me. You have no idea how loud thoughts are. Especially the ones you try to hide. So don't even try – no one can."

Alfred didn't know if he should be glad or terrified by this explanation – at least now he could finally stop his anyway fruitless trials to stop thinking reprehensible thoughts. But the little scientist inside him had already found new questions to ask.

"You can hear all thoughts around you? Even those you don't want to hear?"

Siliel sighed again. "Those too. But I mastered quickly to fairly cut out the unimportant. I had to – without this ability I wouldn't be the most powerful vampiress in the world, but more crazy than that vampire we convicted tonight. Still I live very isolated in France, surrounded only by my minions, whom I leave as stupid as possible. As long as they are dull, they have next to no original thoughts. You have seen Eugène, who danced with the prince? His thoughts at this moment were: 'Beautiful man. Dancing'. He isn't capable of deeper thoughts. Very relaxing for me. If I wouldn't do this, I'd soon live like Katharina, only surrounded by animals. I can't hear their thoughts, thankfully."

It was a mesmerizing story, but Alfred couldn't help wondering, why she was telling him all this. He didn't believe that she told these things often. Loudly he asked: "But then it must be a torture for you to meet with the tribunal. So many reasonable vampires, thinking a lot around you."

"Well – only to be surrounded by fools like Eugène isn't very entertaining on a permanent basis. That's why I rather enjoy these excursions. But yes, it is exhausting. And regarding your former question: I'm not as powerful, as I am, just because I can read minds. I have always been quite good in spotting and taking my own advantages. You'll soon be a mighty gear in the machinery of the vampire world – what an advantage will it be for me then, to be able to remind you on that time coming, that I've helped you one night."

Alfred had been fascinated by all of this up to now – now he was confused. What did Siliel talk about? He was nothing but a mediocrity. What could she expect from him? And how, did she think, was she helping him at this moment? Well – he wasn't as frightened anymore, as he had been on the way to her rooms, but he certainly didn't feel comfortable either. Especially when he imagined Herbert's current pain.

"I – I don't know what you mean," he said bluntly and Siliel turned around in her chair, fixating him with those violet eyes.

"You don't know so much about what you know. But it's only a question of time that you find those last pieces of yourself. You wonder why I have always been around you since my arrival, watching you? Because I have been captured by that storm that is raging inside your head. Because I have been enchanted by the way and rapidity you set order to that storm, piece by piece. If I wouldn't see it, I wouldn't believe that tale about a young vampire. How old are you? Something around a quarter of a year, aren't you? Alfred, you have no idea how special you are. I dare to claim that even Baptiste had needed decades, if not centuries to get to the point where you are now."

Siliel had jumped off her chair, prowling around her room. Her voice grew ever more urgent.

Alfred didn't know, what to say. He just stood rigid, while he felt the "storm", as Siliel had called it, raging in his head again. Thousands of questions came to him at once. Yes – he had heard already that he was exceptionally far developed for a young vampire already. Sometimes, he had even heard the word "special". But nobody had ever screamed it at him, like Siliel had done now.

"What you need, Alfred, is a proper education. You won't find it here to that extent that you need. You'd be better off with Baptiste. And even better with me. I can read thoughts in you that you don't even know about yet. I could help you find them, make you complete, perfect. What will await you then – I can only dream about.

The storm in Alfred's head subsided and left room for only one important thought: He should leave Castle Krolock? Completely forgetting about the order of his sire he shook his head and said: "I can't."

"You will. Of course, your Lord must give you permission first. But I'm quite sure that the count won't deny me that wish."

Alfred only looked at the vampiress miserably. He also was sure that His Excellency wouldn't do anything to enrage Siliel. And regarding the enthusiasm she showed right now, she would be enraged, if the count refused. But Alfred couldn't guarantee that he would follow his sire's order in that case. It required a strong effort of will for him, for he was about to oppose a clear order of his lord, but after several attempts he finally said: "I don't want to."

Siliel's look seemed to change, but Alfred wasn't able to tell in what direction. Would she attack him now? But after a while Siliel smiled again. Could it be that she looked triumphant? Why?

"Go," she suddenly said. "It's late already. But you should think about one thing and maybe you will take my offer after all: WHY don't you want to?" She dismissed him with a wave of her hand and turned him her back. Alfred stood rooted to the spot for some seconds before turning around and making a quick getaway. He ran out of the room and wing. He only wanted to be with Herbert now.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Breda had led Herbert into the crypt, where his son had lay down in his sarcophagus, pulling the lid close immediately. He wanted to seal himself from the world right now. Sadly the count had looked at the closed coffin for a while, before returning to the ball. It was his duty as host, after all.

When he reentered the ballroom it seemed like nothing had happened. Some vampires were dancing, his two maids bustled around, serving drinks, and everywhere stood chatting groups. Breda searched and found his old mentor and gestured to him. Baptiste came over and they sat down together in a calm corner of the room.

"Patrick already told me what happened. How is Herbert?"

Breda shook his head. "I'd never expected this when I brought Alfred to the castle. That this young man would so quickly have such a significance with my son. I'm sure he loves him. And now Siliel is trying to destroy that."

"That's a big word, Breda. Only very few vampires are able to love, my friend. Our race is rather lust-driven, but real love, romantic love is unattainable for most of us."

"I've never seen Herbert in a state like he's in for the past weeks. He's changed. Alfred changed him. My self-absorbed and spoiled boy suddenly puts someone else first. What do you call it, if not love?"

"Yes, it is astounding indeed. The whole boy is astounding. Well, I mean Alfred, of course. Regarding Siliel – I've known her for a very long time. She has a reputation..."

"...of being cruel, selfish and rather not denied her will," Breda added bitterly. He hated groveling for this powerful child.

"That's the reputation I mean. A reputation Siliel herself is encouraging. She might not show it, but her gift is a curse in many ways. By having that reputation, she wards off supplicants, as I have them by the dozen every night. But her reputation doesn't do justice to her," Baptiste continued.

"What do you mean?" asked Breda.

"I have really no idea, what Siliel plans regarding Alfred are, but I'm quite certain she won't do anything to harm him. Which means, that it won't harm Herbert either. Of course I noticed Siliel's great interest in Alfred – just as I have stated my interest in him back in Vienna already."

"He's special," Breda admitted.

"Exactly. And I'm talking about big things here, Breda. I have no idea yet, where Alfred's way is headed to, but this huge jump he made from Vienna to now... I'd like to have Siliel's talent for a moment and see what's going on inside that boy's head. And I'm sure that that's exactly what Siliel has done in the past weeks – being mesmerized by what she'd seen."

Breda nodded – maybe Baptiste was right and nothing bad was going to happen? Hesitantly he said: "Alfred is – different from all vampires I created yet. He even started to make me improvement suggestions."

Baptiste chuckled. "In what way?"

"He tells me that I should teach my creatures basic feeling."

Baptiste looked at Breda astounded. "But – aren't you doing that already?"

Breda shook his head and looked on the floor. He already knew what the outcome of this conversation would be. "No. When I came back from Vienna, while starting to establish my clan – well, there was Herbert and I put all of my vigor into him. When he was finally ready – well, it had happened to the rest already. I'm just used to my servants being that way..." he added defensively.

"Alright. But due to recent events you only have three new creatures, aside from Alfred. The stable-boy William is his own lord, but he also could benefit from some lessons. I teach all of my creatures. It's not much that you have to invest. But it's a way to better togetherness, when your vampires know more than only hunger, anger and greed. Just teach them joy, sadness and gratitude. You don't need more. You know – since I'll stay for a while, I'll show you how I do this. You'll see that it's really not sorcery, but the improvements coming along with it... And from time to time there will be a vampire who shows a special talent in learning – you will notice them easily. You can put a bit more vigor into them, then."

"And sometimes an Alfred comes along," Breda added, smiling.

"Sometimes? Once! Don't be offended, Breda my friend, but Alfred has a quality even you are lacking. And you have been reason enough for me to lay off all of my other tasks."

"Can I even live up to him?" Breda asked, pondering.

Baptiste remained silent for a while. He knew that Breda did not only mean Alfred's education, but the potential danger emanating from the young vampire.

"Well – if you want to hear my honest opinion – a vampire with Alfred's talent is not made for eternal submission. One day – and I guess rather sooner than later – Alfred will be a lord. And still – I don't think you have to worry about this. I just can't see him dueling you."

"But how should that work?"

"I don't know. I really don't. But I have the feeling that Alfred will surprise us all. He surprises us every night anyway. And I wouldn't be surprised, if he even..." Baptiste paused and his eyes shone.

"If he even – what?" Breda finally asked, when Baptiste didn't seem to want to continue.

"I think I know what Siliel's plan is."

Breda raised a brow eagerly. But Baptiste shook his head, laughing. "No my friend, I won't tell you. After all I might be wrong and how would that add to my reputation? We'll see tomorrow, I guess. But you should close this nice ball now and send all the vampires into their coffins. It's going to be day soon."

Breda shot his mentor an irritated look – Baptiste and his cryptic announcements. But he nodded and rose to give the musicians a sign, declaring the ball finished. The room had become emptier before and now the last guests bustled over to the doors. Breda wished the remaining tribunal members a good rest and retired to the crypt.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Alfred entered Herbert's chambers, hoping to find his consort there. They had already agreed on spending this day in bed instead of the crypt. They had had certain plans of course, but this was impossible now. There wasn't enough time left and moreover, Alfred felt like his head would burst any moment.

But the rooms were empty. Disappointed, Alfred sat down on the bed and decided after a bit of thinking to wait here for the prince's return instead of going down to the ballroom again. Timidly he tested the connection to Herbert again, but his consort still blocked him.

Sighing, Alfred stood up and lit the fire, before collecting his clothes for the day. He then went into the bathroom to wash and change.

The time in Siliel's chamber had been – disturbing was a good word. Alfred still wondered what all of this had been about. Had it really been the vampiress only aim to invite him to accompany her to France? Then why did she pretend to try to seduce him? Did she think she could persuade him to follow her to France by giving him her body? Well – in that case she hadn't tried really hard. Maybe she had seen in his thoughts that he had not been interested in the slightest? That he had compared her body – at least all that he could see from it – to Herbert's? He liked Herbert better. He could touch him where he wanted without fear of breaking him.

Well, Siliel's explanations had at least revealed the mystery about why she had followed him that vehemently during the past weeks. She expected great things from him. He found this thought absurd. He was a student – well, ex-student now. He was a lower noble as a member of the landed gentry and not even his father's heir. Now he was the subject of a powerful vampire-lord. Siliel talked as if he would be a lord one day himself. But that could not be, for he would have to kill the count before he could. He didn't feel like doing that. Why should he? He had a special position, because of Herbert, so he had a good life here. He felt no grudge at all against his sire. And Herbert loved his father very obviously – he wouldn't be able to destroy or even hurt Breda, since it would break Herbert's heart.

Of course he wasn't immune to vanity – Siliel's praise flattered him. But if she really wanted to educate him that badly – why didn't she try harder to persuade him? And why had there been triumph in her eyes, when he had denied her wish?

Alfred splashed water on his face and stared into the mirror, as if the wall in his back could give him an answer. It felt strange, not having a reflection. He still knew how he looked, but would Herbert, the count, or even Baptiste remember?

What had Siliel said, before she let him go? He should think about why he didn't want to accompany her. The answer was obvious: He liked it here. Why should he go to France? Living together with only Siliel and her stupid minions in her isolation. Not feeling comfortable around her, ever. Here, at Castle Krolock, he was allowed to be who he was. He had a huge and well-assorted library at hand as the count had already given him permission to use it. There was a music room. He played chess with the count. He could listen to Herbert's music. Now and then he was even allowed to drink human blood – actually, more often than usual. He felt at home.

But something told him, that this wasn't the answer to Siliel's riddle. It wasn't his submission to the count either, restraining him, for Siliel had already seen the solution to this. Of course Breda von Krolock would give him permission to leave with the vampiress. He didn't hesitate to deliver him to her tonight. So if it was down to a person, it must be Herbert. Didn't he want to leave, because Herbert was here? Would he accompany Siliel, if Herbert came along?

Alfred left the bathroom and went to one of the huge windows. One had a great view over a ravine and woods to a distant chain of mountains. The sky turned slowly light. Herbert should show up soon.

While looking outside, Alfred tried to sort out his thoughts further. If he found it difficult, how hard must it be for Siliel, hearing this nonsense unfiltered?

After a while he was sure that he would leave with Siliel, if Herbert were invited too. But he was also sure that the count would not allow Herbert to be taken away from him for long. So Herbert would stay. And so would he.

Because he liked being with Herbert – he had never been bored for just one second, when Herbert had been with him. Because the prince was an intelligent and merry young man. One could have both with him – fun and serious conversation. Herbert always had new ideas. And he could make him scream with lust effortlessly. He also had a bond of blood with Herbert, a connection as deep as none other. He was bound to him forever and he had not had reason yet to regret that fact.

Was it this bond that made it impossible for him to leave Herbert? It must be. For if it wasn't this bond, it had to be something, that went even deeper and that was next to impos...

Alfred darted back from the window, when a golden strip appeared behind the mountains on the horizon. The light had brought recognition. Hurriedly he closed the three layers of curtains that would keep the sun out, before staggering toward the bed and collapsing on it.

How could he have been this blind? Not able to grasp the obvious? What did Siliel say to him? He knew more, than he knew? She could see thoughts, that he didn't even know of yet? It had sounded absurd, but now he understood. She had known it, long before he did. It must have been there, in his head, all the time – but only by her help did he find it. Exited he tried to find the emotion to his new knowledge. Smiling, he learnt how easy it was. Insistently he knocked against Herbert's blockade.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Herbert lay in his coffin with his eyes shut tight, feeling terribly lonely. Was it really only some weeks ago, that he had always slept alone in here? His sarcophagus felt uncomfortably big, all of a sudden.

His tears had subsided and he tried desperately to fall asleep. But his mind was way too troubled to be able to.

Suddenly he felt Alfred trying to communicate something to him. Alfred had looked for him several times already, always trying to reach out for Herbert's emotions. Now, it was obvious that he wanted to send him something of his own emotions. It was strange that he was able to tell these things apart after so short a time. This bond of blood was something peculiar.

Herbert didn't need to think long, before he opened the connection. He knew that Alfred would never send him something to hurt him. But nothing could have prepared him for the emotion that swept over him immediately. The tears started to run again, but their meaning had changed. Alfred's emotion had different nuances than the one that he had sent him every morning for the past weeks, but still it was unmistakable. Herbert pressed a hand to his mouth, laughing chokingly. He felt like drowning in Alfred's emotion and it was a sweet death.

Herbert had no idea, what Siliel had done with Alfred, but if the result was that Alfred had recognized that he loved him – well, he would swallow his pride and give thanks to the vampiress. After some seconds, or maybe minutes, Herbert sent his own love back to Alfred. He could almost feel Alfred's smile. He also could feel Alfred lying on a soft material. Of course – he was in his chambers, lay in his bed, as they had planned it the night before.

Herbert pushed the lid back and jumped out of the sarcophagus, when the heavy door to the crypt closed. His father came down the stairs.

"Herbert? What's the matter?"

"I have to go to Alfred," Herbert simply said and wanted to dart past his father, who was stopping and holding him by his shoulders firmly.

"Where is Alfred?" he asked suspiciously.

"In my chambers. He's waiting for me," Herbert explained impatiently and the count recognized astounded that his son suddenly seemed to be rather happy. To bad that he had to destroy that happiness again so soon.

"Herbert – the sun is rising right now. You can't pass the hallways unharmed anymore," he said as calmly, as he could. As expected, his son shrunk a little in his arms, looking at him pleadingly. But he had no power over the sun and Herbert knew that.

The prince slung his arms around his father and pressed his face on his chest. "He loves me, Father. He really does."

Breda frowned. He remembered the conversation with Baptiste and his sudden idea concerning Siliel's plan. Baptiste wouldn't be surprised if Alfred even – if he what? If Alfred could even feel love, despite his very young age? The highest emotion of all, the hardest to feel for any vampire? An emotion, Breda was quite sure he was not able to feel – his love for his son was a different kind of love. Breda felt like loosing the ground beneath his feet. Too huge were these dimensions. He pulled Herbert closer to him and murmured into his blond hair: "I'm sure he does. He's special, isn't he? But now we'll better lay down, alright?"

Herbert nodded, cleaned his face with his sleeve and returned to his sarcophagus. His father was right, unfortunately. A tour through the castle now would be the last thing he ever did. Herbert closed the lid again and prepared for a day without his Chéri by his side. But even though Alfred was not there physically – today he had his love surrounding him.

TBC

So... I'm afraid to announce that the next chapter will be the last one. I really hope I can update it for Christmas or at least before next year :-).

If I'll be too late, I want to wish all of my readers a Merry Christmas. I hope you'll have a little time to breath and relax.

Chindi