I am so so so so so sorry it took me so long to update. I've had this and that and loads of exams to study for. I am determined not to let this happen again. I hope you enjoy this chapter and hopefully the next chapter shall be up within a few days/week.

Enjoy. Please review!

Chapter 5

The narrow and stony hallways, normally quiet and tranquil, were unusually busy with the young vampires, half –fangs and humans, who served Vlad's household, bustling along each ones arms filled with all sorts of furnishings: deep coloured drapes; silver and black candelabras; chairs and tables; large pictures of scenery or famous vampiric figures and, even, several male half- fangs carrying a plush, black sofa. As they barged past Vlad was pushed into the stone walls the cold stone caused a shock across Vlad's skin; his frigid skin turning even icier. No took a second glance at Vlad- despite his face being famous as the master of the castle. They were all far too busy with their duties and also the fact that Vlad blended in well with the servants in his black jeans and red plaid shirt. The only reason Vlad would be recognised is if someone decided to look up from what they were carrying, which was not going to happen especially since a lot of what was being carried looked balanced in a precarious fashion as if it would soon collapse. Then the courtier or servant would have to notice the face which was again unlikely because of the strangely vast crowd.

Vlad had decided to come down from his private rooms to try and pinch a view at the feast that was being prepared for his fifth Grand High Vampire anniversary. He had been stuck in his rooms for the last twenty four hours, unable to leave for the guards that stood outside his doors after his run away, fright the other day. Finally, being allowed out Vlad had jumped at the chance to go for a walk completely unaware of the herd he was walking into. He had noted that they were all heading towards the main hall; Vlad had obviously assumed that was where the feast would be held. He could only hope that Catherine-as his head and personal assistance it was her duty, along with a few minor council members, that the preparations for the feast went smoothly and were suitable- had good planning skills and knew what decorations, foods and entertainment was appropriate at the celebration, Vlad knew from experience how difficult it could be to organise such vast occasions. Sadly, he had been banned from intervening or even viewing the feast preparations. A sneaky idea came across Vlad's mind perhaps he did not have to just hope for the best when he could sneak in and see for himself.

As a vampire on a mission, Vlad pushed himself of the wall and carefully weaved himself through several passing servants on his way to the other side of the corridor. When he reached the other side he picked up a large black ornament that sat on a dark wooden table. Carefully positioning the strange statue in his arms, he bent his head and moved into the chaotic line, behind a blonde, long haired half- fang carrying an over- sized red sheet that looked like it would be used as a table cloth, who was heading towards the main hall. A colossal amount of courtiers came into view as the line moved from the servant corridor into the spacious hallway that led to the hall. A muffled "garlic" came from Vlad's mouth as he lowered his head further down, his black locks falling into his eyes, in an attempt to go unrecognised by the courtiers that were around him regularly. It was then Vlad was grateful for wearing the clothes from his youth that day as he blended in with the young vampires and half- fangs that surrounded him with similar objects to what Vlad was carrying.

A sharp pain of someone's shoulder crashed into Vlad's right shoulder causing Vlad to stumble into a female courtier in front of him. Vlad, remembering to keep himself hidden, kept his head down. The women in front of him was the Baroness Aleria Jackwir a cruel vampiress, known for her habit of collecting locks of her victim's hair and famous for her near 200 years of terror among those of Eastern Europe. Vlad had uneasily earned her respect after a good three years of trying, however, her thoughts had not changed to mirror her leader's, as many of the courtiers had. She was still in the mind set of levels of society meaning anyone without a title was worthless and breathers were just a nice snack. This attitude, more often than not, resulted in anyone below her standing visiting the infirmary, in extreme cases, or more likely having a harsh tongue- lashing if her orders were not carried out instantaneously or with precision. The Chosen One could not think of more horrible way to treat people whether they be blood-suckers, humans, have a title or be a servant everyone deserved respect. The Baroness Aleria's methods were atrocious yet her support was vital. Today, conversely, she just took a deep stare at Vlad, bright eagle like eyes burrowing into him, and stormed away wiping her long skirts and muttering about useless half- fangs. Many of the others in the hall tutted as Vlad strode down the rest of the hallway, once again following the blonde girl, and through the grand oak doors which opened into the hall.

Vlad almost dropped the large yet strange ornament he was carrying. In all his time and with so many feasts and balls he had attended not once had he seen something so magnificent…

Black drapes hung from the windows, a few from the stone walls, each carrying an embroidered image of the Vampire Royal Crest in red or gold thread. Dark mahogany tables filled the edges of the west and east floors, breaking only at the doors to allow room for people to enter, between them lay the massive wooden floor, a few tables and chair were scattered half way along the other clear for the dancing and greetings. To the north wall the roaring great fire was slowly being lit it was the only light in the room (apart from the great fire) was a collection of 5ft high black candelabra covered the rest of the room. It created an eerie glow amongst the draw shadows, Vlad cringed at the sight, but he had to admit, the place looked rather impressive.

Not entirely sure what to do now he had accomplished his goal he crept over to one of the numerous tables- the large, peculiar ornament still held in his hands. Just as he was about to position it on the table a rather furious tut came from behind. "Sorry, what is that doing here?" A sharp female voice accused. Vlad did not turn around in fear of being noticed instead he paused not sure of what to do.

"The famous figure busts should be displayed in the entrance hall."

Vlad nodded his head, still with his back to the sharp- voiced women. He heard the clopping of heels and took the chance to turn around, the strange bust (apparently) clutched between his hands. He started to make a rapid retreat from the room, in his rush he banged into another person. Crash! His fast reflexes set in and he locked his right hand on the shoulder of the person he had knocked into, the bust still in his left hand. Quickly, he released his hold and went back to holding the large bust with two hands and lowered his head. The person parallel speedily recovered their self and looked up to view their fast reacting saviour. Vlad took a quick glance upwards as well, his eyes met with round green orbs and locks of brown hair.

"Oh my Lord. Vlad what are you doing here?" ushered a frantic Cate.

"I came to see the preparations and how you were doing, it looks amazing." Vlad replied.

"Well, thank you." Cate looked rather chuffed. "Now scram there is a lot more to be done and I don't need that, whatever it is, spoiling my design."

"Of course, my lady." At that Vlad was shooed away into the corridor, laughing as he went. "Stay out and take the disgusting figurehead out," she whispered at him. "Now go."

Vlad started to walk down the corridor he had entered from, the place was as busy as always. He turned back to look into the distance figure that made up Cate. She had already rotated back into the hall her usual straight black skirt waving about her boots. Vlad gripped back at the ornament as he was surrounded by courtiers, servants and vampires alike, all serious faced. A massive grin evident on his face.

Vlad continued walking down the corridor as people scurried past him to help organise the feast. He was just brooding on how to busy himself, roaming the halls for the next few hours had sounded, at first, quite relaxing, but now like a tedious way to spend the next few hours, until the guest arrived, as they were due to come, when a booming bang ricocheted down the hallway, it's sound almost deafening. Vlad stopped in his steps. Who, in all of forever, was knocking at his door at such an undeadly hour? His guests were not scheduled to appear any earlier than the appointed time, although more often than not they were 'fashionably late'. To cover his curiosity he set off in the other direction; towards the main doors and his unexpected- perhaps unwanted- guests.

Oh the joy!

As Vlad rounded the corner which led on to the entrance hall he heard snobbish voices radiating their complaints. Vlad sighed to himself as he sauntered into the entrance hall. Right in the centre his father stood in all his vampire class barking orders at Renfield- in five years not one thing had changed. Yet, there was a shock to see Ingrid in a knee-length purple gown talking to Piers, he was smiling at her and held her hand in his (his other hand held a black suitcase and many similar bags stayed on the wooden floor, they were obviously staying a while). Vlad sneaked into the room, his vampire hunting skills coming in useful for once. He crept on his unsuspecting father and coughed, extremely noisily, making the older vampire jump high into the air. Upon landing the famous and feared Count Dracula spun around to glare at the intruder. His son.

At seeing his son his glaring expression and crude frown widened into a smile, he spread out his arms.

"Vladdy!"His father cried out, far too loudly for Vlad's liking. "How are you? We, well, I am so glad to see you. I, again, am here for the feast but as for that nightmare," he gestured towards Ingrid, "I would not have the clearest idea, nor would I care." He let out a dark chuckle.

"It's nice to see you to, Dad. How are you?" Vlad replied.

"Fine, fine. The weather has been far too hot and the sun, for garlic sakes, never stops shining. The most awful thing is those despicable peasants. With all their sweet, friendly attitudes it's vile, I mean for bat's sakes they're worse than those breathers of that peasant village. Starkley, Stokeleen or something."

"Stokeley, Dad." Vlad sighed. "It's great that you're here and all but aren't you a bit early."

"Nonsense, we've come to get comfortable."

"Oh, you're staying as well as Ingrid and Piers." Vlad said with a sigh.

"Most definitely." The Count responded.

Vlad groaned slightly, his dad staying was going to cause some troubling times. A clicking of heels against wood awoke Vlad from his worry. A figure entered into the room, the owner of the clicks- Cate. She quickly walked towards Vlad and came to stand by his side; Vlad introduced her to his father and his father to her.

"Dad, this is my head official, Miss Catherine Lincton. She will make you feel welcome," Vlad whispered the next words to his father directly. "I suggest you clear any thoughts of her just being a female from your thoughts now, somewhat rude behaviour will not be tolerated by me, especially if it comes from you." The father looked slightly shocked but nodded his head in acceptance, it did not, however, mean, for a second, he was going to accept his son's crude nature.

Cate took her chance to introduce herself in a polite. "Greetings, Count Dracula. It is a pleasure to meet the infamous prince of darkness; I appreciate the opportunity and feel very honour to have the unfriendly prospect to your acquaintance. " Cate articulated in her most official tone of voice. It amazed Vlad how she could do it. Vlad had been both flabbergasted and enthralled, when he had first met her, with her ability of hastily changing her voice, gestures and whole appeared personality to suit her situation, whether it was playful or professional. That was most definitely one of her best skills and was ideal to the job she held.

"Pleasure to meet you also, Miss Lincton." The count replied with a strange tone of charisma. Vlad looked at his father wearily; the count just shrugged and wondered of to stare at a painting, which seemed to particularly interest him at that moment. Catherine looked back at Vlad, "Your father is a real charmer." Cate whispered to him, Vlad just laughed.

"Follow me," he said, "let's catch up with my sister she has a lot more… goodness at the moment and her husband, Piers- I don't believe you've met him. She, my sister, met him when he was still human, I mean he's not human anymore he has been bitten. Like you." He murmured the last part before walking to his sister and brother-in-law. Catherine followed eagerly.

"Ingrid, Piers, how are you?"

"Brother and… Catherine?" Ingrid replied.

"Hello, Ingrid. It's been a while. How are you?" Cate asked.

"I am well and I guess what could be called happiness. I see you are happy."

Vlad smiled. "I guess, would you like to go to your room or have something to eat, before the ball, it's not for a few hours?"

Piers replied before Ingrid could "That's be best. She needs a lot of rest." Ingrid smiled and rubbed her hand over the small bump on her stomach, where Piers had placed his hand. "Fabulous I will show you. See you later, Vlad."

Cate heels tapped on the floor, followed by Piers and Ingrid, and they fainted into the distance. Vlad was left in the entrance with his father and Renfield.

"Father, would you like a room or shall you find it all your own way."

"Ah, Vladdy, you forget I take the same place always and I am sure you have something to do. I will leave you to your duties, Your Grandness." Count Dracula replied. "Although I must say more cobwebs are needed."

Vlad sighed. The Count chuckled darkly before speeding off- a large shout of "Renfield!" followed. The servant grabbed up a pile of cases on the floor and scampered after his master. A short greeting to Vlad followed: "Hello Master Vlad."

"Renfield."

Vlad was left in the entrance hall alone and quite unsure of what to do. The story of his current life. His family was here that was a good thing and he had a niece or nephew on the way. The future was quite nice and everyone seemed happy, no dark shadows clouding their day. Day… Vlad thought. The council coming in the day, nearly a week ago, the mysterious council member. Lorelei wanting to speak to him and the breather pets and blood slaves. Everything seemed to be coming down it gave Vlad a headache. Maybe a few hours in the dream world would help him calm down for tonight. He would need it. Tonight felt dangerous.

Vlad buttoned the last clasp on his jacket and attached the silk cape across his shoulders. It was not an hour before the feast was due to begin and, yet, Vlad was prepared for he had a guest arriving any second. The Vampire High Council head was expecting a talking period before his ball and Vlad full intended to give him his time because he was not only the Lord Émilek Malfèvre, but he was also to talk about the Lorelai baroness who he wished to learn about. Vlad took a gaze at the mirror in front of him- an empty background stared back at him.

A sharp rapping knocked at the door. Vlad stepped away from the mirror and towards the door to open it, his flared out behind him. He twisted the nob to find a Cate standing behind the door- still in her daily clothes.

"Sire, the Lord Malfèvre is here and waiting in the west study." Cate said.

"Thank you, Catherine, I will go there presently." Vlad exited the room and closed the door behind him. In Cate's ear he whispered "I will pick you up in forty-five minutes, your rooms."

Cate nodded with a small smile before walking down the corridor, Vlad sauntered away in the adjacent hallway. He walked down the main staircase and made his way to the west wing, further on lay the study.

Vlad knocked before entering through the wooden door. Sure enough upon a leather recliner sat Malfèvre inspecting an ancient book he must have picked off from the shelf covering the east wall. As Vlad entered Malfèvre placed the book down and stood up of the sofa. "You're Grandness." Malfèvre gestured to the seat opposite the leather recliner. Vlad perched himself on the armchair as the Lord settled back in his leather.

"What were you reading?" Vlad pointed blatantly towards the book on the side.

"A book on politics, I believe, that is not important through I must talk to you about Baroness Lorelai."

"What about her?"

"First, I must know what you know already about the Baroness, about her father, about their 'business' and history."

Vlad paused. "Very little, that her father was Xavier Lorelai and that they did not really favour breathers at any rate."

Malfèvre nodded and sat forward in his chair. "Well, then I guess you have an understanding of the breather pets and blood slaves that Lorelai business lay upon." Vlad nodded. "Ah, well you may know this; however, it is important to what I am saying so I will tell you about Lorelai. It was in the very early 1800s- when I myself was still in my forties, very young- that Lorelai started to come out. He used to be a peculiar man who would hide in the shadows and nearly nobody knew him. His bloodlines run nearly as far back as the Dracula's does and the clan has been full of destruction and horror for many centuries, especially their hate for breather, their unnatural hate for a vampire. Xavier was extremely hateful he put forward the proposal of humans not only being food but also pets and slaves for vampires to use for their chores and pleasures. Many did not agree entirely, but those who did were powerful and had a good influence on the council. Soon his idea was put forward, through slowly so not to arouse suspicion, many breathers were lured into the trap because of a crave of power and common breather idiotism.

After nearly a century and with the breathers becoming more observant, many of them started to question strange disappearances. The vampires had not been keen at the beginning and slowly the lack of blood slaves became evident. Lorelai was furious that such a thing had happened and so he went away again. Of course by this time the guild were on to him and before long he was ash.

There was, however, his wife left alone with a young vampiress. She inherited her father's money, land and title after bribing and because she was the only living heir. No one knows much about her, yet there is a strong rumour going around that she is coming back into being and that her hatred for breathers is even worse that her fathers. She is coming tonight and may be a danger. Beware of her."

Vlad stayed silent. "Her presence here is strange considering she has been in the shadows for so long, but there are also rumours that she is has started a new trade of blood slaves and vampire pets. No disrespect, my Lord, but I do believe breathers are food, however, how she is treating them is unjust worthy.

Due to a lack of evidence I cannot really give you any more insight. I just thought as she was coming tonight and is a potential danger you may need the information."

Vlad sat up in his chair and thought for a moment before responding. "This could be a big risk as you say, but I think furthermore on the treaty. If what you say is true we could have war."

Malfèvre nodded. "Correct. I am also concerned of your safety…"

"I'll be safe. We have guards everywhere."

"It's just Lorelai, especially the Baroness, is very manipulative and that is deadly. Her father used it convince vampires of the past to bring humans to feasts. The pet was dressed up and taken along, a fresh supply of refreshment at any time." Malfèvre continued. "The slaves were also drained in a similar fashion."

"My Lord Malfèvre, I am curious. You keep referring to blood slaves and breather pets in a similar fashion. What is the difference between them and how do you classify a breather as one or the other?" Vlad asked curiously.

Malfèvre smiled sickeningly. "It is very simple. Those of importance who crave money and power in the form of immortality are our pets. They follow a vampires words as if they are sacred, their actions as miraculous and any order as their purpose in life. These are selfish, power hungry maniacs most of the time- or just very pretty women and handsome young men. Slave are unwilling, as their name suggests, they are forced, chained and held for emergency thirst quenchers. It is very simple to be honest and the system did work."

Vlad thoughts wondered at Malfèvre words. He could not believe his race was so sick and cruel. They would take people give them a promise and never fall back on it. Oh well that was vampires for you and those people were actually very stupid to believe them. He just honestly felt worst about the blood slaves people forced from their own homes and families. That's what vampires are, cruel, mean and vile- the perfect combination! A small part of his brain whispered.

"Thank you that very much explains it and I will watch out for Lorelai." Vlad rose. "However, my guests are due about now and suggest you head towards the great hall. I will be there very soon."

Lord Malfèvre bowed. "Very well, chosen one. Just heed my words nothing is safe with the Lorelai around especially for breathers and any who have ever been. "

Malfèvre smiled again, Vlad responded discreetly masking a smile. Vlad then exited the room in relief. It had only been for a second, but there had been something there- in his eyes and smile. A creepy persona which Vlad had never seen before in Malfèvre. It was not to worry about anymore though he had a party to enjoy. Everyone seemed to had forgotten be had been the Grand High Vampire for five year. He in himself had thought it a while. Well now he had to enjoy it.