Dracula Retold

Terms

Vlad spent the night fighting the wolf creatures as well as leading the guards how to burn the evidence before they could be exposed to the supernatural. By dawn, thankfully, the guards outnumbered the creatures, and by day break there were no supers to be found, Vlad included.

He'd used his strength excessively to fight the wolves and now he was tired. Tired... and hungry. Dracula lured a few guards from either side and drained them dry, regaining his energy.

Vlad wiped his mouth on his clothes, helping add to his wounded look, and returned to the camp. Klaus was the first to stand and approached him.

"Vlad! You're alright?" He asked, checking him over "We'd feared the worst. We didn't see you all night!"

Vlad huffed as he let out a pained chuckle. "Apologies. It was a busy night, I believe," he joked, then collapsed toward his hurting side as the priest entered the tent.

"Vlad!" The owner of one voice caught him, but the other stopped herself before anyone could direct their concern to her.

"Let's move this party back to the castle, shall we? We have a discussion pending," Vlad looked past Klaus towards the subject of the said discussion.

Royal heralds announced the arrival of both houses as the entourages entered the castle. Immediately Vlad ordered for the care and comfort of his guests. The parties were escorted to different suites to recuperate. Among the distraction, Vlad slipped out to catch a quick meal before running inside for shade.

"Clearly, you seem to have made up your mind," Klaus said as he helped himself into Vlad's room.

Vlad turned around from the dressing mirrors, showing off his outfit. "How do I look?" He asked as a joke and with sincerity as the silver backed mirrors showed him nothing.

Klaus took a tour around his friend and whistled his approval. He came facing him and grabbed Vlad's shoulders. "Like a prince! I fear if I may not fall in love with you."

Vlad chuckled. "Shall we kiss, then?" he said, already leaning in.

Klaus pushed him off. "Shove off, ass!" He laughed, and Vlad backed off. He didn't read more into his best friend's racing heartbeat.

Vlad went back to finish getting ready, and Klaus stood beside him, watching. "The princess must have been born with good stars to have you as her husband."

Vlad smiled as Klaus called her lucky, but inside he questioned if that was correct. He had been the reason his last wife had died. Death was an after worry; first he wondered if he could... or should... fulfill the rights a wife was due. Kissing was one thing... sex another.

"Well, first we have to see if this proposal progresses any further," Vlad said. He turned to Klaus. "Tell them I am ready to meet with them," he tasked, and Klaus dutifully went

Klaus returned to Vlad, informing him the Danesti were ready for him. Vlad fixed the stands of his cape and marched out with Klaus beside him. He entered the conference room, and the men stood to greet him.

"Prince Andrei!" Vlad exclaimed and clasped his hands on the older prince's shoulders. "I welcome you into my home."

"It is my honor being here," Andrei said.

"Please, be seated. I hope your comfort has been seen to? After last night, I'm sure we could've all deserved a rest."

"Yes, we've been quite comfortable, your Highness."

"I am pleased to hear it," Vlad smiled, and looked around the room. "Will the women not join us?" He asked, knowing full well she was in the room.

"My wife, and perhaps yours, sit up there in the loft, sir," Andrei directed Vlad's gaze to the lot above them, where the women sat.

Vlad laughed. "Well, I suppose if your princess can come down to decry injustice for her cousin, then surely she can join us when it is her life on the docket."

Vlad was referring to the incident that was reported to him when Lucian had sent missionaries to Moldova.

Andrei laughed. "Of course! My ladies, then, why don't you join us?" he invited them.

Vlad rose first and then the others, as the princesses came dawn from the loft. The ladies stopped, and Vlad bowed to the Princess Royal.

"It's an honor to finally meet you," Vlad said as he straightened.

Princess Ileana curtseyed. "I will admit I did not like you. But you gave me back my husband, and for that I you will have my eternal blessings," she cried.

Vlad took her hand and kissed it before escorting her to sit with her husband. "I pray I do not give you any further reason to dislike me."

"As long as you keep my daughter happy," she smiled as she took her seat.

Vlad looked behind him. "I intend to," he whispered to himself. "I shall aim to keep her happy, as soon as I am able to know what her wishes are," Vlad said aloud as he took his throne.

Catarina had the court. "I shall tend to my royal duties as I wish to, and will have no expectations imposed upon me."

Vlad smiled. Ileana shifted to rise and scold her daughter, but Vlad held a hand up. She sat down and Vlad motioned for Catarina to continue.

"You will give my people equal respect as your own. You will not subjugate them for simply being a Danesti."

"I hear you," Vlad nodded.

"And I shall visit home as often as I wish to. If we are ever to have a disagreement, there will be an equal counsel of your partisans and mine."

"Your requests are fair... and granted," Vlad motioned for the Priest to continue with the proceedings.

"Do-do you not have any demands of me?" Catarina asked.

"I did not expect I would live long enough to have a bride, so forgive me if a lack a list. I have no significant requests from a wife, but this I want you to know: loyalty is very sacred to me. Whether as husband or king."

Catarina curtseyed. "You will have no fear of infidelity from me."

"Excellent!" Vlad exclaimed. "Father, when do you supposed this marriage can take place?"

Father Marc looked up from his papers and looked between the two parties. "Suppose it is best to concur your wedding with the coronation. That way all duties may be fulfilled in one ceremony."

"Sound idea. I shall defer to you when you may be ready to participate in the ceremonies as due a bride and princess royal."

Andrei smiled at his family and Ileana kissed her daughter's head before covering her veil. Andrei got up and kissed Vlad's ring, and in turn Vlad bowed to his future father in law.

"I am honored to welcome you into our family. We will join your coronation with the most spectacular participation."

Vlad smiled. "And I won't be coming empty handed to your tread either." He turned to the princesses and bowed to Ileana. "Your grace," he kissed her hand and reached for his intended, but Ileana pulled her away.

Klaus laughed at Vlad's embarrassment. 

"Did we not settle our arrangement just now?" He asked, confused.

Ileana laughed. "Indeed. It is customary in our clan that you may now only look at her once you come to claim her. Until then, your highness," Ileana lead Caterina out.

Vlad feigned a sigh. "Oh, this is dreadful!"