Fanged earth

Chapter 18: Difference

Vlad didn't let me see anything till he laid me down in his room on his large four poster bed. His room was rather bright. The bed was all red; red sheets, red pillows and curtains tied back. Some of my hair had matted together with blood.
Vlad left me for a moment then returned with a bowl of water and cloth. He gently washed my face and untangled my hair. "I'm sorry," he kept saying. I was in shock and couldn't find any words.
Dede glided in, "shall I inform your new kingdom?"
"Dede get out and wait for me in the war room, call the leaders." She nodded and backed out of the room. "My love are you hungry?"
"Yes," I caught his hand. "Did you, kill him?"
"Yes, I'm sorry I didn't want you to see that. I lost control, I won't again." He put the cloth and bowl on the little table by the bed. Then said, "if you want to shower you can and I'll get you food and clean clothes." I still had hold of his arm. "Did you want anything else?"
"Will you hurt me?" He looked at me shocked.
"No never," he pulled me into his arms.
"Then why did you make them take," I couldn't say the rest. He sighed sharply.
"I don't expect you to forgive me but I did it to keep you safe. Blane is a traitor his child would be a target. I felt it better you hadn't bonded with the baby and then loose it."
"So you wouldn't do it again?"
"Of course not, I love you." He kissed my head and stood off the bed. "I won't be long," he left me alone.
After a few minutes I got up and headed for what I assumed was the bathroom. For a castle in Transylvania Vlad's room was very modern as was the bathroom. I stripped down turning on the shower. The warm water was a welcomed feel as I stepped underneath.
I let my body warm and the dirt and blood flow away down the drain. I did feel safe with Vlad which a part of me was confused about. I used the shampoo which smelled of strawberries. Stepping out of the shower I turned it off and found a dark purple towel.
Back in the bedroom with the towel securely wrapped around me, I found a clean set of clothes had been left out on the bed for me. It was a simple white cotton dress and even a clean bra and nickers. I cautiously slipped the bra on finding it to be a perfect fit. Then went on the nickers and dress.
I returned to the bathroom and admired myself in the long mirror next to the bath. My hair had gone all wavy and now trailed down my back. The dress was so beautiful but simple. It had no patterns or lace just white cotton, with long sleeves. The dress reached my ankles showing my bare feet.
I heard the door in the bedroom open so I went to go see who it was. Phillip stood holding a bowl of strawberries and Vlad was saying something to him.
"You look stunning," Vlad said coming over and taking me in his arms.
"Vlad was explaining to me what happened, we are going to write up a peace treaty."
"It's my first gift to you," Vlad grinned at me. "My second is I have sent Dede to bring your father and his pack, and also Blane."
"Why if you Blane? I didn't think you'd want to bring my other mate here."
"I love you, I want you to be happy. That's why I have to let you have the choice, because it is your choice." Phillip put the bowl down and started to laugh. "What's so funny?" Vlad questioned as he turned around still with an arm round me.
"I don't want to sound like an arsehole but I'm glad you killed your dad."
"Why?"
"Because you idiot, he made you believe you were going crazy so you acted bat shit crazy and you ended up scaring her. There's more love in your eyes when you look at her than Blane." I looked at the wolf puzzled. "Jacinta when you choose look at their eyes. Now I think down to business, unless you want me to come back later?"
Before anyone could answer Dede appeared with an arrow protruding from her right arm. Blood was seeping through her clothing and she winced when she tried to move it. "King, your brother shot me. He said he'd be here in less than a week and was going to kill you."
"Phillip could you take Dede to the infirmary, I need to attend to Jacinta." Phillip nodded and hooked an arm under Dede who hissed a little before allowing him to lift her up. Vlad turned to me and looked around frantically.
"Vlad maybe I should talk to him," I suggested. He nodded in reply. I studied his face wondering how this was the same vampire that tried to kill me in the forest and had my baby taken out of me. His eyes were a warm Amber with gold flecks. His arms round me were soft around me, he held me like a china doll he was afraid to break. "Can I stay with you?"
"What do you mean?"
"I don't want to be alone."
"You won't be, here let's get something on your feet." He walked over to the bed and pulled out a chest about the size of a shoe box. Bringing it over to me he opened it to reveal a pair of white little pumps. He helped me put them on then wrapped ribbon that was attached to them up my calves. Standing back up he whispered, "beautiful." I blushed and he brushed my cheek gently with his hand. Taking my hand he led us out the room and on to the war room.