A Lonely Prince with Fangs (completed)

Stranger Danger

Count slapped his knees and stood up quickly. "I should get you into something … more to your liking... um." He walked over to a large armoire that I had just now noticed. He opened it up only for me to find all the long puffy gowns hanging inside. He closed the doors and hesitated before turning back towards me. 

"I'm afraid I do not have anything that you would be comfortable in. I haven't had guests for a while … ." I climbed out of the bed, a cold sting went up through my feet when I touched the cold stone floor. The red night gown on me went all the way to my feet. Miraculously it fit me perfectly. I felt like a princess for a minute and only did I stop twirling lightly in the dress did I realize that I was. I looked up at Count and he had a smile on his face. 

"I would gladly take you into town for some new clothes."

"Um, if I may ask, uh, where are the maids? Or, others? You know, your family, or residence?" He said he lived in a castle. Could it be true? If so, where are his servants? Why is he the one giving me food and offering to go shopping? 

He looked a bit shy for a moment. But then he spoke very awkwardly. "It is uh, just me." He lowered his head and slowly began to walk backwards.

I became very quizzical. Too many questions were running through my head. Before I knew it I was backing up myself, terror coursing through my skin. 

"Who—who are you?" I stammered. I looked towards the door ready to make a break for it. "What do you want with me?" 

Count was looking worried and...hurt. He held up his hands and attempted to make a step towards me. "Please, Miss, I mean you no harm. You fell from the cliffs near my castle. On my daily walk I found you and just wanted to help. I can help you get wherever you need to go. Please, allow me to help you." 

I don't know if I should trust him or not. He addressed my wounds, he was the one who undressed me. How did this family trip change into such a terrible thing? My parents could be out looking for me or even worse, be dead in the middle of nowhere. 

"Take me to town, now!" I demanded. I don't know what I am going to wear so I ask, "Where are my old clothes?" 

Count nodded without taking the grim look off his face. He walked over to a chair by the fire and picked up nicely folded jeans, T-shirt, and jacket. He then pointed to my socks and shoes on the floor. Who was this man? 

I gestured to him to leave and he did. I quickly put my clothes on but admired my smooth skin slowly.

Why am I no longer cut? Why do I no longer feel pain in my legs? It would have been nice if there was a mirror, but there wasn't one to be found. My stomach growled some more but I was too scared to eat the food Count brought. It could be drugged for all I know. 

Once I get into town I'm going to call the cops about my parents, then I'll try to find a way to get this man into prison for kidnapping. 

Once I was dressed in my clothes I walked out of the room and found Count standing, patiently waiting. He was staring at a large window down the hall. I looked around at my surroundings. 

I felt like I really was in a castle. Old pictures of nobles from the past. Antique vases and armor. Swords making a cross hung up on the walls. A red carpet going down the entire hall. My room was at the very end of it from what I could tell. 

"Are you ready to go?" Count asked. Who is this man? Why is he being so nice to me? 

I nodded and he began to make his way down the long never ending hall. I followed behind him trying to keep up with his long strides. He led the way down beautiful staircases. I couldn't help but look out the windows. The view was completely breathtaking. 

The castle was set on a hill. A small town could be seen far below. But mountains and forests surrounded the castle. Being able to see other parts of the palace, tall spires formed on every pointy roof. The castle was made of black stone that made it look very gloomy. The roof was a fading red. Why is Count living here all alone? He must be from a noble family of Romania. 

I don't know much of Romanian history or culture. 

We finally made it to the front hall. Count surprised me when he opened a side door and pulled a long black coat and a black top hat out. He looked like an old Englishman. He then opened the grand dark doors to his castle and I followed him out. A long black car from the 1930s was on a pebbled driveway. 

From the windows it didn't look like Count had any neighbors. Which made me very nervous. Nowhere to run. 

He opened one of the back seat doors for me and I reluctantly climbed in. He got into the driver's seat and began to drive down the hill. 

We were on dirt for a while until we pulled onto the main paved road.