Dracula's Mistress

Chapter one: Clockwork Prince

Returning back to Transylvania is something Vlad had been long awaiting since his childhood and the news of his return brought excitement amongst the people of Transylvania.

It's not that Vlad didn't enjoy the praise of being labelled a hero or being swarmed by the crowds after his return but his actions and solitude during the war, and perhaps the fact he had to return and pretend to love a woman that he didn't, made his conscious do a number on him.

In order to unwind, Vlad found himself back doing what he and his friends would do back at Janissary Corps and that was hunting, it was a great way for him to not only capture food for his family but to also focus his mind on other things.

There were two of his men with him right now as they took a break from their successful hunt by the stream before heading back to the castle, their horses tied to a sturdy tree as his two men sat on a nearby log and Vlad himself paced up and down the stream, deep in thought.

One of his men was named Charles Fletcher, he was well built in a muscular aspect and was quite a pretty sight to look at for the ladies with his dark hair and baby blue eyes, his personality was golden too, he was funny and playful in all aspects, something he took advantage of since he was a well known playboy at court.

A player at heart but his dedication to his Prince was unmatchable, he considered Vlad a friend, brother and of course, his lord and there wasn't nothing that he wouldn't do for Vlad.

Then there was James Dixon, he was well built in the muscular aspect just as Charles and Vlad were and he was also a pretty boy too, just like the other two were with short dark hair and chocolate brown eyes, he was close friends with Charles but unlike him, he was no longer a playboy since he'd finally married and now had a child.

He was dedicated to his Prince, just as Charles were but he'd do anything for his family.

"Don't you think our Vlad has become quite the clockwork prince?"James finally spoke up in a low tone to the fellow solider who sat beside him.

"What do you mean?"Charles responded confused by what his wording could possibly mean.

Vlad wasn't paying attention to either of his men in the current moment, he seemed to focused on the flowing water of the stream, dwelling on his own thoughts.

"He's repeating old activities that we used to do. Despite him being back home and amongst his people again."James explained to Charles, causing both of their gazes to land back on their dark haired Prince.

"Perhaps he's unhappy."Charles simply suggested."He has just gone from blood guts and adrenaline to dancing, music and gossip."

"He's a prince, he has everything he could possible want, how could he not be happy?"James responds, awkwardly clearing his throat once he'd noticed Vlad walking back over to the pair.

"He needs a woman!"Charles suddenly exclaimed, causing James's eyes to widen in disbelief."Isn't that right Vlad?"

Charles had jumped up from his previous sitting position on the log to place a friendly slap on Vlad's shoulders.

"In case you've forgotten, I'm married."Vlad simply replies to Charles without much care towards his suggestion as he moved to begin untying his horse.

"Just because you're married, that doesn't mean you can't have a different woman."Charles continues on, causing James to simply roll his eyes at the suggestion of adultery.

"That's not the type of man I am Charles."Vlad continues on before taking a brief pause from what he was doing, to turn back to the pair."James, you're married and a man of god, such as myself, would you ever consider having an affair?"

James almost appeared offended by the suggestion and he immediately shook his head, earning a heavy sigh from Charles at his response.

"No, never sir. I love my wife."

Vlad simply glances at Charles, his point now proven before he turns back to focus on readying his horse.

"Hey James, don't you have two sisters?"Charles continues on anyhow, despite Vlad's point being proven at this stage.

"Yes, I don't really see what purpose they serve to this but I indeed do."James responds, peeking Vlad's interest as he once again turns to his fellow solider.

"You never told me of this at the Janissary Corp, I thought you were a lone son."The Prince spoke up, adding to James's confusion on the new topic.

"I didn't exactly think it was important considering the war, your majesty."James explains himself to his Prince.

Standing, Charles moves over to his own horse, copying his prince's actions in untying his horse and readying it for the journey back, sensing that he should probably do the same thing, James stands himself up and heads over to his own horse.

"You should invite them to court."Vlad suggests as he climbs on top of his horse.

"Lauren's already been invited for your celebration party tonight."James reveals, perking both Vlad and Charles's interest."She's one of the dancers that the King has arranged for you."

Vlad didn't say anything about that but he was making mental notes about everything the pair said, he honestly didn't even know anything about any dancers.

Now that both of his men were mounted on their horses, Vlad started to ride on in silence.

"What are they like?"Charles perks up once again, restarting their previous conversation.

"Well, I don't particularly get along with Leanne, she's quite selfish. She takes advantage of her good looks and is quite flirtatious and careless towards others."James explains to Vlad's other men, a shrug being given in the process.

"And the other one?"Charles continues on, although he seemed pretty interested by the flirtatious one.

"Lauren?"James raises a brow at Charles's interest in his sisters.

"The one who's performing for the court."Charles confirms for James.

"She's my little sister, I love her. I'm closer with her than I'll ever be with Leanne. She's caring towards all animals, adored by many, talented in music and combat."James explains to Charles, the combat part perking the prince's sudden interest.

"Combat?"Vlad questions his fellow solider, curiously he was genuinely interested.

"A woman, good at combat, that would be the day."Charles snorts out, finding it incredibly amusing.

"Yes, my father trained her once the Turks took me. Apparently she expressed and interest in it, when I returned she immediately wanted to duel me and trust me, she left me shocked by her talents."James explains to the pair.

Vlad nearly smiled at the thought, it was about time the people took some action and began training their female children in combat, it's not only the men that need to know how to protect themselves and their people.

"Well then, I'm sure she'll be a delight at court."Vlad comments out to his former solider.

It took them over an hour to ride back to Castle Dracula, then again they didn't exactly rush because Vlad wasn't in any rush to return.