Dracula's Mistress

Chapter 2: Court life

The crowds instantly swarmed at the announcement of Vlad's return to the castle, all wanting to have a moment with their prince and having to be held back by guards as he made his way through the court and into the halls towards his own chambers, that was until one of the finely dressed servants of the king came rushing in his direction, causing the prince to momentarily pause to hear what he had to say.

"Your highness, you father is expecting you in his study. He wishes to speak to you before the start of the celebration."The servant informed the rather tired looking Prince.

"Must he see me now?"Vlad questioned the servant, which rubbing a hand over his tired face.

"He told me to fetch you as soon as your highness returned to court."The nervous servant informed the infamous impaler.

Letting out a simple sigh, Vlad gestured for the servant to leave. It was just his father to demand his presence just as he was about to go for a nap.

"My love, you have returned."A familiar voice called down the hall, catching Vlad's attention instantly.

Turning his gaze to look down the hall, he met his former wife's hopeful blue eyes as she began to make her way down the hall to him.

"Elizabeta."Vlad greeted politely, although he'd much rather not have a discussion with her in this moment.

"My ladies did not inform me of your return otherwise I'd of come to find you sooner."Elizabeta raised a hand to touch Vlad's cheek whilst she spoke, something he quickly flinched away from.

"I have only just returned."Vlad responded, clearing his throat in an attempt to sound confident.

Elizabeta looked physically wounded by his response to her attempts of a display of affection. Although she tried her best to hide it, slowly retracting her hand from her husband.

"It has been weeks since your return, yet you have not yet come to my bed."Her voice was soft, weak even, since this was a topic she didn't particularly feel confident discussing.

Vlad knew that this was going to come up at some point, he just knew it, despite his attempts to avoid it he knew that she'd refuse to let it go and bring it up to him.

"Elizabeta, I cannot speak about this now. My father has demanded my presence."Vlad simply dismissed, already starting to turn around and walk away.

"How do you expect me to conceive your child if you will not even visit my bed at night?"Elizabeta spoke up a little louder, gaining the attention of a few of the kings men.

Vlad paused in his tracks, turning to gaze at her with a warning glint evident in his deep blue eyes.

"I said, I cannot speak with you about this now. I have other matters to attend to."Vlad's voice was still relatively low, yet there was a certain danger underlying it.

The tone of his voice had made Elizabeta side against pushing the subject anymore and she just chose to stare at the former prince as he turned away from her and began his journey to his fathers study.

Meanwhile, in the court of the castle, many had already began to gather in preparation for Prince Vlad's return party. Women and Men of all ages and ranks were already beginning to drink, eat and dance the night away before the party had even began.

Charles Fletcher and James Dixon were two of those men who had already began to waste the night away together as they sat at the banquet table with a plate of food each.