Son of Dracula

Chapter 2: A Trip to Dracula's Castle

Juliet looked out the window, watching the tall mounds of grass wave at her as the limo drove past it. Her mind drifted elsewhere, remembering Lionel. He had been so distant, ever since the proposal. It was as if he wasn't interested in the marriage, but was only doing it so they could get it over with.

"Ms. Daniels?" A familiar voice snapped her back into reality. She turned to see Vladimir looking back at her intently. "Is something troubling your thoughts, Ms. Daniels?"

"No, I'm just...it's nothing. And please, don't be so formal. You can call me Juliet." He smiled at her words.

"Alright. Juliet" his thick accent flowed as he said her name, sending a slight shiver down Juliet's back. "A name as beautiful as a rose."

"Thank you."

"As long as we are on an informal name basis, please call me Vladimir."

"Okay, Vladimir."

They soon arrived at a grand stone castle. It looked just like the ones back in the Stone Age when kings were rulers. Juliet got out of the limo, looking at the stone mansion in amazement. "Come, I'll give you a tour of my castle." Vladimir took Juliet by the hand, leading her along with Cornel, who was close behind them, into the castle. The large doors of the castle opened up, revealing an 18th century style interior of the castle.

"It's beautiful" Juliet gaped in awe.

"Quite. But but not as beautiful as what I have met and see before me now." Vladimir looked at Juliet, his eyes locking with hers. "I'll have Cornel set up a room for you." Vladimir then turned to Cornel. "Cornel, ia saci Julieta de la camera ei, apoi du-te la bucătărie pentru a pregăti cina" Vladimir ordered, and Cornel hurried up the staircase with Juliet's bags. He turned once more toward Juliet, smiling softly upon her. "Come, let us dine." They walked together toward the dining room. After entering the dark red walled room, Vladimir walked over to the chair that was next to the head of the table, and pulled it out for Juliet. She smiled slightly and sat in the seat. After carefully pushing her seat in, he sat himself in the head of the table's seat. "Cornel!" He called, and Cornel and a woman dressed in a maid's outfit entered the room through the door that was located in the far corner of the room. The maid set two wine glasses down on the table and Cornel carried two pitchers. One contained water and one containing what looked to be wine. "Would you prefer water or wine?"

"Oh, I um, I don't drink." Vladimir nodded, understanding. "Water then, please." Cornel then poured water into her glass.

"I'll have my usual drink," Vladimir replied, turning to Cornel. Cornel nodded and he and the maid scampered back into the next room. Cornel soon returned with a bottle that held a dark red liquid. He then poured It into Vladimir's glass.

"So, Vladimir" Juliet began. "Where did you come to inherit such a beautiful castle?"

"From my father, he was a great man. A very powerful man of his day."

"Oh, he must have been a man of great taste, this castle is magnificent." Juliet picked up her glass and began to take a sip.

"Yes. He was a count after all." Juliet was taken back a bit, and spit out her water accidentally. She picked up her napkin and wiped her mouth and shirt, which was wet. "I'm sorry to have startled you, I should have told you of my wealth's origin before."

"Oh no, it's fine, I'm just a little taken back by the news." Vladimir took a sip from his drink and placed his glass down onto the table. He then placed his hand on her shoulder as she dabbed her wet shirt with the napkin.

"I apologize for surprising you with my lifestyle, I just want you to be comfortable here in my home, since you are my honored guest." Juliet felt her cheeks flush, embarrassed.

"No need to apologize, I shouldn't have been so surprised."

They were soon served, and the rest of dinner had been quiet except for the occasional glance from Vladimir and his questions for Juliet about her and why she had come to visit. "I came here to find inspiration for my next novel."

"Then you have come to the right place" Vladimir smiled. He then placed his napkin on his plate and stood up. "Would you like for me to show you where you will be staying tonight?" Juliet stood up, nodding at his question. They walked up the staircase, then down a long hallway before stopping in front of a door. Vladimir opened it to reveal a beautiful golden bedroom. They entered the room together, Juliet taking in it's magnificence. "If you don't mind, I'll be turning in early for the night. Goodnight Juliet." He took her hand and kissed the top of it. She blushed and looked back at him.

"Good night Vladimir." He smiled and left the room, closing the door behind him. Juliet sat on the soft golden sheeted bed. What a night, she thought. I'm staying for ten months in the house of a wealthy guy I don't even know.