The Crimson Rose || Nicolae Bartholy X OC || [COMPLETE]

Chapter XI.

The Baron.

As everybody got suddenly quiet, Claire looked up at Nicolae.

She felt tension in the air, like if everybody was scared of that man that had just entered the room.

Catherine spoke quietly in Claire's ear.

"If he ever talks to you. Do not cross him, do not try to speak for yourself or anything like that. To him, we are pets. Do whatever your vampire tells you to. If that means to lie... lie the best that you can."

Claire nodded and watched as Catherine went to Amelia's side.

She did the same, quickly reaching for Nicolae and standing by him.

The vampire acknowledged her presence with a quick glance, then told her to stick close.

As the Baron proceeded into the room, speaking to each and every one of the leaders of the council, Claire found herself thinking about what Catherine had just told her.

Pet? I guess I can play along.
She took a deep breath, slightly nervous as the man approached Nicolae.

He was wearing old fashioned clothes: a white buttoned shirt and a black cassock opened on the front.

He wore a black top hat, black pants and boots. His right hand rested on the top of an expensive walking cane.

Nicolae stood straight, smiling politely.
"Baron...what an honor to be your guests tonight." Nic sounded like he was trying a little too much, but it didn't seem to bother the Baron.

"Nicolae Bartholy. It is my absolute pleasure to have you in my humble home." He chuckled at the word humble, his house was everything but that.

Claire noticed that Nicolae tried to keep himself in front of her, like if he wanted to hide her from the man's sight.

The Baron smirked and with his cane moved Nicolae to the side.

"Who do we have here... Mister Bartholy you never brought friends with you." His grin became wider and his eyes darkened as he finally gazed upon Claire.

She did not like how he was looking at her. Neither did Nicolae.

"What a beautiful angel." He whispered as he moved in closer.

Claire looked into the man's eyes for a second, noticing the Baron's dark look as he realized she had just stared at him.

She quickly lowered her gaze and bowed down. "Good evening, Baron."
She said in the most subservient tone of voice she could use.

The Baron's grin came back. He circled Claire like a vulture,  his eyes glistening with hunger.

She smelled so good. So innocent, so pure. It had been a long time a vampire brought a virgin in a room full of beasts.

"Where have you found such an enchanting creature, Nicolae? What's her name?" He reached for her hair and brought some of it to his nose, almost groaning as he inhaled her human scent.

Claire did not like that, not one bit. But she did as Catherine told her and didn't say a word.

Nicolae came closer to her, glaring at the man. "Claire Eliade. She comes from my sister's home country,  and helps her to not forget her origins."

Nicolae spoke out loud so that everybody would know. She was part of his house.  She was under his protection.

The Baron touched his top hat, licking his bottom lip as his eyes had a light red glimmer in them.