Claws of Eternity ✔️

Part 2 - Chapter 11: As long as the Border stood

VLAD

The mountain range was naked, autumn taking its toll on the deciduous trees, sparing only pines, firs and other winter's pets. The castle was high up and the position didn't only offer good protection but a good view, too. It stood on a mountain top with nothing but steep cliffs around it and a deep forest further away. Anybody trying to leave the castle by jumping would simply fall to their death. Vlad stared through the window, watching the sun set, throwing red and orange rays on the deep woods. Rain hasn't fallen in days and summer heat still lingered, making it seem as if falling leaves missed the season.

Vlad held the letter in his hands, weighing decisions. Nothing seemed right, accepting the invitation or refusing it. Consequences were equally heavy. His dispute with the Monarchy over the past years gave him some insight in what was really going on and how things have profoundly changed since he had ruled. Vlad was aware that things change over a period of time. After all, he did rule two hundred years ago. It would've saddened him if nothing had changed, but, he thought it would've changed for the better. Children of Night have forsaken old ways, they have forgotten who they are, where they came from. But Vlad knew, he remembered. And now, a chance rested in his hand, a small letter, neatly written. He couldn't've known what the intention behind it meant. He was strongly against oppressors threatening the Monarchy, but lately it seemed to Vlad that the real threat came from the inside.

"You seem weary." A voice came from behind him. Alina was just closing great wooden doors when Vlad turned around. With her pale face and long, dark hair, permanently in white, silk dresses, she looked more like a ghost than a woman.

"I seem as I feel. But that shouldn't concern you." He said, planting a light smile on his face, it hasn't really reached his eyes.

"If it concerns you, it concerns me." She argued. Vlad kept that smile, but as moments passed, it felt more and more unnatural.

"You know what unsettles me is frequently either in the past or the future."

"Don't keep me locked in the dark, Vlad, I am already way too pale." Alina smiled.

"Elections are close," Vlad said, "it's been a while since they've been so important."

"Do you know whom you'll support?"

"I only know whom I won't support and that is indeed everybody."

Alina laughed, the sound surrounding the room, warming it up. Then she noticed the letter, the same one Vlad's been clutching in his hand for days now.

"You haven't opened it yet."

"I haven't come up with an answer yet."

"It's just an invitation, Vlad, it says so on the back. Why does it mean so much?" Alina came nearer, wanting to take the letter but Vlad wouldn't give it.

"I know what it is, Alina, it's a ball. It's an invitation to a ball. What concerns me isn't going to the ball, it's what it means. What she wants."

"Perhaps she wants to invite you to a ball."

But Vlad knew better, even if everyone else's been blind. He could've guessed what the letter said, how innocent the words in it may sound.

The knock on the door interrupted his thoughts and Andryj came in. Andryj was a tall man, well built and tanned, with dark hair and eyes. Vlad had trouble keeping the female disciples away from him.

"Excuse me, Voivode" he turned to Alina, "Duchess," and than back to Vlad, "there is something you need to know."

Vlad nodded in encouragement when Andryj suspiciously looked at Alina. Their marriage was still new to everybody. It was still new to Vlad, as well.