DRACULA: A VERY SPECIAL FLAVOUR

Immortal Vows - Part two

STILL SOMEWHERE IN SOUTHERN GERMANY, 1862

Count Dracula's coach rolled up the lane, as Zara-Eloise told the count about all what they had been through that evening, "...and then he simply walked out on us...leaving two ladies of some wealth at the mercy of some incredibly horrid looking undesirables"

Greta looked at her, "Oh come on sister dear, they weren't exactly foaming at the mouth you know...", she looked at the Count, who till this time, sat back in his seat looking very amused at their bickering over the story, "...you have to forgive my sister Count, she does tend to over exaggerate her tales"

Dracula brushed his fingers over his lips and leaned forward, "not at all, I think that this young gentlemen of hers must be very immature to even think of doing that"

"he is...", Zara then smoothed her hand across the lush red satin, "...the workmanship of this coach is simply divine...so soft and luxurious"

Dracula chuckled, "yes it is, isn't it! Everybody says that when they ride with me...some just don't ever want to leave..."

Greta didn't like his grin...it was a grin you could interrupt two ways...one of innocent amusement...or one heralding something more sinister and dark.

She found herself reaching for the brass door release, "have you locked this door?"

Dracula's eyes landed on her, "the door is always locked when we are in transit...", he chuckled again, "...we wouldn't want anyone falling out, would we?"

Zara-Eloise laughed, "Oh sister dear...you are such a bore sometimes...cannot you see the Count is doing us a kind turn here"

Dracula sat back and looked at his nails, "No no...it doesn't matter, I do have this effect on people"

Greta pointed, "We have arrived"

Dracula nodded, not bothering to look out the window, "So we have...how time simply flies by"

Zara looked across to the Count, "It's so strange, but I feel that, although it's only been a very few short minutes, I feel like I've know you forever"

Dracula raised his eyebrows, "I do seem to have that reaction from people as well"

"But I feel so at ease with you"

Greta realised that the coach had come to a halt, "speak for yourself"

Dracula looked over to the door and nodded, "It's not locked..."

Greta opened it and climbed out. Zara Elosie felt embarrassed and her face revealed that to him, "I do very much apologise for my sister...how awfully ungrateful she must come cross to you"

He reached out and took her hand, "Not at all...besides, she is not who I am interested in...", he let her work that one out herself whilst holding her gaze.

"Thank you...for the ride home"

"The pleasure is all mine...safe journey to the house", and he kissed her hand and let her go.

As Zara walked away from the coach, she turned and saw the Count looking out the window, "till we meet again..."

And then the coach went along it's way up the lane. Greta lead the way across the moonlit grounds to the mansion, "By the lord...he was creepy!"

Zara-Elosie frowned at her as they made for the entrance steps to the manor, "were we riding in the same coach? He was nothing less than a fine gentleman"

Greta pulled her cloak off as they trod the checkered floor of the entrance hall, "and how did he know we were sisters?"

Zara untied her cloak cord, "sorry?"