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Running a village was not the easiest job for one woman. Greta appreciated the help that some offered from time to time, but most of the duties still fell on her shoulders. It’s not that she wasn’t grateful for finally having an established home, but it was hard sometimes, even with the nightmares from the attacks still lingering in her sleep.
She didn’t want to alarm Alucard, let alone the children of the village, as they all still had much on their mind. Thinking it through, talking to herself, even journaling it seemed to be mediators at best until she couldn’t hold it in any longer.
It happened on one particular day. The rains were relentless and everyone retreated into the confines of the castle for the time being. Seeing as that some work could finally be done without being called to the work outside, Greta tore endlessly through the tasks that were sprawled across her desk.
Initially it didn’t seem much at first, until pamphlet after pamphlet just begged for more of her attention. It never ended! Just for once, she would like a day to go smoothly and not have this desk over piling with material that made her ache.
With a final huff and loud grunt, Greta threw down the hundredth pencil she had gone through. Head in hands, she sighed heavily as she tried to clear her head. She wanted to do right by these people, but sometimes it had to be enough. All of these people counted on her and she couldn’t let them down, not after they’ve come so far.
Lost to her own thoughts, Greta didn’t hear him walk into her study. It wasn’t until Alucard placed his hands on her that Greta swiftly turned her head towards him. “I’m sure that those who depend on you would want you to rest. I know I would want you to.”
Greta offered him a small smile as she placed her hand over his. “I appreciate your concern, but there’s these plans today and then who knows…” She was cut off by a gentle, soft-lipped kiss on her cheek, a warm blush rising on her skin.
“It’s not that I’m telling you. I’m asking for your permission. Can you let me help? It pains me to see you like this.” The last time the ethereal dhamphir said such words to her, it saved her life and that of countless others. The look in his eyes tugged at her heartstrings.
Extending her hand out to him, and looking forward to a night of relaxation for the first time in a while, Greta let herself surrender to the care of the man who graciously chose her and kept her in his heart everyday.