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Perceptive. Observant. Curious. Those were only a few of the words The Count would use to describe her. Though he wasn't sure if it was bravery, naivety, or downright foolishness, that had her wanting him to take her on a tour of his castle. With him walking next to her. In close proximity to each other. It wasn't that he feared losing his self control. He wasn't going to just pounce on her and drain her to death… He just didn't understand why this mortal girl would want to be so close to a monster like him.
Did she really not know? Did she not realize who it was that invited her to the ball? He was feared by her little village for a reason. Surely, she heard the stories growing up. Nonetheless, despite everything, Sarah was here. The ball would be in two days and she was his guest of honor. He had agreed to show her around his castle after she excitedly requested it. This was a peasant girl, he had to remember, who hadn't been allowed outside of the inn and her father’s overprotective gaze in a few years, now. Never before had she seen architecture like this. She had never been inside such an enormous building. Krolock couldn't help but be endeared by how big her eyes became with every room he showed her, every long stretch of hallway they walked down. Her eyes were so bright. Full of wonder and life.
“I think you’d enjoy the music room.” Krolock remarked, leading her there next.
“How many rooms does your castle have, Your Excellency?” She didn't even think to ask that at the beginning.
“Hundreds.” He replied, feeling a smile tug at his lips. “You are an inquisitive, little thing. Not at all what I was expecting.”
She noted his lips twitching, observing his fangs as he spoke. They weren't a trick of the light nor had they just been imagined. Fangs clearly visible, just as they had been in her dreams. He was indeed a vampire, as she long suspected but felt no fear. He had given her no reason to be afraid yet. She blushed a light dusting of pink, and The Count felt his breath hitch. The way she looked after blood rushed to her cheeks was lovely.
“No need to be embarrassed, Sarah.” He assured her. “I admit it is… refreshing.”
Still… she didn't want to come off as a nuisance. Her papa once said that she asked too many questions. She fidgeted with the ends of the red shawl draped around her shoulders.
“I'm not bothering you with all of my-”
“-No. Your curiosity is completely warranted and understandable. It's a charming trait to have.”
He didn't miss how that remark made her turn a darker shade of pink. She appeared self conscious, nibbling on the bottom of her bottom lip as a nervous habit.
“...How long have you been kept locked up at that inn?” He was trying. Genuinely trying to converse with her. It was foreign to him. He had not tried to get to know another in quite some time. Especially one that had managed to capture his interest like her. Especially a mortal. Her brows furrowed. It had been a long time. The days, weeks, months, and eventual years had just blended together in a boring, dull, monotonous blur.
“For as long as I can remember.” She said after a few moments. “The inn has been all I have ever known… I was never allowed outside after sunset. I’m barely allowed out of my own room. Papa doesn't want any boys to talk to me, I guess.”
Krolock fought the urge to laugh. The irony of her statements was not lost on him. For all her parents did, it was not enough to protect her. But he really didn't have to entice her to come here. Normally he placed others under a trance, putting suggestions in their heads. Sarah? She wanted to come here tonight of her own accord. Her next words caused a pang of… something in his chest. An emotion he didn't think was capable of anymore.
“It’s been so lonely, if I'm being honest. I hate it."
Empathy, he realized. It was empathy he felt. He could relate. It was just himself and his beloved son in this castle. He did not make merry, he had no one to talk to outside of Herbert. Like her, he had nobody.
“...You wouldn't be lonely here.” He attempted to offer comfort. “Herbert would make a good companion for you. Admittedly, he likes men much more than women but I think he’d like you. I’ll introduce you formally after we finish the tour.”
A wave of relief washed over Sarah when the count mentioned his son liked men. She had her sights set on Krolock. She wanted no other men or boys to pursue her. That boy back at the inn- Alfred- wasn't it?- had been enough as it was. He was utterly infatuated with her but hardly knew the first thing about her. Technically, she could say the same thing about herself regarding Krolock. The difference being, she felt as though he understood her at least in some way or the other. Especially considering their next exchange, as they reached the music room.
“....My lord. I don't mean to pry, but do you ever get lonely up in this castle too?”
Lonely was an understatement, he thought. But he didn't want to show too much of his wounded heart to this mortal. And yet, it seemed they understood each other in that regard.
“Admittedly, yes. But such is the life of a count.”
“May I keep you company during the remainder of my time here, then?”
Krolock froze when they walked into the room, hardly expecting her words. He blinked in shock, lifting a brow. The girl was bold. Outwardly, his stoic facade remained. Internally, he felt greatly conflicted. On one hand, company would be nice. It gave him a chance to get to know her better. On the other, she was putting herself in danger by remaining in his presence for prolonged periods of time. It was a risk they’d both have to be willing to take.
“If it pleases you… You may.”
Sarah smiled, and if it could have, his heart would have fluttered. With a sense of shyness, she walked around the room, not touching anything. These instruments looked old. Not to mention dusty. Like nothing had been played in years. The room was spacious, with a large, grand piano in the center and even a fireplace. There were two chaises, and four more chairs for sitting. She noted a harpsichord, a violin, and a cello were among the other instruments. She found herself at the piano, admiring the craftsmanship. She didn't touch it though. It was black like the walls of the castle, with bats engraved on the case and lid. Fitting, she thought. As much as she liked what she had seen of his and Herbert's abode, she couldn't help but admit to herself it was a touch dismal. She had never seen a piano in person. She felt oh, so tempted to touch just one key, but held herself back. She didn't dare touch what wasn't hers. Krolock seemingly knew her thoughts, as he couldn't help but smirk.
“You can play if you wish, Sarah.” He offered.
It was kind of him to offer but she shook her head. “I don't know how to play. I have never picked up a musical instrument in my life.”
The words tumbled out before he could stop himself. “I could teach you.”
Her face lit up, breaking into a wide smile, that he found himself utterly endeared by. The excitement and joy on her face was undeniable and uncontrollable.
“Would you really?! Oh, I would like that very much! Wait… that means you play.”
A chuckle rumbled deeply from his chest.
“Indeed. Rather, I did. I haven't played in decades.”
Sarah’s brows furrowed. “Why?”
Krolock had simply lost motivation and interest. He had no guests to entertain anymore. Why should he? That and his own melancholia.
“I just don't see a reason any longer, I suppose,” he told her a half truth.
“Will you play something for me?” The mortal gave him a pleading, eager look that he found he couldn't resist, even if he wanted to.
The count gave another soft chuckle, relenting. “Very well, my dear. For you, I suppose I could.”
He didn't miss the way she smiled again. She was so… giddy. Happiness looked radiant on her. He sat down, giving his fingers a stretch, running his hands across the keys. It didn't matter how long it had been since he last played. He would never forget how to do so. He thought of what she could possibly like to hear, before deciding on the first movement of Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata. Evidently it was a good choice, for she closed her eyes to listen, her smile softening but still present. She pictured the moon round and full as it ascended, its light peeking through the trees, climbing still, before sitting gracefully in the sky, shining over the lakes and ponds. Krolock had forgotten how nearly serene playing his chosen instrument could be. There was a strange sense of peace that he didn't think he was capable of ever feeling again. It brought him a form of comfort to play for her. Occasionally he’d glance up to see her seemingly lost in the music. The sound washed over her, and Sarah felt as though he was speaking to her through music. As if a part of him was reaching out to her. And perhaps he was.
He wanted so desperately to love again. But what if after the ball, she saw him for what he was:
A monster. A terrible creature with an insatiable appetite, whose bloodlust never ended. A monster that would destroy her even though he didn't want to. For now, he put those thoughts away. They would see soon. Sarah gave him a glimmer of hope, however. She was here with him in his abode, showing no fear. Did she want this, he wondered? Of course she wanted to attend the ball with him that was clear, but was it immortality she wanted? Eternal life at the steep price of insatiable greed? He had never heard of a mortal willingly wanting to join the undead. Of course, he offered this 'gift' to every person he invited to the ball. He had been quite clear with his invitation to her, after all. Most of his victims over the years knew what they were getting into, when he selected them. Sarah was no exception.
His thoughts came to a crashing halt as he realized he had come to the end of the first movement. She was looking at him in a way he was highly unaccustomed to. Her dark eyes held… fondness. Her soft smile reflected this. Krolock blinked, unsure how to respond. Oh, he was used to women and men alike gazing at him lustfully. It didn't take much to lure prey in. At least he could say that despite being undead, he hadn't lost all of his once attractive features. But Sarah's eyes held no such carnal desires. Just tenderness that he had not seen since-
“You play beautifully, my lord.”
He stood from his piano, his lips trying to pull themselves into a smile. “Thank you. I admit, it was nice to play again.”
“I think you should do it more often.”
Perhaps he would take her opinion to heart. There were two more rooms of interest he wanted to show her. The library and a room that he knew she was going to love. Especially since she was never allowed out after sunset.
“Would you like to see the observatory next?” The Count asked.
Her eyes lit up with gleeful surprise. “You have an observatory?!”
She had always loved looking at the stars through her window. But it was tiresome only viewing them through the glass. She longed to go outside to observe the constellations. To breathe in the cool, crisp, air in the winter, and to bask in the comfortable breeze of spring evenings. Krolock chuckled at her enthusiasm. She was quickly becoming an utter delight. Her energy was refreshing, her dark, yet bright eyes held life. Life that he was going to have to take sooner or later.
“I do. It has a balcony outside with a telescope. You can see the moon and stars easier that way.”
Forgetting herself, Sarah grinned and tugged at his hand, and the count had to stop himself from flinching away from her touch. He didn't want to hurt her.
“Please! Show me! Lead the way, Excellency!”
“Very well. Would you like to see the library afterwards?”
She hesitated. He was about to ask why, but she answered with a question of her own.
“Will there be certain books I am forbidden to read?” He raised an eyebrow.
“Certainly not. Why should I forbid a young woman to sharpen her mind? You are more than welcome to read what you wish to your heart’s content, Sarah.”
Tension visibly left her body. She was glad to know he wouldn't be controlling like her parents. “Mama… she caught me with a copy of Frankenstein, some years ago. I was told that I shouldn't read such things, and she took it away.”
Ahh. He could see her parents being overprotective of what she read as well. From how she spoke of her father, he went too far as it was.
“You’d be pleased to know I have a copy… as well as all seven volumes of a collection of ghost stories known as Gespensterbuch, if that sort of literature interests you. All at your disposal, waiting to be read.” Krolock smirked.
Sarah smiled again and he found himself wanting to see her do that, often.
“I think I will spend as much time in the library, just as much as I will be taking baths! Ghost stories! I'm excited to read them!”
He had to hold back a laugh. This silly mortal and her baths! But he did find it endearing…
“So, you like ghost stories do you?” He inquired as they walked.
“I don't have much experience with them.” She sighed softly. “We have a maid back at the inn that was able to sneak one or two to me, and I kept them hidden as best I could. I like a little scare now and then!”
Krolock felt his smirk widening. That was not the type of information she should have willingly offered up. But better him to know this, rather than Herbert…
“Hmm. Interesting. I’ll remember that. And you're in luck, dear. I have a few ghost stories in my collection, aside from Gespensterbuch. I think you’d enjoy them.”
A surge of excitement arose in her. Now she was just as eager to see this library. But first she needed to see the stars. She wanted to see if she could identify any constellations. Make some of her own, while she was at it. The count led her to the up an exquisite, winding staircase to the higher floors, where the observatory was. He had caught sight of her eyes flitting to him when she thought he wouldn't notice. More than likely, she liked what she saw. He said nothing about it but was amused by her occasional bashful expression. He too found her gorgeous. Not since before he lost her, had Krolock seen such beauty. Her eyes landed on his hands, admiring the rings that adorned his fingers. Three of them were impressively sized. They would never fit on her, she thought. He thought it odd that she was not repulsed by his hands. His nails that were more like claws, sharpened to fine points, just like his fangs. She wasn't like other mortals he met.
She had thoughts of playing with his hair, running her fingers through it, perhaps even braiding it. Yes, it was grey, not as thick and full looking as it may have been when he was still human, but it was… well, she still found it pretty. Was that the word she was searching for? She wasn't certain. But she knew she liked it very much. All the other men and boys in the village kept their hair short. It was a nice change. Krolock speaking again nearly startled her from her thoughts.
“After you, Sarah.” He held the door to the observatory open for her. She hadn't even noticed they reached their destination.
She stepped inside, intrigued by what she saw. There were three bookshelves that lined the back wall. A desk and chair, to the left of the room, a large sheet of parchment paper hung on the right wall, with a hand drawn picture of stars. Constellations on closer inspection. What caught her attention immediately, however, was the large, iron, french style door that led outside to the balcony with the telescope. She approached the door, looking at the skies and snow covered landscape from behind the glass, pressing her palm against it briefly, before the cold caused her to jerk away. Krolock’s voice came from behind her but she saw no reflection in the glass.
“...I can see your footprints leading to the gates.”
“I can too,” she acknowledged. “I'm shocked I made it that far before I collapsed and fainted.”
Had Herbert not been out there when he was, Sarah would have surely froze.
“You're resilient.” The count hummed.
She drew away from the door, afraid that the cold from even the glass might seep back into her bones. Yet she wanted to go out. Krolock seemed to know this.
“We can step out briefly, if you’d like,” he offered.
She shook her head, pulling her shawl tighter around her shoulders. “I would love to but…”
“You don't need to fear the cold. I will keep you warm.” His words made her turn to face him.
He opened his cloak, and she understood. A wave of apprehension stirred inside of him. Things were getting considerably risky. This was the closest they’d been, and when he felt her smaller body radiating its warmth, as she all but pressed her back against him, his breath caught in his throat for the second time that night. His cloak closed around her, and despite The Count having no body heat, the heaviness made up for it. A smile ghosted his lips as he observed how smaller she looked. Had she been wearing it, it would have looked as though she were practically swimming in it.
“Thank you,” she laughed softly. “I think I’ll be fine like this.”
When Krolock unfastened the latch on the door and pushed it open, the chill greeted her, but not nearly as terribly as it would have without the cloak. It shielded her from the worst. Her breath could be seen in puffs; another reminder of how alive she was, compared to him.
“It's gorgeous.” She breathed. “The way the moon glistens over the snow! Oh, the stars…”
Her enthusiasm was refreshing, he thought. She was so happy to see the beauty of nightfall coupled with the snow, it was hard not to be charmed by her joy.
“Quite the sight, isn't it?” He murmured.
The moon had not shied away from him tonight. She and the stars had shown themselves for Sarah, he mused internally to himself. His thoughts nearly turned melancholic as usual but her voice broke him away.
“I think I can make out some constellations. I sometimes hear travelling sailors talk about them, when they stop for a rest at the inn.”
He found himself intrigued. She was a stargazer too, it would seem.
“There's ursa minor,” she pointed out, “I think I see major…”
Krolock nodded. “Yes, there's major. It's always in the same spot. Have you heard of Draco? The dragon that winds above minor?”
Sarah gasped excitedly. “No! Show me?”
“Right there,” he smiled genuinely. “Follow my finger. See how it's winding above minor?”
The mortal was beaming, incredibly happy to have another constellation brought to her attention. “It does look like a dragon!”
The cold was hardly a concern to her. The cloak was doing its job, and she was far too excited to worry about it. She was silent for a few moments, finding shapes in the stars.
“Look over here,” she pointed upwards to her left. “It's a bat!”
Krolock blinked. Did he hear her correctly? A bat? Nonetheless, his sharp eyes followed where she was pointing.
“I see it.” He chuckled. “Bats don't frighten you?” “
No,” Sarah shook her head. “I think it's silly to be frightened of such a small animal. Really, they're probably more frightened of us, than we are of them. Papa tries to hit them with a broom when he sees one fly too close to the inn. I won't let him. I really don't think they’re harmful creatures.”
Both of his eyebrows raised. Normally women screamed- and a few even fainted in his experience- at the sight of a bat. Her compassion for them stirred an unfamiliar warmth in his chest.
“Do you have any other constellations that you’ve come up with?” He asked.
“A few more,” she nodded. “I can still make out my flower. A book. There's one over to the right that looks like a tree.”
Such a creative little mortal… She’d make a wonderful artist of sorts. I can't recall the last time I had such a spirited guest within my walls. She’s… magnificent. Radiant. He found that he was smiling again as he listened to her. She was the first to cause him to do so in over a century.
“You know, I think I can make out a wolf.” He remarked.
“Where?” She grinned.
“The far right. Above the trees.” She squinted, but after a moment she could see what vaguely looked like a wolf, sitting above the forest.
“I see it!” She acknowledged, the delight in her voice almost infectious.
Krolock saw the reflection of stars in her eyes, admiring how lovely they looked. Sternkind. Yes, that little term of endearment fit her like a glove. She might as well have been a child of the stars. Her fascination and passion for constellations was adorable, really. A gust of wind caused her to shudder, and without thinking, the vampire placed her hands on her shoulders, pulling her closer to him to shelter her from the unforgiving chill of winter. He expected her to struggle, to resist, but she did not. He held her against himself, and she looked up at him with a grateful expression. His heart would have skipped a beat.
“Perhaps we should go in,” Krolock advised. “We wouldn't want you getting cold again, would we?”
Despite her disappointment, she agreed. It was indeed bitterly cold and she didn't want to get sick before the ball. He led her back inside, keeping her wrapped in his cloak, despite the castle being warmer. Herbert always insisted on having all of the fireplaces going, if only because he liked how the wood crackled.
“Come, Sternkind. The library has a fireplace that you can warm yourself by while you find yourself something thrilling to read.” Oh, how lovely that sounded, Sarah thought. A book next to a cozy fire was just what she needed. She noted the new term of endearment he referred to her as, and she smiled to herself. Carefully, the two made their way back down the staircase, as she was still happily wrapped in his cloak. He would never tell her to get out of it. It gave her joy- as well as probably made her feel safe- and admittedly, The Count was enjoying the closeness. Her body heat vaguely reminded him of the sun, and he didn't mind that. Rather, he practically savored it. He had never met a mortal like her in all of his long centuries. He wanted to know her. More than just her desire to see the world and escape her dull, monotonous life. He knew that much. But it was the little things he was learning about her tonight that left him hungry for more. They reached the entrance to the library, Sarah's smile widening at the pair of large, oaken doors that were slightly ajar. She could hardly contain herself.
“May I?” She looked up at Krolock, her eagerness was highly palpable.
For the second time that night, he felt his smile reach his eyes. “By all means. Go on, Sternkind.”
Sarah all but rushed from his cloak, and through the doors, met with the impressive sight of the castle library. She stopped for a moment to take it all in. It was easily the biggest room in the castle. So many shelves! So many books! And there were no limitations as to what she was allowed to read! There was a ground floor and second floor she noticed, with ladders to reach books on higher shelves. There were plenty of comfortable areas to sit in with chaise lounges, cushions, and some canapés. Some of the seating had been acquired by The Count during his early travels. And Herbert insisted on comfort in order to be able to spend time in his favorite room in his home.
“Ah, vati!” The aforementioned vampire’s voice rang out. “Showing our lovely guest around, I take it?” He flipped his cloak, and strode over to the two from the second floor, a grin on his face.
“Oh, it's you!” She exclaimed softly upon seeing the one who aided her, much earlier. So she remembered that, Herbert thought. He figured when she fainted that her memory would be foggy, but this was not the case.
“Yes it is!” Herbert responded with a flourish. “How are you doing, darling? Much warmer and better I hope!”
She nodded. “Yes, thank you! All those blankets, a meal, and a bath earlier, helped very much!”
He knew she would be alright. Any mortal that determined to reach his father's castle had an indomitable will to survive even the most dire of situations. Still… she was aware that she was in the home of two vampires, wasn't she? Before he could say another word, Krolock beat him to it.
“Sarah, this is my son, Herbert. I think you two will get along well.”
He didn't know it at the time, but they would do more than just get along. He had just introduced his son to the friend he’d been looking for, for decades. True, she wouldn't be a lover like Herbert longed for, but it was still someone to talk to and have some fun with. He knew his son. He wouldn't bite Sarah. His self control was… not great, when it came to prey but to call her mere prey would be an insult. Not only that, but Herbert would never bite the young lady that was clearly his father’s. Krolock made it apparent while she rested and recovered from her treacherous journey here, that she was to be his at the upcoming ball. Nobody else could touch her.
“I hate to leave so soon after the tour Sarah, but I have some preparations to make for the ball. Herbert, keep her company. Show her where the ghost stories are.”
He glanced at his son, who saw a flicker of.. something in The Count’s eyes. Vulnerability? No, that couldn't be it… Could it? Keeping her company was not up for debate, that much Herbert could tell. The mortal looked at Krolock with a hint of disappointment. He was leaving so soon? She had hoped to spend a little more time together. He approached, tucking a stray curl behind her ear. His touch lingered longer than necessary.
“I’ll be around, Sternkind. You will see me again.”
Yes, but when? He was partly why she had risked her life to reach the castle. She wanted to meet, to know the man that had been speaking to her in her dreams. The man who stood before her as she bathed, promising to make her a woman, promising to take her away from this old, predictable, dull life. She wanted to be near him. They held eye contact for a few, brief moments, before Krolock withdrew his hand and turned to exit. As Herbert watched from the side, he suddenly knew what was happening. Why his father had to leave so soon. Of course… he couldn't help but smirk, watching the older vampire walk out. He never thought he’d see the night. He didn't think his father was capable.
“Well, Sarah!” He grinned, clasping his hands together, “allow me to show you where the ghost stories are!” Herbert, having no concept of personal space, wrapped a companionable arm around her shoulder, ushering her to the second floor. “Such interesting tastes in literature for a young lady, if I may say so! They're riveting, yes, but I much rather prefer romance novels!”
She giggled. Oh, he would be fun.
Meanwhile, Krolock was hastily retreating to the crypt. Not to make preparations but to contemplate. To think. He felt as though he was starting to go mad. He thought the lingering warmth in his chest had been from her body heat. When it didn't leave, he understood what it was. Affection. Genuine affection towards this mortal. Not just affection, why try to lie or deny it? Fondness. He paced, trying to make sense of it all. She had to know what he was. He had not missed how her eyes would occasionally flit to his fangs. She knew what she had gotten herself into, and still did not fear him or the impending bite and transformation, when she really should have. Melancholia washed over him. His thoughts turned to the past. The pastor's daughter… The emperor's page… His own wife… the first time he drew blood. The first time he killed, without wanting to. To this night, he still remembered the cry of pain she uttered when his fangs sunk into her throat. Every last one of his romantic endeavors ended in bloodshed and tragedy. He wanted to love again. He had known that for years though the cold reality was, it just wasn't possible. He didn't want to kill, to destroy, yet he had no choice.
How could Sarah ever want to be with a creature such as him? One that crawled, one that was held by the chains of an insatiable appetite? And yet… she had braved fierce cold, a forest full of wolves and other wild beasts to come to his castle. To find him. The thought made his head spin. Yes, he was interested in her, yes she was a charming, little thing, but he feared what he would do. He couldn't get close to her like that again. It was too big of a chance. Too big of a risk, no matter how much self control he prided himself on. He’d be cordial, but he would keep his distance from this point going forward. The piano lessons he promised her could wait until after her turning. It was a wonder his instincts hadn't overrode everything else. It was her desire for freedom that resonated with him. He wished for freedom as well, though differently than her of course.
But he still could give it to her. Krolock sighed heavily, pressing his back against the stone wall. His still heart was heavy, just as it always was. The ghosts had come back to haunt him tonight. They would forever be in the back of his mind. Waiting to remind him of what he was. The Count took a few minutes to recompose himself and then exited the crypt. He had to focus. He had to prepare a room for Sarah. And she would get only the finest, most luxurious bedding. He pushed himself off of the wall, exited the crypt, and went to find a suitable room and blankets. When he finished, sure that she would find the room to her liking, he went to fetch her. It was getting late, she was not a night bird like himself or Herbert, and she needed plenty of rest. To his surprise when he entered the library, he saw that she was asleep, sitting on a chaise, book closed, laying next to her, with a strip of ribbon marking where she left off. The Viscount grinned when he saw his father.
“She fell asleep while reading the first volume of Gespensterbuch," Herbert chuckled softly, keeping his voice low. “I marked her book for her. She's adorable, father. She had so many questions before she settled in to read.”
Krolock gave his son a puzzled glance. “Questions? About what? The ball?”
“Well, a little. But mostly about vampires. She's smart. Very sharp.”
The older vampire glanced over at the sleeping Sarah, observing her for a moment. He had been correct.
“So, she knows what we are?”
Herbert nodded. “Yes. But she said she hasn't felt threatened or afraid.”
Krolock sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “That's… good, I suppose. …Do you think she’ll like the dress I chose for her?”
Strange. Where did such a wondering come from? Oh, he knew of course, but it was still so new to him.
Herbert raised an eyebrow, giving his father a knowing smile. “I'm sure she will. I think red will look lovely on her. The shawl and boots already do.”
Krolock stole another glance at her. How peaceful she looked. Yet that couldn't be a comfortable position for her. She needed to be moved to her bed, but he didn't want to wake her. The poor girl needed rest. She had to have been exhausted.
“I need to move her.” He muttered, approaching her sleeping form.
He hesitated, however. Did he not resign himself to keep a respectable distance until after the ball? He sighed, figuring that if he carried her once this night and didn't lose control, he could do it one last time. The Count scooped her up, cradling her in his arms. If the size difference between her and himself wasn't already apparent, it was now. It almost got a chuckle out of him. She was so small compared to him. As he carried her to her room, Herbert couldn't help but to give a soft laugh.
“I don't think I’ve ever seen you this smitten.” He teased.
Krolock gave his son a warning glare, lightly chiding him. “Hush.”
This did not deter the Viscount. “You are!” He continued to quietly prod. “Don't think I’ve missed the way you look at her!”
Krolock said nothing, only scowling, not appreciating being teased. They reached her room, The Count pulling the blankets over her, so she’d stay warm. Automatically, he reached down to wipe her hair from her face, not realizing what he was doing until he did, withdrew his hand, hastily. The other vampire watched from the doorway, intrigued and amused. When his father exited, softly closing the door behind him, Herbert gave him a wide grin.
“Don't start.”
The blonde giggled. “You're attracted to her! You're romantically interested in her!”
The older vampire sighed, irritated with Herbert’s antics, rubbing his face. “Vater, I think you should pursue it. She's attracted to you too, you know.”
Krolock thought as much. She wasn't good at hiding it. Though his son’s suggestion gave him pause. He spoke again after considering Herbert’s words.
“I know you mean well. I know you wish to see me happy, but you know it can't work. I'm damning her to be as we are. Vampires are not capable of love.”
“Oh, so you're saying you don't love me, papa?” Herbert pouted playfully, giving his father a doe eyed look.
Krolock merely scowled again, unamused. “You know what I mean. Romance is a foreign concept to us. It isn't possible.”
The Viscount snorted. “I refuse to believe such nonsense! I haven't given up on finding the right man!”
You never will, my beloved son. Like myself, you will condemn or murder every time.
“Papa… please try. I know this must be frightening for you but what if, one time, things turned out alright? She’d bring you joy, I know she would! She is a delight!”
That she was. And damn him for being so accurate. It was frightening. It was almost distressing.
“We shall see how it goes. If only to prove my point. I do not hold any naive hopes but if you are right, I will never doubt you again.”
His pointed nails softly scratched at Herbert’s scalp as he started to walk towards the door that led outside to the graveyard. He needed to contemplate. The younger vampire relented, knowing when his father needed space. But he felt that Krolock was being dramatic in his humble opinion. From how she spoke in the library to him in the library, Sarah highly implied that she knew that she was to be bitten and transformed. But it seemed she would be getting what she wanted. The Viscount admired her bravery. Krolock did as well. The Count's footsteps were silent, even in the snow as he walked through the graveyard. In two nights the other vampires would awaken and they would be hungry… But they wouldn't touch her. That he would make damn sure of. He didn't want any of the rest of them to drink from her. No, that was his honor, and his alone. His remark to Herbert a few moments earlier about having no hope had been a lie. Both to him and himself. Sarah had managed to stir emotions that he didn't think he could feel anymore. She had even made him feel a few, fleeting moments of happiness. His heart had been dead for an incredibly long time, but now? Now it felt as though it had been awoken back to life.
He found himself drawn to her in ways he could not explain. He knew some of it was her spirited nature. The Count sighed, sitting on a stone bench, gazing back up at the sky. The moon and stars had yet to hide themselves from him. Until then, he sat there, looking at constellations and making up new ones. Ones he would be sure to show her tomorrow night. Perhaps it was time to take his son's suggestion. This last time, he would open his heart. He would allow himself to feel what he had been afraid of and what he had tried to repress. It was a decision that impacted him and Sarah in the best possible way. She would have her Count. And he would have his Sternkind.