The things he saw were a blur, like someone had smeared paint across a canvas and obscured the image beneath. There was a voice he could hear and it was talking to him, he was replying. He felt like his eyes were rolling into the back of his head, he knew he had taken on this particular poison before but this was magically tainted. It was causing a reaction within him as though he had never been pricked by the plant before. He had trained for this, trained for wolfsbane and given himself increasing doses until he deemed it satisfactory. But it had been in vain, it had not worked and here he lay in his own captive’s arms. How incredibly weak.

He could feel the pull of something, making him feel so tired that he threw himself at it. Accepting the blissful rest it offered him, the hazy image of Caoilfhionn looking down at him faded out of existence.

–

He had spent the last three hours attempting to organise the next seasonal royal event, a welcoming of the Spring. It was an annual tradition, one that his father never fretted over, leaving it to his son to decide upon the specifics. Every year, Alucard knew he did an impeccable job by the way the kingdom’s people danced in their courtyards and the noblemen drank in the castle halls. He had yet to throw an event that wasn’t as grandiose as himself.

Requiring a touch of fresh air, Alucard had set about pondering about the gardens, a regular occurrence. It helped him clear his mind of not only the stress but of the rambling of his father that echoed within his head. Talk of succession, of a climb to unimaginable power. A description Alucard always thought was an oxymoron due to the very fact that his father could in fact, imagine this power.

Everything his father did was rather ironic, outcasting the unusual and supernatural but clawing after the magical power they possessed. It made very little sense in his mind, he supposed it was because he was so far removed from his father’s ideals that he sometimes wondered if he had truly sired him. His mother was a beauty, as was Alucard, a lovely duo. He couldn’t imagine a world where his mother would choose someone such as Herald, then again he was the king so there was probably very little choice on his mother’s part.

Alucard swept his way around a sharper bend in the path, casting his pale eyes over the tops of the flowers that bloomed eternally. Kept alive by this magic that his father apparently hated so much. He almost missed it, consumed with admiring the beauty of the environment. The flash of hair in the rows of planters, one that looked remarkably similar to that little thing he was supposed to marry.

Making his way towards that part of the garden, Alucard turned to find the mage sitting on the floor with that royal guard in his lap. For a second, Alucard was alarmed at the idea they were stealing away in the beauty of the garden, that the guard had snagged the pretty thing for himself. But then, he saw that Faelin’s eyes were closed, his breathing ragged and his shirt was almost sweated through. What had this little creature done to his father’s top guard?

“And what have I found here?” Alucard’s voice flowed from his lips gracefully, a bemused smirk rising to his features as he stepped closer to the pair. “I don’t suppose you have managed to incapacitate my right hand without magic now, have you? He is a tough man, what did you do to him?” He stopped right in front of Caoilfhionn’s feet, staring down at Faelin who looked positively awful. He waited a moment, contemplating his next move, as loathsome as he found the guard, he was very useful. Even if he was a glorified attack dog.

At the end of the path he had turned down, two young female servants were trailing after him, ever present and ready to assist the prince in whatever he might need. They were waiting by the mouth of the path that led towards the castle, he raised a hand towards them without looking up and spoke confidently.

“Go fetch Arla, she is needed here.” His voice was harsher, more commanding in the way he spoke to the two women rather than the person before him. His pale hair looked as though it was glowing in the crisp light, allowed to hang freely without being pulled up. It sat almost at his hips, draped over his arms and shoulders.

Alucard considered the image before him, it was an interesting find. While he had requested that his new paramour be taken on a small tour while he attended to business, this was not what he thought would occur. Now that he dwelled on it, his father’s dog did look a little pallored this morning in the throne room. His voice had quivered, very unlike himself, and then when that woman had appeared he had skittered backwards like a scared child. All very unlike Sir Faelin, if he had any mind to talk on such matters, he didn’t particularly care. He needed him to live, that was the only value to the prince.

The delicate thing that was holding him however, that was an entirely different story. Whilst he saw the practical use of his father’s plans to inject magic into their bloodline, he couldn’t help but think back to the many books he had perused and their tales of tainting the purity of magic. Even dark intentions were enough to unsettle the wild beast of the arcane.

Alucard stood eerily still, watching the mage blabber his words out. Curious that this man would glean so much from such a short encounter with Faelin. He knew of these creatures being able to sense each other, but he had not witnessed it with his own eyes until that very moment. His expression did not give away the ticking of thoughts behind his eyes as he looked down at the pair. He waved a hand dismissively before crossing his arms over himself slowly, glancing up to where he could now see Arla’s approach as she hurriedly scampered down the path.

“Oh yes, well, his origins.” He hummed lightly, returning his gaze to Caoilfhionn. “He was a farmboy before he became a knight, I am sure he has had many a run in with poisons before with that background.” He completely glazed over the meaning behind what the mage had said, just then Arla had arrived and began her ministrations. She began muttering about rules and rubbish, to which he dismissed and she slipped the potion between Faelin’s waiting lips.

It seemed to do the trick as the oaf began to relax further into the mage’s lap, a fact that Alucard was not all too keen on. Swiftly, he offered his hand for Caoilfhionn to take. It was accepted, a surprise, considering the circumstances this other man was facing, Alucard had expected an insult or to be completely ignored. Either way, he was pleased. Even more so when Caoilfhionn tripped and the prince dipped his arm down to secure around his waist. It was firm to the touch, the muscles that lay beneath the pretty clothing his house had wrapped him in, a treat indeed.

He looked down at Caoilfhionn, his naturally narrow eyes glittering with all the kindness and interest in the word. “I believe I owe you dinner?” He hummed, keeping his hand firmly on his waist as he looked down at Faelin. His expression twisted to one more akin to disgust, even if it was a subtle expression with the twitch of a lip and an eyebrow.

“See to it that he is awake and well to attend my quarters within the next hour, I require him.” He ordered, not bothering to look at the medicine woman who began uttering her understanding as she checked over the guard’s vitals, seeming to be happy with them as she waited for assistance.

Alucard looked at the chain that linked the captive to the guard and furrowed his brow, momentarily releasing Caoilfhionn in favour of crouching down quickly to swipe his hand around the waist of Faelin. In the blink of an eye, he snaked his hand around the chain and it obeyed without objection, curling around his fingers like a serpent before settling within his grasp.

“Shall we?” Alucard lifted himself elegantly, returning his free hand to Caoilfhionn’s waist to guide him back towards the castle.

It had taken the better part of fifteen minutes to reach his chambers, they were not only on the other side of the castle but they were high in the spires. An entire tower dedicated to the prince, secluded and perfect for his studies. Where he would not be disturbed by anyone, especially not his father, no, King Herald would never climb so many stairs.

His personal chambers were at the pinnacle of his spire, with large windows that took up one third of the room to give the occupants a wide view of the estate grounds below. Alucard pushed open the wooden door and gestured for Caoilfhionn to enter before him with a gracious incline of his head. Within there were towering shelves of books and papers, but in the centre was a plush chaise longue before an already roaring fire. In front of the seat was a short table, prepared with silver goblets and wine, awaiting their arrival.

“Now, forgive me, I never got the pleasure of asking your name. It was rather…dramatic this morning, so I was unfortunately rather distracted.” Alucard moved further into the room, it was cavernous with two archways that led to other parts of his chambers. He knew it led to a bedroom and the other an absolutely luxurious bathing house. Yet, he moved towards the chaise and leaned down to collect the bottle of wine, looking down his nose at the label to appraise the vintage. Deeming it adequate, he placed it softly back down on the table, he looked across the space to where Caoilfhionn was waiting.

“Please, do join me.” He offered with a disarming smile before settling onto the seat himself, his back now turned towards the mage. Still poised as ever, Alucard leaned forwards to collect the bottle and a goblet, pouring out the heady red liquid. It pulled an appreciative purr from his chest as the scent of spices washed over him, a lovely bottle this was.

Once he poured the serving, he held the spine of the cup between his long fingers and kept it extended in offering. Glancing over his narrow shoulder towards Caoilfhionn, expecting him to saunter over and take the beverage for himself.

The weight of the chalice was removed from his hand as the mage took it from him, seating himself upon the other end of the chaise. Alucard refrained from pouring his own drink, instead he leaned back into the high back of the chair and draped an arm airily over the back of it. He watched the bob of Caoilfhionn’s throat as he tasted the fine gift he had bestowed upon him, unashamed in his blatant appreciation for the way it looked.

When the lilting voice came again, Alucard slowly perused his way up from the expanse of his neck to meet his gaze once more. Rather pleased with the politeness that was being used, including the moniker that stroked his ego just right. The question was spoken with genuine interest, it amused the prince that his unwilling fiance was being so demure. He half expected it to be a ploy, so that those sweet hands could tear through his chest and rip out his heart. He was no fool, he knew that this man did not wish to be here, he was being polite out of survival not genuine interest in the prince.

“It’s an import, from overseas.” He answered frankly, almost jolting forwards to pluck the bottle of wine from the table. He raised it to his lips, not bothering with the nuisance of a chalice and let the warmed liquid cascade down his throat. Bathing his tongue in the exotic flavours, humming his pleasure at the sensation before pulling the bottle away and resting it on his thigh. A small amount of red pilled on his lips, which Alucard swiftly took care of with a clean sweep of his tongue.

“I believe it comes from the deserts of Cefros, I hear that they are quite the collection of artisans. They produce some of the finest wine to ever grace my tongue.” His words held a sultry undertone, eyes blinking slowly as he spoke to Caoilfhionn. “Have you ever been to Cefros?” He inquired, gliding his middle finger along the neck of the wine bottle, back and forth as he waited for the response.

“They have rather fine women too, all long limbs and pretty faces.” He added after a heartbeat, allowing his gaze to drop from Caoilfhionn’s staring eyes to drag over the rest of him. Noting the way the shirt fell around his collarbones, the smallest indents that gave away the form beneath them, on the other hand, the trousers did not leave much to the imagination. “If that’s your sort of thing.” Alucard finished dryly, still letting his eyes take him on an adventure across the form before him.

There was a quaintness to this man. He looked as though he could barely lift his own arms, not for lack of musculature but that was simply the air around him. But then there were his eyes, now those were not the eyes of a weak man. Alucard pulled his attention up to see those captivating colours, perfectly happy with staring into them, watching the reflection of the fire dance within them.

A knock against the door came soon after, which Alucard allowed to enter, expecting exactly what walked through. A servant with a small platter of tiny entrees, a mixture of cuisines just in case this mage was a picky eater. The servant placed it on the table before them, they hovered for a moment and it caused Alucard to snap his neck away from the beauty before him and frown. He lifted his hand that clutched the bottle and freed three of his fingers, waving in dismissal which the servant quickly followed and exited the room.

Finding himself rather famished, Alucard moved to place the bottle of wine back on the table, not before taking another mouthful of the lovely liquid. Plucking one of the finger food items from the platter and leaning back comfortably into the chaise, holding it before him before placing it on his tongue. Enveloping it, the soft pastry base melted in his mouth, releasing the flavour within. He was used to this kind of food and was most interested in watching Caoilfhionn’s reaction to it all. So far, he was keeping himself well stitched together despite the rather confronting ordeal he was being faced with.

“Are they up to your standard, Caoilfhionn?” He waited until the mage had tried a bite himself, allowing him to savour the taste before speaking. Tilting his head towards the side, the movement caused a portion of his long silken hair to fall deliciously over his shoulder.

His father did not like the style he had chosen, but Alucard could not care less what his father thought. They barely saw each other, so what did it matter if the prince enjoyed his beauty? If he possessed the ability to look as though God himself had sired him, why would he not embrace it?

It was a lovely sight to see the man perk up at the mention of places far from here, perhaps it was a mite cruel to talk about places he would likely never visit again. At least, as frequently as he seemed to now. Nevertheless, Alucard watched in quiet contentment as the mage spoke about the places and the food he enjoyed most. It was even more delightful to hear Caoilfhionn bring up his preference for the men of Lieaes, pleased to hear that the other man seemed to have a taste for that persuasion. At least Alucard did not have to convince him to be interested in him, the thought was only encouraged by the salacious way Caoilfhionn was observing him.

The hand that held the end of the chain twirled the free end between its fingers, where his arm was draped over the back of the chair his hand had dipped behind it. This entire exchange was proceeding far smoother than he had anticipated, much to his satisfaction, it was much less work than he had thought it would be. He always loved when he had less work to do.

“The kitchens are open for your use, then.” Alucard decided quickly. “I shall inform the staff of your interest and that they must give you permission to enter whenever you most please.” He spoke the truth, he would allow the man to continue his interest in cooking, even if it was something small he could offer to the trapped animal. “So long as I get to taste everything you create.” Alucard finished with the catch, a slow smile extending across his face as he kept his head ever so slightly tilted to the side.

He did not miss the glint of sharpened fangs within that prettily painted mouth, he wondered about how they felt. When the mage attacked and when he savoured, he wondered what the difference would be in sensation. Alucard ruminated on that thought as he moved to pluck another piece from the tray and swallowed it readily, not caring for the craftsmanship as he was used to this level of fine dining.

The time passed with a smooth feeling, he had courted many a man and woman, he had the expertise to seduce and command. Yet, he found himself enjoying this surface level conversation more than he had expected, the undercurrent of their conversation was a mere suggestion in their tones. Nothing explicitly spoken between them about the circumstances of their meeting tonight.

Another knock came on the door and he allowed them entry, however this time it was not a slave but the tall form of Faelin. In his hands he balanced two more platters, proceeding to walk into the room the tremble in his legs was absent now. Tipping the plates onto the table, he stepped back from the pair to look between them. Alucard wordlessly offered up the end of the chain to the guard, he knew his father had commanded him to take full responsibility for the mage. He would ask for it if he did not give it to him.

“Your Highness.” Faelin offered, his voice carried the crackle it had before, the remnants of his internal damage. He took the chain between his fingers and hooked it around his own wrist, preferring that to its previous position, it was too close to his sword when it was on his belt.

Faelin said nothing more, sliding towards the side of the room, not too far from the chair. Positioning himself as though he were not there, eyes glazing as he tried to look at anything but the two men in front of him. The air had been heavy when he entered, the fire causing the room to rise to a warmth he had not expected but clearly the pair had become accustomed to.

Alucard’s eyes trailed after the guard silently, watching the way he was trying so desperately to not meet his prince’s gaze. Finally, he decided he had stared enough and turned his attention to the food the man had brought with him. He removed his arm from the back of the chair to look over the main course, it wasn’t much larger than the entree plate, and in all honesty he had no desire to eat it. The glistening, sugar encrusted treats were far more tempting. They paired well with the wine, a contrast to the heaviness of the liquor, a fresh fruit with a dip of honey would be delightful.

Deciding upon exactly that, Alucard took the bottle of wine and drank readily before turning his attention to the food. He used a finger and his thumb to pick up a strawberry, the juiciest red colour, they must be in season somewhere. The small ramiken of honey was what he chose to sink the fruit into, raising it out coated in the syrupy liquid. He cared not that when he moved it towards his mouth that a string of the sticky honey trailed after it, he did not have to clean it.

His tongue emerged from his lips and he pressed the berry onto it, humming his pleasure at the exquisite combination. Slowly, he closed his lips around the fruit and began to chew. He could feel the eyes of Faelin upon him now, but it was only a distraction from the view before him.

“Please, eat whatever you desire. I have a craving for the sweet at the moment, forgive my skipping of the main event.” Alucard mused, looking over at Caoilfhionn through his almost white lashes, he had noticed that the mage had a similar affliction. His lashes were not the dark of the common, they were like his, a paler matching of their hair. It was a lovely thing to notice.

He was pleased that his peace offering had been accepted, it seemed as though the mage was smitten with the idea of being allowed to continue a hobby. So simple. Simplicity was usually all anything ever needed. Alucard’s eyes watched him as he moved to draw in the remnants of his goblet, letting Caoilfhionn decide upon his next move himself. He had not missed the doe-eyed expression locked onto his face when he had eaten, it was amusing to watch the conflict happening behind those oddly coloured eyes.

The inner turmoil did not last long, as Caoilfhionn worked his fingers at the buttons of his shirt, letting it fall slack around his shoulders. One eyebrow raised, he pulled his line of sight up from where that lovely flesh had been exposed to peer into Caoilfhionn’s eyes as he spoke. He thought it was a brilliant turn of events, however he did not voice his own thoughts on the matter, he simply offered a smile in return as the mage moved towards the table once again.

“Please, make yourself comfortable. I would hate for you to be too warm.” His reply came easily, gracious in his inflection. He would not snuff out the fire though, not when it promised more of this flushed skin for him to admire.

Now it was Alucard’s turn to watch in quiet interest as that sweet was pushed between his lips, melting onto them and disrupting the red make up there. He wondered how difficult it would be to get that red out of his white robes. No matter, it wasn’t his job to know how to do that.

“Unfortunately, I do not know what they are called.” He spoke slowly, watching every move that Caoilfhionn made with a predatory gaze, only breaking his concentration to look over at the next item of food he was talking about.

“Ah, I am sure if you ask the kitchen they will inform you.” He offered up, he hadn’t the foggiest idea where these things came from. Alucard bothered with knowing about wine because it was important to know what you were talking about when hosting, the food wasn’t exactly a big social talking point for the nobles. For they all dined on the same expensive dishes as one another, it was exotic wines and people they enjoyed talking about.

With a start, Alucard leaned towards the table and deftly picked up another candied cherry, holding it delicately by the end of the stick. Crashing back down into the chaise, he pulled his leg up onto the chair. The one that was closest to Caoilfhionn, resting his thigh on the seat whilst his ankle rested on his opposite knee. He held the cherry out towards Caoilfhionn, keeping it close enough to himself that he hoped his intentions were read well.

“Would you like another, Caoilfhionn?” Alucard’s voice was soft, teasing. He bobbed the cherry lightly before holding it still once again. Perhaps this would work, perhaps it would not. Either way, he could try his best to coax the pretty little thing closer towards him.

Alucard always had an interest in the occult, he thought they were beautiful creatures in their own right. Despite their strange anatomies and their odd customs, he could greatly appreciate the difference as something to admire rather than discourage. That went for Caoilfhionn as well and he made no attempt to withhold his emotions from playing within his eyes as he waited patiently.

Faelin remained stationed not too far away, forcing himself to keep his eyes on anything but this strange display before him. Moving between the large windows, the fire and the table. He would rather be in his own quarters fast asleep, but no. He was here watching some sort of lust-driven exchange after collapsing. Gods, how he wished he was a blacksmith. This was becoming exhausting, not only physically but his mind couldn’t take much more of these theatrics.

He made the fatal mistake of glancing back towards his ward just as he was letting that honeyed fruit touch his lips. The light of the fire cast a beautiful glimmer on his now exposed neck and collarbones, he found himself staring in abject fascination. When had he taken on such an uncouth look with his clothing? Then came the low sound of appreciation and Faelin’s muscles dry taut. He didn’t know why, but he couldn’t look away from him.

There was a whispering in his mind, nothing he could understand, but it was there and he could feel its pressure. It wanted him to go closer, to get a better look. He didn’t move, but the hand on his sword tightened in an attempt to release some of the tension within himself.