I’m hashing out some idea’s to keep this ball moving, just wanted to show some dialogue I’m working on. Let me know where I can improve!! I don’t seem to know how to comma well...at all....like...bruh
She breathed slowly through her nose, attempting to contain her anger. Placing an insistent hand on his Integra sat straight, “Neither of us truly care for our current arrangement, but in doing so we both sought to gain something. I must care for these people as I care for my own, but in order to do that we must cooperate. Your lands are being returned to you, and I will be elevated to the title of Queen to guide my kingdom. All of this” she gave a loose gesture to the air, “Is the result of something much bigger than you or I, it is a necessary sacrifice, why is it that you are making it so difficult for me to complete my duties?” his gaze dropped to her small hand across his, she noticed this and continued, “What is it that you need from me?
“How is your foot” he continued to focus on her hand which began to twitch at the mention of her recent injury.
“Better, but it will need more time to heal...why do you ask?” why was he bringing that up at a time like this?
He leaned towards her, his chair creaking as his weight shifted the legs, and gently laid his boot upon her injured foot. A hiss escaped her lips and she attempted to jerk away from the table, only to have Vlad grab her wrist and apply more pressure on her foot. “You are not going to sit here and breathe to falsehoods to my face. You crave power just as much as I, your ego thrives when you are in control and you cannot deny that. Do you know the havoc I could wreak on your precious people, how much freedom I allow you when you speak to me? If this were just about your people you would have been content with your position of an idle wife. No, you risk all of that for your pride, boast about duty and sacrifice all you want but remember while you sat in your castle looking down upon me from a safe distance, I snapped your loyal subject’s neck and left him choking on his own blood and bone.
Her face displayed her furry as she tried to snatch away from him, only her expression to draw up in pain with the constant pressure from him boot.
“You know nothing about sacrifice little girl, you walk around as untainted and ignorant to the world's true horrors. If you want power in my realm, you will have to earn it, daddy isn’t here to hand it to you on a silver platter.” he stopped to laugh, “And then to ask me what I need from you, what I need from you is to cease your efforts to reason with me as if I’m some half witted noble from your country. What I need from you is to wear your crown, bear my son and leave me be.” he eased his boot a bit and quieted his tone, “My gain in this, is just an establishment of dominance, the land you think I desire have been lost long ago, if my kingdom is surviving now, what the hell do I need them for?” he posed his words as if he was asking her an honest question.
Integra threatened to boil over like a hot kettle over a roaring flame. There wasn’t much more to be said that could send her into the frenzy that threatened to rip it’s way out of her chest. “So why the hell did you war with my nation and take me as your hostage?”
He leaned closer to speak directly into her ear, “Because I could”
As with most of my writing, this was written to near completion, then I just let it sit for a while.
It’s not too eventful but there is some mild violence at the end.
She carefully approached the large beast, eyeing it with caution, Integra circled the horse to better observe it. A jet black steed who threatened to breathe smoke and molten earth, watched her as closely as she watched him. The stable hands looked upon the two in awe as they stood far from the animal to tend to the other, more docile horses. Her feet steadied in front of the creature, he was large, appropriately so for his master who is the only man the animal obeys. She rolled her eyes, even the bloody horses bow to him, just to think what his subjects must do when he is present among them. Walking towards the horse she held out her hand but the horse did not move, as if challenging her to touch him.
“What is his name?” she turned to grin at the workers adjacent to her.
“His name is Balam, Mistress” a stable boy spoke out looking between Integra and the horse.
“How fitting” she snickered, her hand remained outstretched and she clicked her teeth at the horse, urging him to come forward. He did not move, Balam only continued to stare at Integra, his eyes bore into her, ready to rear back at any instant. Slowly, she touched the side of his face, not even pausing to blink but maintained constant eye contact with the beast. His ears twitched and he began to emit a low warning growl, Integra responded by slightly tilting her head. “Such a handsome boy, will you behave for me?” he turned his head away from her touch, “Now now, don’t be rude, there is a lady in the room won’t you let me see you” she presented her hands for the creature once more and tried to touch his face. Giving him gentle strokes, the horse leaned down, and Integra responded by using both of her hands to comfort the animal. “Now was that so hard, you have everyone here petrified, such a naughty boy. Does your master condone your actions when your handlers only wish to take care of you?” she gestured to one of the men, snapping to get their attention. “Bring some vegetables that the horse prefers” she instructed.
Another, older man spoke up “We only bring him dry foods and water, only our Master feeds him from the hand so only he knows Balam’s preferences...forgive us Mistress” he bowed his head.
“No need to apologize, just bring me some standard vegetable and fruits” she scratched the horse’s left ear and earned a light knicker. “From the kitchen, something fresh” she added.
The young stable boy came to her with a wooden bucket filled with treats for the creature, Integra pulled out a head of cabbage. “How about this hmm?” she held it near Balam who began to smell it but refused to eat. “Picky, but I have plenty of time to get acquainted, let’s try this” she picked out a sweet onion, Balam accepted this treat and began to bite at it. “Carefull, no nipping” with a light laugh she fed him another onion and he gave her a playful nip, “None of that” she flicked his nose to calm him. “I’ll need him all dressed up and prepared for travel, if the Count inquires tell him that I took his horse and will return before sundown”
They all gazed at her in disbelief and hesitated before doing as told, while waiting Integra took some time to lead the horse along and better observe him. His muscular build was magnificent, there was no doubt that his kick could possibly kill a man. Riding him would be no easy task, one simple buck would be enough to send her flying so she would have to keep him comfortable and perhaps spoil him a bit. In the next stable she could hear her poor mare reacting to hearing her master’s voice, it made Integra’s heart ache to be unable to soothe her. Vanhi was her birthday present nine years ago, the sprightly cream white mare was moody and quite aggressive but Integra managed to tame her. Having bared no offspring, her horse was very protective of Integra, she charged one of her caretakers several years back when they playfully scared the girl, causing her to scream out. There was another occasion in which Vanhi attempted to fight another horse, a gelding that Integra was tending to. She feared that her mare was giving the stable hands trouble alongside her fiance’s stallion, they must be absolutely miserable.
She mounted him with no issue, but getting him to move took some effort, she then leaned forward to comfort to horse and whisper gently to him. “I will return to you all shortly” snapping the reins she took off, greeted by a light misty rain she carried on and into town. This land held a subtle beauty in all of it’s raw features and fertile earth as all structures appeared to be reclaimed by their surroundings. Wearing a modest low ponytail and plain navy riding gown she looked more like a commoner with high standing than royalty. Reaching the gates of the first city, she dismounted her horse and approached it’s keeper, “I would like to gain access, I will not be staying long as the weather continues to worsen.”
The man nearly scoffed, “You speak a foreign language, all outsiders require proper documents that allow passage”
Without taking her eyes away from the gate keeper she reached into a satchel on the saddle and pulled out a sheet of creased paper and held it out for him to view. “I am to be wed to your lord and master Count Tepes, to add I am also the Princess of the Eastern realm. It would give me great pleasure to look upon my future people, hear their grievances, and gain knowledge about the customs here.”
As soon as his eyes met with the royal seal the worn gentlemen began to scramble to open the gate, whispering apologies in the country’s language. She only knew enough of the Western tongue to hold simple conversations and navigate the area but was not yet fluent. The gates creaked loudly as they parted, flakes of rust littering the soft, wet ground and staining the hands of the keeper.
“I do request that you speak to no one of my presence here, in order to gain a true understanding of this land I must do so impartially. Also, do not apologize for doing your job, had I been without the proper paperwork I would expect you to turn me away.” she smiled, trying to to find amusement in his nervousness.
“Yes, Mistress...forgive me Mistress” his head hung low as he spoke.
“Is it common for people here to not look each other in the eye?” she started Balam forward.
“To look into the face of our supreme lords is to challenge them, and when not permitted is a sign of disrespect.”
“Well you are permitted, and enough of calling me Mistress, Lady Integra will do nicely” she gave a nod before continuing on.
The town's inhabitants were busy going about their daily task regardless of the weather, such a resilient and stoic people. Their faces bore no grins and the crowds produced no chatter, only a dull murmuring and the sound of moving feet and carts. Even as the rain began to pick up her body remained at peace, eager to begin to journey into this unknown land. She spotted a woman struggling with a cart of goods, with a limp she lumbered along an uncombed path of dirt and grass. Riding up to her, Integra dismounted her horse and put to use what little of their language she knew, “Let me help you.” Integra startled the woman upon approaching her, but was able to help her onto Balam and then pull her cart to it’s intended destination.
In the East, homes for the old and poor were constructed with funds from taxes and donations from various nobles. If not built from the ground up, they were maintained once every year for no charge to assure the safety of the weaker and less fortunate citizens. Horses, dogs and cattle all required shelter in her domain, however this unstable hut wouldn’t shield rats from the elements. With a frown Integra opened the door only to have it break off of it’s already weak and rusty hinges. Had there been time and the day more pleasant, she would’ve mended to door herself but it would have to wait for another day. As for the elderly woman she took a seat on the floor near a pitiful fire, content with her settings and sighed with relief.
“Your bags are on your table” that was until a leg gave way, and the entire table collapsed.
Hearty laughter filled the air, the old woman slapped her leg and muttered to herself, “Yesterday I stubbed my toe on that thing, how fitting that it falls to pieces! Only if life was like that, that rude brute that nearly ran me over yesterday would meet his end and fall to the ground, broken, just like my shabby table.”
“Forgive me madam, this language is not my first, may you speak slowly please” Integra went to try and fix the table.
“Ha! Madam? So respectful, and you haven’t tried to harm me or steal my stuff” she turned to look at the younger woman whose face held an expression of confusion. “Ah, you can’t speak well, thank you for helping me” she paused to watch Integra mess around with the remains of the fallen structure. “Don’t fix that, it is broken….let it stay that way….come sit here and warm yourself” she patted the ground next to her.
From what she could understand the woman wanted her to sit next to her instead of fixing the table. As she took a seat near the woman, “I can fix your table for you madam” she glanced at the woman in the low light of the room.
Her hair although grey was thick and long, and her features were wrinkled and her skin was deathly pale. Reaching in her damp robes, Integra’s company retrieved a pipe and began to stuff it with tobacco. “You don't need to fix it, I don't need it”
Integra watched the flames dance in the small stone fireplace and felt comfort in this humble space. “It is no burden to fix...I broke it” she rubbed her hands together to warm them.
“It is a burden….I will die soon...very very soon” she offered a shrug and lit her pipe with the fire in front of them. “I will die here...in my home i pray” taking a drag from the instrument she let the smoke billow out of her nose. “I am just waiting, what good is a rickety table to a dead woman”
The rain came down in buckets, leaking through the window and causing the floor to puddle a bit. “I'm do not understand” Integra was a bit embarrassed by her inability to communicate properly.
This response caused the woman to guffaw and pat Integra’s back. “You are a nice girl...very pretty girl...learn the language” she tried to speak as clearly as she could.
“I need to learn more of the language, I agree”
“What brings you here…..or why are you away from home?” bracing herself on the top of the fireplace she began to stand. Integra followed suit and began to help her, she could feel various bones strain and joints crack.
“I am getting married to a man here” her voice was quiet.
“You don't sound like a happy bride”
“I am happy”
“I may be old, but not senile…..not yet. Me and the table had words yesterday but that's a normal occurrence.” the house was like one big room, the kitchen, bedroom, and living room all in one space. With stiff and pained hands she rummaged through one of her bags for a skinned rabbit. “Help me heat the stove” she pointed at it with a trembling arm.
Glad that she could make herself of some use, Integra gathered some discarded wood on the ground and kneeled in front of the stove. Her age may give her aches and limit her but she chopped the head off of the rabbit with ease. Watching Integra she smiled, “I want to make you a deal, I want to help you...do you understand?”
“Yes I do...you would like to help me”
“I will help you learn the language. You can come to my home anytime….not on Sunday. You will help me with chores in return….is that ok?”
It was a matter of days before she was to be married so keeping her identity a secret may become difficult. However this woman and her home could serve as a safe haven for her inquiries. She would learn the language and culture as well as the history of this land dating back decades. “Yes...I would like that very much. I cannot come everyday….my husband…” she tried to find the words.
“I understand, come when you can.” A storm trashed outside, and a violent shook the raggedy home.
“Can I mend your roof” Integra’s words came out more aggressive as intended. “That sounded bad...I just want to-”
“Say no more….do as you please. Such a hard working girl! You pull my cart all the way here and now want to mend my roof, I feel as if your father prayed for a son. I wish my children were like you, how fruitful my house would be. I wouldn't be soaked by the rain or getting into arguments with tables”
“What is your name ma'am?” it was too hard for Integra to keep up with the woman when she rambled like that.
“You can call me Bunica… After all I am old and many people call me that. My name is Clara...and what is yours young lady?”
“Integra…..may I fix your roof now?” she laughed, her limited speech caused her to sound repetitive and unintelligent. These people would not take her seriously is she maintained the speech patterns of a child, but soon she would be fluent enough to keep up with Clara.
+
Her heart raced as she tried to move through the heavy rain. To make matters worse, the sun began to set and lightning flashed unpredictably across the sky. Riding into the castle gates, she spotted the stable hands all waiting to escort her inside. While trying to rush into the castle, the cut on her foot began to bleed again as well as her hands which were covered in cuts from mending Clara’s roof. Integra peppered the floor with crimson footprints while the shuffled down the seemingly endless and quiet hallway. This castle was like a labyrinth, hallways led to other hallways and it took an exhausting amount of memory to remember where the wash room was. Unfortunately, she ran into the firm, broad chest of her loving fiance, face first, and nearly fell backwards. If it weren’t for his firm grip on her upper arm she would’ve met his eyes from the floor instead at a semi-standing position.
He leaned down, his nose mere inches away from hers, his eyes although emotionless, held a silent rage. She could feel his steady breaths ghost across her face as he slowly squeezed her arm, causing a great deal of discomfort. It was then that Integra could fathom how strong this man was, her poor arm was going numb in his clutch. Any harder and he would snap the bone, and with little effort he could render her entire arm useless. As he began to twist Integra let out an audible gasp, but she refused to shudder away or cower at his feet. If he was going to rip her arm from her body so be it, he would have to choke on her blood afterwards.
“I gave your father my word that I would transport you here safely, what happens to you inside these walls however, is completely within my jurisdiction”
She smiled through the pain, “Are you afraid of me Count?”
HIs grip tightened, “You were given clear instructions, you disobey me and then insist that I regard you with fear? Are you aware of who you are speaking to?”
“I do, I am speaking to the man who I am cursed to spend my life with, a man who delegates through the voice of a mere girl” planting her feet on the ground, she straightened her posture and met his eyes. “Did you lose your nerve when we spoke with each other in the bedroom, where were these instructions then? I can’t follow the orders from a voice that I cannot hear, if you’d like to command me do it with your own tongue. Yes, I heard what your workers had to say, but I’d much rather hear them from you. Afterall, I am your loyal wife, who desires nothing more than your guidance, I crave your judgement as you are my lord and master”
She could hear a low growl emit from his chest, if or when he released her, her arm would be out of commission for any laborious tasks. Never had he encountered such an infuriating woman, this arrangement began as a victory and now it seemed he’d done the East a favor. No one spoke to him that way and her mocking tone dressed up with pleasantries pricked at his fragile pride. Something within him began to stir, he expected no objections, no challenge, but he was mistaken and it excited him.
“Please….Oblige me” her discomfort was evident, her other hand balling into a fist to distract her from the agony she was experiencing.
He drew her in and pressed her close to his chest, she grew stiff in his arms, the contact a bit disorienting. He leaned down to kiss her forehead, she flinched, “Very Well”
His boot came down hard on her foot with a vile crunch and he smiled.
Did you know that a Royale is a fucking cheeseburger, now everytime I write this I want one. Also please excuse any errors and provide any insight as to how I can improve my writing. I’m not good at punctuation but hope that nothing is too out of place. Thank you for reading!
The journey back was grueling, only allowed bring what her horse could carry she would have to send for the rest of her belongings once they arrived to the castle. Riding side by side, Integra and her new fiance carried on in dead silence, stopping to let their horses rest and drink from any nearby streams. By the time they crossed the border into the Count’s territory it began to pour, he was unphased, his hair now heavily curtaining over his face and neck. She could barely see past her own nose with the sheets of rain coming down, and he just piloted through the storm with a full head of hair slicked onto his face. Integra preferred watching rain rather than being in it, she was also eager to get her mare in a decent stable and out of this wretched weather. In the blur of the storm she made out the castle which was a large imposing structure that overlooked the entire kingdom of the West. The forests were jagged and untamed, no man made paths or definite clearings, just clusters of fallen trees and long stretches blackened earth. The entire setting was dreary, and by the looks of the soaked buildings and slight flooding it had been raining here for a while. Unfortunately, this was her home now, where she would spend most of her days, and with a murderous stranger no less. During the ride Integra had time to ponder about the positives of her position, she could work to unite both kingdoms and perhaps establish more beneficial institutions in the West.
However, the option of killing him swirled around her mind constantly, but the idea of losing her own sense of self scared her. Slaying him to satisfy her rage went against every honorable principle instilled in her and would only serve to hurt her character as a result. If anything she deserved to give him one solid wallop to the stomach or face, but if dealing him harm didn’t benefit more people than just her it felt meaningless. Upon dismounting her horse she sprained her ankle and cut her foot on a jagged rock, she would rather bleed all over the marble floor than wear shoes, just to spite him. The instant they entered the castle a crowd of servants swarmed them, blotting them with lush, absorbent fabrics to dry them off and warm their bodies. The workers frantically chattered amongst themselves as they noticed the blood oozing from her injured foot and scrambled to give her aid. It was quite overwhelming, they were all muttering at once, all of them concerned but none of them looked her directly in the eye.
“Are you hurting Mistress?”
“We must mend your wound Mistress”
“Please come and rest Mistress”
The chorus of voices made it hard to resist being escorted down the hallway and towards the bathroom. Before she knew it, she was stripped, ushered into a steaming bath, and scrubbed to the bone by capable hands.Thankfully, all of the maids accompanying her were female or this whole ordeal would have been vastly inappropriate. Her waist length hair was loosened from its braid and thoroughly detangled and cleansed, they even tended to her fingernails and cuticles. Carefully, they rubbed her skin with oil and wrapped her foot with a clean linen bandage, the robes and sleeping gown provided were not her own but dark purple garments made of velvet. She was taken to a large room with a bed that could easily fit four people, a stark contrast to her simple twin bed against a modest bay window. Integra’s bedroom was a fourth of the size of this massive space, occupied by thick blankets and storage furniture for her weapons and books. A body didn’t take up much space, especially when laid horizontal for sleeping, how could anyone rest in something the size of a living room?
The house staff was a little odd, aside from looking down at their feet when speaking to her, they all wore black and waited on her hand and foot. They brought her a simple tomato salad with some slices of meat, as she ate they watched her intently all kneeling in a line by her bedside. The servant woman holding the wine trembled, she kept glancing at Integra’s glass awaiting the order to fill it. The blonde sat down her plate and surveyed the room, the moment she looked up they all looked down, this was beyond ridiculous! Workers served as an added structure for any household, she loved interacting with her housestaff and helping them with their tasks. Her father encouraged her to treat the workers with respect and heed their instruction, she would then learn how to provide for herself and resonate better with her people. Placing her hands on her lap the blonde cleared her throat and then stood, she needed to ease their minds, it was painful to watch them react to her with fear.
“I would like to thank you all for tending to me today with such-” she searched for a polite word, “Diligence, but I assure you that I will not scold you or have you put in harm's way for looking at me when you speak or for making simple mistakes. If anything, I prefer you look me in the eye and express yourselves to me, afterall I plan on doing some good while I’m here, so I will need you all to cooperate with me...understood”
Before she could say more the doors opened to the bedroom and the Count stepped inside, Integra immediately felt the ease she instilled in these women dissipate instantly. Giving a tired smile to her new group of workers she handed one of them her empty plate and cup.
“You all get some rest, I expect a full tour of this castle and it’s grounds tomorrow as well as a small sit down with each of you to learn your names and anything personal you wish to share.” she watched them all stand, bow then leave in unison.
Inside she felt slightly accomplished, the girls looked at her when speaking as instructed and some of their initial nervousness lessened. However, she developed her own sense of unease as she began to realize that she was in a room with a man who was the enemy of her family and kingdom. Not only were they alone, but they would have to share a bed, a very large bed, but not large enough to be comfortable. Whereas she was apprehensive about the situation, Vlad didn’t appear to care, instead going on about his nightly routine as if she wasn’t in the room. Sitting on the edge of the bed she turned to face him, his back was to her and he began putting out the candles that sat on his nightstand with his fingers. With every hiss of the dying flames she grimaced, everything about this man was beastly, even his idle breathing was monstrous. The Count wore only a pair of black cotton slacks to bed, healing wounds decorated his back, most of them still patched, the exposed injuries were visibly aggravated and red. It brought her mild satisfaction to see that he was injured, it would’ve been more insulting to her knights if he bared no scars while breaching their defenses.
She began to braid her slightly damp hair, “I plan on venturing out into the town tomorrow, I want to see the main city and some of the smaller villages. I need to acquaint myself with the people here.” she paused, he didn’t respond to her so she continued. “I will take my horse out tomorrow, I don’t know when I’ll be back but-”
He held up a hand, using his other one to extinguish the last flame, thereby snuffing out the last light source and throwing the room into pure darkness. The only illumination provided was the from the moonlight bleeding through the curtains, “What is it that you think you’re doing?” his voice was low and even.
She turned to face him fully, her legs now on the bed, “I am going about this situation hoping to spread diplomacy, you want part of my land and in turn I now belong to this one. Do you expect me to be your hostage?”
He turned to face her, his eyes able to find hers in the darkness, his imposing weight creaking the bed as the moved. He observed her with his gaze before laying back on the bed, “Very well” he crossed his arms over his chest and closed his eyes. Vlad laid flat on his back like a body prepared for burial, he made absolutely no noise save for the steady sounds of his breathing.
Integra chose to lay on her side, and settle herself near the edge of the bed to put as much distance in between them as possible. She drew her knees up to her chest and clutched her pillow, she deeply missed her own bed. This room was hollow and cold, unlike her quaint yet heavily decorated quarters, there was no life in here only a bleak mash of grey and black. It was like falling asleep in a tomb, every sound echoed and every shadow casted looked elongated and grim. Although, the opportunity to explore a new land excited her, her movements were limited at home and she rarely traveled. By all means she should be welcoming this opportunity but she couldn’t let her guard down around the Count. It was like sleeping next to a hungry wolf that threatened to rip her apart at any moment, but fatigue overrode fear and she soon fell asleep.
She woke up lying on her stomach, her soon to be husband absent and a mysterious blonde girl standing by her bedside. Integra grew alert upon being greeted by an eager smile and bright eyes, the girl turned to reach for something and Integra tensed up. Presented with a glass Integra moved to sit and straighten out her gown, as she accepted the glass the girl dropped to one knee and held up a pitcher of water. Sighing, Integra reached out and placed her hand on the girl's shoulder, “There is no need for that, you may stand if you like” she stopped to yawn, “Or sit, whichever you prefer”
“Oh ok um..” the servant girl stood and began to fill Integra’s glass. “Is there anything else you require mistress?”
Integra gestured to a chair near the dresser next to her side of the bed, “Sit, I would like to have a word with you” she took a quick drink of the water to soothe her dry throat. “You seem more jovial than the other girls I’ve seen, what is your name?”
“Seras ma’am” her accent was similar to those of the North, who were close relatives to Easterners. Her hair was a honey blonde and quite short, she too wore all black and appeared to be a tab bit younger than Integra. “It has been quite sometime since we’ve had a lady in the house, I just want to assure that you are comfortable” she took a seat as instructed, placing the pitcher on the dresser and awaiting Integra’s next order.
“Well it’s good to finally have some energy around here” she took a small pause to drink the rest of her water.
“I’m glad I make for good company mistress, we will be seeing much more of each other as I am your personal servant.” she looked down at her hands and began to fidget nervously. “I also act as messenger between you and the Count, if you have anything to tell him I will be sure to relay it for you” her happy, observant eyes began to dart around for something to focus on.
Integra arched an eyebrow and sat her cup down, “You are withholding, speak freely Seras”
“I am to tell you that your request to venture out into the country may be postponed as your horse is now being occupied” her voice was quiet and reluctant.
Integra squinted her eyes in displeasure, “I do not remember requesting anything” she grumbled through clenched teeth, “I told him what I was going to do and-” Integra stopped to calm herself. “Go on child”
“He has told me to inform you, that in honor of your union to him, your horse will be made the broodmare of his stables. She will first mate with his personal horse, she will be given the best care and soon he will send an escort to-”
Integra held up a hand, “I see” her scowl turned into a bitter smirk, “what else does the Count say?”
“He will not be able to join you for your morning meal but assures that he will dine with you in the evening”
“Will he accompany me to Mass on Sunday?” Integra turned to look out of the small window between them.
Seras paused to digest the question before answering, “The Count does not attend Mass, he gives all of time to his kingdom and chooses to worship whenever he is not busy”
“Then I will go by myself” Integra stated simply.
The poor girl caught between the two warring minds swallowed in discomfort, “He has told me that you shall remain here in fear for your health, he will consider allowing you to attend church in the spring”
“My health” Integra drawled, giving a light chuckle, “What about my health prevents me from leaving this house in any fashion?”
“He fears that your body may not be used to the climate and terrain of the new country, seeing as your foot was injured during your travels he states that it would be negligent to allow anymore harm to come to you. He promised your father that upon your arrival here you would be well in body and soul” the girl either had an excellent memory or she was extending his true words to be more pleasant than what was actually uttered. The way she flinched at every small movement Integra made and at the various sounds and creaks that echoed throughout the room emphasized this fact. It was as if she was replaying the memory of his restrictive demands while she translated them into a respectable message.
Integra stood and Seras reacted by bowing her head, “I will skip my morning meal and every meal from this point on. If the Count is so concerned for my health I would hope that he joins me as his great presence would bring me to nourish myself. Tell him that I will speak with him in private before we retire for the night, then I will formally discuss with him the issue of my mobility. As for now I have taken it upon myself to venture out on my own against his wishes, as a young woman I am eager and full of energy I need to expel, had he been here to entertain me I might have been able to contain myself.” she gave a half hearted shrug watching Seras grow uneasy and nervous with every word.
“B-But surely without your horse it would be most difficult to travel, the rains are still heavy at times and your injury has not yet healed”
“I will be using his horse, after all if our horses are now in our joint property the Count should find no issue with the changes in his stallion's occupation” she turned to walk out of the bedroom and towards the bath area. Her ladies who all waited outside of the room turned to follow her and aid her in preparing for the morning.
Seras trotted after her urgently, “What I am to tell the Count about his horse?”
She walked towards the servant girl and cupped her face in her hands and presented her with a gentle and loving smile “Tell him that I hope that he can find it within his heart, and with all the love that he holds for my person-” her voice and expression went flat, “To get over it”
Seras gasped, but nodded to acknowledge Integra’s words, “But Mistress I must warn you that his stallion is most unruly, he only seems to yield to the Count's hand!”
Integra gave the girls cheek a light pat and continued on her way “I do not fear the beast for he is an animal who can be tamed, after all I need all the practice I can get for the future”
With that Seras watched the Eastern authority stroll away and with her a heavy aura of power and strength followed. It put a smile on her face to see a woman in such a position, with no fear and instead brimming with confidence. Yet at the same time she feared for Integra, as much as she admired her Seras knew the Count would not receive this news well. Integra may attempt to tame the Count, he in turn would be determined to break her, tear apart her resolve and feast on her innocence.
Kickin it old school! Integra is now the daughter in a royal family who is losing an on going battle with Vlad Tepes. The solution is simple and will end the bloodshed between the two territories. She will marry him and the land will be split between the two, however Integra is determined to become a widow before bearing the Counts child.
I hope this doesn’t suck...because I suck...at writing that is..and everything else to be safe.
She was a walking corpse
As she stood among her father and his peers, their decision weighing on her person and forcing all of the air out of her lungs. Her throat felt tight and her mouth grew dry, no amount of wine or water would soothe her, nothing in this world could ease her dread. She didn’t touch her meal, the assortment of roasted meats and fresh cheeses only made her stomach lurch in disgust. It was her fault after all, the suggestion came as a innocent hypothetical sometime after the last battle while she and her father pondered solutions. The lady of the house had been dead for some time now, but Integra knew her mother would be convulsing in her grave had she known what was happening to her precious daughter. Nevertheless, Integra had an obligation to her family and to her country, this was the only way to restore balance. In a week she would be married to a man who dominated the countryside with depraved and barbaric forms of violence, her family’s enemy.
War took many lives, recently an attack led by Vlad Tepes of the western kingdoms came close to breaching the castle in which she resided. She watched out of a window in terror and with a sword at her side as he tore through her knights with his bare hands. He was a large man, she likened him to the monsters that parents warned their children about, with his long dark hair and deep green eyes. The Count snapped the neck of her fellow knight as if he were a sickly, insignificant chicken with so much ease that it made her gag. He craned his head upwards to see her watching from the window, the look in her eye vengeful and tenacious, he gave her a sly grin before turning his men away. To be clear Vlad did not retreat, he grew bored of his current conquest and sought to gain something of more value, something more tangible. She wanted to run down there and pierce his skull with her blade, splitting his head open and leaving his body disfigured. She later shivered at how grotesque her thought was, she would still kill him, but it would be respectful and fair.
The count set foot in their house three days ago to survey his prize, the bargaining chip that his counterparts to the east were offering. Both parties agreed to be civil, Integra would be properly courted and well taken care of, she would in turn be a respectful and loyal wife. Most would demand a monetary ransom or perhaps the promise of total submission, but he seemed pleased with assuming partial ownership over Integra. A lingering headache plagued her tonight, she pushed her plate away from her and stood, excusing herself for the remainder of the night. Before departing she glanced at her father who looked exhausted and depressed, his own plate undisturbed. She quickly focused her gaze to the ground to avoid the pitying looks she received upon exiting the banquet hall. As she passed by the house staff they gave her a slight bow but their looks were all the same, everyone was reducing her to the sacrificial lamb rather than the knight she had worked to become. Furthermore, she would soon have to answer to Count Tepes as her ruling lord and master which made her blood boil at the very thought.
Now sitting on her bed within the privacy of her quarters she stared out of her window, searching for comfort in the night sky. No longer would she enjoy the rolling hills of the eastern territory she called home, or the tall soft grass that was cool to the touch. She would miss the crisp feeling in the air just before it rained, and how the soft sounds of the stormed lulled her to sleep. The way her mother smelled would become foreign to her, her room lingered with the scent of floral jasmine and spicy ginger along with a hint of fresh cucumber. Her red fleece blanket would travel with her, sown and laundered by her mother’s hands for so long that it retained the scent after all these years. Her bed was against the wall of the window she gazed out of; Integra thought of how nice the kingdom would look come spring time. She would miss the festival this year, all of the vivid yellow flowers and savory treats available, but most importantly she would have to forgo her knighting ceremony. The first female knight in her family was her mother and now she’d be letting her down and laying with the enemy as an added insult. She fell back on her bed and clutched her blanket to her chest, the thunder began to rattle the window with it’s force, the bad weather would be the least of her worries soon.
+
“He requested what!” Her father’s face began to grow red in anger
“Father please” Integra put a hand on his shoulder to soothe him, “Your heart remember?”
The older man sat, grumbling under his breath, his health was deteriorating and his temper didn’t help his well being. “I am already allowing him to marry my daughter to solve the land dispute and to end this war, and now he wants to hold you captive until the wedding-” he stopped as Integra hushed him with and insistent pat to the forearm.
“You told me a long time ago that one day I would have to protect this kingdom when you weren’t able. That job will come with hard choices, there will be times where these choices will involve many casualties as a consequence.”she grabbed her father’s hands to still their shaking. “I am allowed to visit for your birthday and for one seasonal festival next year I WILL see you father. This is just a small price to pay for the welfare of our people”
His calloused hands left hers to cup her face, “You are the only thing I have left, after your mother passed I barely recovered from the loss, now you-”
“I will live, but now I need to serve my people” she kissed his forehead, “I will pack my things right away and come back for a proper farewell” she turned to leave with a frown to meet with the Count.
He had arrived early in the day, riding into the main gates of the palace on a jet black horse through the morning mist. Integra watched him through her bedroom window, he smiled at her again, he was mocking her and on the inside she began to seethe. Attempting to even out her breathing she entered the courtyard to speak with him, this would be the first time she’d meet with him face to face. His last visit consisted of a quick walk around, he eyed her and made his decision without speaking a word to her. Today he was coming to take her back to his castle so that they may both plan the wedding and sort out their new living arrangements as a couple. Integra didn’t put much into her attire, after all she was woken up out of a deep sleep hours before she was normally up. Her long hair was pulled out of her face and styled into a neat french braid, her dress was long and a plain cream color with gold embroidery. Her clear blue eyes glittered in the emerging sunlight that crept over the horizon to ward off the fog, it would have been a nice day for a walk with her father. Vlad was dressed in all black like death himself, his hair looked messy but not unkept the same went for his facial hair. He wore a family ring on his right hand and his boots were covered in dirt from traveling, he also towered over her like a beast. It was obvious that there was a clear age difference but not as much as the one between her own parents.
He looked down at her feet and sneered, “Your feet are bare”
“When my feet are covered in dirt and filth like your boots then I suppose that would be a problem” she responded, her posture remaining straight and still. She glanced at her nails, unamused by his company, trying to find anything outside as a distraction.
He let out a soft chuckle, “That will change” he folded his arms across his chest and moved closer to Integra who met his eyes with no signs of intimidation. “We will leave in twenty minutes”
She was taken aback and scoffed, “Minutes!?...I need more time than that to prepare my belongings, I have an array of weapons I wish to take with me, along with some written records and clothing. I will also require my horse and a few of my furnishings which were handmade by my-”
“Twenty minutes, you have twenty minutes, it makes no difference to me what you take”
She bit the inside of her cheek, making her way inside but stopped when Vlad called her name.
“Integra”
She faced him with a hard glare, “What” her tone was sharp
“Make sure to bring shoes”
Her face began to grow red, similar to the way that her fathers did when irritated. She turned with enough force to fling her heavy braid over her shoulder before storming inside. What had she gotten herself into?
I kind of want to write a long AU where Alucard is like still the count back in them old days and Integra is the daughter of the opposing kingdoms king or something. Then she has to get married to Alucard to stop a war, meanwhile she keeps trying to kill him so that she can peace out, A town down (Leave and restore peace)
Does this sound good?
I’m still gonna do drabbles and write on “The Other Woman”
