At twenty years old, Lela couldn’t resist falling back on childish antics. After all, she was the King’s only child and oh how he doted on her. She could go anywhere in the castle and its grounds, exploring whatever got her attention. She was boundless, often traversing the forest alone going far beyond the safety of the castle.
Yes, Lela’s father did not saddle her with rules. Even so, there was one rule he insisted she obey without fail: never stay outside the castle after dark. This rule Lela did not mind. She was completely afraid of the dark. When she was ten years old her mother vanished one night after dinner when she decided to go for a walk. Lela didn’t know the details of her mother’s disappearance or why she had ventured out after sunset, something no one, not even her father or his men ever did.
She found solace in the forest where she felt she could dance and sing and clear her mind of any thought that reminded her of her mother. She could pretend her heart had healed and that she no longer carried the weight of loss and grief.
Today, a golden ball shining among a pile of leaves had summoned her and she had gleefully ran to it as if the very sun would cease to exist if she did not answer the ball’s call. But when she came to the ball, it began to roll away from her.
She followed it, taking light steps so as not to disturb the strange event she was witnessing. It kept going until it came to a well some thirty feet from her. She looked over her shoulder to see if anyone else was around. She didn’t want to share this experience with anyone, let alone her father’s men who would sometimes spy on her under pretense that they were hunting or scouting the land for bandits.
Holding her breath, she approached the ball. She tried to pick it up, but it was too heavy. The ball was made of gold! Lela had never seen anything like it in all the Kingdom of Barmoth. Gold had not existed in Barmoth for thousands of years. She had only read about it in books. And even she did not know the reason for its extinction.
“Bloody hell,” she whispered. “Gold.” Yes, she was convinced the ball was made of gold.
Weighing her options, she paced back and forth. She could blanket the ball with leaves and sticks and then go back to the castle to formulize a plan. No, she couldn’t risk someone else finding it.
Inhaling a long breath, she tried once again to pick it up. This time, she succeeded. But before she had a moment to enjoy her victory, the ball pulled her forward and into the well.
Lela screamed as she fell, her thoughts on what would greet her at the bottom. Death was certain. The old wells of the forest were deep and no one had ever survived a fall. The people who had inhabited the forest hundreds of years ago left behind wells which now only served as death traps for animals and careless wanderers.
Images of her mother invaded her mind and she screamed louder. If she was going to die, let it happen fast. She closed her eyes and begged the Gods to take her before she reached the bottom. Down, down she fell, the ball still in her hands.
In the next moment, she did not feel herself falling anymore. Perhaps the Gods had taken her. She opened her eyes. It was not possible! She had fallen down a well and yet here she was, unscarred at its very bottom.
She quickly looked around her. The bones of her unlucky predecessors greeted her and she resisted the urge to hurl. She looked up at the well’s opening. Although light was still shining, she knew the sun was only hours from setting.
She had never in her life been outside the castle after sunset. Leaning against a wall, she dropped to the ground. The ball, a few feet in front of her, rolled toward her.
“It’s your fault! Get away from me,” Lela said. “Help me! Please someone help me!” she yelled.
The hours passed. Lela craved her father’s comforting arms.
Suppressing tears, she raised her eyes to the well’s opening and yelled, “Help me! Is someone out there? I fell in the well!”
She sat still and listened, desperately hoping for a sign that someone had heard her plea. Dirt fell into the well. Someone was out there. Yes, someone must have heard her. Bless the Gods.
“Who’s there,” she asked, standing. “Make yourself known, I demand it.” More dirt fell. Whoever was out there was certainly enjoying throwing soil at her. “I know someone’s there!”
“And what will you give me if I help you?” a man asked.
“Let me see you. I demand it,” she said.
“You demand it? How comical that someone stuck at the bottom of a well declares a position to command anything from anyone,” the man said, laughing.
“You dare mock a princess?” Lela asked. She would have this imbecile of a man punished for his treachery.
“You’re not my princess,” he said. “I don’t owe you allegiance. Now then, let’s return to my question. What will you give me if I help you?”
Lela chewed her lip, an attempt to keep from cursing the man. Despite her fury, she was a princess and would therefore behave as one. Instead, she silently cursed herself for allowing herself to be in such a dilemma.
The sun set and darkness overtook the well. Lela was sure she would never see her father again.
“Help me, I beg you. I’ll give you whatever you want,” Lela said, crying.
“It must be very dark down there. It is up here and I have a torch. Are you scared?” the man asked.
She was more than scared. She couldn’t see anything. Something came to her mind that sent sharp pain up and down her body. Why had her father’s men not found her yet? Her father must have sent his men to look for her when she didn’t appear at the dinner table. She never missed a meal with her father.
Ever since her mother had vanished she and her father ate every meal together. Her mother had enjoyed their meals together, just the three of them laughing, joking and telling each other stories of all the adventures they would someday have as a family. Her mother was the happiest when they were together because she knew that no matter what happened in their lives, even if their entire Kingdom was suddenly swept into the sea, they loved each other deeply and their moments together would live forever. Oh how Lela missed her.
“You still there?” the man asked.
“I’m here,” Lela said, wiping her tears.
“Move to a wall. I’m throwing down a rope. Tie it around yourself and holler when you’re ready for me to pull you up.”
“Bless you,” she said.
“Save your blessings. I haven’t gotten you out yet.”
She did as the man said. In the next moment, the end of a rope hit the ground.
Wasting no time, she took steps away from the wall and felt for the rope. In shadows, she tied the rope around her waist.
“Are you ready?” the man asked.
She had a choice. Remain in the well in the company of the dead or take a chance with a stranger. She scooped down and searched for the ball. Once she had it in her arms, she exhaled and said, “I’m ready.”
The man started pulling her up. She prayed her father’s men would find her soon.
“You’re a heavy girl,” the man said. “Not surprising. You’re a princess accustomed to eating whatever you want whenever you want.”
“Pull harder,” Lela said, ignoring his comment. Her feet were only inches off the ground.
“Are you holding something? I’m sure your father will replace whatever it is you feel you can’t leave behind.” Slowly, the man pulled her higher above the ground. “Remember your words. You’ll give me whatever I want.”
“And what is it that you desire?” she asked, her stomach twisting.
“Ah…you shall know what I covet when I have succeeded in rescuing you.”
Higher she rose until she reached the well’s opening. There she was hanging in the air, feeling completely stupid. Her savior could decide to let go of her at any moment and what then? She’d fall to the ground yet again, except maybe this time she’d not survive.
“Grab hold of the well’s wall and pull yourself out,” he said.
“I can’t.”
“Come now. Are you really so spoiled?”
“I’m carrying a ball,” she said, instantly feeling ridiculous for the words she had just uttered.
“Oh, my, the princess cannot bear to leave her toy behind. Toss it! I’m afraid I won’t be able to hold you up much longer.”
“Promise you won’t take it from me.”
“Toss it now or fall back into the well.”
“First promise you won’t take it.”
Grumbling, the man said, “Stop being childish. I promise I won’t take your toy.”
Lela raised her arms and threw the ball. Thump, thump on the ground it went. She then reached for the well’s wall and dragged herself out. Once she was standing on firm ground again, she untied the rope from around her waist.
A torch sunken into the ground near the well shone light on her. Blinking rapidly, she tried to clear her vision so she could identify the man who had just rescued her. She saw no one. Coward. At least he left her his torch. She took it out of the earth and looked for the golden ball. Against a tree it rested as if it had been there all along. She paced toward it.
“I think I deserve gratitude.”
Lela turned around ready to shout at the man for hiding from her. But again, she saw no one. “Stop playing games,” she said. “Make yourself known or be on your way.”
“I’m down here,” the man said.
“Where?”
“Look down,” he said.
Lela lowered her stare. Gasping, she stepped back. Was she really seeing what she was seeing? Yes, down on the ground staring at her was…a frog.
“You assumed me to be a man,” the frog said, hopping to her.
“Get away from me!” Lela could not decide what she was more afraid of, the dark or a talking frog!
“Oh come now, I saved you. Where is your gratitude?”
“You’re a…frog.”
“And you’re a…princess. Now that we have established our existence, let’s get on with what I desire.”
Her heart was beating faster than it had when she was falling down the well. “How were you able to pull me out? How can you speak?” she asked, breathing heavily.
“No time to answer your questions. We need to find shelter. Quickly, follow me,” he said, jumping away from her.
She held back laughter. The very idea that this talking frog wanted her to follow him was absolutely, without reserve, completely laughable. Even so, she was alone in the dark in the forest far from the castle. Such a predicament convinced her to follow him.
“Don’t forget your golden ball,” he said, chuckling.
Ah…yes, the reason why all of this was now happening to her could not be left behind. Scooping it up, she said, “Where did you get this torch?”
“Magic, dear princess. The same way I was able to pull you out,” he said. “Are you scared?”
“I’m hoping this is a dream.”
“You should be scared,” he said. “If we don’t reach shelter soon, they will come after us.”
“Who will?” she asked, walking behind him, her head spinning.
“Don’t pretend not to know. They have roamed the forest since the beginning of time.”
Swallowing saliva, she said, “I’ve never been outside the castle after sunset.”
“Clearly your father has protected you from the truth. Why do you think people no longer call the forest their home?”
“If you mean to frighten me even more than I am, congratulations, you have succeeded.”
“Move faster. Up head is an abandoned house. We can spend the night there.”
When they reached the stone and decrepit house, the frog entered without hesitation. “Hurry,” he said. “I can sense them. If you linger outside for even a second more, they will find you. I won’t be able to stop them from taking you.”
She darted into the house and situated the ball on the cracked floor. Then she said, “Start speaking.”
“First, blow out the torch. Now!” he said.
“We’ll be left in complete darkness,” she said. Curse you, darkness, curse you.
“They’re near. Blow it out.”
She exhaled into the flame.
“Don’t move,” he whispered.
She thought her knees would give out. When she left the castle just hours earlier for one of her many travels through the forest, she never imagined she’d now be standing in an old dwelling with a talking frog and a golden ball hiding from someone or something that definitely did not want to befriend her.
The minutes passed and she remained still.
“They’ve moved on. We should be safe for the night,” the frog said.
“Who were they?” she asked, sweat coming down her face.
The frog jumped to her and settled at her feet. “They enjoy roaming the forest at night hoping they come across a poor lost person on whom they can feast. Their appetites are insatiable.”
“You tell lies,” she said.
“I may only be a frog, but I’m not a liar.”
“Tell me who they are.”
“You’ve read about them in storybooks.”
“I’ve read about a lot of creatures, make-believe creatures meant to scare children into obeying their parents.”
“Ah, yes, but these roaming night creatures are not make believe,” he said, launching himself onto the ball.
“Say what you mean, stupid frog.”
“Calling me stupid when I have saved your life twice is offensive, princess.”
“That I’m still standing here talking to you disappoints me. I’ll take my chances in the forest. Get off my ball,” she said, waving her hand in front of him.
“Very well, courageous princess, be on your way then.”
Holding the ball, she started to walk away, mumbling curses.
“Oh and princess, if you encounter a vampire, please don’t try to run.”
She stopped.
“Go on,” he said. “What are you waiting for?”
Turning, she asked, “Did you say vampires?”
“Indeed. Still feeling brave?”
She felt her lungs fall to her ankles. Storybook vampires were vicious, bloodthirsty creatures cursed to live soulless for all eternity. They weren’t real just like talking frogs weren’t…blessed Gods, vampires! Impossible.
Dropping the ball, she inhaled a long breath and tried to remain calm. If it wasn’t for the very real truth that she now found herself engaged in a conversation with a talking frog, she’d have dismissed his claim that vampires existed. A part of her wanted to run and not stop until she reached the castle but her instincts told her to remain with the frog. Whether or not vampires were real almost didn’t matter. She had never been outside after dark. Ever. Her only knowledge of the night was through her bedroom window in front of which she often stood staring at nothingness, wondering what matter of creatures scurried about cloaked in shadows. Even if she left, she would most likely not find her way home. And what’s more, she could not lie to herself. The blunt truth was that she was afraid and would not dare venture out.
“I don’t have a choice but to stay in this dreadful place with you, tonight. Come first light, I shall be on my way home vampires or no vampires.” She would not display weakness in front of this frog, though if she were staring in a mirror, she’d have no recourse but to confess that her vulnerability was already known to him.
“Not without first giving me what I desire,” he said.
“Ah…yes, I admit to secretly hoping that you had forgotten.” Ludicrous that she thought that for even a second. This was one determined talking frog. He had actually pulled her up from a well. How was that possible? Oh, yes, magic. She’d have to question him further…never mind, right now, she was faced with learning what it was that he so desired from her.
“I can’t blame you. You’ve had quite a night and we’re still many hours from daylight. No telling what else awaits you,” he said.
Yawning, she said, “Do tell me what it is you want before sleep overtakes me.” She was not tired at all but hoped that her fake need for slumber would cause him to put off his declaration until morning when she could leave and never have to see him again.
“It’s simple. I desire you,” he said, smirking.
She let out a laugh. Indeed, the night had more strange events to unveil. “I see. What exactly does that mean?” Honestly, she wanted to walk right over to a wall and beat her head against it. Better still, she wanted to pick up the frog and fling him against it.
“A witch cursed me. Turned me from a man to a frog. All because I would not lie with her. Despicable witch.”
“Are you serious?” She laughed again, this time louder. “A witch cursed you because you would not lie with her? Oh my, you must be…hmm, quite a man that you were so wanted.”
“Don’t mock me, spoiled princess. I have saved you twice this night.”
“Yes, yes, you have already reminded me of such. Why would a witch want to lie with you?”
Witches unlike vampires were without doubt real creatures who lived high in the mountains of Barmoth. Secretive and territorial, they kept to themselves, never bothering anyone unless they felt threatened or…ah yes, they fancied something from someone. In both cases, a person was doomed. Going against a witch was never, ever a good idea. A curse was sure to fall upon anyone who threatened a witch or refused to surrender whatever a witch wanted.
“I suppose she found me enchanting and yes, perhaps unbelievably handsome.”
“If you keep talking my stomach will burst from laughter.”
“I have the ability to enchant. Do not be so quick to dismiss me.”
“All right, dear enchanting frog, do you mean for me to lie with you?” Feeling one of her head pains coming, she massaged her forehead and sighed.
“Kiss me first and yes, then, lie with me,” he said as if the words that had just left his mouth were as natural as inviting her for a stroll in a garden.
Knowing she was going to spend the night in the middle of the forest with a talking frog enticed her sense of humor. She decided to play along with him. “You’re a frog. How do you suppose we’re to lie together?”
“Kiss me and you will see me changed. The witch’s curse will be broken once I lie with a princess.”
It was all too much for Lela. Yet, a part of her was intrigued. She could not deny her curiosity. “Fine little frog. I shall kiss you, but I will not lie with you.”
“Very well,” he said. “A kiss then?”
She held out her hands. He hopped into them. Bringing him to her lips, she kissed him on the top of his head.
Seconds later, he transformed into a man right in front of her. A dizzy spell overtook her and she stumbled.
“I was not lying, princess,” he said, catching her before she landed on the floor.
She wished she were home sipping her evening tea.
“Don’t be afraid of me,” he said, helping her to her feet.
“This isn’t happening,” she said, once she had regained her balance.
“You believe in witches, do you not?”
She opened her mouth to speak but held back her words.
“Well, what is your answer?” he asked.
“Of course I believe in them,” she said, staring at him. “I’ll admit that you’re…well, okay, somewhat handsome but enchanting…so much so that a witch placed a cursed on you for not lying with her?” She wasn’t about to let him know that he was undeniably the most good looking man she had ever seen. Tall, dark hair, dark eyes and pale skin…indeed he was striking.
“Will you lie with me?” he asked, softly.
She was still a virgin despite the many advances from her father’s men.
“Why should I? My kiss broke the spell.” Her head hurt.
“It won’t last. Come morning I shall become a frog again unless you lie with me.”
“You expect me to believe you? I shall fall down laughing.”
He took her hand in his. “I beg you.”
His touch sent heat through her. Brushing his hand aside, she said, “How old are you?”
“Twenty-two,” he said, reaching for her hand again.
For an unexplainable reason she did not refuse his touch. The warmth she was feeling settled between her legs and she thought she would faint. What was happening to her? She could not explain her feelings.
“I will be gentle,” he said, kissing her hand. “I promise.”
“I have never…”
“I won’t hurt you. Will you lie with me?” He brought his hand to her face and caressed her cheek.
Blessed Gods, she wanted him. She moved his hand down to her stomach.
“I must know your answer,” he whispered into her ear, lowering his hand between her inner thighs.
Lela knew she would regret this…yes, nothing good would come from what she was about to do. But right at that moment, she didn’t care. Containing her sanity, she answered, “Yes.”
She pressed her back against a wall.
“Have you changed your mind?” he asked.
She answered him by removing her cloak and then shedding her dress.
“Sweet princess,” he said, approaching her.
“May I know your name?” she asked.
He kissed her breasts.
“Eldrich,” he said, raising his lips to her mouth.
“You have enchanted me,” she said, whimpering.
Pulling his lips away, he said, “And you me.”
“Remove your trousers,” she said.
“Do you want me inside of you?” he asked, obeying her command.
What she was feeling was pure desire, nothing more nothing less. Quivering, she said, “I beg you.”
“And if I refuse?” he asked.
He was a cruel creature. “I will fall dead.”
He lifted her arms above her head and pushed his body against her.
“I beg you,” she said again.
“Not yet,” he whispered.
“You’re unkind.”
“Sweet princess,” he said as they both slid to the floor.
He placed her on her back.
“Who are you that I so want you?” she asked.
“Your prince, now and forever,” he said, his weight on her.
“Oh yes, my prince, I’m yours, right now, I’m yours.”
He entered her slowly. “Am I hurting you?”
“I feel nothing but pleasure. If only this could last all night.”
“Is that what you desire?”
“It is.”
She screamed, moaned and screamed again as he thrust into her over and over again, bringing her to climax. She could not fully understand what was happening to her or rather what she was allowing him to do to her. But she did not care. She had lived within the castle’s walls for too long. And right at this moment, the only thing she cared about was this strange man to whom she had unabashedly surrendered herself.
Yes, morning would come and she’d compel herself to grasp reality. But the light was hours away. For that, she was thankful. Oh, yes, she was thankful.
“I do not wish to sleep tonight,” she said.
“And you shall not,” he said, taking her once more.
Sunlight shone through the house’s windows, encouraging Lela to open her eyes. She stretched her arms and stood. The night’s events came to her mind and she looked around. Eldrich was gone. Quickly, she put on her dress and cloak and exited.
“Eldrich!” she yelled.
He couldn’t have abandoned her. She had let desire and fear fog her mind. She had let a stranger seduce her. “Eldrich!” she yelled again.
Remembering the ball, she hurried back to the house. The ball was gone. He had stolen it.
“Lela!” someone yelled.
She ran outside where one of her father’s men on horseback greeted her.
“She’s here, my king!”
Seconds later, her father and more men appeared.
Her father dismounted from his horse. “I was so worried,” he said, embracing her.
“I’m sorry,” she answered, her thoughts on Eldrich and the golden ball.
“What happened? Why did you not return to the castle?” He looked her up and down.
“I got lost…wandered too far and couldn’t find my way back.” This was the first time she had lied to her father.
“Thank the Gods you’re safe. Come, you must be starving. You’ll ride with me.”
“Father,” she said as he helped her onto his horse. “Did you send men to look for me last night?”
He climbed on the horse. “Ride, men!” he said.
“Father, why won’t you answer me?”
“I was worried sick. I thought I was never going to see you again,” he said.
“I’m sorry,” she said.
“You’re safe and that’s all that matters.”
They rode in silence. Lela understood that her life was never going to be the same again. In one night, her heart was broken twice, once by a stranger and once by her own father. Oh, how she missed her mother. If only she were alive and could offer her soothing words.
Sitting at her tea table in her bedroom, Lela inhaled the bread and fruit her handmaiden had brought her. She then took fast sips of her tea.
“Slow your pace, Princess,” Lady Rema said to her.
Lela set the tea cup on the table and stood. “How many hours until sunset? Has to be no more than three or four, do you agree?” She walked to her window.
“You’re safe.”
“Am I?”
“Of course you’re. What makes you think you’re not?”
“You have been with me since birth, Lady Rema, have you not?”
“I have,” she said, looking at her feet.
“Are you loyal to me?”
“Of course.”
“Are you an honest woman?”
“Of course.”
“Then tell me the truth. Did my father send men to look for me last night?”
Lady Rema returned her gaze to Lela. “He wanted to. Blessed Gods, he wanted to. But he couldn’t.”
“Why?”
“He was afraid,” she said, wringing her hands.
“Of what?” Lela asked.
“Why are you asking me these questions? I should go. I’m not feeling well,” she said, rubbing her forehead.
“Answer me.”
“Our duty is to protect you.” She looked away for a moment.
“Yet, no one came to my rescue last night,” Lela said, raising her voice.
“We could not.”
“Speak the truth or I will have you imprisoned!”
“Oh, Princess, I beg you,” she said, tears trickling down her cheeks.
“Speak!”
“When darkness falls…”
“Continue,” Lela said.
“That’s when they come out.”
“Who?”
“I can’t say the word. I just can’t,” Lady Rema said, now sobbing.
“Gather yourself and say it. Shall I call the guards?”
Taking in heavy breaths, Lady Rema said, “Vampires.”
“So, it’s true. They do exist,” Lela said, putting her hand to her mouth.
“They have roamed the forest for thousands of years, killing humans and animals alike.”
“For their blood?” Lela asked, despite already knowing the answer.
“Yes.”
“You must be completely forthcoming with me. What happened to my mother?”
“She was taken.”
“By vampires?”
“Yes.”
“How?”
“She sacrificed herself to…”
“Finish.”
“To save you.”
“I don’t understand your words. Speak clearly,” Lela said.
“The vampires…when they learned of your birth, they threatened the King and Queen. They wanted you…they thought your blood could lift their curse.”
“Curse?”
“They believe your blood can make them human again.”
“Why do they believe such a thing? Absurd!”
“Because of the golden ball.”
“You know about it?” Lela asked.
“It has followed you since you were born.”
“I have no memories of it.”
“It’s never made itself known to you. It followed you from a distant, hiding from you. The golden ball belongs to the vampires. They worship it. It’s their God. It is written in their sacred book that the ball would someday choose a human to follow. That human is you. It chose you.”
“Chose me for what?” Lela asked, her throat threatening to close.
“Clear your mind and grasp what I’m telling you. It chose you to save them…to make them human again. Vampires despise what they are. They want to walk in the sun again. They hate immortality…they consider it torture…cursed to live in darkness forever.”
Lela sat on the edge of her bed and put her face in her hands. “I believe your words. Bloody hell, I do believe you.”
“Your mother offered herself to them. Since you were born of her womb, her blood was also sacred to them. They craved to drink from the woman who had given birth to their savior. In exchange for her blood, they agreed to leave you alone for ten years. Her blood saved you…kept them away from you.
“The ball made itself known to me yesterday,” Lela said.
Lady Rema wheezed. “Oh no,” she said. “That means…”
“This is not the time to hold your tongue.”
“They are coming for you. The pact is over. And nothing will stop them.”
“Leave my room,” Lela whispered.
“Princess, please, the King must not know I told you.”
“I need you to leave my room.” She had to be alone with her thoughts…her fear…her desire to perish right then and there.
“Yes, I’m sorry, please forgive me,” Lady Rema said and left.
Lela dashed to her window and said, “Eldrich, you bastard!”
Then she threw herself on her bed.
Lela did not know how long she had been asleep when in semi darkness she opened her eyes to find a figure standing at her bedside. Groggily, she whispered, “Eldrich.”
“I didn’t want to leave you,” he said.
“But you did,” she said, standing.
He caressed her face. “Now that I’ve returned to my true form, I can’t be in the light.”
Lela glanced at the lit candles on her walls.
“Only the sun can hurt me,” he said.
“Then may the sun rise now,” she said.
“I’m sorry I left you,” he murmured.
“Are you a vampire?” she asked.
He kissed her forehead. “Yes.”
“Your kind killed my mother,” she said. A part of her wanted to take hold of a sword and sink it into his chest.
“Now they want you,” he said.
“Are you here to take me to them?” She did not understand why she wasn’t afraid of him. By all reason she should scream and run away from him. But she found herself paralyzed.
“I’m here to protect you from them.”
“Why?” In spite of what she had just learned, she trusted him.
Although she would deny it to her death, his presence warmed her and she wanted nothing more but to take him into her bed.
“You helped me. And now I will help you,” he said.
“Is that the only reason?” She closed her eyes and thought of the night before. His body against hers…his lips on her mouth…his everything. Ashamed by what she was feeling, she opened her eyes. His kind killed your mother!
“Do you want me to leave?” he asked, his eyes on her as if he meant to swallow her.
“Yes.” She lied.
“I’m yours,” he said, coming closer to her.
“Leave,” she said, biting down hard on her lip. She could not resist her desire. Yes, she wanted him.
He moved in and kissed her. His energy ran through her, nearly knocking her to the floor. She pushed him onto the bed.
“I hate you,” she said.
“I love you,” he said.
“You cannot love someone you don’t know,” she said.
“Are you mine?” he asked.
She brought her body on top of his and ran her fingers down his chest.
“Are you mine?” he asked again.
“I belong to no one.”
“Sweet princess,” he said, flipping her on her back. “There are so many things I want to do to you. Will you let me?”
“Yes,” she said, shaking.
He glided his hand under her dress and up her inner thighs.
The pleasure she was feeling was almost too much for her to take; any second she thought she would fall into unconsciousness.
“Do you want me to caress you?” he asked.
“With your mouth,” she said. Her bluntness baffled her.
He spread her legs. Disappearing underneath her dress, he brought her to near tears.
“Shall I stop, sweet princess?”
Squirming from side to side, she said, “I need you.” And she did. At this moment, she needed all of him. She needed him to kiss her…touch her…tell her he would do anything for her.
“Not yet,” he said, turning her on her stomach.
“I cannot take anymore. I demand it.”
He brought the palm of his hand to her bare buttocks.
“Sweet prince,” she said, ignoring the pain and wishing for more.
He brought his hand down again. And then again. The moisture between her legs increasing with each blow. Sweet prince.
Swinging his arm around her stomach, he lifted her.
“If I’m yours, you’ll do as I say,” she said, now on her knees.
“What do you want?” he asked, pressing himself against her buttocks.
“You know what I want,” she said. I shall die if you do not enter me.
“Not yet, sweet princess.”
“Bite me, then,” she said. “Drink from me.”
“Are you sure?” he asked.
“Do it.”
He put his mouth on her neck.
“Command me,” he whispered.
“I shall have you imprisoned if you do not drink from me.”
In the next moment, he sank his teeth into her and drew her blood.
“I want all of you,” she said.
And he obeyed. He plunged into her.
She then turned around, forcing him to stop.
“Beg me,” she said, pushing him down on his back.
“I beg you,” he said, her blood on his lips.
She climbed on top of him and placed her hand on his cock.
“I beg you,” he said again.
She then took it in her mouth, his moaning encouraging her to draw it in deeper and deeper, causing her to climax.
“Are you mine?” he asked.
“Yes, oh, yes,” she said.
He raised his hands to her breasts and stroked her nipples.
“I will protect you,” he said.
“I’m in love with you,” she said.
“As am I with you,” he said, tears forming in his eyes.
“I brought you your morning tea and some bread,” Lady Rema said, placing a tray on a table.
Standing at her window, Lela ignored her. She had no desire for tea or bread. Her thoughts were on Eldrich. He consumed every part of her. She wondered where he was.
“The King has asked for you,” Lady Rema said.
Lela turned to face her. “Tell him I’m ill,” she said.
“Should I send for the doctor?”
Lela gathered her long hair and then let it fall on her shoulders. “Yesterday you told me you were loyal to me.”
Lady Rema nodded.
“I need your help,” Lela said, approaching her.
“How may I serve you?” Lady Rema said, wringing her hands as she often did when she was nervous.
“First, you may stop fidgeting.”
“Apologies, Princess.”
“You must tell no one, not even the King.”
“Princess?”
“May I count on you?”
“Always.”
“Tell my father I’m ill. Tell him I’m experiencing lady troubles. And that I need to sleep.”
Lady Rema giggled.
“Come now, don’t be childish. Now go, do as I say.”
Lela knew that her father would stay far away from her until he was sure she was feeling better. Ah, for all their bravery men stayed away from a woman during her lady trouble time. Yes, we can be dreadfully evil during that time. Lela giggled.
She got dressed. Lady Rema had been gone for what seemed like a long time. Pacing the room, Lela formed her plan. She’d sneak out of the castle and return to the abandoned house in the forest. She was convinced she’d find Eldrich there. She should have figured it out sooner. It wasn’t just that he had known exactly where he was going the night he saved her, it was his determination. As if he had been there a thousand times before. Yes, how did she not see it? It was his home!
Flustered and out of breath, Lady Rema came into the room.
“What happened?” Lela asked her.
“I told the King…don’t worry…he said to come see him when you’re better.”
“My goodness, compose yourself, why are you so winded?”
“When I was making my way back to you, one of the guard’s dogs,” she took in a breath, “he chased me down the hall. The guard couldn’t get him to stop chasing me.”
“Oh for goodness sake, gather yourself. Has my father ordered his guards to watch me and keep me from leaving the castle?”
“They are not under such orders. You’re free to go as you want. I never told him you saw the ball.”
“Very good,” Lela grabbed her cloak.
“What about me?” Lady Rema asked.
“Yes, yes. You’ll need to stay here. Get under the covers and pretend you’re me, in case my father sends someone to check on me.”
“Oh no, I can’t.”
“I’ll return soon,” Lela said.
Once outside the castle, Lela made for the forest at quick pace. She had to see him and not only because every part of her body longed for him. She needed answers. Why did he take the golden ball? What did he do with it? How old was he really? Vampires were immortal. He had to be more than twenty-two-years-old. She needed to know how to protect herself from the vampires who meant to harm her. Drain her!
Flying through the forest, nearly tripping on fallen branches or sticks, she ignored her sanity. Yes, in order to have unequivocally fallen for a vampire, she had to be insane. No other way to explain it.
There, up ahead, was the house… his house. It was still daylight which meant if he was in there he was asleep somewhere hidden from the sun’s rays.
According to storybooks disturbing a sleeping vampire was suicidal. Since they were the most vulnerable when sleeping, their instinct was to kill anyone who woke them. Lela ignored this knowledge and yelled, “Eldrich! Where are you?”
She stomped through the crumbling house as if she were a warrior about to besiege a fortress. Going through halls and rooms, she yelled, “I know you’re here!”
To no avail, her screams did not provoke him. Giving in, she slumped to the floor and waited for the sun to go down. I implore you, Dear Sun, take your leave early today.
The sun set slowly as if it had heard her plea and chose to instead torture her. Once it disappeared and the moon took its place, Lela’s heart began to beat so fast she could not breathe and thought for sure she was dying. Her lungs refused to produce air. Standing, she frantically tried to calm herself. But she could not. A faint spell came over her. Get yourself together! This is what you wanted.
“Why have you come to my home?” a voice asked.
Yes, it was him. Eldrich, dear Eldrich.
“I needed to see you. I have so many questions,” she said.
He was now in front of her looking down at her. And he did not appear to be happy to see her.
“I could have killed you. Do you understand? If you had found my resting place, I would not have been able to stop myself from taking your life.”
Indeed, he was angry.
“I will not apologize,” she said.
“I do not require an apology,” he looked away for a moment, “I’m in love with you. Even in sleep, I think about you.”
“Where is the golden ball?” she had to ask now before she gave into his touches again. As it was, his very presence was bringing her to orgasm. She was not embarrassed to acknowledge it.
“I’ve hidden it,” he said, removing her cloak.
“Where?” Heat penetrated her soul.
Her eyes locked with his.
He kissed her nose, lightly. “In the sea. My kind can’t hurt you. Without the ball, they do not have a claim on your blood.”
“The ball has always followed me. It will find its way to me, again.”
“You’re safe. I swear to you.”
She flung her arms around him and rested her head on his chest.
“How old are you?” she asked, softly.
“I became a vampire when I was twenty-two. In human years, I’m seven- hundred-years-old.”
She raised her head off his chest. “Kiss me,” she said.
And he did. But his touch did not stop there. He undressed her and widened her legs. He then slipped one of his fingers inside her.
“Yes, my love, blessed Gods, yes,” she whimpered.
She spread her legs wider for him.
He sank his teeth into her breasts and drank from her all the while pleasuring her with his fingers.
“I shall fall,” she said, feeling lightheaded.
Placing his arm around her back, he gently brought her to the floor. Then he moved her onto her stomach. She would do anything he asked of her. She had surrendered herself to his every wanting.
He licked the back of her neck and then slid his tongue down her back.
“I need you,” she said. Her begging him was now their little game.
“Not yet,” he said, slapping her buttocks. “I’m still hungry,” he said.”
“I need you, now.”
“Let me feed from you,” he said.
Arching her back, she said, “I’m yours.”
He sank his fangs into the back of her neck.
“Enter me. I want you inside of me while you drink.”
He thrust into her. His stiff cock so swollen each time he penetrated her she felt slight pain. Delicious, intoxicating pain.
“You’re so sweet,” he said. “My God, you’re so sweet.”
“What else will you do to me?” she asked.
He flipped her on her back and then fondled her bloody breasts.
Then he put his cock between them and she brought her mouth to it. Sweet Gods. She took it all in. Yes, she loved this creature. She would have let him devour her had he asked.
“I want more of you,” he said, his cock still in her mouth.
He withdrew from her and took her in his arms. In the next instant, they were on the roof of his house.
“Eldrich,” she said, sitting on top of him.
“Silence,” he said, cradling her.
He picked up a thin stick that must have fallen from one of the tree branches which hung above his roof.
“Devour me,” she said.
“Do you love me?” he asked.
“Forever,” she said.
“Do you trust me?” he asked.
“Yes.”
Putting her on her back, he moved her legs apart.
Ah yes, our little game once more.
He slithered the stick gently up her inner thighs, teasing her, threatening to push it inside of her. She squealed.
“Say it,” he said.
“I need you.”
“I won’t make you beg this time,” he said.
“Eldrich!” she screamed.
“Do you need me?” he asked.
“Enter me. I shall die if you don’t,” she said.
“You will not,” he said, going into her. “I’m here. Feel me inside of you.”
“Oh, Eldrich, take all of me. I can’t exist without you.”
“Nor can I,” he said, penetrating her deeply.
“I feel pain,” she said.
“Do you want me to stop?” he asked, pulling out of her.
“You’re teasing me. I hate you.”
“Shall I resume what I was doing, then?” he asked with a smirk.
“Yes, oh, yes. Do it, now!”
Turn around and press yourself against me.
“Anything you desire.” She did as he asked.
“Bend forward and lift your buttocks.”
“Yes, my prince.”
Ah, his sweetness was once again inside of her.
“Is daylight almost upon us?” she asked.
“It’s many hours away.”
“Thank you, Gods, thank you.”
He went deeper inside of her, taking her very soul and she knew she was his forever. And he was hers.