Haley Thistle
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Florenz the Vampire Bat: Part One (rough draft)
🕑 Added 2022-09-17 20:00:05 +0000 UTCFrom your window you can look down upon the village you once called home. At night, the windows twinkle and shine from the lights within each home. In total darkness it almost appears as if the sky has nestled upon the ground, gathering itself between the cracks and nooks of the rocky mountainside. You are supposed to be within those craggy pathways, walking yourself to the market to buy the children pears and treats for all their hard work. Instead, you are in Florescu castle with a new master.
Stepping away from the window, you let the heavy curtains fall back into place. The curtains are to always remain closed, so the castle is always in the bounds of night. You walked back towards your bed, crawling in to pull the covers up and fix the pillows back in place.
As you set things right, pillows and stuffed toys, the door opened and Ms. Nita stepped in. She saw you making the bed and she tutted like always.
“Now, now! My lady!” She came in and shooed you off the bed. “You need not be taking care of that anymore. I’m shocked you even do.” She smoothed her hand down the comforters and looked back at you with those strange wide eyes of hers’.
You looked aside with a small shrug. “I don’t mind making it.”
Ms. Nita sighed, placing her hands upon her hips as she turned towards you. “You do a fine enough job, but it’s my job you are doing. I promised our lord to take good care of you.”
A small scowl appeared on your face and Ms. Nita took hold of your chin. “I know that no girl is fond of an arranged marriage. But chin up my dear. It could be worse. There are worse houses than the Florescu house to marry into.”
You looked Ms. Nita in her slightly bulbous eyes and removed her hand. “It isn't the marriage.”
“Then what’s the sour puss look about?” Ms. Nita went over to your wardrobe and took out clothing for you.
The dress she picked was much finer than the one before. Somehow your wardrobe was a vast and endless sea of pretty dresses in delicate patterns and soft pastels. You crossed your arms along your chest, rubbing your palms along your bare skin. The castle wasn’t cold, in fact it was always perfectly warm. But you still got chills every morning when you would meet your new husband for breakfast.
“Come now. Get dressed and I’ll do your hair.” Ms. Nita was a peculiar sort of woman. She was extremely pale, short, and round. But she was a miracle worker with your hair. She was able to take the tight curls you crew and style it carefully with thought. She had been given the job of taking care of you in the castle. And while the official weddings had taken place, your new husband had other traditions we wished to follow before he considered you both completely wed.
Breakfast wasn’t held in the dining hall, instead you took it in your husband’s chambers. He had a large table set up before his fireplace, and Ms. Nita would serve you both then leave to let you two be alone.
That morning as you walked in, you noticed your new husband standing before the fireplace. He was wearing a bright blue robe with golden stars carefully stitched all over it.
Ms. Nita scoffed as she stepped in with the breakfast cart. “You aren’t even dressed, my lord.”
He turned from the fireplace and the robe fell from his right shoulder. The fire glowed about his dark fur, and one of his clawed hands rested upon the downy fluff of his chest. “I slept awful, Ms. Nita. How am I supposed to face my gorgeous bride when I have not had an ounce of beauty sleep-” He stopped dead when he saw you standing by the table.
He quickly lifted up his robe over his shoulder and a soft smile appeared on his face. “I am to be taken off guard apparently.”
“You didn’t sleep well, Forenz?” You asked and took your seat at the table.
Florenz’s dark eyes shifted around before he moved towards his chair. “I hope you rested well at the very least.”
Ms. Nita placed food upon the table, shaking her head slowly.
“I slept,” you answered plainly. You were keeping a cool front, but inside it felt like your soul was being ripped to shreds. Your chest was tight and your stomach was in knots.
Florenz had no clue as to how you felt. “That’s good. I am glad to hear such good news.” He smiled at Ms. Nita as she placed a solitary cup before him. Meanwhile you had small plates placed in front of you as well as a pot of tea.
Ms. Nita left the room and only the sound of the crackling fire was left.
Florenz picked up his cup and glanced inside. You picked at your food, too anxious to eat, but knowing you must perform or else he might catch on.
“I know technically it isn’t morning. At least, not from what you are used to.” Florenz murmured as he gazed into his cup. “It will get easier. Once you acclimate. I am sorry you have to do that too. But being what I am, I have no choice over my schedule.” He laughed then quickly shut himself up.
You looked up from your plate, seeing a yellow gleam to his eyes from the light of the fire. His bat-like appearance didn’t bother you, not like they thought it would. The village saw all sorts of creatures wandering through it. You had grown up seeing them hiding and staring from the rocks and behind trees, as well as walking along the same streets you did.
“Are you adjusting well?” Florenz asked. “I mean, I know you are used to a certain lifestyle, a certain affluence, and I am trying to provide that comfort to you.”
“What do you mean? You’re far richer than the Domitry family.” You quickly shut your mouth and cleared your throat.
Florenz nodded, looking back down into his cup. “Yes, well, even that can take some getting used to. But you’ve barely asked me for anything aside from art supplies. You don’t need to be afraid to ask me for anything.”
“I don’t need much,” you murmured.
Florenz sighed and leaned back into his chair. His robe once again fell away from his shoulder. “Don’t take this the wrong way, dear wife, but I had expected you to be much more spoiled than you are.”
You chewed slowly on a piece of meat then drank some tea to help you swallow more easily. “I suppose one would.”
Florenz chuckled. “I was not told you were an artist, mostly that you enjoyed fashion and having a large wardrobe.”
That explained one thing, you thought to yourself.
“I would have been better prepared had I been told more about you. But from what your father told me, I assumed you would be-” He hesitated and finally took a sip from his cup.
You set your cup down. “Vain? Lazy? You already said spoiled.”
Florenz looked at you surprised. “I did not want to make such harsh judgments. But I am sorry if that offends you.”
“Not really,” you shrugged.
Florenz’s eyes narrowed. “I suppose you get that a lot?”
You sighed. “I’ve thought the same things.”
“I suppose you’re trying to…distance yourself from that sort of image. Correct?” His soft smile returned. “Because I think you are doing quite well.”
“Thank you.” You really weren’t sure how to respond.
Florenz took another drink from his glass. “Do you have plans today? I suppose you’ll be going back to your art.”
“I will be. Do you have business to take care of today?” You pushed yourself away from the table and smoothed your hand down your skirt.
“Unfortunately I do. There is much to take care of before the full moon. I want to make sure once it is here I will be able to have the time to spend with you.” He stood with his glass and walked over to you. He extended his clawed hand to help you rise from your chair.
If there had to be one thing you appreciated about your new husband, it was how tall he was. Back home in the village, you took after your father, who moved to the village when he was young. Most of the village, like your mother, was on the shorter side. You often stuck out like a sore thumb. Florenz’s height was nice to stand next to.
“Not much longer now. I suppose you are nervous.” Florenz opened the door for you.
He had no idea. “A little,” you lied.
Florenz smiled and you could see the sharp fangs in his mouth. “I too get butterflies. But there is nothing to worry about. I think you and I have a beautiful future together.”
You nodded. “I hope so.”
Florenz lifted your hand and dipped down to kiss the knuckles. His tail under his robe swished back and forth. “Have a good day, my wife.”
“You as well.” You waited until the doors were closed and then you let your body sag and slouch. You clutched your chest as you walked down the hallway. Everyday you felt he was closer to figuring it out.
Once you were back in your room you sat and cried for a spell. Once it felt the weight in your chest was relieved you took deep breaths. You missed your family, you missed your home, and you were angry about being placed here.
You weren’t supposed to be here. You weren’t even the right girl.
The door opened and you turned to see Ms. Nita with a glass of water. You tried to return to your formal posture, but it felt impossible.
“I can’t keep it up,” you whispered.
Ms. Nita handed you the water. “Keep what up?”
The glass was cold in your hands, it felt nice after all the tightness and fear you held during breakfast. “I can’t tell you.”
Ms. Nita flitted about the bedroom, checking for dust while also taking out another outfit for you to wear while you worked on your artwork. “You said the marriage didn’t bother you. Then what is it? The hours? The altitude? Trust me, you will grow used to both.”
“I really can’t say.”
Ms. Nita stood and put her hands upon her round hips. “If you cannot say, then perhaps I can guess.” She pulled up another chair and sat before you. She looked you over with a very studious gaze that made you feel uneasy.
“Making your bed every morning has never settled right with me. Girls from wealthy families like yours barely know how to wipe their noses, let along tuck a sheet properly.” her large eyes kept gliding over you. “You’re very modest for a rich girl as well. You seemed shocked by your clothing.” She folded her arms against her chest. “Are you rich?”
You bit the inside of your cheek.
“You aren’t, are you?” Ms. Nita whispered.
You looked at her with fear.
Ms. Nita sighed. “Oh dear. Oh, dear, dear, dear.” She clicked her tongue then held her jaw tight. “That foolish old mule pulled a grand switch didn’t her. So what are you? A maid? A cook?”
“I was a governess to his younger children,” you admitted weakly. “But please. You can’t tell Master Florescu. Lord Domitry promised to give my mother money. My little sister so sick-”
Ms. Nita raised her hand. “Why did Dormitry do it?”
You sniffled. “His daughter refused. She destroyed his office in a fit, and since we both looked similar he thought-” Your throat tightened up as you spoke.
She sighed. “That sounds like the real bride we were told about. Can’t say I’m surprised.” Ms. Nita stood up from her seat. “Lord Florenz deserves to know the truth of the matter.”
“No! Please!” You jumped to stand. “If he finds out, then Lord Domitry will stop providing money to my family. I won’t have a job anymore! My family relies on me.”
Ms. Nita gave you a cold look. “My master has been lied to. He’s been deceived. He was promised a bride.”
“And I am!” You exclaimed. “I am his bride. He would be happy with the one he was told, but he does have a bride as promised.”
Ms. Nita huffed. “Do you really think this would be the end of you if he found out? Dormitory has made you a pawn, a victim. He used you to make a laughing stock out of Florenz. I have raised that man since he was a child. I raised his mother before him. The Florescu family is my family.” She jabbed her finger into your face.
“It guts me to think Florenz is in the dark. He’s no idiot,but he can be a fool.” She grumbled.
“I have not met a kind man with money,” you murmured.
Ms. Nita nodded. “I suppose you haven’t. Well, if Florenz is cruel, then I will deal with him.” She took your hand and patted it. “You have nothing to fear. Ms. Nita runs this estate more than young Florenz thinks.” She grabbed your hand and had you follow her back towards Florenz’s chambers.
She forced her way inside, no knock, no warning of your arrival. She strode in with confidence while you floundered behind her.
Florenz was getting dressed. He had on pants but his top half was bare. He squeaks as you both came in and he crossed his arms against his broad chest.
“Ms. Nita, what are you doing?” He snapped.
“I have figured out a plot!” Ms. Nita raised up her arm and your hand.
You and Florenz looked at one another and his gaze went soft. “My dear, have you been crying?”
“Not the plot!” Ms. Nita snapped. She let go of your hand and paced around in front of Florenz. “I have discovered that Lord Domitry has played you for a fool!”
Florenz was still looked at you with concern, like he wanted to approach but his own partial nudity was making him embarassed. “What?” he looked back down. “What was that, Ms. Nita?”
“Focus!” She snapped her fingers. “Look at her.” She waved her hands towards you. “Take her in. think about all you know about her. I want you to think hard, Florenz. What about her stands out?”
You wait anxiously, folding your hands together and standing stiff as Florenz looks at you. His gaze is soft. Confused, but very much affectionate. His ears fold back as a shy smile appears.
“A lot of things. I’m very fond of my wife.”
Your heart isn’t sure in which direction it should go, neither did you.
Ms. Nita scoffed. “No! She’s not a Domitry.”
Florenz’s eyes widened. He looked from you to Ms.Nita and back to you. “No! What? Come on now, Ms. Nita. No! Darling, what is she going on about?”
“She’s not a Domitry,” Ms. Nita repeated. “She worked for them.”
His whole body stiffened and the wings upon his back fluttered. Florenz looked at you again, eyes widened as he began to realize. “Oh,” he breathed “Oh!” He exclaimed.
Tears began to well up in your eyes. “I’m so sorry.”
Florenz took a few steps forward, a serious look upon his face. “So it’s true? Dormitory pulled a grand switch on me.”
“That’s right.”
“Well,” Florenz muttered. “That's good then!”
Tears fell down your cheeks as Florenz approached you and placed his hand upon your shoulder. “I am much happier with you. But I do still have Domitry to deal with.”
You weren’t sure what to think.
“What do you plan on doing?” Ms. Nita asked. “Both with this girl and the Domitry family?”
“She’s my wife,” Florenz corrected. “I will be her husband and protect her. As for Domitry, this marriage was supposed to end the feud between our families. But I suppose, if he wants to play me for the fool, then he will live with the consequences.” He walked across the room and pulled on his robe again to cover himself.
You watched him in awe, still barely taking in his words. Florenz handed Ms. Nita a sealed document, which she took and gave him a nod.
“Send that directly to Domitry, he will know what it means.” Florenz placed his hand upon your back, turning your towards him as Ms. Nita left the room.
You were shaking, afraid of what would happen next.
Florenz cupped his hands around her face. “What do we need to do?” He asked. “You must have family back in the village. Should we bring them here for safe keeping? Perhaps once Domitry is dealt with, they can have his house. After all, I’d like us to be alone for the full moon.”
“What?” You voice shook.
Florenz smiled on you. “I may have been fooled into marrying you, but I do not regret it. I find myself falling for you.”
You had been so terrified of your secret getting out, you had barely had a chance to think of your own feelings for him. You sniffled, falling into his arms to cry with relief.
“It’s alright, my dear. I will take care of you, no matter what.” he sat with you upon his bed, stroking your back until you calmed. You fell asleep in his arms and woke up tucked into bed.
Across the room you saw him sitting at his table, looking over a stack of documents and an open tome. His ear twitched as you moved the blankets and he turned in your direction. He stood from the table and approached you.
“I hope you rested well,” he said gently.
You rubbed your eyes. “I didn’t mean to-”
“Hush now. You’re my wife, what’s mine is yours.” He placed a soft kiss upon your forehead.
“I’m so sorry-” You tried to apologize but he tapped a claw over your lips.
“You were forced into a corner. I’m sorry I didn’t realize sooner.” He smoothed his palm up your cheek and tucked back loose curls.
“No, you don’t have anything to apologize for,” you murmured.
Florenz nodded. “Well, now that I am aware, let’s start back at the beginning.” He cupped your cheek in his palm. “I want to know you, the real you.”
You smiled brightly. “What do you want to know?”
“Your name might be nice.”
You chuckled, giving him your name.
“It’s beautiful,” he murmured. “It suits you much better.” He snuggled with you upon the bed. “Now, do you really likes clothes so much?”
“Not really,” you chuckled. “As silly as it is, I like stuffed toys.”
Florenz’s fangs showed as he smiled. “That’s much more interesting.”
