I feel simultaneously worried and relieved to see Lucien's usual smile. I lay back with a sigh. After a moment, I reach over to the side and scribble onto a piece of paper: I'm exhausted. Leave me alone while I sleep.
He chuckles and gets up to go do...something, still buck naked. I roll my eyes and flop into bed, falling asleep almost immediately.
When I wake up, Lucien's reclining on the floor reading something. After leaning over, I realize with shock that it's his version of the script, complete with notes.
He looks up upon hearing me move. "Surpri
sed? I figured I might as well start here."
I'm not entirely sure what to think. His intentions are certainly not pure, but I also can't see Lucien doing anything he doesn't want to. And 'that' can't possibly be the only reason he would do this. I don't care how horny you are, a vampire like him - or Dante, for that matter - would never make allowances just to have a human thrall.
I suddenly find myself feeling very bitter about the past two days. I'm so sick of being batted about like a toy just because they're bored. If I could make a wish right now, I would turn them all gay so they would leave me alone and just have their own drama.
...Actually, now that I think about it, that might be almost as bad. It would be best if I could just take away their sexual drives altogether. Without that, they'd certainly leave me alone.
I realize after a few moments that Lucien's been watching my expression. I stick my tongue out at him, and he smiles his catlike smile and passes me a paper.
I just give him a look. Really? Even now? He just waits patiently, and I sigh and write just what I'm feeling: I wish I could castrate you bastards so you'd leave me alone.
After reading, he takes on an expression of pure shock before bursting into uproarious laughter. He reaches forward and pats me on the head. "Oh, Adelaide. I wouldn't leave you alone even then. That came second."
I silently groan and bury my head in my arms. After a little longer, I decide I need some air, and get up to go outside. Thankfully, Lucien doesn't stop me.
Taking a walk in the garden feels different now. I remember the colors in the sunshine, and imagine everything as vibrant as before. All in all...it really is a dull garden, since there are so very few night bloomers. I take a closer look at the other plants in the plots. There are day-bloomers, naturally, mixed in with the rest to keep the soil balanced, but they're mostly plain. Well, plain is fine by me. I like practicality.
I sorely need something to do. I could probably save some seeds and plant some vegetables. Unfortunately, there are almost no good plants to draw in pollinators, and I don't want to have to do it manually to make sure my plants fruit. I could also plant herbs while I was at it. I could change up the recovery soup with fresh herbs that way.
Thinking about food makes me realize how hungry I am, and I regrettably turn back to the house to find myself some lunch.
Unfortunately, Lucien is waiting inside when I return. Fortunately, someone convinced him to put clothes on, of a sort - he's wearing normal pants, but only a short vest on his torso. The same one, I realize, he had me wear when trying to teach me how to dance.
The other three are there as well, but I ignore everyone and walk straight to the kitchen. As much as I want to procrastinate cooking, I'm too hungry to wait and build myself a platter of fruits and cheeses once again.
When I return, Virgil's smiling at me with shining eyes. He noticed that Lucien's script was gone as well. Well, it wasn't exactly my work, but his smile is so sweet I can't help but return it.
For once, Lucien is unusually quiet when I settle next to him. Normally, I would worry, but his expression is pensive rather than plotting. I'm sure he'll ask me whatever he wants to know later.
Adrian snuggles into me as soon as I sit down. "I've missed you, Adelaide..." I tilt my head to the side to rub against his head, and he sighs. "Does that mean you've missed me too?"
Honestly, yes. He's the most sane one here, and he's the only one who's mostly treated me normally. I nod vigorously. Lucien's hand on my knee squeezes slightly when I do.
I try to give him a look of reassurance, but when I see his expression, I lose track of my thoughts. He looks...regretful, even a little hurt, emotions I would have never expected from him. I can hear Virgil discussing the role of the arrogant prince with Dante in the background, but I can't bring myself to pay attention. I finish my food as quickly as I can, and follow Lucien back to his room. He settles down as usual, but this time, he's not watching me. He really is acting strangely. I take the pen and paper, and start writing.
Lucien, are you willing to tell me what you're feeling?
Upon reading it, his eyebrows raise skeptically. "Do you expect to soothe my worries, or something?"
I'm returning your kindness.
"What if I don't want kindness from you?"
Then it's your choice.
"Hmm." He starts to toss the paper aside, but I take it back.
I may not know why, but I know what I see. You were upset. I'm not assuming I can help, but I can listen.
Lucien stares at my words for a moment, then turns his gaze to me. I meet it squarely. I don't know what he's evaluating me for, but I want him to see me as I am. "Very well," he sighs. He reaches forward and takes my chin. I'm not sure what to think, but I let it happen.
"You are a strange one. I know exactly what you want, and yet...you keep doing things that surprise me."
Isn't that...a good thing for him?
He seems to read my mind once again. "Normally I do enjoy that. But there's something bothering me."
I frown at his words, trying to think of what he could mean.
"What exactly do you think of me?"
I can't hide my surprise. Even so, I take the pen and paper, musing on what to write.
You're perceptive. You use that to entertain yourself with others, and it makes my life here more stressful.
His face falls almost imperceptibly.
But I enjoy it. And you use your perceptiveness to show me kindness that I haven't received much of.
His eyebrow quirks slightly.
Even if you pretend that kindness is not what you're doing. And you listen to me, and never tell me to do anything you know I truly don't want to.
Lucien sighs and takes my chin again, this time bringing me closer. "Then why do you keep up your walls? What are you afraid of?"
...Is he serious? He really doesn't know why I'm holding back? I tear my eyes away to write again.
You tell me, what did you mean when you told me you respected me? What does it mean to you, to show me respect?
This time, he responds immediately. "You're clever, adaptable, and resilient. You're good at making people cooperate, and you're smart enough to know when to concede. For a thrall, you're quite something."
There it is. I write, You said, "For a thrall."
Lucien's voice is stoic, but his eyes seem to waver ever so slightly. "Well, yes. You're a diamond in the rough. If you were turned, you could be polished into something brilliant."
I take a moment to think. In truth, this is a good start.
Diamonds that are used only for decoration are having their strength squandered.
As he reads, his face breaks into a gentle smile. "I suppose you would respond that way," he chuckles. He pulls the pen and paper out of my hand, and pulls me into his lap. "Then read with me." He reaches for the script and places it in my lap.
...I think he's enjoying the idea of the play more than he's letting on. As he quietly reads the lines aloud, I think about how I would match his version of his prince.
I realize I've lost track of time when someone knocks on the door, and Adrian peeks his head in. "Little lover? Awfully rude of you to keep me waiting. I made you dinner and everything!"
I perk up at the word dinner. Lucien releases me easily, but then I remember I'm still wearing his clothes. I make an apologetic face to Adrian and tug at my blouse.
"Not to worry, dear," he hums, and takes me by the hand. "I have something just for you."
In his room, laid out on the bed, is the same red velvet dress from before. But he's somehow added glimmering gold embellishments and pearls, all over the bodice and hem. I gasp in awe and run my hands over it. How many coats of his own did he destroy to get the materials for this?
"Go ahead and get dressed, love," he says, giving me a quick kiss on the cheek. I start for a moment before I remember our 'deal'. "I must get changed as well."
The dress seems much heavier now, but once it's on, it doesn't feel all that different. The hem is still a little long, though, and I pick up the skirt as I step, trying to figure out how best to not fall on my face.
I hear the door creak as Adrian steps back into the room. Now that I think about it, it is strange that he would go into the other room to change, when normally he would relish stripping in front of me.
When I turn around, I can't help but be impressed. He's dashing, in a deep, wine-red jacket with gold embroidery, a crisp white blouse, and silky black pants.It's much more embellished than his usual wear, and I find myself running my hand over the detailed embroidery. He catches my hand with a smile, and I blush slightly after realizing I had just run my hand all down his chest.
"I'm happy to see you like it," he purrs, then his eyes light on my hair. "Hmmm. One last thing."
Adrian leads me to his vanity and brushes my hair with one hand while digging around for hairpins with the other. With surprisingly skilled hands, he coils my hair up and pins it in place, finishing it off with a silk calla lily. "Now, you look the part," he smiles, leaning against my now exposed neck. I feel my cheeks heat up a little just from that, and I look away, embarrassed at how easily I blush.
But Adrian just smiles and takes my arm. "Come, my dear."
Just like before, there's a sumptuous spread on the table. But this time, it smells amazing. I take a deep breath. This time, there's a roasted chicken, some kind of pesto pasta, potatoes au gratin, and even a tiny bowl of onion soup. As soon as I sit down, I dig in with relish.
Adrian must have asked to have the room all to himself, because no one else is here. However, that also means the only sound in the silence is me, eating, and he seems happy to sit and wait while I do.
I swallow and tap on his knee. When he looks over questioningly, I mimic writing. He nods, leaves, and comes back with a single sheaf of paper. Oh well, I suppose this will do.
Adrian, I still don't know much about you. What do you like to do?
His eyes start shining as soon as he reads it. "Ohh, you are the sweetest, Adelaide!"
I chuckle at his ridiculous enthusiasm, but he continues unhindered.
"Actually, my favorite pastime is art. I've dabbled in lithography and sculpture, but what I most love is painting."
I nod. That seems very like him. Do you have your materials here?
"Why yes, I do," he replies. "I even have plenty of canvas. The problem has been finding a subject." I feel the blush creep up my cheeks at his tone. Still, I want to see his art. As an amatuer artist, the chance to watch a vampire master at work is invaluable.
"I would love to paint you tomorrow," he says, gently running his hand down my arm. His voice is light, but his eyes are serious.
Fine by me, but- I stop for a moment. I was about to write, I'm not doing it nude, but perhaps I can get two birds with one stone here.
"But?" he asks eagerly.
But I'll only do it your way if you join the play.
He clasps his hands in delight. "Wonderful!" Then, with a smirk, he draws his finger along my collarbone. "Are you sure you're prepared for what 'my way' means?"
I can feel my cheeks are red, but I shake my head to calm myself. No, I write, But I'll do it anyway.
He laughs and gives me a tight squeeze. "Hurry and eat, you're getting me excited now."
I smile as I finish my food. I don't know how Adrian manages to make me feel so comfortable. Or maybe I'm just getting used to this place.