Continuation of Stefan's POV:
I saw a flash of blue and purple before a little girl was giggling, running down the hall as her silk blue dress flared out from behind her. Dante frowned and let me go before he teleported down the hall to get in front of her and scooped her off the floor, holding her tightly as she started to squirm and hiss, exposing her fangs.
"Raven," Dante purred into her ear. "Calm down~" She giggled and kicked her feet a little as she looked up at Dante then turned in his arms, wrapping her arms around his head then went to climb over him but he kept a tight grip on her and held her back. I eyed her over and widened my eyes. She's way too hyper! Why'd he bring me around her? I could be doing better things... like cleaning windows. He started to rock her in his arms and walked up to me as she started to settle down a little at it and looked around with a small giggle. "Raven, this is Stefan. Stefan, this is your mistress Raven," he purred out then rubbed her head. She looked at me as her gold eyes brightened up at the sight of me and she purred loudly and giggled, reaching for me. I yelped and stepped away from her hands quickly. No way am I letting her touch me! I suddenly felt a weight on my shoulders as tiny arms wrapped around my head and I felt silk against the back of my neck.
"Caught! I caught you!" She said and tightened her grip on me. I saw Dante hold back a laugh, covering his mouth to hide it.
"D-Dante," I whined out in a begging tone and tried to pull her off me.
"What? It's cute," he told me then smirked. "I think I like it." I heard Raven give a small purr as she played with my hair and then rubbed one of my ears as she ran her small hand towards it then tugged on it. I frowned and sent a small glare towards Dante. This is his fault! I don't want a little kid clinging to me. He watched us then purred before he came up and grabbed Raven's hands. "Hey cutie~ want a cookie?" She giggled quickly and gripped his hands before she nodded.
"I wanna cookie!" She said then let him pick her up off me. He held her close then kissed her cheek before he looked at me.
"Let's get you that cake," he told me then winked. "A cookie for Raven, and a slice of cake for my sweet donor." I smiled at the thought.
"Cake?" I asked him and walked past him quickly. I don't get that every day.
"Yes, cake," Dante hummed out and was hot on my trail. I could feel his eyes watching my back as a purr escaped him. I lead him to the kitchen and looked around for some cake that might be already made by the chiefs. Dante set Raven down on the counter then rubbed her head before she disappeared, making him freeze up and start looking for her in the cupboards. A chief looked my way then frowned.
"What are you doing in here?" He asked as he moved a pot of stew- probably the servant's dinner for tonight. I smiled and got a spoon before I managed to get a spoon full of the stew and ran to the other side of the kitchen with it and ate it.
"Master Dante said I deserved a slice of cake," I explained. The chief tsked as he watched me then sat the pot down.
"A slice of cake huh? You're just in here to steal foo-"
"Get him a slice of cake," Dante hissed out from nearby, opening another cupboard. The chief tensed then nodded, going to a cake on the far side of the kitchen and cut a slice, putting it on a plate then brought it towards me. "Also, I need-" I heard a jar rattle before it fell to the ground off the top of a counter, busting open and spilling cookies everywhere. Raven giggled and suddenly appeared on the floor among the glass, eating the cookies as she got cut by the glass. Tensing, Dante looked towards her and was by her side quickly, scooping her off the floor to get her away from the glass. I started to eat my slice of cake with the spoon I got.
"Thank you," I hummed out to the chief and eyed over the pot eagerly. "That's for supper, right?"
"Yes," the chief said then eyed me over. "Unless you're privileged.... The privileged servants are getting steak."
"Steak!?" I asked and widened my eyes. "Master Dante, am I getting steak?" I asked quickly. He glanced at me as he pulled a piece of glass out of Raven's skin then frowned.
"Yes, you're getting steak tonight with Frederick and the others. If I remember correctly, it's steak, a salad, and bread with a bit of honey milk," he told me and rubbed Raven's head as she nibbled at her cookie innocently.
"I replaced the milk with wine," I heard Frederick tell us as he walked in with three bottles of wine. "I thought it would be nice for us all to have some wine~ If we've all been good then we're going to celebrate with something a little harder to drink and we'll go out on a midnight ride while our master gets some shut eye." He smirked as he sat the wine bottles down and looked towards the chief. "Where are you in the preparations?"
"I've finished the last pot of stew for the servants.... Your steaks are almost complete too," he said then bowed towards Frederick. "The bread is finished and has been sliced and buttered. You'll enjoy its crisp taste and feel.... The salads have been checked to filter out any bad leaves from the lettuce heads, and your table has been set. The stew will be dealt out in a few minutes to the other servants for them to take to their dining hall and eat. The master's dinner... is a few minutes away from being done. We had Andreas donate his blood into a wine glass for him and put a little beer in it to spike it for his enjoyment... and his lobster is currently being seasoned."
"What about Raven's meal?" Frederick asked sharply. "I hope you didn't forget about her." The chief tensed and looked to be thinking before he looked at Frederick.
"If I remember correctly, her dinner is being completed, but we're having a hard time finding someone to donate that would taste appetizing to her," the chief said then frowned. "The master's favorites claim to be tired besides Andreas, but I don't think it would be wise to take another glass from him." Frederick frowned before he looked to be thinking.
"Fine, I'll have to go order a new servant to give blood. I'll be back in time for dinner." He walked up and grabbed a knife from the drawers as well as a glass. "I'm sure I'll find someone." The chief nodded then shivered as he eyed over the knife.
"Good luck," he whispered then winced like he was thinking about the poor person that would get slit. He started for the back of the kitchen quickly as Dante watched him before he looked towards Frederick.
"You didn't like the milk I requested for you," Dante asked and frowned as he brushed Raven's curly hair out with his fingers.
"No, I have things planned tonight to celebrate your new donor," he purred out. "We're all going to have fun tonight." Frederick looked towards the glass and frowned before he looked at me sharply. "Clean this mess up," he hissed. "You're not helpless." He walked out calmly then. I blushed and sat my cake down quickly before I walked out into the hall to go find a nearby broom closet. Once I found one, I brought the broom back and started to clean up the glass on the floor as well as the cookies. Dante watched me then purred before he exposed his fangs playfully at me.
"You'll have to tell me what Frederick does with you tomorrow morning," he told me then smirked. "I'll be curious to know how he celebrates your promotion." I nodded and smiled at him.
"Yes sir." I swept the glass and cookies up into a pan and threw the contents into the trash before I took the broom and pan back to the closet. When I got back to the kitchen, I picked my cake back up and continued eating it. "We probably won't stay up much longer after you. We have to get up before you," I explained.
"Who knows.... Frederick has his own reasons to celebrate besides you," Dante whispered like he knew something. He looked down at Raven then before he rubbed her cheek, earning a loud purr from her before she grabbed his hand and squeezed it as she giggled.
"Dante~" She purred out happily and giggled. What's Frederick celebrating then? Is he getting married?
"What?" He asked in amusement then laughed as he watched her expose her fangs at him, showing them off. "Aren't you a little tigeress?" He teased her lightly then touched her fangs. "A big bad hunter~" She giggled and held his hand before she pierced his fingertip with her fangs and licked the blood up with a loud purr. "I'm going to teach you so many things~ like how to fight... how to hunt... the girly things too.... You're not going to be the same as the other girls. I'll make sure you know how to defend yourself properly." I eyed them over as I finished my cake and sat the plate down in the sink. He really seems interested in that little girl. She bit into his wrist then and dug her fangs in deep as a soft giggle escaped her. I caught sight of his blood dripping down his wrist as she didn't manage to catch it, dripping down onto the floor as it got wasted. I frowned as I watched his blood. Wow~ No! HOW COULD SHE WASTE HIS BLOOD LIKE THAT! I frowned and crossed my arms as I watched. That's so unfair! Dante watched her then rubbed her jaws slightly to get her to ease up on her bite but she only bit in harder as he touched her. He groaned slightly but didn't pull her off. I shivered as I watched her bite. No- I wouldn't want to be him right now... She's ruthless. "Raven, ease up," he whispered in her ear. "I'm not going anywhere." He rubbed her head and played with her hair, managing to get her to pull her fangs out slightly. "There we go~ Cutie," he whispered then kissed her head, making her light up and purr as she pulled her fangs out and licked his wrist. I watched them and eased off towards the exit to get out of her view while she was still distracted. Dante's eyes went towards me sharply before he frowned. "Where are you going?"
"Not far," I promised him as I stepped out and hid by the wall as I watched them by peaking around it.
"You're hiding from a little girl?" He asked and laughed at me.
"It's not funny," I mumbled.
"Yes, it is~ She's just a little kid," he told me and purred. "She's only about six.... Plus, she's got curls and little gold eyes that shine. She's adorable- just a little bit of a biter."
"I don't want to be bit by her," I mumbled.
"I'm not going to let her bite you silly," he told me and smirked. "She may be a princess, but you're my personal donor." I nodded as I watched them.
"Okay," I whispered and slowly edged my way back into the room.
"Afraid of a little girl," he scoffed, teasing me as he watched me then moved his wrist away from Raven's lips, earning a whine from her before she looked around then went to escape with a playful look. He held onto her tightly then and smirked. "You're not getting out of my arms," he told her calmly.
"Why not?!" She whined.
"Because I said so," he told her strictly. "You'll listen to me and do what I tell you to, understand? You're my little princess." He purred then rubbed her head, earning a giggle as she smiled hugely at him and grabbed his hand, tugging it closer to her. "Yeah, I think you get it," he whispered, watching her as she kissed his hand. I walked over towards the chief slowly to look for the steak he made and smiled. Steak~ Juicy steak.... He looked at me then tsked as I came up and slipped a steak onto a plate.
"What are you doing?" He asked me sharply.
"N-nothing," I purred out as I eyed over what he was doing. "Can I have mine early?"
"No, you eat when Frederick eats," he told me. "Bet you've never had steak, have you? You're that one that got promoted- lucky dog," he muttered under his breath.
"No," I admitted and blushed. "I've only had it once- a very long time ago... That's when master Dante wanted to treat all his servants to something delicious..." I eyed over the plate of steak and held back my urges to grab it and run off with it. Frederick needs to hurry up. He watched me then nodded.
"Okay, but you still can't have food until Frederick says so," he told me then put another steak on a plate. I nodded and slowly turned to look at Dante and gave him a small pout.
"Can you tell Frederick it's supper time?" I asked softly.
"Frederick is busy finding Raven a glass of blood," he told me calmly then smirked. "You shouldn't have eaten that cake so fast."
"Yeah... but it's steak," I purred out in excitement and looked back towards the steak longingly.
"You'll eventually get used to the better food," Dante told me and laughed. "Have you noticed Frederick wasn't near as excited as you about the steak? That'll be you in a few years." I frowned as I thought it over.
"No, I'll never get used to better food," I purred out. "I'm very grateful for it."
"Hmm," he hummed out as he watched me then eyed the chief over as he moved away from the steaks and over to two plates, one with lobster with sauce laid out on it in an artsy way and a salad and the other with a few pieces of peeled fruits, a fileted fish, and a small pile of green beans. I eyed over the plate and felt my mouth water. That looks delicious....
"What are you three doing in here still? Get out of here. Dinner will be ready soon, master Dante. You'll be eating with Raven in the dining room." Frederick said as he walked in with a few other servants following him. He had a glass of blood with him in his hands. Dante frowned at him then exposed his fangs.
"It's my castle," he hissed.
"This is my duty to keep you out of it. Now get going. If you want something from in here than you send a servant for it. You're a king. Now leave before I paddle your butt."
"You won't lay a finger on me," Dante growled out at him. "I can go where I want and do what I want when I please."
"Master," Frederick said calmly. "Get out." He pointed towards the door. "Unless you want me to assign someone else to play king for you." Dante narrowed his eyes.
"If you can magically turn them into a pureblood," he muttered then stalked past Frederick. "This is not the way to treat your master, Frederick."
"I'm only looking out for you, master." Frederick patted Dante's butt as he walked by.
"Now get going before I decide to get my paddle." Dante exposed his fangs as Frederick touched him then whirled around on him, giving a sharp growl.
"Like you would have a paddle on you," he hissed. Frederick smirked as he pulled out a paddle from his back pocket.
"You want to tempt me further?" Frederick asked. "You know the kitchen isn't a place for you. It's the place for your servants."
"It's not like I was doing their job," he muttered. "You wouldn't hit your master."
"I will to put you in your place like I do the other serv-" His eyes looked towards me then. "Why'd you allow him this?" He asked and frowned towards me. "I'll send you to bed early tonight if you keep letting him get away with these tiny things." Dante snatched the paddle out of Frederick's hands and smirked.
"Thanks Frederick~ I always wanted one of these," he hummed out then started to walk out with it, twirling it in his hand. "Hmm, whatever shall I do with a tiny oar~ I think I'll burn it."
"Don't burn my paddle! It took me a week to make that. It gives just the right amount of sting if used properly on a servant." Frederick's eye twitched as he watched Dante leaving with it. "Give that back!"
"I could always paddle you with it for threatening your master~" Dante purred out, stopping just out in the hall with a smirk. Frederick's jaw tightened as he got quiet then. I laughed a little under my breath but quit as he sent me a glare. Dante watched him then purred. "Come get your paddle, Frederick. I won't burn it this time," he told him then held it back out to him. "You take good care of me." Frederick smiled as he walked over and took it back before he put it away.
"By the way... How's your new donor? Is he giving you too much trouble?" Frederick asked. I tensed up quickly.
"No, he's perfect," Dante told him calmly. "I'm very pleased with him. He learns quickly... but if anything, he could learn to obey me a little better. He'll work on it."
"I'm sure he will if you give him a few lessons on obedience yourself," Frederick laughed out. He looked towards Raven and rubbed her head. "I'll have fresh cookies made for you," he promised. She looked up at him then giggled before she gave a predatorial growl and exposed her fangs.
"Cookies~" She said then gave him a sweet look. "Frederick!" She reached out for him then. "I want chocolate chip ones!"
"I'll see to it that it gets made," Frederick promised her and smiled. She giggled then looked past Frederick towards the kitchen in excitement before she hugged Dante around his neck and curled up to him. Dante laughed softly then started to carry her off down the hallway.
"Come on cutie, I want to show you something~" He said to her as she sounded happy about it. I frowned and watched him leaving. Where's he going without me? I stepped towards the doorway as I watched him ditching me. He glanced over his shoulder then smirked. "You can come with if you'd like or you can stay with Frederick who has a paddle." I looked at Frederick before I took off running for Dante to catch up to him. No way am I staying with him! He watched me then gave a satisfied smirk before he headed down the hall and took us down a few turns before he opened a door and got us inside a ballroom. He set Raven down and patted her on the back, making her walk forward. "Do you know what this is?" He asked her and smirked.
"A big room," she said and looked around in disappointment.
"It's a big room for dancing and partying in," he told her and looked her over. She looked the room over again before she took off running, making Dante laugh. "Be careful, Raven," he warned her, watching as she went towards a table and got under it with a giggle. "You can play in here, but don't get hurt." I looked the ball room over in awe. I haven't been in here before~ I walked up to Dante and gave him a huge smile. He looked at me then smirked. "What?" He asked then crossed his arms.
"It's beautiful in here," I explained to him and gave him a huge smile. He chuckled then.
"You think so? I had it remodeled when I took over," he said and smirked. "I picked out everything that's in here from the paints used, to the curtains, and to the floor, even the furniture was selected by me." I eyed it over curiously. How old is Dante?
"How old are you?" I asked curiously.
"Old," he told me then laughed at the thought. "I'm as old as the vampire revolution and then some. I had just taken over my kingdom when the vampire revolution started. I was one of the only ones of us that was a king already when it started, but I was young then.... We were all going to get our thrones in a few years- most of us I think... but we fought to change everything." He looked around then tsked as his eyes darkened slightly at the thought. "A lot happened...." I nodded and eyed him over. He sounds ancient... Too bad he doesn't act his age. He's still childish~ He noticed the look I was giving him then tsked. "What?"
"The way you talk you're telling me you're ancient, but you don't act it," I explained in a teasing tone. I eyed him over then. "I guess it's because you're stuck in a young form... so you'll never be able to act as old as you are."
"If I acted my age, that'd be boring," he said and waved it off. "I'd rather tease Frederick and mess around. If I acted my age, I'd sit on my throne all day and do work constantly." I smiled and nodded.
"You'd probably have children too," I teased him. "Oh wait~ You got one."
"I just took that one from the jaws of a wolf," he said and looked towards Raven. "I used to have a mate.... He was going to become my queen, but he died before it could be final." His expression fell a little as he watched Raven before he frowned. I widened my eyes quickly. He? Master Dante was going to have a 'he' for his queen? I never realized... That it could have been possible for him to have had someone in his past- especially a guy... I guess that really does explain how bad he wanted me earlier! I ran my fingers up to my lips quickly and blushed. "Mates are trouble," he muttered before he sighed then ran his fingers through his hair. "Fate is a cruel mistress. She'll tease you with everything you've ever wanted and give you a taste of a life you could have, but then she'll rip it all away from you and leave you torn up and bruised.... I guess humans are lucky in that respect. They can't smell their mates like we can." He looked at me then gave me a small purr. "We're always doomed to know who our mate is as soon as they get close enough, and they'll be perfect for you, but they'll bring you great sorrow if you're not careful."
"I'm so sorry," I whispered to him and blushed. "I didn't know you had a mate before... and that you lost him." I grabbed his hand and gave it a squeeze. "I'm sure fate means well when she gives you the chance to find your mate easily and spend as much time with him or her as much as possible before... they go. Humans don't get that chance, and we sometimes get with the wrong people... People that don't deserve love sometimes." I gave him a sweet look. "You got your time with him and that's all you should be grateful for. You found him while he was around." I rubbed my arm slowly. "I just hope you get another chance at love, master... You deserve love." I looked down at my feet quickly. He nodded then rubbed my head.
"Maybe one day.... I'm not interested in finding my new mate right now anyways," he told me then purred. "There's no point in searching. I'm pleased to be right here in my castle running things the way I want them. What's in the past is in the past. You don't have to tell me you're sorry because he died." He tilted my head up to look at him then rubbed my cheek. "I've lived so long that you can't even imagine how old I am. It'd be impossible for you to comprehend it till you've lived it yourself. Eternity is a very long time. I'm not at the point yet where your lives are like the blink of an eye to me though." He laughed then and started to pull his hand away from my cheek before he smirked and held out his hand for mine. "Dance with me." I nodded and blushed towards him.
"I don't know how," I admitted but took his hand anyways so I would please him. "I'll try to follow you," I whispered. He nodded then smirked.
"I'll teach you to dance then later," he told me then pulled me close, placing a hand on my hip then held my hand in the other one as he started to lead us around the dance floor, almost whisking me off my feet in a graceful way. "It would be a shame if I didn't teach you to dance especially if you are supposed to entertain me and feed me.... Maybe I should have the younger servants taught to dance and start generations of servants that know how. A few other royals do that." I blushed and looked into his eyes.
"I was offered to learn when I was younger, but I didn't want to. Now I'm starting to regret it," I tensed up as I stepped on his foot. "S-sorry," I whispered and blushed. I'm sure I should be learning to lead anyways- not follow. He purred in amusement before he swept me off my feet and up into his arms.
"You were offered, and you said no? Why would you do that?" He whispered as he leaned his face close to my ear. "I'll have to have Raven's tutor teach you dancing along with a few lessons from me...." He kissed my neck then as he held me close then sat me back down on my feet before he spun me out then brought me back into his arms, catching me as I fell back into a dip. He lingered over me and smirked as he looked down into my eyes and laughed. I eyed him over and blushed as my eyes lingered on his lips.
"Are you hungry by chance?" I asked curiously and bit my bottom lip. He pulled me up then purred before he leaned in and kissed my neck, hovering there before he breathed my scent in and gave a slight moan.
"Are you offering?"
"Y-yes," I husked out and exposed my neck more for him. I felt his fangs scrape against my neck then before Raven made a noise under the table and started to come out. Dante pulled back from my neck and looked towards her before he looked at me then leaned back in towards my ear.
"I'll bite you now... but will you meet me in my room after everyone goes to bed in the castle?" He whispered and kissed right under my ear. I nodded and blushed.
"You mean when I come back from my celebration with the others?" I asked him softly. "When everyone is going to sleep?"
"Yes... I'll leave the door unlocked for you," he murmured then nipped at my ear. "You don't have to knock." I nodded and eyed him over.
"Why do I have to meet you then?" I ran my hand down his chest and played with his kimono's soft texture.
"Because Raven is in here and I can't bite you the way I want to with her watching," he husked out and bit down into my neck. I let out a small moan and melted at his touch. I get to see him later? I wrapped my arms around him quickly and held onto him. He drank my blood for a few minutes before he pulled his fangs out and licked my neck then smelled me. "I'll be waiting for you," he whispered then scrapped his fangs against my neck like he wanted to bite me again, tugging lightly on my kimono. I held his kimono tightly in my hand then and let out a shaky breath.
"Master Dante, dinner is ready," I heard a maid tell him as she walked into the room. "I've been instructed to escort you, the young mistress, and Stefan to the dining room, where you'll eat with the young mistress." Dante yanked back from me then and looked towards me before he looked towards the maid then gave a purr.
"Alright," he said and smirked before he knelt just as Raven finished running up to us. He scooped her up into his arms and held her close as she whined in his arms and held onto his neck, giving me a sharp look before she leaned her face into his chest and closed her eyes. I eyed her over before I rubbed at my neck. What was that look for?
"Right this way," the maid told us as she started out the room. I quickly followed her. Does this mean I get to eat soon? I heard Dante following behind us before he started to whistle, making Raven giggle in his arms. I glanced back over my shoulder at Dante and gave him a soft smile. I can't believe I like his bites... I caught him watching me before the corner of his mouth curled up into a smirk and he eyed me over. I felt my breath catch at the sight of him watching me. Oh- Why's he smirking? I stopped walking quickly to make him get in front of me. He stopped though and raised an eyebrow.
"Why'd you stop walking?" He asked me and tilted his chin up. I yelped and blushed.
"T-to let you be in front," I whispered.
"Why? I'm perfectly fine back here," he told me then laughed and rubbed Raven's back. I blushed and continued to follow her and rubbed my arm. He's watching me! I felt his eyes on me like he was watching my back again as he followed after me and chuckled. I whined a little and rubbed my kimono to try to calm down. Why is he watching me!? "I bet you're going to love every bit of that steak you're getting," I heard him purr out towards me. Steak!
"Yes!" I hummed out as my mouth watered. I really want that steak.
"Hmm...." He hummed out before we stopped outside the dining room. He walked past me then and went inside, giving a loud purr before he walked towards his seat at the head of the table and put Raven in the seat on his right side and sat down, looking around for Frederick expectantly. Frederick was off to the side of the room buttoning a butler's shirt up all the way. He turned when he finished to look at our master and smiled before he gave a nod to the servants in the room. The servants quickly set the table and placed their meals down.
"I hope this is to your liking," Frederick told them. I waited by the door with the maid and blushed as I watched Dante. He looked down at his lobster then picked up his fork as he put his napkin over his shirt to protect it. He started to eat then paused, looking towards Raven as he watched her looking at her dinner and poking it with her fork curiously as she sniffed the fish.
"Raven, have you never had fish before?" He asked and laughed. She backed away from it then snatched her glass, starting to drink the blood greedily as she curled up in her seat. Frederick watched her before he smirked and looked towards our master.
"Master Dante," he hummed out. "You have guests- I forgot to tell you. They came in while you were busy in the ball room. Unfortunately, I couldn't offer them the same supper as you so I'm having them eat in a different dining room under different servant's eyes so they're unaware of the difference in your meals. Would you like to see them tonight or in the morning for breakfast?"
"Who are they?" He asked calmly and looked towards him as he ate another bit of his lobster.
"They're vampires," Frederick hummed out. "They gave me the names of Oz and Zehara. They're not from Europe but they've been staying in your territory recently and decided to pay you a visit once they found out who you were and where you are from your local vampires."
"Oh... I'll meet them tomorrow," Dante said and frowned. "I thought perhaps it was an old friend of mine...." He looked at his plate then tsked before he stabbed his lobster and ate another bite. "Damn it Victor...."
"Did you say my name~?" I heard a voice purr suddenly from behind me before a white-haired male pushed past me and went over to Dante, laughing as Dante's eyes immediately lit up at the sight of him. I eyed over the new person and tilted my head slightly.
"Victor~" Frederick hummed out and smiled. "My master was just speaking of you. It's good to see you again. Would you like a glass of blood?"
"Hmm, no~ I want Dante's blood," Victor said then sat down in Dante's lap with a smirk. "Did you miss me?" Dante frowned at him, but I could tell he was happy to see him as he shoved another bite of lobster into his mouth.
"Why're you here?" He asked and took a sip of his glass of blood.
"I sensed you'd be wanting me soon~ It turns out you did, didn't you, Dante?" He asked then smirked, tapping Dante's chest.
"Sensed?" Dante asked and frowned then went to push Victor out of his lap but paused as Victor snatched his wrist and bit into it. I frowned as I watched them. That's no fair- I want to bite Dante too- I eyed over his blood running down his wrist and licked my lips. Victor slowly licked it up, making Dante shift as he watched him and quickly ate another bite of his lobster, chewing on it. I eyed Dante's lips over then before I uncomfortably shifted my weight on my feet. I heard the white-haired vampire purr before he started for Dante's neck but earned a growl from him as he shoved Victor out of his lap. "No," he said sternly then smirked. "I'll have the servants get you a glass of blood." He licked his blood off his wrist then looked towards Frederick. "A glass for my friend?"
"Right away," Frederick hummed out as he left the room to get it done. He brushed past me on his way out and patted my shoulder to comfort me in some way. I eyed over the direction he went in before I looked back at my master. Dante finished his plate of food then sipped on the blood in his glass before he looked towards Raven and leaned over, making her eat a bite of her fish. She whined and spat it out before she growled lightly and looked towards Dante's bleeding wrist in hunger, going to bite it, but he pulled away and tapped her on the nose. She sneezed then giggled as she started to play around in her seat, not taking an interest in her food.
"I guess that means you don't want it," Dante said and frowned before he picked up the plate and put it in front of Victor. "Here, eat that. She's not going to eat it." Victor looked the fish over then shrugged, eating it calmly and looked at Raven curiously.
"So, who is that?"
"A girl," Dante told him and smirked, leaning back in his seat. "Don't let your curiosity get the best of you."
"Why is her hair purple?" He asked and frowned.
"Why is your hair white?" Dante countered and laughed. "We're all a little strange around here."
"Mm... you should come visit me," Victor told Dante, changing the subject as he looked towards him and smirked. "For a mo-"
"I'm needed here," Dante said quickly and shook his head. "I need to make sure Raven gets her tutors and that she gets settled in. Plus, I have a few other things to manage like the training of my army I'm working on."
"That's booooring~ Come spend it with me," Victor said and snatched Dante's hand. "C'mon~ you know you want a break." He winked and purred at him. "It's been forever."
"No, I'm busy," he said and sighed. "I can't leave now. Maybe in a few more months I won't be so busy."
"You're no fun," Victor muttered and ate another bite of the fish. "I came all the way out here to see you, but you won't come to Russia!"
"I don't get drunk every night and torture prisoners every morning," Dante said and laughed. "I know what you do. I actually have work to do here." I felt Frederick walk by me as he walked up to Victor and sat the glass of blood down in front of him.
"Fresh from a maid," Frederick told Victor as he backed up to a wall to stand there patiently. Dante looked towards him then smiled slightly as he looked him over then waved him over.
"Frederick," he called out, his voice sounding like silk as he turned to look at him better.
"Master?" Frederick asked as he walked up calmly. He reached out then grabbed Frederick's tie before he pulled him down to his lips and started to whisper in his ear then rubbed Frederick's cheek as he pulled away.
"Put the two guests there," he told him then purred. "Oh, did she say yes? You asked her, right?" Frederick looked confused for a second before smiling.
"I asked her father and he approved. I'll ask her tomorrow," he informed. "I'll put the guests there," he promised.
"Tell me what she says," Dante whispered then patted Frederick's arm. "I'll give you a week off after you get married- maybe I'll even send you off on a vacation with her."
"You give so much," Frederick hummed out. "I'll be so concerned if I go... Who will watch over you while I'm away? I should stay here. You can't handle not seeing me on my days off," Frederick teased lightly.
"I'll... have a substitute in place by then," Dante said then nodded quickly. "Train someone to substitute for you, Frederick. I want you to go off and have time with your new wife... maybe give her some children." Frederick nodded.
"I will," he said softly. "I'll pick wisely... Possibly Andreas. He'd enjoy that."
"He might enjoy that too much," he said then smirked. "You can pick him though. I approve." He nodded then before he looked my way. "When Frederick leaves, you'll assist Andreas in my care."
"Y-yes sir," I whispered quietly. Frederick tensed up and looked like he wanted to object to that idea as his eyebrow twitched but he kept quiet.
"What?" Dante asked and frowned. "Do you think Stefan wouldn't be able to help take care of me, or do you think Andreas needs to do it alone? You better voice it now, or you'll have to hold your peace about it, Frederick."
"I think if Andreas needs a co-head butler it needs to be someone with more experience in taking care of you. That's all. I picked Andreas because I felt he could do it alone if I trained him properly in the time given. He's grown respect amongst some of the servants for being your personal... Stefan on the other hand... is unexperienced. We should leave him in his new position and let him get used to it. We shouldn't stress him with another role he'll have to learn." Dante nodded as he thought about it before he tapped his finger on the table then looked up at Frederick.
"Stefan is still getting used to his new position," he admitted. "I see what you mean. Andreas has been around me more and knows more of my daily activities. I'll keep Stefan on as my donor during that time period then. You always look out for me, don't you, Frederick?"
"Of course, I do. I'm your head butler. It's my duty. If you feel Andreas should have an assistant, then I'll find someone to be with him at all times... Perhaps an older butler who has been one of your close servants before." Dante nodded then before he purred.
"He probably should for those days when I'm extremely busy," he told Frederick. "I keep you insanely busy too."
"I'll set that up," Frederick decided. "You'll be well taken care of when I'm gone."
"Make sure to come back with a pregnant wife," Dante said and smirked. "I want to see your little kids running around my castle."
"Yes sir," Frederick said in amusement. "You'd love that, wouldn't you?"
"Oh, yes, I would," Dante purred quickly and smirked. "You need to leave someone here to take your place when you die, Frederick. I can't wait to see them learning to walk and run. Raven will have fun chasing them around."
"I am getting old enough," Frederick whispered softly.
"You're not too old though," he said, eyeing Frederick over before he frowned. "Marry that girl. I don't want to never see children from you."
"I'll marry her," Frederick promised. "You'll get a mini me running around within a year."
"I want at least two mini Fredericks running around in case something happens to the first," Dante whispered then crossed his arms. "Young children die easily."
"Yes sir... Expect a second one in five years."
"Five years?! Why not two?" He turned his attention back to Frederick quickly and frowned.
"I don't want to stress my wife out. Five years is a perfect timing. That way the oldest can leave my wife's hip to follow me around while she's taking care of our second."
"What if the oldest gets sick?" He asked and raised an eyebrow. "There's only so much I can do for sick children."
"You're overthinking. My children will be healthy like I was." Frederick frowned as he eyed over Dante.
"You don't know that," Dante muttered then looked towards Raven. "At least we don't have to worry about her getting too sick. She's immortal."
"She'll still get cold at nights. I've heard Laurence has trouble with his small body. I'm having maids stay by her side while she's asleep at night," Frederick told him and straightened his back. "She might be immortal, but she can still catch colds from the bitterness of night." Dante nodded and watched her tiny body as she started to snooze in the chair.
"Maybe we can get her a pet to sleep with to help keep her warm while the maids watch over her," he suggested lightly. "Dragons are out of the question. They're all gone...."
"There are always werewolves- I've heard of werecats.... You could ask the rice god for a special fox. You know there are rumors of secret black markets out there to exchange special species for money," Frederick said thoughtfully.
"We'll see," Dante hummed out. "I don't want to get a boy though. It'll have to be a girl if she gets a sleeping buddy."
"I hope you find someone for her... If all else fails, we can force a servant to hold her at night. A maid of course."
"It'll have to work for now till we can get our hands on a younger girl for her to sleep with," Dante said then tsked. "No dogs though. I don't allow those here... and I doubt Raven would be happy to have a wolf in her bed. She was bitten by one."
"Bitten?" Victor spoke up quickly, sitting up in interest.
"Yeah, but she's fine," Dante told her then tsked.
"You should try to find a werecat," I suggested and smiled. "I bet one would be adorable."
"A werecat," Dante whispered before he looked at me then smirked. "I'll keep an ear out for one. Get her a kitten...." He got to his feet then stretched. "Frederick~ I'm ready to retire. Victor, you can stay a night if you want," he told him then started for the door. "Have Raven put to bed by a maid."
"Yes master," Frederick hummed out as he looked towards the maid by me. "You can take Raven to her room then you can do as you wish for the rest of the night. The rest of you can be free after you clean this up." He looked towards me. "Stefan you can go with our master. I'll escort you to your room Victor and assist you on any need you have if you're staying. Otherwise, I'll be following my master."
"Don't forget to eat," Dante warned Frederick and smirked. "Those steaks are getting cold."
"We'll eat when you're asleep," Frederick said quickly. Dante nodded then walked out.
"I can't wait to knock out on my pillows," I heard him purr, walking past me, his footsteps echoing down the hall. I saw Victor smirk before he disappeared, probably teleporting to a bedroom. It seems like he's been here before after all. Frederick followed after our master. I caught the maid going over to Raven as I stepped out to follow after Dante and Frederick. "So what are you going to do with Stefan tonight? I know you're going to feast then go riding. What else will you do?"
"Spend time together with the other favorites. He'll get to meet them all personally," Frederick explained. "We'll get a little drunk and do some silly things and come home to get up early."
"Silly things?" Dante asked then smirked. "Like what? Pranking the town nearby?"
"No... Skinny dipping in the nearby lake~ A small bonfire~ Some fun things."
"Oh? Okay," Dante said then yawned. "If you're late waking me, I won't scold you. I could use the extra time to sleep in."
"Do I have to go skinny dipping?" I asked softly and blushed as I yanked my kimono more tightly around me.
"Yes! You'll love it anyways," Frederick told me. I nodded and pushed my hair behind my ear but groaned as it fell back into my face.
"Good luck Stefan~ I'm sure there's going to be at least one shark in the water," Dante told me and smirked playfully. I widened my eyes and felt panic rising up in me.
"S-shark?!"
"No there won't," Frederick said quickly. "Master, don't scare him out of a fun time."
"Aww, why not?" Dante asked then purred as we walked up a flight of stairs.
"He'll chicken out and never have any fun... that includes when he's with you. You better not fill his head with small things like that~" Frederick warned. He looked towards me then. "Don't worry, you'll be safe."
"Never have fun with me?" Dante asked then frowned. "That's not true. You'll still have fun with me, won't you Stefan?"
"Uh-um...." I eyed him over and nodded slowly. "Yes sir, if that's what you wish." He watched me then tsked before he looked away from me, getting quiet as we reached his door then went in. I followed Frederick in after him. "But I will always have fun with you anyways, master. You are my everything," I told him. I didn't mean to upset him. He looked at me then sat down on the edge of his bed.
"Have fun tonight," he told me calmly then looked at Frederick expectantly. Frederick smirked as he walked up to our master. He looked towards me then.
"You're dismissed. Go to the dining room and get started on your meal with the others. Tell them I'll be there shortly." I nodded and blushed.
"Goodnight master," I whispered sweetly towards Dante. "I'm sorry if I upset you."
"Goodnight, Stefan," he said then kicked off his shoes. I nodded and eyed him over hesitantly. Maybe I shouldn't come here tonight after I get back... He's not happy with me. I rubbed my lips before I turned around and hugged my body as I walked out of his room. He's so amazing.... and I upset him. "Stefan," I heard him call out from in his room. "Don't forget to do what I told you." I eyed over his door then. Does he mean to come back to him?
"Yes sir," I called out before I walked off to go to the dining room to eat with the others.