"That's true." Serenity admitted. "But, really, Princess is just a title, anyway. I'll never be Queen, and here there are no other Ladies I could be confused with. Lady Serenity will suit me more than 'your highness'. It would feel rather strange, anyway, to be address higher than your Lord."

"Well, you are no longer just a maid, correct? So, as a ladies maid, it would befit you to have your own wardrobe." Serenity paused, giving the woman a smile. "I won't force it upon you. I thought it would be something you might like."

Her smile turned into a frown as the maid continued, and Serenity glanced at the book. "All of these missing people in our family...and we have no record of them coming here...I suppose history will mention me going to a finishing school, as Alan recommended..." It was rather sad to think of, however, and she grasped for something else. "Alan had mentioned something...every one hundred fifty years? So...he doesn't age?" He didn't age. He didn't go into the sunlight. All of these were adding up in Serenity's mind, however, the female didn't know enough to develop a complete idea just yet.

"I'm sure I will enjoy reading hers most of all..." Serenity assured Jamie quietly, glancing at the book. Perhaps it's pages would tell her more about the strange man who had taken her. As the maid left the room to prepare the bath, Serenity picked the book up, settling on a plush armchair and opening it, starting on it.

She was surprised when, just a few minutes later, Jamie was calling her. Already? Serenity stood, setting the book to the side, and moving into the room. She nodded at Jamie, eyeing the strange faucet. "It fills so quickly..." The servants at the castle carried buckets into the rooms, and to be honest, Serenity hadn't realized there was another way. "I-is it magic?" She questioned, reaching back and lifting her hair from her back, waiting for Jamie to undo the ties Serenity wouldn't be able to reach.

~</3~

Julian hadn't been far, and Leim didn't have to look far to find the elder male. He was older than any in the castle, and was one of the few that Master Alan hadn't fed from. He still, however, had the violet eyes. He would have the white hair, but it had fallen out with age.

He moved surprisingly quickly for someone so old, and entered the room when Leim sought him. Julian bowed as low as his back would permit. "M'Lord...I have seen the new Princess. I am positive she will fit in wonderfully, once she grows accustomed. How may I serve you tonight?" He intoned, as always, rather respectful.

“That is not completely true, my lady.” Jamie was surprised at her frankness but it was not true that a princess sent away could not become a queen. “there are times that princes come here that are not of your family. May haps you will meet a prince that will become king and you will marry him once your time here is up.” She smiled at the thought of how beautiful Serenity would look when she married. “but as you wish I will not call you your highness.” She nodded in agreement that there were no other ladies in the fortress.

“these were the dresses he gave me to serve you in. at first I thought that these were the finest dresses ever made till I saw yours. I only hope that they will fit you as well as your garment dose that you wear now.” Thinking it over she smiled at a thought she had. “I can ask Master Alan if he would not mind you updating the fashion of the dress. Though he may have restrictions on some things with the dress. It is not that I would not like beautiful dresses like yours.”

“now now my lady don’t be sad. You will have a wonderful time here, as those before you had. Princess Jade spoke of how much freer she was here then under her father’s eyes. And look where it got her, a war hero and great lady to boot.” Biting her lower lip Jamie worried that the princess would start to cry again. She did not know how to handle a crying lady without being to friendly. She latched onto what the princess said next as a life line. “if he does age it is so slow that none of us notice it. The oldest one here is his manservant Julian and even he does not seem to age that much if any.”

The book started with Princess Jade bemoaning the loss of the court life and the lovely man and dances she would be missing that season. But then it moved on to her talking of the gardens and the land within the mountain. How Alan could if he so wished change the seasons and time of day in the gardens but did not unless he had time to accustom the plants to the change in weather. She talked about how she grew to find him an interesting man full of stories she had never heard of her family and how she grew to love him as an older brother. Then she spoke of lessons he offered her that would make her worth more to her father when she returned to him court. Eight months in to the journal she became excited of traveling back to see her family. Then six pages lay blank of any mark only for her story to pick back up in the middle of the story. No more mention of her going back to her family for visits ever were penned down. Till the end of the book where a different hand picked up the tale. Here the writer spoke of sending her back to her brother againted her wishes so that she could save the kingdom from a threat that he could not deal with. How she won the battle and her brother welcome her into his arms like a long lost sister.(( she may not have read all this in that short of time but just want to put it all out there.))

“yes it fills so nicely.” Jamie smiled at her as she turned to get the other bathing items. “oh it is not magic, only that the water is always heated is. There is a great chamber near the top of the mountain that is always filled with water that is always hot. Long ago a mage cast a spell that caused the snow that fell into the chamber to melt and heat to boiling hot. Then it is piped down here to the faucet where a second pipe from a river deep in the mountain adds cold so that the water is never to hot for the skin.” Turning the faucet she show her how it could be cold or hot as she choice.

As quickly as she could she undid Serenity’s dress and lifted it off of her. Then she help her take off her stays ((they are like a corset)) till she was naked before her. “I will bring in a robe and some towels to dry you when you are ready.” Whisking the clothes from the room she popped her head back into the room. “if you do get hungry I can bring up a try of finger foods that would satisfy.”

* * *

“I knew she would when I lay eyes on her. Worn the others that strange things may happen around her, the magic is almost ready to awaken in her and I do not want them becoming scared.” Looking up at his oldest friend he smiled sadly. There was not much time left in his friend. The blood was starting to not work as his body started to give up. He might have another fifty years before he passed. “the two new ones,” he waved his hand as he tried to remember their names, when Julian told him he smiled. “yes Adam and Rupert, I would like them assigned to one of the Chamber Farms, they are still not ready to deal with an awakening mage and I would rather not have them or her fearful of the other later on.”

Setting the pen aside he stood and walked over to Julian. Gently laying his hand on his shoulder he sighed. “time is approaching fast when you will be too old to work. I think it may be time to take on an apprentice, teach them your duties and let them take over as your hands can no longer work.” This was only his second man servant that he had to let go. There was a cottage on the edge of the gardens called the Keepers cottage. Though no grounds keeper had ever lived there. It had been built for his sires manservant before he died of old age, and there Alan’s last keeper had lived out the last of his days before passing on. Now it was time to send out a young winter born to ready the place for Julian.

Turning back to his desk he pulled a few papers from the stack. “these must be posted in the town below, find a rider to take them to the town leader then I will need your aid to ready me for bed.” Here in the mountain he could trick time so he could walk longer in the day but after the week he had had he did not wish to be up longer then he needed. “also see that Leim is giving time to think of what the Vow would mean without others influencing him.” with that dismissal he turned back to his desk and sat down to finish the work he had there.

"That's true...but it's really very unlikely." Serenity stated, and shrugged. "I am far from the prettiest of my siblings. But, still, it's possible. Do visitors come to Winterhome often?"

"I don't see why he would have many problems with how your dress at all...I will ask him tomorrow at breakfast...or I suppose, his dinner, if he stays up at night...." She told Jamie, thinking she would be able to explain that she should be able to chose how her servant dressed better than a maid would be able to.

Princess Serenity felt rather like what she had read in the book. So much had been lost to her. She had no idea what to expect here. Jamie, however, seemed rather upset when she got upset.

"So he doesn't age, sunlight hurts him, and he seems rather behind on the times. So...I suppose all that's really left to find out is if he turns to stone in the daylight, if he eats hearts, or if he drains people of blood. A gargoyle, a werewolf, or a vampire." Serenity spoke as the female undressed her, thoughtful and curious. How would she ever find these things out? Surely a gargoyle was the safest of the three, right? A werewolf surely had no need for human company, and was likely to eat her heart. A vampire, well...Serenity had heard too many stories to really pin that one down. Draining people of blood, stealing the innocence of maidens, violent and compulsive. It seemed the most unlikely, and a gargoyle seemed to be the most likely.

She was brought from her thoughts as the maid told her about the water, and showed her how it worked. Serenity's eyes lite up and she resisted the urge to clap her hands in delight. "Oh, that is so amazing!" Once she stood naked, the female slipped into the water happily, peeking in the various dishes. "Really, Jamie, I will be fine. I don't feel much like eating right now." Serenity added various things to the water, peeking her toes from it, and tracing the carved roses. It was so amazing and delightful! How many of her relatives had laid in this very tub after a long night of riding?

~</3~

"Yes, Sire..." Julian answered, giving another bow. The old man left the room. He located a rider quickly, and sent the boy off into the cold night. Then he spoke to the woman in charge of the large amount of duties, and ensured Leim would have the next day entirely off to think. He spoke with her about passing on the word of Serenity's magic awakening. He paused by Jamie in the hallway, and asked her a few questions, before moving on.

The manservant moved to his master's room, sure the vampire would be done with his work, to help him get into bed. As he helped the male get ready, Julian spoke quietly and calmly, like he normally did. "If you would like, M'Lord, I will prepare a list of boys I think could serve you best...You have a lot on your mind, and it may help your choice when it comes to them...Also...do you wish for the Lady Serenity, as she prefers to be called, to know about you? It would seem she is rather curious. I think the last one this curious was...the prince three ransoms back...Prince Felix, I believe? I think she will find out sooner than intended, especially with Leim being so desperate for your bite, and her liking to ride so much..." It was quite a speech for Julian, and so it was something he deemed important, and necessary for his master to know. There was very little that happened in Winterhome that he did not know, and everything he knew, he passed on to Lord Alan.

“there have been a few dukes and barons here in the years I have been here. But the last prince that was here was before my birth.” Smiling Jamie tired to think of what she might say to cheer up her mistress but could think of nothing on that subject so let it drop.

“he was raised to exspect his servants to wear clothes that marked them out as the servants. He finds it soothing to his eyes to see us all in the same dress.” She did not think it would be wise to tell Serenity that she would be going to bed when the sun was rising in the real world even if the sun seemed to be setting outside her window. If she did not go ridding outside the fortress she would grew to feel that the sun in her window was the real sun. “he will most likely see you after or before your brackfast. He dose not eat where others can see. He says that his manners are some what lacking and would not wish to force others to watch him eat in such a manner.” She knew full well why her master did not eat with his guest but she also knew that he did not like the servents telling the guest what he was. If they figured it out on their own then he was fine.

“I must point out my lady that it is not that the sunlight hurts him in burns but his eyes are weak and the sun is to bright. There is a new invention that I have heard talked of down in the village that is tinted glasses but he will hear none of it. He only has the eye patch to save other s from looking at his scared eye, he can still see from it.” She tried not to giggle at the thought of Alan being a gargoyle or werewolf. “if my lady wishes to believe in such monsters then she might.” Schooling her face she looked into Serenity’s eyes. “if you are so set on learning his secrets my lady ask him when you see him next.”

“I only wish to make sure that you will not grow hungry during the night. I sleep in the room acrossed the hall if you do need anything from me.” Moving quickly through the room she pulled out the bathing room and towals and put them right inside the door of the bathroom before leaving the room. She would have to tell Julian how the princess wished to be addressed and how full of questions she was. Knowing the master and what her brother had said she entered the main hall to find Julian walking back from the hall to the stables.

“Mister Julian, you wished for me to report to you when she was settled.” She told him all that had happened in the ladys chamber and what Serenity had thought the master could be. When she finished she nodded to him. “that is all I have to report at this time. I do believe that tomorrow she will want to ride, should I have a horse ready for her or take her to the stable. I believe if we keep her from seeing the mountain side she will grown accustomed to the Chambers Sun and will be awake when he is.” As she finished she turned and returned to see if lady Serenity was ready to leave the tub.

* * *

Finishing up the last of the papers he needed to fill Alan walked over to the window behind his desk to look out at the mountain side. He could see the frist rays of the sun peeking from the cleft that had been worn through ages ago with rain and rivers. When it reached the top of those mountains he would have to be in his chamber where none could reach him.

The walk to his chamber was a silent one as the servants were already taking to their beds and the unseen servants were on the move to clean the fortress. It would not be to hard to keep the princess from seeing the true sun until she was accustomed to living in the night and not the day. Julian arrived only moments after he stepped into the room. Removing his doublet he held it out to Julian then stood there while Julian untied the ties that held his pants to his body. “what I would like is for you just to pick one that you think is best suited to the job and teach him. it does not matter if he and I get along as long as he can do the job.” His voice was soft but an with an edge of impatient to it.

“so she wishes not to be reminded that it is because of her rank that she is here. Then so be it, let the other servants know” here he looked at Julian with a knowing smile. “if you have not already, what she wishes to be called. As to her knowing what I am, let her ask that of me and I answer it. If she guesses do not tell her she is right. Only I can tell her the truth.” As the last of his clothes were removed and his bed shirt was slipped over him he sighed feeling the pull of the sun on his body.

“as to Leim and his addiction. That should be dealt with soon enough and he would never tell her what he craves. He like his sister know all to well what could happen if they let it slip.” Lifting a bottle of oil he dabbed a few drops of it on his skin before laying down upon his bed made of down, under which a thin layer of dirt lay. “I did not think it would take her long with the hints I let fall on the ride here.” With that he closed his eyes and did not move until the sun was just killing the mountains again as it started to set.

"Hmmm..." Was the only response Serenity gave to the news of few visitors. She hadn't expected many to come here, anyway. The news of sunlight not hurting, however, through her for a loop. Serenity crossed her arms and glared at the water. "I have asked him. Twice! He simply ignores the question! If the sunlight doesn't hurt him, or turn him to stone, he must be a werewolf. But...the moon was full...and he looked human. Argh..." Frustrated, Serenity made a very unladylike sound, and sighed. "He refused to even tell me his name! If he doesn't eat with his guests, and if he sleeps during the day, when will I ever see him to ask all of this?"

"A...scarred eye? Under the eye patch?" Serenity looked at the ceiling thoughtfully. It made her even more curious about the man. She fell silent when Jamie left, ducking half her face into the bath and blowing bubbles from her nose. Even after Jamie returned, the female couldn't help but stay in the bathtub for a while longer, enjoying playing with a mixture of hot and cold water, and almost overflowing the tub multiple times. "Why do you call it night? When it's day? Surely, the people in this castle don't base themselves off of a fake sun?"

Finally she stepped out, tugging the blanket around herself, and wrapping it tightly. This done, she moved to a stool, taking the second towel and starting to work on her hair. "You must be exhausted, Jamie. I've kept you up long enough now...I'll make sure to have my fire going, and I'll take care of my hair. It must be almost morning..." Her blue eyes glanced towards the covered window. "It will be so strange, having a fake sun shining inside during the night, and it being so dark during the day. I hope it will not disturb my sleeping...but, I suppose that is why there are such heavy curtains. Please don't let me sleep too late today..." The maid would need to get used to her if she was going to serve Serenity. She continued, rubbing her hair in the towel gently. "Normally, I get up very early, and go to sleep fairly early as well... Are you an early riser? Also, normally I take my baths in the evening before bed, but really, I enjoy using those faucets so much, I think I'll draw my bath from now on...I'm sure we will learn everything else with time..." Serenity paused, and looked to Jamie, giving the girl a bright smile. "I'm sorry...I'm talking your ear off. This is all new, and I'm nervous...But, hopefully we will become good friends."

~</3~

"Very well Sire, I will select whom I think is best..." Julian answered his master. He watched the male lay himself out, and then Julian gave another deep bow, retiring to his own quarters.

“you asked him while other things were on his mind. There are many dangers in the hills and mountains around here that he has to protect you both from. Also he does not like speaking of himself when he is outside of the fortress.” Jamie tried not to laugh as Serenity tired to think of what he was. There were so few mages out there that were also vampires that the common man did not know of the spells and wards that could protect a vampire from the sun. if he needed to he could work a spell that made it so he would not fall asleep during the day but that took more blood then he was willing to take from his people.

In a hushed whisper Jamie said “oh yes my lady, his eye is white under that patch. They say that he was struck by a cursed sword in that eye and now he has a scar around it like a snowflake.” She always liked that story of how he got his scar. There were a few others but that one always seemed most dashing to her.

Saving the princess from over flowing the bathtub a few times Jamie smiled as she showed her how to unplug the tub with the cork at the bottom and how to put it back in. she two had been quite surprised at the innovation of the creators of this wonder when she first used it. “since the Master is up during the true night we all keep to his hours. That way we do not wasted candles for the lights about the castle only work when he is awake. they are all controlled by mage fire if….” She started to say something but then throw her hands over her mouth to stop what she might say next. She had almost told Princess Serenity that if he was not dead during the day the spells would keep going as he slept.

Jamie would have held out the bath robe for her as she stepped out so she did not have to wrap herself in just the blanket. “I am not exhausted my lady, for me it is just after sunset and I have sometimes been up longer then this.” She stopped and sighed as the lights in the rooms went out. “and the Master is now asleep.” Moving through the darkness she struck a box of tender and lit a candle near the door. “it may be best if I set your fires and do your hair, that is my deities after all.” Quickly taking her towel Jamie started to dry her hair. “I too would love to be good friends but I also have my deities that you must not denigh me to do.” While her hands were quick to dry Serenity’s hair she also was quite gentle. “it might be best if you sleep the day through my lady, then you will be able to talk with Master Alan when he wakes tomorrow.” Finishing with the drying of the hair Jamie picked up the brush and started brushing it out. “how do you like your hair fixed for the night?”

"Well, I will ask him that over breakfast as well, then. He may not eat with other people, as rude as that is, but I will simply go to him once he is done eating. Where does he take his meals?" Serenity questioned, then looked to the maid, her eyes widening as the woman told the story of Alan's eye.

"Really?" She seemed just as excited about the story as the maid. "Was it a demon hunter who came to slaughter him? Why didn't it work? Do people come to attack him often?"

"I've already figured out he has magic..." Serenity looked puzzled as Jamie covered her mouth. "Really, if we are to be friends, you'll need to be more open with me!" She admonished, shaking she head. "And of course, I won't keep you from your duties. But I also know that maids have many of them. My father made sure I can see to my own needs as well..." Still, she didn't object as Jamie started drying her hair. "Brushed straight, please...I never could stand those horrid caps everyone tries to get me to use...Please be gentle...I'm rather tender headed...If I sleep during the day, I'll never get a chance to go riding. I've no intentions of changing my sleeping times to suit a man who has taken me from my home." Serenity straightened her head and sniffed. "I intend for my life to be as normal as possible, despite these strange circumstances."

Even as she spoke about remaining on a normal scheduled, Serenity yawned. Really, it would be easy to get her on Alan's scheduled.

“I will tell Julian that you wish to speak with Master Alan when his awake and has eaten. it would be better if he comes to find you then for you to find him. this place is much bigger than any palaces I have ever heard of and many of the visitors have told me that they have never gotten lost before they came here.” She could guess where Master Alan would be after he fed but she also knew that he did not want anyone in that wing of Winterhome. “I know he will want to see that you are comfortable here anyways, so do not worry about him having to find you.”

“oh yes.” Her whisper seemed to vibrate with glee. “they say that he was out ridding one day in his father’s forests when a demon came and struck him with his cursed blade. It was long ago when the demons roamed the forests and woods of the kingdoms. He was rushed to his fathers keep and there a mage healed him the best he could. They say that only because he had been blessed by one of the Fair Ones for his love of this land, that he survived the first strike of the blade. The Blessing shattered the demons sword but some say that he became the monster he is because a piece of that sword fell into his eye before the mage healed him.” she shivered with excitement.

“I would be more open with you my lady but that is one thing I cannot tell you.” Her eyes grew wide just thinking of what Master Alan might do to her if she had told. “only he may tell you that.” Gently brushing the princess hair she tried to smile but a hint of sadness was in her eyes. “ My only deities are to see that you are washed, dressed, warm, fed and comfortable here. But if you insisted on setting your fire yourself then you would be denighing my deities.” Gently pulling the hair back she looked down at Princess Serenity. “would you like me to braid it so that it does not get tangled or in your mouth as you sleep?” she waited for the princess answer before moving on.

“as for riding we have a lovely riding trail in the Chamber that is better suited to ride. If you were to ride outside the fortress then you would have to take guards to protect you from the wolves and wild men here abouts. Then there is the chance your horse might slip and fall into a gorge killing your or the horse. No I think my brother would rather you ride the forest trails in the Chamber then outside.” She shook her head trying to think of what to say that would make this princess understand that this place was not safe to go about alone outside. “it is much larger then you might think, Master Alan has been working on it for some time to make it able to provide us food and places to be alone. I have heard that when your in the Chamber forest you can not tell that you are even underground.”

Finishing up with her duities with the princess she carried one of the candles into the main chamber to light the fire there. Once that was burning merrily she moved on to the smaller fireplace in the bedroom. By the time the princess entered the room would be filled with light from the candles around it. “shall I close the curtains for you as well?” she gently touched the heavy curtains on the bed. There was really no need for them as the fake sun had set and the world beyond the window was dark.

"Yes, that would be fine...." Serenity finally relented, looking at the ground. "But, as soon as you know he is awake, Jamie, I need you to help me dress. Apparently he has told my father to announce I was leaving for a finishing school, but while I'm here, I will maintain my dignity and my reputation. I need to look decent when he calls."

Her eyes widened at the story, and she shivered slightly, much like Jamie. Would she see this eye tonight, or would Alan cover it again? Serenity felt like she was dying of curiosity.

Serenity didn't respond to Jamie refusing still to tell her for a few minutes, and finally shrugged daintily. "It's alright. I understand. You are loyal to him. I suppose I will know tonight, so it doesn't matter too much. You may braid it if you wish, however, it will need to be redone when I wake."

She listened quietly, and bit her lip. If the horses had handled the terrain in the dark, surely they would be able to during the day? She understood what Jamie was pushing her toward, however. Alan must have asked for them to help get Serenity's days and nights switched. And he must not be allowing her out of the castle. She'd forgotten for a little while, because of the happiness of Jamie and her fascination with the tub, but Serenity was a prisoner. Perhaps she would be released someday, however, for now, this was her life. She didn't respond, but gave a small sigh.

Once Jamie left to build up the fire, Serenity stood, tugging the nightgown over her shoulders. It was one made for cool months, and Serenity eyed it in surprise. It was an item she had left at home, after Alan's warning that it was cold at his home. How had he gotten her clothing? And how had he gotten it here?

Leaving this mystery for another day, Serenity moved into the room, glancing at the well lite area. "You may leave them open, Jamie." This way the false sun would wake her when it rose. "And you can extinguish the candles. I only want one..." Serenity selected a candle, taking it to the nightstand. She gathered Princess Jade's book, and laid herself out on the bed. "Thank you Jamie."

“of course my lady, I would never wish for you to appear in front of him looking like I have not been doing my duties.” She could not understand why she would think that Jamie would not help her upon rising in the morning to be dressed properly. She had been trained to be a ladies maid after all so why would she even try to shirk her duties.

“Without him my lady my brother and I would have died in the snow.” She shivered at the thought that they might have just been left of the edge of the woods like some of the old story books told of winterborn before he came. “when the time is right he will tell you what he is, do not worry upon that.” Her fingers flew quickly to braid her hair and put it up so that it would not be in the way as she was dressed in her night gown. “if you wish for me to keep something from him, as long as it is not a threat to this fortress or him I will.”

Jamie hated the sound of the small sigh. She hated that this beautiful woman would think that she was being held here when all they wanted to do was keep her safe. Maybe one of these evenings she should wake the princess early and take her out to see what the mountain was like in winter and why she should not ride alone out there. She bit her tongue on her thought of taking her down to the village. Maybe in a few days she would suggest that, but for now it would be best if she just road through the Chamber.

As her mistress climbed into the bed Jamie slowly but out the candles one at a time till only the ones in the head board and the one she had taken were lit. carefully closing the gauze curtains to keep some of the heat in she bowed. “if my lady needs me for anything she had but to pull that pull there.” She pointed to a heavy cord over the center of the headboard. It ran to a bell in her own rooms acrossed the hall. Taking her leave she walked from the room into her own.

It was sad to have to keep the secret from her mistress but the master would punish her or her brother if she did tell. There were many ways that he could punish them and Princess Serenity not know. Hands gripped her as she closed her door, a squeak escaped her lips before his hand covered her mouth. “quite little sis.” Jamie relaxed into Leim’s hold as the fear ebbed from her. Slowly he moved his hand from her mouth. “I wished to talk with you.” Turning she swatted him before moving to stir up the coals in her fire.

“What is it that you wish to talk with me about so late in the evening?” she glared at her brother for only a moment before his sad, down cast look sunk into her brain. “what is it brother? What has happened?”

“he had told Julian I am to take the Vow or leave from here in a weeks time. Tomorrow I am not to go near the stables or anywhere till I have had a chance to think on it without others telling me what I should do.” His voice bordered on a wail, as his fingers twiddled with the embroidery on the hem of his jacket.

“you were warned brother of mine that if you kept going to him that this would happen.” Her voice became a hushed whisper. She hoped that her mistress was not walking the halls trying to find a way out and might hear this. “he pushed you away but you kept coming to him. how many times did you bribe the one he called so that you could be there for him.” he seemed to wilt under her hissed comments but she went on. “I told you not to go unless I had already gone to him. that way we would reach the time of the Vow at the same time.” He looked at her with pleading eyes. “now I am locked with being a maid to her highness so I cannot leave with you if you go.”

“that is the thing sister dear, I do not think I wish to go from here.” Her eyes grew at his admission. “I feel called to the chamber of the feeders.” She shivered at the thought of her brother being locked away for all time behind the great iron doors. A tear trickled down her cheek. “Sister dear, I know I would only hunt out another of his kind if I were to leave here. The need for him and his…” his voice faltered as he tried to think up a good word for it. “Kiss burns through my veins just as my blood does. Can you not see that to take me from him would be my death?”

"I didn't mean to insinuate that. I went through four ladies maids in our year once. People don't always behave as they should, and you and I don't really know each other yet. That's all. "Despite the female insisting she would keep Serenity's secrets, Serenity wasn't sure if she could believe her just yet. She felt very alone in the huge castle. The bed was rather large, and very soft. She sank into it, and nodded to her maid, glancing at the pull cord.

Once the woman was gone, Serenity tugged the book to her. She peered at the old tome for a moment, caressing it. Long ago, another woman had held this book. Had cried over it, smiled while she wrote it in. Hopes and dreams were locked in it's pages. Hoping to find something she could relate to, or some clue to what Alan was, Serenity opened the book and begun to read.

It wasn't much longer before she had fallen asleep over the open pages. It was her first night here, and she was only going off of a few hours of sleep for two days. She was mentally and physically exhausted. Plus, she didn't know this land or this people. She would wait until she knew more before she made her escape, and she would have plenty of time to explore once she was rested.

The sun in the chamber was not even up when Jamie walked into Serenitys room and started the fires once again. The only sound was of her dress as it swished about as she moved. Quickly she pulled out a selection of dresses that she might look best for the morning, if not for riding in. her mind was not fully on her work but she tired to place the thoughts of her brother from her mind. He would make the choice that he felt was right even if she would never see him again. When she was finely ready for Serenity to be awake she walked into her bedroom and opened the gauze curtains. “good morning my lady. The sun will be up any moment now.” Looking out the window she could see the sky lighten with hints of pink. It would be a cool autumn morning in the chamber, just like down in the valley where the king lived.

* * *

The suns hold released him as it kissed the mountains on its way down. Alan wondered how much of a fight it had been to keep her in bed, asleep till his morning. She had been awake for two days and one of those was filled with ridding. He hopped that she had not fought to much to stay awake during the day. As he stood he found Leim kneeling there beside his bed. His eyebrow raised as he spoke. “and why are you in my chamber so early in the morning?” reaching out he lifted Leim’s head so he could look him in the eyes. Tears were streaming down Leim’s face and he frowned.

“my lord I wish to take the Vow.” Alan blinked in surprise, he had not expected him to come to this dissension so quickly. “please do not try to talk me out of it, my sister already has but I will not change my mind in this.” He spoke quickly as he tired to make Alan understand his need and longing. “please Master, let me take the vow and I will do what ever you need of me.”

“ oh child if only it were that easy.” Bending down he lifted the young man that now trembled in his arms. Had Leim always been this way when he was around? Lifting him he lay the young man into his bed before kissing his forehead. “stay here, tonight we shall deal with the vow and all that comes with it.” He stood and walked from the room rubbing at his face with his hand trying to think of what he was going to do. He had been prepaired to sent the boy away to a good home, in point of fact he had contacted one of his old friends to see if his son needed a good stable master.

Walking through the a secret tunnel he opened the iron doors that lead to his chamber of feeders. They all lounged near the door knowing that he would be in soon. But now he had to make a choice, for he had reached the maximum number of feeders he could have without them being a drain on his people. One of them would have to be embraced or would have to die. Looking over their faces he sighed. All of them were good people in their own way, some now were less then what he had once had. Take Shasha for example. She had once been his beautiful songbird, now she sat there humming unless he came to her side. He hated this broken sea of bodies that he had created. All they did now was feed him and lay about.

A little while later he emerged from the tunnel and held out the bed shirt to Julian who he knew would be there waiting for him. never once had the man not be ready for him with his outfit picked out and ready to take the night shirt away. “how is our new addition?” his voice was gruff, a hint of sadness.

"I...I slept the whole day?" Serenity spoke, blinking at the light starting to come in from the window. She was rather disappointed in herself, and had hoped her body would have woken her up earlier. "Good mo...evening..." The room was nice and toasty, and Serenity had no problems with slipping out from under the sheets.

After a moment of rubbing her eyes, she eyed the dresses laid out, selecting a pink one that would keep her warm while riding, and was presentable enough. "Did you sleep well?" Serenity questioned politely, waiting for Jamie's help with the dress.

~</3~

"Slept all day, Sire." Julian responded. As Alan had predicted, his manservant had already laid out new clothing, and took away the dirty. He had glanced at the bed, but didn't question Leim. The boy wouldn't be there if it wasn't ordered by the master. "She wishes to see you, Sire, when you are able and willing." A smile appeared on Julian's face. "It would seem like she has narrowed you down to either a gargoyle or a vampire. Jamie, or course, has said nothing." He paused, selecting another article of clothing and gently tugging it on his master. "I would assume she will be ready shortly. Jamie got her up a bit ago, and I'm sure the young lady wishes to make herself presentable. I don't have much more to report. Other than her love of riding, we don't know much about her yet. It would seem she is fighting for Independence in small ways so far, attempting to do things that Jamie could do, such as building up her own fire. Do you wish for us to let her?"

“yes you slept the whole night though.” Jamie smiled as she turned to face Serenity. A bright smile on her face as she tried to hide the pain she was feeling with her brothers choice. “your can call it morning, we all do.” As she slipped out of the sheets Jamie came behind her to straighten up the sheets. “I had a thought before bed last night. If your up for it in a few days we might go down and see the local tailor in Winterhaven. I know that Master Alan would not mind if we had planned for you to go down a few day ahead of time. I would just have to wake you early to be able to go down, or we would stay up late and see him in his morning.”

Helping Serenity get dressed Jamie quickly set everything in order. “I slepted as well as could be expected of me.” She took her hand and lead her to a dressing table near the fireplace. “is there any jewelers you would like to wear today?” as she asked she opened up a case that was filled with gems and jewels of all different colors. “master thought you might like something pretty to add to your dress. Also he said that if you wish to take your meals here in your rooms that would be acceptable. Would you?”

* * *
“I am glad to hear that she slept the whole day through. The sooner she is accalmated the better it will be when she Awakens.” Watching Julian look over at Leim he smiled. He had never question who he took to his bed but when it was one of the servants he always seemed to raise his eyebrows at. “I will be willing to see her, I know what she is wanting to talk to me about. And at this time if she is already trying to guess what I am” he giggled which was quite worry some to hear. “I can not belive that she thinks I am a gargoyle. There was a time I would not have minded that curse, but no now we will have to deal with her finding out.”

“I belive that her fighting for that independence is going to drive my sister insane if she dose not stop. It would be good if she realized what she was doing.” Leim said from the side of the bed where he lay, his eyes slightly glazed over. Looking over at him Alan sighed and shook he head.

“I will see to it.” Turning back to Julian he smiled. “I will see her in my study if you do not mind bring her in as soon as she is ready. Tell Jamie that she is to keep all her duties as I put them down for her when frist she was taght.”

The maid seemed off, somehow, but Serenity wasn't going to pry into Jamie's business. The woman led her to the vanity, and she sat, her eyes widening at the various jewels Jamie revealed. Serenity leaned forward, touching a few of the articles. They were so pretty, but it would be wrong to wear someone else's jewels. Even if they had been given to her specifically, as opposed to the offer Jamie gave her to wear, Serenity didn't feel comfortable taking such things. "They are very beautiful..." She began slowly, looking away. "But, I will be alright. Really, there is no reason for me to wear things so extravagant here. And I would probably forget about them and ruin them while riding."

"I'd love to go into town. Perhaps I could convince Alan to let us go today...er...tonight..." Serenity mused, tilting her head. She frowned as Jamie continued. "I...I enjoy eating at the table..." It had been a time for her family to gather together, laugh and share stories. "But...I suppose there won't be anyone joining me, will there?" She sighed, and finally nodded, "Yes, I suppose I will eat here. Thank you, Jamie."

~</3~

"I found it rather humorous as well, Sire..." Julian stated, raising an eyebrow as his master giggled. "I will ensure your orders are followed." He promised, finishing up helping the vampire. He looked around the room, and once he was satisfied it was all in order, Julian left the room. He made his way quickly to the Lady Serenity's room, knocking on the door.

~</3~

Serenity gave a slight jump, glancing towards the door as a knock filled the room. Her gaze moved to Jamie, and Serenity stood as she waited for her maid to get the door.

Jamie watched as Serenity brushed her fingers along the jewels but then stopped. “my lady they are yours. The master wished you to have them as a small token of his joy at you being here. And as for them being so extravagant, these are but simple cuts that any innkeepers wife would own. Why the tailors wife in Winterhaven has three sets just like these.” Pulling out a simple gold chain with a teardrop of opal hanging from it she held it out. “at least wear this one. I had it made from a picture of Princess Jade. I thought if you liked her you would like a necklace like hers.”

“he will not allow us to go so soon. There is business he must deal with before we can go out again. He will want us to take a small group of guards for the roads are filled with creatures and human monsters that will not care who we are or what we have.” Stepping outside she told the young maid that waited there that the princess would be taking breakfast in the room. When moments later there was a knock on the door she stood thinking it was the breakfast tray, so was startled when it was Julian and not the maid that was there. “mister Julian I was not expecting you at this time. Is there anything that I might do for you or the master?”

Julian gave Serenity a small bow, but spoke to Jamie, without stepping into the room. "Master Alan had requested I inform you he will meet the Lady Serenity in his study. Please assist her there when she is ready, Miss Jamie." Once Serenity was delivered to Alan's care, Julian would talk with Jamie about the duties later, when they would not be overheard.

Julian bowed once again, and left the room.

Serenity waited until the old man was gone to gently close the box. "It wouldn't be right..." She explained quietly. "To accept them from a man I do not know. He is no blood relation to me...it's improper...Is my hair finished?" She lifted a hand mirror on the vanity, peering at her hair. She wanted to finish, and confront this Alan as soon as possible.

“yes I will do so sir.” Jamie was a bit startled that Julian would come this far out of his usual domain to find and deliver a message but by the way he was acting it must mean that Master Alan was looking to have the meeting as soon as he possible could. Turning back as he walked away she looked blankly at Serenity. “I guess you will want me to hold your breakfast as you will want to go meet with him.” then the words that Lady Serenity said sunk in.

“Please do not look on the opal drop as a gift from him, think on it as a welcome gift from me.” She quickly moved back to the box and opened it to find the thin gold chain with the drop. “it was I who thought you might like it and slipped the order among the others. It dose not matter that he paid for it to be made. He did not even see them after he approved of the first few designs.” Holding the necklace out she gave her a sad look. “I would have paid for it but I thought that it would be better if he did as I only have what I have saved.” She looked around at all the items around trying to think of what to say to make her understand and accept the gift. “if it would make you feel better I could pay him back with what I have.” Her voice was pleading.

* * *

Alan stood waiting in his study knowing that soon Julian would open the door and show princess Serenity in. what might she say to what had been left for her in her rooms? Would she take offence to him bringing up all her clothes for warmer weather. Would she take offence to all the jewels that he had brought out for her. Little did Jamie know all those pieces were ones that had been made for the members of her family who had come before her. Each piece had been left or the owner had died here in the castle never once taking them beyond the walls but for a party in the town.

"No!" Serenity seemed appalled at the idea of her maid paying for the necklace. She sighed, and relented, taking the necklace and slipping it on, latching it quickly. "There...I'm wearing it...but, nothing else, please?" Not wanting to hurt Jamie's feelings, she stood, touching the opal gently. "It is very beautiful...thank you, very much Jamie. It was a lovely gesture..."

"And yes, please hold my breakfast..." She continued nervously. Her stomach was doing all kinds of flip flops now that she was going to meet with the monster himself. "Please, just take me to him. I can't wait any longer." Perhaps she could find out when she would be able to visit home as well. Serenity moved to the door, biting her lip.

“I did not mean to offend, if I have please accept my apologies.” Jamie said as she quickly made sure that Serenity’s dress and hair were perfect before going back to the door. “you liked the books so much I did not think you would be upset by the jewels, seeing as our country is filled with jewels, so much so that no one really cant afford a simple necklace like this.” Nodding her head she opened the door and lead them down the halls. She felt like she was coming undone at all the seams with the way every thing seemed to be pulling her.

As she opend the great black doors that lead to the masters wing she stopped and looked at Serenity. “you are never to come passed these doors unless he has requested you to come. This is his privet wing and there are things here that…” she let it drop as the sound of something crying out rant the air. “ummm like that.” Her voice quivered just thinking of who that might be and what they had done to be so punished. Moments later they reached the door and Jamie curtsied to Serenity. “I will be waiting out here for you.” She waved her hand to the door.

* * *

Inside the door Alan sat with his back to it, his eyes closed, just listening to the sounds of the heartbeats within his domain. How easely he could wipe them out in a single thought. Each one only here because their familys had left them to the snow, every one but her. It pained him that he had to fallow the pact but then it had been made to keep him safe and keep the people of the kingdom safe too. He could no more stop taking tribute then he could stop feeding on blood.

Before she could lift her hand to nock he called for her to enter. Slowly he turned to look at her as she came in. he liked that she was dressed simply but he wondered if it was because Jamie had dressed her that way or if she picked it out as he some times did. “and what can I do for you, your highness? I am a busy man.”

Serenity shook her head. "It's not the jewels. Lord Alan isn't related to me. He's a strange man. It would matter if it was a tapestry, or a dress, or anything really, I don't want to accept anything without knowing what strings may be attached..." She spoke as she followed Jamie down the hall. "It's not typically accepted for a young woman to receive gifts from a man, unless it's a suitor. And your Lord Alan is far from that." A blackmailing monster, more like

She looked completely amazed as she was led to the Master's wing, and a loud cry sounded throughout the halls. Alarmed, Serenity stepped back, looking to Jamie in puzzlement. She was going on, unaccompanied by another female? When there were people screaming? Her curiosity won over her fear, and Serenity stepped into the hallway of the wing. Julian was there, sitting down on a bench outside of his master's study. Within hearing distance of a bell, should he be needed. He motioned to the correct door, and Serenity stepped to it, raising her hand. Before she could knock, Alan called her in.

Serenity placed her hand on the door, hesitating a moment before entering, shutting the door quietly behind her. She stood awkwardly as he turned around, and she couldn't help but let out a small gasp, viewing his eye. It was completely white, and Jamie had been right, it was scarred rather strangely.

She took a deep breath to calm her nerves and regain her composure before speaking. "Quite a rude greeting, isn't it? You've brought me here under unusual circumstances, expect me to dine alone, have so many of my clothes here, expect my entire sleeping arrangement to be changed to suit you, and you couldn't even tell me your name, or what you are, Alan?" Serenity lifted her chin high, her tone rather accusing towards the man.

Jamie tuned and smiled at serenity as she walked backwards down the hall. “oh no he would never think of you in that way. He sees himself more of as a monster bound by the pact to do as was written. You see it was his master so many years ago that sat down with the king of the time and they both worked a magic on the Pact. Nether can break their side of the pact as long as this land is whole.” She turned in time to walk down the stairs, when she reached the bottom she picked it back up. “Master Alan would keep his side of the Pact without you if he could but the magic is bound so tight that he had to do what he did and take you.” Looking around she leaned in to Serenity’s ear cupping her hands around it. “you should have seen the grand dining hall after the first night. He ripped the place to shreds in anger.” She sounded sad for him.

Slipping onto the bench next to Julian Jamie smiled at Serenity. “don’t you worry I am right here, just pop your head out if you need me. Master Alan would not harm you.” She looked over at Julian knowing that there were a few times that might be made a lie. She hoped that Serenity would not provoke Alan into one of those times.

As he turned Alan took in her reaction to his scar and his eye. He had thought to wait a time but with the way she was pushing to know what he was it only seemed right that she see all of him as he was, not just what he choice to show the world. He raised his eyebrows when she calmed herself so quickly, that was a good trait to see in a soon to be mage. “I am still Lord Alan of Shadows Run. You will address me as such.” Shadows Run had been the land and the family name who ruled the Kingdome before Serenity’s family had been give the throne. It was said that a lost heir to the Shadow Run line might one day come from the wilds and lay clams to his birthright.

Serenity’s grandfather before he had died had searched long and hard for that heir. Wanting to make sure that no one would take from his family what had been given them so many years before. He had worried that the heir would murder them in their sleep or would drive the kingdom to civil war. He had seen what would happen to the kingdom when his brothers had tried to take the crown.

“By ever right you are beneath me Lady Serenity but I have not treat you as such this whole time. I have let you have run of my castle, the pick of your rooms, given you all I could think to make your time here more comfortable. And you come into my room when I have important things to see to and call me rude.” His eyes seemed to glow with a inner fire. “I do not eat with you for you would find my tasted in food revolting to say the least. I brought you here because I had to, if you would like I could lock you in a dungeon near to your family’s home if that would suit you better.” As he had spoke his voice had raised till it boomed off the stone of the room. Suddenly he stopped, held his hand up and closed his fingers in a fist as he shut his eyes. Taking a few breaths he clamed himself.

“I am sorry my lady to have lost my temper, it is not often one calls me rude.” Walking back to his seat behind his desk he waved to a chair near by for her to sit in. “I did not tell you who I was because I do not want it known outside these walls. This kingdome was named after my grandfather and had you known my name that first night you might have gone looking for more information on me. As to why I wanted your sleep pattern turned around to match mine, it is because I wish that the servents not be run ragged trying to keep you happy during the day and me at night. I would change my sleep patterns to match yours if I could.” Standing up again he walked over to a side table and poured himself a glass of wine, then he filled a second one and set it before her, before returning to his seat.

“you ask me what I am, I have answered that in the best way I know how at the time without having to worry you would run from me before learning who I am.” He took a sip and licked his lips. “what is it that you think I am from all that you have seen, heard, and been told?”

"Regardless of what family name you carry, I am the Princess here, and you are simply occupying lands my father hasn't seen fit to bestow on anyone else!" Serenity replied haughtily. "Your blood is no longer royal blood, plain and simple." All of this spilled out before the monster was raising his voice.

Alarmed, Serenity stepped back quickly, her hands reaching behind her. When she felt the wall she finally stopped, staring at Alan with an open mouth. She tried to remedy the situation quickly. "I...I apologize....I..I meant no offense to you...I thought, when you had said I was here as a companion to you, I had merely assumed I would be seeing more of you. To find out I am expected to dine alone when I am used to eating with my family..." She trailed off, unable to explain in words how important the family dinners had been to her.

She licked her lips, and glanced at the wine, before stepping forward cautiously, afraid he might snap at her again. Serenity lifted the glass and sipped it, though it was more to gather her thoughts before speaking again. "You made yourself clear when you came to get me. If we did not give you your ransom, you would kill more people. If I was to run, I assume the same would happen. As much as I don't want to be here, I won't endanger my people."

Serenity fell silent again, staring at the glass. "You told me yourself you were a monster. The sun hurts your eyes...Originally, I narrowed it down to a werewolf, a vampire, and a gargoyle."

She continued rather slowly. "If you were a werewolf, the past two nights you would not have looked human, so that ruled that out. From what I've heard of vampires, I would be dead or..." She flushed and shook her head. "So, that rules that out. I believe you are a gargoyle. Is that correct?"

“your father can not bestow these lands to any other noble in his Kingdome. If he did then there would be a breach that his nobles would never allow. Your father can not just go and give lands to another family when the Heir is still alive, unless that heir commits treason. Which with my blood line it would be him committing it not I. the law still states that I am the rightful heir to the throne of this land and can lay calm to it any time I so choose.” He did not tell her that the pact in and of its self bound him from trying that.

As she backed up he knew he might have gone a bit too far and a part of him felt sorry that he had scared her. Yet that old part of him that was used to being treated like a prince smirked at her childness. “yes you are here as a companion to me. I have planned that once I have dealt with what came up in my absents I would spend some time teaching you thinks that I know that you do not. And I do wish to lean from you as well, for you know this modern age better then I. if you are set on eating with others I can have the servants eat at the table with you, it was a common practice that my father held when he lived here.”

“as to the killings,” his voice softened and his eyes grew sad. “there was a pact made between the frist king of my families line and my old master that set down the punishment for a king not giving over one of his line to the Protector of the kingdom,” he laid his hand on his chest to indicate that he was the protector. “every hundred years was that the Kingdome would suffer death of its population until that tribute was given. I have been pushing how long I can go without taking one of the kings line for I don’t like taking princes’ and princesses from their families. If I could I would protect this kingdome without taking its nobles but the pact forces me to.” He had been pushing the time it took before the pact forced him to act, father and father apart. But now it seemed that it had set its self on 150 years and he could do nothing about it.

He waited as she spoke of what he could be a smile growing on his lips until she asked if he was a gargoyle. At that he could not contain his mirth any longer. The laugh echoed acrossed the chamber as he whipped blood tear from his eyes. Finely getting his laughter under control he smiled at her. This time showing teeth and fang. “I am a mage and a Vampire. Your blood and your virtue are save from me. If I have need of blood I have but to ask one of the winterborn, and as for bed fellows.” He smiled. “no I have no need to force any one into my bed for my pleasure.” Taking another drink of the wine he sighed. “I have enough winterborn that I do not even need to force them to allow me to feed but you can now understand why I do not eat with you.”

Blackmailing the current royal family sounded like treason to Serenity, but she didn't voice that aloud, still frightened of the man. "I would like having the company while I eat..." It would feel strange and beneath her to eat with servants, but it was better than facing an empty table. Her face changing to puzzlement, Serenity eyed Alan curiously. "Teach me? Teach me what?" She racked her brain, but could think of nothing this man could teach her.

She kept her thoughts on the matter to herself once again, but really, if Alan was a monster who killed, perhaps it would be best if he was dead, and let the kingdom protect itself? After all, her father did have armies at his command.

She was jerked from her thoughts as Alan began to laugh. He had asked her, and Serenity had answered! Now he was mocking her by laughing! She started to become offended, but it quickly turned to fear as the man continued to speak. Was that...blood? Dripping from his eye? Serenity took another step back, frightened by the sight of fangs. It didn't matter than Alan said her blood and virtue was safe. He was a vampire! They lied, tricked people! They were the worst of the three possibilities Serenity had considered. Without realizing it, she had dropped the glass.

Dazed, she stared at the red liquid staining her dress and leaking on the floor, before looking around for something to clean it up with. Glass shards mingled with the liquid, though Serenity didn't seem to notice much of any of it. She was lost in a stupor, frightened out of her mind. Escape was certainly in the picture now. She would leave this very night!