Chapter Text
Isaac strode silently through the empty halls of his master’s fortress. Dracula was not in his private study, which was unusual enough to prompt the loyal forgemaster to go searching for him. The dark-skinned man paused by a bored looking pair of guards.
“Have you seen our lord?” He asked without preamble, unintimidated by their bared teeth.
Most of the vampiric soldiers held themselves far above mortals, even though their own skills were quite lacking; at least from what Isaac had personally observed! No matter. He cared little for the opinions of fools.
“No,” the taller one hissed, while his companion tossed his head with an impatient huff. “Ask General Sharma.”
Isaac simply turned and took the southernmost corridor, granting them no further acknowledgement. He would start with the map room. Sharma seemed to enjoy perusing the geography scrolls kept within.
He had just descended the second vice when Raman’s hypnotic laugh echoed from the east hall, further confirming his hunch. The Indian vampires were often found together, despite there being no romantic interactions between them. When Isaac arrived at the large archway, he saw that Sharma was indeed seated at a mahogany desk, surrounded by various atlases. Raman and the German Zufall stood nearby, drinking crimson liquid from gilded goblets. Cho was seated in a dark corner, idly examining an old tome, but the forgemaster could tell by her alert posture that she was listening to every word. It would seem that Dracula’s generals held their own council outside of court.
“Come now, you must admit that her audacity was impressive,” Raman insisted, hazel eyes glittering in amusement.
“It was shameful!” Sharma declared, tearing his gaze from a detailed map of Bosnia. “I cannot believe our lord did not punish Carmilla for speaking so disrespectfully about his wife!”
“Perhaps he finally realized that he settled for a human who desired his knowledge rather his love,” the raven-haired lady retorted, taking an elegant sip.
The male vampires stiffened, while Cho raised a slender eyebrow, her piercing eyes drifting toward the others.
“Hush, Raman!” Sharma scolded anxiously. “I doubt the Dracul will appreciate being tested for a second time!”
“She has a point,” Zufall admitted after a moment, after he made certain the Impaler was nowhere nearby. “I remember the scandal in my household when we discovered that the ridiculous rumors about Lisa of Lupu were true. She forced the King of all Vampires to traipse about like a mortal to ‘prove his love for her’! It was a humiliating blow to all civilized society when Dracula did not annul the marriage immediately, instead choosing to bow to her demands like a slave!” He took a long swig of blood, then sighed in acquiescence. “I suppose we all do foolish things under ardor’s enchantment…”
“If that is not proof that the Lupu woman simply desired access to his resources, I cannot fathom what is!” Raman said, eyes dancing. She was far too entertained by the conversation for Isaac’s liking. “I admire a dominant female but denying a child of the presence of his father… that is a little too cruel even for my tastes.”
“It is perplexing,” Sharma admitted. “But perhaps the reports we received were exaggerated or even falsified?”
Zufall harrumphed. “Explain the dhampir’s aggressive attitude then. He clearly despises the King; perhaps his mortal mother raised him to do so? She never accepted our kind, save for when it was beneficial to her!”
Sharma rose from his seat, clearly uncomfortable with such a discussion. He was silent for a few moments, rich brown eyes flickering with uncertainty. “I know little about Adrian, save that he grew from a bright child into a woefully arrogant adolescent. Many of our kind fall into vanity, however, and I had hoped that he would mature and mellow into a worthy prince…”
“Bah!” The German exclaimed, gesticulating wildly with his free hand as though waving away an offensive smell. “No dhampir belongs in the service of Vlad Dracula Tepes! Remember when our master presented Alucard two years ago? The little half breed thumbed his nose at us the entire evening! Carried himself like his father’s accomplishments were his own!”
“Perhaps Adrian was simply shy and seeking to make a strong impression among such powerful members of his father’s retinue,” Cho replied, rising gracefully from her chair.
Isaac had never heard the Japanese vampire speak before, and her mellifluous voice surprised him. It was deeper than he expected, bolder too.
“As for the lord’s wife,” Cho continued, folding her arms and tucking her hands within her luxurious sleeves. “Perhaps she simply wished to share her world with him. It is none of our concern regardless. Carmilla is far too brazen in a land not her own.” Her keen gaze turned to Isaac as the man strode confidently into the vaulted chamber. She seemed unphased by his presence, an unexpected contrast to the offended glares of her counterparts.
“General Sharma,” the forgemaster began without preamble. “Have you seen Lord Dracula?”
The thoughtful vampire frowned almost quizzically. “No, why? Is he not in his study?”
Zufall laughed raucously before the human could respond. “Ha! Did you lose him, oh great master of war?”
“Silence!” Cho snapped, her usually serene expression twisting into one of worry. “Sharma, it is the anniversary.”
The Indian general straightened, paling. “Sunlight take me, I had forgotten…” He pinched the bridge of his nose, wearily addressing Isaac. “Leave him be, wizard. Our King will wish to remain undisturbed.” He gave Raman a pointed look.
“I refuse to be left out, mitr,” his counterpart purred, sipping from her goblet. “What dramatic event has left the First Vampire so distraught this time?”
Zufall rubbed his aching head. “Please tell us it has naught to do with another human.”
“As a matter of fact, it does,” Sharma hissed, tiring of their constant disrespect! “Yet I do not expect a mind as narrow as yours to understand parental bonds, Zufall!”
“Oh gods, Dracula adopted a mortal?” Raman exclaimed; her gleeful attitude replaced by an incredulous one.
“Both of you, enough!” Cho rebuked, her tone growing gentler as she addressed Isaac once more. “Try searching the tower nearest to the celestial observatory.”
Isaac’s brow furrowed. He was not about to let such astonishing information be brushed aside! “Lord Dracula had a son before Alucard?”
Sharma looked anxious now, pacing back and forth. “It is forbidden to speak of him unless the King gives his blessing.”
Cho’s solemn sienna orbs lowered in an uncharacteristic show of vulnerability. “Despite what Raman and Zufall so obviously believe, the loss of the child was a tragedy. Dracula’s elder court were rather pleased with the idea of such a strong boy being turned once he matured.” Her vibrant eyes rested on her fellow vampires briefly. “Even the more outspoken members such as Dragan.”
This silenced the others for a moment, while Sharma exhaled slowly. “Indeed. That was quite a surprise, but Dragan respects power above all else. Leon was gifted even as a human; how much greater would his potential be as a vampire?” He sighed again, genuinely saddened for his monarch. “It matters little now.”
The Japanese noble glanced back at Isaac. “Do not expect to be welcomed. It remains an open wound.”
The forgemaster inclined his head toward her. “I will use discretion. Thank you.”
“If the Dracul deigns to speak with you,” Sharma added resignedly. “Inform him that the court will have questions…”
^^^^^^^
Dracula struggled to keep from smiling when he sensed Leon dramatically following him around the great hall, having wrapped himself in an oversized black cape. Although this was a ‘casual’ gathering, the ancient vampire still had followers to address and tried to focus on them alone. Despite his best efforts however, the room was soon filled with good-natured twittering and laughter at the merry little creature mimicking their king. Vlad was also aware that many of the nobles were eager to curry favor with the child, though he was only ten. A future alliance with the mighty Dracula’s heir would be advantageous indeed! Of course, the ageless immortal had zero intention of cursing his son, but it was unnecessary for his capricious courtiers to possess such private information!
“Welcome, Sharma. I am pleased that you accepted my invitation,” Dracula said, spying the young vampire speaking with Charles near the grand hearth.
The russet skinned man bowed, his silken orange attire shimmering in the firelight.
“It is an honor to be here, Lord Dracula,” he answered, his serious brown eyes resting on Leon. “Well met, little Prince.” He seemed to relax a bit as he spoke to the boy, clearly comfortable interacting with children.
Leon half bowed rather bouncily, blonde curls bobbing! “It’s nice to meet you, Sir Sharma!” His crystalline orbs grew wide as another new face captured his woefully short attention span. “Who is that?”
All eyes were drawn to the entryway as a pale vampire clad in ornate crimson robes stepped demurely down the staircase.
“Her name is Cho,” Dracula answered, for the others’ benefit as well as his son’s. “She is relatively new to our circle, having pledged oaths of fealty three decades ago.”
Charles nodded and Sharma tilted his head curiously, observing the woman in red. Leon however shifted uncomfortably.
“She is…very white, father.” he whispered in concern.
Dracula chuckled, stroking the boy’s glimmering hair. “She is not ill, Leon. Such paints and adornments are a part of her culture.”
“Oh!” The lad exclaimed, his visible relief causing Sharma to grin. “What do they mean?”
“Of that I am uncertain,” the First Vampire admitted. “But different societies have unique traditions and standards of beauty.”
Seeing the child’s slight confusion, Charles added, “sometimes ladies wear face paints to feel pretty. Like how your father wears capes to feel majestic.”
Sharma tactfully hid another smile as Dracula’s scarlet orbs narrowed at his bold companion.
“B-but she’s already pretty…” Leon murmured, clearly captivated by the elegant noblewoman.
“Good answer,” Vlad said, finding the boy’s innocent wonder endearing.
Leon blinked, abruptly glancing up at the scruffy wizard with an arched eyebrow. “Charles, you should wear face paints.”
“Wait, what?” The red-maned human exclaimed, as the Indian vampire laughed openly!
“Even better answer,” Dracula replied, eyes gleaming. He turned to Sharma, gesturing toward a quieter area of the bustling hall. “Come, I would speak with you.”
“What are you implying, little Dragon?” Charles playfully demanded, Leon’s mirthful laughter bringing another smile to Dracula’s face.
“I almost refused to come,” Sharma declared suddenly. He was painfully aware this was a breach of etiquette, but the young vampire wished to be honest before losing his nerve. “Then I heard of your human child. Of how well he was treated.”
Vlad paused, examining his youthful counterpart with keen understanding. “Did you have children?”
“No,” the Indian warrior replied, his eyes flickering toward the floor briefly. His cultured voice was strained. “Two younger brothers. They were slaughtered by the ones who turned me.”
“My deepest sympathies,” Dracula said, his sincerity surprising the other immortal. “I trust the deviants were brought to justice?”
Sharma folded his hands behind his back, trying to regain some semblance of composure. “One still eludes me, which is why I took the liberty of consulting your wizard. I will hunt him down as soon as this summit ends.” He regarded the tall monarch carefully, waiting for some sort of reprimand.
Instead, the First Vampire placed a warm hand on his shoulder. “Good. Those who grow feral need to be culled from our ranks. We cannot allow vampire society to devolve into primitive anarchy. That is why I summoned you; your diplomatic endeavors and successes have not gone unnoticed by me.” Dracula’s crimson gaze was mesmerizing. “I want you to join my inner court.”
Sharma’s bronze orbs widened in surprise. His expression grew thoughtful, and his eyes flitted about the grand chamber. Many cultures were represented by the vampires here. Even a spellcaster from Merlin’s academy. Such beings had the power to influence the modern world for the better. Especially under a ruler like the Dracul. His gaze came to rest on an enchanted little Leon being introduced to an equally delighted Cho and he smiled softly.
“It would be my honor, Lord Dracula.”
^^^^^^^
“My lord…?”
Isaac’s concerned query startled Dracula out of his reverie, causing the First Vampire to instinctively hiss.
“Isaac?” He asked, breathlessly, slowly realizing where he was. The ancient immortal stiffened, his dried bloody tears an alarming contrast to his alabaster skin. “Why…why are you here?”
“I was informed that you were mourning your son and wished to see if you had need of anything,” the forgemaster replied, his refined accent gentle and candid. He had never seen the First Vampire so openly distressed before, his violent wrath over Lisa having faded into weary anguish by the time Isaac officially joined the court. The usually composed man was unable to hide his disbelief upon seeing the gilded portrait that adorned the stone wall.
A Belmont?!
The forgemaster remained silent, for it was not his place to question his lord. To his further surprise however, Vlad Tepes spoke first.
“The humans’ tales are lies, you know…”
“My lord?”
“About Leon Belmont,” Dracula clarified, his normally hypnotic voice hoarse. “He was not the senseless harasser of the arcane that his diminished descendants have become. He was the bridge between mortals and immortals, and an ambassador among supernatural races. He was my boy…my first boy. I failed him, Isaac. I failed him twice.”
“He does not look the type to hold a grudge,” Isaac said, quietly standing next to friend as he admired the painting. “Nor harbor hatred for his father.”
Vlad’s raspy exhale almost sounded like a chuckle. “No, Leon was as forgiving as the Nuckelavee is indomitable. Save for when the transgressor deserved no mercy.”
Isaac sat beside Dracula as bloody tear traced its way down the First Vampire’s face once more.
“Tell me about him,” the forgemaster said sincerely, keeping his tone soft. Perhaps someone to reminisce with would give the grieving immortal some solace. “I doubt very much that any failure was your fault.”
Dracula exhaled slowly. “Our early years were blissful, Isaac. It was naïve of me to think it would remain so. I am immensely grateful for the time I had with Leon but I-” He stared at his clawed hands. “He deserved so much more…”