timo txt
13
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Zara sprang up from the bed, the moment she heard someone open the door.
“Naya..” her voice trailed off on realizing that it wasn’t Naya. Instead, it was Vlad.
“Damn it..” she cursed, going back to sit in the bed.
“Here are some clothes for you..” Vlad informed as he threw a bag to her and Zara caught it just in time.
“When am I leaving here? And where’s my sister?” She requested as she hadn’t seen Naya for over three days. She just remained locked up in a room.
“Your sister is fine,” Vlad replied, his tone measured and calm. “She’s just been busy..”
Zara didn’t feel safe at all. In fact, she felt anything but safe. The first reason was that she hated vampires, a lot.
“You’ll be resuming work tomorrow… ” Vlad informed him, he didn’t know why, but he took it upon himself to take care of both sisters.
Normally he wouldn’t care about any of it, but here he was making sure everything was okay with them. Nor after Zara stabbed him with a knife, he had overlooked that, though it made him angry he managed to control his anger.
” What work? Don’t tell me you’re going to make me work in the kitchen like my sister, I’m definitely not going to do it .” Zara protested as she frowned deeply.
“You’ll have to look for something else.. ” she added in a curt tone.
Vlad pursed his lips as he studied Zara. He has concluded, he hated her guts.
“I’m not making you work in the kitchen,” Vlad said, his tone patient but firm. “You’ll be working as a maid in my personal quarters. You’ll be taking care of my day-to-day needs and helping me with my correspondence.”
Zara was not at all impressed with this proposition. She didn’t want to be at the man’s beck and call, and she didn’t want to be anywhere near him. She just wanted to go back to her old life, before all of this had happened. But she knew that wasn’t possible.
“And if I refuse?” she asked.
“I seriously don’t get you. Look, I don’t want to work as a maid or anything. You can find something better… ” She pointed out. One thing she hated the most was chores.
” Are you defiling my orders? ” Vlad asked, feeling anger rise inside of him.
” No, I’m not. It’s just that I hate chores. I can do something better. Like you can recruit me with you warriors or anything..”
“Warriors?” Vlad said, raising an eyebrow. “You think you’re fit to be a warrior?” he chuckled softly.
Zara felt herself growing defensive at his words. “I am fit. I’m strong, and I’m fast. I’m not afraid of anything.”
Vlad studied her for a moment, considering her words. “You may be strong and fast, but you lack discipline and training. You would not make a good warrior. You would get yourself killed.”
Zara bristled at his words. “I’m not afraid of anything and you can try me. I’m a very good swordsman and I’m skilled with archery..” she informed him. Back then when she still lived as a princess, she was very skilled and learned a lot of skills.
“You can’t convince me with that. You’ll resume work tomorrow… ” Vlad stated turning his back to leave.
” In my quarters as a maid.. ” he added, word by word so it would sink in her head.
“Alright, I’m sorry..” Zara sucked in a deep breath after deciding it was time she apologized already.
“You’re sorry?” Vlad turned around, raising an eyebrow. “Sorry for what, exactly?” He asked in an oblivious manner.
Zara looked down at the floor, her cheeks growing warm. “I’m sorry for being disrespectful. And for not listening to your orders.”Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.
“I should be thanking you for saving my life. Naya told me everything. I’m so sorry for being so rude and I apologize for stabbing you with a knife the other day and all the harsh words I said to you.. ” she pleaded. Hoping that he would change his mind about that.
“It’s alright,” Vlad waved her off as he literally had nothing against her. She was just being childish.
Zara was surprised by his response. She had expected him to be angry with her, but instead, he was being understanding. She found herself feeling a bit more at ease around him.
“Thank you,” she said, feeling a bit more relaxed. “I promise I won’t speak to you like that again” she swore.
” Good. Because I’m not sure I’ll let you off next time.. ” he deadpanned and Zara swallowed deep. That was a threat.
“Thank you so much, lord Vlad..” Zara appreciated bowing her head in respect as she humbled herself.
” It’s Vlad. I hate honorifics..”
“It’s just Vlad,” he corrected her, his tone lightening.
Zara looked up at him, surprised by his humility. She was starting to see a side of him that she hadn’t seen before. There was more to him than just a brooding, intimidating presence. He had a softer side, and she was starting to see it.
“Thank you, Vlad,” she said, smiling at him.
“So, please. Can I join the… .” She stammered nervously.
” I’d prefer to be a swordswoman.. ” she uttered sheepishly, hoping he’d just agree.
Vlad considered her request, his expression thoughtful. Finally, he nodded. “I think that’s a possibility,” he said.
” So can I?”
” Yes, training begins tomorrow..” He finally accepted her request. Zara couldn’t be happier.
“Thank you so much… ” Zara appreciated. She was going to get better with fighting.
She was preparing herself for the day she would finally leave this place and kill Magnus with her own hands.
“So, what are you going to do today?” Zara suddenly asked, changing the subject.
“It’s still early, and you know I can’t stay in this room all day. I’ll go stir-crazy. So how about a tour of the castle?”
Zara asked eagerly. She was more than ready to get out of this room and explore the castle. Plus, the idea of spending more time with Vlad was appealing. She wanted to know more about vampires.
Vlad looked at her for a long time, he was less busy. So he decided to take her on the tour..
“Sure..” he shrugged his shoulders as he began to make his way out, Zara following behind him happily.