I think one of the largest things holding me back with this story is my lack of familiarity with the era. I can be a bit of a stickler for canon or historical accuracy, so my lack of knowledge here makes me rather hesitant on what to write or where to go. Oh well. I wanted to get something out before Halloween, so a short little chapter for good old Dracula will have to suffice. I moved just recently and haven't dome much writing for any of my stories. Hope this is enjoyed all the same. If anything its a bit of a health and safety check in. I'm still alive guys! :D


Chapter 2

Emily sighed and scribbled away in her notebook. Some kept journals or diaries, Emily took to drawing out her thoughts. The image of that handsome gentleman from the evening before remained stuck at the front of her mind. He even remained with her after her parent's harsh words about her dismissal. The thin stick of charcoal dirtied her slender hands as she smudged it across the page. The pale tone of her paper and the dark charcoal almost matched her subjects actual tones. He'd been so pale she couldn't help but wonder if the man had an illness. That wasn't uncommon in old royal lines after all. A prince... Who would have thought? Emily felt downright giddy.

The more she thought about him the more her imagination went wild. Images of the man entertaining at royal balls danced through her head. Vlad Dracula... She let the name roll off her tongue and struggled to match how he had enunciated it. What is he the prince of? She didn't recognize his accent. He must be very foreign. It was a guilty pleasure daydreaming about princes and parties all morning when she ought to be seeking new employment. Dreaming about pretty dresses she'd never get to wear wasn't going to get her a new position. Oh give me my moment! How many girls could honestly say they'd met a real prince?

Emily sighed and looked out the window of her small room to the streets beyond. Her face scrunched in deep thought. Whoever had sold him that flat had most certainly taken advantage of the poor man, and that just didn't sit well with her. It will likely need a lot of work to be made livable...I wonder if he's hired any help yet. He seemed to be fairly fresh off the boats.

It wouldn't be too presumptuous of her to offer her services would it? Probably, but would it stop her? Certainly not. It was worth a try if nothing else. The royal hadn't seemed put off by her casual manner. Emily flushed pink with embarrassment. I can't believe I was so silly. Prattling on about ghosts...honestly.

Her course of action decided, Emily wiped her hands on a rag and tidied up. She straightened her dress and donned her warmer coat. It was a bit overcast today and the gloom permeated the old cobble streets. This time she didn't forget her mittens. Hurrying out the door and down the road she made her way to the narrow street that would lead to the old fashioned cul-de-sac.


Emily gave one more firm knock and waited. Nothing...She peeked through the small frosted stained glass window adorning the front door in hopes of catching some sort of movement. Nobody home...On one hand she was mildly disappointment, but on the other she was bursting with excitement. No one to answer the door meant he hadn't hired anyone on yet. Even the simplest housekeeper would know to take down a visitor's message for their Lord.

Her excitement came to a halt. But now what? Emily looked around the quiet street and chewed her lip anxiously. She could leave a note in the door and hope he found it on his return. Emily shuffled around in her bag to pull loose a slip of paper from her sketchbook and found a bit of charcoal at the bottom of her bag. Hardly the most professional job inquiry she'd made, but Emily was too full of excitement to think about that.

The note was short and concise with her address at the bottom. The folded bit of parchment slipped easily in the crack of the door. Satisfied with her work she nodded sharply and left the quiet place to its solitude. If anything came of this she'd be pleasantly surprised.


Errands had been run and shopping had been done by the time Emily finally made her way back home. Even if she wasn't bringing home shillings she'd at least make herself useful. Her mother protested this out of principle, but with her coming up in age Emily was sure she appreciated the help.

They were just about to sit down for their supper when a firm knock sounded at their door. The hour was far past what would be considered appropriate for a visit. Her father rose looking mildly annoyed at the interruption. Emily's mother gave her daughter's hand a swat when she strained in her seat in hopes of seeing who it could possibly be.

"You're not a child Emily. Don't act like one!" Her mother snipped.

She pouted at the scolding which hardly helped her case.

"Emily!" Her father barked from the other room making her jump in surprise.

She hurried from her seat, "C-coming father!"

Emily froze where she stood as she rounded the corner. Oh...Oh dear. Her prince stood tall and elegant just outside their short narrow door. It framed him like a picture. He smiled charmingly at her as she stepped into the room. He tipped his hat and gave a short bow. Emily's cheeks burned brightly and her father's eyes narrowed in disapproval.

"Please forgive the intrusive hours. I just returned today and found your note. I feared with how busy I have been I would not have the chance to speak with you in the morrow. It would not due to leave you wondering."

Emily father turned the disapproving glare to her, "Note? What nonsense have you bit up to Emily?"

Emily stammered nervously at her father's obvious anger, "I...um, well you see..."

Vlad smiled charmingly, "Your lovely daughter helped me find my way the other day. I am new to your city you see. She left a note inquiring of employment. I have been busily attending to my new purchases, and have yet to find staff for them. I fear it slipped my mind entirely."

Her father narrowed his eyes at the tall man and eyed him suspiciously, "This is highly irregular, and you've no other staff?"

"No..." Vlad hummed mildly in thought, "But I will pay her generously. I'd not expect her to work the place of two for less." Her father seems to perk a little at that. "Would twenty five pounds suffice?" Emily's father's eyes went wide and father coughed sharply.

Emily gasped at the absurd offer, "I-I couldn't possibly ask that much of you sir. I..."

Her father interrupted her protest swiftly, "That's is a most generous offer. When would you be liking her to start?"

Emily gaped at him in disbelief. This is highway robbery! I doubt even a house matron gets such pay. Vlad ignored all of this however and continued to wear his tight lipped smile. There was something all to knowing in that grin.

"Right away I'm afraid." From inside his coat he fished out a key, "I'll not be there in the morning, but this will let you in. The place needs some work sadly. I'll leave how you attend to it to your discretion, but if you need anything just leave a note and I will insure you get it."

Emily took the key from him and nodded dumbly, too stunned by everything to really compute it, "T-thank you Sir."

Lord Dracula tipped his hat and gave a short bow at the waist, "I will intrude upon you no more. Good Evening."

She watched him disappear down the streets cast in darkness before blinking down at the key in her hand in disbelief. After a moment to process things she turned sharply to glare at her father.

"Father! This is practically thievery. I can't let him pay me that much. It's absurd!" Emily said aghast.

"You will and you'll say not another word about it!" Father snapped and shook a finger as her angrily. His face was flushed as he marched past her gesturing violently as he went. "If you lose this one you're gone. I don't care what you do with yourself, but you will burden us no more! Nunnery or brothel, whatever will take you."

"Patrick!" Mother scolded.

Emily's eyes welled up with tears and she clutched the key in her hand tightly to her chest.

"He doesn't mean that dear!" Emily ignored them both and hurried up the stairs to her room, "He doesn't mean it! What about your dinner?" Her mother called after.

Emily fell into bed with a sob and curled up under her blankets. If they thought her such a burden then they wouldn't have to feed her! Her appetite was gone anyway. This wasn't the first time her father had threatened in such a way. In fact he did nearly every time she stepped out of line, as though hoping it might one day scare her straight. All it ever succeeded in doing was put her into a deep depression. Father always knew just what to say to ruin something good.

Sniffling Emily rolled onto her side and uncurled her fingers to look down at the tiny key hidden there. It weighed more than something so tiny should. I'll do good. I'll be the best housekeeper he's ever seen! And it wouldn't be for her father. She'd do it for herself...and her handsome employer Prince Vlad.

Emily sat up. Rubbing the tears from her eyes she looked down to consider the little key. It was small and old, but surprisingly fancy looking. It was pretty in and of itself. Digging around in her worn vanity she found a bit of cord and strung it through some filigree at the keys handle. Tomorrow would be better. Letting the key dangle around her neck Emily dropped to lay back in her bed.

What are princes like I wonder? letting herself fall into fantasies of grand balls and fancy halls, Emily drifted away to more pleasant places.