Hi, sorry for the delay. It has been crazy for me these months. I have feared for my job, and I lost the will to write. Now everything is a lot better. : ) Stay safe! : )

I imagine now my lead character Daniela as Danielle Campbell

Vivian Carlton as Margot Robbie or Scarlett Johansson,

Daniela's POV

I was sitting on one of the benches in the garden. The weather was sunny and the light wind was playing with my hair. I was wearing a simple purple t-shirt and an pair of jeans.

It was in the beginning of the spring and it was very warm. Perfect weather to be outside and just enjoy. I was permitted to be in the garden as long as I liked. Victor seemed to think that it was good for me and didn't forbid me. And I was glad for that. The garden was extremely beautiful and it was my favorite place. The rose bushes, the exotic flowers brought from all around the world. The fountains which were fascinating. It was very peaceful and I really felt safe in here. Like my very own paradise. I had found one bench near the shaped like a crown fountain and picked it as my favorite. The bench was under one tree and surrounded by rose bushes and a fantastic view at the fountain. My favorite hiding spot.

I have been sitting here for over an hour with a notebook in my hands. The prince hasn't come home yet. His father, the king, had asked my master to help him with something concerning a new law, and Victor has been away since the morning. I liked it. I had been able to have breakfast and enjoy it without Victor's company . No one bothered me whole day. I had drunk coffee with Dora, something that rarely happened while my master was here. We had talked about everything and I was happy she was trying to make me feel less lonely in here. Dora loved to take my mind off the things that were happening to me. She would tell me about her childhood, school, places she has been to, her daughter. I envied her for having the freedom to do all of that and to have a family, but I still I liked our conversations. So having a coffee with Dora has been very pleasant. Then I swam a little in the indoor pool. After the lunch I came to the garden for some fresh air and to write. I have been writing or at least tried to write some song lyrics of my own. I knew how to sing songs of my favorite singers, I had memorized their lyrics. But I have been trying to create my own songs. I have been doing this before Victor bought me and now I have found the will to write again. Otherwise I would go insane in here. I have written so far nearly a whole notebook. The ideas just kept coming and I had tried to write them down before I forget. I knew my songs weren't so good as the professional singers' were , but at least there were mine. My hobby, my escape from this prison. The prince adored my singing and that had made me give up my creative hobby, but I started to need it. I loved to sing and not even my master could take that away from me.

So I had sat down here , at my favorite bench, and just let my emotions pour on the empty sheet of paper. I had written songs about freedom, hopes, dreams- all the things which were forbidden to me. I had a song dedicated to my parents and how much I missed them. I dreamed to be a famous singer someday. A good dream indeed.

'' You look lovely, Daniela.''- I was startled when I heard Victor's voice near me. I hadn't heard him come near. The vampires were usually silent creatures and sometimes my master had appeared suddenly next to me without even a single noise to alert me of his approach. But maybe because of me, the prince often tried to make more sound so I wouldn't be startled. Maybe right now I have been to engrossed into writing to hear him.

'' Thank you, Victor.''- I lifted my head to look at him. The dark-haired prince took of his jacket and sat down next to me. His black hair was messy from the wind and it looked good on him. I suppressed an urge to move away from him.-'' When did you get back?''- I didn't mean it as an offense , just a simple question to start a conversation. Victor's brown eyes were locked into mine.

'' About 15 minutes ago. It was an exhausting day.''-'' He rolled up the sleeves of his white shirt.-'' Boring and long.''- I knew the prince didn't like to attend the meeting of the Council, he thought they were remnant of the past and useless. The prince never spoke to me about what had happened on these meetings or about some law or a deal, but he always told me how bored he had been and how he would have done things differently. How he would rule with a firm hand and people would tremble before him. How he would restore the former glory of this country. –'' I thought it will never end.''- Victor sighed.-'' When I came home, I had to find you and see you, my sweet. I knew I would find you in here, Danny.''- My master caressed my cheek.

'' You must be tired.''- I could see it clearly in his eyes. Victor was tired and hungry. He probably never had time to drink blood. There was a certain hunger in his brown eyes, which I have become familiar with. I had learnt to guess when a vampire was hungry. Whenever Victor has hungry , his eyes got this feral look, and I had known that he would either take my blood or find some other to feed from. A blood donor , especially for the prince himself wasn't hard to find, but he often preferred his slave, me.

'' Yes, I am.''- Victor brought my face closer to his and I winced seeing the red shade in his eyes.- '' But after one look at you, dear Daniela, and I feel a lot better.''- The prince buried a hand in my hair.-'' Only you have that effect on me.''- He whispered against my lips. I let him kiss me. I tried to reciprocate the kiss so he wouldn't get mad. But I didn't feel anything. Kissing and being touched by Victor felt cold and distant for me. I had to do it so he wouldn't yell and punish me. But I was screaming inside. I was his slave in every sense of the word. My master was the prince himself and the tons of guards would never let me escape. Plus he was a vampire and he could make me obey his every desire. I was a prisoner, dressed in expensive clothes. Nothing more.

'' Why? I am not special.''- I said out loud after he broke the kiss. My hands were on his chest and they were shaking. I tried to push him off, but the vampire tightened his hold around me.

'' You are special to me, Daniela. My beautiful girl with a voice of an angel.''- Victor smiled.-'' My pure, innocent girl. I will never let you go.''- The prince leaned and sank fangs into my neck. I welcomed the loss of conscience as Victor took what he needed from me to feed.

# # #

This must be another one of Victor's ways to punish me somehow. A cruel and sick joke. There was no other explanation why I was sent to clean my own room, my luxurious room. The one the prince kicked me out from. I had thought I had misheard when I found out where I would be today to clean. My room. The irony. During the months I had spent living in it, servants came to tidy it every day, and now I had to do it. The cleaning didn't bother me. But the fact that from a whole mansion I was the one that had to clean my previous room seemed like a cruel joke. I had to wash the windows, wipe the dust and vacuum the room.

I climbed the stairs to my previous room with a heavy heart. I had followed Sandra, which had the keys to my room.

With a heavy heart I opened the door to my room. I stepped inside and released a deep breath. I would never say it out loud but I kind of missed it in here. I missed that this has been my home , that not everything in this room reminded me of my misery. Yes, this room has been my golden cage, but also I had experienced some good things in it. The times I had been reading on the bed, watching TV. Dora and the conversations we had in here and how she always found something to cheer me up with. The rare times Victor left me alone and I could do everything I wanted in here.

'' Don't try to steal anything, it's locked away. I will come and check you again , girl. Don't try to hide anything.''- Sandra gave me one full of hate look and slammed the door after me. I so badly wanted to chase after her and cause a scandal, but it won't do me any good.

I walked to the huge and soft bed and sat down on it. My hand caressed the delicate red cover. I was amazed that the prince hadn't changed anything in here. The bed was arranged just how it was before- two red pillows and the same cover. Like I never left. My gaze looked around the room and it was also untouched. The book on the nightstand. Everything just looked frozen in time. Why did Victor not moved or changed anything? I went to the wardrobe and it was locked of course. Everything was still there maybe - dresses, skirts, trousers. All the shoes and expensive underwear. Every single brand and every single cloth made for me was just there. Why didn't the prince throw them? What was the point of keeping clothes for a woman, which she won't wear ever again? What was the point of keeping my room like I never left?

I swallowed hard. I must start cleaning. I didn't want anyone to walk on me and find me staring at my room. I might be accused of stealing even. Like I would even think of it.

I started to wipe the dust of the flat screen TV, even though it was clean, someone must come here often to clean. Still I didn't understand why would my room need every day cleaning.

I nearly jumped out of my skin when I heard that the door opened. I hadn't expected someone to come and help me, this has been my task today. Maybe it was Sandra. But something told me it wasn't the dark-haired servant. I sensed who had come in , without even turning around. Victor.

'' Well, hello, Daniela.''- I winced as I turned around to face the vampire prince. Why was he here? To humiliate me? To mock me while I worked?-'' As always it is a pleasure to see you.''- The prince was dressed casually, just in a red shirt and old pair of jeans. My eyes widened as I saw the beer bottle in his hand. I hoped he wasn't drunk much. I certainly didn't want to talk to Victor, drunk or sober.

'' Good day, my lord.''- I bowed as I had to. Victor winked at me and with a sigh sat down on the bed and placed the bottle on the nightstand.-'' How is your day?''- I wanted to ask him what was he doing in here , but provoking him while drunk was never wise. Victor's bad temper was legendary, and the alcohol fueled it more. So I had to be polite.

'' Certainly better now that I have seen you.''- Victor laid down on the bed and ran a hand through his hair. I stood there watching him, wondering what should I do. Should I continue to clean or to leave the room? The prince had closed his eyes, but he must have noticed my staring and waived a hand at my direction.-'' Go on, Danny, do your thing. Pretend I am not here.''- He covered his eyes.-''Like you always do.''- The tone of the vampire's voice made me gulp, but I turned around and continued wiping the dust. My heart was beating so loud that I feared it could jump of my chest.

'' Why did you do it?''- His voice ruined the silence. I turned around to face him. Victor hasn't moved an inch from the bed. I had hoped he had just left of something.

'' What do you mean?''- I asked, clearly not understanding what was he talking about. I wanted him gone.

'' Sing at the pool. ''- The prince finally opened his eyes and turned his head towards me. His eyes pierced me and took my breath away.-'' Why did you sing, Danny?''- Victor said quietly.

'' Because lady Carlton compelled me to do it.''- I answered, wondering if I had offended the prince by speaking about his date. –'' She wanted to hear my singing and I didn't obey.''- I knew Victor might get mad that I had disrespected his guest, and especially a guest he courted. I was his slave, she was of a noble origin. I had no right to not follow her order.-'' Please, forgive me, my prince, that I might had offended you and her with my refusal. ''- I knelt on the floor, my eyes were closed. –'' Lady Carlton then compelled me to sing.''- I finished with a heavy heart. I knew he might get mad and yell at me. Even hit me. I heard the bed creak , Victor had risen up from it. My breath hitched as his footsteps echoed on the carpet.

'' Stand up, Daniela, there is no need for you to kneel now.''- The prince out a finger under my chin and lifted it. I met his eyes and his were drinking me.-'' I am not angry at you, I was just curious. ''- He offered me a hand and I took it. Victor helped me up but kept one hand around my waist.-'' I have forgotten how heavenly you sing, dear.''- He leaned forward and his nose was touching mine.

'' I promise not to do it again, my prince. It seemed to displease lady Carlton and I don't want to offend your guest.''- Displeased was a mild way to put it. Vivian Carlton had been livid that my singing got such a reaction from Victor, her date. Her attempt to humiliate me had caused her date to look at me like I was the sun.

'' My parents want me to marry, you know that, Danny?''- Victor let me go and sat down on the bed again. –'' They want me to finally put a ring around some lucky rich girl's finger and make her the future queen.''- Victor laid down and placed hands under his head. –'' They want me to have a child, an heir to the throne.''- He laughed and I winced how hollow his laughter was.-'' They are practically pushing Vivian Carlton in my hands.''- My hands were trembling and I leaned my back on the wall.-'' She is so different than you, darling. She is everything you aren't. My father probably hopes Vivian will take your place in my thoughts and all will be well.''- The prince turned his head to me and smiled at me.-'' What do you think about that?''- I strained my shoulders and pushed myself off the wall.

'' I think lady Carlton is very beautiful and she will make you happy.''- I answered, hoping it to come true. If the prince married , he would have less time to bother me. And his wife would never allow me to live in here, not to mention work. She would do everything to make me disappear from this mansion so I won't threaten her marriage.

'' Probably.''- The prince got up from the bed and came to me.-'' Vivian is a stunning beauty, and she will please me. She is everything a future queen needs to be.''- His eyes were piercing me as he put a strand of hair behind my ear.-'' But then I will be forced to get rid of you, and I can't seem to bring myself to do that. If I am a married man, you can't remain in here. The scandal would be huge.''- His thumb caressed my lips.-'' I won't have another choice then but to part with you and that will ruin me.''

'' But you can't keep me here after your marriage.''- I whispered. I would never want to be in here if the prince got married. His wife would hate me so much and she would make my life a hell. Vivian Carlton has already shown her jealousy and disdain towards me and she wasn't even engaged to my master or in a serious relationship. But her eyes promised me death, a painful and slow one.

'' Yes, that's my dilemma, Danny.''- Victor leaned back against the wall and slid down and sat. –'' My huge dilemma. I can't keep my slave while I am married because my wife will hate me and that will look bad in front of my country. They won't respect me. ''- The vampire buried fingers in his hair and sighed deeply.-'' And I must be respected so I can have a long and glorious reign. I have so much ambitions, so much ideas and I don't want all of that to go to waste. I have been training how to rule since I was a boy.''- Victor eyed me and his eyes were red as blood. I tried to back away, but he grabbed my wrist and pulled me to sit down next to him.-'' And there is you, my little darling. The girl that can destroy my dreams. Because, Daniela, since the moment I saw you, you have put some sort of a spell on me. Your escape nearly drove me to madness.''- The grip on my wrist was bruising and I tried to pull away, but Victor didn't let go.-''I have been imagining how I would punish your for leaving me, all the ways I would hurt you.''- My blood froze.-'' Yes, it has been quite entertaining to imagine how you will beg me for mercy.''- The prince finally dropped my hand and I hurried to stand up. My legs were shaking so I sat down on the bed. The vampire didn't try to come near me, but his eyes followed my every move.-'' But all of my cruel intentions disappeared like with magic when I found you in that bar in that small town you have managed to hide into. I was just happy to have you back. Then I realized I won't ever be able to part with you, Danny. Your hold on me is strong.''- Victor rose up but just went to take his beer bottle from the nightstand. –'' So now you understand my dilemma. I can't let you go, but you can't remain in here either.''- The dark-haired man took a huge sip from the beer.

'' If you release me, I promise you will never see me again.''- I had grabbed the cover in my fist and I was squeezing it hard. If Victor would grant me my freedom, I would flee this country, go to another continent even. I would make everything to assure me and the prince won't ever meet. I won't ask for money, I won't ask for anything. Just my freedom. I would change my name, change my hair color. I would never tell a living soul about my life with the prince. This would be my secret.

'' And to know you will be free? Away from me?! Free to be with whoever you want?''- Victor sat down on the bed and wrapped arms around my waist. –'' Another man to touch you, to hear you sing?! So you can marry someone and give him kids?''- He laughed darkly.-'' No, never, darling. Over my dead body.''- Victor pressed me against his chest.-'' I must think of something, Daniela. But know this: letting you go is out of the question.''- The vampire sank his fangs into my neck. I tried to push him off, but the familiar dizziness that came with the blood loss made me weak and I just let my master feed from me.

# # #

I woke up with a groan. I was lying on the bed in my old room. I must have passed out from the blood loss. My neck hurt and I sat down carefully. I was alone, the prince must have vanished right after he drank from me. The smell of his perfume still lingered in the air. I stepped on the floor and went to open the windows to let some fresh air in. I had to keep on cleaning. I didn't want Sandra to come in and find me lying on the bed. I didn't want to argue with anyone.

I had to escape from here, I had to. I had some hidden money from my salary as I had worked for Frank at the bar. The money were in a wallet, hidden under the mattress. I have been checking it every day and it was still there. The sum wasn't big, but it was something. I could escape with just the clothes on my back or take some in a bag, but it will be too suspicious and I might attract attention. And the guards were on every exit of the mansion, and they checked everyone that enters and leaves. There was a bus, which drove the servants to the homes every night and if I could somehow get on it….But everyone knew who I was and I didn't doubt that someone would betray me if I decided to hide on the bus. I could try to bribe the bus driver, but it was risky. No one wanted to risk his life for the prince's slave.

I wanted to cry. I had to find a way out. I had to.

# # #

Michael's POV

I didn't know how, but I had fallen asleep. When I woke up, the night was still on. William was sitting on one chair near the bed and he was sleeping. But he woke up and eyed me as he seemed to hear me move.

'' Thank God! I was worried, Michael.''- The older man touched my forehead and smiled.- '' I cleaned and bandaged your wound, and I hope it will be all right.''- My throat was dry, and William handed me a glass of water and helped me drink it. –'' Who is Daniela? You whispered her name in your sleep.''- I blushed because of that. I never realized I speak in my sleep.

'' She is someone dear to me. I have to save her.''- I hoped she was alive, she has to be. I have heard how badly the vampire prince treated her, and I have seen it in the prison. So I feared what kind of cruelty the spoiled prince had made Daniela endure.

'' What are you talking about? You must hide!''- I told William about the precious girl I met in prison. How kind she was and how brave. How I had admired her for escaping her vampire master . How broken she was and how she made me feel something. When I told who her vampire master was, William paled.

'' No, going into the capitol is suicide, Michael! Real suicide! You are wanted man! There is a huge price for your head, son. Going in there will kill you!''

'' But she is in there! I can't leave Daniela with that monster!''- Tears appeared in my eyes. The girl was so young and that monster will destroy her!

'' She is not your responsibility, Michael! She is not your sister! You don't have to sacrifice your life for some stranger.''- William began to pace angrily around the room. –'' That girl's fate is terrible and it's sad, but you can't go in there.''

'' Daniela is not just some stranger.''-I said through gritted teeth.-'' I …am in love with her.''- I spoke the truth I have known since I saw how Victor had slapped her and made her cry. I was in love with Daniela. I was in love in her smile, eyes, laughter. I was in love in our talks, the way the light shined in her brown hair. I was in love in the person she was when she opened up to me and let me in. I wanted to be her support, her friend, her lover and her joy.

'' But she is trouble.''- William sighed and eyed me with worry.

'' My heart chose her.'' – I leaned my head on the pillow. William passed some more around the room.

'' Get some sleep, son. We will figure out what to do in the morning.''